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VA should reinstitute parole
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T he Volume 39, Number 49
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POSTAL CUSTOMER
Colonial Beach • Westmoreland
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015 50 Cents
CB Elementary proud of positive referrals Linda Farneth
Photo courtesy of Colonial Beach Elementary School
On Nov. 20, 2015, the following students were recognized as the first nine weeks Drifter Pride recipients; Front row (l-r): Miquel Martinez, Andrew Grooms, Ryan Strett, Ian Straughan, Somari Johnson, Aiden Heeter, Piper Moore and Rebecca Grigsby. Back row from left to right: Anna O’Sullivan, Eva Reed, Cynari Davis, Madison Scherer, Hailey Murphy, Grecia Haddock, Lazavion Thompson, Zehner Nagahnquet.
The referrals are issued for good behavior and are part of a program called Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. It rewards students for good behavior in order to reduce bad behaviors and the need for discipline. CBES, now in “Year 2,” is known to the students as “Drifter Pride.” Elementary School Principal Michele Coates said, “We set a goal to earn 3,000 positive office referrals by the last day of school. As of Nov. 30, 2015 students have earned 1,313 positive office referrals. We are well on our way to reaching our goal as a school!” Drifter Pride encourages faculty, staff and students to be productive, responsible and respectful at all times, Coates said. It began in the classroom. Students were taught the core values of Drifter Pride. As children exhibited these qualities they were given positive office referrals. The second phase began in September 2015 and moved out of the classroom and into the halls, library, cafeteria, buses, etc. and is based on class-wide behavior. “While we are still focusing on individuals, we are also focusing
on monthly incentives for kids to work as a team in the class.” Coates said. This year students from kindergarten through seventh grade are enjoying learning how to apply Drifter Pride in all areas, with help from the Minions and Petey the Pirate. Coates and the elementary school faculty treated the students to an entertaining assembly on Sept. 16, 2015 to learn how to be productive, responsible and respectful on the bus, in the halls, the cafeteria and at home. During “Year 1,” students earned, 2,395 positive office referrals. As of Nov. 30, 2015, students have earned 1,313 positive office referrals this year. Each nine weeks a Drifter Pride Ceremony honors one student from each homeroom who demonstrates Drifter Pride consistently throughout the nine weeks. Students are selected by their homeroom teachers. “This is a very meaningful award. Students have to work hard to earn this recognition.” Coates said. “The faculty and staff are extremely proud of the students. Our school counselor, Mrs. Newland, did an excellent job organizing this event. Students are encouraged daily to let their Drifter Pride shine by making every minute matter!”
Montross to help decorate Christmas tree at governor’s mansion Staff Report The Town of Montross is happy to announce its participation in this year’s decorating of the Virginia Governor’s Mansion Christmas Tree by submitting a customdesigned tree ornament from Montross that will adorn the governor’s tree throughout the holiday season. The six-inch hand-crafted ornament was commissioned by Montross Town Council and its Town Manager, Brenda Reamy, at the request of the Virginia Municipal League (VML), which initiated the project. VML offered the opportunity to its members, which includes towns, cities and counties in Virginia, to create a hand-made ornament that represents Virginia or the contributing locality. Councilman Ferdie F. Chandler suggested a hand-turned ornament made by Mr. Wallace McGuinness, and the idea to add a hand-painted scene was included in the discussion. Councilman Larry W. Wheaton suggested asking local artist Holly Harman to create a concept drawing. With both local artists agreeing to take on the project McGuinness acquired the Linden Wood from a tree felled on the farm of former state senator Blake T. Newton to create the ornament. Harman took the traditional view of the Virginia state bird, the male Northern Cardinal and added her-own flair by painting a female Northern Cardinal ,perched on a Flowering Dogwood branch along with script lettering identifying the ornament as being from Montross, Virginia. The completed ornament was presented to Town Manager Reamy and reviewed by council members in October prior to being sent on to VML for inclusion in the tree decorating project. The “Village” of Montross joins the ranks of Virginia’s big cities and other small towns as
about 125 ornaments will decorate the Governor’s Mansion tree. Montross’ ornament, and others from throughout Virginia can be seen during Executive Mansion Holiday Tours on Thursday, Dec.
3, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the Official Tree Lighting Ceremony and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.noon, and 2-4 p.m., and on Dec. 11 and 18 from 10a.m.-2 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Town of Montross
Artist Holly Harman and craftsman Wallace McGuinness display the handcrafted ornament they created to hang on the Christmas tree in the governor’s mansion in Richmond.
Christmas festivities in village of Kinsale set for Saturday Richard Leggitt Christmas in Kinsale is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5. The charming old port community always kicks off the season on the first Saturday of December with an event co-hosted by the Kinsale Christmas Committee, the Kinsale Foundation and the Cople District Volunteer Fire Department. The event raises money for those in the community who are less fortunate, according to Lynn Norris, the director of the Kinsale Museum which is operated by the Kinsale Foundation. “Your help and generosity makes a huge difference for folks who might otherwise have nothing at all
under their Christmas tree,” Norris said. “Your contributions are so very important and appreciated by so many.” The holiday event will begin at noon on Saturday with a local homemade cookie sale at the old Kinsale Ice Cream Parlor. There will be Christmas Bazaar featuring handcrafts and art at the Cople District Firehouse and a Christmas Car Show. Food, including fried oysters, stewed oysters, roasted oysters, pulled pork barbecue and burgers, will be available at the downtown park. There will be wines available from Vault Field Vineyards, live music and a silent auction featuring quality gifts, many of them handmade.
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In the afternoon, there will be a toy box raffle, games for children at a Kid’s Zone at the firehouse, horsedrawn carriage rides, a tree lighting, a bike giveaway, crafts for kids, a parade and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus. “Proceeds go for very good causes,” said Norris, “including WRAR Christmas Wishes, The Haven Shelter, the Food Bank, gifts for seniors and supplies for needy children.” For a good time and a worthwhile cause, visit Kinsale on Saturday, Dec. 5.