Sarah Breitenberg, daughter of Hal and Susan Breitenberg of Glen Allen, and Jimmy Mello, son of James and Stacy Mello of Henrico, were recently cast in Longwood University’s production of “Godspell,” which opened Nov. 10 and runs for two weekends, concluding on Sunday, Nov. 20. Breitenberg, a 2009 graduate of Hermitage High School, has also appeared in other Longwood productions including “The Underpants,” “The Vagina Monologues,” and “The Grapes of Wrath.” Mello, a 2011 graduate of Freeman High School, will be making his Longwood debut. Tickets are $5 for LU students, $6 for senior citizens, students from other schools and faculty, and $8 for general admission. Advance reservations are recommended. For more information, contact the box office at 434-395-2474 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell recently appointed Elena Ferranti, of Glen Allen, to the Common Interest Community Board. Ferranti is the project manager for Virginia Management, Inc.

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Glen Allen native Stefan Jobe, a senior at James Madison University, will be part of JMU’s first graduating class of engineering students. The developing program began in 2008 and will be graduating 47 students this spring. As part of their graduation requirements, engineering students are required to complete a capstone project, usually executed over a two year period. Jobe and his team will be conducting biomimicry, by observing characteristics of the fast and efficient travel and movement of animals to inspire technological advancements in transportation. The group was inspired by the skin of sharks to use a similar application to reduce drag on semi-trucks. These practical, real-world projects allow students to experience the field of engineering as they would in a career, while also solving important problems and meeting real needs. These applications also require students to work with a team to achieve a common goal over a certain period of time, preparing students for the engineering world ahead of them.