SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY
02.16.12
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Howard claims first regional title
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Aquatics center to open March 13 $14 million state-of-the-art facility the culmination of years of effort, collaboration
provided an up close and personal preview of the new facility at last or years, swimming enthusi- week’s Chesterfield County Chamasts and community leaders ber of Commerce luncheon held at have envisioned a regional Meadowbrook Country Club. state-of-the-art aquatics Kennedy said the impact of next center in the Richmond area. That month’s opening of the facility lodream becomes a reality when it cated off U.S. 10 will have far-reachopens on March 13. ing effects on the area, including The Greater the extensive health benefits offered Richmond through swimming. Aquatics The new aquatics center is Partnership expected to bring $2 million annu(GRAP) is ally to the local economy, and will planning to expose the area to top class competicut the ribbon tions. on its $14 GRAP’s vision is focused on million facil- its community mission. Its goals ity located in include: Kennedy Chesterfield • Teaching every second grader in County next the Richmond area to swim by the month. It’s the culmination of years year 2020. of efforts and collaboration by a • Bring $2 million annually to the variety of educational and athletic area’s economy. associations in the area. • Be part of a collaborative effort Richmond Aquatics Center to keep Richmond active. executive director Adam Kennedy For competitive swimmers, the BY JIM RIDOLPHI
F
Special Correspondent
United States Olympic Trials in 2008 and has been described as the fastest pool in the world. According to Kennedy, the center is a win-win situation for the region and the center is expected to host 70 competitive events in the first year. GRAP is a collaborative partnership between Richmond Sports Backers, Collegiate and Trinity Schools, Poseidon Swimming and the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Program. The center also features seven soccer fields. “This is a very impressive venue,” Kennedy said. “It’s going to be great PHOTO BY JIM RIDOLPHI for Richmond.” A slide presented at last week’s luncheon shows progress on the entrance GRAP said it also hopes to imof the new 54,000-square-foot facility. prove water safety in the Richmond area utilizing facilities at the center. tion pool. We have a 25-yard six-lane “There are 80 schools in the area center offers what they refer to as “fast water” in a 54,000-square-foot multipurpose or instructional facil- that currently do not have a learn ity and we have a therapy pool.” facility that seats 700 spectators. to swim program. We can make a The main pool was manufac“This is an aquatics center that difference and we think we can reach tured in Italy, shipped to Richmond about 20 schools with our facility. includes three pools,” Kennedy said. “There’s a 50-meter eight-lane via Nebraska and installed in the ground. It was formerly used for the Olympic caliber Myrtha competiAQUATICS page 5
ENTER THE DRAGON
Program celebrates Chinese New Year with song, dance Year of the Dragon comes to J.B. Watkins Elementary
Midlothian robotics team prepares for competition
High schoolers to face off at Siegel Center
M
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
embers of the Midlothian High School FIRST Robotics Team #1541, the Midlocanics, will compete in the Virginia FIRST Regional competition March 15-17. The event, which is being held at the VCU Siegel Center, is open to the public free of charge and runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Currently, 59 teams from Virginia, North Carolina, Connecticut and Washington, D.C., are scheduled to compete.
PHOTOS BY JIM RIDOLPHI
Above: Parents and students joined the dancers for the traditional Dragon Dance celebrating 2012, the year of the Dragon at J.B. Watkins Elementary School. Below: Asian Dancers from Pure Lotus and the Phoenix Dance Group perform the traditional fan dance for students, teachers and parents. BY JIM RIDOLPHI
A
Special Correspondent
ccording to the traditional Chinese calendar, 2012 is the year of the Dragon. That’s true in Beijing and also true in Midlothian. Last week, students, teachers and parents who gathered at J.B Watkins Elementary School on Coalfield Road were treated to a celebration of the New Year complete with Asian Dancers. The program also included a presentation of a Chinese folk song performed by Watkins second graders. All students at the Midlothian elementary school take Chinese as part of their regular curriculum. The celebration was the final act of a project that included an art contest for students, creative writing exercises and a 3D sculpture contest. Chinese teacher Jenny Youman has been preparing her students for the celebration since January, and school secretary Dana Trapanese emceed the celebration. “I thought it was a fun event for the kids and the parents,” Trapanese said after the show. “There were over 150 entries for the art contest this year. Last year, we only had 30. It was amazing how involved the kids were in this project,” Youman said. All of the entries were displayed at the local Barnes and Noble bookstore. Youman is in her third year teaching
Team #1541 is sponsored by Northrop Grumman Corporation, Alstom, JCPenney, Smart Resources, Alliance Engineering, ECK Supply Co., and DuPont. The team is comprised of students from Midlothian High School, James River High School, Manchester High School and Clover Hill High School. More information can be found at: www.midlocanics. com. This year’s competition is called “Rebound Rumble” and is played between two Alliances of three teams each. Each Alliance competes by having its robot score as many of the basketballs in the hoops as possible during the twominute and 15-second match.
