SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY
12.23.10
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Adding sugar-and-spice to quirky construction
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ANTHONY FAMILY
Snow has replaced the golden leaves on the trees since this fall’s 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the mountains look like knobby hills of royal icing. Just a few miles off the Parkway, very elaborate confections of gingerbread deliver a sense of nostalgia. Until Jan. 2, visitors to the 97-year-old Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N. C., can see the gumdrop, marzipan, and, peppermint-bedecked creations that are often as quirky as they are traditional. The sugar-and-spice constructions are entries in the National Gingerbread House Competition and Display sponsored by the inn. Once the province of family holiday projects, gingerbread houses have outgrown the realm of cute cottages.
2010 is the fourth year Cathy Christiansen of Gainesville, Va., has entered; and this year “Santa’s Globe Theatre” placed her – as her threeyears’ previous entries have done – in the contest’s top 10. “I’m not a professional baker – I’m actually an attorney,” she said in a telephone interview. “I don’t create gingerbread houses that are technically the best – and for that reason I’ll probably never win -- but I have lots of fun making creative, quirky ones.” Last year she created a general store and previously, a condo and a pet hotel (which landed her on “Good Morning America” on Christmas Eve). This year’s post-and-beam roof to her GINGERBREAD P2
Erin Anthony, left, with mom Beth, dad Ed and younger brother Matt the morning of her departure in September 2009 from Midlothian to Nicaragua to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer for 27 months.
Former Monacan Chief continues her service in the Peace Corps BY ELIZABETH FARINA efarina@midlothianexchange.com
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rin Anthony isn’t worried about the snow this coming weekend. The former Monacan Chief (’05) is more focused on collecting enough water for the day and heading to her assigned school before 7
a.m. Anthony, a graduate of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, decided in her junior year of college to take a different career path after graduation. She volunteered to serve 27 months in the Peace Corps. In a phone interview from Nicaragua, Anthony explained that she is serving among 400 residents of the small town of Villa Dolores, where some live in make-shift housing on the outskirts of town. “Right now, in my community, there are 100 houses that were built originally as the community,” she explained. Although Anthony has water pipes leading into the home that she rents for $35 a month, water from the town’s supply tower is only available at 6 a.m., 9 a.m. and noon for 30 minutes each day. “We will fill buckets three times a day – that’s for everybody,” she said. The water situation was one of several adjustments Anthony has made since starting her service in September 2009. “Instead of a shower, I take a bucket bath,” she said.
“It was different and I kind of knew [that it would be]. A Peace Corps volunteer serves in the most dire situations [there] could possibly be and I feel lucky that I do not have to haul water, at least it comes into the house at those times,” she said. “It was a struggle at first, but I’ve learned to plan around it.” Her kitchen includes a little dorm-sized refrigerator and a two-burner stove that uses a propane tank. “It the tanks you use for a gas grill, that was an adjustment learning to cope with gas because I grew up with an electric stove. I would say that cooking has been a challenge,” she said. Pasta is a main staple because it fits into her economical stipend of $190 a month. She has learned to make fresh homemade pasta sauce. “There are a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables here that are cheap. They grow their own and take them to market to sell,” she said. Her neighbor, a 31-year old woman with four daughters and a granddaughter, usually is up at 4 a.m. making tortillas to sell at market. “On Saturdays, she makes special food such as enchiladas, nacatamales (Nicaraguan burrito), or buñuelos (doughnuts). She is very poor and lives day-to-day on these sales,” Anthony said. “I do like to try Nicaraguan recipes, but nothing is made ANTHONY P2 PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. ANNE'S-BELFIELD
Andrew Crockett added 58 goals last season to bring his two-year total to 120.
