03/11/2010 by Midlothian Exchange

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CULINARY SKILLS PUT TO THE TEST 35th Annual Culinary Arts Competition heats up the field kitchen BY ELIZABETH FARINA efarina@midlothianexchange.com

f one thought eating was the main focus, he missed the art happening at each table and field station during the 35th Annual Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee. The international contest brought approximately 24 teams of top military chefs from around the world to show off their culinary skills during the sevenday event. Chesterfield Technical Center students visiting the exhibition on the first day were amazed by the life-sized chocolate knight in full armor standing “guard” over delicate desserts and appetizing morsels. Detailed buckles, armored mesh, and minute trimmings were carved into the chocolate. Another table displayed a chocolate carving of a man hunting with his white-chocolate Labrador. Event coordinator Chief Warrant Officer Robert Sparks, who was a competitor at the event for 19 years before coming on board at Fort Lee, offered his perspective of the show. “We don’t actually learn the higher level stuff, as a general rule, in the military. The higher-level skills, a lot of times the only way you learn it is coming to the culinary show,” Sparks said. Sparks, who will continue his ice-carving business in the area after retiring this year, began his trek in the culinary arts as a baker when he was a teen. He later joined the Army and continued building his culinary skills. Currently Sparks also serves as Team Manager of the Army Culinary Arts Team, which is preparing to compete in the International World Culinary Olympics in Luxemburg this November. “We have a great team put together for the World Cup. We have a lot of expertise and talent and have a great chance at winning that one,” Sparks said. For Sparks the competition has grown to include changing trends as well as the improved quality of food that is accompanied by training. “Looking back over the difference between the show in the early ‘80s to where we are now is leaps and bounds,” he said.

PHOTO BY SKIP ROWLAND

Visitors were able to enjoy an up-close viewing of the demonstrations and competitions. Many who had purchased $4.25 lunch tickets had an edible opportunity to see if the taste matched up with the presentations. Teams orchestrated a five-star, threecourse meal for 80 in a restaurant-style competition. Find out from Trinity Episcopal School Junior Nicholas Markunas in this week’s video if the audience really enjoyed the outcomes at www.midlothianexchange.com.

The event, which was opened to the public, also provided intense competition in an ice carving competition. Culinary show official Christopher Tanner of Schenectady, N.Y., explained that the competitors have a three-hour block to complete their sculptures using any type of equipment such

as electric tools, chain saws and chisels as long as it is safe. “The judges are looking for the following: craftsmanship – how well they sculpted the ice, proportions and dimensee CULINARY page 4

EXPLORE

EXERCISE

Clash of the Titans

COURTESY PHOTO

Careers in Engineering Field Day gave a new definition to popsicle bridge projects at the Science Museum.

Building bridges to careers Courtesy of Cynthia Bouvier

ne hundred fifty middle- and high-school students from around the area participated in the Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest at the Science Museum, hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Richmond Joint Engineers Council (RJEC). This year marked the15th consecutive year that the ASCE Richmond Branch has hosted the event and this year had the largest turnout yet. The contest took place during the Careers in Engineering Field Day, partially sponsored by local Chesterfield County firm Austin Brockenbrough & Associates. As part of the bridge contest, students competed for a variety of awards including the Most Aesthetically Pleasing Bridge and the Most Innovative Bridge. Additionally, one team of students was able to beat the score of a bridge designed by ASCE members for which they received special recognition.

Of course, the bridges were also tested to determine the maximum load that each could take before failure. The winners were determined based on an efficiency rating that factored in the weight of the bridge in addition to its maximum load capacity. Many of the bridges achieved loads around 400 pounds, which is quite impressive considering that the bridges could be constructed only of standard sized Popsicle sticks and Elmer’s Multi-Purpose Glue. Twenty-five ASCE members and industry personnel volunteered at the event. In addition to judging and testing the projects, these volunteers also helped educate the students at the event about the work of civil engineers. The group extended a special thanks to everyone who volunteered to help with the event, including Brockenbrough’s own Mike Howell, PHOTO BY PATRICK DOBBS who led the event. Howell is a structural engineer with Cosby’s Kelsey Conyers drives to the hoop. The Lady Titans Brockenbrough, and also the Education Outreach Chairman reflected on their run to the state quarterfinals after a 65-57 for the Richmond Chapter of ASCE. loss to Lake Taylor last Friday. See page 7.

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EXTRA

EXPECT

Volunteers needed for riparian project.

Forty shades of green paint Ireland’s landscape.

Local riders win state competition.

Ready for warmer weather? Bask in the sunshine.

see page 3

see page 5

see page 7

March winds bring an excellent day for “Go Fly a Kite” event. see page 10

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2 || March 11, 2010 || MidlothianExchange.com

Question of the week: Daylight Saving Time this week – we spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

‘a paradox to be meditated upon’

EDITOR Elizabeth Farina editor@midlothianexchange.com

“We have to have a system at our house or the clocks will be forwarded two hours instead of one. Are you all ready?”

SPORTS EDITOR Sara Page sports@midlothianexchange.com

“We can’t move one of our automatic clocks from the old schedule so we have to move the alarm time until the old and new time change dates catch up with each other.”

SALES Sara Carter scarter@powhatantoday.com

“I’m VERY ready! Can’t wait for more sunlight.”

SALES Sara Snyder ssnyder@timesdispatch.com

“We never changed our clocks from fall so I think we are ready.”

EXCHANGE EX

COM

VOL. IV, 6th edition

PHOTO BY P. KEVIN MORLEY | MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE

Ryan Oppenheim, 13, of Robious Middle School, ponders the word “koan” before spelling it correctly while contestant Aditya Kannoth, 9, waits during the 2010 Richmond Times-Dispatch Spelling Bee, held at the Library of Virginia. Ryan spelled the word correctly and eventually went on to win the bee, with Aditya the runner-up. “Koan” is a noun meaning “a paradox to be meditated upon” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

» CRIME REPORT 23112 March 3

JOY MONOPOLI PUBLISHER toll-free: (877) 888-0449 office: (804) 379-6451 fax: (804) 379-6215 news: (804) 381-8071 sales: (804) 908-6086 sports: (804) 814-7519 sales: (804) 658-9729 classifieds: (804) 746-1235 news@midlothianexchange.com classifieds (cgrant@mechlocal.com) MAIL: PO Box 420, Midlothian, VA 23113 OFFICE: 13702 Village Mill Dr. Suite 203, Midlothian, VA 23114 © 2010 by Richmond Suburban News, a Media General Company. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

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Disclaimer: 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.

13400 block of Hull Street Rd. Witness observed the described suspect breaking the glass out of some storm windows that had been previously removed from the home. The suspect then put the window frames into his pickup and drove off.

March 1 4800 block of Glen Tara Dr. Entry gained to a residence through an unsecured front door and property stolen from inside.

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3200 block of Nuttree Woods Dr. During the overnight hours, unknown suspect(s) removed two window screens in an attempt to open the windows. Entry was not gained.

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stole property from inside.

2009 Hyundai Accent.

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9700 block of Midlothian Tk. Victim reported property was stolen from his white 2007 Lexus.

400 block of Charter Colony Pk. Property reported stolen from an unlocked gold 1997 Toyota Corolla.

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March 1 13200 block of Midlothian Tk. Suspect(s) removed tools from the building under construction.

Feb. 26 2600 bock of Kentford Rd. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked shed and

March 2 8300 block of Midlothian Tk. Four tires and rims reported stolen from a gold Nissan Altima. 2000 block of Denton Dr. Victim reported unknown suspect(s) attempted to steal her unlocked rental vehicle, a maroon

ler Cordova. 9400 block of Midlothian Tk. Windows broken out of two vehicles with property taken.

March 1 2000 block of Timbers Hill Rd. Unknown suspect(s) gained entry to the residence by prying open the rear sliding glass doors. Property was stolen from inside.

