James Newman dreams of becoming a pilot. 

The 17-year-old student at Patriot High School is interested in all things aviation. Like most his age, he’s into video games. His favorite — a flight simulator. 

But before he can work is way into a career in the field of aviation, this teenager, like most is working a part-time job. He’s a barista at Starbucks. 

But, unlike other students, Newman is getting school credit for his work. 

He’s enrolled in a class called EMPLOY and life skills, where as many as 40 Patriot students, all with varying places on the autism spectrum, learn everything from basic life skills to the wherewithal of going out into the real world and working a job. 

“I come in with a smile. Even if its a crappy day, I try to make the customers happy,” said Newman.  

He’s worked at Starbucks for a year. Thanks to the EMPLOY class and his instructors, he’s learned simple tasks like how to make the correct change from a cash register to larger responsibilities, like household budgeting. 

“I knew what a paycheck was. I knew how to spend a paycheck but I didn’t know how to budget it,” he adds. 

Ryan Carter, 16, is also in the class. He’s into cooking food and riding rollercoasters. He’s got a YouTube channel of videos dedicated to the more than 80 coasters he’s ridden. 

To reach that number, he had to overcome his initial fear of coasters. Now, he hopes he can put that same determination into his future career. 

“I want to be a chef,” he said. 

He’s known for his own version of shrimp scampi, which includes a mixture of jumbo shrimp and jalapeño poppers. At home, and here at school, he’s encouraged to try new things. 

Tricia Weate and Brook Bell run the program at Patriot High School. Some students are enrolled in the life skills program where they get coaching on how to develop social skills and perform regular tasks. 

They learn the basics of kitchen food preparation and cooking, starting with washing hands, wearing gloves, using measuring cups, and it ends with making a meal.

They work the school’s mailroom, slotting mail for staff members to 237 mailboxes. They help set up and break down lunch shifts in the cafeteria.

In their classroom, they run a screen printing operation where they make t-shirts to raise awareness for autism.  

Other students in the program leave campus and go to restaurants and retail stores, where they work alongside their fellow employees. At Nando’s Peri Peri in Gainesville, some students greet restaurant guests, while others make food. At Fosters Grill, students deliver food. 

“They’re brilliant. We just want the community to see what we see,” said Bell. 

And some businesses have, like Smoothie King, which began providing their EMPLOY student workers with instructions on how to make drinks using color codes. It makes the process easier for them to understand. 

The instructors work with at least 20 community businesses and are always looking for more on which to partner. Some students are paid, while some work for class credit. 

“It’s not free labor. It’s also not ‘you’re so cute, let me help you out,” said Weate. “We want them to treat them like they treat their own staff.” 

“We don’t want sugar-coating. We want the real deal,” added Bell. 

The instructors are always looking for more funding for materials to teach their students, whether it be measuring cups or a replacement cash register to use in the classroom, something the program is in need of. 

The Second Annual Chick-fil-A Bristow Charity Golf Tournament on September 22 at Broad Run Golf & Practice Facility aims to do just that. The 18-hole four, four-person team event will welcome players at 8 a.m. for registration, and then they’ll take to the course for a 9 a.m. shotgun start. 

Chick-fil-A Bristow is looking for golfers for the event. It’s $75 for the public, $60 for cardholders, and $40 for full Broad Run Members. It includes a golf cart, range, and a lunch buffet. 

They’re also in need of corporate sponsors for the event. If you’re interested in playing or sponsoring, Chick-fil-A’s Susan Campbell would love to hear from you.

The proceeds from this charity golf tournament will go to benefit the children enrolled in the EMPLOY and life skills program at Patriot High School. 

“Without them starting this EMPLOY program, I would not have a job,” said Newman. “This class shows me there are many options out there for me.” 

It’s National Environmental Services Week. Environmental Service technicians play a critical role in the day to day operations of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

While you may see these members of the team focused on keeping our hospital clean and free of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), there is more to this dedicated staff, filled with people like Barbara Boateng.

For the last two years, Barbara has worked at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. She’s quick to offer a smile and a helping hand, making sure the medical offices and hospital rooms are cleaned to Sentara Healthcare’s rigorous standards.  

“Barbara is truly one of our shining stars within Sentara and the Sentara Northern Virginia Environmental Services Department. She exemplifies everything wonderful about working in healthcare,” explains Barbara’s boss, Kevin Smith, Director of Environmental Services.

While Barbara is dedicated to her job, she’s motivated by her family. She and her husband, Clement, immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana to provide a better life for their three children. Earlier this summer, years of hard work paid off when the family’s eldest son, Akwasi, graduated from college with a criminal justice degree and a minor in information technology.

“We were so happy! It’s exciting to see your son striving to fulfill his dreams and then accomplishing them. We were so proud!” says Barbara, remembering the moment she saw her son crossing the stage and receiving his diploma from Radford University.

