The public is welcome to our meetings. The meetings are held at The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901, the second Wednesday of the month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no charge, although we suggest you join our group which has been in existence for 25 years. The membership dues are only $25 per year and can be paid online on the ‘Join SSV’ page. Your dues will help us continue to deliver top-quality presentations. If you have questions, please email info@seniorstatesmen.org. Click the tab above to see samples of our newsletter.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Charlottesville Area Alliance (CAA) is a coalition made up of non-profits, government agencies, housing, and health care institutions that aim to lead the advancement of an age-friendly community in the Thomas Jefferson Area Continuum of Care. An age-friendly community is defined as one that “enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place that makes it easy for older people to stay connected to people that are important to them” (World Health Organization). The Alliance collects data and works to support Seniors by focusing on the following: General Food insecurity, Social Engagement, enjoying their quality of life and rating the community as a good place to live.  Their goal with the survey is to present the City and County with actionable steps to improve the lives of Seniors.

Melanie Benjamin,
The Center at Belvedere and
Leader, The Charlottesville Area Alliance

Melanie Benjamin is the Executive Director at The Center at Belvedere (The Center), a local nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for older adults to increase their health span, resilience, and independence.  Melanie joined The Center as its Philanthropy Director in 2019 and became Executive Director in November 2023.  Driven by a belief that we all have a part to play in driving social change, Melanie held progressively responsible fundraising roles at the University of Virginia, The Center for Open Science, and Southern Methodist University before joining The Center.

The program will be moderated by SSV Board Member, Sue Liberman.

SSV IS ASKING ALL ATTENDEES TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:
Senior Statesmen of Virginia | The Center Charlottesville (thecentercville.org)

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Past Programs

Past programs are arranged in inverse chronological order.  Speaker bios and links to videos and podcasts are given, with a program summary written by SSV board members

• IMG_5038

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_5038-scaled.jpeg

• IMG_5039

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_5039-scaled.jpeg

SSV President Sue Liberman welcomed the large crowd and recognized SSV Board members. She then introduced the General Assembly Update guests: 
—VA Senator Creigh Deeds, 11th District, Chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee, member of Courts and Justice Committee, member of the Finance and Appropriations Committee, member of the Privileges and Elections Committee and member of the Rules Committee.  He also serves on the Federal Impact committee.

https://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/memberpage.php?id=S62;

—VA Delegate Amy Laufer, 55th District, member of the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, Education Committee and Finance Committee. She also works on gun safety and women’s health issues.  https://apps.house.virginia.gov/members/H0371  

–VA Delegate Katrina Callsen, 54th District. member of the Finance Committee, Courts of Justice Committee, Privileges and Elections Committee and General Laws Committee.  She also works on kindship guardianship. https://house.vga.virginia.gov/members/H0354

Senator Deeds shared that the Virginia General Assembly is the first and oldest General Assembly in the country, dating from July 30, 1619.  For the first time since 2001, the GA has yet to pass a budget, with two big issues:  data centers and energy demands.  Data centers account for 84% of Virginia’s capital investment over the past years, providing local governments with $1+ billion in local tax revenue.  The current data center sales tax exemption is costing Virginia much more than estimated in 2008.  There is disagreement on continuation of the sales tax exemption, and how to pay for the demands on energy by data centers.

Delegate Laufer noted the passage of the redistricting legislation and the second passage of three constitutional amendments, now to be on the November ballot.  She shared her work on gun violence prevention, worker’s rights in the public sector, right to contraception.  Eleven of her bills were passed by both the Senate and House, with only one vetoed to date.

Delegate Callsen shared her satisfaction that the kindship guardianship bill passed, and, her work on legislation that will allow adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates.

Audience questions touched on these issues: 

—Guns on college campuses was a regulation and is now a code, allowing law enforcement to respond

–Can no longer carry assault rifles in public

–Recreational cannabis laws to allow retail sales still in discussion.  THC strength one of the concerns.

–VA Supreme Court ruling to overturn the voter’s approval of redistricting based on technicality – definition of “election.”  Does the election start at early voting or is the election on election day.  The VA Attorney General is appealing the VA Supreme Court decision to the US Supreme Court.

–ICE detention centers in Virginia.  How can citizens be aware of proposals.

–Public education and parent choice vouchers.

–Voting Rights Act ruling by US Supreme Court

–Three Constitutional amendments for reproductive freedom, returning voting rights to those with felony convictions, and marriage equality.

