People Notes
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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Carla Novillo of Arlington is among 34 people from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, who are heading to destinations throughout the United States to spend Thanksgiving Break volunteering to help with employment workshops, computer lessons, rebuilding affordable housing and tree and vegetation planting.
Novillo is a part of an 11-member team working with the Samaritan House of Atlanta Inc. and its partner agency Café 458. The Samaritan House helps homeless men and women gain self-sufficiency and the restaurant serves free meals to homeless people. The JMU team also will work with the Earning Dignity…Gaining Employment program by helping with employment workshops, resume writing and computer lessons during the Nov. 20-27 trip.
Lucy Bowen McCauley, choreographer, founder and artistic director of Bowen McCauley Dance of Arlington, received the prestigious lifetime award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance Education at the 10th Annual Metro DC Dance Awards on Oct. 6 in Washington, D.C. The Award honored Ms. McCauley’s innovative style and devotion for bringing the joy and beauty of dance to people of all ages, skill levels and physical abilities. Helen Hayes, last year’s recipient of the award and the Youth Ensemble Director from Joy of Motion Dance Center, graciously introduced and highly praised Ms. McCauley for her significant achievement in touching the lives of thousands throughout the Metro-DC region.
John Horejsi of Arlington is a featured “Catholic Hero” in the November issue of “Catholic Digest.” The article, “Meet 12 Catholic Heroes,” is also available on CatholicDigest.com. John is a founding member of Social Action Linking Together (SALT), a group that works tirelessly to keep social justice issues front and center at the Virginia General Assembly. John is being recognized for his work with the group.
Read the article at: http://www.catholicdigest.com/catholicheroes.html
PricewaterhouseCoopers US announced that Kim Peretti of Arlington, a director in the firm’s Forensic Services practice and former Senior Counsel at the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section at the Department of Justice (DOJ), has been recognized at the 58th Annual Attorney General Awards Ceremony for her work in the largest and most successful identity theft and hacking investigation and prosecution ever conducted in the U.S.
At an event held Oct. 27, at DAR Constitution Hall, Attorney General Eric Holder recognized 303 Department of Justice employees for their distinguished public service. Fifty-five other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. This annual ceremony recognizes both department employees and others for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission.
Ms. Peretti and her team’s work (U.S. v. Gonzalez, et al.), resulted in the identification of an international hacking and credit card theft ring; their apprehension in the United States, Middle East, and Asia; and their conviction before American and foreign courts. Ms. Peretti served as one of the lead prosecutors in this case.
Daniel Manzoni, a 20-year resident of Arlington, was honored with the Presidential Volunteer and Call to Service Award for his 8,000 volunteer service hours in his lifetime. The award was presented Oct. 13 by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Pearlie Reed on behalf of President Obama at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the District.
The 2010 William T. Newman Jr. Spirit of Community Award will be awarded to the Hon. George D. Varoutsos, honoring his commitment to improving the quality of life in Arlington. He serves as a Judge at the Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Judge Varoutsos is a lifelong Arlington resident and has been recognized as a protector and advocate for children and families. Particular contributions include an expansion of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, signing orders to appoint CASAs as the voice of over 100 children in Arlington. His colleagues often describe him as someone that is amiable with a tireless dedication to the pursuit of justice and fairness.