Dancers’ mettle tested during ‘The Lion King’ master class visited Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts. In ans of musical 2011, Courtney Iventosh, a theater will be in principal actor in “Wicked,” an uproar when the visited the arts school when Broadway producthat popular Broadway show tion of Disney’s “The Lion came to Richmond. King” appears at the LandBut because the choreogmark Theater in Richmond raphy in “The Lion King” is from Wednesday, Feb. 15 to copyrighted material, Wilson Sunday, March 11. But Ches- will teach the class a similar terfield County also will get routine to music before he a taste of the award-winning asks them to replicate his play, courtesy of a master steps. class that will be presented The course is open to on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the the public, but Cassandra Swift Creek Academy of the Lacey, director of Swift Creek Performing Arts. Academy of the Performing Dion Wilson, the show’s Arts, said she wants particichoreographer who also is a pants to understand they’re featured dancer in the play, getting into before they sign will teach the two-hour class. up. That is, at the very least, Wilson comes to the dancers must be trained at an course courtesy of Broadway intermediate level to keep up Connection, an organization with Wilson’s fast feet. that pairs theater profession“For a master class, the als and educational instituage range is typically 10 to tions in order to provide 15 years old, although we Broadway level performing have had older and younger arts training sessions. people participate before,” Saturday won’t be the first LION page 2 time a famed thespian has BY KOREY HUGHES
F
Special Correspondent
Chinese in a program that was initiated five years ago. She organized and headed a committee that scheduled and planned the event. Art and music teachers also were involved in the preparations. “We were the first school in the county to teach the kids Chinese, This
was a school-wide effort,” Dr. Marlene Scott, principal, said. She said it was a logical choice since Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, an almost universal form of communication. DRAGON page 4
ROBOTICS page 3
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NEWS || FEATURES
MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM
Literary Festival begins at John Tyler Community College Feb. 21
STUDENTS OF NOTE
BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY JENNY RYAN
Above: Monacan Band members participated in the All-District Band on Feb. 3 and 4 at Thomas Dale High School. Shown are, from left, front row, Cole Bryan, Will Climo, Emily Payne and Kira Glynn, and back row, Caleb Lankford, Jacob Stenzel, Stuart Archer, Caleb Taylor, Josh Shaffer and Joe Scott. Right: Monacan Orchestra member Charly Norris participated in the Central Regional Orchestra on Feb. 3 and 4 at the Collegiate School.
Improve heart disease risk factors during Heart Health Month Hospital to reach out to the local community with its February is nationally wellness initiatives. recognized as Heart Health “Every year, we have Month, and Johnston-Wilseveral events to observe lis Hospital will host its free the month, particularly to Heart Health Screenings create awareness about heart event in its Stalker Auditodisease,” J. C. Sadler, commurium on Saturday, Feb. 18. nications director for HCA On that day, the medical Virginia Health System, said. facility will provide blood Dr. Ramesh Kundur is a pressure, blood sugar, body cardiologist with Virginia mass index and cholesterol Cardiovascular Specialists. tests and PAD screenings. Kundur, who has been a The nationwide observapart of the regional medition provides a prime opcal group since 2002, said portunity for Johnston-Willis improved heart health starts with screenings that should occur early in adulthood. UGGY OP ARNS “It all depends upon the risk factors,” Kundur said. “If you have a family history of heart disease before the age of 65, it’s probably best that you
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start getting heart screenings at either 35 or 45 years of age.” “But, after 25 or 30, you should begin checking your cholesterol yearly. And those who aren’t sure about their diets or their weight should start early to scan for those risk factors.” What kinds of changes should men and women make to their diets? Kundur suggests they cut out any food additives that may have harmful effects on their health. “In terms of diet, I would say low salt, low calories and low cholesterol,” Kundur said. “Two-thirds of [people in] the U.S. are overweight or obese, so they should definitely watch high carbohydrates and try to reduce calories wherever possible.” Exercise is another integral aspect of any effort to improve cardiovascular health. Adopting a more active lifestyle can help to shed those unwanted pounds and lead to healthier hearts. “It’s definitely optimal that people get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least three days a week,” Kundur said. “And any kind of exercise will benefit them.” “Seniors can exercise by lifting weights while sitting in
LION from page 1
Lacey said. “And I already have a 10-year-old registered for the class, but advanced students still might find themselves challenged.” The class will end with a 20- to 30-minute talk about Wilson’s personal experiences in the theater industry. He also will field queries from parents and students during a question and answer session. Lacey admitted she hasn’t seen “The Lion King” yet, but she recently witnessed the
a chair. And people can also walk a mile or two, or they can jog,” he added. Kundur said some risk factors can be reversed if people are willing to make changes in their daily food and fitness routines. “There are reversible and treatable factors,” Kundur said. “For example, heredity and age are things that can’t be changed, but if people are at risk for hypertension or high cholesterol, they can change those things.” “The risk of death from heart disease has decreased 20 percent over the last five years, so that tells you that there is a lot that can be done. But onethird of the population is still in danger of heart disease, so that number is still very big,” the cardiologist said. The free Heart Health Screenings event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 18, in Johnston-Willis Hospital’s Stalker Auditorium at 1401 Johnston-Willis Drive in Chesterfield. For more information, or to find out about other educational health opportunities, go to Johnston-Willis Hospital’s website at www. cjwmedical.com or call 320DOCS. combination of choreography and puppetry in another Broadway smash, “Warhorse,” during a recent visit to New York City. Both shows include dance sequences that employ full-sized marionettes, which is why Lacey said she is so excited to see “The Lion King” when it comes to the Landmark Theater. “From what I gather, there are puppets in it as well as people, and the different types of media in the show interest me,” Lacey said.
If you’re looking for a chance to explore the art of writing, check out the 17th annual John Tyler Community College Literary Festival on Tuesday, Feb. 21, on the college’s Chester and Midlothian campuses and continue throughout the month. Jeff Landon, an assistant professor of English on the Midlothian campus who teaches creative writing courses, will be the series’ organizer for the first time. “The idea was to bring in outside writers and have workshops to expose our students to professional writers,” Landon said. “That way, it’s a lot more real to them.” “On the planning end, it’s mostly small details, which surprised me. But, by far, getting the writer is the hardest part.” This year’s events will feature author and poet Claudia Emerson who won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her collection, “Late Wife: Poems.” She also is an associate professor of English and an Arrington Distinguished Chair in Poetry at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Emerson will teach the Student Writing Workshops that will be presented during the festival, but, according to Landon, there aren’t any hard and fast rules to the way those classes work. In fact, he said, special guests are given as much flexibility as they need to plan constructive lessons. “It’s always up to the writer,” Landon said. “They read their own work and do prompts and exercises that get the students writing, so it’s just an informal way for them to meet with the students.” Landon said Mary Grace Paden, one of his fellow JTCC instructors, was instrumental in bringing Emerson to the educational institution. Emerson and Paden grew up in Chattum, and after they reunited as friends in adulthood, Paden suggested that the college bring in Emerson as this year’s featured guest. Because of space limitations, Landon said the Student Writing Workshops are restricted to JTCC students, but opening up the classes to the public might be a consideration for future festivals. Still, there will be plenty of other literary oppor-
tunities the public can participate in, and they can experience Emerson’s presentation style at the reading, reception and book signing on Tuesday, Feb. 28, on the Midlothian campus. Landon said he hopes the celebration will help JTCC students and the local community to see that professional writing is an attainable goal. “Well, when you see a writer in person, it makes them human,” Landon said. “And you can understand poetry better when it’s read aloud.” “Writers aren’t strange alien beings. They’re human, so we try to bring those people to the college so our students can see what they’re really like.” The John Tyler Community College Literary Festival will take place from Tuesday, Feb. 21, to Wednesday, Feb. 29, on the college’s Chester and Midlothian campuses. The Student Writing Workshops are only open to JTCC students, but the other events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit John Tyler Community College’s website at www.jtcc.edu or e-mail Jeff Landon at jlandon@jtcc.edu. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Feb. 21 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Student Writing Workshop led by author Claudia Emerson, Midlothian Campus, Academic Building, A221; • 1 to 3 p.m. – Student Speech Contest, Chester Campus, Bird Hall, B124; and 7 p.m. – Reception, reading and book signing for author Claudia Emerson, Midlothian Campus, Science Building, C109. Wednesday, Feb. 22 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. – Student Writing Workshop led by author Claudia Emerson, Chester Campus, Bird Hall, B149. Thursday, Feb. 23 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. – Student and Faculty Readings, Midlothian Campus, Science Building, C109. Tuesday, Feb. 28 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. – Student and Faculty Readings, • Chester Campus, Bird Hall, B124. Wednesday, Feb. 29 • 7 p.m. – “Something Shakespeare,” an original play produced by assistant professor of English Kerrigan Sullivan and the John Tyler Community College Theatre Club, Midlothian Campus, Science Building, C109.
County takes back 675 pounds of medication CONTRIBUTED REPORT
on Saturday, Jan. 28, in the Hull Street Station parking lot. During the four-hour event, police and volunteers, including those from SAFE, the Chesterfield Health District Medical Reserve Corps and the police department, collected 675 pounds of unused, unwanted and potentially harmful drugs. A total of 154 residents dropped off medications.
“And like the production in ‘Warhorse,’ ‘The Lion King’ incorporates everything, and it’s a great story for kids.” Saturday’s lesson won’t be the only chance for students at the Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts to be exposed to the artistry of “The Lion King.” Lacey said more than 70 of her pupils will accompany her when the arts school visits the Landmark Theater to see the play live. “The Lion King” master class will be presented from 10
a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts at 2808 Fox Chase Lane in Midlothian. The fee for the course is $30, but space is extremely limited, so participants must reserve their spots in advance. Attendees also must be willing to sign a photographic release. To register for the class, call 744-2801, visit Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts in person or e-mail info@ swiftcreekacademy.org.
The Chesterfield County Police Department, in partnership with SAFE, Chesterfield’s substance abuse prevention coalition, recently helped residents safely dispose of several hundred pounds of expired and unneeded prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Chesterfield County Police hosted a Drug Take Back Day
MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM
EXPLAIN
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.
Jan. 23
through a basement door and gained entry to the victim’s residence. Property was reported stolen.
Jan. 24
1000 block of Koger Center Boulevard Unknown suspect/s attempted to pry open a coin operated drink machine. Entry was not gained.
3700 block of Stamford Circle Items were taken from victim’s unlocked vehicle.
Jan. 25
14800 block of Windjammer Drive Victim stated suspect/s gained entry to his residence and stole property. 15200 block of Gamecock Road Suspect/s cut the rear screen door in an attempt to gain entry to the victim’s residence. Entry was not gained and at this time nothing has been reported stolen.
23236 Jan. 22
100 block of Mosswood Court Suspect/s gained entry through the side door and stole victim’s property from inside the residence.
Jan. 23
400 block of S. Providence Road Suspect/s broke the rear window and gained entry to the victim’s residence. Property was reported stolen.
12300 block of Bailey Bridge Road Two unknown suspects attempted to steal property from location. Property was returned to the owner.
Jan. 24
Jan. 26
Jan. 24
6200 block of Cameron Bay Terrace Victim stated unknown suspect/s gained entry through two locked garage doors and stole property. No signs of forced entry were noted.
23113 Jan. 25
13500 block of Midlothian Turnpike Victim, abducted in another jurisdiction, was forced to withdraw money from her account at location. Suspect then drove the victim from that location but soon released her near a local hospital. Suspect was later taken into custody.
900 block of Hartford Lane Victims’ left their vehicles unlocked and items were stolen.
23832 6500 block of Denny Court Suspect/s gained entry to the residence by kicking in the side door and stealing property. 11300 block of Hull St. Road An Illinois trailer tag was stolen.
Jan. 25
9600 block of Garden Ridge Terrace Suspect/s forced entry by kicking in rear door, rummaged through the interior and stole property from inside. 15900 block of Hill Street Item was stolen from victim’s carport.
5400 block of Holly Pines Drive 10800 block of Victoria Circle Property was stolen from Suspect/s gained entry to the location. victim’s residence and stole property from inside.
Jan. 26
23235 Jan. 23
1000 block of Koger Center Boulevard Suspects attempted to pry open several coin machines at location. Entry was not gained and at this time nothing was reported stolen.
Jan. 25
8300 block of Lyndale Dr. Suspect/s forced entry
Jan. 26
9000 block of Scotts Bluff Lane Suspect/s forced entry through the rear door, ransacked rooms upstairs and stole property. 12000 block of Ridgegreen Drive Suspect/s entered the unlocked screened porch, forced entry through a locked interior door and rummaged through several areas inside the residence.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY STEVE THORNTON
A community-wide collection of peanut butter for the Richmond Food Bank brought in about half a ton of peanut butter, or more than 300 jars. Spearheaded by the New Venture Christian Church, the project ran throughout January. Among those helping with the peanut butter collection were Steve Thornton, Andrea Buy, Kara Buys, Sharon Thornton, Sharon Spradlin, Misti Binns, Mike Gorski, Tasha Blake, John Greenacre and Dillon Hagins.
