01/05/2012

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY

01.05.12

INSIDE SPORTS

A look back at 2011 in local sports

Page 5

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Scouts to earn badges at workshop

THE FIRST RESPONDERS

Boys’ organization will present its ‘Citizenship in the Nation’ event at county museum

BY KOREY HUGHES

S

Special Correspondent

ince its inception, the Boy Scouts of America organization has provided its members with memorable experiences that have helped to mold their futures.

On Saturday, the organization will present its Citizenship in the Nation merit badge workshop at the Chesterfield County Museum.

Aimed at Boy Scouts from ages 11 to 14, the seminar will teach them about U.S. history and what it means to be an American citizen.

Bryan Truzzie is the certified merit badge counselor who will conduct Saturday’s clinic.

Truzzie has performed merit badge workshops since he received his certification in 2010. His history with the Boy Scouts of America began years ago when he was a Cub Scout.

Since 2006, Truzzie also has been the historic site specialist Bryan Truzzie for the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department. And, because I think the workhistorical programshop will give ming is his primary young boys an focus, Truzzie is the appreciation of perfect choice to present information about our liberties and America’s past. freedoms in this “I think the workgreat country and teach them about shop will give young boys an appreciation the background of our liberties and that forged our freedoms in this great nation. country and teach them about the background that forged our nation,” Truzzie said. “And during the course of the workshop, the Scouts will get a better understanding of what citizenship really means.”

“They will also learn about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the federal government and its branches. At the same time, they will begin to understand the rights and liberties of an individual and the sacrifices that our forefathers made.”

After the boys finish the course, Truzzie will sign off on the merit badge cards that they will return to their respective troop leaders. Later, the troop leaders will award the badges to the Scouts.

The workshop is sponsored by the local Heart of Virginia Council, but Truzzie said that Boy Scouts from other regions of the state are welcome to attend. All participants must prepare themselves to ensure that they understand the curriculum.

“Well, there aren’t prerequisites per se, but there are a few things that they need to do on their own,” Truzzie said. “One of those is to determine who two senators are from their district and compose a letter that they would like to send to one of them.”

“They also need to watch the evening news or read a newspaper to help them get a better understanding of world events. Those things will give them the opportunity to learn to do research.”

When asked why he believes that the Boy Scouts of America organization has thrived for so long, Truzzie said he thinks it’s because the group helps boys develop characteristics that will aid them later in life.

“Well, I think that scouting provides young boys with an opportunity to grow, and it teaches them strong moral values that are just as important today as they were 100 years ago,” Truzzie said.

The Boy Scouts of America Citizenship in the Nation merit badge workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Chesterfield County Museum in Chesterfield.

Admission is $10, but the merit badge is not included in the price.

Advance registration is required, so parents should go to the Chesterfield Historical Society’s website to enroll their Scouts in the class or call 751-4946.

OVERHEARD

PHOTO BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

A Chesterfield County communications officer on duty. The center receives an average of 1,200 calls a day.

911: What is your emergency?

Chesterfield’s one of 80 accredited centers in U.S.

Center was awarded Emergency Medical Dispatch Accreditation on Oct. 21, 2005, by the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS ) and was awarded reaccreditation on Oct. 20, 2010. The certification process is done every three years.

BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT “There are only 80 centers in the whole Special Correspondent to the responding units as it is gathered, in country that are accredited,” Troshak said.

A lot of stress sometimes goes with the he phone rings at Chesterfield real time. job and some emergency calls can be really County Emergency CommunicaThe dispatcher will further assist calltough to deal with. Dispatchers have sometions Center (ECC) on the average ers by giving instructions to callers on one they can go to, if needed. of 1,200 times a day. how to administer lifesaving techniques, It takes a special person to be a dispatchDuring Hurricane Irene, the call center such as CPR, during medical emergener, said Troshak. It’s not a 9 to 5 job – you received 3,600 calls in one day. cies; to take steps to promote the perwork holidays and weekends.

“They are the first ‘First Responders’,” sonal safety of the caller, the victim and If a situation arises where a dispatchers said Richard Troshak, director of the ECC. responding police, fire or EMS personnel, needs to counsel with someone, they can Calls come into the center and the first and to engage in those actions that precommunications officer answers and the serve evidence to aid in the apprehension talk to supervisors and there is a team for critical incident stress management. questions begin. 911 what is your emerof suspects.