–Regional energy sales and purchase, and use of imported energy for data centers.   Currently, data centers are not paying for the energy they need/use.  The cost is being spread across all energy users.Strengthening the independence of the State Corporation Commission will provide more oversight on energy.

It was noted that the Governor has until May 22 to veto or sign a bill.  Any bill not vetoed or signed will become law. So, two ways to have a bill become law:  Signed by Governor or not signed nor vetoed.

President Liberman again thanked our General Assembly delegation for presenting this annual program to SSV.

• 20260408_143451

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260408_143451-scaled.jpeg

• 20260408_144106

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260408_144106-scaled.jpeg

• 20260408_144114

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260408_144114-scaled.jpeg

• April 2026 1

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/April-2026-1.jpeg

• April 2026 2

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/April-2026-2.jpeg

• April 2026 3

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/April-2026-3.jpeg

• April 2026 4

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/April-2026-4.jpeg

Sue Liberman, President, welcomed everyone and introduced the SSV Board. SSV Director, Dr. Frank Friedman shared an introduction of the speaker…

Dr. Jean Runyon, President of Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) since 2022.  PVCC is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia, forming the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).  The system was created in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s to provide college access – within one hour’s drive – to all Virginians.  PVCC celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.

The VCCS is pursuing an important goal of 300,000 Virginians attaining meaningful credentials by 2030. PVCC is addressing access, completion and community impact as their strategic focus…Momentum 2030. In the 2024-2025 academic year, PVCC served 8,336 students, with 6,747 pursuing credit work.  This includes 2,013 high school students in the dual credit program (earning high school and college credit while in high school), and 146 students in the prison education credit program.  Another 707 students worked towards workforce credentials and 882 students pursued their GED through adult basic education and English as a Second Language studies.

PVCC offers more than 40 programs (20 in health care), with 388 part time and fulltime faculty.   17% of all students are over 30 years old.  In 2024-25, 743 students graduated from PVCC and 869 earned workforce credentials.  Plus, those dual enrollment classes saved families $2,599,040 – as dual enrollment college classes are FREE to high school students.

1 in 5 area high school graduates enroll at PVCC. And save 66% or more when compared to four-year college/university tuition, like UVA.  PVCC students who complete their associate degree are guaranteed admission to Virginia public colleges and universities.  PVCC is #2 among the community colleges in the number who transfer to UVA.  46% of All college undergraduates in Virginia are enrolled at the 23 community colleges.

1 in 3 employees in Central Virginia have attended PVCC.

2 in 3 businesses in Central Virginia employee a former PVCC student

80% of PVCC graduates stay in the community

Fast Forward is a statewide program and Network2Work is a PVCC program that support individuals seeking local employment.  Fast Forward provides a student with an industry credential, such as CDL or welding Network2Work supports the whole student toward the goal of higher wage positions and self-sustainability.

TJ ACE, the adult education/GED program, is moving back to the main campus this year.  97% of graduates are employed within 6 months of completing their educational goal…and 88% are employed in jobs in their field.

PVCC receives around one-half of its budget from student tuition, 36% from the State and 14% from grants and other sources.  A key component of the budget is the PVCC Foundation, which provided $6 million in scholarships and funding this year.

As a part of Momentum 2030, PVCC is addressing the fact that 18% of first-time college students leave PVCC with no college credits.  They have determined that the challenges students have with math and English classes play a large role.  The PVCC Foundation stepped forward and is supporting supplemental instruction to increase student success in these gateway classes.  And, increase their progress towards that degree or credential.

May 11th is the 53rd graduation…everyone is invited!  

To learn more about PVCC, visit:  https://www.pvcc.edu/ and to learn about the opportunity for seniors to audit classes at no cost!, OR qualify for tuition waiver to receive credit for the class, visit: https://www.pvcc.edu/senior-citizens

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!

May 13^th – Virginia Assembly Update:  Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen, and Delegate Amy Laufer

June 10^th – Charlottesville Area Alliance on Age-Friendly Community

No Program in July

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!

