Community Connection

Dominion Regional Contact

Jen Kostyniuk, External Affairs Manager, Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck
(804) 755-5426 -- Mobile: (804) 310-4776 --  jen.kostyniuk@dom.com

Counties: Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, Essex, Gloucester, King William, King & Queen, Mathews, Middlesex

Jen has held several positions at Dominion Virginia Power over the past ten years, all involving employee communications.  She currently serves on multiple committees, chambers, and boards in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck region, including: VIMS-Industry Partnership, Northern Neck-Chesapeake Bay Region Partnership, Tappahannock-Essex Chamber of Commerce, Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, Northumberland Chamber of Commerce, Go Green Gloucester Advisory Committee, RCC Education Foundation Board, and the Northern Neck Land Conservancy Board of Directors.

In addition, she is very active in the Richmond, Virginia volunteer community, serving on the Board of Directors for Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) and for H.A.P.P.E. (Homeless Animal Protection Placement and Education).  Jen has a B.S. in Mass Communications-Advertising, an M.S. in Mass Communications-Media Management, and an M.A. in English-Composition and Rhetoric, all from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She just completed her tenth marathon. 

News Updates

“Walk Like A Penguin” For A Safer Winter

With winter weather upon us, take time to build safety into everything you do. Don’t take anything for granted, and be sure to maintain your personal safety as well as the safety of those around you. Here are a few points to consider:

Awareness of Surroundings: Colder weather requires some adjustments to our focus on our overall environment.

• Take a few extra moments to increase awareness of the effects colder weather can have on your surroundings.
• Evaluate the hazards and make a plan to stay safe.
• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions -- at home, work or play.

Driving: Winter driving can be more hazardous than normal, so don’t take it for granted.

• Road conditions can change rapidly, so don’t be in a rush; plan additional driving time into your schedule.
• Make sure your vehicle is in proper working condition.
• Evaluate potential road hazards and plan accordingly.
• Anticipate your environment, including what the other driver may (or may not) do.
• Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.

Walking: Historically, walking in winter weather has proven to be a high-risk activity for all of us. Falls can lead to especially serious, long-term injuries. Walking in these conditions requires special considerations.

• Always walk in cleared paths and don’t give in to the temptation to take shortcuts to save time.
• If a cleared pathway is not available, take your time and use extra caution. “Walk Like a Penguin” during winter weather -with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent, so if you do slip you will either be able to regain your balance or your fall will be gentler.
• Keep your hands free and out of your pockets.
• Consider your activities and surrounding and plan safety into your day-to-day activities.

Now Is The Perfect Time to Winterize Your Home!

With the chill of winter in the air, now is the perfect time to begin winterizing your home to increase its energy efficiency and your comfort.

As with all projects, the best first step is to develop a good plan. One of the best places to begin is with Dominion Virginia Power's free online energy calculators.

The online home and business energy calculators can help you quickly identify the necessary steps and potential savings, whether it is placing more insulation in the attic or installing energy-saving CFL bulbs. For best results, have your electricity bill handy so you can enter your specific energy-use information.

To prepare your house for winter, some important steps you should take include:

• Replace or clean filters of forced air furnaces monthly.
• Have your heating system inspected annually by a qualified professional.
• Make sure you are not losing heated air through loose or faulty connections in your home's ductwork.
• Seal windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk.