Inside Message from the President Spanish Immersion Wknd Job opening at VTRCC Don't Miss Chris Sopa PNA Affinity Relationship Calendar Updates Business Spotlight Member News Business News Community News Committee News

59th Annual Vienna Halloween Parade

Join new area residents, generations-old Vienna families and thousands of visitors in this rich Vienna tradition, Wednesday, October 26 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Community groups, businesses, officials, community groups and hundreds of costumed kids will transform Maple Avenue East into a massive celebration. The theme for this year's parade will be: “The Best Little Town in America: Fourth in the US, #1 in Our Hearts” and the Grand Marshals will be Julian Johnson and DH Scarborough, local business owners whose contributions to the community span many years. In addition to the Redskins Marching Band, a wonderful array of floats, antique cars, clowns, animals, plus ghosts and goblins, we anticipate a wonderful show of community spirit.

Before the Parade, SunTrust Bank East (515 Maple Ave., East) will be hosting VTRCC’s highly entertaining Halloween Networking Mixer from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Enjoy food, drink and the company of elected officials, award winners, and other area business professionals. RSVP online at www.vtrtcc.org/rsvp.htm.

This much-anticipated event requires the assistance of the community to be a huge success. Your financial assistance is always appreciated to help defray the expenses incurred with producing a parade of this size. Please consider being a Gold, Silver or Patron sponsor for the 2005 Parade. In addition, we have created an Entertainment Sponsorship to help bring quality entertainment to town for the children. We also need donations of small items to help fill goodie bags for the costumed kids who number approximately 750 each year—this is a great way to get your name into hundreds of households in the Vienna area! Click here for ideas!

Thanks to BB&T Bank, the Redskins Marching Band will be participating in the 2005 Parade! And many thanks to Tysons Dodge Jeep for becoming the Parade’s Media Sponsor, making it possible for the Parade to be recorded by the Fairfax County Public Access Channel. It will be broadcast Halloween Night and several times throughout the following year, and will be available on DVD for participants to relive as often as they like. There are plenty of other sponsorships that still need to be filled to make this a successful parade, so please visit www.vtrcc.org/parade if you can help.

Volunteers are needed to help with organization, crowd control and decorating the Chamber’s float. Contact the Chamber office at 703-281-1333 if you are interested in helping with this fun event!

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“Awaken the Spanish Within” Immersion Weekend

The Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute is taking companies and organizations to the next level of global competition. If you don’t have time for weeks of Spanish classes, come to our next “Awaken the Spanish Within” Immersion weekend, to be October 14-16 at the Tysons Corner Sheraton Premiere Hotel. The Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to co-sponsor this important business-building experience.

“Awaken the Spanish Within” Immersion Weekend is a unique 3-day language and cultural training program that gets you speaking Spanish through a patent-pending system of learning. Speaking Spanish will build relationships with Hispanics and develop a cultural bridge. After the weekend, the journey continues through inline interaction.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the experience is being offered for a discounted price. Individuals can attend for $550, couples $1,000 and teams of 6 for $3,000. This is a great way to learn Spanish for busy people who don’t have time for weeks of classes. Participants will begin speaking Spanish between Friday and Sunday with entertaining lessons and activities. Plus, each participant will receive a 200 page course manual and 15 CD audio programs based on Voice Tonality Technology system of learning that has a patent-pending to continue their journey in speaking Spanish after the weekend. The hotel staff is preparing delicious Hispanic cuisine throughout the weekend and will be encouraging participants to speak Spanish to them. Participants flew in from eight different states to the last Immersion Weekend, and an even greater turnout is expected October 14-16.

Industry-specific audio programs will also be available for purchase, including: Awaken the Spanish Within® Medical/Health Spanish, Emergency Management Spanish, Law Enforcement Spanish, Educator's Spanish, Restaurant Spanish, Hotel Spanish, Construction Spanish, Banking Spanish, Architectural Spanish, Real Estate Spanish, and Juvenile Justice Spanish. Soon to be released are Legal Spanish, Landscapers Spanish, and Political Spanish. These terms and phrases can be incorporated into the basic Spanish foundation learned from the Immersion weekend.