May 13^th – Virginia Assembly Update:  Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen, and Delegate Amy Laufer

June 10^th – Charlottesville Area Alliance on Age-Friendly Community

No Program in July

• 20260311_144347

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260311_144347-scaled.jpeg

• 20260311_144243(2)

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260311_1442432-scaled.jpeg

Sue Liberman, President, welcomed everyone and introduced the SSV Board…as well as founder Gene Ecton Davis. VA Senior Medicare Patrol State Director, Shawn Smith, provided an eye-opening and thought-provoking program to SSV.  The Senior Medicare Patrol is hosted by the VA Area Agency on Aging in Virginia, through the US Department of Health and Human Services grant funding.  Shawn noted that he has several programs available at no charge to any group, anywhere.  Call 800-938 -8885 if you are interested in having a program for your group or organization!

Shawn’s topic was “Everyday Scams to Avoid: Protecting Yourself from Common Phone, Email, Text and AI (Artificial Intelligence) Scams”. MEDICARE STATEMENTS – if something looks different or unusual or concerning on your Medicare statement, call 800 938 8885. TEXTING ABOUT MEDICARE- if you receive a text about urgent action, or concern about Medicare or told to click on a link, do not do it and …..call 800 938 8885. Current PHONE SCAMS – your bank calls about fraud on account.  Hang up and call your bank on a number you know if your bank. Do not share banking transactions, do not provide any codes.

#2 Don’t hand your phone to strangers to take photos or enter their phone numbers. VENMO/ZELLE/CASH APP SCAMS – if you receive an unexpected amount of money in any of these accounts, do respond to request to return a mistaken transfer.  Call your bank. CREDIT CARD SCAMS – skimmers on top of credit card machines. Pull on the machine before you use it. Or, fake QR code stickers pasted on top of real ones.  If code looks odd, question it.

QR SCAMS – be careful when using QR codes as a bogus one can introduce malware into your phone.

USB FLASH DRIVES and USB CHARGING STATIONS – bogus ones can also introduce malware.  Don’t use unknown flash drives. In addition, use electric plug chargers rather than USB chargers (for example, at airport cell/computer charging stations).

For details….and MUCH More…visit Home – Senior Medicare Patrol

For more information: centerforpolitics.org

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!

April 8 th – Legal Aspects of War: Ret. Major General Charles J. Dunlap, Director of International Law at
Duke University

May 13 th – Virginia Assembly Update: Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen, and Delegate
Amy Laufer

June 10 th – Charlottesville Area Alliance on Age-Friendly Community

J. Miles Coleman is the associate editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, the University of Virginia Center for Politics’ authoritative, nonpartisan newsletter on American campaigns and elections. A New Orleans native, Miles is a 2014 graduate of Louisiana State University, where he double-majored Anthropology and International Studies. A political cartographer, Miles has generated a portfolio of thousands of electoral maps to illustrate his thoughts. Coleman’s talk today covered his assessment of the 2025 VA governor’s election, a preview of the 2026 midterm elections, the current plan for 2026 VA redistricting map, referendum and thoughts on 2026 election topics.

Abigail Spanberger beat Winsome Earle-Sears by a 16% margin. Coleman explained the large majority by noting Spanberger’s 7 years in US Congress in competitive races, her access to a national donor base, focusing on the economy and a backlash against Trump. While Earle- Sears had a good story and professional history, her focus on transgender issues which has lower voter appeal and previous win on Youngkin’s coattails were not enough to win. Coleman observed that people are currently voting more along party lines rather than crossing party and voting for individuals.

Jay Jones win over Jason Miyares who was the only incumbent on the ballot for attorney general was unexpected as poles showed Miyares with slight lead. The reasons may have be that people were uncomfortable saying they would vote for Jones after the scandal and voting straight party line. At the federal level in Congress, using multiple red and blue maps to explain the 26 midterm elections, Coleman sees the Democrats holding their majority in the Senate but noted there are several vulnerable in districts. The Republicans face the same issues to hold on to the House of Representatives. The closeness of the majority is the basic reason for the current “redistricting wars”.

Virginia’s new redistricting map drawn up by Democrats, is being appealed by Republicans to the VA Supreme Court. If the court allows the process to proceed there with be a statewide referendum vote on April 21 for this single issue.

Coleman’s thoughts on topics for the midterm elections included immigration, consumer satisfaction, housing and Trump approval.

For more information: centerforpolitics.org

• Meeting

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20260114_143521-scaled.jpeg

• Meetingg

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20260114_143500-scaled.jpeg

The speakers were introduced by Board member, Frank Friedman, who moderated the session. Chris Engel, Director of Economic Development for the City of Charlottesville, spoke first reporting that the City is lucky to have a growing economy that is expected to continue growing. He noted that the local government role in economic development is not well known or understood so promoting awareness is part of the effort. The City provides training programs for those starting businesses and works with businesses to find and train employees. The University of Virginia provides pathways of opportunity with many tech startups spun off from the work of UVa professors. He added that “place making” to make the community attractive to businesses is an important city government role and he highlighted the downtown mall as an example of this.