It’s a hope every parent has for their child.

“The dream I have for my children is for all of them to become successful in the future in everything they pursue,” explains Barbara.

Her son graduating from college is the culmination of that. It’s something he realizes.

“After all the hard work, I could finally say I made it across the stage. I was very grateful to have them by my side to support me throughout my college years. It was definitely a joyful moment, I felt like a proud son,” Akwasi explains.

This achievement is something Akwasi doesn’t take for granted, he realizes the immense sacrifices his parents have made for him, his brother and sister.

“They have dedicated their lives to helping us achieve, by supporting us in everything we do and making sure we get everything we need.”

Smith sees Barbara’s hard work and determination every day.

“Barbara working at Sentara to put her son through college and watching him graduate is truly a wonderful achievement and should be an inspiration to many, that anything is possible in this country.”

Smith says Barbara represents the commitment that exists within his department and the hospital.

“Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, just like the community it serves, is home to a very diverse workforce. The diversity of our staff allows the hospital team to reach our patients in some ways that many hospitals may struggle. Barbara is a perfect example of how you can come to this country, work hard, and achieve things for yourself and your family that may not be possible in your country of origin.”

This Environmental Services Week (September 9 – 15), Smith is celebrating his team and heralding their accomplishments.

Multiple service techs have earned the national healthcare accreditation, “CHEST,” or Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician.  Several others will participate in another CHEST training later this year. The certification indicates the user is skilled in the most effective and innovative technologies in infection prevention. 

“Our Environmental Service technicians are the first line of defense and have played a vital role in Sentara Healthcare initiatives. I’m just so proud of my team!” says Smith.

To learn more about joining Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s award-winning team, visit sentaracareers.com.

“At Thrive, we believe standards for senior living have been too low for too long,” said Les Strech, President of Thrive, in a press release. “The benchmark of ‘providing great care’ causes residents to feel like objects in need of care — rather than individuals with a purpose and a great deal to offer others.  Thrive creates an environment where older adults can build new and meaningful relationships, and ‘great care’ follows as a natural result. Our new campaign intentionally crosses a line and illustrates our non-traditional approach. While we can grow gardenias and bake a killer cupcake with the best of them, this campaign illustrates our commitment to our residents’ greater wellbeing and sense of purpose.”

“When I first got involved with the senior living industry, I was honestly mortified, and I started looking into what our competitors were like. There was no life in the building, there was no energy, there was no excitement, you could tell there wasn’t a lot of thought put into the design. With that very first community I vowed, I’m going to do this differently,” said Jeremy Ragsdale, president and founder, in an interview on the company’s YouTube channel.

Thrive Senior Living provides assisted living and memory care communities that are disrupting the industry of elder care. Rather than simply providing a care facility, they are creating communities where seniors can thrive instead of just surviving. Seniors enjoy amenities like cocktail hours and fine dining. They promote independence and assist their members 24 hours a day.  

If you’ve ever wondered how local CEOs, top executives, and leaders really live, then you’ll enjoy this Q&A with Sam Hill, Ed.D. Hill is Provost of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Woodbridge Campus. The college, comprised of six campuses — two of which are in Prince William County — is the largest public educational institution in Virginia and the second-largest community college in the U.S.

Having more than 75,000 students and 2,600 faculty and staff members, NOVA is also one of the most internationally diverse colleges in the nation, with a student body representing more than 180 countries. Here’s an inside look at the life of one of NOVA’s key figures.

Q&A with Sam Hill, Ed.D., Provost of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by the commitment of the students we serve to improve their life situation to become greater contributing members of our community. Many of these students are pursuing a college education while dealing with challenging circumstances. You can’t help but be inspired and committed to making it possible for them to realize their goals. We will be a better community as a result. I’m also inspired by the commitment of the county leaders to economic development and the quality of life in our region. NOVA is a major partner in making this happen.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

It wasn’t healthy and not to be copied, and not my normal breakfast. I had a banana, a sausage and egg sandwich followed by four pieces of chocolate.

What’s your favorite place to hang out?

Bikram Hot Yoga studio with my wife.

If you owned an exotic animal, what would it be and why?

I’ve owned a python and a mongoose (at the same time). The mongoose was a house pet. The python was caged and outside. I also raised white mice for the python and the pythons at the zoo at the University of Liberia.

What’s the last thing you did that surprised you?

Getting a hole-in-one at Laurel Hill Golf Club. That was my second one, but this time I had witnesses.

Sponsored by Prince William County Department of Economic Development

• Located less than 20 miles from the nation’s capital, Prince William County encompasses a total area of 348 square miles.