ROBOTICS from page 1
Balls scored in higher hoops score Alliances more points. Alliances are awarded bonus points if their robots are balanced on bridges at the end of the match. A game animation can be found on youtube.com. The FIRST Robotics Competition is an annual contest that helps students discover the excitement of science, engineering and technology (STEM) and the rewards a career in STEM can bring. This event is marketed as “a sport for the mind.”. In 1992, the FIRST Robotics Competition began with 28 teams and a single 14-by14-foot playing field in a New Hampshire high school gym. This season, a projected 2,073 teams, including 414 rookie teams, will compete in 40 regional competitions in the U.S., Canada and Israel. FIRST programs are spearheaded by more than
90,000 dedicated volunteers worldwide, most of them professional engineers and scientists who mentor the next generation of innovators. About FIRST® Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and nearly $14 million in college scholarships, the not-forprofit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competi-
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MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Who pays? Debate rages over Amazon sales tax BY JIM RIDOLPHI
F
Special Correspondent
ew would argue that a recent announcement by Amazon of its intention to locate two major facilities in Virginia is good news for the state’s economy. More specifically, it could provide a perfect shot in the arm for Dinwiddie and Chesterfield counties, not to mention thousands of jobs for local applicants. It’s good news for Chesterfield, and represents a growing number of international companies that call the county home. More than 1,000 local citizens will be the recipients of quality jobs with one of the world’s fastest growing companies. In an otherwise seemingly perfect plan, there is one element boldly missing from the expansion — the requirement for the Internet giant to collect and remit Virginia sales tax. While it may be considered a sensitive issue, proponents and opponents have legitimate and valid arguments as to why or why not Virginia should require Amazon to do the same thing it requires of most retail businesses in the state. Estimates vary as to how much the uncollected fees amount to each year, but it’s not peanuts. Some local business owners can’t understand why they must collect and pay taxes, while big box Internet companies are exempted. Others argue forcing the companies to pay only perpetuates a perceived notion that government is strangling new business with increased and burdensome regulation. Others contend adding tax revenues to the price of Internet purchases will only add costs to the consumer. It’s certainly true that the customers will ultimately pay the increases, and some perceive that as an increase in taxes on consumers. But, it does seem that leveling the playing field for local businesses is a noble and reasonable topic for discussion. Apparently, Amazon recognizes those concerns and has reached agreements with other states where distribution centers are located, and has recently supported federal legislation addressing the taxation question.
But, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. After all, the state has committed to more than $7 million in incentives to sweeten the Amazon deal, and the uncollected sales taxes could go a long way in solving a complicated state budget equation. Sen. Frank Wagner, R-7, has introduced a bill in this year’s General Assembly session that would require companies like Amazon to begin collecting state sales tax. It would close the loophole that allows retailers not to pay if they have no physical presence in the state. The proposal breezed through committee and now will be heard by the entire Senate Some see it as a question of basic fairness. I’m not sure. Attracting businesses like Amazon is a big win for Virginia, and it brings employment to an area that seems on the brink of recovery. Adjusting or amending the arrangement seems risky, and one always has to consider the risk/reward factor in these types of arguments. Citizen input on the tax collection issue has been limited. Perhaps, the news of the new businesses coming to the area can cloud normal precautionary vetting of the issue. More probably, legislators know any requirement that forces the companies to pay sales tax, especially on out of state purchases, represents a tax that punishes the people it’s designed to help — namely state taxpayers. It’s a tough dilemma and illustrates just how precarious new tax policy can be. At first reaction, it’s easy to see how collecting more sales tax from large distribution companies seems like a good idea and would bolster the state’s revenues. On closer examination, the issue is much more complicated and could result in higher consumer prices for online customers. Experts contend current laws haven’t caught up with the Internet and its mammoth corporate giants. For now, it’s a free market, wide open environment for Virginia and other states, and companies like Amazon could benefit from well recognized words of wisdom. Enjoy it while it lasts!
DRAGON from page 1
“Our research supports the fact that our children will be interacting with future scientists and technology leaders, Dr. Marlene many of them Chinese. Why Scott not expose our children?” Scott said. The benefits It allows our go even further, children to be according to exposed to Scott. “It allows different our children cultures, to be exposed to different cul- and be more accepting of tures, and be more accepting others who are different. of others who are different,” she said. “Everything tuned out beautifully,” Scott said. “The most important thing was to have our children on stage displaying what they have learned. We had a great time tonight.”
OVERHEARD
Now is the time to apply for prekindergarten CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Chesterfield County offers a limited number of prekindergarten spots in these 12 elementary schools to provide school-readiness skills to eligible children with the greatest need: Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Chalkley, Marguerite Christian, Davis, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Harrowgate, Hopkins, Providence and Reams Road. Children who will be 4 by Sept. 30, who show an educational need and who live in the school attendance zone may apply for prekindergarten. There are no exceptions to age and residency requirements. To find out if they live in the attendance zone of a school with prekindergarten, parents may call 594-1726 or go online to the parents section of mychesterfieldschools. com, then click “find my school.” To apply for prekindergarten, parents should take their children to whichever site is most convenient: • 1 to 6 p.m. March 15 at the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road. • 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 19 at the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road. • 4 to 7 p.m. March 22 at Davis Elementary, 415 S. Providence Road. • 4 to 7 p.m. April 2 at Harrowgate Elementary, 15501 Harrowgate Road. • 4 to 7 p.m. April 4 at the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road. • Anytime before April 6, parents may also apply by calling 279-7357 to make an appointment. Only a limited number of spots
are available, so applying for prekindergarten does not guarantee acceptance. Applications will be reviewed equally no matter which date they are submitted, but applications taken after April 19 will be placed on a waiting list. So that they can complete a brief screening, children should accompany their parents when applying for prekindergarten. The child’s Social Security number is requested, and these items must be presented: • Parent’s photo ID. • Child’s certified original birth certificate. • Proof of income by providing either two recent pay stubs, a W-2, a tax form, TANF verification or a letter from an employer indicating period of employment and salary. • Proof of residency by providing one of these documents: • Lease for at least one year or deed of a residence or property in Chesterfield County. • Contract or lease free of contingencies to occupy a Chesterfield County residence within two months of the date of enrollment. • Resident manager’s letter on company letterhead stating that residence is a corporate residence in Chesterfield County. • Weekly receipts for temporary residence in a hotel or motel for up to 60 days (requires renewal or evidence of more permanent residency within 60 days of enrollment). For more information, call 2797357, 279-7352 or 594-1671.
