SSV Future Programs

Posted August 2nd, 2024 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Future

The public is welcome to our meetings. The meetings are held at The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901, the second Wednesday of the month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no charge, although we suggest you join our group which has been in existence for 25 years. The membership dues are only $25 per year and can be paid online on the ‘Join SSV’ page. Your dues will help us continue to deliver top-quality presentations. If you have questions, please email info@seniorstatesmen.org. Click the tab above to see samples of our newsletter.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Cyber Security and our Elections – Unpacking Fact From Fiction from so called “Cyber Experts”

Join us for an interesting and thought-provoking discussion on the integrity of our sacred electoral process from a cyber security expert.  Learn how “cyber experts”
try to claim stolen elections for profit and grift. And, insight will be shared on how elections can be manipulated using the law and intimidation to disenfranchise voters.  This exciting program will provide attendees with the knowledge to be informed voters and citizens.

Denver Riggleman CEO, Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group (RIIG)

Denver Riggleman is the CEO of Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group (RIIG), Former VA-5 Congressman, Senior Technical Adviser for the Jan 6 Committee, NY Times bestselling author of THE BREACH, senior electronic warfare consultant for OSD, co-founder and CEO of Analyst Warehouse LLC, a full-service analysis and technology development company specializing in counter- terrorism, data science, critical infrastructure analysis and analytics. Currently Denver is co-owner (with his spouse) of Silverback Distillery – an award winning distillery in Afton, VA- in the beautiful Rockfish Valley.

 

The program will be moderated by a SSV Board President, Margie Swanson.

SSV IS ASKING ALL ATTENDEES TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:
Senior Statesmen of Virginia | The Center Charlottesville (thecentercville.org)

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 

Past Programs

Past programs are arranged in inverse chronological order.  Speaker bios and links to videos and podcasts are given, with a program summary written by SSV board members

 


Charlottesville and Albemarle School Systems: Overview and Update

Posted September 17th, 2025 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

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SSV President Sue Liberman welcomed all in attendance and introduced SSV Board members.  She also extended a special welcome to SSV co-founder Gene Ecton Davis and her partner, Bill Davis.

After impressive introductions of Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley and Albemarle County Public School Superintendent Matt Haas, the two speakers noted they collaborated on one presentation and one PowerPoint.

They began by providing basic facts about each school system: (24 schools serving 14,173 students in the County and 9 schools serving 4443 students in the City). They shared how the two superintendents work together with weekly calendar meetings scheduled, topical check ins as needed, monthly lunch meetings, and shared academic calendars.

FIVE FAST FACTS:

  • CCS is working on 1) modernization of facilities, 2) reconfiguration of the schools and attendance zones (first redistricting in 50 years), 3) invest in career pathways, 4) moving early childhood education from each elementary school to one school (likely Walker School building), and 5) xpanding learning alternatives for students (night school as example).
  • ACPS is working on 1) the new Mountain View Upper Elementary School building, 2) Career Exploration Academy at Albemarle HS, 3) Scholar’s Studio work-based learning programs, 4) safety (weapon screening, new school visitor mgt. system, School Resource Officers returning, school speed zones and school bus arm cameras), and 5) personal device-free schools.

 

They shared successes, challenges and opportunities, including support for General Assembly legislation that will allow for a 1% sales tax dedicated to school construction and a Virginia dedicated state fund for K-12 school construction, and a review of the Local Composite Index that drives funding to school divisions.  The LCI currently requires CCS to pay 77% of the cost of K-12 education and ACPS to pay 69% of the cost of K-12 education.

 

The public can share your views with:

 

Delegate Katrina Callsen – delKCallsen@house.virginia.gov, phone 804 698 1054;

Delegate Amy Laufer – delalaufer@house.virginia.gov, phone 804 698 1055, and

Senator Creigh Deeds – senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov, phone  804 698 7511

Sue Liberman expressed appreciation for the informative program.  She then noted the upcoming programs:

October – Cyber Security and the Elections, Denver Riggleman

November – Democracy and Capitalism – Can they Co-Exist

December – Annual SSV meeting and Election of Officers.