• Prince William County’s favorable blend of large land parcels, multi-use zoned sites, incentives, reliable power and ample fiber optic availability coupled with the lowest programmable computer taxes in the region, make it an ideal location for businesses seeking a location in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

• 75% of Northern Virginia’s 1.5 million workers live within a 30-minute one-way commute to the center of Prince William County during rush hour. • Prince William County provides access to an outstanding talent pool of highly-skilled, culturally diverse labor; 42% of the workforce has 4-year degrees.

• Prince William County carries a AAA bond rating from all three of the major credit ratings agencies (Fitch, Moody’s and S&P).

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is a progressive member owned utility with a service area that spreads from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

REC serves over 165,000 connections in portions of 22 Virginia counties. REC has a job opening for the position of Benefits Specialist.

Applicant must have an Associate’s degree in business administration or human resources or equivalent. Additional college level courses relating to job performance preferred. PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or CEBS certification a plus.

• Must have eight (8) years of current benefits experience where responsibilities have progressively increased. Additional experience in one or more of the areas of human resources administration, i.e., personnel, recruitment, or payroll highly desired.
• Must be able to compose clear, concise and grammatically correct written communications with attention to detail a must.
• Must be able to communicate with individuals and small groups in a clear and effective manner.
• Must have strong PC ability (preferably Microsoft Office and Windows).
• Must have the ability to handle multiple priorities, be detail oriented and possess good data entry and communication skills.
• Must be able to organize, plan, schedule and coordinate with minimal or no supervision.
• Must be able to initiate and complete projects with little outside direction or help.
• Must exhibit a professional appearance and manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Ability to research information and analyze data to arrive at valid conclusions required.
• Must have the ability to collect, compile and analyze information and data, and interpret and apply laws and policies.
• Knowledge in business and labor laws, labor relations, insurance, payroll, training, planning and administration principles and practices strongly preferred.
• Work will be primarily performed in the Fredericksburg office with occasional trips to the districts. Attendance of seminars and conferences several times a year is also required. Extra hours may be required during emergencies or workload demands.

Candidates interested in applying for this position should submit their cover letter with salary requirements and resume by 9/20/2018 to: Job Code# 51FB09062018 – REC – Human Resources, P.O. Box 7388, Fredericksburg, VA 22404 or e-mail to rechr@myrec.coop or fax to 540-891-5990.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is a progressive member-owned utility with a service area that spreads from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

REC serves over 165,000 connections in portions of 22 Virginia counties. REC is seeking an energetic, proactive, and outgoing self-starter to serve as the Human Resources Talent Engagement & Planning Specialist.

Associate’s degree required. Additional college level courses related to job also preferred. PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP a plus. Must have five (5) years of current recruiting/talent acquisition experience where responsibilities have progressively increased.

Additional experience in other areas of human resources desired. Develops recruitment strategies to achieve required staffing levels. Works with managers to develop specific recruiting and succession plans.

• Develops and maintains professional relationships with college, university, and community college placement offices as a source to generate qualified applicants. Directs the efforts of employment agencies and search firms, including negotiating and controlling employment-related fees.
• Schedules and attends job/career fairs with appropriate staff to generate qualified applicants. Provides information on company operations and job opportunities to potential applicants. Screens and refers qualified applicants to hiring manager for interviewing.
• May provide initial screening to obtain work history, education, training, job skills, and salary requirements.
• Develops and conducts training programs for managers with a goal of improving recruiting and hiring efficiencies and reducing turnover.
• Researches, analyzes, prepares and presents hiring and statistics. Maintains records on recruiting activities as required.
• Participates in development of annual recruiting budget. Must be able to compose clear, concise, and grammatically correct written communications with attention to detail.
• Must be able to communicate with individuals and small groups in a clear and effective manner.
• Must be able to work with a wide variety of individuals both internal and external to the Cooperative.
• Must demonstrate initiative to seek out and act upon solutions. Must have the ability to handle multiple priorities and be detail oriented.
• Must be outgoing, proactive, and able to engage others through personality.
• Must be enthusiastic, energetic, passionate, outgoing, approachable, and optimistic.
• Must also be competitive, tenacious, and creative.
• Must be able to organize, plan, schedule and coordinate with minimal or no supervision.
• Must be able to initiate and complete projects with little outside direction or help.
• Must exhibit a professional appearance and manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships. Must have a team-player attitude.
• Must be able to research information and analyze data to arrive at valid conclusions required.
• Knowledge in human resources related field, business and labor laws, labor relations, insurance, payroll, training, planning and administration principles and practices strongly preferred.
• Work will be primarily performed in the Fredericksburg office with occasional trips to the district locations.
• Attendance of seminars and conferences several times a year is also required. Extra hours may be required during emergencies or workload demands.

Candidates interested in applying for this position should submit their cover letter with salary requirements and resume by 9/20/2018 to: Job Code# 49FB09062018 – REC – Human Resources, P.O. Box 7388, Fredericksburg, VA 22404 or e-mail to rechr@myrec.coop or fax to 540-891-5990.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.