Parks Department plans three programs this month CONTRIBUTED REPORT
PHOTO BY JIM RIDOLPHI
JianQian performed a traditional Tibetan dance called Beautiful Tibet during the celebration at J.B. Watkins Elementary School.
WASABI THE SUDOKU GAME WITH A KICK!
Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department has three programs scheduled this month. From 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, the Falling Creek Ironworks Tour will meet in the Bensley Community Building parking lot, 2900 Drewry’s Bluff Road, Richmond. Participants will discover the site of the first iron furnace in the New World and explore the latest archaeological discoveries along the banks of Falling Creek. Take a tour of the site and learn about the impact of the industrial achievements. For more information, call Bryan Truzzie, 7514946. To register, call 748-1623 and request Course 22811. The cost is $8. A Boy Scout American Heritage Merit Badge Workshop will be presented from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Chesterfield County Museum, 6813 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield. The program is geared for Boy Scouts age 11 to 14 looking to fulfill their merit badge
requirements addressing history and cultural heritage. The $10 cost does not include badge. For more information, call Bryan Truzzie, 751-4946. To register, visit www. chesterfieldhistory.com. Midlothian Mines Geocaching will provide an opportunity to visit the site of one of the first commercial coal mines in North America from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Midlothian Mines Park, 13301 N. Woolridge Road, Midlothian. Explore the ruins of the Grove Shaft and learn about the coal mining history of Midlothian as you search for caches. Uncover clues to history of the site while learning GPS skills. Use our Garmin hand-held receivers and discover the fun you can have. The program is for adults and youth ages 8 and older. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call Bryan Truzzie, 7514946 or truzzieb@chesterfield.gov. To register, call 748-1623 and request Course 22817. The cost is $10.
Knights of Columbus sponsor fish fry The Knights of Columbus will sponsor the Annual Lenten Fish Fry from 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays, starting Feb. 24, the Friday after Ash Wednesday, until March 30, the Friday before Good Friday, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Drive, Richmond. More than 450 meals will be M
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served each Friday evening. The adult menu and children’s menu are available, serving either catfish or salmon. Proceeds benefit more than 25 different charities. Eat In or take out will be available and the general public is invited. For more information, call John Saelens, 594.3877.
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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FEBRUARY 16, 2012 || 5
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STUFF TO DO
E-mail your event to editor@midlothianexchange.com. Subject line: EVENT
THURSDAY, FEB. 16 The Economic Development Authority meets the third Thursday of every month at 3 p.m. at 9401 Courthouse Road, Suite B, Chesterfield. Contact Lori Perez, 3188567, with any questions regarding this schedule.
MONDAY, FEB. 20 Chesterfield Toastmasters Speech 2012 Contest, meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Haley Toyota of Richmond building off U.S. 288 and Hull Street Road, 3600 Lonas Parkway, Midlothian. For directions, call 545-7411.
FRIDAY, FEB. 24 READ Art Show and Sale Feb. 24-25, with more than 100 local and regional artists exhibiting at and supporting The New Community School. Opening Reception to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. $35/person, $40/at the door. Open free to the public: Also open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. (Sale from 2 to 5 p.m.). The event is located at 4211 Hermitage Rd, Richmond. Proceeds from the Art Show and Sale support The New Community School, which offers a unique college preparatory program for students with language learning differences in grades 6-12.
Jig By the James Open Feis to be held in Midlothian CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts will be hosting the 1st annual Jig By the James Open Feis on Saturday, March 3, at Midlothian Middle School in Midlothian. Jig By the James Open Feis, an Irish dance competition, will be the first event of its kind in Richmond. The feis is a North American Irish Dance Federation (NAIDF)-sanctioned event. All NAIDF feiseanna are open to Irish dancers of any (or no) affiliation. The competition will start at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Dancers from across the mid-Atlantic region will compete in solo competitions in levels from beginner through Senior Champion and from ages 6 to adult. In addition, dancers will compete in traditional group dances, called ceilis. For rules of competition and more information about NAIDF events, visit www.naidf.com. To register, dancers should sign up at www.feiskeeper. com or contact Aleise Matheson, feis coordinator, at aleise@ swiftcreekacademy.org. Admission for observers will be $5. Proceeds will benefit Virginia Arts Partners Scholarship Fund. For more information about the Jig By the James Open Feis, visit www.JigBytheJames.net.
SATURDAY, FEB. 25 “Very Vegas” to benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU will be presented from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Downtown Richmond Marriott at 500 E. Broad St. The evening will be filled with music, dancing, casino games, prize packages, and food and beverages. Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple. For more information, call 228-5934 or e-mail info@veryvegasrva. com. The website is veryvegasRVA.com. The Midlothian High School PTSA is hosting the first-
ever Pancakes for Post Prom breakfast at the high school from 9 a.m. to noon. The Pancakes for Post Prom breakfast is open to the community, parents and students. Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee will be served. Tickets will be sold at the door: adult tickets are $5 and children (under 12) are $3. There is in-school dining, as well as, meals made to go. If you have any questions regarding the Pancakes for Post Prom Breakfast, contact Angie Steele at angie. steele@verizon.net.
WEEKLY TUESDAYS Overeaters Anonymous Group #51606 meets at 2 p.m. each Tuesday at Central Baptist Church at 1510 Courthouse Rd., Richmond (Mission House in rear of church). For more information, call Peg at 379-9558. The Bethia United Methodist Church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program is accepting registrations and new members. 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 Moms of Tots to Teens (MOTTS) meets from 9:45 a.m. to noon every first and third Thursday at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Sept. 15 through May 17. Preschool child care is 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 meets at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday at St John Neumann Catholic Church located at 2480 Batterson Road in Powhatan.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Top: Irish dancers compete in solo competition at regional feiseanna. Above: Irish dance students display their trophies after a successful day of competition.