Register online now at www.awakenthespanishwithin.com or call 1-866-432-6446.

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October 11 Luncheon to Feature Chris Sopa
“Knowledge is not power, applied knowledge is power.”

Chris Sopa is the founder of Chris Sopa International and an inspirational speaker and wellness consultant. Chris' purpose is to empower people through wellness education and inspiration to live the life they are meant to live. Having once suffered from a chronic stress-related illness, Chris calls upon her personal experiences to enlighten others on the individual's power to get back on track after a life-changing event.

Chris has educated audiences on stress management, priority and time management, realizing your full potential, the value of setting and achieving personal and professional goals, and the importance of work/life balance. Chris has authored published articles and academic papers on how self-esteem shapes our lives, wellness in the workplace, how stress and lack of balance affects working women and the effectiveness of wellness programs in Corporate America. As an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, Chris is also in the process of finishing her first book which discusses the specific affects stress and lack of balance have on the lives of women. Her book will be out in the summer of 2006. Chris has also published several CD's and DVD's on living a stress-free life, living according to your purpose, the power of setting goals and priority and time management techniques.

To register, visit www.vtrcc.org/rsvp. (Cost: See pricing structure for details.)

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VTRCC seeks a Commissioned Sales Representative

Are you seeking total autonomy in a job? Would you like to work from the comfort of your own home? Are you "hospitably aggressive" about opening new doors and closing sales? If this sounds like something you might be interested in. The Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce (VTRCC) Wants YOU! VTRCC is currently seeking a motivated, dynamic and entrepreneurial individual to sell Chamber memberships, sponsorships and other revenue producing initiatives as outlined by the President and Chairman. This is an INCENTIVE-based position (full or part-time available) without benefits. For consideration, please forward your resume and references to Ellen Galant at egalant@vtrcc.org by October 21, 2005. NO PHONE CALLS.

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Affinity Relationship Doubles your Membership Dollars

The Professional Networkers Association (PNA), a member organization serving the Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC regions, recently joined into an Affinity Relationship with the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce. PNA will extend a membership discount to all Chamber members, and the two organizations will collaborate to promote networking in the region through their respective web sites and monthly events. "The alliance between the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Networkers Association enhances our ability to promote business networking and promote local business development," stated Jeff Arnette, Chairman of PNA. "We are excited to have such a meaningful relationship with the local community and with VTRCC." The agreement between PNA and the Chamber represents a formal relationship designed to cooperatively promote and build awareness of networking as a business development resource. For more information on the Professional Networkers Association, visit www.professionalnetworkers.org or contact Tony Sidiropoulos, Executive Director at tsid@professionalnetworkers.org

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Message from the President

Dear VTRCC Members and Friends of the Chamber,

With the carnage and destruction of Katrina a few weeks behind all of us, it seems a fitting time to contemplate heroism. The images of those in need, juxtaposed with those who rushed to provide aid still remains vivid in my mind and poignant in my soul.

Lucky for us, there is never a shortage of heroes when tragedy strikes in America. Think back to 9/11… the acts of courage and heroism were nothing short of numbing. It is simply the American Way to pitch in and “do the right thing” when the chips are down, which is what makes this country great, despite its flaws.

October Business Spotlight David Lewis Turner, Jones & Associates P.L.L.C. November Business Spotlight Craig Burns, Pastor Vienna Assembly of God Click here for more information about these members or to find out how your business can be "Member of the Month".

But what about those days when tragedy doesn’t strike? I believe that many of us become complacent, myself included. It is simply far too easy to forget about those in need on those days… and regrettably, and it is on those days that we need our heroes most of all.

