Engineering Unplugged

Light rail, smart grids, reduced carbon footprints, LEED buildings, Maglev, and wind energy are a few of the favorite things on the docket for the second annual Engineering Unplugged conference slated for Tuesday, April 13 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk.

The “all green, all technology” conference provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for environmental leaders to share real-world applications yielding measurable returns on investments in three areas — green buildings, energy conservation/alternative energy, and greenhouse gases.

The one-day learning/networking intensive, designed for today’s green professionals, aligns with Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s goal to “make Virginia the Energy Capital of the East Coast.” ODU president John Broderick opens the conference at 8:00 a.m. The Grow Green Marketplace wraps things up at 3:30 p.m. — green food, products, and social hour.

A statewide initiative, Engineering Unplugged is presented by the Virginia Applied Technology and Professional Development Center (VATPDC) of ODU. Attendees will represent architectural and design firms, military and government, construction companies, manufacturers, facilities managers, and others interested in green initiatives.

“Engineering Unplugged is a stellar example of how our faculty, students, corporate and industry partners come together with one goal: to explore, share, and create solutions that will improve individuals’ lives, our communities, and the planet,” said ODU’s Broderick.

The luncheon keynote speaker is noted environmentalist Edward “Ed” Nixon, youngest brother of former President Richard Nixon. Currently, he is president of Nixon World Enterprises, Inc. and chair of Pyron Solar Advisory Board in San Diego. He recently published his memoirs, The Nixons: A Family Portrait. He will address “Energy Sources for the Future.”

The Engineering Unplugged curriculum will provide expertise for engineering firms to:

• Prepare for changes in environmental practices with experts from the Hampton Roads Green Building Council, ODU, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
• Identify areas where known energy loss and consumption waste money; and
• Learn about real cost-savers in Alternative Energy.

The educational component of the conference features workshops and demonstrations by recognized leaders in the field of environmental engineering. Participants will earn 0.8 CEUs/ eight PDHs.

Early registration for Engineering Unplugged is $195 per person through March 30; enroll three and the fourth goes free. As of March 31, the fee is $295.

To register, go to http://www.engineeringunplugged.com/info or call VATPDC at 757-683-5479.

Following the directive is a letter from Governor McDonnell’s Chief of Staff, Martin L. Kent, sent to all state employees.

This directive comes on the heels of the letter sent by Virginia’s Attorney General to all public colleges to end gay protections.

Standard of Conduct for Cabinet Members, Executive Branch Agency Heas, Managers, Supervisors and Employees Concerning Employment Discrimination

As the chief executive officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia, I hereby establish a standard of conduct to ensure that all cabinet members, Executive Branch agency heads, managers, supervisors and employees understand and enforce state and federal law prohibiting employment discrimination.

Employment discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated by this Administration. The Virginia Human Rights Act recognizes the unlawfulness of conduct that violates any Virginia or federal statute or regulation governing discrimination against certain enumerated classes of persons. The Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution prohibits discrimination without a rational basis against any class of persons. Discrimination based on factors such as one’s sexual orientation or parental status violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution.

Therefore, discrimination against enumerated classes of persons set forth in the Virginia Human Rights Act or discrimination against any class of persons without a rational basis is prohibited.

Consistent with state and federal law, and the Virginia and United States Constitutions, I hereby direct that the hiring, promotion, compensation, treatment, discipline, and termination of state employees shall be based on an individual’s job qualifications, merit and performance. No employee of the Executive Branch shall engage in any discriminatory conduct against another employee.

Allegations of any violation of the law or this standard of conduct shall be brought promptly to the attention of the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management for review and corrective action. Any cabinet member, agency head, manager, supervisor or employee who discriminates against a state employee or prospective employee in violation of the law or this standard of conduct shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, ranging from reprimand to termination.

I further direct agency heads to ensure that every manager and supervisor in their respective agency is aware of and enforces this standard of conduct. Civility, fair treatment, and mutual respect shall be the standard of conduct expected in state employment.

/s/ Robert F. McDonnell, Governor

View the Original Letter [PDF]

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Dear Fellow State Employee:

Early in the Administration, the Governor authorized the issuance of an Equal Opportunity in the Workplace Directive to employees of the Office of the Governor that reflects his strong position that employment discrimination for any reason other than merit and ability has no place in state government.  While the separation of powers doctrine precludes the Governor from changing the Virginia Human Rights Act via Executive Order, he wants to be clear that discrimination in state employment will not be tolerated.  As the chief executive officer for the Commonwealth, the Governor wants to establish a clear standard of conduct ensuring that all cabinet members, agency heads, managers, supervisors and employees of the Executive Branch understand and enforce state and federal law prohibiting employment discrimination.  Independent agencies and state supported colleges and universities should likewise adopt a similar standard of conduct.  This standard of conduct is set forth in the attached Executive Directive One.

It is the Governor’s Directive that Executive Branch agencies attract and retain the best and the brightest people to state public service, and that all feel welcome and appreciated as they serve the citizens of the Commonwealth. We have a talented state workforce, which is doing excellent work in very tough budget times.  We also have outstanding cabinet members and managers, where excellence and fair treatment is the great norm, and discrimination is the extremely rare exception.

On behalf of the Governor, I want to thank you for your cooperation and assistance with implementing this Directive, and for making Virginia state government a welcoming and productive place to fulfill one’s professional calling.

Sincerely,

Martin L. Kent
Chief of Staff
Governor Robert F. McDonnell

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, “The foremost obligation of government is public safety.  It is critical that all localities have the tools they need to protect citizens from threats to their communities.  These funds represent the latest in a multi-phase plan to fill gaps in regional response and deterrence resources among local law enforcement agencies.”

The State Homeland Security Program provides funds to help build capabilities at the state and local levels through planning, training, exercise activities and purchase of needed equipment. Equipment scheduled for purchase with these grants includes incident response vehicles, personal protective equipment, automatic license plate readers and bomb squad gear.  Potential recipients and equipment needs were identified through an analysis conducted annually by local law enforcement leaders, the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.

Based on the needs analysis, project proposals were developed and submitted through the Governor’s Office to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for review and approval.  Once DHS approved, the grants were issued by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the administrative agency in Virginia for law enforcement grants under the SHSP program.

More information regarding grant opportunities with DCJS can be found at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants

Grant Recipients and Award Amounts:

• Albemarle County PD — $17,000
• Alexandria City PD — $40,000
• Arlington County PD — $285,000
• Augusta County SO — $17,000
• Botetourt County SO — $302,000
• Bristol City PD — $335,000
• Campbell County SO — $17,000
• Carroll County SO — $17,000
• Charlottesville City PD — $302,000
• Chesapeake City PD — $42,000
• Chesterfield County PD — $285,000
• Danville City PD — $319,000
• Emporia City PD — $17,000
• Fairfax County PD — $40,000
• Fauquier County SO — $17,000
• Franklin County SO — $17,000
• Fredericksburg City PD — $17,000
• Galax City PD — $285,000
• Giles County SO — $17,000
• Grayson County SO — $17,000
• Henrico County PD — $40,000
• Isle of Wight County SO — $17,000
• Loudoun County SO — $17,000
• Lynchburg City PD — $285,000
• New Kent County SO — $17,000
• Newport News City PD — $285,000
• Norfolk City PD — $285,000
• Prince George County PD — $17,000
• Prince William County PD — $40,000
• Roanoke City PD — $285,000
• Roanoke County PD — $57,000
• Rockingham County SO — $302,000
• Salem City PD — $17,000
• Scott County SO — $17,000
• Stafford County SO — $302,000
• Virginia Beach City PD — $74,000
• Staunton City PD — $17,000
• Suffolk City PD — $17,000
• Warren County SO — $302,000
• Washington County SO — $17,000
• Waynesboro City PD — $17,000
• Williamsburg City PD — $17,000
• Winchester City PD — $17,000
• Wise County SO — $17,000
• Wythe County SO — $17,000

VDOT Traffic Alerts

Highway work is scheduled weather permitting in the Lynchburg District and traffic may be restricted. For the latest real-time traffic information, please call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org.

Amherst County: Mike McCormack, Residency Administrator (434) 946-7631

• Route 29 Business Sidewalk project (Ambriar Ctr – Williams Creek Bridge) – The Town of Amherst is conducting this project which may result in delays.
• Route 29 Bypass over Route 659 – Bridge rehabilitation will take place between Route 29 South Business and Route 60. There will be one-lane traffic with an 11-ft lane width restriction. Speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph and fines up to $500 may be assessed for speeding in work zone. Signs, concrete barriers and other traffic control devices will be in use. Comp. date Oct. 24.
• Route 604 (624 – 670) – Road closed 4-5 days starting 3/22 to replace pipe damaged by flooding.
• Route 610 (645 – 738) – Road damaged due to flooding. One lane open.
• Route 659 – In conjunction with bridge rehabilitation on Route 29 Bypass over Route 659, there will be periodic lane closures. Signs and flaggers will alert motorists. Completion – Oct. 14.
• Route 775 (747 – dead end) – Road restricted to one lane due to maintenance activities.
• Bridge inspections : Lane/road closures possible during inspections at Route 663 over NS Railway on March 18.

Appomattox County: Don Austin, Residency Administrator (434) 352-7135

• Route 628, 629 and 656- Crews will be patching roadways.
• Route 644 (.3 mi from Route 675) – Road closed for 5-6 weeks beginning March 15.
• Brush cutting – Crews will be brush cutting with a boom axe on routes between Oakville and Route, also between Routes 727and 460.
• Various – Crews will fix driveways and mailbox turnouts and address customer concerns.
• Buckingham County: Kevin Wright, Acting Residency Administrator (434) 983-2017
• Various – Crews will work dirt roads, make surface repairs, cut brush and address customer concerns and tree damage.

Campbell County: Don Austin, Residency Administrator (434) 947-2167

• Route 29 Business, Altavista (43 – Pittsylvania Ave.) – Road reduced to one lane for water and storm sewer work. Flaggers will assist; est. completion – April 16.
• Route 501 (between city and Route 24, Rustburg) – Crews will hand cut slopes.
• Route 613, 626, 628 and 917 – Crews will cut brush.
• Route 615, 663 and various Timberlake locations – Pavement repairs may create delays.
• Route 751 (Brown’s Mill to East Ferry) – Closed due to flood damage.
• Route 699 over Hills Creek (1340-706) – During rehabilitation project, signs, barriers and signals will be used to direct one-lane traffic, restricted to 12’ width. Be alert to changes in traffic pattern. Est. comp. 6/30/10.
• Timberlake- Crews will add stone to driveway entrances, mailbox turnouts and shoulders and patch potholes.
• Yellow Branch –Crews will add stone to driveway entrances and clean pipe.
• Bridge inspections: Lane/road closures possible during inspections at Route 29 North and South over NS Railway on March 17 and Route 682 over NS Railway and Route 699 over Seneca Creek on March 18.
• Charlotte County: J. D. Barkley, II, PE, Residency Administrator (434) 735-8189
• Route 92 over Staunton River at county line and Route 707 – Bridges closed indefinitely.

Cumberland County: Kevin Wright, Acting Residency Administrator (434) 983-2017

• Route 45 (611-614) – 35 mph speed limit; 1 lane Mon – Sat, 7 am – 7 pm with flaggers and pilot vehicles assisting during construction. Minor delays are likely. Est. comp. 5/14/10.
• Route 612 at Trice’s Lake Dam – Road closed to through traffic for bridge rehabilitation project.
• Route 626 – Road closed at Bigger Creek for pipe repairs.
• Route 626 and 672 – Crews will cut brush.
• Route 637 – Crews will address tree damage.
• Various – Crews will make surface repairs.

Halifax County: J. D. Barkley, II, PE, Residency Administrator (434) 476-6342

• Route 92 – Bridge closed indefinitely over Staunton River at Charlotte/Halifax County line.
• Route 688 (659 – 658) – Road closed to thru traffic approx. 3 months starting 3/1 for bridge replacement. Signed detour will use Routes 659, 662 and 658.
• Bridge washing begins on March 29. Delays and lane closures are possible.