Crockett extends impressive lacrosse career BY JIM MCCONNELL jmcconnell@midlothianexchange.com
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ndrew Crockett was an unknown commodity to the lacrosse coaches at St. Anne’s-Belfield when he transferred from Midlothian High School to the Charlottesville-area private school for the 2008-09 academic year. But it didn’t take him long to prove he belonged on the field with his talented new teammates. Crockett, who spent his first two years of high school at Midlothian before reclassifying as a sophomore at STAB, scored a team-high 62 goals in his debut season – including three in the Saints’ state final victory. Crockett added 58 goals last season, bringing his two-year total to 120 and placing him firmly on the recruiting radar of several Division I college programs. After considering Cornell, Hobart and Loyola (Md.), PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIAN CROW AND CRYSTAL RIVENBARK Crockett stuck with his first choice and signed a letter-of-inBack row: Travis French, left, Haley Rivenbark, Robert E. French Jr., Autumn Bellamy, Luther Webb, and Rebecca tent last month with Georgetown. Coviello of CJW Medical Center- Chppenham. Front row: Gabriel Harrison, left, Jacob Merkle, Lesley Merkle, “Out of all the schools that offered, Georgetown had the Mackenzie Hill, Makayla Hill. Kneeling in front: Caleb Bellamy and Christian Bellamy. best academics and the best lacrosse. For me, it was the total package,” said Crockett, whose family lives in the Salisbury community. Members of the Midlothian Modern Woodmen of port for a community cause, organization or individual in The opportunity to gain exposure to colleges (and their America chapter recently raised money for My Christmas need by holding fundraisers. Modern Woodmen matches lacrosse teams) was one of the reasons Crockett enrolled as a Friend by holding a raffle. money raised up to $2,500. These fundraising projects boarding student at STAB in the first place. The event, held in November, raised $5,000. This incontribute more than $6.5 million to community needs Because Midlothian didn’t offer a Virginia High School cludes $2,500 matched by Modern Woodmen’s home of- nationwide each year. League-sanctioned lacrosse program, Crockett was one of fice through the organization’s Matching Fund program. Coordinated by local Modern Woodmen members, several local kids who played for the Richmond Shock club The money will be used to purchase Nintendo Wii games chapters provide opportunities to connect through social team. for the Pediatric Section at CJW Chippenham Hospital. activities and volunteer projects. While Crockett wasn’t sure at the time if he was good The Matching Fund program offers Modern Woodenough to play Division I lacrosse, he and his parents felt courtesy of Robert E. French, Jr. Regional Director men members nationwide the chance to show their supthat he’d benefit from both a higher level of competition on the field and STAB’s rigorous academics. STAB lacrosse coach Bo Perriello acknowledged he was pleasantly surprised at how seamlessly Crockett made the As of this month, Mildred Kopet will be the longest serv- mediately alert the volunteer coordinator when they notice a transition to a new school and a new team. “We recognized pretty quickly that he had some serious ing telephone reassurance volunteer in program history at problem. The system works. Recently, volunteers Ellen Brothskills,” Perriello said. “His desire to do well and push the Jewish Family Services. Every Monday and Friday morning, ers and Janie Schwarz were unable to reach a client, who, as other guys was very impressive.” Mildred walks to JFS to staff the phones. it turned out, had broken her shoulder. An ambulance was Perriello said Crockett is one of the most competitive JFS’ Telephone Reassurance program is a lifeline for isolat- dispatched immediately, and the client fully recovered. players he’s ever coached. ed seniors, who live alone. This program offers a safety net to JFS, a non-profit, social services agency, offers a range of “Whether it’s darts or ping pong or lacrosse, he’s going to them - an unanswered phone may indicate that the client is programs to the entire community including counseling, work his butt off and do anything he can to win,” he added. ill or injured. Each weekday, volunteers call seniors at home home health care, care management, volunteer programs, The results have certainly been impressive. Crockett led to assess their well-being and to hold a friendly conversation. and adoption. STAB to a state lacrosse title as a sophomore, a return trip In the words of one longtime client, “Your phone call is the To learn more about how JFS helps individuals and famito the state final as a junior and started at wide receiver on highlight of my day.” lies reach their full potential, visit www.jfsrichmond.org. courtesy of C. Jazmin Gatto de Torres JFS trains volunteers to detect danger signs, like slurred CROCKETT P4 Jewish Family Services speech, incoherence, and shortness of breath, and to im-
My Christmas Friend a success
Mildred Kopet reaches 25 years of service
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2 || DECEMBER 23, 2010
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GINGERBREAD from P1
ANTHONY from P1
Globe Theatre was as tricky as it must have been for the late 16th-century craftsmen building Shakespeare’s original theatre along the Thames River. She couldn’t use anything non-edible to support the roof, as that would have disqualified her. For a non-winner, she was in good company though -- Washington Post journalist Roxanne Roberts was also a repeat entrant, she says.