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6300 block of Statute St. Attempted forcible entry to a residence through the rear door where damage was found.

Feb. 26 7600 block of Midlothian Tk. Unsecured 1996 Mitsubishi sedan entered and property was reported stolen.

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NEWS || FEATURES

Bandfest 2010 to be held March 20

courtesy of Chesterfield County

andfest 2010 has been moved to Saturday, March 20, 6-10 p.m., at Southside Nazarene Church, 6851 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield. Please note this is a change in date from earlier notifications. Bandfest is Chesterfield Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual evening of entertainment for teens in a fun, safe environment. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dare 2B U.â&#x20AC;? The event will feature live music by the following teen bands: Randomiz3d, Battleghost, Look to the Sky, Voicemail at Midnight, Men of Leisure and Capital 7. There also will be games, inflatable moon bounces and a

caricature artist. Tickets are $5 per person. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good to be donated to the Central Virginia Food Bank. There also will be a collection of gently used shoes for Soles4Souls, a charity that collects and distributes shoes to the needy. Shoes collected at Bandfest 2010 will be donated to Haiti. Bandfest is sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Youth Planning and Development, the Southside Church of the Nazarene and SAFE, Chesterfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community coalition to prevent substance abuse. For details, call (804)796-7100.

PHOTO BY BOB BROWN | MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE

The House of Delegates in Richmond continue a busy session on Thursday, March 4.

Panel rejects bipartisan redistricting bill BY VERONICA GARABELLI

Volunteer to help plant riparian buffers courtesy of Chesterfield County

oin Friends of Chesterfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riverfront and the Chesterfield County Environmental Engineering Department to plant streamside buffers along Falling Creek and West Branch. Volunteers are needed on several days to complete each Community Riparian Buffer Planting. Planting days along Falling Creek: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Thursday, March 11, 2:305:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Friday, March 12, 2:305:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Saturday, March 13, 8 a.m.-noon Planting days along West Branch: â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Thursday, March 18, 2:305:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Friday, March 19, 2:30-

Capital News Service

House panel has killed a bill to have a bipartisan com5:30 p.m. mission â&#x20AC;&#x201C; instead â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Saturday, March 20, 8 of politicians â&#x20AC;&#x201C; redraw poa.m.-noon litical districts after this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The planting location along census. Falling Creek is at the Falling Senate Bill 173 would Creek Apartments, and the have created a seven-memlocation along West Branch is at ber, bipartisan commission Otterdale Road. Children under to redraw the districts for the 14 years old should be accomVirginia House of Delegates, panied by adults. Volunteers Virginia Senate and the U.S. should bring gloves and wear House of Representatives. clothes that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind The bill unanimously passed getting dirty. Boots or sturdy the Senate but was tabled shoes also are recommended. last week by a subcommittee Light refreshments will be of the House Privileges and provided. Elections Committee. To register, e-mail volunEvery 10 years, using the teer@chesterfieldrivers.org and latest U.S. Census data, state indicate what planting dates legislatures must redraw votyou will attend. Please include ing districts to ensure they a phone number where you can have approximately equal be reached. Driving directions populations. The next redisand parking information will be tricting will be in 2011. sent to all volunteers. Typically, members of the

General Assemblyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s majority party try to draw lines that will get their party the most votes. This year, the Virginia House of Delegates is ruled by Republicans and the Senate is ruled by Democrats. As a result, Democratic Sen. Creigh Deeds predicts that the redistricting process will â&#x20AC;&#x153;get ugly.â&#x20AC;? So Deeds, who represents Senate District 25 in the western part of the state, sponsored SB 173, called the Bipartisan Redistricting Commission Act. Under the bill, the leaders of the House, the Senate and the two major political parties would appoint six members of the commission. Those six then would name a seventh member to serve as chairman. The commission, with input from a 12-member citizens advisory board, would draw political boundaries

VA Tech Scholarship opportunities announced courtesy of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Richmond Chapter:

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Virginia Tech in the Fall of 2010. One of the five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to a qualified student entering the Corps of Cadets. Selections for all five scholarships will be based on academic achievement, essay responses, extracurricular involvement, community service, and financial need. Any Richmond area high school seniors who accept admission to Vir-

ginia Tech and are interested in applying should visit www.richmondhokies. org/scholarships to download the scholarship application and review the requirements. The deadline for postmarked submission is May 1, 2010. Questions may be directed to Paul Louie, Scholarship Committee Chairman at scholarships@richmondhokies. org or (804)741-1156, ext. 519.

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to support SB 173. McDonnell told The Richmond Times-Dispatch that he had mixed feelings on the matter. According to the newspaper, McDonnell said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even with a citizen panel, people bring their personal biases â&#x20AC;Ś If the legislature does it, the process should be more open.â&#x20AC;? In a statement to Capital News Service on Friday, March 5, McDonnellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press secretary, Stacey Johnson, said the governor is still committed to bipartisan redistricting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Governor has made his position on redistricting clear. He is committed to increasing public participation and making the entire process more transparent and accessible,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Should no action be taken by the General Assembly at anytime between now and the beginning of redistricting, the Governor will immediately move forward with his commitment to form a bipartisan citizen commission that will ensure public involvement in the process.â&#x20AC;?

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without â&#x20AC;&#x153;consideration for the impact on incumbent legislators, members of Congress, or known candidates for office.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No district shall be drawn to promote, or for the purpose of favoring, the interests of a political party,â&#x20AC;? the bill said. Deeds has introduced the bill for the past seven years. He said he was disappointed to see it fail, but he believes it eventually will pass. In his opinion, Deeds said, the bill failed because it would allow constituents to pick their politicians instead of the other way around. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Power once achieved is a difficult thing to give up,â&#x20AC;? Deeds said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People in power want to keep it. Bills like this retract from that power. I think that this is a bill would empower people and make government more open and more responsive, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing.â&#x20AC;? Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, who defeated Deeds in the gubernatorial race in November, has received criticism in the press for not sending someone

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» LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Finally, warmer weather BY ELIZABETH FARINA editor@midlothianexchange.com

other Nature finally treated us to a little bit of warm sunshine this week. It’s been a rejuvenating feeling to have bright sunshine accompanied by warmer weather. Maybe that is why they call the upcoming season spring – the spring in one’s step, the spring popping on the back deck’s screen door to let in fresh air, the spring forward with Daylight Saving Time (set your clocks ahead when you go to bed on Saturday). There are new sprouts peeking out of the flower beds and getting outdoors to clean up the yard is more of a joy than a chore. And that’s the best part of the season – better than the first day of the year. It’s the revival of busy energy that is positively contagious. Of course, besides preparing the garden for the growing season, it’s also a great time of year to remove the clutter from the house. It’s not just a spring cleaning manic action, but a thoughtful process that brings a great night’s sleep. Bagging outgrown clothes is a reminder how fast little ones are growing up. It is also helpful to see if waistlines are growing out. It’s a helpful motivator trying on last year’s swimsuit and it renews a New Year’s resolution to take better care of one’s health. Also, donating gently-used clothing is a reminder that we have been prosperous and how we are now being smarter about our wardrobe purchases. There is also a sense of accomplishment in organizing the photos, school projects, and the various papers that we somehow have intentionally collected for a scrapbook or keepsake project. It’s not tackling the project itself – that takes dedicated time – but just gathering the items into one place rather than stuffing them into catch-all drawers. It’s also helpful to organize the shoebox of receipts and important tax documents that have overtaken the desk at home. For some reason, having documents ready in one place when one sits down to personally prepare taxes for the April 15 federal deadline seems to add a tiny bit of sanity during such a maddening task. The weather has incrementally changed over the past few weeks. That incremental daily change brings such a monumental shift over time. How are you incrementally changing your routine? On another note: the General Assembly is wrapping up the session and making state budget decisions that will impact the locality’s budget. Chesterfield County is also tightening its budget. It will not be incremental changes once the 2011 fiscal year begins on July 1. What changes are you ready to face?

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH FARINA

Speed and attention to detail were only two of the challenges for competitors. The sun added to the obstacles as ice blocks were fused together to make create a pegasus.

from CULINARY page 1

Delaware and his creation of a soldier holding the Earth and sions. If the sculpture has shield fighting a dragon in St. wings, are they proportional? Paul, Minn. He admits that he The artistic design, how relikes to “play with ice.” alistic and if the sculpture is SFC Rush presented several smooth,” Tanner said. recipes for visitors including Also, the competitors use a cocoa rub for flank steak as the tents, even on a cold day, to well as desserts. “The bitterness deal with the sunrays refracting of the garlic plays off the sweetenergy through the ice block. ness of the chocolate,” he said. “The ideal temperature for ice Visitors were able to enjoy sculpting is 30 degrees,” he said. viewing the demonstrations Sparks agreed that the and competitions. Many who hardest thing to deal with in had purchased $4.25 lunch competition is the temperature. tickets had an edible opportu“You have to ‘carve around it’,” nity to see if the taste matched he said. “When sculpting you the presentation. want to make it look like it Teams orchestrated a fivenever came out of a block and star, three-course meal for 80 in push the limits of gravity and a restaurant-style competition. balance.” To hear from Trinity Episcopal Sergeant First Class Andre Junior Nicholas Markunas Rush knows about pushing the whether the audience really limits of gravity and balance. enjoyed the outcome, visit Rush, who bench presses 605 midlothianexchange.com pounds, is known for his massive 10,000 to 15,000 pound ice carving creations such as Washington crossing the

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» GUEST COLUMN: VIRGINIA DELEGATE LEE WARE

arry Truman said famously that “the buck stops” at the President’s desk. What are we to do, then, when a President—and also a Congress—not only do not stop spending (and printing) bucks but compound fiscal indiscipline with the concoction of multi-trillion-dollar deficits for the foreseeable future? The answer, I regret to report, is that it falls to General Assembly to ensure that the buck stops in Richmond. To the credit of majorities of both parties, the Assembly seems poised to ensure that we adjourn on time this weekend with a balanced budget that achieves nearly $2 billion in reductions without a general tax increase. Generally speaking, these new reductions, added to the some $5 billion carved from the budget over the past couple years, mean that Virginia’s state government in 2010-2012 will be taxing and spending, roughly speaking, at the levels of 2006. This is good news for all of us — other states are in far worse shape, fiscally —t hough bad news for some of us — state employees, for example, who will have gone three years without a pay increase. And, of course, the budget ax has fallen as well on funding for some Extension Service offices, arts programs, and a wide array of similar programs. But, we have spared public education the severe cuts forecast only two months ago, and we have positioned the Commonwealth not only to operate frugally for the next biennium but to avoid the drastic collapse in both funding and services that is occurring in several other states. Of course there remains much more to be done. Gov. Bob McDonnell has pledged a “patch-the-potholes” focus as we emerge from the wintriest winter in decades. And the larger needs of our transportation system should be addressed sooner rather than later. We still expect the governor to call a special session once he has completed his proposal for governmental reform — and he might encompass road, rail, and mass transit services. Because I must write a few days before adjournment, the final shape of the budget could well change, if only modestly. Because the budget dominated our deliberations this year, overshadowing every other issue before us, and also because queries from constituents had almost exclusively to do with budget matters, an explanation of (1) how we got where we are and also (2) how we’ve responded to our challenges seems, obviously, the principal priority. During the past decade spending by state government has increased by an average of about 8 percent per year, thus outstripping both inflation and population growth. Though we’ve done far better than Congress in calibrating tax and spending policy to the private-sector economy, still we’ve not been entirely successful, to say the least, in anticipating the several economic slumps of recent years. And, because of the current recession we have been compelled to address what Delegate Lacey E. Putney, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, rightly calls the “structural imbalances” of the budget. (These structural imbalances—often arising from one-time economies—have twice prompted me to oppose entire budgets in recent years.)

Education spending as an example An example of this phenomenon is state direct aid to public education—a concern this year for many citizens, parents, and, of course, teachers. During the past ten years we have increased state funding for K-12 by 58.9 percent, from $3.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2000 to $5.9 billion in FY 2010. Additionally, including the $365.2 million in federal stimulus funds that last year we budgeted for FY 2010, total state funding for FY 2010 represents a 68.7 percent increase for K-12 since 2000. Comparatively, the number of students in K-12 statewide during the past decade increased by 7.2 percent. To cite the comparison is by no means to suggest that the cuts we will be experiencing during the biennium of 2010-2012 are not painful. Rather, it is to place our predicament in the proper perspective. (And the very good news is that state funding for K-12 for the next two years will be reduced far less drastically than all of us at first feared. Targeted K-12 reductions in the House budget would total “only” $70 million per year in FY 2010 or $170 million for the biennium.)

Our local schools To reduce the recession’s adverse effect on our schools, the House budget grants local divisions much greater “flexibility” in allocating state funds for education. Portions of state direct aid will be distributed as a block

To reduce the recession’s adverse effect on our schools, the House budget grants local divisions much greater “flexibility” in allocating state funds for education. grant, relaxing the usual mandates for the money’s usage. This action will allow our school boards to decide where to assign a significant portion of the state tax dollars for K-12. For Fiscal Year 2011, this means that Chesterfield Schools would receive $268 million in direct aid, a reduction of a relatively modest 2.46 percent from the figure proposed by former Gov. Kaine. Moreover, Chesterfield Schools would have $9.7 million in local funds to redirect as the School Board sees fit, owing to House reforms of the formula by which local contributions to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) are assessed. For Powhatan Schools, the comparable figures are $19,965,671 in total state aid to K-12, or a 3.5 percent reduction from the figure proposed by former Gov. Kaine, and $779,114 in local tax dollars saved owing to the VRS reform.

The context of a Commonwealth Another perspective that we must hold in view is that, however painful the continuing recession is for many of us, still, speaking generally, residents of the 65th District are fortunate in comparison to many areas of Virginia. For example, unemployment in large swaths of the Southside and Southwest is now at 20 percent. Even in prosperous northern Virginia some 100,000 individuals who had been earning $80,000 per year have seen their jobs disappear. When so many Virginians are bearing such burdens, state tax revenues plummet—by billions of dollars. Accordingly, we must assume the obligation, which we’ve undertaken this session, not to increase taxes and also to reduce spending, however reluctantly and also, one hopes, temporarily. In brief, then, this is the context in which I and my colleagues have been laboring to balance our budget—as the Constitution requires us to do—without compounding your concerns with increased taxes. (That economists are virtually unanimous in recommending against tax hikes in so prolonged a recession has made our deliberations much easier.)

General Assembly reconvenes April 21 Assembly will reconvene on April 21 for the “Veto Session,” to consider actions that will have been taken by the Governor on bills that passed both chambers of the legislature. In the meantime, Session will have concluded, so I will be able to report on the final status of numerous other bills of high interest to 65th District constituents.

Thanks to constituents As usual, hundreds of constituents sent me e-mails, regular mail, called by phone, or visited, helping me maintain the proper connection with the fundamental purpose of the General Assembly, which is to represent the people’s interests and conduct the people’s business. Each constituent’s message is reviewed and taken into account as my votes are cast, and I do my best to make sure that everyone receives at least an acknowledgement, and more often than not a brief original reply, to their questions, concerns, or suggestions. I’ve also kept in touch with the locally elected officials of both Powhatan and Chesterfield counties. School officials provided me with helpful information. And of course I kept in touch, too, with our Senator John Watkins. After adjournment I look forward to seeing constituents and to remarking on the final outcome of the session’s actions on bills—especially of course the budget bills—that were pending in the final days. Cordially, R. Lee Ware

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Ireland: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Forty Shades of Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

above, Lough Leane in Killarney National Park.