Interested in joining the team? gency? What is your location? What is your Oh no! 911 was dialed by mistake! What As a 911 operator, officials said you’ll be name and phone number? should you do? a first responder, using your actions and Once the initial information is obtained, If you call 911 by mistake, do not hang quick thinking to help police, fire, rescue officials said additional questions may be up, the ECC said. Stay on the line and tell and animal control officers do their jobs asked, depending on the type of call. the dispatcher that everything is all right. more effectively.

The questioning will not slow down If a caller to 911 hangs up without The ideal candidate for a 911 operator the dispatching of the appropriate asstating the problem, the caller must be sistance. contacted in order to ensure that no actual position is intelligent, detail oriented, adept at multitasking, and has good written and In emergency cases, this information is emergency exits. This may result in the oral communication skills. relayed immediately to field units so they dispatching of an officer to your home or For more information, go to Chestermay begin responding to the incident, while place of business in order to ensure that a field.gov and click on emergency commuthe dispatcher remains on the phone to problem does not exist. nications. obtain further details that also are relayed The Emergency Communications

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Go to chesterfield.gov and click on ‘emergency communications’ for information on becoming a 911 operator.

T

Local artist receives thank-you letter from President Obama

BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

I

Special Correspondent

magine checking your daily mail and there are sale flyers, maybe a bill or two, a letter from a friend or a family member, and you spot a white envelope with a “White House Seal” on it.

Could this be possible? The envelope is opened and you can’t believe the contents, but it happened to Steve “Boogie” Roberson, a Chesterfield County resident.

Just what was in that envelope?

“It was a thank you letter from President Obama and Michele had signed it, too,” Roberson said gleefully, with a mile wide smile.

So why did Roberson get a White House correspondence?

Before Obama was elected, Roberson, a local artist who specializes in portraits of well-known subjects, made a sketch of the candidate and then a portrait was painted from that.

The portrait was mailed and arrived right at the time Obama took office.

Never expecting to hear any type of acknowledgement regarding the gift, Roberson received a shock.

“The White House called me!” Roberson excitedly said. “They thanked me for the gift and said they would be sending a letter. I couldn’t believe it!”

Sure enough, Roberson received his letter and it said, “We [President Obama and his wife Michele] would like to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for your generous gift.

“It is gratifying to know that we have your support. As we work to address the great challenges of our time, we hope you will continue to stay active and involved.

“Again, thank you for your kind gift.” Signed Barack Obama and Michele Obama.

Roberson’s career began early.

“I was 5 years old and in the first grade,” said Roberson “ I did a drawing of Martin Luther King and my teacher entered it in a contest. The drawing was put on display at the Richmond Museum.”

The artistic abilities of Roberson are well-known in Texas.

“I was living in Texas at the time,” the artist added, “ and I knew Sam Neely.”

PHOTO BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

“Boogie” holds the thank-you letter he received from President Obama and a photo of the portrait he painted of the president.

Neely wrote the final song for the hit show M*A*S*H – “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” along with other notable accomplishments, including the well-known hit “I Fought the Law.” “Well,” Roberson said, “Sam was diabetic and I did a portrait of him and donated it to raise money for the Diabetes Foundation.”

Before one begins to imagine Roberson’s riches, he will quickly tell you,” I have never sold a painting. I donate them to charities and to people who I paint. I was offered money for the Obama portrait I painted but I turned it down and thanked the person, but said this picture was meant as a gift. “ Roberson’s skilled hands also create comic book art and he is an

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2 || JANUARY 5, 2012

NEWS || FEATURES

‘Go Red for Women’ event planned Women throughout America will Go Red For Women in February to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, women’s No.1 killer.

The American Heart Association’s campaign will again invite women to take charge of their heart health and live a stronger, longer life.

To help support this major campaign, a Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held from Busser 10:30 a.m. to1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at the Jefferson Hotel.

Keynote speaker will be Katherine Busser, executive vice president of Bank Operations and Central Virginia Market President, Capital One Financial Corporation.

One of the nation’s top executive women in the financial services industry, Busser also is an active leader in the Central Virginia community, engaging in issues ranging from economic development to financial literacy and education.

“Heart disease kills one in every three women, but it can be largely prevented with a healthy lifestyle and active attention to our

individual risks,” said Marilyn West, chair of the 2012 Go Red For Women campaign.

“Together, we can make a difference here in Richmond by funding research and education focused on women and their hearts.”

For more information on the luncheon, call Chelsea Slate at 965-6529.

To kick off February, American Heart Month, Friday, Feb. 3, has been designated “National Wear Red Day.” As part of its Go Red For Women campaign, sponsored locally by Bon Secours For Women and Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc., the American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to wear red — such as a red dress, shirt, hat or other item — on Feb. 3 in support of all women who have been touched by heart disease or stroke.

For a free, downloadable Wear Red Day kit, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org/WearRedDay. For more information on local activities throughout February’s Heart Month, visit the “American Heart Association – Richmond” facebook page.

For more information on heart disease in women, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.

Soldier honored for saving man’s life A soldier with Fort Lee’s 217th Military Police Detachment received the Army Commendation Medal on Tuesday, Dec. 13, for his role in saving a Chesterfield man’s life.

Staff. Sgt. Edmund Whipple

Whipple

was honored during an awards ceremony for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on John Kenneth Myers Sr. when the man collapsed on Nov. 7 at a gas station in Midlothian.

Myers attended the ceremony.

ENROLL NOW - CLASSES STARTING SOON!

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

CRIME REPORT All data are based on the publicly available Chesterfield County Police Department daily arrest and crime releases and are reported according to Federal Incident Based Reporting rules.

23112

Victim had just made his pizza delivery and returned to his vehicle when the suspect grabbed his throat, putting a knife to his neck and demanding his money. The victim fought back, jumped into his car, and drove off.

Dec. 16

11100 block of Hull Street Road Victim was assaulted by unknown suspect.

4900 block of Glen Tara Drive Suspect/s broke the rear window to gain entry to the victim’s residence. A rear door was also damaged. Property was stolen.

12200 block of Chattanooga Plaza Victims advised they had been robbed by several suspects in the parking lot of listed location.

23114

5500 block of Creek Crossing Drive Victim stated her doorbell rang but she did not see anyone.

Two unknown suspects were then observed in her yard and attempting to turn the rear door knob. Entry was not gained. Nothing has been reported stolen at this time.

Dec. 16

1500 block of Walden Springs Drive Two suspects taken into custody for taking item from victim’s vehicle.

23235 Dec. 16

2600 block of Oak Lake Boulevard Complainant discovered a portion of the fence securing the lot had been knocked over and property was missing. The wheelbarrow, believed to have been used to transport the items, was recovered nearby.

8100 block of Providence Forest Court Suspect/s gained entry through the unsecured front door. Once inside, the interior was ransacked and property was stolen.

Dec. 17

door to the victim’s residence and stole property from inside.

23236 Dec. 19

8500 block of Woodward Drive Suspect/s forced open the rear utility door and gained entry to the residence. Property was reported stolen.

700 block of South Providence Road Victim stated suspect/s kicked in the rear door, and, once inside, rummaged through the residence. Property was reported stolen.

23832 Dec. 16

6000 block of Cedar Springs Road Suspect/s kicked in the front door to gain entry to the residence. Once inside the interior was ransacked and property was stolen. Suspect/ s also took vehicle keys to the victim’s vehicle, which was parked in the driveway, rummaged through it, and left the keys in the door. At this time, nothing was reported stolen from the vehicle.

1000 block of Ruthers Road Property removed from 6400 block of Manassas victim’s purse, which she had left inside her unlocked vehicle Court Unknown suspect forced while visiting location. open the garage door and was observed leaving the vacant Dec. 19 property with a trash can full 1000 block of Ruthers Road of scrap metal.

Suspect/s forced open the rear

Dec. 18

3900 block of Bayreuth Lane Known suspect assaulted victim and took her property.

Dec. 19

3000 block of Shiloh Church Road

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NEWS || FEATURES

JANUARY 5, 2012 || 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The driver’s right to chatter By the time states actually act on the recommendation, technology will have probably solved the problem. It’s not an insurmountable recent National Transportation challenge to design and produce a system that and Safety Board recommendation caught my attention for several is hands-free and requires no distraction from reasons, and the more I examined it, driving.

Another puzzling aspect is the scope of the the more it reinforced my belief that common sense is sadly lacking from many administrative ban. It would prohibit all forms of communication, including hands-free accessories that decisions. allow drivers to talk without actually holding In a press release issued shortly before a transmitter. I strongly believe most of us can Christmas, the NTSB recommended a total ban speak and drive at the same time, and the faron using cell phones or other electronic devices reaching prohibition seems like an over-reaction while operating a vehicle. While the recomfrom government, something many have learned mendation is non-binding and carries no legal enforcement authority, it does place states under to expect.

