07/07/2011 by Midlothian Exchange

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Local Peace Corps volunteer finds niche in teaching allowed to pick their top three regions where they would like to work. Her choices were ince October of 2009, Kate Lennox Eastern Europe, Latin America and North has been in Jordan teaching English Africa/Middle East. Ultimately, she said, the and special education to students Peace Corps determines where the volunteers ages 5 to 21. She is a resident of get stationed. Midlothian and a volunteer in the Peace “Jordan has one of the only special educaCorps. tion programs in Peace Corps, which is why I Unsure of what she wanted to do after she was placed there,” she said. graduated college, she began her search for a She said Peace Corps has three sectors: graduate school that specialized in Speech/ Teaching English as a Foreign Language Language Pathology. Lennox also researched (TEFL), Youth Development and Special Teach for America as well as the Peace Corps. Education (SE). The TEFL and SE sectors Her sister Hannah, who has special needs, follow the school calendar, working in public was her inspiration during her search. schools or public and private education “Because my sister has special needs, I centers. knew I really wanted to work with the special “Youth Development volunteers work at needs community,” she said. “I found out gender-segregated youth centers, six days a more about Peace Corps . . . I realized that week and 12 months a year,” she said. it would both give me a chance to try out Members of Peace Corps also are expected teaching, let me work in special education, to do secondary projects. Lennox teaches and give me experience for my future career.” English at a Knowledge Station, a tutoring Lennox said Peace Corps volunteers are center in a nearby town. KAYLA WAMSLEY Special Correspondent

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE LENNOX

Kate Lennox with her host mother in Jordan.

“During the school year I go to my primary assignment, my SE center, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., teaching math, Arabic, English and life skills to about 30 students,” she said. Her favorite class is a class for teenage girls who are deaf. “I’ve learned Jordanian Sign Language,” she said, “so I can communicate with them and they’re really receptive to my activities and lessons.” Lennox takes a bus into the town that is closest to the village where she is staying to teach English. She travels around Jordan to help volunteers with their projects. She said her community hasn’t been willing to help her put on a summer camp at the center where she teaches. She is currently at an English-teaching summer camp in Aqaba sponsored by the American Embassy. Lennox recalled a memorable moment she LENNOX page 3

Williams to perform in concert July 23 Professional musician Kip Williams has lived in Powhatan with his wife Gigi for 18 years. Patterning himself after his heroes, including legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, Williams has enjoyed Williams a successful career both as a musician and an entrepreneur. In 1990, he opened Richmond Music Center, a full-service music emporium he ran until selling it three years ago. Williams’ recently released CD, Time, received rave reviews from local critics, even garnering Grammy buzz. He recently sat down with Powhatan Today Editor Roslyn Ryan to talk about his music, his heroes, and why drummers never seem to get the respect they deserve. Is it really Kip? My real name is Michael, but if you call me that I’ll have to kill you. Not a problem. Kip it is. I was looking at your bio—has music always been a big part of your life? I played sports when I was growing up—basketball and stuff—but music was always a pretty important part of it. I was playing in bands by the time I was 15. I would play in after hours clubs, places that would open up at 12 and go until 4 in the morning. I wasn’t even old enough to be there. [Laughs] That’s how it all started. You started playing drums when you were 9. How did your mom feel about that? [Laughs]She’s still in a straightjacket. I go and visit her once a month. Do you need me to do a rimshot for you? I can do that. That’s ok. Really, my parents were incredible — I heard them say recently that they were glad they let us do that, you know, let the kids come down and play music because it kept us from getting in trouble. There is a perception maybe that drummers are just crazy guys who like to bang on things and make a lot of noise. I know that’s not the case. It’s not. There are those that fit that bill, but I don’t know where that started—probably in the rock and roll part of it. The great drummers like Keith Moon and John Bonham, some of those TIME page 3

PHOTOS BY KAYLA WAMSLEY

Ruff House Dog Park tion for the park has been positive, and many businesses and people have ockwood Park, located at stepped up and donated for the park’s 3401 Courthouse Rd., is home cause. to Ruff House Dog Park, the She credits former Ruff House Dog only dog park this side of Park president Brian Martin for coorthe James River where dog owners take dinating with the county to get the dog their canines to play with others. park more organized. The Ruff House Dog Park is a part“We got people joining up as volunnership between Chesterfield County teers and getting involved and making Parks and Recreation and Friends of the park a better, safer place,” she said. Ruff House. Since then they have built benches, Five years ago, a group of women reconfigured the fence, added feces bags, had a plan to build a park for dogs trash cans, water trees for shade and where they could run free, exercise and signage. be around other dogs. Overstreet said the board has planted The women worked together with a garden at the very front underneath Chesterfield County and got the county the Ruff House Dog Park sign. to donate the property, helped raise There are two large dog kennel areas money to build the fence and put in a and a small dog area. Overstreet said septic tank for a dump station. some owners bring their small dogs into Rebecca Rogers Overstreet, president the large dog kennel, and that is fine of Ruff House Dog Park said recepdepending on the large dogs that are in KAYLA WAMSLEY Special Correspondent