Nelson County: Mike McCormack, Residency Administrator (434) 946-7631

• Route 6 over Cove Creek (632-639) – Bridge rehabilitation project. Signs, signals and barriers will be used to direct traffic. One lane of traffic restricted to 9’ width. Comp. date Oct. 21.
• Route 56 (697-666)– Bridge rehabilitation project. Signs, barriers and signals will be used to direct traffic. One lane of traffic restricted to 10’ width. Be alert to traffic pattern changes. Est. comp. 11/12/10.
• Route 56 (752-680) – Signs and flaggers will assist motorists during bridge rehabilitation. Temporary lane closures will be in place. Est. comp. 11/12/10.
• Route 739 over Tye River (662-735) – Bridge rehabilitation project. Signs and flaggers used to direct traffic. One lane traffic restricted to 9’ width, traffic must stop and proceed when clear. Completion July 12.

Pittsylvania County: Randy Hamilton, Residency Administrator (434) 432-7214

• Route 687 (886 -689) and 689– Road closed for pipe repairs.
• Brosville – Crews will work on non-hard surface roads, patch potholes and ditch.
• Mt. Airy – Crews will make surface and shoulder repairs, clean pipe, and respond to customer concerns.
• Rondo – Crews will make surface and shoulder repairs and respond to customer concerns.
• Bridge inspections: Lane/road closures possible during inspections at Route 612 over Sandy River and Route 612 over Banister River on March 15 and Route 58 East over Route 29 South on March 18.
• Bridge washing begins on March 18. Delays and lane closures are possible.

Prince Edward County: Kevin Wright, Acting Residency Administrator (434) 983-2017

• Route 15 West Bypass – Crews will make slope repairs. Be alert to lane/shoulder closures.
• Various – Crews will address customer service requests and do surface and shoulder repairs.
• City of Danville: Randy Hamilton, Residency Administrator, (434) 432-7214
• Forestdale Drive – Road closed to through traffic as part of construction. Access will be maintained from Forestdale to Roman Eagle. Be alert to changes in traffic pattern.
• Norwood Drive – Utility work may result in delays and changes in traffic pattern.
• Bridge inspections : Lane/road closures possible during inspections at Route 29 South over NS Railway, Route 29 South over Dan River, Route 58 East Bypass over Route 29 Business and Route 1141 over Route 58 on March 16; Route 86 over Route 29 and Route 737 over Route 29 Bypass on March 17.

HB 787 provides a clear statement of the Commonwealth in support of oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production 50 miles or more off Virginia’s coast. The Governor and members of his administration have been in steady communication with United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar expressing strong support for keeping the offshore lease sale on schedule for 2011. These pieces of legislation underscore those efforts and provide valuable evidence of Virginia’s readiness to lead on offshore exploration and drilling.

While signing the legislation, Governor McDonnell remarked, “These key pieces of legislation are necessary to help Virginia become the ‘Energy Capital of the East Coast.’ Virginians understand that this common-sense policy will lead to millions of dollars in revenue as well as thousands of new jobs. Revenue gained from offshore exploration will go directly to two key areas — transportation and energy research and development. Millions of dollars will go towards improving our transportation system that will ensure the free flow of commerce and attract further business investments in the Commonwealth. By investing 20 percent in renewable energy research and production we will ensure that energy sources of the future, such as wind and biofuels, are made more commercially practicable.”

The Governor went on to say, “It’s clear that the policy of the Commonwealth is to support both oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production. This is an issue with bipartisan consensus — both of Virginia’s U.S. Senators, and most of our Congressmen agree, that environmentally-safe, offshore energy development is a matter of national and economic security. In addition, we’re sending an important message that we are ready to go — and there should be no reason for Washington to delay the approval of the offshore lease sale and eventually exploration and drilling. Virginia is ready — we hope the federal government will move forward and join us in saying ‘yes’. I thank the patrons of this legislation, and leaders on this issue, and look forward to working with them to ensure Virginia becomes the first state on the East Coast to explore for oil and natural gas offshore,” concluded Governor McDonnell.

