March 2005

• To examine trends in the workplace and careers of the future.
• To identify the skills (basic, interpersonal, and resource) necessary for success in the workplace of the 21st century.
• To examine a variety of careers at a business site and understand how they are interrelated.
• To explore the career paths of employees in a variety of careers.

Participants will meet at 7:45 a.m. at the USA TODAY Tysons Corner office. Following opening remarks, a panel of educators, business leaders and students will discuss workforce skills and future career trends. The moderator will then open the session to responses and questions from attendees. At 11:15 a.m., groups of 8-12 educators will depart to spend the afternoon at various business sites. The business hosts will provide lunch, conduct a tour of the facility, provide an overview of the company, and address the objectives of the Educators’ Day in the Workplace program.

Members of the VTRCC and the CFCC (Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce) enjoy the wine, food, and company at the February 3 Joint Evening Mixer at Oakton Art and Framing.

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Chamber Success Story:
‘Win Win’ VTRCC B2B Leads Share Spurs
TelForward & USAL Cellular B2B Partnership
by Mark Chernisky

When they went to check out the VTRCC’s “Friday Executive Power Lunch” a business-to-business leads share group, Tracy Oskey of TelForward and Steve Jones of USAL Wireless had mutual mercenary missions: GENERATE LEADS. After six months of sitting at the same table and getting to know each other as business associates, and then as friends, Tracy and Steve have now struck a more formal partnership.

“When I joined the lead share group, I was looking for the opportunity to identify leads and maintain strong communication with trusted friends,” said Tracy when asked about her expectations from the Friday Executive Power Lunch. “A new sales channel was not on my radar.” TelForward provides top-quality business communication equipment, customer support, and local and long distance service including VOIP.

Leads share groups give participants a exclusive business classification membership. Steve had the option of blocking Tracy from joining since they both offered wireless communications. USAL Cellular represents Cingular while TelForward represents Nextel, a competitor. When Tracy agreed to focus only on office phone systems and services for the purpose of the group, and Steve allowed her to join.

Over time, Steve came to realize that the “Direct Connect” option, exclusive to Nextel, was a feature many of their commercial users wanted, and that’s when he and Tracy started to talk about working together. When Steve received requests for Nextel, he brought them to Tracy and the experiment began. After a few months of successful cooperation, they decided to establish a formal sub-agency agreement. TelForward as Agent, USAL Cellular as Sub-Agent. That deal was consummated in November.

The next step in this cooperative evolution came just last month when TelForward was asked to join with USAL in seeking a communications solution to the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The embassy had an outdated phone system and had requested USAL assist them in acquiring one that would better serve their needs. USAL already was providing the embassy with vehicle and computer leasing and had established credibility. TelForward and USAL jointly surveyed the existing network and made a comprehensive proposal: TelForward would provide the equipment, USAL the equipment finance lease!

“This connection has allowed USAL Cellular’s business to grow in areas that we never would have considered,” said Steve. USAL Cellular is a business unit of U.S. Automotive Leasing which provides leasing for vehicles, equipment, and, wireless communications services for businesses of all sizes, diplomatic organizations, government and individuals.

The VTRCC currently operates three lead share groups that meet on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Shula’s Steakhouse in Tysons Corner. Interested in joining one or starting a new one? For more information, contact Harvey Silverman, Esq. at 703-319-8806.

The chefs at Bistro 123 shared their love of good food at our February 10 Valentine’s Breakfast. After breakfast, Romantic Antics’ Kevin Decker taught attendees simple but important ways to make time for romance in daily life.

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Calendar Updates

Visit our events pages for the latest on our March and April events, and save the following events for May!

MONTHLY LUNCHEON (Election of VTRCC Board of Directors)
Thursday, May 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Tysons Corner Marriott (8028 Leesburg Pike)
Guest Speaker – TBD
Cost: $40 for members; $50 for non-members and walk-ins

EVENING NETWORKING MIXER
Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Tysons Sport and Health (8250 Greensboro Drive)
Cost: $10
Great way to meet more area business owners and fellow chamber members.

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March Business Spotlight CHRISTINE DINARDO SUNRISE AT HUNTER MILL April Business Spotlight STEPHEN SALLEY LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER, INC. Click here for more information about these members or to find out how your business can be "Member of the Month".

Message from the Chairman
By Maris Angolia, Chairman, VTRCC Board of Directors

Welcome to my favorite time of the year! Spring is almost upon us… and to get you in a summertime mood, we’re getting ready for the 12th annual Taste of the Town and Casino Night on Saturday, March 12th! It’s a Luau theme, so you can dig out your shorts, Hawaiian shirts, sundresses and grass skirts and come out for a great evening! (see ad). Bring your families, friends and neighbors to sample tastes from local area restaurants, try out their gaming skills and win lots of wonderful prizes. Whether you participate in the live or silent auctions, trade your casino winnings for handfuls of raffle tickets, or meet new friends and customers, it’s unlikely you will go home empty handed.

We are also entering our annual membership drive. Anyone who joins now will pay for only 1 year, but will enjoy the benefits of membership until July 1, 2006! Please tell your friends and colleagues about the Chamber, and stay tuned for information about the contests and prizes that you can win by recruiting new members. For information on the membership drive, please contact Mark Chernisky at 703-790-0600 or the Chamber office.

As an “East” side business, I don’t want to say much about the recent Annual East-West Basketball game. Suffice it to say, we will be champions next year!

Once again, I encourage you to get involved with the VTRCC. We have wonderful events, where a lot of business is generated and many friendships are formed. From basketball and breakfasts, to lunches and luaus, you’re constantly exposed to new sources of networking. We’re looking forward to seeing you on Casino Night on March 12th!

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Member News

The Northern Virginia Auto Show, presented by Times Community Newspapers, has been scheduled for Saturday, April 9 at Dulles Town Center (rain date is April 10). This high-profile event, featuring automotive dealerships situated throughout the Northern Virginia area, will provide local dealers the opportunity to showcase their impressive array of domestic and foreign vehicles, along with the numerous automotive suppliers and services established within this region. This year’s Charity Recipient will be Joe Gibbs' Youth For Tomorrow organization. Peter Arundel, Publisher of the Times Community Newspapers, said that having followed Youth For Tomorrow's tremendously successful programs and observed their valuable contribution to the community, it seemed only appropriate to have Dr. Jones and his exceptional staff on board. Admission is free to the public, along with activities available within the family entertainment area. Exciting raffle activities, formula racing show cars and invited dignitaries will be featured throughout the day. Additionally, valuable information will be provided to the community regarding vehicle safety enhancements, design developments and safety driving programs currently available within the industry from an alliance of automotive trade associations, manufacturers and various county agencies. Times Community Newspapers represents a collective of 18 contiguous Northern Virginia newspapers, established in 1963 and headquartered in the heart of one of the nation's fastest growing 'InfoTech' corridors near the Washington DC area. They represent a combined circulation of 275,000 homes, featuring "local" print and Internet news for each community served (spanning six adjoining counties to include Clarke, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier and Rappahannock) along with a readership of over one million.

The Vienna Arts Society is proud to host the National Tour that began at the Kennedy Center at their Vienna Art Center through March 30. This teenage “Streetwise” program from Kenya was originally supported by U.S. Congress, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers, TASK Foundation, and numerous others. Attend the reception on Sunday, March 13 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. to participate in a new addition to the event: original artwork in a silent auction to benefit education of street kids in Nairobi, Kenya. Open to the Public/ No Entry Fee. The Vienna Art Center is located at 115 Pleasant St., NW, Vienna, VA 22180.

Check out these special events at the Vienna Art Center:

• March 13- Kenya Exhibit/Fairfax County Youth Exhibit- a judged competition of Middle & High School Youth and Silent Auction of Kenya Art to benefit education of street kids in Africa. 2:00-5:00 p.m.
• March 19- Sumi Watercolor Workshop taught by Marie Shaughnessy. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. $50
• March 26- Woodworking Workshop with Joe Phillips. 9:00 a.m.–all day. Price to be determined based on material cost.

• Monday Mornings- Figure Drawing Studio $50 (6 sessions)
• Monday Afternoon- Abrakadoodle Children’s Classes rate varies, inquire.
• Monday Evening- Joe Phillips Watercolor Classes $35 per class
• Tuesday Mornings- Abrakadoodle Children’s Classes (rate varies)
• Tuesday Evenings- Shirley Blanchard Watercolor Classes
• Wednesday 4 sessions- Lassie Corbett $165 (8 wks) (4 classes)
• Thursdays Mornings- Paint-in studio and Exec meetings
• Friday Mornings- Friday Friends get together with fellow artists and art enthusiasts, sketch, chat and come up with ideas for the Society.

• The Museum’s mobile exhibit on the U-2 Incident will be on display at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor's Center in Old Town Fairfax, Virginia through April 18
• Operation Overflight by Francis Gary Powers, Sr. has just been republished after 30 years out of print and is available for $24.95 + $5.00 shipping and handling in the US. To purchase, send an email to gpowersjr@coldwar.org.
• Educational Spy Tours will start to operate again in March 2005. Visit www.spytour.com for dates and more information.
• On Monday, May 16, join the Cold War Museum at Piedmont County Club in Haymarket, Virginia for their annual charity golf tournament. This fundraiser will help ensure that future generations remember Cold War events and personalities that forever altered our understanding of national security, international relations, and personal sacrifice for one's country. The cost is $150 per golfer and includes a round of golf with cart, awards dinner, trophies, and hole prizes. Space is limited so reservations must be confirmed by May 1. (Sponsorship opportunities are available. Need not have a foursome to play. Best Ball format.)
• Friends and supporters of the Museum can read the latest newsletter at http://www.coldwar.org/education/coldwar_magazine.html.
• For more information, call Francis Gary Powers, Jr. at the Cold War Museum: 703-273-2381 or visit www.coldwar.org.
• Pursuant to the Museum’s March 2001 testimony before a Congressional House subcommittee on the need to preserve Cold War resources across the country, George Mason University Professor Stephen Fuller conducted a 2004 feasibility study, indicating that the museum will generate over 350,000 visitors per year when fully operational.
• The Cold War Museum is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to preserving Cold War history and honoring Cold War Veterans. The Museum is part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #7475) and is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate.

Penny Gilbert and Elizabeth Stein of LTC Financial Partners, LLC attended Governor Mark R. Warner’s January 10 announcement of a public education campaign to encourage Virginians to begin planning for the impact of aging and long term care needs. Virginia is one of five states that have joined in a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to begin communicating the importance of this timely issue. The initiative will include: targeted mail campaigns to Virginians age 50 to 70 with a letter from Governor Warner; televised public service announcements; and distribution of a “tool kit” containing useful consumer information on long term care issues. Virginians may call the toll-free number 1-866-PLAN-LTC to receive a “tool kit.” Penny Gilbert and Elizabeth Stein are local long term care insurance specialists who provide the services that Governor Warner is advocating. Both women practiced physical therapy for many years in acute and long term care settings prior to becoming long term care specialists. They understand the complexities and the need of solid planning for long-term care. Their combined expertise and knowledge of long term care planning is extensive and comprehensive. For more information, contact Penny Gilbert at penny.gilbert@ltcfp.com or 703-281-0914.

Elizabeth Stein and Penny Gilbert of LTC Financial Partners, LLC with Governor Mark R. Warner for his announcement of a public education campaign to encourage Virginians to begin planning for the impact of aging and long term care needs.

Virginia Commerce Bank (VCB) is pleased to announce the opening of its Del Ray branch, located at 2401 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria. The new branch, which is the sixteenth overall for VCB, opened for business on January 27. Additional locations expected to open in 2005 will include Tysons Corner and two offices in Manassas. VCB is also pleased to announce the following promotions among its management team:

• Patricia M. Ostrander has been promoted to Executive Vice President. Ms. Ostrander joined the Bank in 1994, and she oversees the Human Resources Division and the Compliance Department.
• Jo Ann Bell has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Ms. Bell joined the Bank in 2001, and she serves as a regional manager in Prince William County.
• Matthew F. Cammarota has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Mr. Cammarota joined the Bank in 2001, and he heads its Consumer Lending Division.
• Robin P. Coracci has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Ms. Coracci joined the Bank in 1997, and she serves in Branch Administration.
• Pamela M. DeCandio has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Ms. DeCandio joined the Bank in 1997, and she is a Business Development Officer serving the Alexandria market.
• Carol Hockensmith has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Ms. Hockensmith joined the Bank in 1998, and she works in Deposit Operations.
• Robert J. Naden has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Mr. Naden joined the Bank in 1999, and he is a residential mortgage loan officer.
• Gretchen S. Ashby has been promoted to Information Security Officer. Ms. Ashby joined the Bank in 1999, and she works in the Information Technology Department.
• Michael W. O’Donnell has been promoted to Branch Officer. Mr. O’Donnell joined the Bank in 2002, and he will become the manager of the Bank’s Reston Branch Office.

