Hot off the Press
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Youth in Philanthropy Grant
Luck Companies Foundation awards grant to Youth in Philanthropy
FREDERICKSBURG, VA. (April 10, 2013): Luck Companies Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the 2013 Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program of The Community Foundation.
Through YIP's 22-week annual program, 42 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors lead and operate a significant grantmaking effort that assists local nonprofits, primarily youth-related social service organizations. YIP actively connects young people with the critical issues facing the Fredericksburg region, while working to increase their leadership, personal responsibility, creativity and critical thinking skills.
"Young people are a vital human resource that is too often overlooked and underutilized. YIP is the only local program providing youth with a working understanding of the nonprofit sector and teaching them the skills necessary for effective philanthopy," said Community Foundation Executive Director Teri McNally.
Each year, the Community Foundation sets aside grant funds for YIP members to distribute to local nonprofits. Over the course of the year, the teens assess the needs of the community, as perceived by their age group. They review and discuss grant proposals submitted by school clubs, youth groups and nonprofit organizations and make appropriate funding decisions.
Since the program began in 2005, YIP has administered 13 competitive grant cycles and distributed almost $100,000 in charitable grants to nonprofits addressing the issues of domestic violence, the environment, sexual assault, the arts, mental health, teen parents and more. The teens have carefully reviewed almost 150 grants.
The grant from Luck Companies Foundation will provide additional funds for grantmaking and enable YIP to create a curriculum that can be replicated by community foundations across the country. The three-year curriculum will be based on three annual themes: Leadership, Community Culture and Rights and Responsibilities of a Citizen.
"We are thrilled with the support from the Luck Companies Foundation because it will extend YIP's philanthropic impact, not just regionally but throughout the country." McNally said. "We are also excited that Luck Companies representatives will play an active role YIP's work."
Acceptance into the YIP program is offered on a first come basis. The youth participating in the current school year are between 10th – 12th grade. Registration for the 2013-14 school year has been filled 2014-2015 registration is still open. Apply at www.cfrrr.org or send a letter of interest to The Community Foundation, PO Box 208, Fredericksburg, VA 22404.
The YIP program is also supported by SunTrust Bank and Douglas Stewart, Managing Dartner with Cary Street Partners.
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ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY COVENANT
Honoring Our Nation's Veterans, Active Military, and their Families
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Central Park Corporate Center at Central Park Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA
Join us as we honor our Nation's Veterans', Active Military and their Families with fun, food, entertainment, activities and networking. The event is intended to be a community celebration, and will feature local food vendors, activities for children, demonstrations, music and informational booths and displays. A Community Covenant will be signed with all three of our region's bases; Fort A.P. Hill, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. This is a first for our region!
The Armed Forces Community Covenant is a formal commitment of support by the state and local community to Service members and families of the Armed Forces-Active, Guard and Reserve.
Entertainment:
Quantico Marine Corps Band
Marine Corps SSgt Teriyaki Jefferson will sing the National Anthem
Navy Ceremonial Guard (Drill Team)
Navy Color Guard
USO Show Troupe - Liberty Bells - The only official chartered USO show troupe, the USO Liberty Bells travel throughout the world performing for service men and women, their families, veterans and audiences that actively support the troops here and abroad.
USO Metro Bus
Lola the Clown
Face Artists (2)
The DMV2Go will be onsite - customer service center ready to bring DMV services to Virginians at convenient locations. Handicapped-accessible* full service office-on-wheels is equipped to process all DMV transactions. YOU MUST HAVE A COPY OF YOUR DD214 to get your Veterans' card.
Food Vendors on site:
Chick-Fil-A
Beverages on site:
Rappahannock United Way
Platinum Sponsors:
Fredericksburg Regional Alliance (FRA)
Reality Realty Virginia Heroes
Gold Sponsors:
Stafford Printing
BH Media Group
Silver Sponsors:
CBAI & Associates
Fauquier County Dept. of Economic Development
Quality Inn near Central Park
Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg
Bronze Sponsors:
Allegra Print & Imaging
Apple Music
Cosmic Concepts, LTD, representing AVON, Inc.
Richmond International Raceway
Union First Market Bank
Vistronix, Inc.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: Contact Mary Garber, 540-373-9508 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Presented by:
· The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council
· The Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance
In partnership with:
· Central Park Corporate Center
· The Rappaport Companies
· Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer
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Girl Rising Screening
{jm align="right" shape="shape3" shadow="1" title="Girl Rising"}images/girl-rising.jpg{/jm}Please consider joining other interested parents at the screening of Girl Rising on Monday, May 20th at 5:00 PM at the Fredericksburg 14 (Regal Theater).
The film is a look at the lives of girls around the world.
ACT NOW
We need to sell 100 seats ($10 per ticket) in order to have a showing of the movie.
Visit http://gathr.us/screening/3387 to view the trailer and purchase your ticket. Be sure to watch the trailer; it's amazing!!
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April 13, 2013
Contact: Kathryn Willis
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540-903-3186
From Whimsy to Wonder to Wow: Arts for Kids Abound this Summer
Dance, Music, Painting, Drawing, Theatre, Crafts—no matter what the flavor, the arts help children explore their world, and discover a lot about themselves along the way. And summer, with its leisure days and outdoor opportunities, provides the perfect setting. The Fredericksburg region offers a bounty of choices to ignite the imagination of young people, from pre-school through high school.
A visit to arts-along-the-river.org guides those seeking arts experiences for children through dozens of creative opportunities. For example, there's the playful "Things with Wings" offered at LibertyTown by Elizabeth Seaver, whose endearingly quaint birds and bugs wheel through their grass-top worlds astride teetering bicycles. Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts' "Art Bug," now in its 23rd year, and led by multiple-honors recipient Cathy Herndon, is a perennial favorite. There is also the more serious Rappahannock Summer Music Camp, providing instrumental instruction by nationally ranked performers, held at Fredericksburg Academy. Or "Skate to Create," where skateboarders design signature graphics for their own skateboard, led by the intensely imaginative folks at PonShop in Old Town Fredericksburg.
The region's Parks and Recreation departments provide numerous affordable sessions, including break dancing (Stafford) and hip-hop (Fredericksburg), as well as arts, crafts, and theater opportunities. Christian Youth Theater, Riverside Theater and Stage Door are among arts organizations for focused theater, music and dance experience.
History camp (James Monroe Museum), diva dancing (Fredericksburg Parks and Rec.), grandparent-grandchild camps (Stratford-Westmoreland), voice (Riverside); Preschool Palette (Belmont-Stafford), arts sampling camps (Creative Side-Stafford; Fredericksburg Area Museum), pottery camp (LibertyTown-Fredericksburg)—there's a LOT to choose from.
The arts-along-the-river.org site profiles these offerings and many other offerings, and provides links for more information. Just click on Kids Summer Camps and Classes to discover the creative world awaiting the region's lucky young people.
No matter the choice, the arts are good for children. Research consistently shows that children who participate in the arts score higher on achievement tests; what's more, the more arts classes, the higher the scores. In addition, arts students participate more in community service, and report less boredom in school. Improved socialization skills, task completion, motivation to achieve, and ability to think critically are also linked to participation in the arts.
The Arts & Cultural Council's arts-along-the-river.org, an online arts and events service, supports the arts in the central Rappahannock region, and encourages arts participation. As a part of its mission, the Arts Council sponsors this online arts directory as a free service. Further, visitors to the site can add their own page to promote arts opportunities and events if they are not listed. Children and adults alike will discover a wild diversity of arts opportunities available throughout the region.
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FPM Webmaster Gives Tips at Child Advocacy Pgm
Marine spouse, writer shares tips on 'How Do Children Spell Love'
Marine Corps Base Quantico --
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Family Advocacy Program hosted the "How Do Children Spell Love?" workshop April 11 for military families aboard Quantico.
Karen Charney, a Marine spouse and mother of two teenage boys was the featured presenter who shared parenting advice and tips on how children view love. Karen's husband, Lt. Col. Sean Charney who is a student at the Marine Corps War College aboard Quantico, has served nearly 25 years in the Corps. Their family has lived on four Marine Corps installations twice and aboard Quantico three times. Although the webmaster and contributing writer to the "Fredericksburg Parent and Family Magazine" is not a clinical expert, Rebecca Childress, Family Advocacy program prevention and education specialist said Charney brings a wealth of experience to military families.
Read the rest of the article using the link below.
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Win Free Landscaping
Busch Gardens Communications
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(757) 253-3369
WIN FREE LANDSCAPING FROM BUSCH GARDENS
One Lucky Winner Will Receive a Custom Landscaped Yard
WILLIAMSBURG (March 1, 2013) – Busch Gardens' team of expert horticulturalists will take their shovels, mulch, flowers and their creativity on the road this spring for the Busch Gardens' Landscaping Giveaway. For the first time ever, Facebook fans will choose one lucky winner to have their yard landscaped by the same team responsible for Busch Gardens' award-winning beauty. For the past 22 years Busch Gardens has won the "Most Beautiful Park" award from the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
The giveaway starts March 1. To enter and to vote, visit the Busch Gardens' Facebook page at facebook.com/buschgardens. The winner will be notified on March 18. The giveaway is open to legal residents of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington DC and Delaware.
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Feed the Need Food Drive
Curves "Feed the Need" Food Drive Kicks Off On March 11
In Food Drive's 15th Year, 100,000 Donation Goal Will Benefit Local Food Banks and the Children's Charity "Blessings in a Backpack"
Curves Will Waive Joining Fee for New Members Who Donate
Fredericksburg, VA (Grassroots Newswire) March 11, 2013 – Curves International announces its 15th Annual Food Drive, "Feed the Need," and challenges Curves' club members in the U.S. and Canada to meet a goal of 100,000 donations during the two week period of March 11 – March 23. Each club, including Curves of Fredericksburg, is asking its members to donate bags of non-perishable food or cash to support their local community food bank. In addition, Curves of Fredericksburg will waive the joining fee for new members who bring in a bag of non-perishable food or donate $30 to their local food bank during the two week period.*
When combined donations from all Curves clubs reaches the goal of 100,000 donations, Curves International will donate 10% of March 2013 profits to "Blessings in a Backpack," a non-profit organization that ensures that impoverished elementary school children are fed on the weekends throughout the school year.
"This year's theme, 'Feed the Need,' really represents both what we want to accomplish with this year's food drive and what we do as a business," said a Curves of Fredericksburg staff member. "We want to help feed local families and school children who would otherwise go hungry on the weekends – and we also want to 'feed the need' of local women seeking a health and fitness program that fits their busy lifestyle."
Since its inception, the total contributions to local food banks from the annual Curves Food Drive exceed 75,000,000 pounds of food, according to Curves Vice President of Marketing Mike Raymond. "Each year, we encourage our clubs and members to donate even more than the year before. Our annual Food Drive is a great way for members and their communities to fill a real need by restocking the shelves in local food pantries across the U.S. and Canada during a time when they are usually low."
For more information about Curves of Fredericksburg, located at 7004 Salem Fields Blvd., and the 2013 Curves Food Drive, contact a Curves of Fredericksburg staff member at 540-548-4488 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more information about Curves, please visit www.curves.com
* Offer based on first visit enrollment, minimum 12 month e.f.t. program or joining Curves Complete. New members only. Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations through 3.23.13. © 2013 Curves International, Inc.
About Curves
Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world, helping women in over 90 countries lead healthier lives. The company was founded in 1993 by Gary and Diane Heavin, who saw an opportunity to provide a fast, affordable workout for women in an industry that had often focused primarily on the needs of men. Since then, the company has continued to innovate, most recently with the launch of Curves Complete, an integrated program that combines exercise, meal plans, and one-on-one coaching for
more effective weight loss. For more information, please visit www.curves.com.
About Blessings in a Backpack
Blessings in a Backpack is a 501 C (3) non-profit organization currently feeding nearly 61,000+ children in the U.S. and Canada and two other countries. The program is a hybrid of private sector funding and public partnerships carried out in public schools. For more information about Blessings in a Backpack, please visit
http://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/Home.aspx
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Military Suicide Prevention Symposium
An interactive suicide awareness symposium for family members will be held April 20th at the USO and Family Center on Fort Belvoir, Va from 0830-1330. The event will be open to Family members of all Military Services and Department of Defense civilians and contractors. Participants will learn to recognize suicidal symptoms, support techniques for those in need and many more skills from Family members who have experienced the tragedy of suicide. Approximately 75 seats will be available for the event with child care provided to those registering before April 15. Please register at http://areyoulistening-es2004.eventbrite.com/?rank=2. For more information, please contact Karen Francis at 703-992-5731 or Carol Janer at 703-805-5683.
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Volunteer to Cheer 2013
Cheers, Not Jeers, for State Champs
Volunteer to Cheer at Special Olympics Virginia Basketball Championships, March 15-16
Did you know that 6 out of 10 people with intellectual disabilities will be bullied at some point in their life? In an effort to reverse the bullying epidemic, we're actively seeking community volunteers of all ages to help cheer Special Olympics athletes to victory at our upcoming Basketball Championships, presented by GEICO. More than 800 athletes from across the state will go for gold in full-court, half-court and basketball skills competitions March 15-16 at various Stafford County middle and high schools. Visit www.volunteer2cheer.com to sign up to be a fan. In the first few moments of experiencing Special Olympics, you will see that our athletes are extremely deserving of your applause, support and admiration.
Check-in will be at the "Volunteer to Cheer" tables located at each competition venue. Here, you will be able to make posters and signs and hopefully meet some athletes face to face. Feel free to dress up in your most fanatic costume or paint your face to show your enthusiasm. Everyone who comes out to cheer also will get free "cheer sticks" to help them get into the spirit!
About the Special Olympics Virginia Basketball Championships
It's March Madness Special Olympics Virginia-style! Don't miss a moment of the annual Basketball Championships in Stafford, including the GEICO All-Star Friday Night Opening Ceremony, starting at 7 p.m. March 15 at Mountain View High School and featuring a GEICO vs. Special Olympics basketball challenge, athlete and coach shootouts and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron. Skills, half-court and full-court action run from 9 am to 2:30 pm Saturday, March 16 at eight Stafford middle and high schools. For a full schedule, visit www.volunteer2cheer.com. Basketball Championships is one of Special Olympics Virginia's seven state-level competitions. For more information on Basketball Championships, please contact Holly Claytor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 804-726-3025. To "Volunteer to Cheer," visit www.volunteer2cheer.com and sign up today!
# # #
Special Olympics Virginia is an accredited state program of Special Olympics Incorporated. Special Olympics is an international organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Visit us at www.specialolympicsva.org. Engage with us on Twitter @solympicsva; fb.com/specialolympicsvirginia; and youtube.com/specialolympicsva.
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Semper Fi Fund Founder, Karen Guenther, Nominated for Military Spouse of the Year
For Karen Guenther, the mission is crucial and our duty is clear. Since 2004, Karen's vision for serving those who have preserved our freedom has led the Semper Fi Fund to provide more than $69,000,000 in immediate financial relief for injured and critically ill service members and their families.
Receiving the highest ratings from charity watchdog, Charity Navigator, 94% of every dollar donated to the Semper Fi Fund directly benefits our heroes in recovery. See more on the Charity Navigator Website: http://ow.ly/i1R8J
See why Karen Guenther deserves your vote on March 5th as Military Spouse of the Year: http://ow.ly/hVeKo
Update:
Thanks to you, our loyal supporters, Karen Guenther has been named Marine Corps Military Spouse of the Year!
As a Finalist for the 2013 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY,) our founder will have the opportunity to participate with other Installation SOY's in the first ever MSOY Summit sponsored by Homewood Suites by Hilton.
An overall winner will be announced at the awards luncheon, May 9th, in Washington, District of Columbia. Whatever the outcome, we are forever grateful for your commitment to helping us spread the word about our critical mission of serving those who preserve our freedom!
See how it all started: http://semperfifund.org/history/
Learn more about the Semper Fi Fund: http://semperfifund.org/about/ and the life changing assistance we provide: http://semperfifund.org/assistance/
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/semperfifund and Twitter: www.twitter.com/SemperFiFund for the latest updates on our recovering heroes, events and more.
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
Serving those who preserve our freedom
Some stories of a few servicemembers and their families who the Semper Fi Fund has helped...
1. Tyler Southern
Tyler was on his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 when he lost both of his legs above the knees and his right arm above the elbow after stepping on an IED. Tyler has since retired, accepted a new job and begun a new life with his wife Ashley in Florida.
Read Tyler's inspiring story here: http://ow.ly/fbn52 and learn how we've been able to assist with Tyler's transition to civilian life.
2. Brian Meyer
Meet GySgt Brian Meyer, who was injured March 14, 2011, while engaged in combat with enemy forces in Afghanistan. The severity of his wounds resulted in the complete amputation of his right hand and leg, and amputation of the thumb and index finger on his left hand.
Brian has an amazingly positive attitude and refuses to let his injuries keep him from living a rich and fulfilling life.
Read Brian's story: http://ow.ly/fbLYy
3. Lance Corporal Ronny Porta
On May 7, 2007 Lance Corporal Tony "Ronny" Porta sustained severe injuries as a result of an IED blast while conducting operations in Al Anbar Province. Ronny's right arm was amputated and he suffered burns on 65% of his upper body.
In spite of a grueling recovery, including 120 surgeries and ongoing speech therapy, Ronny looks forward to an upcoming move to Maryland and plans to return to school soon.
Read Ronny's story of strength and determination: http://ow.ly/fjyCV and meet his family, including newborn son, Kenneth Charles Porta, named after two of Ronny's heroes and friends.
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White House Easter Egg Roll 2013
From the official White House blog:
Are you in? Don't miss your chance to join the First Family for the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday April 1. This year's theme is “Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You” -- and more than 35,000 people will be joining the First Family on the South Lawn for activities including games, stories, singing, dancing, and of course, the traditional egg roll.
Once again, tickets will be distributed through an online lottery system, allowing guests from across the United States to participate in a tradition that dates back to 1878. Starting today, you can click here to enter the lottery and win a chance to join the fun (the lottery closes at 10 am EST on Monday February 25, 2013). The event is open to children aged 13 years and younger and their families.
In addition to all the fun and games, the day's activities -- which will include sports and cooking demonstrations -- will help educate families on smart ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise choices into their daily routines, which are key pillars of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative.
Families and schools who can't make the trip to Washington, DC but want to participate in the festivities can enter the annual poster contest.
Learn more about the White House Easter Egg Roll
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