She always knew what she wanted to do…. And she got it. Becky Brittain, originally of Southwest County, always dreamed of working in the news, but not just at any news station. Her ultimate goal was to cover news for the White House and that’s exactly what she’s doing. She is a CNN White House Producer, where she covers the daily movements and events of the White House and the entire administration as well as traveling alongside the President in motorcades and Air Force One. She was named to the position in August 2005 but has worked at CNN since 1998. “I knew what I wanted to do early in life. I know that’s not the norm, but it happened in my life,” said Becky.

Becky graduated from Cave Spring High School in 1994, attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 1997 with a double major in Communications and Political Science. Since graduating, Becky has accomplished a lot, but back in February, Becky was asked to do something she’d never done before. She was asked to be the commencement speaker for the Communications Department at Virginia Tech for their graduation on Friday, May 17.  “I’m really honored to go back there and give the speech. I’m looking forward to it… it’s definitely an honor,” said Becky.

I was able to speak to Becky over the phone on Thursday, May 16 before the commencement. I asked her several questions pertaining to her career. You can read the questions and answers below:

Q: Tell me a little bit about how you got started in your career:

A: I interned at CNN while I was in college, my junior year. After college, I moved up here without a job, but then the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke. I was at Fox for six weeks or so and worked as a freelancer. Then, I was given the opportunity to work at CNN. I worked with Larry King as a production assistant and then moved on from there. I worked as an associate producer for Inside Politics. Then started working at the White House in 2005.

Q: What are your various responsibilities in your position as a producer?

A: I follow the President wherever he goes. We are responsible for coordinating the network’s coverage of President Obama by reporting behind the scenes, giving CNN editorial guidance, and coordinating live video shots for CNN’s White House correspondents.

Q: What is it like working alongside the President?

A: It’s a high pressure situation. I’ve done it long enough now that the intensity isn’t as overwhelming. It’s definitely high pressure but I’m used to it now. It’s just kind of normal. It’s certainly a lot of hours and a lot of travel… my life just goes along with what’s going on in the news.

Becky Brittain lives in Alexandria and in her spare time, she is active in her church at First Baptist Church of Alexandria where she serves in various capacities in leadership. She also served as a mentor and tutor through the program Community Club to a DC public school student throughout his high school career from 2001-2007. She was named “Outstanding Recent Alumni” for 2007-2008 from the College of Liberal Arts and Science at Virginia Tech.

On May 21, the Town and Country Garden Club will conduct a Blue Star Memorial dedication ceremony at The Garden Center, 3640 Colonial Ave., Roanoke. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

Veterans from the Salem Virginia Medical Center and The Virginia Veteran Care Center, as well as local chapters of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and representatives from the Veteran’s Administration are invited. Various elected officials from local, state and federal government, local business leaders and members of national, state, district and local garden clubs have also been invited.

The Blue Star Memorial Program honors all men and women who have served, were serving, or would serve in the armed services of the United States. Since World War I, a Blue Star Banner displayed in the front window of a home told others that a family member was serving in the Armed Forces. Captain Robert B. Quiesser, an Ohio National Guard Veteran of the Mexican Border (1916) is credited with designing the original flag. Also known as the Service Flag, the blue stands for hope and pride. The flag made its appearance again in World War II. On October 17, 1943, Congress authorized the flag as an official design.

National Garden Clubs (called National Council of Garden Club at the time) wanted a suitable means of honoring our service men and women. The group visualized a living memorial to Veterans of World War 11.

This program began with the planting of 1000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Club in 1944. National Council of Garden Clubs adopted the Blue Star Memorial Highway Program in 1946 at the annual meeting in New Orleans. The project was named for the blue star in the service flag. The Blue Star Highway system covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. In Roanoke, the Blue Star Memorial Marker has been in place at the Margaret Healey Garden adjacent to the O. Winston Link Museum since Veterans’ Day of 2012.

Margeret and Ed Healey, now deceased, were long-standing members of Town and Country Garden Club in Roanoke, and Mrs. Healey was a past-president of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, and served in many other capacities in the local, district and state levels. Mr. Healey served in World War II and was also a member of Town and Country Garden Club in Roanoke.

– Submitted by Jan Taylor

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized Delegate Chris Head (R, Botetourt, whose district includes much of Southwest Roanoke County)  last week at its “2013 Legislative Awards Reception and Dinner” in Tysons Corner for receiving the Champion of Free Enterprise Award and the Legal Reform Advocate Award on its 2013 Legislative Report Card. The Legislative Report Card grades legislators based on their support of pro-business issues during the recently completed legislative session.

Calculated annually based on legislators’ voting records on the principles and issues outlined in Where We Stand: The Virginia Chamber of Commerce 2013 Legislative Priorities, the Legislative Report Card recognizes legislators for their support on initiatives that will help move Virginia forward, and additionally provides analysis of a legislator’s support for the business community’s priorities.

“The Legislative Report Card allows us to recognize and honor legislators who uphold free market principles and support the interests of the business community,” said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber. “In addition, it provides analysis of a legislator’s support for the business community’s priorities.”

The Champion of Free Enterprise Award recognizes Legislators who scored 100% and grade of “A+” on the 2013 Legislative Report Card. Delegate Head worked closely with the Chamber this year to advance a legislative agenda that included topics such as education and workforce training, transportation funding and economic development.

Delegate Head also made significant contributions to advancing one of the Chamber’s main legislative priorities, legal reform, during the 2013 session. For his efforts in improving Virginia’s legal system, the Virginia Chamber recognized Delegate Head with the Legal Reform Advocate Award.
To view the full 2013 Legislative Report Card, visit www.vachamber.com.
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest business advocacy organization with more than 13,500 members. As the voice for business, the Chamber works in the legislative, regulatory and political arenas to act as a catalyst for enhancing Virginia’s economic competitiveness and pro-business climate.

Submitted BJ Robertson, Legislative Aide

Republicans in the Windsor Hills district are holding a “firehouse primary” on Saturday, May 11 to pick a candidate for the Board of Supervisors.
The two contenders are RoxAnne Christley, owner of Common Sense Breastfeeding, and former supervisor Joe McNamara, owner of Katie’s Ice Cream and Chocolates and Salem Ice Cream Parlor.
The winner will face incumbent Ed Elswick, a former Republican who is running for re-election as an independent.
A “firehouse primary” is similar to a regular primary, except that it’s run by the party, not the registrar’s office, and has fewer voting locations. In this case, the voting hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the Brambleton Center at 3378 Brambleton Avenue.
To vote, you must be a registered voter of the Windsor Hills district who is in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and intends to support all of its nominees. Those voting must not have participated in another political party’s nominating process within the past five years.

For more on the election, see this story by Chase Purdy of The Roanoke Times.

South County Wetland Trail

Even before the South County Library was envisioned for its site on Merriman Road, park planners had conceptualized a boardwalk trail through the nearby wetland.

“I think that one of the ideas all along was that if we could get citizens, visitors and school children walking on a trail through the wetland we would have some important environmental education opportunities,” said landscape architect, and project organizer Lon Williams. “The fact that we could build it on the same site as a library increased the opportunity for hands on learning for school children.”

That opportunity came as the new library neared completion, and there was some additional funding remaining in the construction budget. County administration, including director of libraries Diana Rosapepe, thought it was a good fit.

“We’ve been looking forward to the completion of the wetland trail,” said Rosapepe. “We see it as another form of education, one that gives us all a window on a fragile ecosystem and helps us to be both good neighbors and good stewards of this unique resource.”

Good stewardship was kept top of mind during the entire construction process. The company selected to built the trail approached the project from top down. Their equipment actually sat on portions of the deck that had already been completed, and moved along the deck as they progressed. That means that there was very little disturbance to the wetland while building the trail.

The boardwalk trail was approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, who granted permitting for the project. Roanoke County was able to make up for the minimal environmental disturbance by purchasing a small amount of wetland credits from the Virginia Office of The Nature Conservancy.

On Tuesday, June 4 at 11:00am, Roanoke County officials will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new boardwalk trail. This trail system already connects the South County Library with the roundabout by Penn Forest Elementary School. By the end of the year, the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department hopes to complete the final piece of the project, an upland trail segment between the boardwalk and Starkey Park.

Parks, Recreation and Tourism director Doug Blount believes that one of the most important aspects of the new trail is the sense of community it creates. “Libraries, schools and parks are government services that touch the lives almost every citizen,” says Blount. “The wetland trail project not only provides a physical link between all three, but also enhances the mission of each department in one key area where they overlap. This trail will give back to the community for generations to come, by helping youth gain a better appreciation of the natural world through good stewardship and environmental education.”

For more information, please contact the Roanoke County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at (540) 387-6078.

Now through June 7, organizations and individuals may apply for matching grant funding to be used towards park improvements in Roanoke County. $25,000 in funds are available to award in increments of up to $5,000 for projects that help further the mission of the department. Please view our website for details, and direct questions to Arlain Martin at (540) 387-6078 ext. 0.

- Submitted by Roanoke County Parks & Recreation

Informational Forum with RoxAnne Christley and Joe McNamara

Candidates for the Republican nomination for the Windsor Hills seat on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors

Oak Grove Elementary School

Tuesday, May 7

7pm 

This is a wonderful opportunity for voters in the district to meet and question the two candidates on the issues concerning Roanoke County, with an emphasis on issues affecting K-12 schools.