 

 


Review of Local and State Initiatives Related to Protection of Our Environment With Focus on Emergence of Large Data Center Projects

Posted August 16th, 2025 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

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The speakers were introduced by Board member Sandi Meadows, who moderated the session before one of the largest audiences for an SSV presentation. Morgan Butler, Senior Attorney, and, Associate Attorney, Christina Libre, began with a brief introduction to the Southern Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan legal organization focused on land use, transportation, and other environmental issues. The SELC was founded in Charlottesville in 1986 and has now expanded its work to six southeast states.

The focus of this presentation was on the recent explosive growth of large-scale data centers in Virginia, beginning in Northern Virginia but now spreading elsewhere to include potentially in Albemarle County. They pointed out that data centers, which consist of stacks and stacks of computer servers in massive buildings, provide value to localities, to include tax revenue, but also have negative impacts on the environment and neighboring communities. Data centers require tremendous amounts of electricity as well as enormous quantities of cooling water and generate noise that is continuous and can be unpleasant to nearby residents. The need for on-site diesel generators, ostensibly only for emergency use, adds to the problems.

Localities control the approval of new data centers, but individual approval decisions do not necessarily consider the aggregate impact of many such facilities on communities. Construction of data centers on land already zoned for industry can be by-right, as was recently the case in Albemarle County, or localities can pass ordinances requiring individual review of each proposal. A draft Albemarle ordinance has strong features regarding screening and restrictions on auxiliary power emissions but would designate four County districts that would permit establishment of large-scale data centers by right. The SELC believes this would be a mistake that would not allow public input. Maps were displayed of each of the proposed sites, all of which were shown to be near residential developments.

Questions following the presentation focused on why square footage was used to determine the scale of data centers and whether the cooling water would be recycled. The issue of requiring use of solar and other environmental energy sources was raised and the speakers pointed out that this would not be possible to do on- site and, furthermore, that localities do not have the authority to regulate energy uses. Another raised the interesting question about the potential for technological advances that could render these facilities obsolete and white elephants that localities would have to deal with.


Annual General Assembly Update 2025

Posted May 23rd, 2025 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

 

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For the SSV May 14th program, Board member Sandi Meadows welcomed everyone and introduced Board member Jim Nix, who invited Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen and Delegate Amy Laufer to share the eagerly awaited General Assembly update.

With 25 years in the VA Senate, preceded by 9 years in the VA House, Creigh Deeds holds valued seniority in representing all of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville.  He chairs the Commerce and Labor Committee and well as the Health and Human Services subcommittee.  Service on the impactful Budget Conference Committee was noted. 

Overview of the Budget: 

Of the $161 billion two-year state budget, just $60 billion is discretional or general fund revenue.  $101 billion is mostly federal funding.  Virginia hosts 300,000 federal employees, the military installation in Hampton Roads, plus 100,000+ contractors who support federal/military services.

Virginia’s $4.7 billion “rainy day” fund is a “drop in the bucket” when you consider $101 billion in federal funds potentially at risk.

Senator Deeds stated that his areas of interest are:  mental health, schools, energy, and solar. He said that, given the cuts made by the new administration, many representatives are looking for additional streams of revenue should a shortfall ensue. He addressed VA’s love affair with data centers. Loudon County is the world leader in data centers because of tax incentives given in the past. A bipartisan study group is looking at fixes should any of these data center operator’s flop.

Delegate Callsen highlighted several constituent amendments and pharmacy benefit manager legislation. This session she supported automatic placement in advanced math for those who score well on tests. She noted that the final budget has a record amount of support for education, including teacher raises.  Delegate Callsen emphasized the importance of the Attorney General election.