I am reminded on a daily basis of the simple acts of heroism that play out in small ways which have a profound impact on making our world a far better place. Did you know that VTRCC Office Manager Janis Nixon Fols plays weekly “Beep-Ball” with blind children, (which is the equivalent of T-Ball played by sighted children), as part of the Verizon Telecom Pioneers Program (verizonpioneers.org)? Did you know that VTRCC Director of Events and Publications Claire Liston founded a non-profit called GoodDogz (www.gooddogz.org) which saves the lives of homeless dogs through public education and rescue group support? And VTRCC Chairman Billy Thompson (All Star Movers) is part of the Fairfax County Be-Friend program (www.co.fairfax.va.us/dfs/factsheets/BeFriend.htm), a mentoring program to children with special needs. In my mind, these are the folks that are our true (yet unsung) heroes.

It is easy to be a hero when the media makes it painful to turn away. I would suggest that we all try a little harder to be heroic when no one is watching.

Warm Regards,
Ellen Galant

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Member News

The fall membership meeting for Historic Vienna, Inc. will be held on Friday, October 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry Street, SE). The public is invited to attend. Following a brief business meeting, the speaker for the evening will be Beverly "Bly" Straube, Senior Curator for the Jamestown Recovery Project of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, at Jamestown Island. Her topic will be "Digging up Dirt on Jamestown: Ten Years of Archaelogical Rediscovery" This is a power point presentation about the process and discovery of more than 700,000 items at the digging on Jamestown Island. Ms. Straube previously made this presentation at the Vienna Community Center on June 24th. While there was very good attendance at that meeting, many local folks were unable to attend due to conflicts. This 'repeat' will provide an opportunity for everyone to hear the informative story of the significance of Jamestown and its beginning as America's birthplace. "Bly" Hardy Straube is a native of Vienna, graduated from Thoreau Middle School, and James Madison Senior High School. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology/ Sociology from Chatham College and a Masters Degree in American Studies from William and Mary College. She is currently an Advanced Degree Candidate, University of Leicester, England. For more information, please call Paul Snodgrass, 703-560-6631, or send a message via e-mail to paulsnodgrass@cox.net

Tysons Jeep Dodge is sponsoring a "Drive for the High School" on Saturday, October 15th. For every vehicle test driven that day, $5 will be donated by Dodge to James Madison High School. Stop by between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to participate!

The Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their annual Open House on Saturday, October 15 from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year’s theme is Candle Safety. Come by the station and check out the coloring contest, clown, face painting, hose spraying, moon bounce, Safety House and an up-close view of the rescue apparatus. Please contact 703-560-9413 with any questions.

Alternative House, a not-for-profit organization that provides a range of support services for local area abused and neglected children and teenagers, is holding a donation drive October 15-November 15. Alternative House is most in need of personal grooming and hygiene products, baby care items, and household cleaning products. The donation drop-off site is at Evolution Health & Fitness, 216 Dominion Road, NE, Vienna, VA (near the red caboose). Drop off donations Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Alternative House began in 1972 as a small runaway shelter for teenagers. Over the years, it as evolved into a larger, more comprehensive organization designed to fit the changing needs of today’s young people. Programs include the Emergency Shelter to Teenagers; AYM (Assisting Young Mothers), a home for pregnant and parenting teens; and Community Outreach, which has neighborhood-based after-school programs. Services include counseling, crisis intervention, drug and alcohol prevention education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and life skills education and training. Alternative House also maintains a 24-hour crisis hotline, staffed by trained counselors 365-days a year. The hotline numbers are 703-356-6360 or toll free, 800-SAY-TEEN (800-729-8336).

The Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their annual Haunted House from Friday October 21 through Monday, October 24. This year, the Haunted House will have a Pirate theme. It will be open each night for new victims, and on Sunday afternoon, will have our usual "lights on" program for children just learning to enjoy haunted houses. Exact times and more information are published at www.dlvfrd.org. If you have any questions, please contact Haunt@dlvfrd.org or call Rose-Ellen Eastman at 703-560-9413.