for one and I eat the same thing for a few days,” she said. Anthony has adjusted to the daily life in Nicaragua, which is currently one hour behind Eastern Standard Time and then will be two hours behind in March, she explained. “Nicaragua doesn’t do Daylight Saving Time,” she said. However, the time on a clock doesn’t matter. She MORE THAN A SUGAR usually wakes to the roostCASTLE ers crowing. After breakfast, Other 2010 Virginia enshe’ll walk or ride in a van to trants came from Hampton, her assigned school, if it’s in Springfield, Suffolk and Virsession. ginia Beach. This gingerbread “At school, I spend half is definitely worth the trip. the day in the third-grade Public viewing of the houses classroom and the other half is Monday-Thursday; but in the multi-grade 5th and Grove Park Inn guests can 6th grade classroom. I teach view them any time, spread science class,” Anthony said. throughout the resort. The The school day ends inn’s buy-one-night-get-onebefore noon and Anthony night-free accommodations will usually have a light lunch promotion through Dec. 30 and try to stay cool as the provides a good excuse for day’s temperature soars into a getaway (and, of course, the mid-90s or low-100s. “I there’s a special New Year’s will lay in my hammock and Eve package). read a book or take a nap Modeled after the grand, because it is so hot,” she said. old railway hotels of the West Mid-afternoon usually and hewn of boulders from COURTESY PHOTO BY WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY includes lesson planning or the adjacent Sunset Mounworking on the new water tain, the inn is at once homey Entry for grand prize winner Heather Lewis of Austell, Ga. tower plans for her town and impressive. If you hear project. She already orgasomeone say (as my husband nized a community meeting about Asheville was not unchateau, which is Biltmore Hall, we could justify sittion. and I heard), “Asheville was with the help of the town’s like the gingerbread houses House and grounds. The GETTING AROUND ting awhile, even though built on drugs,” that statemayor and town represen-a mix of traditional and level of affl uence at Biltmore, ASHEVILLE Magnolia Lounge put us in ment hearkens back to the tative. “I wanted to do a quirky shops, galleries and built during an era of unBe sure to make time for front of the picture windows founder of Grove Park Inn playground as a vision for eateries, and a comfortably regulated industry in the late Gray Line’s trolley tour of overlooking the mountains -- E. W. Grove, a St. Louis my town and held a comartsy downtown. This is due 1800s, hints at the excesses Asheville, which leaves from and downtown Asheville. entrepreneur, who made munity meeting. I had about in part to many buildings of the roaring ‘20s to come the city’s visitors’ center. DeWe opted for the light fare his millions in the 1890s 50 people there with plenty being saved from demolition – and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s peddling a syrupy elixir with during happy hour, where we pending on how much you of representatives from the following the Great Depres“The Great Gatsby.” It was quinine called Grove’s Taste- each had a choice of beverage get on and off the trolley to different families. They were sion, as Asheville’s citizens in Asheville that the author’s tour sites such as the Thomas and appetizer for $15 (plus less Chill Tonic. more excited and committed shouldered the largest public wife, Zelda, died in the Wolfe Memorial, the tour can service charge and tax). That The venerable inn is itself to seeing a new water tower take as little as 1.5 hours – or debt per capita of any city in Highland Park Hospital fire a “chill tonic” with an addic- was perfect before an earlyand I was happy to change the nation -and it was one of 1948. all day. Our driver and guide, tive quality -- a perfect place evening swim in the indoor my plans,” Anthony said. of the few cities that voted to If you can’t travel to Benjamin Godfrey, was a pool at the sports complex. to curl up on a cold, winter’s The Peace Corps will pay its entire debt, which it Asheville for the gingerwalking encyclopedia on the The next morning there’s night. The resort’s Great partner with the town to bread-house display – 315 area, with a good dose of hu- completed in 1976. Hall is 120 feet across with a time for a massage in the “Asheville is second only miles from Richmond -- you financially help move the $44-million spa, rated No. 13 mor thrown in. He provided 24-foot ceiling. It’s famous project forward. The town is to South Miami Beach in the might plan on seeing disbackground on everything among world spas in 2009 by for the elevators cleverly required to contribute funds number of Art Deco buildplayed winners of the 12th from the 15,000 Cherokees Travel & Leisure Magazine. hidden in the chimneys of ings in the United States,” annual Decorated Birdhouse as well as labor for the projwho became part of the The inn has recently underthe stone fireplaces -- and a ect. Anthony hopes to have Competition at Grove Park “Trail of Tears” to Oklahoma Godfrey said after explaingone a complete refurbishpersonable elevator operathe expanded water tower ing the debt. The cleverest Inn, April 15-17, 2011. The in 1835 to the city’s early ment for its 2013 centennial. tor transport guests like my completed before she leaves example of adaptive reuse we judging will be on the 16th. reputation in the treatment Golfweek magazine, in 2002, husband and me. in November 2011. actually experienced was the You can check out the rules of tuberculosis. gave the resort’s course its With drinks and lighter Anthony will spend Asheville Pizza and Brewery for entries as well as the What we found delightful “Best Restoration” designafare served in The Great some time at the end of the at 1803 S. Church St., offerresort’s packages at www. ing second-run Hollywood groveparkinn.com. By mid- day either at a friend’s or films, pizza and a good selec- April the rhododendron and neighbor’s house for dinner, H A P P Y H O L I D AY S F R O M tion of local brews. While we mountain laurel will be pre- which means a small portion opted to stay in the restauparing to pop like gumdrops of chicken, pork or beef with rice and a tortilla. Conversarant portion of the building, along the Parkway. tions usually revolve around lots of folks were ordering For accommodations soap operas or what happens beer and pizza to take with and other information on them into the feature film. Asheville, see www.explorea- in the town, she explained. She heads home and will We would never have sheville.com. read or doze off to sleep guessed about any debt probMartha Steger is a Midlothian- before starting another day lem if we had seen only the member of the Society in Central America. 250-room, 8,000-acre French based of American Travel Writers. Looking back at her first year, Anthony added that she feels that she has made $200 - $1,000 the right decision in serving CASH PAID NOW FOR ALL CARS & TRUCKS! in the Peace Corps, which its 50th anniversary Cunningham Auto Recycling Services marks in 2011. Her parents Ed and Wrecks, Junks, Abandons, Unwanted Beth Anthony and younger TUESDAYS: $1 specials FREE Towing • Check Our Price brother Matt, who is a student at Midlothian Middle Call Us Now 804-247-8640 WEDNESDAYS: Buy 1 entrée get 2nd entrée 1/2 OFF School, have been supportive 11031 Cobbs Road • Glen Allen of her decision. The closeTHURSDAYS: 1/2 off Kids’ Menus Licensed Va. Salvage Dealer Keep America Beautiful knit family has encouraged SATURDAYS: 1/2 off select appetizers her even when she was homesick last Christmas adjusting to the new lifestyle. Ed and Beth Anthony have learned to Skype, text and use Google to cut the cost of .49 cents-per-minute – Now Accepting Reservations – international phone calls. They’ve also learned to adjust days of not hearing from their daughter until she’s in a town with Internet access. PARTY “The fact that she was this FAVORS 21st century girl with a cell phone, laptop and everything and she was able to go out (Full Menu Available) of her comfort zone to a 2 TON - 15 SEER foreign country was based on Tax Credit Qualifying her love of learning and her Act now! Time is short desire to teach others who might not receive an educaIncludes two plenums and quantities are limited! tion,” Beth Anthony said. $447900 Complete system cost “For her to go, and leave all of it behind, and be content Federal Tax Credit – 134370 with that, was a process. But VA Energy Tax Credit – 30000 it is amazing some of the $ 30 Installed after tax credits things that she has accomplished.” NO GIMMICKS! Anthony’s Spanish major We Employ NATE-Certified Technicians. with a minor in education Ask to see their Corner of Genito & Charter Colony Parkway credentials. has been a tremendous MEMBER asset. She hopes to teach www.americoolva.com CENTRAL VIRGINIA high school or college-level Spanish when she completes COUPON COUPON COUPON her service, but is not ruling out any opportunities. “I OFF just decided that now is the (Installations excluded) and knew I wanted to * For Seniors, Teachers, Pre-Season Service Call time Police, Fire Fighters do this for a life experience,” with Repairs and Members of the System Anthony said. U.S. Armed Forces $
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DECEMBER 23, 2010 || 3
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THE WORLD FROM MY VIEW CHRISTMAS IN DECEMBER
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Celebrate family
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his past Thanksgiving while sitting at our beautifully decorated dinner table, enjoying home made pumpkin pie and espresso, my wife, children and I started carrying out a conversation about the commercialization of the Christmas holiday rush. Christmas trees are decorated and lit up, before Thanksgiving. Then, they are disposed of, or recycled, the morning of Dec. 26 to prepare for the next holiday. As a child, while growing up in the eternal city of Napoli, the Christmas celebrations appeared to have more meaning. Celebrations began on Dec. 8, a holy day of observation in the Roman Catholic faith known as the Immaculate Conception, and lasted until Jan. 6 for the Epiphany, known as the day the three wise kings arrived in Bethlehem. We did not have Black Fridays (Il Venerdi’ Nero) unless we were experiencing a power outage on Friday. We did not have Cyber Monday. Monday was the day I used to get up really early to finish up my school homework. We could not shop “online” because the only line we knew was the “line” Mom used to hang our clothes to dry in the sun. Around Dec. 8, the fast pace of everyday life began slowing down, and as if by magic, the streets of Napoli PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUCIANO D'ARIA transformed. Hundreds of NAPOLI colorful lights were neatly hung from trees and buildings making the evenings brighter than daylight. The local vendors raced to secure a spot on the main street for their bancarelle (stands) selling toys and nativity figures, which were hand made by local Neapolitan artisans. I remember spending hours watching the transformation take place through the foggedup balcony window of our fifth-floor apartment. This was the time when we all put worries and differences aside to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Gesu’ Bambino (Baby Jesus). It was that time of year when we were happier to give than to receive. Punctual as always, the week of Dec. 8, my father brought down from the attic, section by section, his hand-made Presepio (Crèche – Nativity scene). A true “Arte Napoletana” (Neapolitan art) dating back to the 18th century. He would setup the Presepio in the room next to the Christmas tree where he would spend hours each evening dusting it off, adding terracotta figures, touching up, and doing all that needed to be done to bring his elaborate and THE PRESEPIO detailed masterpiece back to life again. The Christmas decorations were my father’s responsibility, which he proudly accepted and carried out. The kitchen was my mother’s domain, where she maintained full control. The kitchen was always my favorite place to be. It was always the warmest room in the apartment, especially during the Christmas season. I would sit on my little chair next to the kitchen table and help Mom make the shopping list to prepare all the traditional dishes for the three Christmas dinners. Christmas Eve dinner consisted of spaghetti e vongole (spaghetti with clams), Baccalà fritto (fried cod), Insalata di rinforzo (salad with marinated vegetables and cauliflower), and for dessert, roccocò (a pastry with almonds), paste reali, susamielli, and mustacciuoli. Christmas dinner (il pranzo di Natale) started with chicken soup with homemade tagliatelle or a pasta dish like Maccheroni al ragu, Canelloni, or Tortellini or minestra SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS (VONGOLE) The second main dish was the cooked chicken, which was used to prepare the soup. Contorno is Broccoli di Natale, a kind of leafy broccoli, which you can only find at the Gulf of Naples. For dessert, we enjoyed Struffoli, a colorfully decorated pastry made from many small fried dough balls, accompanied by a glass of liqueur. The end of the day was celebrated with Spumante and a piece of Panettone or Pandoro. Prima Festa (the 26th). There was no specific Christmas meal, usually a pasta dish followed by fish or meat and, Contorni (broccoli and Insalata di rinforzo) as well as the desserts Struffoli and Roccoco.
I liked to accompany Mom on her daily grocery shopping adventure at the Mercato (the local open Market place) located on our street. The Mercato spread out for many blocks and I would hold her hand as we visited the many vendors. My mom knew all of the store owners by name, as she routinely visited them every day. Giorgio the butcher; Tonino at the fruit stand; Michele, the baker; and then there was Vincenzo at the deli counter, who was always ready to let Mom taste a new type of local cheese or salami - and of course, I too was involved with the tasting making it my favorite stop. As Mom and I proceeded to walk from one store to another, I always glanced at the toys that were displayed onto the street vendor’s bancarelle to see the new arrivals and hoping that La Befana would grant my wish. Oh Yes! “La Befana.” We did not write a letter to Santa TONINO (FRUIT STAND) Claus. Our hero was La Befana, an old woman who flew, and still flies, around on her broomstick on Epiphany eve delivering presents and filling children’s stockings with candies. If you had been good, you were guaranteed a present and candies, but if you had been bad you were certainly guaranteed a lump of coal. My brother, my sister and I always wondered how she knew if we had been good or bad! The Befana is one of Italy's oldest and most celebrated legends. Each year on Jan. 6, the children of Italy awaken in hopes that La Befana has made a visit to their house. This is a significant day to Italians because it marks the end of the Christmas season and the day that the three wise men arrived at the manger of the Christ child. Over the years the Epiphany has been a more celebrated holiday for the children of Italy than even Christmas. As legend has it the three wise men were in search of the Christ child when they decided to stop at a small house to ask for directions. Upon knocking, an old woman holding a broom opened the door slightly to see who was there. Standing at her doorstep were three colorfully dressed men who were in need of directions to find the Christ child. The old woman was unaware of who these three men were looking for and could not point them in the right direction. Prior to the three men leaving they kindly asked the old woman to join them on their journey. She declined because she had much housework to do. After they left she felt as though she had made a mistake and decided to go and catch up with the kind men. After many hours of searching she could not find them. Thinking of the opportunity she had missed the old woman stopped every child to give them a small treat in hopes that one was the Christ child. Each year on the eve of the Epiphany she sets out looking for the baby Jesus. She stops at each child's house to leave those who were good treats in their stockings and those who were bad a lump of coal. ZAMPOGNARI’S BAGPIPE One Christmas Eve, as Mom and I made the last stop on our shopping list and turned the corner leading to our apartment building, it started to snow. The sound of the Zampognari’s bagpipe echoed through the narrow street and the aroma of roasted chestnuts filled the chilly air filled with snowflakes. I remember closing my eyes whishing for that moment to last a lifetime. I was six then, and now that I’m 60, I still close my eyes for a brief moment each Christmas Eve to revisit in my mind when the celebration of Christmas started in December. Thank you Mom and Dad for instilling the true meaning of Christmas.
BY ELIZABETH FARINA editor@midlothianexchange.com
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ur senses have been hit with a barrage of carols and images of gifts being found under the tree over the last few weeks. Most holiday parties were held this past weekend. The lines of folks bringing packages and stacks of cards to the local U.S. Post Office snaked out the door on Monday. Time is running out for procrastinating shoppers to buy those last-minute gifts. Today and tomorrow, folks will be traveling or welcoming company for Christmas Day. Yes, it's been a chaotic rush to Christmas. It's fun. It's frustrating. It's festive. It's family. What does family mean? In our modern world, ask 10 people and you probably will get 10 different answers. For some, a family is made of people who pour out unconditional love. It's the kind of love that inspires Hallmark writers to pen mushy prose for cards and Hollywood filmmakers to produce teary movies that are repeatedly watched by the brokenhearted. Yet, these creative folks seem to miss the mark when portraying such a family as perfect. Perfection requires conditions. For others, a family is made of people who drive one to the limits of sanity. It's the kind of nit-picking, maddening behavior that defeats a soul over time. Family makes one cringe during the holidays. The family isn't just disjointed - it's broken. And family members go through expected motions of the holidays looking for any and all escape hatches. It's physically and mentally painful to be around family. And for many, the perception of one's own “family” falls somewhere in between the two extremes. One might realize who their family really is on Christmas Day when all are gathered around the tree to open gifts. Is it the presents wrapped in glittery paper topped with sparkling bows or is it the friend, brother, sister, dad, mom, or child sitting near that brings that indescribable joy in our hearts? If you're lucky, the best gift will be the latter, which one can celebrate every day.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK If Santa could bring you one thing on his sleigh this year, what would you ask for?
Elizabeth Farina EDITOR editor@midlothianexchange.com
"A gift wrapped up in a box? Could I just have a quick ride on the sleigh to Bora Bora when the snow starts to fall?"
Jim McConnell SPORTS EDITOR jmconne@midlothianexchange. com
I know this won’t happen, but I’d love for him to give me a solution to the problem of homelessness in the most affluent nation in the world.
Anne Gibb SALES agibb@midlothianexchange. com
"A tax-free cashier’s check for $1 million."
CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION In the Dec. 9 Midlothian Exchange edition, the community packed 60,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now, which was 20,000 meals more than stated in the article. We regret the error.
Luciano D’Aria Midlothian
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4 || DECEMBER 23, 2010
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NASCAR weekly series will run at local short track
TIMES-DISPATCH INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Speed trumps size Titans' rally falls short in semifinals BY JIM MCCONNELL jmcconnell@midlothianexchange.com
With Highland Springs’ tallest player (6-7 junior Dontae Brooks) glued to the bench for long stretches Monday night because of foul trouble, the Siegel Center hardwood looked like the set of the yet-to-be-released film “Gulliver’s Travels� during the second Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament boys semifinal. Instead of actor Jack Black, the role of Gulliver was portrayed by Cosby’s Matt Gorski. The 7-foot senior center towered over the smaller Springers, scoring a team-high 23 points while often leaving 6-3 forwards Ashton Porter-Williams and Marcel Crump helpless to stop him. In the end, though, the Lilliputians got the last laugh. Lightning-quick guards Jarvis Threatt and Micah Thomas combined for 43 points as unbeaten Highland Springs used suffocating pressure defense to build a 14-point lead through three quarters and held on for a 65-61 victory. “I’m proud of the kids for getting back in the game, but I thought we lost it in the first half when we turned the ball over and let them get behind us for layups,� Cosby coach Ron Carr said. “We dug ourselves too big a hole.� Unable to challenge Gorski once he caught the ball in the paint, Highland Springs made it tough for Cosby's guards to feed him by turning up the heat on
PHOTO BY KENNY MOORE
Cosby's Nick Coppola drives against Highland Springs' Tim Crossin Monday night.
their halfcourt defense. The Springers limited the Titans to just one field goal in the final five minutes of the first half and closed on a 15-5 run to lead by 12. “They definitely get after it. You can’t sleep on their pressure -- you have to be in the right place at all times,� said Cosby's Nick Coppola, who scored 19 points and earned high praise from Highland Springs coach George Lancaster. “It’s a good experience because we haven’t played anyone nearly as athletic as them.� Facing a 50-36 deficit with just eight minutes left, Cosby didn’t fold. Carr reiterated his halftime message -- slow down, take care of the ball and get it inside -and the Titans opened the fourth quarter with a quick
10-0 run to make things interesting again. When Gorski followed his own miss with a strong stick-back, drew a foul and hit the free throw, Cosby had sliced the Highland Springs lead to 58-55 with 1:34 remaining. Cosby got within two twice in the final 35 seconds, but the Springers answered each occasion by hitting two clutch free throws to keep the Titans at bay. “They’re an outstanding team,� Carr said. “When you play good teams you get better and you learn a lot about yourself. We learned a lot tonight.� For Gorski, Wednesday's third-place game against Steward -- and a matchup against 6-9 College of
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Charleston-bound center Adjehi Baru -- was yet another chance for him to validate his stock in the eyes of college recruiters. Baru, who chose Charleston over offers from several power-conference programs, including Maryland and Virginia Tech, had 16 points in Steward’s semifinal loss to Henrico. Several college coaches were in attendance Monday night, but their presence hardly bothered Gorski; he’s been receiving letters from them since he was a tall, skinny eighth-grader. “I wake up every morning thinking about how I’m going to help make my teammates better,� he said. “I relax, let the game come to me and do what I do. Usually, it works.�
NASCAR and Southside Speedway announced today that the classic Virginia short-track will be part of the NASCAR Whelen AllAmerican Series beginning in 2011. Southside, a .333-mile paved oval in Midlothian, is the fifth addition to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series for next season and will be the sixth track in the Commonwealth to host NASCAR’s grassroots racing. Sisters Sue Clements and Patsy Stargardt own the facility, and now operate and promote the track. They are daughters of J.M. Wilkinson, who founded the track in 1959. The track was previously a member of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series from 1983-2002. “Southside Speedway has generated some great history and great drivers in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and we’re happy to renew our partnership with the track,� said George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing
CROCKETT from P1 the Saints’ state champion football squad in the fall. Even though he had a lacrosse scholarship in his back pocket, Crockett said he never seriously considered sitting out his senior football season to avoid injury. In fact, he believes his football experience has helped him be “a more physical person� on the lacrosse field. “I take hits every game and I feel like I can handle those hits easier now,� Crockett said. Crockett is a popular tar-
operations. “Sue Clements and her team have revitalized a great speedway.� Other Virginia tracks in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series include Langley Speedway in Hampton, Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Old Dominion Speedway, and South Boston Speedway NASCAR-licensed drivers in the track-designated Division I compete for track, U.S. state and Canadian provincial championships and point fund awards, as well as the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship. “New history will be made at Southside starting in 2011,� said Chris Stefi, a former driver who now handles public relations at the track. “This is a great opportunity for our drivers and fans. We’ll be the only Friday night NASCAR track in the state, so Southside Speedway could be a key for drivers chasing the state points. We could be part of the national championship picture.� get for opposing defenders because he’s so dangerous in the scoring circle. Perriello said his shot has been clocked as high as 95 mph, and he rarely misses when he gets the ball with his hands free to pull the trigger. Crockett downplays his scoring prowess, however, choosing instead to focus on the assists that have led to so many of his goals. “I’ve just been very blessed,� he said. “I have great players all around me. All the goals and points wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates.�
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DECEMBER 23, 2010 || 5
LAST WORD
Photo Gallery ONLINE midlothianexchange.com
Above: Sterling Tate of Thomas Dale (24) attempts a block in the paint between the Gorski Brothers Matt (left) and Nick (right) and finds it to be a bit of a mismatch. Right: Cosby Coach Ron Carr talks to his team during a timeout as the Knights make a bit of a run and trim the lead PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Above: James River's Kayla Conway goes in for the reverse lay-up against Thomas Dale.
WASABI THE SUDOKU GAME WITH A KICK!
Right: James River's Melissa Edwards gets off an off balance shot in the paint.
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CHESTERFIELD CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY: Clover Hill Library branch - 3701 Deer Run Dr. LaPrade Library branch - 9000 Hull Street Rd. Central Library - 9501 Lori Road, Chesterfield GOODWILL: Goodwill - Hull Street - 11749 Hull Street Rd Goodwill - Alverser Drive - 1211 Alverser Drive Goodwill - Chesterfield - 8535 Midlothian Tpke OTHER DESTINATIONS: Village Bank Headquarters - 15521 Midlothian Tpke Kroger at Ivymont Square - 14245 Midlothian Tpke
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Employees, soldiers bring holiday cheer to veterans Employees from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and tenant activities at Defense Supply Center Richmond helped lift the spirits of veterans at HunterHolmes McGuire VA Medical Center Dec. 14, with a holiday meal, gift bags and a visit from Santa. Whether with time, money, gifts, or serving and visiting with veterans on the Spinal Cord Injury Ward during the meal, more than 40 employees, 10 local and national businesses and one professional organization contributed in some way to the success of the day. Event organizers Barbara Walker and Carl Finnie from Aviation's Strategic Acquisition Directorate started planning the visit several months ago. Walker is the acquisition supervisor for an integrated support team and Finnie is a supplier relationship manager. "There are no words to describe the dedication, willingness and hard work of all the volunteers that participated," Finnie said. "I'm very thankful that we are given the opportunity to serve our veterans and to give a little something back to those who have sacrificed so much for us." This is the fourth year the group has hosted the event for the wounded soldiers. They prepared and served a holiday meal complete with turkey, ham, a variety of side dishes and several desserts for more than 250 veterans and staff members. "The greatest memory is the smiles on the veterans' faces and the joy they shared with each of us on how much they enjoy this every year,"
Walker said. After a quick meal, This year, a the soldiers and Gentry veteran paravisited patients, who The greatest memory is the smiles lyzed from the were unable to come to on the veterans' faces and the joy neck down the dining room. they shared with each of us on how asked Walker Accompanying much they enjoy this every year for help eatSanta, played by DLA ing. retiree Ronald Morgan, very meaningful and a great "Of course the group delivered kindness for our patients." I helped him, and in talk60 gift bags filled with items DLA Aviation Chief of ing with him I saw his eyes donated by employees and Staff Marine Col. Robin sparkle when he told he was community members. Gentry and 12 soldiers from going home to North Caro"It was great to have the lina for Christmas," she said. the Army Aviation Supopportunity to visit with the port Facility and Virginia Darlene Edwards, public veterans at the hospital, esArmy National Guard's 2nd affairs officer for McGuire, pecially during the holidays," Battalion, 224th Aviation said this type of outreach is said Army Chief Warrant Regiment, in Sandston, Va., especially important during Officer Geoff Mann from the joined in the lunch. the holiday season. Army Aviation Support FacilGentry said it was a won- ity. "It was an important re"DLA employees and retirees are incredibly supportive derful opportunity to reach minder of the sacrifices they of our patients and the medi- out to the area's veterans and have made for our country.” provide them a home cooked cal center," she said. "The By Catherine Hopkins, DLA visit, along with the wonder- meal for the holidays. "I had Aviation Public Affairs a great time," he said. ful gifts and meal, really are
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KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear protective gear appropriate for the use of this vehicle. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Protect the environment. The Kawasaki MULE™ utility vehicle is an off-highway vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped, or manufactured for use on public streets; roads or highways. Obey the laws and regulations that control the use of your vehicle. Specifications subject to change without notice. Availability may be limited. ©2009 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
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8321 Midlothian Tpk • RICHMOND, VA 23235 • Tel 804.330.4800 • www.UltimateCycle.NET KAWASAKI CARES: Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain. Kawasaki ATVs with engines over 90cc are recommended for use only by persons 16 years of age or older. Kawasaki also recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For more information, see your dealer, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-8987-2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org. 2010 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
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