South Richmond Rotary hosts annual charity auction Feb. 18 provides the type of medical treatment that they need.” Auctions can become Although past South high-spirited activities when Richmond Rotary benefit bidders find themselves in activities have helped other competition with each other, charities, 2011 was the first but they also can be fun. year the group decided to give On Saturday, Feb. 18, South its proceeds to Families of the Richmond Rotary will hold Wounded Fund. Spraker said its annual charity auction his club was so moved by the and fundraising gala at the aid organization’s mission Cultural Center of India in that it decided to assist FamiChester. lies of the Wounded Fund Proceeds from this year’s again in 2012. black tie-optional event “It’s just a wonderful charwill benefit Families of the ity that doesn’t get enough Wounded Fund. Families publicity,” Spraker said. “A lot of the Wounded Fund is an of people have never heard of organization that helps relait, and it’s certainly deserving tives of service members to of everything that our group travel to McGuire Hospital in can do.” Richmond when they need to That’s because, as Spraker visit injured soldiers who are said, Families of the Wounded recovering from injuries there. Fund doesn’t use its donaMike Spraker is a South tions for administrative costs Richmond Rotary member or to fund salaries. Instead, who also is on the club’s auc- the money the group collects tion committee. “We’re local goes toward its operation to public servants who gather to connect injured soldiers with fellowship and assist charities their loved ones. in the community,” he said. “Well, their families are The club decided to help all over the country, and this Families of the Wounded organization raises money for Fund because the local charity them,” Spraker said. “But one raises money to help families reason that we’re so impressed of service members receivwith them is that 100 percent ing treatment at McGuire of the money that they raise Hospital. goes to helping those families.” “Many of the service mem“And Village Bank does all bers have traumatic brain and of the administrative work spinal injuries,” Spraker said, (for Families of the Wounded “and McGuire is one of four Fund) for free. So, we know hospitals in the country that that every penny we raise is
BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
AQUATICS from page 1
We want to be the catalyst and the driver to reach all 120 schools,” Kennedy added. He said the center fits well into regional sports tourism agenda and will only enhance the area’s competitive drawing power. “This will be the crown jewel for aquatics venues in
the region. The beauty of this as far as sports tourism and bringing events to Chesterfield and the region is not the just the size and speed of the water, but its location.” The facility should attract winter meets that are now held in upper New York State. “In January, February and
going to benefit the wounded soldiers and their families.” On Saturday evening, there will be two types of auctions. The event will begin with a silent auction and it will be followed by a live auction presented by Cabell Metts of Motley Auctioneers. According to Spraker, more than 100 items will be available. Some goods have been provided by Families of the Wounded Fund workers and South Richmond Rotary members, while others were donated by local retailers. “Well, we have everything from a trip to Costa Rica to a week in Key West, Fla., and four Redskins tickets with club level seating and a parking pass,” Spraker said. “We also have other things, like a year’s membership to Gold’s Gym, car washes provided by Flagstaff Car Wash, and an original Dr. Baxter Perkinson watercolor.” Ihe live and silent auctions are the focus of Saturday night’s festivities, so attendees won’t experience any other forms of entertainment that night. But, Spraker added, the event doesn’t need any other distractions to make it enjoyable. “Socializing takes up the entire evening, so there’s no time for anything else with the auctions happening,” Spraker said. “But it’s just
March, they’d rather be in Richmond,” Kennedy said. Bobby Ukrop, president of the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership, was instrumental in transforming the vision of a local aquatics center into a reality. He attended last week’s event at Meadowbrook Country Club.
great fun, and it’s a festive occasion.” “And everybody enjoys seeing what’s up for bid. So, if you’re not a bidder, it’ll still be fun to watch the battles that happen between people.” South Richmond Rotary’s annual charity auction and fundraising gala will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Cultural Center of India at 6641 Ironbridge Parkway in Chester. Tickets are $75 and they must be purchased in advance. To order, call Tom Walker at 426-7200. South Richmond Rotary is a local chapter of Rotary, an international organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service. The group meets weekly.
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EXERCISE howard works ot for regional title
|| FEBRUARY 1 , 2012
sports || fitness
MidlothiAnExchAngE.coM
Midlothian senior one of three local champs By JIm mCConnEll
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jmcconnell@midlothianexchange.com
mar Howard’s toughest opponent at last weekend’s Central Region wrestling tournament may have been himself. The Midlothian High senior rolled through his first three matches in the 195-pound weight class without breaking much of a sweat. He pinned Colonial Heights’ Brandon Sipple in 27 seconds, dispatched J.R. Tucker’s Darrian McAllister in 1:07 and beat Armstrong’s DeKwan Cooley by an 11-3 major decision. But after reaching the brink of his first regional title, Howard’s nerves nearly got the best of him. After six
minutes of wrestling, he was still tied at 2 with Hanover’s Patrick Sorey. Howard finally got the decisive takedown for a 4-2 victory, then acknowledged being the favorite had taken a toll on his psyche. “He was strong, but I got nervous and I tightened up. When I get like that, I don’t try my riskier moves,” Howard said. It was still good enough for Howard to improve to 43-1 on the season. He was one of three local wrestlers to claim regional championships, joining James River’s Brayden Manchester and Cosby’s Ryan Taylor. Manchester blanked Matoaca’s Stuart Jefferson WrestLe p7
PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELL
midlothian's omar Howard went 4-0 in the 195-pound weight class last weekend to claim his first Central Region title.
DOMINION DISTRICT TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Silky smooth Jones cleared for takeoff By FRED JEtER special correspondent
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PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELL
midlothian's lucas Guarino (center) is congratulated by teammates after winning the shot put at last week's Dominion District meet.
guarino takes shot at father's records By FRED JEtER special correspondent
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ucas Guarino would love to become Midlothian High’s shot-put record setter. But there’s someone in the way – his father, Steve. L. Guarino, who won last week’s Dominion District shot with 49-foot heave, hails from powerful stock. In 1979, Steve Guarino established Trojans records for the shot put indoors (55-8) and out (56-8) and for discus (168-10). The younger Guarino eyeballs his dad’s name everyday he passes the en-cased record board outside the gymnasium. “He (Steve) wants me to break the records, but I have a long, long way to go,” said the Trojans’ 17-year-old senior. “I can’t say it’ll happen … where different; he’s Steve and I’m Lucas.” S. Guarino’s ’79 shot is the second oldest indoor mark on the board after Tim Johnson’s ‘77 pole vault mark of 14 feet. Johnson’s vault likely will last forever since Chesterfield schools no longer offer the event.
Coaching Trojans’ track and field in ’79 was Dick Overton, now retired after decades of Midlo coaching and administrative duties. “Steve Guarino wasn’t that big, but his technique was so beyond other high school kids – just amazing,” Overton recalled. Steve Guarino competed at about 6foot, 190. The bespectacled Lucas is just 5-9, 180, but extremely well sculpted and explosive in the circle. “Dad was a little bigger than me, but I may be a little stronger than he was,” said Guarino, who prefers Olympic style lifting (snatch, clean ‘n’ jerk) to the more popular (in U.S.) power-lifting (bench press, squat, dead lift). L. Guarino is now a two-time Dominion shot champ. He won both the shot (49 feet) and discus last spring and has a personal platter best of 143-4. MHS coach Stan Morgan, famous for his bottomless well of distance runners, applauds Guarino for his efforts despite GUArino p7
or much of her young life Janae Jones performed ballet, tap and jazz at the Phyllis Ackerman School of Dance. Now she saves her fancy footwork for the triple jump, formerly known as the hop, skip and jump. The svelte, pony-tailed Clover Hill High senior won her specialty at Virginia Tech Jan. 27 with a hip-hopping 39-1.5 burst that ranks her first in Virginia this winter. Jones’ leaping trifecta was so syrupy smooth you could compose music to it. "I don’t know if the dancing led to this,” she said. “But you do hear the rhythm of your feet on the runway … you know if you’re doing it right.” She was right–on in Blacksburg in a meet drawing a whopping field of 114 schools. Jones’ explosion in Hokieland was more than two feet further than she flew as a junior. Jones' best effort of 38-2 at last Wednesday's Dominion District meet at the Ashe Center may not have been as eye-popping as her jump at Tech, but it still was good enough to tske the triple jump title by nearly two feet. “Janae has just taken off,” says Cavaliers’ coach Tiffany Street. “She started here as just an average athlete … but she’s motivated to be a standout.” Asked about her marked improvement, Jones saluted her coaches. “Lots of good coaching,”
PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELL
Clover Hill's Janae Jones won the triple jump at the Dominion District meet.
said Jones, acknowledging Street and new Clover Hill assistant Jimmy Hart. “I’ve become consistent with the specific parts of the event … like remembering my knee drive. The triple jump is a compli-
cated event, but I enjoy a challenge.” Jones has much on her side, like athletic genes and a quick brain to match her fast feet. Jones p7
Titans silence skeptics with late-season surge By JIm mCConnEll jmcconnell@midlothianexchange.com
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PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELL
Junior troy Caupain pulled down 20 rebounds in Cosby's victory over James River.
on Carr started the season with a pair of aces, but knew the success of Cosby High’s 2011-12 boys basketball squad depended on what else the Titans drew from the rest of the deck. Cosby’s roster wasn’t exactly a full house after losing two would-be starters – slick point guard Nick Coppola and 6-8 center Nick Gorski – transferred to Benedictine last summer. And the Titans’ prospects certainly looked bleak when Dominion District favorite L.C. Bird blasted them out of the gym 76-46 in their first district road game in December. But with the deft touch of a street hustler befuddling tourists, Carr took what many skeptics believed was at best a questionable
starting hand and somehow fashioned it into a winner. “You hear [the doubters], but don’t give that a lot of credit,” Carr said. “We just focused on improving and getting everybody to play together. I’m extremely proud of them.” As usual, sharp-shooting senior Evan Orzolek and gifted junior Troy Caupain put up the biggest numbers as Cosby pounded James River 73-48 last Friday to claim second place in the final district standings. Orzolek hit five 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 27 points. Content to run the offense and distribute the ball, Caupain scored only 13 (roughly half of his 25.5 pergame average) but finished just one assist shy of a triple-double. titAns p7
MidlothiAnExchAngE.coM
EXERCISE
FEBRUARY 16, 2012 ||
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WrestLe from p6
jumper.” For two seasons, she was Her parents, Eric and Syl- the second triple jumper via (Pegram) Jones were both among Cavs behind Katie track standouts at Prince Wise. George High, with Eric Jones began spinning establishing a school hurdles heads as a junior when she record. won the Dominion District The Jones’ live in Matoaca indoor title and placed fifth district but Janae studies in at regionals. Clover Hill’s Math-Science However, she was outspecialty center. of-sync during the outdoor Her stiff curriculum season, finishing a humbling features Advanced Placefifth in the district. The ment Calculus, Biology and setback inspired her to push Psychology. harder. “That’s why I gave up She ran cross-country dance after seven years,” she this past fall, upgrading her explained. stamina; then she began “I played softball and bas- kicking up dust clouds on the ketball when I was younger, runways. too … I’ve got enough here Preceding her Tech herowith track and classes.” ics, she won a high-profile Jones sets aside Sundays meet at Liberty in Lynchburg for activity at Petersburg’s with a 37-11. Metropolitan Baptist Church, She’s setting no limits on where she sings in the youth how far she lands in sand. choir and ushers. “I’ve surprised myself, Jones wasn’t always a head how quickly I’ve come turner. As a freshman, she along,” she said. “My goal is was a fairly ordinary long to just keep going further … sprinter until making a sug- even 40 feet is a possibility.” gestion to Street. The triple jump’s intri“Janae asked me if she cacies make it a no-no for could try the triple jump,” anyone with two left feet. Street recalled. “She’s so For the gifted Jones, it was quiet. I really didn’t know a natural transition, from what to expect … I wouldn’t ballet, tap and jazz, to the say she looks like a triple hop, skip and jump.