• The Department of Justice is considering a new Americans with Disabilities Act rule that may affect small businesses. DOJ is considering adopting standards recently passed by another Federal agency, the Access Board, and is turning to regulated businesses and others to hear about how these new ADA rules could affect them. Below are a few of the issues raised in the rulemaking as they pertain to a wide variety of small businesses, including everyone from manufacturers to office-based employers. Advocacy seeks your help in determining how these and other provisions not included here could affect small businesses. Contact assistant chief counsel Michael See for more information and information on how to submit comments to DOJ and to Advocacy at Michael.See@sba.gov or 202-619-0312.
  • Title I of the ADA exempts very small employers from some employee accommodation requirements. But, these new rules fall within a different section of the ADA and would apply to every business, regardless of size.
  • One provision of the new standards may require employee only areas to be wheelchair accessible. This provision may apply whether the employer has ever had an employee in a wheelchair or is likely to in the future. Also, this requirement may apply to premises that are not open to the public, such as manufacturing plants.
  • New reach ranges for customers may change from 9-54 inches to 15-48 inches. If DOJ adopts this new range, items in customer areas that may have been installed at 50 inches from the ground to comply with the old ADA rules would have to be lowered.
  • The new standards may change the current requirement for 50% of public entrances to be wheelchair accessible to 60%. For example, a small business with two public entrances would be required to have one accessible under the old rule, but the new rule may require both to be accessible
    There are many more requirements in the new standards DOJ is considering, covering areas from parking spaces to restrooms. Advocacy will be submitting detailed comments to DOJ on the effects the new ADA standards could have on small business, and seeks specific, detailed information from small business owners on how the new rule could affect them individually. Comments are due to DOJ by May 31.
• Online registration officially opens for SBA Expo '05: Celebrating National Small Business Week. The annual celebration honoring the National Small Business Person of the Year will take place in Washington, D.C., April 26-28, at the Hilton Washington Hotel. It will showcase Small Business Persons of the Year winners from each state, and feature a special awards ceremony for Government Procurement winners, Women in Business and the SBA's Hall of Fame recognizing successful companies that started with SBA assistance. Business owners, business organizations and other individuals can register for SBA Expo '05 events online at www.sba.gov/expo. Additional information on SBA Expo '05 events is available on the SBA's conference Web site, and will be updated regularly with new event information. Registrants who complete the process by March 24 will be given an "early bird" registration discount. March 24 is also the deadline for the conference hotel room rate at the Hilton. Exhibitor registration will be available online by the end of February.
• SBA is changing its Historically Underutilized Business (HUBZone) program to help small businesses create more jobs in economically distressed communities. Under recent legislation, a small business applying for HUBZone certification no longer needs to be owned and controlled exclusively by U.S. citizens. Now, the level of required ownership by U.S. citizens is 51 percent. Also, agricultural cooperatives have joined community development corporations and Indian tribes as entities that can participate in the HUBZone Program. For additional information on the changes to the HUBZone program, visit the Web site at www.sba.gov/hubzone.
• SBA has extended the deadline by 60 days for advance comments from the general public on key issues relating to its small business size standards, the rules used by the SBA and other federal agencies to determine whether a business is small. The SBA extended the deadline in response to requests from the public. Many had asked the agency to allow more time to submit comments, given the importance of the issues affecting small businesses. For more information, please read the advanced notice at SBA's Size Standards' Web site: http://www.sba.gov/size/anprm.html, or visit Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Comments for this advanced notice were originally due by February 1; the new deadline is April 3.
• Fiscally Responsible SBA FY 2006 Budget Provides For Record Capital For Small Businesses; Proposal Includes Modest Increases For Technical Assistance Programs- SBA announced a fiscal year 2006 budget request of $593 million that provides a record $22 billion in loan authority for the agency's flagship lending programs. On the technical assistance side, the budget requests $88 million for Small Business Development Centers, $12 million for Women's Business Centers and $5 million for SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Businesses. As in FY 2005, the 7(a) loan guarantee program will be at a zero subsidy, meaning that the program is sustained entirely by modest fees paid by the lenders and borrowers, without requiring an appropriation of taxpayer funds. Highlights of the proposed FY 2006 SBA budget include:
  • $16.5 billion in lending authority for the 7(a) loan guarantee program;
  • $5.5 billion in lending authority for the 504 Certified Development Company program with a zero subsidy;
  • $3 billion program level for the SBIC debenture program with a zero subsidy;
  • $810 million in lending authority for the Disaster Loan Program;
  • $1.3 million for the Office of Advocacy research;
  • $750,000 for the National Women's Business Council;
  • $750,000 for Veteran's Outreach;
  • $1 million for the Drug Free Workplace Program.
• For more information about all of the SBA's programs for small businesses, visit the SBA's extensive Web site at www.sba.gov.

Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William County have again joined forces to create Jobs 2005, Prince William-Manassas Regional Career Expo on Wednesday, March 23 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Metz Middle School on Fairview Avenue in Manassas. Employers from retail to high tech and from government to small businesses will be on site to discuss their opportunities with thousands of area job seekers. Last year’s event, Jobs 2004, drew more than 2,000 attendees and many exhibitors hired new staff on site. This year’s exhibitors are encouraged to recruit for employees at all levels. That includes entry-level jobs as well as management positions, full time, part-time, interns or CEOs. According to a post-event survey in 2004, 35 % of the exhibitors responding hired personnel as a result of Jobs Fair 2004. Many companies who participated met their goal of increasing the size of their applicant pool while raising their company’s visibility in the community. Jobs 2005 is the perfect opportunity for businesses to encourage talented individuals in Northern Virginia to work near home or enjoy all the benefits of reverse commuting. The cost to participate in Jobs 2005 is only $375.00. Companies may register for one of the 130 spaces online at www.jobs2005.org or by downloading the registration form and faxing it to 703-368-4733.

From ACCElink: “InterNetworking” Can't get away from the office to network? You're not alone, even if you're sitting in your office by yourself. While it probably never replaces face-to-face networking, online networking has gained steam in recent years to the point where some companies are in business to help professionals do just that: network without meeting. One company is WorldWIT, a 6-year-old Internet forum which features moderated discussion groups, expert columns and advice about jobs, mentoring, finances and other issues. Membership is free, and the 70-plus chapters worldwide also sponsor in-person networking events at restaurants and galleries, allowing participants to occasionally meet face to face. Read more here:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05025/447529.stm

Gene Seiberlich and Barbara McHale had the chance to network with each other and more than 100 other colleagues at the Atrium at Meadowlark Gardens during our January 26 Evening Mixer.

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Community News

The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court is seeking volunteer language interpreters to assist court staff and clients. Primary duties will include facilitating communication between clients and court staff, translating court documents, interpreting at some court hearings, and helping clients to review their court orders. Fluency is required in both English and Spanish. A commitment to a weekly four-hour shift during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for at least six months is required. Training is scheduled for April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax City. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. For more information about the interpreter program or to request an application, please contact Maria Agosto, Volunteer Coordinator, at 703-246-2856, TTY 703-273-3713 or e-mail her at maria.agosto@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Tax assistance:

• The IRS Web site at www.irs.gov offers taxpayers an alternative to fighting the weather, traffic, and lines to get the forms and information they need to complete their tax return accurately. Since the IRS Web site is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, taxpayers can get the information when it is convenient for them, and from the comfort of their own homes. The link to “Forms and Publications” is on the left hand side of the IRS Web site front page. Taxpayers can also download forms, instructions and publications to their computer, or they can simply browse the many online items.
• During tax season, live telephone assistance is available from IRS personnel from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and on Saturdays through April 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The live telephone assistance number for individuals is 1-800-829-1040. The live telephone assistance number for businesses is 1-800-829-4933. The live telephone assistance number for people with hearing impairments is 1-800-829-4059 (TTY).
• Fairfax County provides real estate tax, personal property tax and vehicle decal fee relief to individuals who are 65 or older and/or persons who are permanently and totally disabled. The county also offers rental grants to eligible seniors and those with disabilities. Applications for all 2005 programs are due April 1. However, first-time filers and citizens filing late due to hardship have until Dec. 31 of the year following the year the application is due. Applicants filing late due to hardship must provide detailed substantiation that a hardship existed which prevented a timely filing. For more information or to obtain an application, call 703-222-8234, TTY 703-222-7594 (Español: 703-324-3855) or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta.
  • Senior citizens and those with permanent disabilities who owned and occupied their residences in Fairfax County as of Dec. 31 of the preceding year may qualify for real estate tax relief from the county if they meet certain income and financial worth qualifications.
  • In addition to real estate tax relief, Fairfax County provides grants to senior citizens and persons with disabilities who rent their residences in order to relieve them of the indirect burden of county taxes passed on by their landlords.
  • The county also provides relief from personal property tax and the county vehicle decal fee to eligible senior citizens and residents with disabilities. The personal property tax relief applies to one automobile per household. The assets and income limitations for these programs are different from those for real estate.
  • People with disabilities applying for the first time for real estate tax relief, personal property tax and vehicle decal relief or grants to renters must show evidence of disability. This can be by certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board. A person who is not eligible for certification by these agencies must provide a sworn affidavit, verifying permanent and total disability, by two medical doctors who are either licensed to practice medicine in Virginia or are military officers on active duty who practice medicine with the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Providence District Holds Tax Relief Workshops for Seniors - Looking for tax relief? Providence District senior citizens are invited to attend workshops about how to apply for real estate tax relief. Hosted by Fairfax County Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth, the March 18 and April 14 workshops will be held at 8739 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Personnel from the county’s Department of Tax Administration will be on hand from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 18 and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 14 to help eligible seniors apply for relief. To attend either one of the workshops, please make an appointment by calling Supervisor Smyth’s office at 703-560-6946, TTY 711. Reservations will be taken starting on Feb. 14 for the March 18 event and on March 22 for the April 14 event. Please contact Tania Hossain at 703-560-6946, TTY 711, for more information about these workshops.
• Fairfax County Offers Assistance With Income Tax Preparation and Filing. With tax season fast approaching, Fairfax County taxpayers should know that help is available at many county facilities. Qualified residents can get free assistance with preparing and filing both their state and federal tax returns. Through AARP’s Tax-Aide program, senior citizens can get free help in preparing and filing their state and federal returns. From now until the middle of April, AARP’s volunteer preparers will be at several locations across the county. Seniors seeking help can go to the Sherwood Regional Library, the Centerville Regional Library, the Mason Governmental Center or the Reston Community Center. Call these locations for schedule information. For locations and information, call 1-888-OUR-AARP, TTY 711, or visit www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/.
• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free federal and state income tax help to low- to moderate-income ($36,000 and below) taxpayers. Locations include the Mott Center, 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, 703-278-8605, TTY 711; Pohick Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, 703-644-7333, TTY 703-324-2965; Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, 703-502-3883, TTY 703-324-8365; and the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, 1086 Elden Street, Herndon, 703-435-6830, TTY 711. Please call these locations for hours of operation. Hours of availability at the Pohick Library and Chantilly Regional Library can also be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/taxes.htm. To locate other VITA sites across the county, call 1-800-829-1040, TTY 711.
• Also available at the Pohick Library is the Burke Tax Assistance Program for taxpayers with moderate income ($36,000 and above). Volunteers will prepare state and federal tax returns for working people and retirees. However, assistance cannot be provided to those with rental homes, those with business income reported on federal Schedule C, or those with numerous stock trades. For more information, contact the Pohick Library at the number listed above.
• The Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration offers forms and general assistance in completing Virginia state income tax returns. Residents’ federal returns must be completed before DTA can render assistance. If you have state income tax questions, call DTA at 703-222-8234, TTY 703-222-7594, or visit the DTA offices located in the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223, Fairfax, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays until 6:30 p.m. Virginia residents can pick up state and federal income tax forms and publications at DTA’s offices or at county library branches. At the library branches, forms may be downloaded onto a floppy disc at no charge, or printed out on the library’s printers at a charge of 15 cents per page. State and federal forms are also available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/internet/taxforms.htm. The deadline to file Virginia income tax is May 1. Tax forms must be filed with the Virginia Department of Taxation, P.O. Box 760, Richmond, VA 23218-0760. For more information on filing requirements, or to download tax forms, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation’s Web site at www.tax.virginia.gov/index.cfm. The number to call for customer service is 804-367-8031, TTY 711, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• The Fairfax Area Disability Services Boards’ Web page has a wealth of information about income tax relief for people with disabilities and their families. For example, Virginia offers a “Home Accessibility Features for the Disabled” income tax credit and Caregivers Grants for relatives who take care of people with disabilities. The Web page is www.fairfaxcounty.gov/service/sdb/Tax_Considerations.htm. The information is also available by calling 703-324-5421, TTY 703-449-1186. Seniors and persons with permanent and total disabilities who need more information about real estate tax relief can call the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234, TTY 703-222-7594, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Real estate tax relief applications can be obtained online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta.

• Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.; South County Center (8350 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309)
• Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m.; Marshall High School (731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043)
• Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.; Reston Community Center at Lake Ann (1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190)
• Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m.; Key Middle School; (6402 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150)
• Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m.; Rocky Run Middle School (4400 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151)
• Saturday, March 12 at 9 a.m.; Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway
• Rooms 9 and 10, Fairfax, VA 22035)
• Monday, March 14 at 7 p.m.; Braddock District Office (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015)
  For more information on the Transportation Plan Update, please contact the Fairfax County Department of Transportation at 703-324-1100, TTY 703-324-1102. The Department of Transportation is located in Suite 1034, Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., weekdays.

• The Board of Supervisors will recognize Joseph Hills, of Springfield, for his selection as the recipient of the 2005 Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. Hills, a world studies teacher at Lake Braddock Secondary School, Burke, has taught in Fairfax County Public Schools for more than 40 years.
• The Edison High School Marching Eagle Band and Guard, Alexandria, will be recognized for combining musical excellence, discipline, leadership technique and a visual program, resulting in placement among the top 10 bands, out of more than 100 bands, that participated in the 2004 Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Finals. Erik Richards is the director.
• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Station 30, Merrifield, will be recognized for its 25th anniversary. The station house opened on Dec. 1, 1979. Firefighters and paramedics provide steadfast and courageous service 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to the residents of Fairfax County.
• Karl Ingebritsen and Sue Bethke of Reston, will be recognized by the Board of Supervisors for providing leadership, administration and dedication at LINK. As part of the transportation plan for Reston Town Center, LINK works with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to provide transportation schedules and information to the Reston Town Center retail office and commercial business employees to encourage use of public transportation. Ingebritsen retires as the first director of LINK; Bethke provides administrative support.
• The Little Hunting Creek Steering Committee will be recognized for their work in providing input, review, forums and support activities for the Little Hunting Creek Watershed Plan. Efforts of the committee resulted in reduced stormwater runoff in primary tributaries, diminished nutrient loadings in the streams and an improved waterway habitat.
• The Board of Supervisors will adopt a resolution to thank the Virginia Railway Express and the Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains team for developing a program that enabled Santa to give the reindeer a day off, board a train and join with nearly 7,000 northern Virginia residents for the eighth annual Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains. During this year’s trip, residents donated to Santa more than 1,000 toys and a dozen bicycles for the Toys for Tots program. The trip also included a message of train safety for children. Local and state police greeted the children on the train, along with Santa, and distributed coloring books to the children that promote train safety.
• The Board of Supervisors will adopt a resolution to commend the Fairfax County Police Department Motor Squad and Office of the Sheriff, the police departments of the Town of Vienna and the City of Fairfax, and the Virginia State Police Department for their coordination of the annual Santa’s Ride. Santa, for 16 years, has lead a motorcycle cavalcade throughout the county to gather boxes of toys donated by county employees for distribution to sick and underprivileged children in Fairfax County. The generosity of county employees resulted in providing an abundance of toys this year to Fairfax INOVA Hospital, Fairfax; the Hispanic Community Center, Annandale; the Ronald McDonald House, Fairfax; and Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help, Reston.