BY ERIC MILLIRONS special correspondent

n 1961, Johnny Cash penned the lyrics and score for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forty Shades of Green,â&#x20AC;? which has become an unofficial anthem of the people of Ireland. In it he spins an enchanting story about this country, including in the chorus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where the breeze is sweet as Shalimar and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forty shades of green.â&#x20AC;? The celebrations that accompany St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in the Richmond area will unquestionably provide a venue for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;wearing of the green.â&#x20AC;? It will come in as many forms as there are those who celebrate this occasion. There will be green beer, green bagels and even green hair to name just a few. It is a day to celebrate not

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while taking in the fountain and the elegant flowers which vary from yellow to gold, from white to red, in the manicured green of the grounds. Overshadowing the park is the massive St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral, largest in all of Ireland. While the structure is itself quite imposing, its inner high vaulted ceilings and inspiring stained-glass

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only the saint, but the history and culture of the people, as well as the verdant countryside. In Dublin, a small stone marker on the grounds of St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park simply states â&#x20AC;&#x153;near here is the reputed site of the well where St. Patrick baptized many of the local inhabitants in the fifth century A.D.â&#x20AC;? The visitor beholds this simple marker,

ment, this is difficult to surpass. It is impossible to visit Ireland without taking in some of the more festive sights that are as Irish as a shamrock. While they may have â&#x20AC;&#x153;green beerâ&#x20AC;? on St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, the normal fare in the Irish pub is Guinness, which to some has the color and consistency of mud, but is the favorite beverage throughout the island. Indeed, one pub patron was overheard stating that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guinness is the red wine of beer.â&#x20AC;? There is also the food at such establishments that runs the gamut from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Irish stew,â&#x20AC;? which is the best lamb stew dish one may ever taste, to the fish and chips that is on just about every menu. While the food is superior and the beverage quite interesting, the reason for visiting these pubs is often the entertainment. Irish music puts one in the foot stomping, hand clapping sing-a-long mood with such favorites as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild Roverâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Irish Roverâ&#x20AC;? or the more tranquil â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rose of Tralee.â&#x20AC;? The only difficulty is that often the music does not begin until about 9 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE MILLIRONS when many tourists, suffering jet lag, are ready to retire. The Rock of Cashel, to the southwest of Dublin in Tipwindows are breathtaking. religious quest. perary County, is probably An interesting, but often There are other parks one of the most historic sites overlooked feature inside is in Dublin upon which to in all of Ireland, especially the presence of kneeling pads feast your eyes, including concerning St. Patrick. It is on the backs of the chairs. St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Park, These colorful pillows, emlocated near the center of the said that the saint baptized King Ă&#x201C;engus here in about broidered by the ladies of the downtown area. Here again church, display numerous can be found the festive flow- 530 A.D. The story goes that it was here that he explained designs, from coats-of-arms ers of Ireland, several lakes, the concept of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;trinityâ&#x20AC;? to Gaelic phrases to pastoral and ornamental fountains. by using a shamrock. scenes to frolicking animals, For the sedate enjoyment of while providing a modicum the misty breezes and myriad see IRELAND page 6 of comfort to those on a hues in an urban environ-

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

to inspire, enlighten and sustain you through another year of homeschooling. Noted homeschool author and advocate Linda Dobson will present three exciting sessions. Free shopping at the curriculum and resource fair. For more information, visit www.vahomeschooler. org/conference/2010/

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 The 3rd annual Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia Winter Lecture Series will take place in the Community Hall at Lucy Corr Village, 6800 Lucy Corr Blvd., in Chesterfield. Preservation Virginia’s Jamestown Rediscovery project with a lecture by Danny Schmidt, senior staff archeologist, entitled, “Recent Discoveries at the Fort.” Each lecture starts at 7 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Admission. Please call (804) 796-7003 to make reservations. For more information please visit www.chesterfieldhistory.com

MONDAY, MARCH 15 Midlothian District Meeting with Dan Gecker, Midlothian District Supervisor will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Herbert Hall, located at 2700 Dolfield Dr., Richmond. The topic will be Chesterfield County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Overview presented by Allan Carmody, Director of Budget and Management.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 Surf’s up and St. EdwardEpiphany School is calling all alumni, parents, supporters and friends to enjoy a little fun in the sun at its 18th annual auction and community gathering. The “Sees in the Sand” event will be held in the St. Edward activity center, from 6:30 until 11 p.m. The event will also feature D.J. music, catering by David Napier of David’s White House catering, cash bar, door prizes and beach games and contests. Cost for the event is $35 per person, which includes two complimentary drink tickets and an auction bid booklet. Guests are encouraged to don festive beach attire to celebrate the theme. All proceeds from the event will benefit the school. The St. Edward activity center is located at 10701 West Huguenot Rd., in Bon Air.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 The Chesterfield Women’s League will meet at Foxfire Club House, 5532 Light Parkway, Moseley 23120. A certified personal trainer will be leading a discussion about exercise and nutrition. Doors open at 9:30 am. Guests are always welcome. Refreshments are provided. For more information please contact Carolyn at: (804) 745-6070. Saint Patrick’s Day concert with Adam Miller, one of the premier autoharpists in the world and one of the great interpreters of American folktales and folksongs from 7-8:30 p.m. at Central Library in Chesterfield. After the performance, Miller’s recordings will be available for purchase and autographing. Registration is required and begins March 3. Please register online at library. chesterfield.gov or by calling (804) 748-1603.

MARCH 12-13 VaHomeschoolers is pleased to announce the 2010 Conference and Resource Fair set for March 12-13 at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Whether your homeschooling style is unschooling, classical or eclectic, whether your children are babies or high schoolers or everything in between, you’ll find what you need

Find out about 5K races, concerts, school events and many more events happening on March 20. Posted now online at midlothian exchange.com

from IRELAND page 5 Originally a castle, it eventually was transformed into a church center. High upon the hill overlooking the town of Cashel, it gives a vista of the countryside that is astounding, and one can also see another church’s ruins on the now peaceful floor of the valley. The Celtic crosses dominate the cemetery and the tourists attempt to capture them digitally, using the beautiful valley as a backdrop. Since St. Patrick walked over much of the island, he possibly even went through what is now Killarney National Park. From atop the mountains, the different shades of green are quite evident as are the clear blue freshwater lakes. It is one of the most scenic panoramas in the entire country, which can be said again for the Dingle Peninsula. Traveling the 30-mile loop on the Dingle Peninsula is a journey through both history and beauty. The rugged coastline, with its steep cliffs, leads down to the blue waters of the Atlantic. The surf crashes, ever so slowly, changing the coast’s outline. While atop these cliffs, the primary inhabitants – sheep -- graze on the grasses in a lazy peacefulness, watched

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC MILLIRONS

Church ruins in the valley below the Rock of Cashel.

over by a lone sheep dog enjoying the warmth of the sun as he tends his flock. The trip through the peninsula’s history takes you back to another time. There is Dunberg Fort, dating to about 500 B.C., which was probably used as some form of outpost by the original inhabitants. Situated now on the edge of the cliff, it is completely made of stone on stone construction, providing a bit of protection from the weather but little else. The next historic site is that of the Gallarus Oratory, a church, again made

completely out of stone that has the shape of an upsidedown boat. Built in about the 7th or 8th century, its small interior is lighted by the sun entering through the door and a miniscule window. Walking to the oratory, one is channeled down a path of fuchsia covered stone walls. The last stop on this scenic historic drive around is at the Kilmalkedar Church. Though associated with St. Brendan, this church was probably started by another holy man named St. Maolcethair around the turn of the 7th century. The current

ruins were built about the 12th century. The beauty of such ruins is that it shows the eventual return to nature of the buildings of man. Yes, Ireland is a country filled with scenery that can seldom be matched anywhere in the world. Its people are as friendly as the countryside is beautiful. So on Saint Patrick’s Day, when it is said that everyone can be Irish, think about the homeland of these people, the saint who inspired them, and the “Forty Shades of Green” that have been painted on these islands by a Master’s hand.