Emily Kilroy, Director of Economic Development for Albemarle County, opened her comments by pointing out that Albemarle County did not start work on economic development until 2016. The mission of her office is to strengthen and diversify the County tax base, promoting growth without compromising the quality of life for residents. The demographics of the area pose a challenge in that there are lots of young people and retirees but fewer prime working-age people. Strong economic growth in the county is focused on intelligence and national security and particularly life sciences where UVa investments are making this a premier destination for biotech firms. The third element is a diverse agricultural sector with wine, cider and production for farm markets. Albemarle County is 95% rural with just the remaining 5% set aside for development. She stressed that the city and county share goals on jobs, education and training and provided examples of joint efforts.

The speakers then answered audience questions concerning worker shortages in agriculture due to immigration restrictions, the potential local impact of federal cuts to research, the benefits of the huge AstraZeneca project and the bigger question of why economic growth is important. There was also a question about data centers in Albemarle which Ms. Kilroy explained were controlled by a recent county ordinance that limits their size without a special use permit requiring public input in a two-year process.

Following our Annual meeting and Election of Officers on December 17 th , members began brainstorming possible topics and speakers for upcoming Senior Statesmen of Virginia programs. Now we would love to hear from YOU. What subjects, issues, or guest speakers would you find valuable, informative, or inspiring? This is your chance to suggest ideas—no topic is too small, and all perspectives are welcome. As a reminder, SSV is a nonpartisan organization committed to open, civil discussion. We want our programs to reflect the interests and curiosity of our community. If you have suggestions, please respond to this email, and I will be happy to share them with our Programs Committee for consideration.

Please consider inviting your friends, neighbors, or relatives to attend future programs. New voices and fresh ideas help keep our meetings engaging and relevant.

We look forward to your suggestions and seeing you at upcoming events!

February 11 th – Election Insights: J Miles Coleman, Center on Politics at UVA and Associate Editor of Larry’s Crytal Ball, will discuss November Election results and provide some insight on polling related to upcoming issues and races in 2026.

March 11 th – Reducing Medicare Fraud: Shawn Smith, State Director for the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol Program

April 8 th – Law of Armed Conflict: Lt. General Charles J. Dunlap, Director of International Law at Duke University

May 13 th – Virginia Assembly Update: Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen, and Delegate Amy Laufer

SSV member, Margie Swanson, introduced the panel for today’s discussion on “Can Capitalism and Democracy Co-Exist?”  Professor Sid Milkis, UVA Department of Politics, moderated: Margaret Riley Darden, Professor of Law, Public Health Science and Public Policy at the Batten School of Leadership; Scott Miller, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Darden Business School; and Michael Lenox, Professor of Business Administration at Darden School of Business.

The question:  Can the Rule of Law (Democracy) and Resources (Capitalism) Co-Exist?  Several pathologies get in the way: economic inequality, monopoly power, alienated voters, global trade and partisan politics. Eugene Debs (American socialist and labor leader), Bernie Sanders (US Senator, longest serving independent member of US Congress), and Marc Andreesen (The Techno-Capitalist Manifesto) are referenced as viewpoints on profit and democracy.  For more info, visit: Eugene V. Debs | Biography & Facts | Britannica; About Bernie » Senator Bernie Sanders; and The Techno-Optimist Manifesto | Andreessen Horowitz. 

Professor Lenox says, Yes, democracy and capitalism can co-exist…if we are watching against democracy moving to autocracy AND that capitalists don’t undermine the state (government).  In Russia, state controls most of the economy.  In China, capitalists are too powerful.  Both challenge/damage capitalism.

Professor Miller, a historian, notes that Americans have never agreed on the relationship between capitalism and democracy.  The logic of the market is not the logic of the family or society.   Henry George was viewed as dangerous by both the political right and political left. Henry George | Biography, Single Tax, & Progress and Poverty | Britannica Money. Our current issues are not different from the past, he notes.  Tho, the “haves and have nots” gap is increasing and polarization is the worst since Civil War times.

Professor Darden notes that the late 19th century and beginning of the 1900’s also saw these issues in America.  The definitions of capitalism and democracy are a key.

