Allen & Allen has office locations in Fredericksburg, Garrisonville, Richmond, Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Chesterfield, Charlottesville and Petersburg.

To learn more about the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Richmond Attorney Melinda H. South

Author: Attorney Melinda H. South

Congratulations Margaret A. “Meg” Smith of Lynchburg, VA, the 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year. Meg Smith was honored at an evening reception on Friday October 14 at the Holiday Inn Kroger Conference Center along with the other seven regional Teachers of the Year.

Meg Smith is an eighth grade English literature teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation in Lynchburg. She will represent Virginia in the National Teacher of the Year program in Washington.

Meg Smith with attorney Clayton Allen

Richmond injury attorney R. Clayton Allen presented Ms. Smith with a check for $2,500 on behalf of the Allen Law Firm. For many years now the law firm of Allen & Allen has been involved with the Virginia Teacher of the Year program which recognizes the top educators in the state.  This year the eight regional teachers were notified in September that they would be running for the honor of representing all Virginia teachers as the 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

The eight regional teachers are:

Region 1:  Jamie B Mullenaux, Mechanicsville Elementary, Hanover County

Region 2:  Thomas A. Shenk, John Tyler Elementary, Portsmouth

Region 3:  Lori G. Askew, Bowling Green Elementary, Caroline County

Region 4:  Jamie B. Sawatzky, Rocky Run Middle, Fairfax County

Region 5:  Margaret A. Smith, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation, Lynchburg

Region 6:  Carol L. Webster, Burton Center for Arts and Technology and William Byrd High, Roanoke County.

Region 7:  Tiffany D. Carter, Bland Elementary, Bland County

Region 8:  Rachel B. Johnson, La Crosse Elementary, Mecklenburg

The lawyers and staff of Allen & Allen wish Meg Smith much success as she will now compete in a national competition.

About the Author: Melinda H. South has been involved with the Virginia Teacher of the Year program for over a decade and serves on the Selection Panel. She  is the “go to” person for answers to legal questions regarding Virginia and national case law, state and federal safety regulations, and building and fire codes at the personal injury law firm of Allen & Allen. Melinda is based in the Richmond, Virginia office.

Historical Society will now look toward more upgrades

Source: The Kentbridge Victoria Dispatch

Wednesday August 3, 2011 – Page 1

The Lunenburg County Historical Society met on Sunday, July 31, 2011 to celebrate the completion of Phase I of its project to make the two law offices at Lunenburg Court House available to the public.  When the project is completed, the building constructed in 1842 would become the Lunenburg Visitor Center.  The second would become a museum, with some original furnishings used by Isaac Bonaparte Bell, the illustrious Lunenburg attorney who had his law office constructed in 1888.

Phase I of the project saw the building repaired and preserved for the future, with new coats of paint, weather-tight windows and doors, and shutters that replicated the shutters that had disappeared during the long history of the buildings.  Temporary stairs now lead into the buildings, that are on higher than their original foundations.

Subsequent phases will include interior repairs and updates, installation of modern heating and cooling devices, the final furnishing of the buildings for their new roles, in addition to making the building compliant with ADA accessibility standards.  The society sees this as a four-phase project.  It hopes to complete each phase with a budget of $10,000 or less.  The expenditure by the society of approximately $10,200 resulted in the completion of Phase I.

Completion of these additional phases will require considerable money, approaching possibly as much as $30,000.  The Allen Firm has pledged $10,000 to the project, if the society can raise the needed funds to complete the project.  Therefore, the society solicits the support of individuals, businesses, and organizations in order to bring the project to full fruition.

The Allen Law Firm, which celebrated its 100^th anniversary in 2010, has agreed to give its donation as a means of honoring its founder, George E. Allen, Sr.  It was in 1910 at the Lunenburg county seat that the senior George Allen, the firm’s founder and a native of Lunenburg, began his practice of law, before moving his practice to Victoria, and later in the 1930’s to Richmond, where his three sons eventually joined him in the firm.

While living in Victoria, Mr. Allen was elected the town’s youngest ever mayor and went on to represent Lunenburg County in the Virginia General Assembly.  In 1973, his family presented the county with a handsome portrait of George Allen that proudly hangs in one of the anterooms on the second floor outside the courtroom.

At the historical society meeting, Project Manager Steve Israel made an outstanding PowerPoint presentation, along with “living history” re-enactments of attorneys Woodson and Bell, the original owners of the law offices.  Following delicious refreshments coordinated by Betty Boyle and provided by LCHS members, those in attendance were able to go outside to the front lawn of the law office building to see the work that had been completed in Phase I.