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SPORTS || FITNESS

Titan clash bounces to Lake Taylor Cosby trio reflects on four-year run BY SARA PAGE spage@midlothianexchange.com

t’s easy to end a basketball game. One team wins; one team loses. Both teams move on to whatever is next. What’s not so easy is ending a run of four years of playing the same game with the same group when each team member has come to know all the others’ habits and playing styles. In one moment, players are sad and stunned, knowing they’ll move on, but not quite ready to face doing it. That’s where the Cosby girls’ basketball team found themselves after last Friday’s 65-57 loss to Lake Taylor in the VHSL Group AAA girls’ basketball quarterfinal. “I expect to have a Cosby High School cheering section at my wedding,” joked senior forward Becca Wann tearfully. “The truth is that there’s always going to be basketball,” she continued. “I’m playing at the next level, but it’s the girls. I’ve been playing with Kelsey [Conyers] for 10 years, and I’ve been playing with them [Jazmin Pitts and Andrea Bertrand] for four, and coach [Rachel Mead] has been my coach for four. There’s always basketball. Even when I’m 40, there’ll be teams for me to play on, but I think it’s just the fact that every day after school we’re not going to have two hours together listening to music and practicing and dancing around. I really do think it’s the relationships. That’s what makes this so hard.” Down 12 at halftime, Cosby came out fighting in a game that pitted Titans against Titans. Bertrand opened the second half with a short jumper, and Conyers went coast to coast off a defensive rebound to cut the lead to single digits and force a Lake Taylor time out. Lake Taylor regained momentum on a layup by Tasia Majors and extended the lead to 13 with a minute left in the third quarter. With 31 seconds to go, Wann went up for a rebound on the offensive end and took what appeared to be a hard foul, landing squarely on her back. She lay on the floor in obvious pain, but waved off Cosby trainer Ed Metzger and climbed slowly to her feet. Even after being taken out of the game for the remainder of the quarter, she gave him thumbs up on the sideline, though still appeared to be favoring her back. “My freshman year, I broke my back, and it kind of felt sort of like the same thing but there was no way I was telling Ed that because there was no way I was not going to finish the game,” Wann said. “I’ll be OK. We’ve got a soccer scrimmage on Tuesday so …” The play was called a jump ball but stayed in Cosby’s possession. Freshman guard Adriane Vaughan replaced Wann for the final seconds of the third quarter and helped Cosby regain momentum with a pair of free throws to end the quarter. PHOTO BY PATRICK DOBBS

see TITANS page 8 Cosby’s Becca Wann, left, dives to the floor for a loose ball despite a painful back injury at the end of the third quarter.

Local riders win state competition BY SARA PAGE spage@midlothianexchange.com

iding a horse is no easy task. First there’s the scramble to climb onto the back of a skittish animal that is often six feet or more off the ground. Then there’s the task of coaxing the horse to move. If you’re showing, there’s grooming the animal and rider, and hours of training to get the horse to canter, gallop and jump on command. Plus the rider must be confident because horses, which are by nature prey for other animals, spook easily. When it all comes together, a rider can make riding a horse look like the most natural thing in the world, which is exactly what Madison Ruddy and Lesley Summerville have been doing for many seasons in the Capital Horse Show Association. Both ride at the James River Equestrian Center on the Keswick Plantation under the direction of trainers Vicki Phillips and Sarah West, and both had a banner year in competition across the state last season. Ruddy and her pony Sadie (a.k.a. Show-N-Tell) have been together for four years. In 2008, they were champions in the CHSA Pleasure Pony, Pony Equitation and Children’s Pony Hunter divisions. In 2009, they were champions of the CHSA Pleasure Pony and Green Pony Hunter divisions and went on to become the Virginia Horse Show Association Associates Program Pleasure Pony Reserve champions, Large Pony Hunter champions and reserve champions in Pleasure Pony. Summerville and her horse Rudy (a.k.a. Wallstreet Special Edition) have been together for two years and have also seen their share of the winners’ circle. They were CHSA Junior Pleasure Horse champions and Children/Adult Amateur Hunter champions in 2009 and went on to win the VHSA Associates Program Junior Pleasure Horse division. Both riders got their horses when the horses were green, which means they had no formal training as show horses. The riders and horses train together year round starting with simple tasks and working up to more complex tasks, and PHOTO BY SARA PAGE then perfecting everything. By the time the Madison Ruddy, left, and Leslie Summerville, right, show off their trophies and ribbons. The two are entering the new competition season as pair is in front of judges everything must look “comfortable and pleasurable to ride,” reigning champs in the Virginia Horse Show Association Associates Program. Ruddy shows in the Pleasure Pony division with her horse Sadie while Summerville shows in the Pleasure Horse division with her horse Rudy, who is hiding in the background. Ruddy said. Each pair of horses and riders is judged Ruddy and Summerville are both typically at the stables differently.” on everything, from the way both are And with a season that starts in early April and ends in groomed to the way the horse tucks his or her legs going over before and after school, caring for the horses and perfecting November, there’s not a lot of time to both relearn and pertheir show moves. Adding just one inch to a jump can take a jump. fect what horse and rider need to do. months of practice according to Summerville. “They look at the way you approach. It has to look even “The horse has to relearn their stride,” she said. “For a with a very consistent rhythm,” Summerville said. see RIDING page 9 higher jump, they have to start the jump sooner and land It all takes a lot of practice.

8 || March 11, 2010 || MidlothianExchange.com

EXERCISE

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HUNT FAMILY

Sam Hunt puts on his racing face as he prepares for action in his first Late Model car. The talented young driver won several races last year despite car restrictions imposed because of his age and is entering the NASCAR Whelen All-American series this year.

Hunt advances through racing ranks BY SARA PAGE spage@midlothianexchange.com

ames River sophomore Sam Hunt caught the racing bug in a most unusual way. Living in the Netherlands, Hunt was given a day with his friends at a local indoor go-kart track for his sixth birthday. He spent the next few years dabbling at local tracks and seriously got into racing when his family moved back to the United States. “I came back [in 2002] and I found a local indoor go-karting place and there was a guy there who noticed me. His son was racing in an actual series and he kind of picked me up and told me about it,” Hunt said. That track was G-Force Karting, which sits less than a mile from Richmond International Raceway. Literally in the shadow of professional racing, Hunt took his first spills and thrills in a go-kart and was

soon racing at Capital City Speedway in Ashland. “It was the very first go-kart that I owned,” Hunt recalled. “It was a local series and I ran there every weekend. It was more of a fun, is this really what I want to do, learning experience. “I raced there for probably three years, and then we started getting really successful and everything just kind of took off,” Hunt continued. Around the time Hunt became a serious local contender he was noticed by Larry Hollowell, who had been crew chief for some young teams in the area. “I could tell he had a lot of talent,” Hollowell said. “You’d see him at the track and he’d struggle a little bit, but he was just so much different than other [people]. Sam is the most compassionate young person I’ve ever been around. He genuinely cares about his friends and about other people,

and he’s been like that since he was a boy. Even at 10 years old, he was just such a pleasure to be around that I had to go work with him.” As crew chief, Hollowell entered Hunt into regional and state level events. In 2006, Hunt grabbed nine wins and placed in the top five in the North Carolina/Virginia Money Series. In 2007, Hunt won in the Junior Champ Kart division of the Maxxis National Championship Race at Thunder Valley Motorplex (S.C.), and he was ready to graduate to more horsepower. Though not allowed to run a full late model stock car until the age of 16, Hunt took the wheel of U-Car to learn the feel of bigger wheels. “That was just kind of to learn how to drive an actual car and the shifting and just getting used to having that big car around me,” Hunt said. “The go-kart, it’s just you in a

little seat.” He started racing last June in a late model car, as soon as he turned 16. Though young drivers are restricted to limited late model cars, which are late model racing cars that are restricted in power and speed, Hunt developed a strategy that allowed him to have success on the track even with unrestricted cars racing with him. “I raced two late model races last year [with the restricted engine],” Hunt explained. “I kind of used patience to kind of take an advantage because people would take off for the first 50 laps and drive as hard as they could, and I just kind of paced myself and tried to keep the tires from wearing out too bad. So once everybody started slipping back, I could kind of advance.” In 2009, Hunt entered four limited late model and two regular late model class races. He finished in the top five in both regular late model races including a win at Shenandoah Speedway in September, and earned a pole and a win in the limited late model races. Now entering his 11th year behind the wheel, Hunt is gunning for some stiff competition. He plans to take his No. 20 red Chevy late model into the NASCAR Whelan All-American Series, which is the official amateur series of NASCAR. Hunt will run a partial schedule of 17 races at tracks around Virginia and North Carolina.

Though it seems like a fast rise through the ranks, there’s no doubt in his crew’s mind that Hunt is ready. “We’ve gone from leaving little sticky notes on his steering wheel telling him to be patient and wait your time to now we can talk to Sam and … we pretty much have an idea what we’re going to do … The biggest thing I see about Sam is that he can execute,” Hollowell said. No doubt his calm demeanor gets him through tough situations as well. “We gave him a little nickname back when I met him at 10 years old,” Hallowell laughed. “I’ve always had hunting dogs and I said if he was one of my hunting dogs I’d name him Porch Dog because he just lays around. When everything’s going around, he’s just like no big deal, but when he gets in the race car or he gets in the cart, you think, oh Lord, here it comes, and he executes everything to the T. “His daddy and I used to laugh,” Hollowell continued. “You know the ol’ Porch Dog, he lays up on the porch ‘til he hears the other dogs running and then he jumps of the porch and heads the other ones off. It’s always been a little joke … He knows where everyone’s at, he knows where he wants to be and when he wants to be there.” According to Hollowell, Hunt never put a scratch on his car in racing action last year, and is getting compliments

from race directors wherever he goes. But racing isn’t Hunt’s only talent. He’s also an honor roll student at James River High School and plays on the school’s football and baseball teams. As a quarterback on the junior varsity squad, he set a state record for touchdowns with 27 in nine games. He also played in four varsity contests as a back up for senior Josh Wells. Still racing is the sport he works his schedule around. He entered the NASCAR Whelen Series in hopes of attracting the attention of professional teams, and there’s little doubt that one day, the talented youngster will open his racing season in Daytona. “Sam’s one of the few that I’ve worked with that could really come back and tell you, ‘It’s pushing in the middle,’ ‘It’s tight coming off,’ and you could go back and make those adjustments. Sam is always right. The computer would show that what Sam was saying was what the car was showing on the computer. “Everybody told us last year, ‘Larry, don’t be disappointed if you all can just make the field,’ or ‘Larry, don’t be disappointed, you all are going to be lapped,’” Hollowell continued. “I think we finished in the top 10 or 11 on the first time out. People were coming from down the pits going, ‘This kid – there’s no way he’s never sat in a stock car!’ I think he’s made a lot of believers out of him.”

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PHOTO BY PATRICK DOBBS

Andrea Bertrand beats a defender to the basket.

from TITANS page 7

Linda Stepney led Lake Taylor with 28 points and Cosby hit six unanswered Breshara Gordon finished points to start the final quarter with 20. and drew within five, but a seThe loss closed three ries of turnovers kept the team amazing high school careers from getting any closer. for Bertrand, Pitts, and Wann. “They just made their free With nearly 5,000 points throws, and it just turned into between them and countless the end of a basketball game,” steals and assists, the three are Wann said. “I think we did all expected to make immediwe could to come back, but I ate impacts with their college think we could have fixed it in squads. the first half and we didn’t. But “They’re going to do really that’s on us.” good things outside of Cosby Wann led the way with 18 High School, and I’ve told points and nine rebounds; them that I’ve truly enjoyed Bertrand added 17 points the ride, but it’s not over for and eight rebounds; and Pitts them,” Mead said. ended with 11 points and 10 “It’s definitely not the endrebounds. ing we thought it was going

to be,” Bertrand added. “We’re a great team. It’s been a great four years. In my heart, I know it’s not about where we ended up or what we didn’t do. I met a lot of amazing girls along the way and to share this whole thing, these past four years, this past year with the girls on this team and coaches and everyone is amazing. I don’t think any other team is as close as we are. “No matter what happened tonight, our friendships, they’ll last years beyond this, and that’s more than a state championship. That’s more than any championship,” she concluded.

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»congratulations

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC OGUICH

The W.W. Gordon girls’ Minors basketball team finished 10-0 in the Chesterfield Girls’ Basketball League. Pictured are in front, from left, Coach Hopkins, Haley Hopkins, Emma Will, Annalyn Lathrop, Katriel Andres and Coach Oguich; in back, Abby Oguich, Alison Andrews, Haley Eiser, Samia Davis and Skylar Ackerson. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

The St. Michael’s Episcopal School Junior Varsity boys’ basketball team topped its undefeated season winning the 2009-10 Junior Varsity A division of the Benedictine Youth League Championship. The team swept through the opening rounds of the playoffs with wins over Collegiate and St. Edwards and a final win over St. Christopher’s in the championship game. Team members are in front, from left, Will Michael, Paul Hamilton, Jed Londrey, Jack Holdaway, Matthew Nelson and Garrett Allen; second row, Jewett Lawrence, Jace Mallory, Ben Greer, Alex Carrington, Isaac Roberts and Kellan Dwyer; and in back, coaches Hal Greer, E.G. Allen and Jef Londrey.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE PARIS PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC PUTNEY

The Midlothian girls’ varsity track team finished third overall in the VHSL Group AAA Indoor Track Championships. From left are Erica Putney, Sarah Putney, Amy Witt, Claire Benjaman, Kendall Sims, Kathleen Lautzenheiser and Marie Johnston.

On Wednesday March 3rd the Monacan High School Athletic Boosters presented the Monacan Athletic Department with a $ 15,000 check. Pictured from left are Pat Ferguson, Activities Director, Mike Paris, Athletic Boosters President and Williams Broyles, principle. The Monacan Athletic Boosters contribute over $30,000 a year to the Monacan Athletic Department.

SPORTS ON YOUR TIME (The Woman’s Club). participants will receive their Admission is free to all the commemorative event Tdestinations along the route. shirts, interact with vendors, Registrants also will receive and enjoy live music. discounted return tickets to Online registration for participating sites along the Anthem Stride Through Courtesy of the Monacan Athletic route. Time is available at sportsBoosters The un-timed fitness walk backers.org. The entry fee is The 16th annual Monawill take place on the Canal $20 for adults and $10 for can Athletic Boosters Golf Walk and city sidewalks. Live youth 18 and under through Classic will take place on music, entertainment, cosApril 30, when the fee will Monday, April 26, at 2 p.m. tumed re-enactors and anincrease by $5. Registrants at the Stonehenge Golf and tique cars will line the route. will have the opportunity to Country Club. Streets will remain open to make a contribution to benThe tournament is a four- traffic with pedestrian cross- efit the Valentine Richmond person Captain’s Choice with ing support at significant History Center and Historic a shotgun start. Registration intersections. Water stops Richmond Foundation. For is $400 per team, which inand bathroom facilities will more information, visit cludes the green fee, cart fee, be located along the route. sportsbackers.org or e-mail range balls, dinner following Strollers are permitted. stride@sportsbackers.org. PHOTO BY SARA PAGE play, on-course contests and The event concludes with Leslie Summerville and her horse Rudy are a perfect team in the Pleasure Horse division. door prizes. the Thompson McMullan Registration forms are Finish Line Festival where from RIDING page 7 of his stable and still comes ed taking lessons when I was close to scraping his back on seven and started competing available at monacansports. All the care and practice com or by calling (804) 378the door frame and acts as if around fifth grade.” leave both girls, who are 2485 and should be comhe’d like to gallop away as fast Summerville got her first students at the nearby James pleted by April 16. as he can with the noise of an taste at a summer riding River High School, with The boosters are also approaching tractor. Yet for camp then started taking little time for other activities, Summerville he stands quilooking for corporate sponlessons two years later at the though one gets the feeling sors for the various sports etly, albeit nervously, by the age of 8. watching Sadie, a brown Paint hay bale as she prepares for a seasons and for the golf tour“That was when I started Pony with a white star on nament. Information is availphoto and bends his head to taking lessons seriously,” her forehead, nuzzle Ruddy able by calling Pat Ferguson, receive a peck on the nose. Summerville recalled. “I got that neither rider nor animal “He’s a little [restless] my first pony at 10 and have Director of Student Activities would have it any other way. around here but you get him been competing for about six at (804) 378-2485 or by visit“She has taken me from ing monacansports.com. in a show and he shows off,” years.” Short Stirrup to Large Lose 21 Pounds in 4 Weeks.* Summerville said proudly. All are preparing for their Pony Hunters, and we have Anthem Stride Through Both Ruddy and Summer- first competitions of the There is no more effective way to lose weight become a successful team. I ville have been riding since season. Though their season Time registration open love her with all my heart,” than with a physician directed program. Only a they were very little. Ruddy, officially starts the first week Courtesy of Sports Backers Ruddy said. Registration is now open medical doctor can customize a plan based on whose mom Sheri Ruddy al- of April, they plan on showRudy, an Oldenburg ways rode, remembers taking ing at two other events in the for the second Anthem Stride your unique metabolism, thyroid, medication chestnut gelding standing Through Time, a 6.2-mile lessons at the stables in the weeks leading up to that. and other physical weight loss issues. Find out 17-2 hands high is easily the front part of the plantation. And a repeat performance history festival through why thousands are turning to The Center for tallest horse in the barn. He “I was always around of last year’s photo finishes is downtown Richmond that ducks his head to walk out Medical Weight Loss for fast, safe, affordable drew in more than 2,200 horses,” Ruddy said. “I start- not out of the cards. participants last year. This solutions. Call for a location near you. year’s event will start and finish at the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. The walk will take place on GABRIELA June 5. LOST OVER 100 LBS. The 10K walk features more than 20 historic sites Pembroke Pines, FL including the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virgin® ia, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, John Marshall House, Maggie 800-MD-B-THIN www.mdbethin.com L. Walker National Historic (800-632-8446) Site, Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Kanawha and Haxall Canals, ** St. John’s Church, Valentine $ Richmond History Center, LIMITED TIME OFFER Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia State Capitol, and Family Practice Specialists of Richmond 3742 Winterfield Rd Midlothian, VA PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RUDDY FAMILY the Bolling-Haxall House

(send your sports news to sports@midlothianexchange.com) Monacan Athletic Boosters Golf Classic

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PHYSICIANS ARE CHANGING THE SHAPE OF AMERICA

39 INITIAL CONSULTATION

Madison Ruddy and her pony Sadie are the perfect team in the Pleasure Pony division.

**At participating centers. *Based on a stratified sample of 94 men over a six-year period.

10 || March 11, 2010 || MidlothianExchange.com

EXTRA EX

CELEBRATIONS || LIFE

Go Fly a Kite

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH FARINA

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation’s “Go Fly a Kite” day was a popular event for families at Genito Park.

Local students attend 50th anniversary of the Richmond 34 at CenterStage COIURTESY PHOTO

Registration for kindergarten and pre-k opens in April Courtesy of Chesterfield County Public Schools

n Chesterfield County, April 22 is the date to register children to attend kindergarten or apply for a limited number of prekindergarten spots. The only exception is Robious Elementary, which will hold kindergarten registration on April 29. Kindergarten Offered in every Chesterfield elementary school, kindergarten is a full-day program designed to help children learn language arts, math, science and social studies. A child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to attend kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year. No exceptions are made to the age requirement. Prekindergarten A limited number of prekindergarten spots are available in 12 schools to provide school-readiness skills to eligible children so that they are prepared for kindergarten. Eligible children with the greatest need have priority for the limited number of prekindergarten spots. Students must live in the attendance zone of a school with a prekindergarten program, and no waivers will be given. Programs have different funding sources, which have different eligibility guidelines: Preschool classes are offered for children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2010, who show an educational need and who live in the attendance zone of Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Chalkley, Davis, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Harrowgate, Providence or Reams elementary school. Head Start classes are offered for children who will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2010, whose families meet federal income guidelines and who live in the attendance zone of Bellwood, Bensley, Chalkley, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Harrowgate, Hopkins or Marguerite Christian elementary school. To enroll through the Head Start office, call 2797357. How to enroll in kindergarten or apply to prekindergarten Parents should take their children between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 22 to the elementary school they are zoned to attend; the only exception is Robious Elementary, which will hold kindergarten registration on April 29. To determine which school to go to, parents may call 748-1666 or go online to chesterfield. k12.va.us and click “schools,” then click “school lookup feature.” Parents should bring to registration a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate. The child’s Social Security number is request-

ed, and families applying for prekindergarten must also bring two recent pay stubs as proof of income. To attend Chesterfield County Public Schools, children must reside in Chesterfield County with a parent or legal guardian, so parents must bring a photo ID and one of these proofs of county residency to registration: 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 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) On registration day or by the first day of school, parents must provide record of a physical examination within the past 12 months updated medical records listing date of each required immunization. Don’t miss April 22 (or April 29 at Robious Elementary) Parents should make every effort to register their children on April 22 (or April 29 at Robious Elementary). If this is not possible, parents should call the school to set up an appointment as soon as possible. For prekindergarten, it is especially important to apply on April 22 because children will be chosen for the limited number of prekindergarten spots by April 28. Families who apply late will be placed on a waiting list. For more information, call your zoned school or go online to chesterfield.k12.va.us.

Courtesy of Donna Wilson

n Feb. 22, seventh-grade students at Robious Middle School had the honor of attending the 50th anniversary of the Richmond 34 at the newly renovated CenterStage Carpenter Theatre. The program -- appropriately titled “Sit-in; Stand-out” -- commemorated the anniversary of the day that 34 brave black Virginia Union students put Richmond on the civil-rights movement map. The Richmond 34 organized and carried out a non-violent sit-in at the prestigious Thalhimers Department Store’s “whites only” lunch counter. They withstood hateful words and protests from angry white customers and were eventually hauled off to jail. However, their actions did not go unnoticed. They were successful in rallying support from the community to help end segregation. One year

later, thanks to their efforts, Thalhimers Department Store peacefully integrated their store, lunch counters and all. The celebration was kicked off by a powerful reenactment of the plight of the Richmond 34 by the very talented George Wythe High School Theatre students. The program then turned to a discussion panel that was composed of three of the Richmond 34, Elizabeth Johnson Rice, Ford T. Johnson, Dr. Leroy M. Bray Jr., Elizabeth Thalhimer Smart, four high school students, and one middle school student chosen to represent local school districts. The lone middle school student Cheyenne Fouts from Robious Middle School was the representative for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

COURTESY PHOTO

Following the program, there was a luncheon at the Marriott that continued the celebration. Luc Maestrello and Grace Laramore, two Robious Middle students, had the privilege of reading their self-composed poems to the honored guests. The poems were written to reflect the opposing views of the lunch counter manager at Thalhimers and the bold

actions of the Virginia Union students on Feb. 22, 1960. This memorable experience was an appropriate culmination for the seventh graders’ study of the civil rights movement. They had grappled with ideas such as “What can people accomplish when they decide that enough is enough?” “What makes people fight for their rights?” Through studying

Open for business

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDY WHITESIDE

The Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting for SunTrust Bank-Westchester Commons on Wednesday, Feb. 24. SunTrust Bank-Westchester Commons is located at 15601 City View Drive in Midlothian.

REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time Sunday, March 14 at 2 a.m. spring your clock one hour forward before you go to bed on Saturday..

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EXPECT EX

LAST WORD

Waiting for the right ship to arrive

Midlothian resident Luciano D’Aria shares this picture of a summer memory. The pelicans were easier subjects to photograph up close unlike the local geese. Warmer weather is on its way and plans are being made for summer vacations. Enjoy basking in the sunshine.

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Persian Himalayan Blue, Cream and Lilac Lynx kittens and young adults available. CFA Registered and family raised. Prices $150 to BED MATTRESS SET $800. (804)379-6709 Queen Size, 10 yr. alaskabrighteyes3@ve warranty, new in plas - rizon.net tic. Sell $189 , Retail $400+. Can deliver. 804-639-2135 . www.eastcoastmattress.com

BED - New Mattress Set in Plastic w/ warr. Full $99, Queen $109, King $189. Delivery/Lay A-Way. 218-0680 Bedroom Set - real handcarved mahogany. 4 post bed, nightstands triple dresser, tri-fold mirror & chest of drawers. Perfect cond. Willing to deliver. Retails for $10,500. Sell $2,950 804-398-8424

DINING - CHIPPENDALE, 2 pedastal table, 10 chairs, china cabinet & buffet base, exc. cond. willing to deliver, retails for $16,000 sells for $5500. 804-398-8424

• Lot Clearing & Grading • Driveway Repair • Top Soil

pets & animals

Pet Supplies & Services DOGS/CATS Professional Veterinary Dental Cleaning-all inclusive. $155. 804-355-3500.

employment

Yard/Estate Sales "Garage Full of Comfort," a community Transportation/ garage/yard sale to Logistics benefit Comfort Zone Camp, will be held at 8 a.m. on Saturday, DRIVERS: CDL-A March 13, 2010, at Bon Teams & O/O’s Earn Air United Methodist Top Dollar Running Church, 1645 Buford Specialty Cargo for Road, in the gym. Midwest Carrier. Items include clothing, www.RandRtruck.com household items, 866-204-8006 books, and electronics. Contact (804) 320-6640 for details.

Health Care

Medical Facilities of America Hanover Health & Rehabilitation Center

Medical Billing/ Coding Instructor

Surgical Tech

ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR We are a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, currently seeking candidates for our Admissions Director position. This strongly motivated, organized team player will be responsible for developing and maintaining consistent census and census growth. They will cultivate business through high energy customer oriented work with medical professionals and potential residents. If you are a goal directed, detail focused individual who is at their best while working under pressure and whose qualifications include a strong marketing background with sales expe rience, excellent communication skills, a college degree, and preferably knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid , we may have the prefect position for you. Salary commensurate with experience. Full-time benefits package. We are located close to Rt. 360 and I-295 in Mechanicsville. Interested applicants please forward a resume with salary requirements to: Teresa Wallace Human Resources Manager 8139 Lee Davis Road Mechanicsville, VA 23111 804.559.5036 (fax) E-mail: twallace@mfa.net

General

Now Hiring: companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. No selling, any hours. $500 wkly potential. 1-985-6461700 , Dept. VA-2713

RECEPTIONIST/OFFICE SUPERVISOR - Equine veterinary service seeking detailed, organized team player. Equine experience & the ability to work well under pressure required while keeping a positive attitude. Powhatan. 30 to 35 hrs per week (could lead to full-time). E-mail resumes to dcecmngt@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING WORKS! EMAIL ADS@MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

Must be able to work Monday thru Thursday evenings. Associate degree preferred but MUST have 3 years experience in field. Email resume to Director_of_Education @hotmail.com

To Advertise Email Us At ads@Midlothian Exchange.com Health Care

Instructor need ed for local pri vate college. PT positions availa ble. Email re sume with sal ary require ments to Director_of_Education @hotmail.com

real estate residential for sale

Real Estate Policy All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Virginia Fair Housing Law, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap.”

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We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all the dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Waterfront Property for Sale

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Chesterfield County Adult Continuing Education program has an immediate vacancy for a teacher to instruct nurse aide students. Instructor must hold a current, unrestricted Va. license as a registered nurse or a multistate licensure privilege. Applicants must have two years of experience as an RN within the previous 5 years and at least one year of experience in the provision of long-term care facility services. Responsibilities include class and clinical instruction, with classes taught at Chesterfield Technical Center on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Clinical experiences are held at Lucy Corr Village and include 5 Saturdays (7am-3pm). To apply submit a cover letter and resume to Deborah_Hinton@ccpsnet.net.

OfﬁceWarehouse Combo SOUTHSIDE -- OFFICE / WAREHOUSE space for lease. Prime location, approx 1 mi W of Hull Street/Courthouse Rd intersection. 2 units, 1680 sq. ft and 3350 sq ft. Has rear entrance loading dock and rollup door. 804276-7916.

transportation

Automobiles Wanted

Health Care

Nurse Aide Instructor

real estate commercial for rent

River Home w/ 4bdrm, 2-baths, patio & garage located on the Rapp. River with beach & boat access. Call Bob 804-938-3606

PUBLISHED THURSDAYS ONLINE EVERY DAY! www.midlothian exchange.com

ûWANTED û Abandoned junk cars Pay $140 and up. No title needed. 804-677-0156

PUBLISHED THURSDAYS ONLINE EVERY DAY! www.midlothian exchange.com

Visit us today!

12 || March 11, 2010 || MidlothianExchange.com

4th Annual Wine Festival

Join

the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce and Flagstop Car Wash

Saturday April 17, 2010 11 am – 6 pm at the Chesterfield County Government Complex 9800 Government Center Parkway Chesterfield, VA 23832 (804) 748-6364 ext. 2 17 Wineries, 50 Crafters, Live music by Casper Over 4,000 people attended last year

BON SECOURS ST. FRANCIS IMAGING CENTER

www.chesterfieldchamber.com

Good Help to Those in Need®

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY

Top CA$H for $ Gold and Silver $ GET CASH TODAY TO PAY THOSE HIGH HEATING BILLS!

ARMED SECURITY ON DUTY

We are a Virginia company with 20 licensed and bonded locations in Virginia and a proud sponsor of keeping your business right here in our state.

BRING GOLD - GET CA$H TODAY Gold, Platinum, and Silver chains, bracelets, rings and watches. We pay top dollar for your estate, broken & We Test In or unwanted inherited jewelry. Weigh ou Y Dental gold, gold and silver coins. Front of Sterling silverware, sterling tea sets.

Clean out your jewelry box and storage!

National Redemption As seen on NBC Channel 12 & Fox Channel 35

Hilton Garden Inn Innsbrook

Holiday Inn Koger Center

4050 Cox Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060

10800 Midlothian Tnpk. Richmond, VA 23235

(Exit 178B off I-64W near Short Pump)

(Between Chesterfield Towne Center & Johnston-Willis)

Thurs., Mar. 11 thru Sun. Mar. 14 Thurs., Mar. 18 thru Sun. Mar. 21

10:00am - 6:00pm

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Looking for a way to reach homeowners with your products and services? Advertise in our upcoming Spring Home section, and reach the readers you most want to target. This special section covers a wide range of home improvement topics, from green solutions to cleaning tips, decorating ideas and more. Advertise along side the feature that best relates to your business, and watch sales improve! Publication Date: April 8, 2010 Ad Space and Ad Copy Deadline: April 1, 2010 Call today to reserve your space! 804-658-9729 804-598-4305 ext.18 or 804-908-6086

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