The American Cancer Society invites everyone to the 2nd Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 23 at 10:00 a.m. on the National Mall in Washington DC. Making Strides is a 5-mile non-competitive walk that raises funds to support life saving breast cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services in your community. People can either form teams of friends, family, and co-workers to walk or individuals are welcome to walk on their own. There is no registration fee, just collect donations and bring them with you on the day of the walk. The day of the event you will have the opportunity to hear a breast cancer survivor speak, as well as an American Cancer Society supported breast cancer researcher who will speak about the medical advances that are being made everyday. You will also have a chance to meet people from all walks of life who have come together to join in the same cause - the fight against breast cancer. For more information please call 1-866-399-9255 or email nationalcapital.strides@cancer.org.

The Network Referral Group & Networking Golfers' Club are co-hosting a Golf Tournament on October 24 at Reston National Golf Course. Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross (Hurricane Relief Fund) and the DC Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. For more details about playing or sponsorships, visit www.networkinggolfers.com.

GoodDogz.org is sponsoring their second annual Home 4 the Holidays dog adoption event on Saturday, November 19 at the Reston Town Center from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. More than 20 all-breed and purebred dog rescue organizations will on-hand with adoptable dogs awaiting their holiday gift - a family to spend the holidays with. Last year, the event hosted over 100 homeless dogs from 18 local rescue groups, over 40 of which found new homes for the holidays. We estimate that the event attracted over 2,000 local pet owners and dog seekers. Please go to www.gooddogz.org/events/h4th.html for more information about the 2004 event. This year will be even better! Be a part of the festivities by becoming a sponsor: the sponsorship fee is $250 and includes a promotional package designed to help promote your business to thousands of local residents. The deadline for 2005 sponsor registration is October 25. For more information on becoming a sponsor for Home 4 the Holidays, please contact Mark Bates at 703-623-3304 or email him at mark@gooddogz.org. On behalf of the dogs and puppies whose lives you've improved, thank you!

The business community's support for the James Madison High School Band program is well known and greatly appreciated. With that support, the JMHS Band program has flourished providing opportunities and recognition of the children's talents. Recognizing the caliber of the band, the Virginia Music Educators Association extended an invitation for the JMHS Wind Symphony to perform at their annual meeting in Norfolk, VA on November 19. This is a great honor, as JMHS is the only band chosen to represent Northern Virginia at this prestigious event. Though the band organization does raise funds to cover ongoing expenses, the expenses for this event falls outside of the normal budget and the school is committed to not having the students contribute any funds towards this event! Businesses are asked to help send a band member to Norfolk -- it will cost just $100 per student for transportation and other costs. With your help, the band can reach their goal. To make a donation or for additional information, please contact Nancy Boselovic, President of the JMHS Band Parent's organization at jmhsbandprez@aol.com or 703-849-9013.

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Business News

The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC) in partnership with the General Services Administration – National Capital Region (GSA-NCR) is pleased to announce the First Hispanic Small Business Procurement Conference on Thursday, October 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. This is a great opportunity for Hispanic/Latino businesses to learn how to do business with the Federal Government, create new relationships and connect with prime contractors currently servicing the Federal Government and, experience marketing and networking opportunities with other small businesses and entrepreneurs. Hispanic/Latino small businesses, whether already contracting with the Federal Government or considering it for the first time, are urged to participate. Federal IT contract spending nationwide is projected to increase from $58 Billion in fiscal year 2005 to $74 billion by 2009. Experts forecast a 27% increase in Federal contracts nationally for cyber security over the next five years. Federal purchases from Washington-area contractors in 2003 reached a record $42.5 billion, up $6 billion from 2002 and up 21% from 1983, driving a surge in technology hiring throughout the Greater Washington region. In 2003 less than 1% (61 companies) of Greater Washington’s contracting community collected $19 billion in contracts – almost half of the annual total of all Federal government contracts awarded locally – helping prove that to effectively compete in the government market space, Hispanic companies clearly recognize the necessity of getting their foot in the door. VAHCC-NoVA and GSA-NCR are joined in this endeavor with unique and historic collaborations of other outstanding regional business leaders and organizations. Participating in and supporting this event are: the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority; the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; the Greater Washington Ibero-American Chamber of Commerce; the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County; and the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. For information on attending, exhibiting and/or sponsoring, please contact GSA/NCR Small Business Utilization Center at phone 202-708-5804; or go to the event website at www.gsa.gov/events or visit the VAHCC website at www.vahcc.com.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a 15-year franchise agreement with Verizon Virginia Inc. to provide cable service to Fairfax County residents. The approval makes Fairfax County the largest locality in the country to obtain cable services from Verizon. The Board of Supervisors approved the agreement after a public hearing where almost two dozen residents voiced their opinions. Federal law requires cable companies to obtain a cable franchise from local authorities before providing cable service in a locality. Fairfax County also currently has cable franchise agreements with Cox Communications of Northern Virginia, which serves the majority of the county, and with Comcast of Virginia, which provides service to residents in Reston. Verizon will provide cable service in all areas of the county. To view Verizon's application for a cable television franchise; the franchise agreement; and a comparison between Verizon, Cox and Comcast cable franchise provisions, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable. For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 711. The documents also are available for review at public library branches throughout the county.