Speaking about the need for this legislation, Delegate Chris Stolle commented, “Ensuring that revenue from offshore energy exploration goes to transportation and research and development is crucial for the economic viability and security of the Commonwealth. I was proud to carry this piece of the Governor’s ‘Jobs and Opportunities Agenda’ through the House of Delegates this session, and am pleased to see it signed into law today.”

Delegate Villanueva added, “I thank the Governor for his leadership on this issue and appreciate his focus on exploring for both oil and natural gas. Both will enable Virginians to reap revenue for generations to come. I am proud to stand with the Governor and our citizens to signal that Virginia is ready for energy exploration; it is my sincere hope that we Washington will agree and give its approval.”

Senator Wagner also noted, “I’m pleased that we have made so much progress on moving the Governor’s energy agenda forward during the 2010 session. We have come a long way since introducing the resolution asking Congress to lift the moratorium 5 years ago.”

To see the bills please visit:

HB756: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=101&typ=bil&val=HB756

HB787: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=101&typ=bil&val=HB787

To learn more about the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium please see: http://www.vcerc.org/

Check your Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger and Pringles Family Faves Taco Night for recall information in article.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), in response to a recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the food industry, announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger potato crisps and Pringles Family Faves Taco Night potato crisps as part of an industry ingredient recall to protect consumers from potential Salmonella exposure. There have been no reports of Salmonella-related illness in relation to these products.

P&G was notified by one of its suppliers that a seasoning used in these two products contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) manufactured by Basic Food Flavors, Inc., who has voluntarily recalled several lots of this ingredient because of potential salmonella exposure. As a result, the FDA has recommended that food manufacturers recall certain types of products containing HVP manufactured by Basic Food Flavors, and P&G is complying with this guidance.

Only products with the following “best by” dates are being recalled. The “best by” date for each product can be found on the bottom of the can:

• Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger, Super Stack Canister, 181 grams — UPC Code 37000 26936 — BEST BUY DATES: 02/2011 and 04/2011
• Pringles Family Faves Taco Night, Super Stack Canister, 181 grams– UPC Code 37000 26773 — BEST BUY DATES: 03/2011, 04/2011 and 05/2011

No other Pringles varieties or flavors are affected by this recall. These two products represent only one half of one percent of Pringles’ U.S. volume. None of the affected products have been shipped to retailers outside of the United States.

The safety of our products is P&G’s top priority, and we follow rigorous food safety and ingredient testing standards. We are withdrawing these products out of an abundance of caution for consumer safety and in response to FDA’s recommendation to the food industry.

Salmonella is a common food borne pathogen that can cause severe illnesses, including fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, the infection can be life-threatening in some cases such as young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. There have been no reports of Salmonella-related illness to date in relation to these products.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discard the product and call P&G for a replacement coupon or refund at 1-877-876-7881 (Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9AM – 6PM US ET).

An example of a game that GamePro produces.

Lynchburg College is one of the 50 best undergraduate institutions in the U.S. and Canada for studying game design, according to The Princeton Review’s “Top 50 Undergraduate Game Design Programs” list. LC is one of only two schools in Virginia to make the list.

The first project of its kind, the list was developed in partnership with GamePro, one of the top publications in the video game industry, reaching more than three million gamers a month.

Lynchburg College’s gaming class is taught by Dr. Will Briggs, associate professor of computer science. “From the students’ perspective, the class is about making cool games,” Dr. Briggs said, “but from an educational perspective, the class focuses on 3-D graphics, sound, and user interaction. Even more importantly, they learn to work on large projects in teams.”

Briggs started teaching a games class in 2001 to introduce graphics work into LC’s computer science major. Most of the games created are 3-D shooters.

“We are learning how to implement multi-textured terrain generation, create a 3-D skybox, perform collision detection with static objects on the terrain, as well as moving objects like bullets coming from the player,” said Matt Pietsch, a senior in the class from Lynchburg, Va. “We are also going to try and implement a server/client multiplayer ability in our game. I like that we are able to learn about the theories of video game implementation, and we can actually watch the code affect the real-time game environment.”

