December 2008
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Virginia Scores High Marks in Travel Magazines’ Lists of the Best
Nine Virginia destinations, attractions and lodging establishments have been rated among America’s best in the latest issues of two prominent travel magazines. Southern Living Magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “500 Best Hotels” each feature a notable presence of Virginia locations.
Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) Pilots Program to Assist Customers
In recent weeks some customers have been experiencing delays receiving services from the VEC. Reductions in the VEC’s federal funding have decreased the number of staff and offices available to assist customers. At the same time, the demand for the VEC’s services has significantly increased. Additional federal programs including emergency unemployment compensation benefits have also increased the agency’s workload.
Drivers Urged to Exercise Extra Caution in the Coming Week
As New Year’s Eve approaches, more motorists are expected to be out on Virginia’s roadways celebrating the holiday. During the 2007-2008 five-day New Year’s holiday period, 14 traffic fatalities occurred in Virginia, and 13 motorists died during the 2006-2007 four-day New Year’s holiday period.
Social Media Laboratory Slated for February
Do you know anything about “Social Media”? Do you Twitter, are you LinkedIN or do you gather with friends on Facebook? If you do know how to work social media, do you comprehend why these tools are important to you and to your business, especially in the Lynchburg/Appomattox area?
Wind Advisory in Effect in Area
A wind advisory is in effect for much of the state, including a significant portion of the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and motorists need to be on the alert. Currently, Route 130 (Elon Road) in Amherst County is blocked due to a downed tree. With the possibility of significant winds, motorists should be aware of the possibility of more debris in roadways.
Happy Holidaze from Homesick Blues
This is the time of year where I watch Armed Forces Network (AFN) television just to see the holiday greeting announcements from the commanding officers. Typically, this consists of one of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Chiefs of Staff and his respective wife seated in a cozy Christmas scene, complete with tree and presents, as the Chief passes on an intimate holiday greeting:
The Season of Mud
In our part of Virginia, along the Appomattox, we actually have five seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall, Mud, and Winter. Mud and Winter usually overlap some. If the mud is frozen it is Winter and if the mud is soft and all over everything, it is Mud.
VA Ramps Up Job Search for Injured Vets
Thirty percent of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are veterans – the second highest ranking among cabinet departments after the Department of Defense – and nearly 8 percent of VA employees are service-connected disabled veterans. But the VA intends to increase the number of disabled veterans who obtain employment in its workforce.
Counties Receive $500,000 for Farmland Preservation
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the distribution of $500,000 to eleven Virginia localities to preserve farmland within their boundaries through local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs. PDR programs compensate landowners who permanently preserve their land by voluntarily placing a perpetual conservation easement on it. Appomattox County was not among the recipients.
Some Veterans to See Another Travel Reimbursement Increase
Service-disabled and low-income veterans who are reimbursed for travel expenses while receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will see an increase in their payments beginning January 9.
Sesquicentennial License Plates Now Available
The General Assembly has enacted HB 631 and SB 73, which authorize the issuance of special license plates marking the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. These plates will be subject to a one-time surcharge of $15, of which $5 will be paid to the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission Fun to support programs and activities to place Virginia at the forefront of this historic national commemoration.
State Vet Quarantines Virginia Farms
Dr. Richard L. Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), today placed full or partial quarantines on farms in Floyd and Goochland counties. Mares at these farms have had contact with a stallion in Kentucky that tested positive for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM). State animal health officials are trying to verify the location of one other Virginia mare that may have been exposed to the same stallion.