Finally, I was surprised at the immediate and a certain amount of pressure to follow the recomemphatic response by the cell phone industry mendations. For example, future road construcand many citizens who think the government has tion grants could be delayed or denied if a state no right to limit or prohibit our right to use cell doesn’t meet the recommendations. phones. Do they actually believe that talking or Now, as a person who has a long-held belief texting on a hand-held phone while driving is a that driving and cell phones are a bad combinasafe practice? I suspect not. tion, the advisory, at first glance, seemed viable It’s safer to assume they rely on an argument and pertinent. After all, who among us hasn’t that is becoming familiar in American political pulled up on an almost stopped car on a busy discussion: The assumption that all government thoroughfare only to find the driver is chatting away with a cell phone seemingly attached at the regulation is bad, and any attempt to limit personal freedom is an affront to democracy. ear?

I respectfully reject this premise, but underAlthough many incidents and close calls go stand the philosophy behind it. Perhaps estabunreported, the number of accidents involving lishing cell phone driving regulations would be cell phone use, especially texting, have steadily better attempted at the state or local level, where increased. And it doesn’t take a genius to realize officials could fashion a regulation that ensured that texting while driving is tempting the devil, public safety and maintained the right to personal and it’s probably only a matter of time before freedom. unfortunate results occur.

After an initial endorsement of the ban, I have Personally, I can’t imagine even trying to text discovered there are always two sides to every and drive in traffic, but I see it every day on our story. And, after speaking to several friends, I’ve roadways right here in the Metro area. So, I’m a learned the opposing argument certainly has partial proponent of the recommendations, but merit. somewhat amazed at the process.

The discussions regarding cell phone restricThe NTSB stated the recommendations were tion goes on, as it should. It’s the surest sign that the result of 10 years of study across the nation.

Wow, it took 10 years to find out what most citi- our system of free expression and democracy are alive and well as we enter 2012. zens knew the first time they saw it.

BY JIM RIDOLPHI

A

Special Correspondent

Schedule of county library programs announced

T

he new year brings a full schedule of programs at the Chesterfield County Public Library.

Teen Studio-Watercolor Tissue Paper Collage Painting will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 7, in Bon Air. Create collage paintings using colored tissue paper. Illustrator Jamie Ross will guide students in this unusual medium. Each participant will bring home one or two completed collage paintings. Colored tissue paper is an exceptional collage medium. The vibrant and subtle tones produced in combination with a special glue mixture are easily manipulated onto paper.

The results resemble watercolor in a collage form. This program is recommended for students 12 years old and older. Registration, which began on Dec. 24, is recommended. Register online at library. chesterfield.gov, or by calling 751-CCPL. Meal Planning on a Budget will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Clover Hill.

Join Angie Knutson for “Meal Planning on a Budget” as she shares her techniques on how to take the grocery store sale flyers and the coupons in the Sunday paper to create a great family meal

while saving money. Angie has four children so she has tried many different techniques to save money.

Join Angie as she shares her story on the art of couponing and other money saving techniques. Registration, which began on Dec. 24, is recommended. Register online at library.chesterfield.gov, or by calling 751-CCPL. Early Literacy Story Times • Winter/Spring, 2012 will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, in Bon Air. Story times help develop early literacy skills which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. No registration is required.

Early Literacy Story Times • Winter/Spring, 2012 will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, in Midlothian.

Story times help develop early literacy skills which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. No registration is required.

Game On! at your library will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, in Chester. Visit the library to play Wii games. No registration is required.

Pajama Story Times − Winter/Spring, 2012 will be held from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, at Central. Pajamas and a

stuffed animal are options for early evening library fun. Story times help develop early literacy skills, which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. No registration is required.

Pajama Story Times − Winter/Spring, 2012 will be held from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, at Clover Hill. Pajamas and a stuffed animal are options for early evening library fun. Story times help develop early literacy skills, which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. No registration is required.

Meadowdale Book Discussion Group will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, at Meadowdale.“The Peach Keeper”

by Sarah Allen will be discussed.

Downloadable Digital eBooks Workshop will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at LaPrade. Are you paying for eBooks? Get them for free. Get started with CCPL’s Downloadable Digital Library. Bring your library card, your laptop and your e-reader or SmartPhone and learn how to get great reads for free.

Registration, which began on Dec. 27, is recommended.

For more information, or to register, visit library.chesterfield. gov or call the library branch.

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Local recording artist Perkins heard internationally

BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Z

Special Correspondent

ach Perkins can be seen walking the streets of Nashville, recording CDs in a studio or performing locally in his hometown of Chesterfield.

The James River High School graduate seems to excel in the bright lights of the entertainment world and still is rooted enough in his community to support local charity causes with his performances.

“I have always had an interest in music since I was able to sing,” Perkins said. “When I was in Show Choir at James River High School, I just loved all of my music classes and performing.”

