Governor McDonnell Proclaims September 11th Day of Remembrance, Patriotism and Prayer in Virginia

Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation marking September 11th a "Day of Remembrance, Patriotism and Prayer" in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Governor's proclamation is below and can be found at this Link

9/11

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE,

PATRIOTISM AND PRAYER

WHEREAS,  the events of September 11, 2001 have profoundly affected-and continue to affect-all aspects of our society, and the lives of Virginians, Americans and  people across the world were changed forever following the destruction of the World Trade Center complex in New York City, the attack against the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of Flight 93 in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS,  ten years later the citizens of our Commonwealth and these United States continue to mourn for the more than three thousand innocent voices that were tragically silenced-including 184 in Virginia at the Pentagon-by terrorists on that infamous day of death and destruction; and

WHEREAS,  it is imperative that we never forget our shock and revulsion at the needless destruction, the bravery of our first responders who risked all for their neighbors, our anguish from the sudden loss of so many precious lives, or how we as a people did not succumb to a state of fear as the terrorists intended, but instead set aside our differences and united as patriots in our country's hour of need; and

WHEREAS, while we reflect upon the memory of the departed, it is important that we also pause to remember and honor the sacrifices of all those members of our armed forces who have given their lives in heroic service to our country and all members of our military who have volunteered to bring those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and their supporters to justice during the Global War on Terror; and

WHEREAS,  prayer has long served as a measure of our nation's strong heritage of faith and has been an indispensable source of moral and spiritual guidance for citizens throughout our Commonwealth's history, and it is fitting that our Commonwealth reserve a day in which our citizens may reflect and mourn-consistent with their own faith traditions-with those who have suffered as a result of terrorism, to humbly ask God for the strength and fortitude necessary to protect our lives, liberty and property from future transgressions, and to give thanks for the freedoms with which we as a people are fortunate enough to be blessed;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize September 11, 2011 as a DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, PATRIOTISM AND PRAYER in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens; and

FURTHERMORE, I urge all citizens of our Commonwealth to display the flag of the United States of America wherever possible, and I invite all to witness a one-minute, statewide Moment of Silence starting at 9:39 AM-when American Airlines Flight 77 impacted with the Pentagon in our County of Arlington-and I encourage Virginians to reflect upon the lives lost and heroic sacrifices made on that fateful eleventh day of September.

Federal Public Assistance Program

Gov. Bob McDonnell requested federal disaster assistance for state and local governments to help in their recovery from Hurricane Irene. Virginia received this assistance, called Public Assistance, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Sept. 3.  The federal Public Assistance program covers certain costs that state and local governments and some nonprofits may have as a result of responding to the storm. These costs are for damage to critical infrastructure, roads, buildings and equipment, debris removal and related emergency services.  The local governments approved for the federal Public Assistance program are: Essex, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Middlesex, New Kent, Richmond, Southampton, Sussex, Westmoreland and York; and the cities of Chesapeake, Emporia, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.  Other local governments may receive federal Public Assistance after damage assessments are completed in those localities.  FEMA's Public Assistance program can reimburse local and state governments for 75 percent of eligible expenses.

A Joint Field Office with FEMA and VDEM recovery officials is set up at Clover Hill High School in Chesterfield County near Richmond to coordinate the work with local governments covered under the Public Assistance program. Informational webinars will be scheduled soon with the local governments to explain the federal process.

Federal Individual Assistance Program

There is no federal assistance currently available for citizens as a result of the hurricane, called Individual Assistance. It is too early to know if Virginia will be eligible for the federal Individual Assistance program or a loan program offered through the Small Business Administration. Teams of federal, state and local representatives are still evaluating damage to homes and other private property. These assessments often take more time to complete. So far, damage appears to be less than expected, and much was insured damage. Wind caused most of the damage, and this is normally covered by homeowners insurance. We are not yet sure if Virginia will have enough uninsured damage to qualify for the FEMA Individual Assistance program or loans from the Small Business Administration.

If citizens have unmet needs, what should they do?

Those with immediate need for shelter, food or water should check with their local social services department or local emergency manager to find out if agencies and organizations in their areas are offering help.  People can call 211, which is a 24/7 service by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Operators can help answer questions from citizens and also have access to resources that may be available.  Some voluntary organizations are responding to specific needs in communities. Local emergency managers usually know which organizations are working in their communities. If a local emergency manager is not aware of volunteer efforts, he or she can call their regional VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to find out more. If there is not a regional VOAD, the local emergency manager can call Terry Raines with VDEM at (804) 371-7217.

