Forest Lakes Community Association:  I am on the board of this beautiful community of 1400 homes, with a wide array of superior amenities - nature (lakes, open areas, hiking trails), recreation (swimming, tennis, soccer, fitness), social (parties, clubs, events) and community (a new farmer's market).  It takes a lot of time and effort to keep things ship-shape:   www.forestlakes.net

Center for Nonprofit Excellence:  This is a resource center that helps the many terrific non-profit groups organizations that operate in the Charlottesville area and contribute to making this such a great place to live.  I am on the board and was pleased to help get CNE off the ground two years ago - and am gratified to see it already having reached a membership of over 200 organizations that now have access to seminars, networking events, specialized consulants, a research library, a range of discounts, and more ... www.thecne.org

Piedmont Envornmental Council.  This group is focused on land preservation and easements, land use and smart growth and related issues in the central Virginia area.  PEC is nationally known in our area as the leading organization on these matters.  One recent, high profile initiative is the Buy Fresh - Buy Local Program which connects local farmers with consumers, through farmers' markets and other methods - a win-win that helps farmers be more economincally viable so that they can stay on their land and that helps consumers access fresher and higher quality products.  Visit www.pecva.com for more information.

 Charlottesville Area Tennis Association:  This group is dedicated to supporting amateur tennis in our area, and in particular providing added opportunities for kids to learn and compete in this sport of a lifetime.  I am newly on the board and am working with other new board members to develop the strategy, programs, resources, and methods to be successful ... www.charlottesvilletennis.org

DuCard Vineyards:  Our little vineyard comprises 7 acres of French and American grapes, in a beautiful setting overlooking Shenandoah National Park.  In addition to growing grapes for our award-winning winery partner Rappahannock Cellars, we also have a boutique line of wines under the DuCard label, with limited distribution ... for details visit www.ducardvineyards.com