Michael Holt, a 2009 graduate of LC’s computer science program, said the gaming class helped him prepare for life after college. He is now a software engineer at VGT (Video Gaming Technologies) in Charlottesville, Va., working on the server side of gaming technology. He said the collaborative work in Dr. Briggs’ class has helped the most in his new job.

The Top 50 list is reported in GamePro’s April 2010 issue and on the website of The Princeton Review. It names eight programs for top honors in rank order, with the remaining 42 programs listed in alphabetical order.

Of the roughly 500 programs at which students can study game design in the U.S. and Canada, The Princeton Review selected 50 based on a survey it conducted in 2009-10 of institutions offering game design coursework and/or degrees. The comprehensive survey numbered more than 50 questions and covered areas from academics and faculty credentials to graduates’ employment and career achievements.

“As a nation, we have an obligation to provide for those who have selflessly answered the call to defend the liberties that make America great. In these challenging economic times, with returning veterans experiencing unemployment rates in the double digits, we must do more to provide for our veterans’ basic needs. My legislation shows that the U.S. is grateful for our veterans’ service and will take care of them when they return home. I’m glad the bills received unanimous, bipartisan support in committee and I will fight for them to become law,” said Rep. Perriello.

Today, the Committee on Veterans Affairs passed with unanimous support the following bills introduced by Rep. Perriello:

H.R. 4667, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010: This bill would increase the rate of compensation for disabled veterans and their survivors and dependents to keep pace with the rising cost-of-living. The disability COLA would become effective December 1, 2010 and will be equal to that provided on an annual basis to Social Security recipients.

H.R. 3976, the Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2009: This bill would reauthorize home-foreclosure protections to prevent lenders from foreclosing on a veteran’s home within nine months after the end of military service. If Congress does not act, these protections would expire at the end of the year. Rep. Perriello’s bill extends the protections for another five years.

H.R. 4079, The Veterans Employment and Home Preservation Act of 2010 (this was adopted as an amendment to the preceding bill, H.R. 3976): This bill would temporarily reduce the wage burden on businesses offering on-the-job training programs for veterans to encourage more participation during the tough economic climate.

Airport Security

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the first 11 airports to receive advanced imaging technology (AIT) units purchased with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds — strengthening security at airports throughout the country while boosting local economies.

“By accelerating the deployment of this technology, we are enhancing our capability to detect and disrupt threats of terrorism across the nation,” said Secretary Napolitano. “These 11 airports will be the first of many to receive this enhanced technology as a result of the Recovery Act.”

Based on security and operational needs, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will deploy AIT units to the following airports:

• Boston Logan International (BOS)
• Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
• Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FFL)
• Kansas City International (MCI)
• Los Angeles International (LAX)
• Mineta San José International (SJC)
• Oakland International (OAK)
• Port Columbus International (CMH)
• San Diego International (SAN)

AIT units are being installed today at Boston Logan International airport, and within the coming week at Chicago O’Hare International airport, followed by full deployment of the ARRA-funded technology at the remainder of the 11 airports by Summer 2010. All airports receiving ARRA-funded AIT units, except Los Angeles International, are receiving this technology for the first time.

Additional airports will be announced in the near future. Many factors are taken into consideration before AIT units are deployed including airport readiness, checkpoint infrastructure, and capacity to ensure privacy protections — including a separate, remotely located room for viewing images.

Advanced imaging technology is designed to bolster security by safely screening passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats — including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing. The ARRA-funded machines will include the latest security enhancements to detect new and evolving threats.

TSA ensures passenger privacy through the anonymity of AIT images — a privacy filter is applied to blur all images; images are permanently deleted immediately once viewed and are never stored, transmitted or printed; and the officer viewing the image is stationed in a remote location so as not to come into contact with passengers being screened.

Currently, 40 AIT units purchased previously are deployed at 19 airports nationwide. TSA expects to deploy a total of 450 AIT units by the end of 2010.