BroWn from p6
12-0 in the 138-pound final. Taylor won by default at 285 when Atlee’s Mario Ramirez was injured and unable to continue. Howard’s teammate, Jerry Ronnau, finished second to Matoaca’s Jamarr Hairston at 132. Cosby’s Greg Delano (152) was second at 152 after falling to Thomas Dale’s Alex Turley. Two other Titans – Max Chisholm (106) and Connor Smith (160) – qualified for the state tournament with third-place efforts. Two Midlothian wrestlers – Matt Molloy (113) and Kyle Clark (220) – punched their tickets for states by virtue of their fourth-place finishes. Cosby finished third in the team standings behind champion Matoaca and runner-up Hanover. Midlothian claimed fourth. Howard, who was third in the region as a junior, noted it was a “different” experience entering the regional tournament as the favorite for the first time. His chances were greatly enhanced when Prince George’s Zack Relford lost by default in the first round for an illegal slam on Clover Hill’s Tommy Thompson. “It was like I had to win,” Howard said. “This sport is
PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELL
Cosby's Greg Delano (top) reached the regional final at 152 pounds before falling to defending champion Alex Turley of Thomas Dale.
90 percent mental. I was definitely feeling the pressure.” Howard took advantage of an opportunity to do something even his older brother never accomplished. Mark Howard was regional runner-up as a junior and finished third in his weight class as a senior, but graduated from Midlothian without winning a region title. Now, before he moves on to play football at the University of Richmond,
we’re playing 2-on-5,” said Caupain, a 6-2 guard who Still, the story of the game has emerged as one of the – at least from the Titans’ most dangerous scorers in perspective – was how well the Central Region. “It’s their complementary players a team game. Somebody performed against a deep, always steps up for us.” talented James River squad. Nobody has taken a bigSophomore Jarek ger step forward this season Frankovich swished three 3- than Caupain. Challenged pointers and finished with 14 by Carr in the preseason to points. Seniors Greg Donlon lead the team and bring his and C.J. Stancil (bound for best effort every night, the the University of Buffalo on a versatile junior has done football scholarship) chipped just that. in 7 points apiece. And even He exploded for a careerthe guys who didn’t score best 41 points in Cosby’s much contributed defenvictory over Manchester on sively against a group of Jan. 5, then topped himself Rapids who struggled to find by breaking school records the basket after a blazing 8-0 with 22 made free throws start. and 48 points in a nondisIt all added up to a trict win over Matoaca. satisfying victory before an As significant as the especially boisterous Senior points has been the confiNight crowd. dence and freedom to per“We kind of take it form that Caupain instills personally when people say in each of his teammates.
titAns from p6
the younger Howard has a chance to become the Trojans’ first Group AAA state champion. He’s in the same half of the 195-pound bracket as the only wrestler to beat him this season. Stafford’s Logan Jackson (51-1) nipped Howard by a point at the Ocean Lakes tournament and the pair could meet again in the state semifinals Saturday. “Hopefully it will be different this time,” Howard said.
First, Howard will have to get past Osbourn Park’s Otari Somkhishvili and either Oakton’s Austin Murga or Salem’s Jeffrey Stephens in his first two matches. He’s never placed at the state tournament, so he’s certainly not taking anything for granted. But he’s not afraid to admit he’d love to become a state champion. “I’ve been doing this for about 10 years,” he said. “I want to go out with something notable.”
“Troy makes everybody better,” senior forward Luke Lowery said. Caupain’s ability to penetrate and Orzolek’s perimeter shooting have been the Titans’ main weapons all season. But after a fourth-place finish in the early-season Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament, which included losses to John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson, Carr knew his team’s success was predicated on finding other players capable of providing consistent contributions. “The problem for us has been you don’t know who it’s going to be on any given night,” he said after the James River win. “Fortunately, everybody stepped up tonight.” The season has been something of a rollercoaster for the Titans. They
bounced back from the loss to Bird with seven consecutive district victories, then stumbled again with losses in three of four games that left them mired in the middle of the Dominion standings. But Cosby hasn’t lost since a Jan. 27 overtime defeat against Manchester. The Titans entered this week’s district tournament on a six-game winning streak that included four consecutive district triumphs. The stakes are even higher in the postseason. Still, the Titans don’t lack for confidence. “We heard a lot of stuff, but we all felt like we were going to be good,” Orzolek said. “We’re really close as a team and we play together well – and we’re definitely motivated.”
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and shoulders, but his hands (size 8 ring) look more suited having “no throwing coach.” to playing the flute. “I wish we had a throwing “You’re supposed to balcoach,” said Morgan, “but ance the shot on your finger the county has cut back on tips,” he explains. “I can’t do stipends. I give Lucas credit that … I have to hold it right for being so conscientious.” in the middle of my palm.” Lucas has been guided By comparison, the Doby his father (a Registered minion meet record holder Nurse) along the way and is Blake DeChristopher, who compares styles to Gerwas about 6-5, 280 when he man Ulf Timmerman, 1988 set the mark of 56-6 in 2006 Olympic gold-medalist in for Clover Hill. Seoul. If nothing else, Guarino “I stay low and stay fast,” was named after a big man, Guarino said. 6-6 Chuck Connors, who He feels his “work ethic” played Lucas McCain in the offers an edge versus the TV western The Rifleman, competition. Along with 1958-63. his strength and technique “That’s my dad’s favorite work, he runs sprints and is a show,” said Lucas. member of MHS’s 4-by-200 Guarino has designs on relay. attending VCU, pursuing “Almost no shot putters Olympic lifting competition run sprints,” he said, almost and becoming a fireman. laughing at the notion. “I’ve always wanted to Guarino is burly, albeit help people,” he said. “And smallish by shot-put stanthe fire department needs dards. He has a thick chest strong guys.”
GUArino from p6
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