Perkins had a plan but his heart called to him instead.

“I left for college, North Carolina Wesleyan College, to play soccer,” Perkins said. “The college did not have any music degrees and very few chorus/music classes. Although I do dearly love playing soccer, I realized that music was the center of my universe. That is when it really hit me. I called my parents and said I wanted to come home and pursue a career as a country music recording artist.”

Why country music?

Country music is centered around everyday life and emotions, Perkins said, and good or bad, funny or sad people can relate easily to the lyrics, like the song was written for them personally.

Perkins began performing professionally in Chesterfield. His first professional appearance was a benefit concert at Harrowgate Baptist Church.

Musical talent flows in the Perkins family.

“My entire immediate family are all musically talented,” Perkins said. “My father played piano and fronted a band (vocally) that was even invited to perform on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’ Mom loves to sing and plays piano, flute, guitar.

My sister and two older brothers all performed in local county high school show choirs. My brothers, Ben and Josh, helped start the all Male Show Choir at James River High School. My sister, in addition to being part of James River and Matoaca High School Show Choirs, was a musical theater actress from the age of 10. “ A natural step was recording a CD. “I had performed many benefit concerts and had people asking if I had any CDs for sale,” said Perkins. “After Christmas last year, I decided that if I was going to record a CD, I wanted to use Nashville musicians and record in the Nashville area. Since a recording label deal had not materialized, my mother and I started researching recording studios, venues, etc.

In March, Dad was going to the Nashville area to pick up a boat part, so my Mom said to me, ‘Place a call to Lamon Records Nashville and see if someone can talk to us about how to get a CD recorded

PHOTO BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Zach Perkins performs at a Midlothian event for the Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad.

and maybe the cost’.”

Perkins asked, “Why them?” and his mom said, “Not sure, I just keep getting a feeling that they are the people that we need to talk to.”

“So I placed a call and left a voice mail and the next day Lamon Records president/producer Dave Moody called me back and set up a meeting for us to talk while in Nashville. We met, talked about what I wanted to do, and then Dave said that he would see what he could do for me. Within a week of that conversation, I signed a recording deal with Lamon Records Nashville.” The breaks just seem to keep coming for Perkins.

“From picking the songs to be on my first EPK to the studio musicians – it is the best experience in the world,” Perkins added.

“My studio musicians included Elvis Presley’s keyboard player, Boots Randolph’s bass player, Dave Moody’s son, Josh on drums and Dave Moody (himself) on multiple instruments. Watching/hearing how it all comes together was amazing. It was most definitely a dream come true!”

Perkins said that looking for investors is difficult in this economy. “The other goal is finding local band members that have the same drive that I have. There are plenty of musicians in Nashville,” he said, “but I want to get out in my state of Virginia and would love to find some local country musicians.”

“I want to thank God for blessing me with a talent that I can share with others. My first radio single, ‘Looking for a Change,’ is doing well internationally and on the Internet. It takes awhile for American terrestrial radio stations to play a new artist’s single. Please request my song at your local station to be played. Hopefully it will get played in the Richmond, Va., area one day very soon.”

For more information on Zach Perkins,visit www.zachperkinsmusic.com.

3229 Anderson Highway Powhatan, Va 23114 Office: (804) 379-6451 Fax: (804) 379-6215 Mail: PO Box 10 Powhatan, VA 23139

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Get fit at Women’s Wednesday Night Workout

I

Special Correspondent

t’s tough to maintain a regular exercise regiment, but a local group of gutsy ladies have made up their minds to follow through with a weekly fitness routine.

At the Women’s Wednesday Night Workout at the Family Worship Center, the faction of focused female fitness enthusiasts motivate each other – no matter what.

Chesterfield resident and Family Worship Center member Cathy Mitchell organized the mid-week workout.

Since October, the group has been meeting in the church’s sanctuary.

In fact, Mitchell didn’t spend much time planning the fitness event. She presented the idea to Nathan Boehm, the pastor at Family Worship Center, and galvanized the gathering within three days.

“I thought of it on a Sunday and asked Pastor Boehm’s wife Dawn when the church was available,” Mitchell said. “Then, we started the next Wednesday.”

By day, Mitchell works as a billing specialist, but, on Wednesday evenings, she also leads the group’s workouts.

And Mitchell has struggled with fibromyalgia, a disease that affects the body’s

tender points, for more than a decade, which is why she understands how important habitual exercise is.

“Most people feel better when they’re up and moving, but I also have fibromyalgia, so sitting makes me hurt a lot,” Mitchell said. “And I’ve had it for 16 years, so I’ve had to force myself to work out on a regular basis.”

“With fibromyalgia, you don’t feel like doing anything, but, the less you do, the more you hurt. So, when I work out, it warms my muscles and it helps me physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Mitchell said she hopes that her group will attract women who might not otherwise exercise at gyms that welcome both genders. At the same time, she thinks that it will give new participants a chance to focus on their needs instead of their families’ desires for a change.

“Some women aren’t comfortable working out in front of men or other women who are extremely fit,” Mitchell said. “And women can also be very critical of each other’s body types at times.”

“But, as women, we need to make time to do regular exercise, and a lot of us don’t.

They get distracted by other things in their lives, especially if they’re married or have

PHOTO BY NICOLE BOTKIN

Members of the Women’s Wednesday Night Workout meet weekly from 7-8 p.m. at the Family Worship Center in Chesterfield.

children or have parents that depend on them or have a second job, so they put themselves last.”

At this writing, the meetup boasts about five regular members, but Mitchell is confident that her group will grow as the word spreads.

And, although her group’s weekly workout is informal,

Mitchell suggests that attendees bring a few items along with them.

“Most of us bring a water bottle and a towel,” Mitchell said. “And wear whatever you’re comfortable in because we have ladies in sweats, shorts, jeans, tank tops and long sleeves.”

So, is it really necessary to

Four teachers achieve certification; two renew Teachers are now working in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Chesterfield’s newest NBCTs are: Maria DiSanto, a first grade teacher at Elizabeth Scott Elementary, Gina Hackett, English teacher at Lloyd C. Bird High, Robyn S. Hilton, career and technical education teacher at Thomas Dale High and Martha Wild, who teaches math and fifth grade in the Center Based Gifted program at Greenfield Elementary Teachers who renewed their certifications are: Judith Leshen, a first grade teacher at Elizabeth Scott Elementary who

earned certification in 2001, and Lindsay Porzio, a fifth grade teacher at Bon Air Elementary who earned certification in 2002 National Board Certification is considered the gold standard for excellence in teaching.

A voluntary assessment program designed to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers, National Board certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete.

Certification lasts 10 years, then may be renewed for an additional 10 years.

The New Virginians, a club for women new to the Richmond area in the last two years, will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Richmond Country Club at 12950 Patterson Ave. in Richmond.

Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt will talk about the

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story of the Thalhimer family and its founding of the Thalhimer’s department store in Richmond.

The cost for the luncheon is $25.

Prospective members are welcome.

For more information, call Linda Eggleston at 7442025.

Reception to kick off this evening

Call Julie Abse at (804) 356-4810 for details.

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then go with it. And whether it’s Jan. 1 or July 1, do it when you’re ready, regardless of the date.”

The Women’s Wednesday Night Workout will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Family Worship Center in Chesterfield.

For more information, call 512-3798.

‘New Virginians’ club for women to meet Jan. 11

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Four additional Chesterfield teachers have achieved National Board certification, which is one of the highest credentials in education, and two National Board Certified Teachers have renewed their certification.

They will be honored during a regional pinning ceremony at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, at Virginia Commonwealth University in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts at 922 Park Ave. in Richmond.

A total of 89 National Board Certified

make a New Year’s resolution in order to adopt a normal fitness routine? Mitchell doesn’t seem to think so.

“Personally, I don’t make resolutions,” Mitchell said.

“It’s just not something that I’ve ever done.”

“But if there’s something that you need to set your mind to do in order to do it,

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The Greater Richmond Chamber’s Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee will host the 37th Annual Legislative Reception to kick off the 2012 General Assembly Session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 5) at United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) at 700 N. 4th St. in Richmond.

Capital Region legislators and local elected officials from the city of Richmond, the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan, and the town of Ashland will be honored.

For more information, or to register, go to www.GRCC. com.

Alliance to host social tonight The Western Chesterfield Business Alliance will host a social from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Jan. 5) at the Capital Ale House in the Village of Midlothian.

David Dye of Tax & Business Solutions is sponsoring the networking event.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2.

ARTIST from page 1 avid toy collector. His home is a haven for Masters of the Universe and Batman figures.

But they aren’t dust collectors, they have a purpose.

“I study them,” Roberson said. “I also watch the shows and that helps me learn the characters of each one. Then ideas come to me for drawings. I am working on a Batman drawing at the present, but I can’t give out the details at this time.”