Last month, in recognition of the one-year anniversary of the Recovery Act, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the ARRA investments in technology and infrastructure at airports across the country.

ARRA, signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, committed more than $3 billion for homeland security projects through DHS and the General Services Administration (GSA). Of the $1 billion allocated to TSA for aviation security projects, $700 million is dedicated to screening checked baggage and $300 million is allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technologies.

To learn more about the DHS Recovery Act projects, visit www.dhs.gov/recovery.

Sally Ride

For the fourth consecutive year, Verizon is sponsoring and participating in National Engineers Week Foundation’s Global Marathon For, By and About Women in Engineering and Technology, a 24-hour online event that strives to educate and inform middle school, high school and university women worldwide about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

This year’s theme, “Launching Tomorrow,” provides a forum to inspire young women through a combination of live and pre-taped events, and virtual programming, accessible to anyone around the globe. The Global Marathon begins at noon Eastern time on Wednesday (March 10) and ends at noon the next day.

“From movie star Hedy Lamarr, who has a patent on a missile guidance system, to Sally Ride, the first woman in space, women have played significant roles in society as engineers and scientists,” said Judy Spitz, senior vice president and chief information office for Verizon’s wireline operations. “The Global Marathon provides a virtual venue for today’s young women to discover the tremendous opportunities that exist for them in the fields of engineering and technology.”

In addition to its sponsorship, Verizon is supporting the Global Marathon through network support for conference bridges and net meetings as well as providing pre-taped programming. Joining Verizon as sponsors are ExxonMobil, Motorola Foundation, Rockwell Collins and Symantec.

Spitz will close the Global Marathon with a session entitled “The Future is Moving in Your Direction,” which airs at 11 a.m. on March 11. Susan Anderheggen, Verizon information technology vice president, will speak on “In My Shoes: Experiences from an IT Vice President in Verizon’s Wireline Company,” on March 10 at 1:30 p.m. Mishelle Coldren, Verizon IT executive director, will speak on March 10 at 2:30 p.m. about “The Successful Next-Generation Engineer: It’s NOT About Numbers.”

As in the previous five years, the Global Marathon brings together speakers from a variety of technology backgrounds, who discuss a range of topics related to women in technology and engineering. The complete schedule of speakers and how to access their live and pre-recorded presentations will be posted at the National Engineers Week Foundation Web site.

The event will begin in North America, then “follow the sun” for 24 hours through five other regions — Mexico/Latin America, India, China, Africa/Middle East and the United Kingdom/Europe — before returning to North America for the closing.

Verizon also will leverage its IT Diversity Councils, located in multiple countries, to promote the Global Marathon in their local areas. The purpose of the Diversity Councils is to educate and promote a corporate culture of diversity and inclusion.

Learn more about this event at National Engineers Week Foundation.

Statue of Liberty

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the designation of Greece as a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—strengthening passenger information sharing and ensuring strict security standards while streamlining travel for Greek citizens visiting the United States.

“Our efforts to guard against terrorism while enhancing legal travel and trade depend upon close collaboration with our international partners,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I commend our partners in Greece for committing to strong screening and security standards and enhanced information sharing for travel by Greek citizens to the United States as we work together to protect our citizens and strengthen our economies.”

Greece’s VWP designation represents a major step forward in the continued and long-standing economic and security partnership between the United States and Greece — reflecting more than two years of coordination between the two countries on Greece’s entry into VWP.

In accordance with the VWP designation process, DHS determined that Greece complies with key security and information-sharing requirements—such as enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States; timely reporting of lost and stolen passports; and the maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, aviation and document security standards. In turn, Greek citizens will be permitted to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

With this announcement, Greece joins the 35 nations already participating in VWP — established as a pilot program in 1986 to help eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel and made permanent on October 30, 2000. Like VWP travelers from other countries, Greek citizens will be required to apply for an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) through the Web-based system. Greek citizens will be able to visit the United States without visas in approximately 30 days.

Today’s announcement augments Secretary Napolitano’s ongoing efforts to bolster the international aviation security system — including recent joint declarations to strengthen the international civil aviation system between the United States and Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama on Feb. 17, and between the United States and the European Union on Jan. 21.

