Congrats to Penny Kelly - Fairfax County Public School Press Release

"Penny Kelly Receives EMS Award

Penny Kelly, who teaches Fire and Emergency Medical Science (EMS) at Falls Church Academy, has been named the Outstanding Emergency Medical Services Pre-Hospital Educator of the Year by the Northern Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. Falls Church Academy is one of six high school academies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Kelly, who is the fire and EMS program’s first and only instructor, was praised by nominators for her dedication to the program and for enhancing the educational experience for her students. By networking with regional fire and rescue professionals, Kelly has facilitated flight medic helicopter visits to Falls Church Academy and field trips to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy and Northern Virginia Community College’s Medical Education Campus cadaver lab for students.

“Under her leadership, the enrollment has grown each year, and plans are under way to add an additional program,” says Diane Pruner, FCPS director of the Office of Career and Technical Education. Pruner adds that Kelly has continued to refine and enhance the curriculum in order to provide her students with the best instruction possible and is always looking for new experiences to keep her students engaged. She volunteers her time to accompany Falls Church Academy administrator Dave Tremaine on visits to area high school guidance departments to promote academy programs.Since 2004, 60 of Kelly’s students have received basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications; she works with students to find employment or select an institution for continued study at the postsecondary level.

“Penny is an influential communicator who possesses the gift of being able to make complex subjects understandable,” says Capt. David Tobin of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Kelly is a licensed EMT and EMT instructor and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) trainer and is licensed to teach EMT and Fire Science in Virginia.

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Note: For more information, contact Penny Kelly at 703-207-4000 or penny.kelly@fcps.edu.
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Source: http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=1169

Northern Virginia - State of local emergency effective Jan. 17-21, 2009

The following local state of emergency starts tomorrow:

"Northern Virginia Regional Commission
NEWS RELEASE
January 15, 2009, 5:10 p.m.
In Preparation for Inauguration

Northern Virginia Local Governments Issue Pre-Emptive Emergency Declarations

Consistent with the actions of Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine regarding preparations for th e presidential inauguration, the Northern Virginia local governments agreed today that each will declare a state of local emergency effective Jan. 17-21, 2009. The declarations will allow these governments to more easily get the resources needed to respond and recover from any potential emergencies related to the 56th presidential inauguration.

This action will allow the jurisdictions to be eligible for reimbursement for expenses of the presidential inauguration, which will bring an extraordinary number of people through Northern Virginia.

These unique circumstances, which have already resulted in an unprecedented requirement for inter-agency and inter-governmental coordination, warrant coordinated local government action to prevent or alleviate the threat of injury and harm to the public and damage or loss of property. Northern Virginia local governments have a long history of working cooperatively to prepare for disasters collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries, bringing together elected officials, chief administrative officers, emergency management, law enforcement, fire and public health personnel.

Northern Virginia encompasses the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford.

For more information, contact Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs, Fairfax County, at 703-324-3189."

Source: http://alexandriava.gov/news_display.aspx?id=19008

Make A Difference Day 2008

Looking for that perfect Halloween Costume, but don't have the money to purchase a costume?

Why not consider trick or treating as a volunteer?

Thanks to Gabrielle for the idea, pictured below, wearing her costume (for the day) and volunteering at the Reston Fall Festival held yesterday, as part of VolunteerFest® 2008.

"The 14th annual VolunteerFest® on Saturday, October 25. Part of the national “Make a Difference Day,” this community-wide day of service engages more than 700 volunteers around Fairfax County at schools, libraries, parks and nonprofit agencies.

Volunteer projects include building outdoor classrooms, painting offices, creating a wildlife habitat and environmental cleanups. Service projects start mid-morning and end around lunch time. Make the most of your Saturday and volunteer.

Over the last 13 years, VolunteerFest® has engaged more than 15,000 volunteers at 490 projects for a total of 47,000 hours of service to the community."

Additional information and registration details for next weekend's events can be found on the VolunteerFest website.

Mark your calendars for next weekend.

See you at one of the many events in our local community!

Student Representative Receives Honor at Academy Graduation

Congratulations to Lauren Kovacic who was presented a Certficate of Appreciation from the Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council for her service as student representative to the council.

Pictured (L to R).

David Tremaine, FCPS Falls Church Academy Administrator.

Lauren Kovacic, Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council Student Representative.

Andrew Levy, Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council Chairman.