Hurricane Irene damage in Hanover County. Photo courtesy of Nat Atkins

Virginia's Disaster Relief Fund

Virginia is working first to obtain federal assistance to help recover from Irene.  If federal Individual Assistance is not available, then an individual or family should find out from their local emergency manager whether volunteer and nonprofit organizations are offering assistance in their community.  If an individual or family still has basic, unmet needs, then Virginia's Disaster Fund may be able to help. See www.disasterfund.virginia.gov.  The state-managed fund was established by Governor Bob McDonnell to financially help Virginians affected by severe weather or other disasters. Donations to the fund come from individuals, companies, nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups.  The fund is designed to work through charitable organizations that help individuals. Proceeds from the fund are distributed as grants to charities and faith-based organizations associated with the Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. Proceeds also go to Local Disaster Recovery Groups. Proceeds do not go directly to individuals. Charitable groups and local governments will identify specific needs by working with individuals and families and can request grants from the fund to meet those needs.  Individuals and families should go to their local emergency manager or charitable group to request assistance through this program.  If you want to contribute to the fund, credit card donations for the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund can be made at www.disasterfund.virginia.gov. If you want to write a check, make it payable to Treasurer of Virginia with "disaster relief" in the memo line. Send checks to Comptroller's Office, P.O. Box 1971, Richmond, VA 23218-1971. Donations are tax deductible.

If citizens have property damage, what should they do?

Report damage related to Hurricane Irene to the city or county where they are located. This is to record the damage only, not to register for services or funds. Call the local emergency management office or go to the local government's website. A list of emergency managers is available at https://lemd.vdem.virginia.gov/Public/Default.aspx or find the link on the left side of the VDEM website, www.vaemergency.gov 

What should residents be doing now?

The events of August - Dismal Swamp fire, Mineral earthquake and aftershocks, and Hurricane Irene - remind us that everyone needs to be prepared for emergencies. This is the height of hurricane season in Virginia. Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov for information on what to do to be ready.  Restock at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water for your family (one gallon of water per person per day). Restock batteries for portable radios, weather radios and flashlights.  Help older residents in your neighborhood or those who may be homebound with restocking their non-perishable food and water, prescriptions and other supplies.

2011-12 Influenza Vaccine and Vaccination Information

Who should get vaccinated this season?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.

Delegate Peace receives  his flu shot

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
• Health care workers
• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
• Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Where can I get a flu vaccine?

Flu vaccine shipments began in August and will continue throughout September and October until all vaccine is distributed. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients as soon as flu vaccine is available in their area, even as early as August. See your doctor or nurse to get the flu vaccine, or seek out other locations where vaccine is being offered. 

VA Dept. of Health:  http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/Locations.htm 

You are invited to

an exclusive wine tasting

presented by

Don Carlstrom of J.W. Sieg Wines

 for our friend

Delegate Christopher K. Peace

97^th House District

On

Thursday, October 20, 2011

5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

The Commonwealth Club

401 West Franklin Street

Richmond, Virginia

Business attire: Coat and Tie

For questions contact Julie Coggsdale (804) 730-3737 or julie@chrispeace.com

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

_____ $1000  Event Chair (6 attendees, special recognition, and 2 select wines of your choice)

Since being elected, the "Peace Corps" has worked to support measures which protect the principles of life, lower taxes, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government, job creation, religious liberty and worked to make Virginia the best place to do business and raise a family.  The "Peace Corps" is up and "running" and I am recruiting your yard for service.  If you would like a Re-Elect Chris Peace sign delivered, please email your name and address to Julie.  If you would like a bumper sticker, please let me know, the "Peace Corps"will deliver that too.  I am humbled to serve and thank you for your continued faith and support.  

Come Meet your new Delegate

Redistricting has changed the 97th District.  I am pleased to have gained many new neighborhoods in Hanover County.  I am planning a series of events to meet my new constituents.  I have scheduled a "Meet your Delegate" reception for October 26 at 6:30pm at the home of Chris and Missy Minton located at 6075 Havenview Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.  If you live in Pebble Creek, Bruce Estates, Harbor Hill Farms, Cherrydale, Spicetree, Battlefield Green, or another close by neighborhood, I hope you will come visit with me.  Please RSVP to Julie Coggsdale

My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously.  My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available.  I encourage you to contact us.  Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth. 

I may be reached at:

Capitol Office:
PO Box 406
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 804-698-1097

Fax: 804-698-6797

E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

 
District Office:

7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F
PO Box 819
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: 804-730-3737
Fax: 804-730-5049
E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov