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"We’re always hiring school bus drivers," said James Day, Arlington Public Schools coordinator for Special Needs Transportation at the Arlington County Employment and Enrichment Fair. The fair took place on November 4 at Career Center on South Walter Reed.

            "We welcome applicants, young or old, and we will provide them with training and assistance. For example, this is a good job for retirees, and we’ll hire them as long as they pass the physical," he added. The county has 728 school buses which operate in 25.5 square miles and are kept in one location. It provides transportation services to pre-school pupils up to 12th graders, including those with special needs or assistance. Coordinator Day can be reached at (703) 228-6640.

            Diversity Outreach Coordinator Quinea Postel of the county’s Human Resources Department said there are plenty of opportunities."The Arlington Virginia government offers great benefits and salaries, and there are dozens of job openings." At the fair, information and services on job opportunities and ways "to enrich your lifestyle are available in one spot."

            Participants provided materials, on-site tips and answered questions from individuals who dropped by. One of them was Arlington Public Schools Community Outreach Specialist Ricardo E. Campos, who gave Rhonda John information and a business card. Throughout the five-hour event, 20-minute sessions took place in nearby rooms on these topics: How to Start a Business, How to Prepare for a Job Interview, Maintaining Good Credit and Affordable Housing.

            Seven Arlington County agencies, private firms and community organizations took part in the fair. These are the Arlington Human Resources, Arlington Economic Development, Arlington Public Schools, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAAACP) of Arlington, the Hispanic Committee of Virginia and GMAC Credit Consultants.

Starting a business

 In one room, men and women kept coming to hear articulate and energetic Tara R. Miles, director of BizLaunch at the Arlington Economic Development. "When starting a business, it’s location, location, location," she stressed. "For example, you can choose a site near the Metro so you do not have to spend much on marketing." She also cautioned listeners on the pitfalls of premature overexpansion. She explained that concentrating on making one restaurant successful is better than running three restaurants simultaneously. Those interested in getting a copy of "Guide to Starting a Business" and more information materials may call (703) 228-0808. Or they can visit the website, www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/bizlaunch

            In the audience was Chona Bravante, who said the Enterprise Development Group of the Ethiopian Community Development Council helps people who are starting up or expanding business by providing office spaces on South Highland Street in Arlington. In another room, four women and a young couple listened intently and took down notes while the county’s Doug Myrick gave tips on affordable housing. Myrick, home ownership program coordinator at Arlington County’s department of community planning, housing and development, can be reached at (703) 228-3786.

            At the lobby, Anointed Words founder Bert Greene entertained questions from a couple on career coaching and resume writing. Nearby, Claudia Guijo-Glascock, employment coordinator of the Hispanic Committee of Virginia (HCV), handed out brochures on HCV. The organization has been providing assistance and services in Northern Virginia on citizenship, family petitions and others at reduced cost since 1967. For more information, visit www.hispaniccommitteeofvirginia.org