At the July 31^st meeting of the Lunenburg County Historical Society, nine members of the family of George Allen, Sr., were in attendance.  Shown here on the porch of the historic Lunenburg Court House are (left to right) Ashby Bridgforth Allen, the second son of George Allen, Sr. and one of the original four Allens in the law firm of Allen, Allen, and Allen; Patricia Allen Winters, daughter of the firm’s founder, George Allen, Sr.; Beth Allen Cuthbert, George Allen’s granddaughter, a retired partner of the firm; Charlie Cuthbert, husband of Beth Cuthbert; and Ryan D. Winters, great grandson of George Allen, Sr. (Missing from the photo:  George E. “Ted” Allen, III, grandson of the senior George Allen and one of the practicing partners in the firm; Becky Allen, Mr. Ashby Allen’s daughter, and granddaughter of George Allen, Sr.; Bridgforth Allen, son of Ashby Allen, and grandson of George Allen, Sr.; Austin H. Winters,  Mrs. Winter’s son, and grandson of George Allen.)

Law Firm of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen Showcases Local Acts of Giving

Richmond, Virginia – July 29, 2011 – The personal injury law firm of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen has rescheduled the celebration of the 2011 Allen & Allen HOMETOWN HEROES award, showcasing residents of Greater Richmond, to take place on Friday, August 26, 2011 in celebration of local acts of kindness and heroism.

Allen and Allen will celebrate the 2011 HOMETOWN HEROES at CountryFest, featuring Trace Adkins, at Innsbrook Pavilion on the new celebration date.

“The 2011 Hometown Heroes have given to their community in countless ways. Now it’s time to say thank you and to celebrate their impact,” said Douglas A. Barry, President of Allen and Allen. “August 26^th will provide Greater Richmond a chance to enjoy a great venue, entertainment, and opportunity to meet local heroes responsible for improving neighborhoods throughout the Commonwealth.”

Nominations for the HOMETOWN HEROES award were accepted from April 28, 2011 to May 27, 2011. The public was asked to complete a nomination form in honor of their favorite local hero.

Click here to view the winners of the 2011 HOMETOWN HEROES award.

The selected HOMETOWN HEROES represent teachers, firemen, doctors, foster parents, disability advocates, neighborhood role models, and more. Each of the 50 individuals selected represent a unique and inspiring story of giving in some capacity, either on a large scale or through small everyday acts of kindness. To read about each of the HOMETOWN HEROES visit www.allenandallen.com/hometown-heroes.

The winning HOMETOWN HEROES will be honored at a series of award events taking place in Richmond, as well as in Petersburg, Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville.  The first event was hosted at a Petersburg Generals Baseball game with fireworks on July 9, 2011.  Remaining events include:

• August 5, 2011 – Celebrate Virginia Big & Rich Concert. Fredericksburg
• August 19, 2011 – Best of C-Ville Party. Charlottesville
• August 26, 2011 – CountryFest 2011 Featuring Trace Atkins Concert. Richmond

For a complete list of summer events in honor of HOMETOWN HEROES, visit www.allenandallen.com/hometown-heroes.

Recently on a beautiful spring evening at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 15 incredible high school seniors were recognized by The Allen Law Firm with George E. Allen Scholarships to the school of their choice.  I had the privilege of serving on the Selection Committee this year and it is no small task to select just 15.  There were nearly 500 applications for these scholarships and we have great people who review each application to determine if they qualify.  The Committee reviewed the applications prior to a meeting to select the most deserving.  Then the Committee, which is made up of attorneys and staff in our Firm, met for several hours to discuss who the fifteen recipients should be.  The scholarships are not awarded to the most academically or athletically successful applicants, but to those students who have overcome difficult challenges to achieve the level of success they have in academics, athletics, extracurricular, community service, and other activities.  Every year the quality of the applicants makes the Committee members wish there was more money to award.

These young people have been through more in their short lives than many people go through in their entire lifetime.  It is amazing how resilient and motivated these people are.  Many times the news we hear about the next generation is not good but after seeing these high school seniors, I am convinced the future is in good hands.

The Award and Recognition ceremony began with Firm partner R. Clayton Allen describing the scholarship’s namesake and Firm’s founder George E. Allen, who was his grandfather.  Clayton explained the struggles George Allen overcame to receive his education and go on to a successful career in law and public service. As our president Douglas A. Barry stated at the dinner, we are honored to have these deserving recipients come and spend an evening with us.  When he described  the activities these teenagers are participating in, particularly the community service, it is incredible how involved they are.  Many of our recipients are involved despite limitations that would hinder many from participating yet these same limitations seem to motivate these teenagers to be more committed to their community.  They are truly inspirational.

Congratulations to the 2011 George E. Allen  Scholarship recipients.  We wish you the best in the future, and know that you all will continue to do well.

On May 10, 2011, fifteen deserving Virginia high school seniors, chosen from almost 500 applicants, were awarded the George E. Allen Scholarship by the personal injury law firm of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen.

The awards dinner took place at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, VA. Now in its twentieth year, the law firm’s Scholarship Program recognizes students who have overcome unusual obstacles or special challenges, while achieving high standards of community service and academic performance.

Congratulations to:

• Dallas Banks of Franklin County High School – Planning to attend the College of William and Mary
• Robin “Wes” Bartell of Gloucester High School – Planning to attend Christopher Newport
• Nathan Bullock of the VA School of the Deaf and Blind – Planning to attend Liberty University
• Dylan Cooper of Luray High School – Planning to attend Virginia Tech
• Cheyanna Early of Douglas Freeman High School – Planning to attend University of Mary Washington
• Dylan Franklin of Jamestown High School – Planning to attend Virginia Tech
• Russell Hill of Stonewall Jackson High School – Planning to attend Universal Technical Institute
• Sarah Igbal of Colonial Heights High School – Planning to attend James Madison University
• Ashley Jurney of Louisa County High School – Planning to attend Piedmont Community College
• Khanh Le of Douglas Freeman High School – Planning to attend J. Sergeant Reynolds
• Danielle Schuler of James Monroe High School – Planning to attend University of North Carolina Asheville
• Rodwin Spruel of Chancellor High School – Planning to attend Liberty University
• Paige Tinnell of Powhatan High School – Planning to attend George Mason University
• Denise Tormey of Patrick Henry High School – Planning to University of Mary Washington

“We are all inspired by the drive and determination demonstrated by these young adults in the face of great challenges,” said Doug Barry, Allen Law Firm president. “These students have overcome more in their short tenure than many do in a lifetime.  We are honored and humbled to help these amazing students to accomplish their dreams.”

Celebrating 20 years of helping students achieve their continuing education dreams, the George E. Allen Scholarship was created to honor the firm’s founder, George E. Allen, Sr., who overcame significant hardship to put himself through college and law school. He went on to become one of the Commonwealth’s top trial attorneys and established one of the premier personal injury law firms in the state.  For more information about this and how to apply next year, visit http://www.allenandallen.com/scholarships.

2011 George E. Allen Scholarship Winners

(From left to right) Sitting down: Khanh Le, Denise Tormey, Miriam Iqbal, Danielle Schuler, Paige Tinnell, Cheyanna Early, and Douglas Barry.

Standing: David Williams, Jason Konvicka, Gayle Bragg, Bill Bootwright, Ashley Jurney, Chris Cloude, Bob Mertig, Dylan Cooper, Charles Allen, Rodwin Spruel, Melinda South, Nathan Bullock, Clayton Allen, Russell Hill, Paul Hux, Dylan Franklin, Dallas Banks, Trent Kerns, and Chris Meyer.

100 Hometown Hereos

Richmond, Virginia – May 2, 2011: The personal injury law firm of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen announced today that it is seeking nominations for its annual HOMETOWN HEROES celebration in honor of local individuals responsible for actions that improve communities throughout Virginia. Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen will recognize Hometown Heroes from across the metro Richmond, Fredericksburg, Petersburg and Charlottesville areas. The firm will host four different events celebrating a total of 40 different heroes.

“The Allen Law Firm created the HOMETOWN HEROES award last year to celebrate the firm’s one hundred year anniversary,” said Douglas A. Barry, President of Allen & Allen. “This year we’re honored to again feature those in the community responsible for heroism and community initiatives,” said Barry.

Nominate Your 2011 Hometown Hero Today

Nominations for the HOMETOWN HEROES award, accepted from April 28, 2011 to May 27, 2011, calls for a short profile of the nominee. The public is asked to submit a nomination in one of three ways:

• Visit an Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen office to complete a simple nomination form.
• Log-on at www.allenandallen.com/hometown-heroes to submit a nomination form.

“Our firm was founded on service and action. Over the past 101 years of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, we have been inspired by those in the community, the real heroes who are responsible for improving our local communities but sometimes go unnoticed. Our attorneys and staff have witnessed firsthand the everyday heroism found in our community and want to say thank you,” said Barry.

2011 Virginia Good Deeds Tracker

In addition to HOMETOWN HEROES 2011, the law firm is launching an “Allen & Allen Good Deeds Tracker” to complement its goal of indentifying and measuring positive actions – no matter how large or small. Located on their web site at www.allenandallen.com/good-deeds, anyone can submit a simple – yet impactful – act of kindness that they have performed or have witnessed around them. Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen will keep a running tally of good deeds taken in the community for the public to view their impact throughout the summer of 2011.

