Sunday December 9, 2007

Governor Tim Kaine has a jam packed day ahead of him as he begins Monday in Fluvanna County and ends up at Montpelier. But in between, he makes a couple key stops here in Charlottesville.

The first takes place at the eco-Mod home at 223 4th Street SW.

"University of Virginia's School of Architecture and School of Engineering came to us about three years ago with the idea of finding a way to build affordable housing that's very green, very cutting edge," says Peter Loach, Deputy Director of the Piedmont Housing Alliance.

Now that the historic home has been restored into an eco-Mod home, complete with green roofs and solar paneling, Governor Kaine comes Monday to check it out.

"I think the fact that he contacted us and is coming here is an indication that he is supportive of green and sustainable initiatives," remarks UVa Engineering professor Paxton Marshall.

While students and faculty were hard at work Sunday cleaning things up in advance of the governor's visit, folks at the Virginia Workforce Center on Hydraulic were also getting ready to welcome the governor.

"He's looking at trying to coordinate and consolidate under one roof Workforce, so that it's a lot more effective program than right now, where it's over 20 different agencies and departments," explains Todd Palmquist, Director of the Piedmont Workforce Network.

The governor put the Workforce Center on his schedule because it will serve as a pilot project, something of a model for the rest of the state.

So as the preparations are completed, folks at the Eco-Mod home and the Workforce Center say it'll be exciting to see their hard work recognized.

"I was ecstatic and I thought, 'you know, this is great because we're doing great things' and to have the Governor and obviously the publicity that comes along with it...is just a wonderful experience," says UVa Architecture grad Brielle Gallinelli.

Both of the events are free and open to the public. Governor Kaine's team encourages area residents to come out, see him and learn more about what's going on in the community.

Charlottesville Cabinet Community Day

VDOT Bridge Dedication. Governor Kaine, members of his Cabinet and local officials will dedicate the Pembroke Pettit Bridge over the Rivanna River in Fluvanna County. The new bridge retains the name of its predecessor and is a successful incorporation of transportation needs and historic and natural preservation. Open to the public.

When: 9:00 a.m.
Where: Pembroke Pettit Bridge
Route 15
Palmyra, Virginia

ecoMOD/SEAM House Ribbon Cutting. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will join University of Virginia students and faculty to cut the ribbon on the ecoMOD/SEAM house, an energy efficient housing module and renovation. UVa students and faculty designed and built the SEAM house, along with corporate partners. Open to the public.

When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: ecoMOD/SEAM House
223 4th Street SW
Charlottesville, Virginia

One-Stop Career Center Grand Opening. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will attend the grand opening of Charlottesville's One-Stop Career Center, a first-of-its-kind partnership between multiple state agencies and private partners. The Center is designed to meet the needs of those seeking employment and the business community under one roof. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the public.

When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Charlottesville One-Stop Career Center
2211 Hydraulic Road
Charlottesville, Virginia

Greene Meadows Farm. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will tour a Christmas tree farm in Greene County. The farm is under conservation easement. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the public.

When: 3:30 p.m.
Where: Greene Meadows Farm
487 Crow Mountain Road
Stanardsville, Virginia

Reception at James Madison's Montpelier. James Madison's Montpelier will host Governor Kaine, his Cabinet and the public for a Cabinet Community Day evening reception. This event is co-sponsored by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Department of Tourism, Barboursville Vineyards and Starr Hill Brewery. Free and open to the public.

When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: duPont Gallery
Visitor's Center, James Madison's Montpelier
11407 Constitution Highway
Montpelier Station, Virginia