JSRCC hosts fall book discussions
Reynolds hosted two “Around the World Through Books” discussions this fall. The first session featured Summers with Lincoln: Looking for the Man in the Monuments. The College was honored to have author James A. Percoco lead the discussion. The second session featured The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe’s Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War by Lynn H. Nicholas. A review from Publishers Weekly described it as a book “about Nazi Germany’s attempt to cleanse Europe of its ‘degenerate’ art and the Allies’ effort to preserve the continent’s cultural treasures.” The discussion was led by JSRCC faculty members Wayne Knight and Karen Steele.

“Around the World Through Books” is a free community event sponsored by JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council for the purpose of encouraging cultural diversity throughout the Reynolds campuses and communities. For more information about the forum series please contact Laurie Weinberg at (804) 523-5021 or visit Library.reynolds.edu.

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Over 100 Reynolds students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa honor society

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College recently inducted 109 students into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is the largest honor society in American higher education with 1,250 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States. More than two million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 100,000 students inducted annually. The College’s Alpha Iota Beta and Alpha Gamma Omicron chapters select students based on their 3.3 or higher grade point averages, course completion, and good moral character.

Ms. Leisha LaRivier, President and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity addressed the students at the event.

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VCCS Chancellor Dr. Glenn DuBois visits
J. Sargeant Reynolds

Dr. Gary Rhodes (R) with VCCS Chancellor
Dr. Glenn DuBois.

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Gubernatorial candidates visit Reynolds

Virginia gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell recently appeared at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Parham Road Campus before 100 business leaders at a meeting of the Greater Richmond Chamber to outline their plans for getting Virginia's economy moving. Among the topics discussed were tax incentives for small businesses, economic development, energy policy, investments in education, and transportation.

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Vice President Joe Biden visits
J. Sargeant Reynolds

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. strongly defended the economic stimulus package today, telling an audience at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College that it has saved the economy. ~(July 16, 2009)

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Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 highlight new Life Center on PRC

Students recently enjoyed a grand opening of the new PRC Student Life Center. The new center features a pool table, air hockey table, Wii, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and flat screen TVs for the students’ enjoyment.  Located in room 206 of Georgiadis Hall, the center will eventually house computers for students and a conference room for student clubs and organizations. 

“We think it is very important to provide a place for students to get away for awhile and relax,” says Counselor for Student Life Kemper Steel. “Along with opening the Life Center, we also plan to host a number of events this semester as we continue to provide opportunities for students to connect with other students, faculty and staff.

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Western Campus hosts 39 car during race week

JSRCC’s Western Campus hosted the U.S. Army Chevy Impala SS NASCAR stockcar during Richmond’s Race Week. Army recruiters also attended to play games, give away prizes and discuss military options with students. The No. 39 Army car is driven by NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. In his eighth full season in the Sprint Cup, Newman joined Stewart-Haas Racing as the driver of the No. 39 Chevrolet.

 

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SACS chair visits campuses, meets with administrators and deans

Several committees have worked diligently for the past two years preparing JSRCC for its reaffirmation of accreditation – a process that happens every 10 years and gives meaning to the degrees and credits the College provides. This fall, these efforts will culminate with an on-site visit from a team of peers, made up of community college faculty and administrators representing the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Dr. Diane Calhoun-French, chairperson for the on-site SACS Reaffirmation Committee, visited Reynolds in early September to tour the campuses and meet with administrators, deans and the College’s SACS Compliance Review Committee members. In a meeting, she talked about what to expect in October’s site visit and discussed the positive outcomes of preparing for reaccreditation. She spoke positively about Reynolds’ campuses, students and initial SACS reports.

“This preliminary visit was not a requirement or expectation on the part of Dr. Calhoun-French,” said JSRCC President Gary L. Rhodes. “But this meeting has given us all a certain level of comfort as we prepare for the on-site visit this fall.”

The on-site SACS visit is scheduled for October 19-22, 2009.  The Review Committee will visit campuses and off-campus locations, and interview faculty, staff and students.  

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Congressman Bobby Scott visits Reynolds’ Downtown Campus

Congressman Bobby Scott recently visited JSRCC’s Downtown Campus to learn about the economic opportunities the College provides the community. His visit was part of several district visits arranged by the Community Foundation to showcase grant-making foundations and their partnerships. Congressman Scott learned about several Downtown Campus programs – including Middle College, the School of Nursing and Allied Health and the Urban Teachers Institute – and about the role grant-making foundations have in funding them.

Reynolds and Community Foundation representatives walked the Congressman through several of the labs that help train nurses, respiratory therapists, dental laboratory technicians, dental assistants and opticians.

“These are heavily used science labs,” noted JSRCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Elizabeth Littlefield. “They will be part of the renovations that we are trying to raise money for so we can offer training in the latest technologies.”

Congressman Scott also met with Mary Jo Washko, Director of JSRCC’s Middle College program, a GED and college preparation program for those ages 18 through 24 that have not completed high school. The Middle College program solely relies on grant support from the community. Each year, the program has many more applicants than it can reasonably accommodate.

“Middle College provides a self-esteem piece for our students…being in a college environment,” Mary Jo said. “It’s about looking forward and not looking back.”

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JSRCC opticianry program head named to national most influential list

Kristina Green, director of the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Opticianry Program, has been named “One of the 2009 Most Influential Women in Optical" by the optical industries leading news trade publication Vision Monday.

Green has been in opticianry for 14 years and has served as the director of the school’s opticianry program for the past six years. Her responsibilities include the instruction and revision of all courses including ophthalmic optics, finishing laboratory, ophthalmic dispensing, contact lens theory, clinical, anatomy and physiology of the eye, and optical business management.

Green is passionate about spreading the message of the true value and need for formal education saying, “Today’s technological advances demand a higher level of expertise. My personal belief is that opticianry will never reach the level of respect it deserves as an allied health profession without requiring formal education, licensure and continuing education.”

In addition to earning a Master of Science degree in Occupational and Technical Education, Green is an ABO-Master Optician and a Fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America.

"The women in the most influential list exude excellence and are prime examples of what a leader should be," said Joel Adler, JSRCC acting dean for the JSRCC School of Nursing and Allied Health. "We are very fortunate to have Kristi. She is very talented and she is committed to bringing incredible value to the College and the community."

Green has two favorite duties when it comes to heading up the opticianry program at Reynolds—the first is talking to perspective students about entering the field of opticianry and the second is volunteering as a marshal on graduation day to experience firsthand the fruits of her labors.

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Reynolds assists with Powhatan County School's Engineering Camp.

The JSRCC School of Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies recently participated in Powhatan County Public School’s Engineering Summer Camp.  The camp introduced students to the concept of the engineering design cycle and exposed students to a wide variety of engineering careers. The goal of the camp was to familiarize students with what an engineer does and to build excitement for an engineering career.

Team work and cooperation were major proponents of the camp. On the final day of camp, 9th and 10th graders competed with robots they had built during the week.  The students were assisted by JSRCC’s Dean Bob Heinz, instructor Henry McGee, instructor Salah Garada, Matthew Vinson who graduated from Reynolds in 2008 and is a rising senior at University of Virginia and Zach Mihalko who is a rising senior at Mills Godwin High School.

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JSRCC faculty and staff go "Fishing for Deals"

Debbie Daly recently presented "Fishing for Deals," as part of JSRCC's Brown Bag Lunch series of discussions for faculty and staff. Daly, who teaches classes on couponing as part of her church ministries, provided tips on looking for grocery deals, clipping and organizing coupons, and understanding pricing and sales. She also discussed buying goods in bulk and what it takes to offset membership fees at warehouse stores.

"I have found that some warehouse stores have consistently better pricing on certain items, such as yeast," Daly said. "There's a membership fee for those stores.but sometimes the gas perks alone can offset the fee."

Rookie coupon clippers can learn a nugget or two from Daly. Sign up for coupons on company websites to get the "high dollar" coupons, she stresses, and know the difference between store coupons, manufacturers coupons and store sales to maximize savings.

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Reynolds students conduct summer research

Four undergraduate students at J. Sargeant Reynolds have an unusual opportunity this summer for community college students. They are conducting undergraduate science research.  In a special initiative these student are working in field ecology, especially aquatic biology addressing several research questions. One team is conducting a survey of lotic (stream) species of dragonflies in Hanover County. The other team is developing the operation of a vivarium, an outdoor enclosure, to raise dragonflies from the aquatic larvae stages to adults.

“Both team are working on new advancements in science,” states Richard Groover, their research coordinator.  “The Lotic Team will conduct species surveys of major streams in Hanover, a task that has never been done.  Their results will help us build a picture of the full dragonfly community in that piedmont county, and it will ultimately be submitted for publication. Publication of research often never happens until a student is in graduate school.”

The Vivarium Team, as they are called, is setting up the operation of an outdoor enclosure that is filled with water and will provide a home for the dragonflies to complete their metamorphosis into adults. Groover says that this vivarium is probably the only one of its kind in the United States. The reared adults will be used in some mark and recapture experiments later this summer and next year.

Reynolds students Jessica Jenkins and Maryam Muhammad are on the Vivarium Team, and Allyson Lackey and Leigh Adams are on the Lotic Team.  These students were selected from nearly 600 eligible science majors at Reynolds. Their research will culminate in final research papers and presentations at the 2010 Virginia Academy of Science Annual Conference.

“This opportunity for community college students helps them leap to the front of other students at four-year colleges when they transfer, because these students will have demonstrated experience in research methods and writing-up their results,”  adds Groover.

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 Dental Lab students assist Eastern Shore residents in need

Five JSRCC Dental Lab Technology students and two faculty members recently traveled to Nandua High School in the Eastern Shore of Virginia to participate in the Mission of Mercy project sponsored by the Virginia Dental Association. 

The Mission of Mercy project is an outreach program to provide dental care for people in need.  Nearly 350 dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental lab technicians and many other volunteers worked together in this effort.  

“We saw immense needs in some of these patients, but the doctors tried to identify the most pressing needs and we tried to tend to them as quickly as possible,” says Reynolds Dental Lab Technology Program Head Ernie Wolfe. “Overall, the project served almost 800 patients for various dental treatments.”

The JSRCC “dental prosthetic team” specialized in providing patients with removable partial dentures and repairs of dental prostheses. In a day and a half, the team created 10 new acrylic removable partial dentures and repaired 14 existing removable partial dentures including adding teeth or retention wires and broken appliances.

The team from JSRCC included students Magen Daugherty, Justin Morris, Igor Niculin, Hope Pierpont, and Stephanie Renfrow. Faculty representatives included adjunct faculty member Jim Padgett and Wolfe. For more information on the JSRCC Dental Lab Technology program, visit www.reynolds.edu/dentallab.

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Reynolds spices up Broad Appétit” food festival

 The JSRCC School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality was well represented at the 2nd annual “Broad Appétit” food festival where Broad Street was turned into a pedestrian mall between Monroe and Adams Streets. Tens of thousands of local and regional visitors enjoyed the event which featured chefs, regional farmers and local artists. As was the case last year, Reynolds played a prominent role, as School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality director David Barrish served on the central planning committee, helping to connect the event to our regional hospitality network and student body. The JSRCC booth attracted more than 350 hungry visitors as it served char grilled wild game brochettesto adventurous palates and a signature dessert to customers with a sweet tooth and taste for the unusual. 

JSRCC Chef Lana Petfield won the first runner up award for her dessert creation Spicy Ancho Chile Brownie with Blood Orange Ice Cream, Macadamia Nut Caramel Shards, and Blood Orange Dust. Congratulations Chef Lana!

Chip Barnes and Chad Healey, both upperclassmen in The School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality program conducted a spotlight Molecular Gastronomy demonstration on the main stage. Their presentation was wildly received and further helped position the college as a future-minded center for culinary arts and science.

In addition to receiving Virginia Green Certification from Department of Environmental Quality, the event also raised monies for the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. For more information on the School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality, visit www.reynolds.edu/hospitality

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UVA President John Casteen applauds Virginia Community College philanthropy leaders

University of Virginia President John Casteen recently saluted the 2009 class of Virginia Community College philanthropist leaders, saying they are among those who have “stepped into the breach” to support higher education when state funding has fallen short.

Along with JSRCC Foundation Board member J. Douglas Freeman, Sr., philanthropists for each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges were honored with the Fourth Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.  “The event is a way to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who help individuals identify, elevate and fulfill their dreams of the future,” says VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois.

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Virginia Governor Tim Kaine addresses JSRCC graduates

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine spoke to the nearly 1,000 graduates, as Reynolds held its 36th Annual Commencement ceremony on Saturday May 10 at the VCU Siegel Center. 

JSRCC conferred approximately 1,000 degrees and certificates. The program also recognized nearly 70 students who have earned the GED through the college’s Middle College Program.

The Middle College is a Virginia Community College System initiative designed to offer a college opportunity to students between 18 and 24 who have not completed high school. This college recovery program is designed for those individuals who have had a desire to pursue college coursework, but need to attain a GED certificate first. 

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Reynolds host nursing completion ceremony

JSRCC recently recognized nearly 80 students who completed the Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. Held in the Lipman Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center, the students enjoyed an inspirational speech by Joyce Perkins, RN, BSN, Director of Education at HDH-Retreat Hospital

After the award presentations, graduates recited of the Nurses’ Pledge and enjoyed a celebration reception.

The Reynolds’ Nursing Program is designed to prepare its students to participate as collaborative members of nursing care teams and to provide direct care to patients in a variety of health service facilities and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are eligible to take the licensing examination to become Registered Nurses.

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Learning Communities Summer Summit Hosted by JSRCC

On Friday, May 15, Dr. Nannette Smith, AssociateVicePresident of Academic Affairs, welcomed the audience at the first annual Learning Communities Summer Summit including participants from eight community colleges, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) offices and approximately thirty JSRCC faculty.  Participants heard learning community initiative status reports from Piedmont Virginia Community College, Rappahannock Community College,Thomas Nelson Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and the VCCS.   In the afternoon, participants went into breakout sessions to engage in lively, facilitated discussions with other faculty.  The theme of the summit was "Learning Communities: Tracks of Engagement" and these tracks included Learning Theory, Web 2.0 Technology, Students, Institutional Support Services and Faculty.  One of the participants noted that this was a “very engaging experience – thoughtful.”  Another extended a “special thanks to JSRCC for putting this activity together.”

The Learning Communities Summer Summit was supported by a VCCS professional development mini-grant. Professor and Faculty Learning Community Facilitator, Miles McCrimmon and Charlie Peterson, Director of LCs hosted on behalf of the college and served as  both presenters and facilitators.

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Celebrating culture through the arts

The JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council recently hosted a talent showcase featuring spoken word and musical performances by faculty, staff and students. According to organizers, the event was designed not only to entertain, but to also teach the audience something about various cultural perspectives from around the world.  Reynolds students Diamond LeGrand and Paula “Ecclesia” Gillison opened the program with selections from their spoken word repertoires. Next, music program head John Negri and Geoff Bennett-Speer took the audience on a journey through Turkey, sharing the story of the cumbus—a Turkish string instrument resembling a banjo—and playing several native selections. Afterwards, Bruce Neblett & the J.J. Neblett Singers performed several gospel selections in the call and response tradition, lifting the spirits of the audience and preparing them for Plunky & Oneness, the culminating act of the evening.  The audience traveled with Plunky & Oneness around the world as they performed an eclectic mix of smooth jazz gently kissed by African, Caribbean, and European influences, leaving the audience dancing in the aisles and longing for more.

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Fuel Smart Friday—Saving Gas,Time, and Money

was presented by Dr. Robert Heinz, Dr. Nannette Smith, and Professor Paul Carlton at the New Horizons Conference held at Hotel Roanoke on April 1 through 3.  This program allows students to come to campus one day per week (Friday) and obtain 12 credits.  Nine courses were offered in Fall 2008 and 162 students (unduplicated) participated in the program.  The program was expanded to 40 courses in Spring 2009.  Pictured here are Dr. Robert Heinz, Dr. Nannette Smith, and Professor Paul Carlton.

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JSRCC’s David Walz creates environmental awareness on campus

The Chesapeake Bay is a very important natural resource for the Commonwealth of Virginia – and since the College’s three campuses ultimately drain to the bay, the runoff can potentially affect the water quality of the James River Basin and the bay. To create awareness about the dangers of runoff, Associate Professor of Geology David Walz and his wife, Toddy, purchased and donated 40 storm-drain markers for the culverts located on all three campuses.

Each red marker is a four-inch-diameter metal disk recessed into the concrete storm drain, embossed with the statement, “No Dumping, Drains to Bay” and shows a fish jumping above waves.  Professor Walz, whose background is in environmental geology, has been with the College since 1976. He and his wife have a sincere concern for the environment and believe in the need to create public awareness about potential environmental hazards. Walz saw similar storm-drain markers while visiting other colleges and universities and, upon his return home, researched companies that manufactured the markers.

According to JSRCC Buildings and Grounds Manager Matthew Thompson, the College is required to make the community aware of the pollution potential from runoff that may affect both surface and ground waters. The Walz contribution helps to satisfy this requirement.

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Classified Council Scholarship bowl raises record $1500

The Classified Council would like to thank all that supported and participated in the recent JSRCC Scholarship Bowl. Nearly 120 enthusiastic faculty, staff, board members, students and supporters recently hit the lanes to raise a record $1,500 for the College’s general scholarship fund. Special congratulations to Dr. Rhodes who won the high score award and to the President’s team which posted the highest team score. Again, thank you for your support and it is never too early to start practicing for next year!!!

Scholarship Bowl Winners!!!

1ST President’s Team- Gary Rhodes, Nam Rhodes, Diane Branch-Thompson, Mac McGinty, Robert LeRosen

2nd  Supports - Sidney Bass, Stephen Smith, Robin Smith, Candice Lord

2nd Western Renegades- Bob Heinz, Stu Vines, Stella Vines, David Seward, Alan Crouch

3rd Healthy Rollers- Sherry Compton, Kristy Greene, Bill Wilson, Becky Clark, Ernie Wolfe

Best T-Shirt – Nite Rollers

Best Name – PIEs Pirates

Highest Score – Gary Rhodes

Lowest Score – Tara Cassidy

Most Spirited – Donna Dunsmore & Mark Plume

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Reynolds hosts book discussion on Satrapi’s Persepolis

JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council hosted another “Around the World Through Books” discussion on Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis. Iranian-born Satrapi explored a young woman’s coming of age in Tehran, Iran during the Islamic Revolution. JSRCC Academic Support Center Assistant Coordinator Lily Mirjahangiri and English faculty member Jason Lira led the evening’s discussion. A special music presentation by “The Raposo Family Strings” was offered prior to the event.

“Around the World Through Books” is a free community event sponsored by JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council for the purpose of encouraging cultural diversity throughout the Reynolds campuses and communities. For more information about this event and the forum series please contact Laurie Weinberg at (804) 523-5021.

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JSRCC hosts play and speaker series in honor of Black History Month

Reynolds recently presented “The Meeting,” a play about a fictional meeting between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Set in a hotel room in 1965, the dialogue explores Malcolm X and Dr. King’s differences and similarities and their approaches to civil rights. The men debate social issues, war, violence, inner-city hopelessness and Black self-empowerment. Dr. King was played by local actor, director and producer Tony Cosby. Rodney Choice portrayed Malcolm X.

Reynolds also hosted the first presentation in a series designed to showcase successful college students. February’s presentation highlighted President Obama and the strategies he learned as a college student that led to his success later in life. Coordinator of JSRCC’s Center for Distance Learning Marian Macbeth facilitated a discussion with students about how Obama provides a model for carving out a pathway to success. The discussion explored how college students can adopt similar strategies to be more successful in their studies, career and personal aspirations.

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Students and faculty organize food drives at Reynolds

Nearly 900 pounds of food was collected through the JSRCC Hunger to Fight Hunger food drive last fall and donated to the Central Virginia Food Bank. Classes competed to collect the most canned and packaged goods for donation. Sociology 200 won the challenge. In addition, several Reynolds Learning Communities students visited the food bank and wrote short research papers on the topic. Laurie Weinberg, ESL Program Coordinator, helped organize the trip with her SDV 100 class and Marty Watkin’s ESL 18 class.

In other news, the JSRCC Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda sponsored an annual food drive for Thanksgiving. The project was a tremendous success – delivering approximately 1,500 pounds of food to the Richmond City Salvation Army Food Pantry.

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Reynolds students cheer on Washington Capitals

Nearly two full busloads of Reynolds students traveled to Washington, D.C. to witness the Washington Capitals beat the Ottawa Senators 7-4. The Cap’s star left-wing Alex Ovechkin pulled off his seventh career hat trick.

The JSRCC Office of Student Life plans bus trips regularly throughout the year to major sporting events. Students receive discounted prices that include tickets and transportation.

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Dr. Ramzi A. Ockaili represents Reynolds at McGraw-Hill Symposium

Reynolds Associate Professor of Anatomy and Physiology Dr. Ramzi A. Ockaili was selected by McGraw-Hill as one of 45 instructors in the United States to attend an Anatomy and Physiology symposium this January. Participants met with fellow instructors to discuss important course and curriculum issues including course challenges, student motivation, testing and integrating media into the classroom. The feedback McGraw-Hill receives from symposia help them to better understand how the products they publish affect the teaching process. The instructors they choose to participate are innovators in their respective fields that are interested in helping students learn and sharing their opinions. Dr. Ramzi represented J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in McGraw-Hill’s first Symposium for the year.

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JSR Students visit General Assembly

A cadre of JSRCC students recently participated in “Community College Day” at the General Assembly. Strolling through the crowded hallways of the General Assembly Building, the students shared their personal stories with lawmakers.

“If it wasn’t for Reynolds, I wouldn’t be able to afford college,” explained Laura Briere to Delegate Chris Peace (R-97th District). “I know you are faced with making some difficult budget decisions with the economy, but I hope you will remember the importance of community colleges.”

Following the morning visits, Briere along with students Abigail Rose, Lee-Ann Brooks, Abigail Brown, Chase Painter, Michelle Bair and Joey Omaid walked to the Capitol Building where Senator Ryan McDougle (4th Senatorial District) introduced them to the Senate.

Additional delegates the students visited included, Riley Ingram (R-62nd District), G. Manoli Loupassi (R-68th District), Delores McQuinn (D-70th District), Franklin Hall (D-69th District) and McDougle. 

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Senator Mark Warner discusses economy with Reynolds students

Senator Mark Warner joined Richmond City Mayor Dwight Jones recently at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to talk with college students and small business owners about the state of the economy. He discussed and took questions on topics including access to student loans, frozen credit markets, taxes and healthcare. His intention, he said, was to do more listening than talking and encouraged attendees to share their stories with him.

Reynolds and neighboring Virginia Commonwealth University students shared their concerns over the cost of higher education and current student loan rates. Coupled with hiring freezes and layoffs, students expressed anxiety about finding jobs and obtaining healthcare coverage. Several attending students discussed the high interest rates on student loan debt – which they said have at least doubled in the last few years.

“I’m not looking for a free ride,” said one student. “It was my choice to better my life, but now I’m just hoping I can make enough [money] to pay back my loans.”

Warner said he believed the role of the community college would likely expand further since the cost of higher education continues to rise – predicting that the more traditional path for higher education would mean starting year one and/or two at a community college. He said Virginia strives to have the best trained workforce, therefore access to college was imperative.

A small business owner expressed concern over the unpredictability of increased taxes – pointing out that small businesses create the majority of jobs in the Commonwealth. Her business has recently faced having to lay off employees and make cutbacks.

“As a small business owner, layoffs are very personal,” she said. “Even though we are considered the ‘wealthy’ because we make $250,000 or more, every dollar that is taken away from us is taken away from salaries, bonuses and benefits.”

The Senator responded with discussion about a move toward green energy jobs, more funds for continued unemployment and mortgage assistance. The economy needs a jolt to avoid a downward spiral of layoffs, he said.

>> 2008 Archive