MidlothiANExchANgE.coM

EXERCISE

sports || fitness

chEER chAMPS

All-AMERicAN

PHOTO BY PATRICK DOBBS

Cosby's cheer squad didn't put on a perfect performance in the Group AAA finals, but it was still good enough to give the Titans their second consecutive state championship.

thREE-PEAt

PHOTO BY CHARLIE LEFFLER

15-year-old Lyberty Anderson claimed her third consecutive Richmond Women's Golf Association championship with a 1-up victory over Maggie Balch on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff.

the year in local sports REcoRd RUN

PHOTO BY KENNY MOORE

Chesterfield native Denny Hamlin was thrilled to win his charity race for the first time in May at Richmond International Raceway, but while he managed to qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup, he was never a factor in the championship battle and finished ninth in the points standings.

PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELL

Clover Hill senior Joel Caleb, the state's top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2012, was selected to play in the U.S.. Army All-American Bowl Saturday in San Antonio.

2011

RoUgh RidE

PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELL

Cosby's Megan Moye won the 1,600-meter title at the Group AAA state outdoor championships and broke the meet record that had stood since 1983, then added Dominion District and Central Region cross country titles in the fall before finishing third at the state meet. Moye also qualified to run at the Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego.

Still thE BESt

JANUARY 5, 2012 || 5

SWEEt SWiNg

PHOTO COURTESY JMU

JMU catcher Jake Lowery, a Cosby High graduate, ranked among the national leaders in several offensive categories and earned the Johnny Bench Award before being selected by the Cleveland Indians in the fourth round.

BAcK-to-BAcK

PHOTO BY PATRICK DOBBS

Led by Dominion District and Central Region player of the year Sam Albus, the state's most dominant middle hitter, James River's boys volleyball team rolled to its second consecutive Group AAA state championship. The Rapids didn't drop a game in beating a pair of Virginia Beach teams, Ocean Lakes and Frank Cox, en route to the title.

StARt YoUR ENgiNES

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Buoyed by the return of Kara Dickerson from a leg injury, Midlothian's girls cross country team defended their title at the Group AAA state meet and earned a wild card berth into the Nike Cross Nationals competition in Oregon.

PHOTO BY KENNY MOORE

Southside Speedway sat idle for months as owner Sue Clements recovered from a stroke, but roared back to life in June with a partial schedule of events that included a tribute to local racing legend Junie Donlavey.

EXPLORE

6 || JANUARY 5, 2012

YOUR WORLD || TRAVEL

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

Safe in arms of Houlagans’ Rest Rescue group has become refuge for dogs at death’s door

BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

I

Special Correspondent

t all started with Hurricane Katrina. The image of hundreds and hundreds of homeless and stranded pets was an unbearable sight and it became a call to service for two sisters.

When Katrina struck, Debbie Jennings and her sister Melanie were at Cape Fear, N.C., on vacation. The sisters were horrified at the sight of the devastation to the Gulf Coast.

Returning home, Debbie answered an e-mail pleading for drivers to take veterinary supplies to the Gulf and to return with homeless pets.

Melanie stood in the parking lot of the Pearl River SPCA as Debbie walked up with a puppy that was little more than a skeleton.

A dull coat and pot belly couldn’t hide the amazing optimism of the chocolate merle dog.

So thin that his skin tented from his spine to his hip bones, he was one of the nine Catahoula Leopard Dog mixes not chosen by other transporters.

With supplies and man hours in short supply, the rule of triage dictated that the malnourished, ill litter would be euthanized.

Determined shelter workers had kept the litter alive and hoped

for one last transport. Debbie and Melanie were it.

Two more trips to Picayune, Miss., were made in the month after Katrina.

Debbie arranged many more transports, acting as a link between shelters in the Gulf and rescuers hoping to help.

“No words can describe the reality of the Gulf Coast in the weeks following the storm,” said Debbie.

“No words can describe the dedication of the animal rescue people of the Gulf Coast during those times.”

After the hurricane rescues, no plans had been made to continue the work.

“We kinda thought it was a onetime thing,” said Debbie.

But the wheels of animal rescue never stopped turning for the sisters.

Now with an official name and multiple volunteers, Houlagans’ Rest has become a refuge of life for dogs who are at death’s door.

On Nov. 20, an adopt-a-thon was going on in the community and a new member named “Candy” was added to the family of other rescues.

But Candy barely made it out of a shelter alive.