the area and the small dogs. “It’s enter at your own risk,” she said. The park is open from 7:30 a.m. until Rockwood Park closes at dark. There is a list of rules that owners are to adhere to while bringing their dog to the park. Among those rules are owners must fill any holes the dogs may dig, children under 10 are not allowed, and owners must have proof of current license and rabies vaccination. Friends of Ruff House hold events during the year to raise money for the park. Howl-a-Woof, Santa Paws, Dane Day and the Ruff House Dog Park Birthday Bash are among the events held to raise money for new equipment and other necessities to improve the Ruff House Dog Park experience. “We’re really proud of our fundraising events and what that allows us to do RUFF page 4

Santa Ron brings Christmas spirit all year five children and eight grandchildren. Santa Ron’s inspiration sparked from a ights and other festive decorations visit to Lucy Corr Village Memory Center. line the walls of Kathy’s Kopies, loAt the time, Santa Ron and Mrs. Santa had cated at 13144 Midlothian Turnpike. been doing numerous visits for children who Yes it is July, but Santa Ron Despain, wanted to let Santa know what they wanted also known as Mr. Kathy, and Kathy Despain for Christmas. also known as Mrs. Santa celebrate ChristDespain said he had an encounter with a mas year round. man in a wheelchair, who had a blank expresKathy’s Kopies recently opened a Christsion on his face. Despain was unaware of his mas shop inside of their copy store called mental condition. Santa’s Chest. “As I get closer his eyes are half closed, as “If you have Santa and Mrs. Santa, you’ve we get closer his eyes start to open and his got to have a Christmas store,” Santa Ron eyes get bigger and bigger and bigger and so said. I kneeled down right in front of him and I They sell ornaments, toys and handmade grabbed him by the hand and wished him a nutcrackers from a local artist, Glenn Crider. Merry Christmas,” he said. “The corners of Four of Crider’s nutcracker creations were his mouth just come up…the nurse comes put onto 42-cent stamps in 2008. The nutrunning up to my Mrs. Santa and she says crackers are now on display at the Smithson- ‘that is amazing, as long as I’ve been here he ian Museum in Washington, D.C. has never reacted to anything. Just last year, Santa Ron made his trans“There’s something deep inside us, and formation into the white-bearded, heavy Santa has a special place in our hearts with chuckling man he is today. Previously, he was memories and the good things of life,” he in the Marines and the Reserves. Ron and said, “and with all of his medical conditions Kathy have been married for 31 years, have that came through.” KAYLA WAMSLEY Special Correspondent

Santa Ron is a member of a group called Virginia Santas. About three times a year, the group meets at a different location to catch up with one another and work on the “Naughty/Nice” list. Their next meeting will be in October. Despain is also a member of a non-profit organization called Santa America. The organization was founded in 2003 and is comprised of over 100 national volunteer Santas who visit children and families when they need him. The Santas undergo the same background check as a doctor or nurse. He also receives specific training in death, bereavement, autism as well as post traumatic stress. Santa Ron volunteers for Noah’s Children, a program of comprehensive care that serves infants, children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. It is Central Virginia’s only pediatric hospice and palliative care program. The hospice is located at Bon Secours Richmond Health System. SANTA page 4

PHOTO BY KAYLA WAMSLEY

Santa Ron Despain and Mrs. Santa (Kathy Despain) standing in the Santa’s Chest part of Kathy’s Kopies.

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Only Virginian selected

Recently ranked Eagle Scouts share achievements KAYLA WAMSLEY Special Correspondent

Four percent of Boy Scouts achieve the ranking of Eagle Scout. Andrew Bosch, Gregory Heckel, Scotty McTague and Patrick Crean of Troop 800 in Midlothian have recently joined those four percent. The four 18-year-olds recently graduated high school students achieved Eagle Scout status in June. They have been in Boy Scouts together since the second grade. They created community service projects that helped them earn their new ranking. The boys had to demonstrate leadership skills while benefitting the local community. The projects included building benches and tables for their high school courtyards to building a spiritual fitness path at a local church. Other requirements to achieve an Eagle Scout ranking include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law. A scout ready to take on the ranking of Eagle also has to attend a Scoutmaster conference before his 18th birthday and take part in the Eagle Scout board of review, which can be done after his 18th birthday. Patrick Crean, who is attending North Carolina State University for engineering, recalled his favorite