This event is sponsored by the Oak Grove PTA

Submitted by Frances Rogers

The South County Library will be busier than usual tonight.

Roanoke County Republicans will be holding a mass meeting there; there’s also a town hall meeting on bicycle safety. We previously posted about the bicycle meeting.

Here’s a release from the Republicans:

Roanoke County Republicans will meet at the South County Library on Thursday evening to elect their delegates to the May 18 state convention that will nominate the party’s statewide ticket.

The 209 delegate-vote-strong Roanoke County delegation will have one of the largest voting strengths in the state and the largest from a delegation west of Richmond. A formula based on a locality’s GOP vote in previous statewide elections determines each delegation’s voting strength.

Delegate prefiling closed on April 11, but Roanoke County registered voters who are in accord with Republican principles and intend to support the 2013 ticket may still be considered to be a delegate if they attend the mass meeting.

Attorney General candidate Del. Rob Bell and Attorney General candidate Sen. Mark Obenshain’s wife Suzannne Obenshain will be addressing the mass meeting. Lt. Governor candidates Del. Scott Lingamfelter and Chairman Corey Stewart are also confirmed speakers.

Registration to participate in the mass meeting will be open from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the mass meeting itself will start at 7 p.m. The full call is available at the Roanoke County Republicans website.

Bicycle safety and transportation will take center stage at this week’s Town Hall meeting, Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m., at South County Library, 6303 Merriman Road Roanoke, VA 24018.
Roanoke County residents and area bicycle-related businesses are encouraged to attend to hear presentations, share information, and network.
Roanoke County Board of Supervisor’s member Charlotte Moore will join other speakers at the event, including Jeremy Holmes from RIDE Solutions, Liz Belcher from the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, Nancy Hans from the Prevention Council, and Roanoke County Police Officer Eric Orange.
Topics at the meeting will range from bicycle and transportation options in Roanoke County, the importance of greenway etiquette when mixing pedestrians with cyclists, and bicycle regulations in the County.
For more information, contact Roanoke County Supervisor Charlotte Moore at (540) 556-1951.
Submitted by Roanoke County

Blue Ridge Transportation Safety Board Supports Distracted Driving Month

Buckle Up, Phone Down

Today we join DRIVE SMART Virginia in supporting Distracted Driving Month and we call on all drivers in our region to avoid any distraction when they’re driving. Distracted driving occurs when driving becomes secondary in importance to another activity happening while the vehicle is in motion. Though there are many forms of distracted driving, such as adjusting a stereo, eating, or using navigation systems, cell phone use is by far the most prevalent distraction leading to crashes and near-crashes. But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming form of driver distraction.

The National Safety Council reports 1.6 million crashes each year involve a driver talking on cell phones or texting. Though distracted driving is a problem with all ages, the greatest proportion of distracted drivers are under the age of 20. According to the Pew Research Center, 40% of American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that placed others in danger. According to research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), nearly 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the event. A quick look away from the road could have disastrous consequences.

“It is obvious to see the problem of distracted driving by noting the number of people seen daily focused on a cell phone instead of the road,” said Chief Howard Hall. “My career has been focused on improving traffic safety and I wonder when people will begin to realize the true dangers associated with distracted driving?”

Naturalistic driving studies- using sophisticated cameras and instrumentation in participant’s personal vehicles- conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute provide a clear picture of driver distraction. According to their research, a texting driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash as an alert driver. The average driver texting takes their eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds during a six second interval. A driver traveling 55 miles per hour would have traveled the length of a football field without looking at the roadway. Research by Carnegie Mellon indicates that driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cell phone users are 18% slower to take action when seeing brake lights.

Take a look at these Virginia statistics for 2012.

• 107,240 total crashes

• 58, 547 people were injured in these crashes

• 773 people died in motor vehicle crashes

• 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes are caused by distracted driving

“Working in the field of trauma services, I have seen first hand the serious injuries and deaths that occur when drivers are not paying attention to the road,” said Dan Freeman. “The best solution is to turn off their phone or hand it to a passenger. The importance of a phone call or text message is not worth the risk of being severely injured or killed.”

The Blue Ridge Transportation Safety Board (BRTSB) encourages everyone to get involved with promoting distraction-free driving in our region. Post distraction-free driving messages on your Facebook page, send an e-mail company wide reminding employees, or include the message in a company or organizational newsletter. Encourage family, friends and coworkers to sign a pledge to never drive distracted. A sample pledge can be found at www.drivesmartva.org.

For the past 25 years, the mission of the BRTSB has been to coordinate and promote traffic safety programs, projects, and educational initiatives while providing a professional network for guidance and support within the region. The BRTSB is composed of traffic safety advocates from both public and private sectors.

Information from the Roanoke County Website