Secretary Napolitano will travel to Tokyo later this week to meet with her counterparts from the Asia/Pacific region and officials from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—the third in a series of major international meetings attended by the Secretary to build consensus on strengthening global aviation security and identify specific steps which nations can take individually and collectively to protect all passengers.

Since January, Secretary Napolitano has met frequently with top government and private sector officials from across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and North America on ways to strengthen the international aviation security system.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

This new certification process also means that recycled materials will not be shipped overseas without the consent of the designated country.

Three companies nationwide have received this new designation — called Responsible Recycling Practices Certification. The first, and only certified recycler in the mid-Atlantic region is E-structors, Inc. of Elkridge, Md. TechTurn of Austin, Texas, and Waste Management of Minnesota were also certified as electronic recycling firms.

E-Structors, founded in 2003, operates primarily on a contractual basis with organizations that have significant volumes of pre-owned electronics to recycle. As a certified recycler, the company follows a business model of reuse, refurbishment and recycling of electronics.

“This new e-cycling certification program will take the guesswork out of choosing a responsible recycler,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “Recycling is an important tool in our arsenal and we need to make sure it’s done correctly to prevent environmental harm and ensure the safe re-use of materials. We strongly encourage other electronic recyclers to obtain the certification to ensure that public health and the environment receive the highest protection available.”

The protocols required of certified recyclers help to reduce energy and natural resource consumption, greenhouse gases and hazardous waste. Recyclers are not permitted to burn or landfill certain materials. If electronics are going to be sold for reuse, the recycler must show that all personal data has been cleared or destroyed, that the equipment has been tested and is in working condition, and that the equipment is packaged properly. A recycler must exercise due diligence to ensure appropriate management of the materials throughout the recycling chain, whether domestic or international.

To apply for certification, electronics recyclers should contact either SGS or Perry Johnson Registrars to receive certification, provided they meet the rigorous certification standards. Both SGS and Perry Johnson Registrars are leading inspection, verification, testing and certification companies. As accredited certifying bodies for certification, SGS and Perry Johnson Registrars are required to list companies they have certified on their respective websites.

Links:

• For information on disposing of single or small numbers of units, go to: http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/eCycling/index.htm. or Earth911.org
• Perry Johnson Registrars: http://www.pjview.com/Clients/PJRreports/r2_cert.cfm
• SGS: http://www.us.sgs.com/sgs-r2-certified-clients-en-10.pdf
• For more information on Responsible Recycling go to: http://www.epa.gov/osw/inforesources/news/2009news/08-r2.htm.

For more information on E-Structors, Inc., go to: www.e-structors.com/main.asp.

• Renew mind, body, spirit, and relationships in a beautiful, tranquil setting.
• Learn relaxation, breathing, movement and other techniques for managing strong feelings, reducing stress and enhancing well-being.
• Improve your communication and relationships.
• Find comfort, strength, safety and trust in the presence of others who share the experiences and impact of serving in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
• Share stories and experiences of service, use writing and drawing to express what is sometimes hard to say, support and learn from one another. Programs are confidential.

Includes: Lodging, meals and travel scholarships.

Eligibility: All veterans and active duty military personnel who have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001 and their families. (Including: children, single veterans, wounded warriors, surviving family members and all family types.) Everyone is welcome as they are and all are treated with respect. There is no particular political or religious belief or affiliation that is represented or required. The intention of the Coming Home Project is to serve veterans and families and contribute to their well-being and healing.

A Note for Women Veterans: Female OIF and OEF service members and veterans are encouraged to apply to our Veterans and Family Retreats. For the first time, the Coming Home Project plans to cater to small groups for women veterans only during the family retreats. Check out the featured article in Veterans of Foreign Wars Magazine March 2010 issue or download the article here.

For more information and to apply: 2010 Retreat Schedule.

Applications are now open. Early application is advised as retreats fill quickly.

Events:

• Washington DC: May 27-May 31
• San Diego, CA: June 24-28
• Santa Rosa, CA: July 29-August 2
• San Antonio, TX: August 26-30