Small Businesses are seeking every avenue available to sell to the federal government and the opportunities have never looked more appealing. Think about it, the government is recession-proof and, it’s required by law to pay its bills on time. How can your organization can get in on the action? Teqcorner and The American Small Business Coalition (ASBC) are pleased to announce the only networking event dedicated to provide Small Businesses with an opportunity to be “matched” with federal government agencies and prime contractors. For the 1st time, a concentrated and focused effort will allow the Small Business a day of one-on-one meetings with program managers and contracting officers. That’s right – just the decision makers! To participate, answer a few questions below, attach your Business/Executive Summary, and reserve your time to meet with the prime contractors and federal agencies registered to attend. The event is scheduled for November 9, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

To register, please return this questionnaire no later than October 10 via email (mfitzwater@teqcorner.com or gtimberlake@theasbc.org) or fax (703-356-3166). If you have any questions, please contact Myra Fitzwater at 703-286-0808 or Guy Timberlake at 410-381-7378. Teqcorner and ASBC Members Fee: $25.00; Non-Members: $50.00. Scheduled Participants include Lockheed Martin-Intel/DOD/DHS; DARPA; Northrop Grumman; GTSI; DOD; AT&T Government Solutions; SAIC and, EDS. For more information, visit www.teqcorner.com.

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Community News

Celebrate with the Town of Vienna… the 4th Best Place to Live in America! The Fall Family Funanza will be held Saturday, October 8 from Noon to 4pm at Southside Park. All Activities Are FREE! Throughout the day, enjoy the petting zoo, roving clowns, balloons, moon bounce, obstacle course, bungee run & rockwall, air brush tattoos, face painting, and food & drinks. Shows & demonstrations include: 12:30 p.m. - Helicopter Landing & Tour, Fairfax County Police Helicopter Unit; 12:30 p.m. - Washington Metropolitan Airport K9 Demo; 1:30 p.m. - Fire Investigator Terry Hall and VANDA the Accelerant Dog Demo; 2:30 p.m. - Demonstration by the U.S. Custom K9; 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Magic Show with James Wand. For more information call the Vienna Parks & Recreation Department at 703-255-6360 or visit www.ci.venna.va.us. In the event of inclement weather, please call our Special Events Hotline at 703-255-7842 for cancellation information after 10:0 a.m. the day of the event.

The Greater Merrifield Business Association is proud to sponsor The First Annual MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MERRIFIELD FESTIVAL on October 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church). Enjoy a special "Let's Get Moving" appearance by Ronald McDonald; free throw Basketball competition sponsored by Kevin Grevey; Lion's Club Sight and Hearing Screening Van; Food Vendors; Arts, Crafts and Games Booths; Fire Department Safety Demonstrations including a "Show & Tell" Fire truck; Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Workshop; Police Helicopter arriving between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; Police K-9 Corps demonstration; Moon Bounce, Face Painting and Pumpkin Painting; Home Depot "create a project" table; plus the Fairfax County Showmobile, booked all day with music, magic and much more. Sponsorships are still available!!!

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding proposed tax relief changes on Monday, October 17, at 5:00 p.m. in the Government Center Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. At the public hearing, residents will be allowed to voice their opinions on an expansion of the Real Estate Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled. If the change to the ordinance is approved, the net combined financial asset eligibility requirement will increase from $240,000 to the state maximum of $340,000 for those who meet the age, disability and income requirements. The income limit would also be increased from $52,000 to the fixed state maximum of $72,000. These adjustments are estimated to increase participation in the program by more than 50 percent. Fairfax County provides real estate tax relief to citizens who are either 65 or older or who have permanent and total disabilities. Those 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. For more information, call the Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234, TTY 703-222-7594, or visit its Web page at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors took action on the Carryover Review for fiscal year 2005, which ended June 30, 2005. In addition, they made necessary carryover adjustments for fiscal year 2006, which began July 1, 2005. Primarily as a result of the improving economy, which generated a higher level of revenue, Fairfax County realized a positive year-end balance of $46.6 million, after netting out outstanding encumbrances, unencumbered commitments and associated Managed Reserve adjustments. This represents less than 2 percent of the total fiscal year 2005 General Fund disbursements and consisted of additional revenue of $34.4 million, as well as expenditure savings of $12.2 million on a $2.9 billion budget. After careful consideration, the Board of Supervisors chose to invest slightly over 50 percent of the balance or $24.4 million for Tax Relief, the County's Revenue Stabilization Fund and other Reserves. The Board approved funding of $5.8 million to expand the Real Estate Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled by increasing the net combined financial asset eligibility requirement from $240,000 to the state maximum of $340,000 and increasing the income limit from $52,000 to the state maximum of $72,000. A public hearing on the required Fairfax County Code amendments needed to provide this expansion of the Tax Relief Program is scheduled for Oct. 17. Information on the fiscal year 2005 Carryover Review is available on the Fairfax County Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb and by calling the Department of Management and Budget at 703-324-2391, TTY 711.

On Wednesday, September 14, the Tysons Whole Foods Market (7511 Leesburg Pike) will donate 5% of their profits to Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), a branch of the Fairfax County Dept. of Community and Recreation Services. Whole Foods Market stores donate a minimum of 5% of its profits every year to a wide variety of community and non-profit organizations. Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership among local, state, and federal governments. It is supported by tens of thousands of citizen volunteers who help design, implement and evaluate Cooperative Extension's needs-driven programs in the areas of Environmental Horticulture, 4-H and Youth Development, Nutrition Education, Mentoring and Community Development. The Extension Leadership Council supports the staff with advocacy and marketing. Over 50,000 residents use these free services annually. For more information, contact the main office at 703-324-5369, TTY 711 or Whole Food Markets at 703-448-1600, TTY 711.

Vienna Events (For more information, call Vienna Parks and Recreation at 703-255-6360 unless otherwise specified. The Vienna Community Center is located at 120 Cherry St., S.E.):

Fairfax County consumers who believe they are victims of price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Rita should send their complaints to the county's Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection. To file a complaint, consumers must complete a form from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The complaint form can be downloaded online at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/forms-pdf/cp/oca/complaint/pricegouging.pdf, or consumers can call 1-800-552-9963, TTY 711, to receive a form by mail or fax. Completed complaint forms should be e-mailed to wwwcpd@fairfaxcounty.gov, or they can be mailed to the Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 443, Fairfax, VA 22035, attention "Price Gouging." The Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act makes it illegal to charge unconscionable prices for 30 days after a declared state of emergency. This state law prohibits price gouging for "necessary goods and services" that are in demand after a disaster. These goods and services include but are not limited to water, food, ice, gasoline, generators, batteries and building materials. The law went into effect on Aug. 31 when Gov. Mark Warner declared a state of emergency. Because he extended this state of emergency on Sept. 23 in response to Hurricane Rita, the law will remain in effect through Oct. 23. The law only applies during a time of disaster when either the governor or the president declares a state of emergency in Virginia. For more information about filing a price-gouging complaint, please contact the Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection at 703-222-8435, TTY 711.

