In the News

– Event: Film screening to benefit autism group, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
– Governor’s Race: McAuliffe gets union endorsement, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
– Local News: DCCU selects Blue Ridge Area Food Bank a corporate charity, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
– Capitol Hill: Warner joins in effort to get FTC to investigate scam warranty robocalls, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.

 

Event: Film screening to benefit autism group, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.

The Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership will sponsor a screening of “Ethan and Jennifer,” a film by Jo Sittenfeld, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Court Square Theater, Downtown Harrisonburg.

The documentary follows two children on two very different points of the autism spectrum, providing an intimate and honest glimpse into the lives of their families as they tackle every day life.

Admission is free; donations will be accepted at the door to support the SVAP autism scholarship program.

 

Governor’s Race: McAuliffe gets union endorsement, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.

32BJ of the SEIU on Tuesday endorsed Terry McAuliffe for governor, citing his plans to get hard-working Virginians back to work in high-quality, sustainable jobs. 32BJ of the SEIU, which has over 3,500 members in Virginia, emphasized their belief that McAuliffe’s comprehensive approach to economic growth, including proposals to improve Virginia’s health care, education, and transportation systems, was the best approach to improving the lives of their members and of all Virginians.

“Terry McAuliffe will be a strong advocate for working families that make our economy run but struggle to make ends meet,” said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. “He understands that improving wage and benefit standards is a top priority for workers and key to jump-starting our economy.”

“I am proud to have the support of the men and women who keep Virginia running,” said McAuliffe. “As Governor, I will help ensure that workers’ rights are protected and that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. If we all work together, I know we can get Virginia’s economy back on track and continue to improve the quality of life for all Virginians.”

With more than 110,000 members in nine states, including 15,000 in the Washington D.C.-Metropolitan area, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

 

Local News: DCCU selects Blue Ridge Area Food Bank a corporate charity, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.

DuPont Community Credit Union recently selected the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network as its 2009 Corporate Charity for the second year. So far, DCCU has donated $6,000 to the Food Bank, and its staff has already collected more than 5,767 pounds of food for area needy through two employee sponsored events. Several fundraisers are on the horizon that will raise additional funds and meet the Credit Union’s goal of supporting the Food Bank through July.

“DuPont Community Credit Union is proud to contribute to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network again this year, especially with the additional need for food during the current recession,” said Gerald B. Hershey, DCCU president and CEO. “Our staff is doing a great job raising funds for the Food Bank.”

Employees of DCCU select a community charity annually to support both financially, and through employee volunteer activities. DCCU also will have a Longaberger/Vera Bradley Bingo on Saturday, May 30th with the proceeds benefitting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network. The Bingo will be at Wilson Memorial Middle School and doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the games begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for the Bingo from most DCCU office locations.

 

Capitol Hill: Warner joins in effort to get FTC to investigate scam warranty robocalls, posted Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner of Virginia and Charles E. Schumer of New York announced on Tuesday that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has investigations underway into automated telephone “robocalls” that pitch bogus car warranties. Schumer and Warner said they themselves have both received these calls in recent weeks.

The spam calls have targeted Americans randomly on both cell phones and land lines, even when the victim is on the federal “Do Not Call” registry. The call plays an automated message that offers a deal on an extended car warranty. At today’s news conference, the senators released a letter from FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz declaring that “law enforcement action in this area can be expected imminently.”

“In addition to violating the Do Not Call List law, these scammers are peddling phony car warranties that exploit consumers,” Sen. Warner said. “We’ve heard of Virginians receiving these calls when they do not even own a car, and others who are understandably upset that the automated calls tie-up their phone lines, costing them time and money. We appreciate this prompt action by the FTC to help consumers through a swift investigation and prosecution of these con artists.”

“It’s about time these robocalls were terminated,” Sen. Schumer said. “This prompt, aggressive action by the FTC should provide a bit of relief to the Americans besieged by these fraudulent calls. Almost everyone knows someone who’s received these calls. It’s about time we find out who’s behind them, and put a stop to this harassment.”

The scam begins when someone’s cell phone rings from an unrecognized number. The caller then turns out to be a computerized voice selling car warranties with voice starting out by saying “Out of warranty? You are still eligible to reactivate warranty coverage. This is the final call before we close the file.” The recording typically gives the caller an option to stop receiving calls, usually saying “press two to be removed from the follow up list.” However, the calls continue to come. The company making the calls has no idea what car a person is driving because the calls are randomly generated, so their contention that your warranty “is about to expire” is bogus.

Both senators have spoken with Leibowitz and received assurances that the consumer-protection agency is investigating the companies behind the deceptive, aggravating calls. Leibowitz also pledged to place a prominent link on the FTC’s homepage to allow Americans victimized by the calls to lodge a formal complaint. The address is www.ftc.gov.