Candy had one hour left before she was scheduled to be euthanized at a shelter in Dry Fork in Pittsylva-

PHOTO BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Boxer mix Candy relaxes in the arms of Houlagans’ Rest volunteer Frank Kiefer. Candy was an hour away from being euthanized when the rescuers found out and started a mission to save her. She’s now awaiting a forever home.

nia County. Rescuers at Houlagan’s found out and a mission to save the boxer mix was on.

The night before the adopt-athon Sherrie Carter drove to Charlottesville, where a volunteer met her with the dog.

The volunteer had pulled Candy from the shelter to save her. Carter then began the trip back to the Chesterfield/Richmond area and arrived just in time to get the dog to the adopt-a-thon.

In spite of all she had been

through, Candy took the crowds and other dogs in stride. She made a few friends and was an instant hit.

Without Carter and the other volunteers who dedicate their time to transport dogs from “kill” shelters, for many there would be no hope.

It’s a team effort.

“Some people search diligently online for shelter postings and then discover when an animal’s time is up. They then start contacting us and other rescue groups. Our transport volunteers go pick up the

animals. Houlagans’ Rest provides care and seeks to place the dogs in forever homes.”

Houlagans’ Rest is always looking for volunteers to help with the dogs and to serve as transports when possible.

To find out more about Houlagans’ Rest, or to become a volunteer, go to www.houlagansrest.com and fill out an application.

Donations are an ongoing need.

The organization is frequently at PetSmart at Carmia Way.

STUFF TO DO

E-mail your event to editor@midlothianexchange.com. Subject line: EVENT

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

The Bon Air Artists Association’s monthly meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Congregation or Ami, located at 9400 Huguenot Rd., Richmond. January’s speaker, Mary Jo Beswick, will do a painting demonstration. For questions, contact Nell Chesley at 217-8950.

The New Virginians, a club for women new to the Richmond area in the last two years, will have its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Richmond Country Club, 12950 Patterson Ave., Richmond. The guest speaker is Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt, who will be speaking on the story of the Thalhimer family and its founding of the Thalhimer’s department store in Richmond. The cost for the luncheon is $25. Prospective members are welcome. Contact Linda Eggleston at 744-2025 for more information.

SATURDAY, JAN. 7 Teen Studio-Watercolor Tissue Paper Collage Painting at Bon Air library. Create collage paintings using colored tissue paper. Illustrator Jamie Ross will guide students in this unusual medium. This program is recommended for students 12 years old and older. Registration is recommended for this program and begins Dec. 24. Register online at library.chesterfield.gov or by calling 751-CCPL. Event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 12 The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Central Virginia Chapter (NAMI-CVA) will meet at 7 p.m. at the Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave. Mira Signer, executive director of NAMI-Virginia, will discuss Mental Health Legislative Issues for 2012. The

meeting is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 285-1749.

league offers many opportunities to make new friends and get involved in a host of interest groups and help your community through supporting local charities. Each month, interest groups offer activities like book discussions, crafting and Bunco groups, and excursions to movies, metro restaurants and day trips to exciting local spots.

The January 2012 meeting of the Chesterfield Women’s League will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Villages of Charter Colony Clubhouse, 1101 Charter Club Way, Midlothian.

Refreshments will be served. The White Elephant Sale is an annual fundraising event. New and gently used items will be for sale. Items range from fashion accessories to items for the home. Bidding starts as low as $1 and goes up in $1 increments. It is a silent auction format.

Newcomers to the area and women interested in learning more about the league are encouraged and welcome to attend. Regular monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month (September through May).

Meetings feature guest speakers or other special activities of interest to women. Whether you are new to the community or a longtime resident, the

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

motherhood redirects their various relationships. Bethia MOPS meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays from Sept. 20 through May 15. For more information, contact Kara Harris at 763-6067 or karaharris@verizon.net. Bethia United Methodist Church is located at 10700 Winterpock Road, Chesterfield.

WEEKLY THURSDAYS

WEEKLY TUESDAYS Overeaters Anonymous Group #51606 meets at 2 p.m. each Tuesday at Central Baptist Church, located at 1510 Courthouse Rd., Richmond (Misson House in rear of church). For more information, call Peg at 379-9558.

The Bethia United Methodist Church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program is now accepting registrations and currently accepting new members for the 2011-2012 year, where members will chart their path through motherhood and see how

Moms of Tots to Teens (MOTTS) meets from 9:45 a.m. to noon every first and third Thursday of the month at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Road, beginning Preschool childcare available. Contact Loretta Sherwood at tiandlo@aol.com or go to www.bonairbaptist.org/motts for more information.

The Al-Anon meeting Awaken to Hope is held at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church located at 2480 Batterson Rd. in Powhatan.

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