The Fairfax Caregiver Seminar Consortium is sponsoring a series of seminars for caregivers of older adults on topics including determining when more care for the older adult is needed, financial pitfalls, legal and financial issues, medication use and abuse, dementia, residential care, balancing work and family, and finding humor to survive caregiving. Seminars take place at various times and locations in Fairfax County, from September through November. For details, visit the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging section of the county Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aaa, or call Fairfax Adult and Aging Intake at 703-324-7948; TTY 703-449-1186. To register for one or more seminars, call 703-324-5205; TTY 703-449-1186. The consortium includes: Alzheimer's Association; Alzheimer's Family Day Center; Thomas West Financial Services; the Fairfax County Public Library; and the Fairfax County Departments of Community and Recreation Services, Family Services and Health and support groups for grandparents and other relatives raising children. Support groups for grandparents and other relatives raising children: Fairfax County Public Schools and the county's Department of Family Services are offering support groups in both the north and south parts of the county for grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren. The groups will run from October through January. Beginning sessions are scheduled to meet at the Reston Senior Clubhouse, 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston, on Oct. 4 and 18; and at the Bryant Alternative High School, 2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria on Oct. 6 and 20. Each group meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Free child care is available to pre-registered participants. To register, call 703-277-2640 (TTY 711). More information is available on the county's Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aaa.

Free depression screenings in Spanish and English will be offered by licensed clinicians at two locations on Friday, October 7 in celebration of mental illness awareness week. Undiagnosed depression is a leading cause of suicide, the most preventable form of death, according to the Surgeon General. In 2003, 63 people died by suicide in Fairfax County, or an average of more than one person per week. In a county wide effort to help prevent suicide, these screenings are being offered as a partnership between the Fairfax Partnership for Youth, Youth Depression and Suicide Prevention Taskforce, CrisisLink, Fairfax Community Services Board, Fairfax County Community and Recreation Services, and Fairfax County Public Schools Student Services Division. Screenings will be offered at the following locations: The Hideaway Teen Center, South County Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, 3rd Floor, Alexandria, 2 - 6 p.m.; and James Lee Community Center, 2855-A Annandale Road, Falls Church, 6 - 8 p.m. In an effort to encourage families to increase their knowledge and awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression and effective treatment options, information videos, mental health educational materials and treatment resource materials will be available to attendees. Fairfax County Recreation Services will provide food and games to make this a fun as well educational celebration. Attendees will be given screening results as well as recommendations for professional mental health follow up when screening shows symptom of depression. These symptoms may include depressed mood, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, changes in sleep habits such as sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and/or irritability. To register or request more information, please contact Jennifer Heffron at 703-838-7536, TTY 711 or by e-mail at jheffron@nmha.org.

Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services is looking for adults and high school students in Northern Virginia to volunteer to help teach swim classes for individuals with developmental disabilities ages 5-21. If you can spare 2 hours on a Saturday morning, we can use your support. The group, led by a professional instructor, will receive an instructional class on swim skills and water safety in and around the pool. Volunteers will be paired up with a participant in the program to assist him/her during the class. Volunteers must complete training prior to becoming an instructor for the program. High school student can earn hours towards their community service requirements for school. There are three sessions. The first session begins on Saturdays from October 22nd through November 19th; 2nd Session on Saturdays from December 10th through January 21st; the final session on Saturdays from February 11th through March 11th. Individuals may volunteer for one or all three sessions. Programs are held at Fairfax County Park Authority RECenters. The cost of a lifeguard certification class will be covered by the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund for individuals who volunteer for all 5 Saturdays in a session. The program was established in 1998 by The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund in partnership with Fairfax County Dept. of Community and Recreation Services' Therapeutic Recreation Services Division to teach water safety for special-needs children. This program honors Joey Pizzano who was a 6-year-old who loved water. Joey was developmentally disabled, but he never let his disabilities prevent him from enjoying life. Joey died in a drowning accident in 1998. Individuals interested in volunteering should contact Sandi Dallhoff at 703-324-5716, TTY 703-222-9693 or visit online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec and go to Volunteer Opportunities.

Be Tobacco Free Program Prevents Youth from Using Tobacco -- Youth tobacco use is high on the list of concerns for parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, educators and community leaders' During the past 12 months, the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services has been addressing this concern by offering free tobacco prevention education to youth throughout the county. Using funds provided by the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Fund. The "Be Tobacco Free" program was taught to over 300 kids. This program stresses the negative effects of tobacco for young people. The "Be Tobacco Free" program takes place over four sessions in group programs which are offered at teen centers, community centers, schools, churches and faith based organizations, and youth programs. The program uses pre- and post-evaluations to assess the level of information that participants have about tobacco use. The results showed a 54% overall increase in their knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco use and the skills they need to make healthy decisions. The "Be Tobacco Free" program focuses on four key elements: helping youth to stay in control when tempted to engage in unhealthy activities; providing them with alternative ways to say no to smoking; helping them to understand "not everyone is smoking or using tobacco products;" and the toxic substances found in tobacco and second-hand smoke. The mission of the Department of Community and Recreation Services (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec) is "Connecting People and Communities." We offer a variety of programs and services for youth, teens, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Fairfax County Continues to Provide Assistance to Victims of Hurricane Katrina -- Fairfax County human services staff are working on site at the American Red Cross local chapter office in Fairfax to help make the process as easy as possible for hurricane evacuees to apply for emergency assistance and other services, providing an initial "one-stop shop" to connect evacuees with various sources of assistance and information. Evacuees also can come directly to county offices to apply for assistance, where they will be connected to various resources. Evacuees needing additional information or people wishing to offer assistance may call the Hurricane Katrina hotline at 703-817-7771, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov. The county remains involved with Katrina assistance and committed to providing resources to those affected who have come to Fairfax County. In addition to agency responses, the county also has partnered with other Northern Virginia jurisdictions to provide a coordinated response from the region to the area affected by Hurricane Katrina. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, a Northern Virginia regional team was deployed to New Orleans, with an additional four deployed today to join that effort. Four of those 14 members are Fairfax County staff. Below are additional details on how the county has helped and responded to Hurricane Katrina.

Barry Feil has been named the new president and chief executive officer for Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. (CFI), the award-winning producer of the annual Celebrate Fairfax! festival and other events. Feil returns to CFI after a 16-month hiatus, during which time he served as the director of special events for Virginia Tech. During his original tenure with Celebrate Fairfax, Inc, he was a driving force behind the success of Celebrate Fairfax's events, spending seven years as the organization's director of programs and operations. For more information go to, www.celebratefairfax.org.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized county staff members for their recent honors from the National Association of Counties and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The National Association of Counties awarded Fairfax County with 11 Achievement Awards for modernizing, streamlining or expanding services to residents, and one Acts of Caring Award for volunteer programs. County staff members also were recognized for being honored as the No. 1 "Digital County" from the association and the Center for Digital Government, as well as winning a 2005 Governor's Technology Award from Virginia. The following Fairfax County agencies earned accolades: Department of Family Services; Department of Finance; Department of Housing and Community Development; Department of Information Technology; Department of Management and Budget; Department of Planning and Zoning; Department of Public Works and Environmental Services; Department of Systems Management for Human Services; Department of Vehicle Services; Fire and Rescue Department; Health Department; Office of the County Executive; Office of Emergency Management; Office for Equity Programs; Office of Partnerships; and the office of the Providence District Supervisor. For more information contact the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 711.

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Committee News

Harvey Silverman, administrator of VTRCC’s Lunch and Leads groups wants Chamber members to know that after months of considering changing days, they have firmly established their meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Looking for a small groups of diehard networking businesspeople? The Tip Groups might be for you! Contact harveyas@aol.com to find out which group has space for someone in your field.