Media Alert Contact: Emily J. Krause | 804.257.7570

Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen will provide a Sober Ride Home to anyone leaving Innsbrook Afterhours (www.innsbrookafterhours.com) events – from April 28, 2011 to August 20, 2011 in Greater Metro Richmond, Virginia. Innsbrook Afterhours 2011 schedule will include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stone Temple Pilots, Melissa Etheridge, and other musical acts throughout the season.

“The Allen Law Firm is offering our Sober Ride Home campaign in Greater Metro Richmond to encourage designated drivers and demonstrate our commitment to serving the community, celebrating with the community. We want to do our part to help ensure safe experiences,” said Douglas A. Barry, President of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen. “It’s a simple deed that we’re performing throughout the summer to continue to make Richmond a happier, healthier, and safer place to live and work.”

Representatives from the law firm and Napoleon Taxi will be present at every Innsbrook Afterhours event at the Allen & Allen Sober Ride Home tent located on site to hand out bottled water to designated drivers who sign a sober driver pledge and to arrange transportation for those who need a Sober Ride. “We encourage all designated drivers to stop by the Sober Ride Home tent for a bottle of water and if someone needs a sober ride, just ask and we will quickly arrange for a cab ride back home in Greater Metro Richmond with Napoleon Taxi,” said Barry. “The Allen Law Firm will pick up half of the tab to get you home safely as part of the firm’s ongoing effort to positively impact the community it serves.”

Half off of rides are only applicable for transportation from the Innsbrook Afterhours Snagajob.com Pavilion to a person’s home in Greater Metro Richmond. Rides to another drinking establishment are not applicable.

Fredericksburg Injury Attorney Tamara Jezic

Author: Attorney Tamara L. Jezic

The 17^th annual Great Train Race and Allen & Allen Caboose Run will be held this year on May 1, 2011, in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The one-mile Great Train Race is held annually by the Fredericksburg Area Runners Club to promote recreational running in the greater Fredericksburg area.  The Race is the largest youth road race on the east coast, and is always a fun day for families and children.  There are different races for children of different ages from 18 and under.  The races start at the corner of Lafayette Blvd and Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg, in front of the Fredericksburg Train Station, and finishes at the City Dock.  This year there will be 16 heats with racers grouped by age and gender for the one-mile race.

The Allen & Allen Caboose Run is a 400-meter run for children ages 5 and under with a number of heats as well, and is a non-timed event.    Allen and Allen has been the title sponsor of the Caboose Run since 2008.  Each child who participates in the Great Train Race or Caboose Run will have the opportunity to hear hundreds of people cheer him or her on, and will receive a medal when he or she crosses the finish line.  Last year, more than 3,000 children and their families participated in the runs.[1] The Great Train Race is one of the largest, most fun-filled and exciting days of the year for families in Fredericksburg.

Find information regarding registration, or register online, at: http://www.runfarc.com/GreatTrainRace.php#registration.

Don’t miss out!  Registration for the one-mile race closes at 3500 participants, and registration for the Caboose Run closes at 400 participants.  Or come on out and cheer on the runners, and enjoy a great day outdoors.  Allen and Allen’s sponsorship of this event is part of the Firm’s commitment to promoting good health and fun family outdoor recreation in the communities in which we work.  Have a question about our other activities, our Firm, our college scholarship program, your legal rights or how insurance works ? Come by our booth on race day.  We have lots of information and helpful volunteers.  Or just stop by to say hello.

About the Author: Tamara L. Jezic is a Fredericksburg car accident attorney with the law firm of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen. Tamara received a B.A. from Georgetown University and attended Harvard Law School. She works primarily in the Fredericksburg and Garrisonville offices and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

As March Madness approaches, join in the basketball fun by registering your team for the Allen & Allen Hoopla 3on3!  Bring your game to Richmond’s biggest 3 on 3 basketball showcase on April 9^th, 2011.  We have packed all of the thrills of the Allen & Allen Hoopla 3on3 into one day this year so get your team of 3-4 players registered TODAY at www.sportsbackers.org!

Teams of all ages and skills take their shot at being champion of the court.  In between games, challenge your friends to dribbling and shooting competitions on the contest court.  And of course do not forget to check out this year’s slam dunk contest!!

You will not want to miss the 4th Annual Allen & Allen Hoopla 3on3, as we turn the Dominion parking lots at Innsbrook into a basketball player’s dream…SIGN UP TODAY!