Biggest challenges?  Technology and technological inequality.  Education haves and have nots.  Identity and belonging.  Lack of mobility up and down the scale…..can people of wealth still “fall down.”  Alexander Hamilton and Teddy Roosevelt impacts on capitalism and democracy were noted.  For more info, visit: The Grand Strategy of Alexander Hamilton – AHS; and Capitalism and Labor – Theodore Roosevelt Center.

Are self-government and capitalism compatible?  Yes, says Professor Miller.  With checks and balances on democracy to avoid mob rule.  AND an active and competent citizenry.  Founders chose a democratic republic.  Since WWII, profound lack of trust in government institutions, notes Professor Darden.  Oligarchy and communications are too closely aligned.  And youth unemployment leads to revolution.  She believes Americans are willing to accept a solution that is more dramatic than usual. Another issue, says Professor Miller, hyper individualism of the 2000’s.  “Make yourself happy” origins from the 1980’s. 

Can we learn from others?  Denmark trains workforce for changes in economy.  Universal vouchers? What do we owe to each other? IF you answer “nothing,” you operate outside the American tradition. How do we return to…..who we are are/who we want to be? Collective purpose, how do we return to this? Everyone is a valued member of society. Shared values. Reasons to vote. People feel left behind…how to change? Rural areas….in history, electrification gave everyone a level playing field.  Would internet access across the country do this for today’s Americans?

• Denver & Board

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Denver-Board-scaled.jpeg

• Denver Speaking

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Denver-Speaking.jpeg

SSV President Sue Liberman welcomed all in attendance and introduced SSV Board members. VP and Program Committee Chair Margie Swanson introduced today’s speaker, the Honorable Denver Riggleman, New York Times best-selling author of “The Breach,” former U.S. Congressman of Virginia’s 5 th District and current President/CEO of Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group.

Denver with his extensive background, experience and training in Intelligence and Risk Reduction, set about to educate us on the three burning topics in American democracy about the “DATA” involved – electoral security, election policies, meeting the challenge, and the debunked conspiracy theories such as “stealing the vote,” that surrounded previous elections. His first topic was to pose the question of who thought Virginia elections are fair, safe, and secure – but he did not have us answer – just think! He highlighted the state of this issue by pointing out that the money spent on data manipulation and misinformation is now the highest it has ever been in the history of our country. He challenged the audience to look more closely at the “news,” by questioning where the information came from, the source and how the conclusions put forth by the news reporter were reached. Denver reminded us that most election data is not connected to the internet and that to breach it would require hundreds of thumb drives in multiple locations to interfere. He covered all the conspiracies like ballot dumping, broken algorithms, mail in ballot fraud, illegal votes, and dead voters – emphasizing that none of these actually happened. In the case of so-called illegal votes, he pointed to the data that said in the history of US elections, .0003-.00025% or between 45 and 3750 votes were ever found to be fraudulent and thus never had a chance to change any election outcome. He did leave the thought in the air that officials have reduced resources (lowering the budgets of SISA, the FBI, the State Department’s GEC, and DOJ to investigate and prevent election insecurities) since the prior election to protect the 2026 midterm and the 2028 federal elections. Denver said that in today’s world, the need for more and better risk analysis for new and greater threats arise with increasing menace.

In parting, his personal thoughts were these: the inflammatory rhetoric and deployment of federal troops to America’s cities have had some intimidation effect but the backlash has been far greater – motivating people to protest and go vote. He hates bullies and he asked us to look closely at the disenfranchisement policies and procedures before the elections as he believes these are the tactics to best steal the vote. He fielded pointed questions from the audience about the “Prevention Paradox,” the oppressive feeling of “reciprocal data” and then he reminded us that there are 340 million Americans eligible to vote so hand-counting the ballots is unrealistic and unnecessary.

Sue Liberman made the following announcements regarding upcoming programming:
November 12 th – Can Democracy and Capitalism Co-Exist, UVA Professors Sid Milkas, Margaret Riley,
and Scott Miller bring their rich and relevant talents to answer the question.

December 17 th (please note this is the third Wednesday)- Annual SSV meeting and Election of
Officers. The meeting will be at the Center at 2:30 p.m., and will include refreshments, a request for Audience
Participation in small groups to aid in planning future programs

• 20250910_143057(4)

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250910_1430574-scaled.jpeg

• 20250910_151801(2)

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250910_1518012-scaled.jpg

• 20250910_143045(6)

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250910_1430456-scaled.jpeg

• 20250910_151734(2)

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250910_1517342-scaled.jpg

• 20250910_143121(1)

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250910_1431211-scaled.jpeg

• 20250910_151725(3)

  https://seniorstatesmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250910_1517253-scaled.jpg

SSV President Sue Liberman welcomed all in attendance and introduced SSV Board members.  She also extended a special welcome to SSV co-founder Gene Ecton Davis and her partner, Bill Davis.

After impressive introductions of Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley and Albemarle County Public School Superintendent Matt Haas, the two speakers noted they collaborated on one presentation and one PowerPoint.

They began by providing basic facts about each school system: (24 schools serving 14,173 students in the County and 9 schools serving 4443 students in the City). They shared how the two superintendents work together with weekly calendar meetings scheduled, topical check ins as needed, monthly lunch meetings, and shared academic calendars.

FIVE FAST FACTS:

• CCS is working on 1) modernization of facilities, 2) reconfiguration of the schools and attendance zones (first redistricting in 50 years), 3) invest in career pathways, 4) moving early childhood education from each elementary school to one school (likely Walker School building), and 5) xpanding learning alternatives for students (night school as example).
• ACPS is working on 1) the new Mountain View Upper Elementary School building, 2) Career Exploration Academy at Albemarle HS, 3) Scholar’s Studio work-based learning programs, 4) safety (weapon screening, new school visitor mgt. system, School Resource Officers returning, school speed zones and school bus arm cameras), and 5) personal device-free schools.

They shared successes, challenges and opportunities, including support for General Assembly legislation that will allow for a 1% sales tax dedicated to school construction and a Virginia dedicated state fund for K-12 school construction, and a review of the Local Composite Index that drives funding to school divisions.  The LCI currently requires CCS to pay 77% of the cost of K-12 education and ACPS to pay 69% of the cost of K-12 education.

The public can share your views with:

Delegate Katrina Callsen – delKCallsen@house.virginia.gov, phone 804 698 1054;

Delegate Amy Laufer – delalaufer@house.virginia.gov, phone 804 698 1055, and

Senator Creigh Deeds – senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov, phone  804 698 7511

Sue Liberman expressed appreciation for the informative program.  She then noted the upcoming programs:

October – Cyber Security and the Elections, Denver Riggleman

November – Democracy and Capitalism – Can they Co-Exist

December – Annual SSV meeting and Election of Officers.

No slides are available in this gallery

The speakers were introduced by Board member Sandi Meadows, who moderated the session before one of the largest audiences for an SSV presentation. Morgan Butler, Senior Attorney, and, Associate Attorney, Christina Libre, began with a brief introduction to the Southern Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan legal organization focused on land use, transportation, and other environmental issues. The SELC was founded in Charlottesville in 1986 and has now expanded its work to six southeast states.

The focus of this presentation was on the recent explosive growth of large-scale data centers in Virginia, beginning in Northern Virginia but now spreading elsewhere to include potentially in Albemarle County. They pointed out that data centers, which consist of stacks and stacks of computer servers in massive buildings, provide value to localities, to include tax revenue, but also have negative impacts on the environment and neighboring communities. Data centers require tremendous amounts of electricity as well as enormous quantities of cooling water and generate noise that is continuous and can be unpleasant to nearby residents. The need for on-site diesel generators, ostensibly only for emergency use, adds to the problems.

Localities control the approval of new data centers, but individual approval decisions do not necessarily consider the aggregate impact of many such facilities on communities. Construction of data centers on land already zoned for industry can be by-right, as was recently the case in Albemarle County, or localities can pass ordinances requiring individual review of each proposal. A draft Albemarle ordinance has strong features regarding screening and restrictions on auxiliary power emissions but would designate four County districts that would permit establishment of large-scale data centers by right. The SELC believes this would be a mistake that would not allow public input. Maps were displayed of each of the proposed sites, all of which were shown to be near residential developments.

Questions following the presentation focused on why square footage was used to determine the scale of data centers and whether the cooling water would be recycled. The issue of requiring use of solar and other environmental energy sources was raised and the speakers pointed out that this would not be possible to do on- site and, furthermore, that localities do not have the authority to regulate energy uses. Another raised the interesting question about the potential for technological advances that could render these facilities obsolete and white elephants that localities would have to deal with.