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People Notes

To have a People Note published in the Gazette-Packet, send an e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers or call Rebecca Halik 703-917-6407. Pictures encouraged.

The Child and Family Network Centers’ (CFNC) Executive Director, Barbara Mason, has been selected as a semifinalist for the 5th Annual Volvo for Life Awards. From now until Feb. 4, 2007, Barbara’s name will appear on the ballot at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com, where the American public will be able to vote for her nomination. Semi-finalists with the greatest number of votes will become finalists -- and receive $25,000-$50,000 in funding for their organization and be honored at the 5th Anniversary Awards Gala in New York City. For over 20 years, Barbara has worked to improve the odds for Northern Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens, young children and this is an opportunity to honor her efforts and raise additional dollars to support CFNC’s comprehensive programs.

The Austin College Department of Music sponsors several vocal performance groups that present a variety of music in the Sherman community and beyond. Alexandria, Virginia

* Adele Jean, graduate of Bishop Ireton High School is the daughter of Nora Grubbs and Bruce Jean of Alexandria. She has joined the chorale department.

The Alexandria Singers are pleased to announce that, following an extensive regional search, Meg Slachetka has been selected as the group’s new accompanist, effective Oct. 17. She succeeds Lisa Gibbs-Smith, who served as accompanist for six years. In May, 2006, Ms. Slachetka received her Bachelor of Arts in music (Magna Cum Laude), with a second concentration in government, from the College of William & Mary, where she accompanied the Eastern Virginia School of the Performing Arts, the William & Mary Choir, the Department of Music, College of William & Mary, and the Department of Music, Hackettstown High School. While in college, Ms. Slachetka held numerous leadership positions, including President and Social Chair of the William & Mary Choir, Assistant Secretary for Student Services for the William & Mary Student Assembly, Vice-President of Omicron Delta Kappa, Vocal Director for the Sinfonicron Light Opera Company, Class of 2006 Vice-President of the William & Mary Student Assembly, and Vice-President of Delta Omicron (an honors music fraternity). Currently, she resides in Arlington and works on Capitol Hill.

A special presentation award was made to Gerry Hyland, Mount Vernon District Supervisor, for his continued emphasis and support of youth education in Mount Vernon District. The award was made by Mount Vernon Kiwanis at its annual Charter Night held at the Mount Vernon Country Club on Oct 18. Gerry was presented with a certificate and a plaque citing his support of youth education in Mount Vernon District. It is in line with the motto of Mount Vernon Kiwanis, “Serving the Children of the World”.

Greenspring is proud to announce the appointment of Karla Hibbs as the community’s new Director of Resident Life. Hibbs, who joined Greenspring in 1997, will take on a position previously held by Robin Gliboff, who was recently promoted to Associate Executive Director of the community.

Prior to this appointment, Hibbs served as Greenspring’s Community Services Manager and was responsible for the management of community resources and volunteer programs. As Director of Resident Life, she will lead a number of critical community functions including social work, pastoral ministries, gift planning, community television, volunteer programs, intermissions and home health and home support.

Over the years, Hibbs has been instrumental in developing the culture at Greenspring and inspiring the creation of more than 180 clubs and organizations that currently function at the retirement community. Hibbs graduated from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg with a degree in american studies and teaching certification and later received a Masters in education and counseling from George Mason University. She is one of Greenspring’s longest serving employees having joined Greenspring as Director of Community Relations and Outreach, before the first building was ever built.

Over 200 people attended the Alexandria Commission for the Arts’ 2006 Alex Awards on Friday, Oct. 20 to honor outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to the cultural fabric of the Alexandria community. Chip Brienza, WGMS on-air personality, served as the master of ceremonies for the program, held at the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center. The winners were recognized by Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille and Pat Miller, chair of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. The 2006 Alex Award winners include:

* Special Recognition Alex Award – Suzanne S. Brock was recognized for devoting herself to encouraging and supporting the arts for the last 36 years. A musician and the mother of musicians, she has brought the highest quality of musicianship to the Alexandria community. She created the mechanism for Alexandria children desiring exposure to high quality music with that opportunity.

* Excellence in an Artistic Discipline – Eclipse Chamber Orchestra received the Award for offering outstanding musical performances and opportunities for Alexandria audiences to hear world-class musicians and conductors. Over the past fourteen years, Eclipse Chamber Orchestra’s youth organization has prepared hundreds of young musicians to pursue their education in the arts.

* Excellence in Service to the Arts – Gwen Harrison Lockhart, an artist herself, was recognized for guiding the Art League through a difficult growing period, reorganizing the board and the organization and encouraging others to be involved.

* Outstanding Contributions in Arts Education – Laura Wollman spent 36 years teaching in the Alexandria City Public Schools. She was recognized for creating arts-across-the-curriculum programs and enriching learning for Alexandria children.