The National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors, a group that many people in Washington, D.C., probably haven’t heard of, is celebrating its 40th anniversary tonight with an awards program that gives a nod to Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio), former Rep. Rick Lazio (R-N.Y.) and lobby shop founder H. Stewart Van Scoyoc, among others. [IMGCAP(1)]

The NAFGPD represents programs that link low-income seniors with kids who have special needs. The seniors tutor and mentor the children.

The program is funded in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies appropriations bill. Regula serves as chairman of the subcommittee that produces that bill.

In addition to helping at-risk children and those with learning disabilities, the programs also “are a vehicle for the seniors to re-engage in community life,” said Evan Knisely, a lobbyist at Van Scoyoc Associates who represents the group. The group’s lobbying issues include federal appropriations and policy that relates to volunteers. “They are funded out of the Labor-HHS bill every year … and my primary charge is to make sure that number goes up.”

He added that the group chose to honor Regula because he and his staff “have been extraordinarily helpful.” The awards ceremony is being held at the Van Scoyoc offices at 101 Constitution Ave. NW.

Time to Retire. John E. Kane, senior vice president for governmental affairs at the Nuclear Energy Institute, has announced his retirement from the organization on or before April 30, 2006.

Kane has served as NEI’s top governmental affairs officer since 1997, including the last five years as senior vice president.

— Kate Ackley and Louis Jacobson