Bright Ideas for A Brighter Future
Saturday, October 6, 2007
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
For More Information Click here

WATER QUALITY TROUBLES EXPERTS
August 1, 2007 – Clarke Times-Courier
The designation of the Shenandoah River as the nation's fifth most endangered river by a 2006 report from the American Rivers organization has left many with lingering questions about river health in the Shenandoah Valley. Authorities, too, are still trying to pinpoint the areas of greatest concern to a river that provides water to thousands of homes in the area. – BY LINDSAY GIBSON

A SHORTER LINK BETWEEN THE FARM AND DINNER PLATE
Some Restaurants, Grocers Prefer Food Grown Locally
July 29, 2007 - Washington Post
American Flatbread in Ashburn sits a few turns off the Dulles Greenway on the cusp of burgeoning suburbia. Parked in a strip shopping center behind a McDonald's and sharing a wall with a Glory Days Grill, this is an unlikely place to find a food movement. Customers at the new pizzeria dine on weekly specials that include poultry and pork raised free-range and greens that are freshly picked. Much of the food is organic. But the real emphasis is local. - BY ALEJANDRO LAZO

Partnership for Smart Growth Offers Seminar on Goochland County and Smart Growth
When: August 16 at 7:30 p.m
The seminar will offer Goochland residents an opportunity to learn about the relationship between a region's growth and quality of life and to articulate their hopes for their county's comprehensive land use plan, which will guide Goochland's growth (and, indirectly, Greater Richmond's) for decades. The plan is scheduled for review and approval in the coming year. As part of the discussion, PSG will provide specific suggestions for how county residents can have a voice in the decision-making. 
For more information: including the address and directions, and to RSVP, please call the PSG office at 225-1902 or email psg@psgrichmond.org.

Attend State Corporation Commission Hearings on Power Line Application
Use the following links for directions & more information:
August 10 - Marsteller Middle School
August 13 - James Wood High School
August 14 - James Wood High School
August 15 - North Warren Volunteer Fire Dept
August 16 - North Warren Volunteer Fire Dept
Details on Testifying:
The SCC is holding public hearings. There is an opportunity to speak in the afternoon, evening or morning. The first day at each location begins at 1:30pm, there will be a break for dinner, the hearing will restart at 7:00pm and then resume the following morning at 9:30am. Any person wishing to comment at any of these hearings should arrive early and sign in with the SCC bailiff as you cannot sign up in advance. There is no official time limit on comments, but the SCC has recommended that comments be kept to less than ten minutes.
Note: Dominion/TrAILCo attorneys will be present and will be given the opportunity to ask you questions
Talking Points:
1)Urge the SCC to independently determine whether this line is needed and to examine every available alternative to building it. Do not worry about being an electric grid expert. You can testify without understanding grid dynamics, PJM pricing, megawatt reduction potentials, etc... Ask the SCC to get the advice of independent experts before deciding whether to approve this line.
2) Explain how you will be affected by the line and what policies you think are at risk. How would you or your property be impacted? You have unique local knowledge, and the SCC needs to hear from you.
3) Tell the SCC what energy conservation/efficiency programs you are putting in place or are willing to put in place. Have you replaced your light bulbs? Have you called your utility and asked about Air Conditioning or Hot Water Switching Units? Have you scheduled an energy audit?
For More Information: Click Here

State Water Control Board – Special Board Meeting
Date: Monday, August 30 at 10:00am
Location: General Assembly Building, House Room c, 9th & Broad Streets, Richmond
This meeting has been called to discuss the Captain’s Cove Utility Permit application.
Agenda Details: http://townhall.virginia.gov/l/GetFile.cfm?File=E:\townhall\docroot\\meeting\103\9521\Agenda_DEQ_9521_v1.pdf
More Information from DEQ on meeting:  contact Cindy Berndt at cmberndt@deq.virginia.gov or 804.698.4378

GreenMatters – Designing new homes | Renovating Old Homes
Workshop on LEED building
When: August 29, 2007
Location: Habitat’s ReStore on Harris Street in Charlottesville.
Piedmont Housing Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville have teamed up for a workshop to tell you everything you need to know about ‘going green” in designing new homes or renovating old ones.
For more information: call Ryan Jacoby at (434) 293-6331 or visit www.greenmatters.info

Virginia’s 2007 Rural Summit: Widening the Road
When: September 9 – 11
Location: Omni Hotel, Charlottesville, VA
The Summit will focus on Community Capacity Building, Workforce Development and education, and access to capital for entrepreneurs and Small business.
For More Information: Visit www.councilforruralvirginia.org/registration-07.htm

FRIENDS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK - Marketing and Development Coordinator
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Friends of the Rappahannock is hiring a Marketing and Development Coordinator to assist organizational leaders in marketing river conservation programs to the public, corporate sponsors, major donors, and members. The ideal candidate will have a B.A. in a relevant field, interest in grassroots river conservation, and possess strong communications and interpersonal skills.
Full Position Description: Visit www.vcnva.org/jops.php
To Apply
Mail a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Jennifer Allen, Programs Manager, Friends of the Rappahannock, PO Box 7254, Fredericksburg, VA 22404 or email the materials to jenn_allen@riverfriends.org.

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST- Grants Associate
The Grants Associate will be responsible for expanding CWPT's use of funding available for battlefield preservation from federal, state and local government entities, as well as other non-profit organizations. The ideal candidate will have a BA/BS and 2-3 years of professional experience. Strong initiative, interpersonal, presentation, and computer skills are required. An interest in American history and its preservation is essential.
To Apply: e-mail letters and resume to developmentresumes@civilwar.org.

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL- Loudoun County Field Officer/Campaign Director
Location:   Leesburg, Virginia
PEC is 30 year-old non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the Virginia Piedmont's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty. The Loudoun County Field officer will develop and execute strategies to engage citizens, organizations, and regional media in land use and conservation, transportation planning, community development, and natural resource protection.
Full Job Description Available at www.vcnva.org/jobs.php
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and a resume with 2 references to Dawn Wilmot, Assistant to the President, PEC at dwilmot@pecva.org or
P.O. Box 460, Warrenton, VA 20188

Virginia Bluebird Society Seeks Volunteers
The Virginia Bluebird Society is always looking for volunteers to monitor its bluebird box trails in locations all over the State of Virginia. No experience is needed, as training is provided to anyone who is interested in spending a couple of hours, one week a month, working as a member of a team on one of the VA Bluebird Society trails. A typical volunteer counts and records the eggs and chicks inside bluebird boxes especially designed for cavity nesting birds. Enjoy walking trails in Virginia’s beautiful public lands.
To Volunteer or for more information: Contact Barbara Chambers the VBS State Coordinator at bj.chambers@verizon.net