Delegate Laufer expressed focus on tire and mattress recycling, asphalt recycling, and purchase of regional electricity purchasing.  Another priority of hers is the “dam” bill as there are 1300 dams in the 55th Delegate District, with many along Highway 15.  She also worked for confidentiality of personal information in the public-school enrolment process and continues to serve on the Rural Health Care subcommittee, where health care is a key.

Several questions were answered on Medicaid, teacher pay/retention, math teacher shortage, data centers, and car idling legislation.

Delegates Callsen and Laufer presented SSV a Resolution of Recognition in celebration of 30 years! SSV Founder Gene Ecton Davis was on hand to enjoy in the festivities. 

 


Embracing Optimism In Uncertain Times

Posted April 17th, 2025 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

 

 

Russ Linden, a management educator and author who specializes in organizational change,  presented a timely program on “How to Retain Optimism During These Troubling Times” He shared that optimism  is a state of mind that is;
–hopeful about the future
–focuses on the positive side of things
–believes you can make good things happen

Optimists live longer, have better physical and mental health, recover faster from illness, are more resilient, have a better sense of well-being and are more engaged at work. Optimists inspire others.

Balanced optimism is best when optimism is balance with realism.

How can you promote Optimism in yourself?
1) reflect on things that bring you down and seek alternatives
2) reframe!
3) connect with peoples and activities that give you energy…positive energy.
4) be forgiving if yourself and others…
Give up perfectionism
5) keep the focus on your …keep the main thing the main thing
6) see attitude as a Choice

Final thoughts on balanced optimism:

Success isn’t final.
Failure isn’t fatal.
It’s the courage to continue that counts!
— Winston Churchill

 

Embracing Optimism In Uncertain Times

 


Ranked Choice Voting in Central Virginia

Posted March 20th, 2025 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

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Sally Hudson is the founder of Ranked Choice Virginia and former Delegate representing Charlottesville in the General Assembly.  In that role, Dr. Hudson authored the legislation that allows Virginia cities and counties to use ranked choice voting (RCV).

 

We learned that Arlington County has had RCV in two elections, with positive responses from candidates and voters.  Charlottesville will use RCV for the June 17th City Council primary election.  Albemarle County is considering RCV for this year’s Board of Supervisors election, as is Falls Church and Loudon County. The Virginia Republican party has used ranked choice ballots at conventions to nominate candidates for statewide offices and three Congressional districts…Fourth, Tenth and Eleventh.

 

Beyond Virginia, Alaska and Maine use RCV in all of their state and federal elections. In addition, more than 50 cities and counties use RCV in local elections, from big cities like New York City and Minneapolis to small towns in Utah, Colorado, and Vermont. In 2024, DC voters overwhelming supported a ballot measure to adopt RCV for their elections, too.

RCV can be easily used in an election seeking one winner… or an election seeking multiple winners… like the Charlottesville City Council.

RCV allows each voter to show their preference for each candidate.  The benefits:   Voters get real choices. Candidates run better campaigns. Communities get representative leaders.

The main cost of using RCV is voter education. The current election equipment is already compatible with RCV.

Dr Hudson provided an opportunity for the 40 attendees to experience RCV as they shared their opinions on 5 top local issues:  education construction, housing, natural resources, public safety and transportation.

To learn more… and see examples… visit rankedchoiceva.org

 


Picking up the Pieces: Data-Driven Takeaways from the 2024 Election

Posted January 12th, 2025 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

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The January 2025 program was led by J. Miles Coleman, Associate Editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of VA Center for Politics. Miles crafted very illustrative slides and prefaced his talk with the caveat that “traditional indicators” in analyzing elections were “out the window.” To our rapt audience of about fifty-five people, Miles turned first to Oceola County, Florida and said that “things began to go haywire for Harris there.” The numbers showed that county went 60% for Biden in 2020 but went narrowly for Trump in 2024. Closer to home, he looked at Loudon County, Virginia, where data had Harris carrying the vote by a 17% margin, this was down from Biden’s 20% in 2020. He and others were shocked that all the so-called “toss up states” went for Trump, especially in view of how well Democrats had done in the off-year elections. He attributed the difference to “Trump’s strength in getting voters who do not regularly vote to the polls to vote for him,” and remarked that there is a “Global Anti-Incumbent” view. Pre-election polls showed Americans likely to vote were evenly concerned about the economy and the future of democracy. His summarized that the 2024 Presidential election numbers showed Trump did better everywhere, even in California and New York, where democratic majorities were smaller. Miles expressed that the bell-weather governors’ elections in New Jersey and Wisconsin might be “markers” for America’s future direction.

