It’s My Town 02-16-01

It’s

My Town

By

Mary Bergere, Northern Virignia Electric Cooperative’s government

relations liaison, has been selected to the Thomas C. Sorensen Institute

of Political Leadership.

After undergoing a rigorous competitive process, she was one of only

33 Virginians selected for the program.

The Institute seeks men and women from across the state who are actively

involved in their communities and who desire to take part in the political

process.

It provides sessions with political leaders from around the state and

an education that transcends party politics. Each class has a balance between

Republicans and Democrats, in addition to some participants who have other

party or no party affiliations. Monthly weekend sessions are held in different

locations around the state for 10 months, March through December.

Bergere has served as NOVEC’s government relations liaison since 1997.

Her job involves working with local, state and national legislators on issues

that have an impact on NOVEC. In addition, she frequently represents the

interests of local community charitable groups on behalf of the company.

Before joining NOVEC, Bergere honed her legislative skills as a 12-year

legislative assistant to state Sen. Charles Colgan, D-Manassas.

Bergere is a member of the board of directors of SERVE Inc. and the

Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce. She is also

a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She and her husband, Doug,

are area residents.

NOVA cram sessions

What can you learn in eight weeks? The Manassas Campus of Northern

Virginia Community Colleg is offering a wide variety of courses in automotive

technology, building technology, childhood development, information systems

technology, physical education and telecommunications management during

the eight-week session that begins March 12.

During the session, students can learn basic car maintenance in Automotive

Shop Practices or how to handle power tools in Carpentry Framing. For those

who want to improve their golf swing or master a volleyball serve, the school’s

education program has the class.

Courses offered during the eight-week session cover the same material

as semester-long courses and give the same credits. Cost is $39.45 per credit

for in-state students and $171.33 for out-of state-students.

Registrations are being accepted now. New students should apply at the

admissions and record office. For more information, call (703) 257-6600.