Miles said Trump’s mandate is to “not mess up” and that Democrats must reach out in a meaningful way to the minorities that fled the party last year. He pointed out that “ticket splitting” was rarer and rarer. To keep the Senate from becoming staunchly in the column of the GOP, Miles suggested that the Democrats might focus on races in Maine and North Carolina, and on keeping Ossof in Georgia. He said the House is still remarkably close and that the Democrats gained 2 seats.

Finally, Miles looked at Virginia Governor’s races, saying that Spanberger probably has the Democratic nod and Winsome-Sears, the Republicans. Miles pointed out that Virginia is going to have a woman governor, and cautiously opined that if the mid-term elections go as in the past, the Democrats might “flip” the US house back in 2026. Miles ended his presentation by taking questions from the audience.


Part 1-Annual Business Meeting; Part 2-Susan Tate – Joyful Wellness: Cherishing your mind, body, spirit & sexuality at any age; and Part 3-Celebration of SSV 30th Anniversary Honoring Gene Ecton Smith Davis, Founding Member

Posted December 23rd, 2024 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

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The December gathering began with the Annual business meeting. The Program Committee and the President shared reports. The Nominating Committee recommended the following directors for election: Sue Liberman for a renewal term of 2 years; five new members for 2-year terms each: Dr. Charles Chick Dassance, Dr. Frank Friedman, Ms. Connie Jorgensen, Ms. Sue Lewis and Ms. Sandi Meadows. Secretary Bonnie Brewer confirmed a quorum. All were elected by unanimous vote, to join continuing SSV Board members: Grant Brownrigg, Ella Jordan, Jim Nix, and Margie Swanson. Officers nominated and unanimously elected were: President, Sue Liberman, Vice President/Programs Margie Swanson, and Treasurer Jim Nix. The Secretary position remains open.

Part 2 of the meeting was a relaxing and thought-provoking program by Susan Tate on Wellness, health, and sexuality for seniors.  Many valuable strategies and activities were shared, including staying physically and mentally active, meditating or simply taking time to reflect, reframing our words, resisting aging stereotypes and negativity, and pursuing/valuing personal connections. All 50+ in attendance were touched.

Part 3 of the meeting was a heartwarming and most deserved recognition of Gene Ecton Davis…one of the 5 individuals who founded SSV in 1995.  President Sue Liberman shared an impressive and moving snapshot of Gene’s awesome contributions to our community and other communities.

See our website for the full text. The SSV Board is honored to make a personal donation of $200 to The Center library for the purchase of books in honor of Gene Ecton Davis.

 

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Unlocking Year-End Tax Opportunities: Strategies for Financial Success

Posted November 28th, 2024 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

 

 

The November program, led by Libby Edwards-Allbaugh, Owner of the Tax Ladies, and Jason Statuta, Managing Director of Petrichor Wealth, gave the audience an opportunity to learn strategies to assist with keeping their taxes in check.  Year-end tax and investment planning is essential to keeping more of what people earn.  Tax planning involves analyzing your financial situation to ensure that all elements work together to enable you to pay the lowest taxes possible, avoid penalties and enhance your overall financial health.

The tax planning ideas that Libby and Jason focused on were understanding 2024 tax laws- both now and in the future, maximizing retirement plan contributions for those still in the workplace or self-employed; managing your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s) for those over the age of 70 1/2  through the use of Qualified charitable distributions (QCD’s); considering greater charitable giving in higher income years or using Donor Advised Funds (DAF) for highly appreciated assets when there is a windfall within a tax year; tax loss harvesting to capture the losses which can offset some or all capital gains in your taxable portfolios or the use of direct indexing funds- an investment vehicle that can provide enhanced tax benefits for some investors.

For individuals and small business owners, the advantages are clear.  Reducing their tax burden, integrating tax strategies with broader financial goals and minimizing the risk of audits and penalties are all ways that integrated tax planning benefits the well prepared taxpayer.


All There Is To Know About Local Voting and Elections

Posted October 14th, 2024 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

Sue Liberman, President of Senior Statesman of Virginia (SSV), emphasized the importance of seniors being informed and engaged in the upcoming election.  The purpose of today’s meeting was to provide information and resources to help members feel confident about voting.

Jim Nix, SSV Board member and Treasure, and member of the Charlottesville Electoral Board, reviewed key election dates and deadlines, including:

· October 15th – Last day to register to vote
· October 25th – Last day to request an absentee ballot
· November 2nd – Last day for early voting. Jim stressed the importance of not waiting until the last minute to request and return absentee ballots due to postal service delays.

Jim introduced speakers Lauren Eddy, Albemarle County Registrar, and Taylor Yowell, City of Charlottesville Registrar.  The registrars provided an overview of the various voting options and procedures, including:

· In-person early voting at their offices
· Requesting and returning absentee ballots by mail or drop box
· Voting provisionally if issues arise (e.g. lost/misplaced absentee ballot, same-day registration)

They emphasized the importance of voters checking their registration status and polling place; both noting that there are no major changes to voting procedures from previous elections.

The registrars discussed the security measures in place to protect the integrity of the election, including:

· Backup power and contingency plans for technical issues
· Bipartisan observation and oversight of all election processes
· Coordination with emergency management and law enforcement to ensure voter and election official safety

They assured the group that voting will continue no matter what, even in the event of power outages or other disruptions.

President Liberman closed the meeting by encouraging everyone to exercise their right to vote and have their voice heard. She also provided an overview of upcoming Senior Statesman events, including tax preparation tips in November and the annual meeting meeting in December…with a celebration and program focus on
Health, Wellness and Sexuality for the Senior!!

 

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Candidate Forum… Fifth Congressional District

Posted September 27th, 2024 by Amanda Jordan
Categories: Programs

More than 100 civic-minded seniors attended the 5th Congressional District Candidate Forum on September 11th at The Center.  Senior Statesmen of Virginia (SSV), The Center and the League of Women Voters Charlottesville Area jointly hosted the Forum. The League provided voter registration services and voting information.

President Sue Liberman welcomed everyone and noted the events of 9-11-2001 as we remembered the solemn anniversary.  She also paid tribute to the brave men and women on Flight 93.  Their collective action avoided additional attacks on our democracy. President Sue encouraged everyone to take action and vote on November 5th…to again prevent an attack on our Democracy.

Gloria Witt, the Democratic candidate for the 5th District, and John A McGuire, Republican candidate, were invited to participate in the Forum.  Gloria Witt accepted.  Senior Statesmen member Bob Beard moderated.

Candidate Witt shared her background, noting she spent a long career in procurement, enhancing her negotiation and collaboration skills.  She is successful in helping people with different, even competing, views find common ground and agreement. She believes a “no” is an opportunity to learn more, and that listening to other points of view can open up discussion and lead to consensus.

Candidate Witt stated that she has several family members who are teachers, and thus believes in the power of excellent schools; restoring a woman’s right to control her own body; changes in access to health care is needed; and changes in gun control to allow background checks and safety requirements.  She believes climate change is real and deserves policy attention.

More than a dozen questions were asked, spanning additional topics such as the economy, inflation, Project 2025, Ukraine war with invading Russia, Gaza conflict among Hamas/Israel/Palestine, and more.

Candidate Witt encouraged everyone to vote and invited anyone interested to volunteer!

*****

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