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part of being in Scouts. “You get to hang out with your friends a lot and go camping, if you’re into outdoor things like I am like hiking and biking and that kind of stuff, once a month,” Crean said. “You get to learn some good skills and values along the way.” The boys share the same interests in traveling across the United States, and performing recreational activities through scouts. They have participated in activities like Double H in New Mexico, and traveled to Gettysburg, Penn., Washington, D.C. and Disney World. They also have an annual ski trip. Gregory Heckel, who will attend James Madison University this fall, credits Camp Buckskin for helping him with leadership skills. “That camp taught me a lot about being able to lead and different methods to lead,” he said. “Also besides that camp, every year we have leadership training… they teach you ways to communicate with the scouts and be able to empathize.” “It’s an experience that you can’t do really anywhere else and stuff that you’ll probably never get to do again,” Scotty McTague, who will be attending Old Dominion University and majoring in Communications, said. “It pretty much creates a lot of lifetime memories and stuff that you’ll be able to talk to your kids about.” All four boys had to balance high school extracurricular activities and jobs while staying focused on leadership activities and earning merit badges in

scouts. “I had to take off six weekends, but it’s worth it. It feels really good that we’re done now,” McTague said. Andrew Bosch, who is attending Virginia Tech for engineering this fall, said going on trips and hanging out with friends have been his favorite parts of being in Scouts. “Scouting is just fun. You get a lot of friends, you get to go do stuff that you would have never had the chance to do if you weren’t in scouting,” he said. “There are just a lot of once in a lifetime experiences.” The boys say the key to achieving the Eagle Scout ranking is to keep going and don’t give up. “Don’t quit. Try to get through all the obstacles that you have to whether you’re involved in sports or academics or something,” McTague said. “We all did all that and we all managed to get through it…it’s definitely worth it.” “It’s not really a socially deemed thing. People think Boy Scouts is just really nerdy and stuff but really it’s not. It’s fun to do,” Crean said. “Looking back, I would definitely do it again.” McTague said he wants to be a leader when he completes his college. Troop 800’s Scoutmaster is Rodney Parsons, and the troop consists of more than 50 scouts. They have about 20 Assistant Scout Masters. They have their own campground called Camp Justice located in Powhatan, which has shooting ranges, a zip line and a climbing wall.

Thursday, July 14

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Chris Conley, a graduate of the Mathematics and Science High School at Clover Hill, is the only student in Virginia selected to perform with the 2011 Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus. Chris performs on the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone in Clover Hill’s band program, which is directed by his father, Steve Conley. Chris has been a member of the all-county band, all-district band and

VCU’s Greater Richmond High School Jazz Band. In July, he will join other students chosen from applicants representing nearly every state when the Sound of America begins its 23-day concert tour of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Luxembourg. For more information, go to www.soundofamerica.org. – Courtesy Chesterfield County Public Schools

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Evans named Educational Office Professional of the Year The best school office manager in Virginia works at Greenfield Elementary School in Chesterfield County. Carole Evans was honored as Educational Office Professional of the Year by the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals on June 27. She has worked for Chesterfield County Public Schools for 21 years, 17 of those at Greenfield Elementary.

Chesterfield county’s accounting department recognized for financial reporting

Goochland 3:00 - 3:45 at Southern States Montpelier 4:30 - 5:15 at Montpelier Feed and Seed Ashland 9:45 - 10:30 at Ashland Feed Store Richmond 11:00 - 11:45 at Southern States Midlothian 12:30 - 1:15 at Southern States SPECIALS!! Catfish $45/100 Bluegill $45/100

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The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently awarded the Accounting Department a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010. This is the 30th consecutive year that Chesterfield County has received the award. The certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment

by a government and its management. The award criteria assists participants to go beyond the minimum requirements to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. “I want to congratulate all of my staff for the roles they played during FY2010 and subsequent months in drafting the report and coordinating the audit,” said department director Patsy Brown. “I truly appreciate their efforts that have enabled the county to achieve this level of success for thirty years in a row!”

Brown also said that everyone on her staff contributes to the report in a variety of ways: • Through ensuring that guidance from various authoritative sources is implemented and followed; • By reviewing transactions and processing checks; • Through reconciling financial accounts and data; and • Through the development and monitoring of preventive and detective internal controls. – Contributed Report

Save the Date

Upcoming Free Health Seminars The VCU Medical Center will be offering the following free seminars at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Education and Library Complex, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue. Registration is required. Free parking available. PLUS, if you come early, you can tour the gardens before the seminar for free.

Call (804) 828-0123 to reserve your spot today. July 13 | 5:30 p.m.

Crohn’s Disease: It Takes a Village Join Drs. Stephen Bickston and Homayoon Akbari who will discuss the latest treatments for Crohn’s Disease.

July 19 | 5:30 p.m.

Managing Diabetes Join Dr. John Clore and Linda Thurby-Hay who will talk about the prevention, treatment and management of diabetes.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LEIGH ANN H. MCKELWAY

Alderman named Virginia’s best school bus driver For the second year in a row, Leslie Alderman is Virginia’s best school bus driver. She won the conventional school bus category in the statewide roade-o on June 23 and will represent Virginia and Chesterfield County Public Schools during national competition July 16-17 in Baltimore, Md.

July 28 | 5:30 p.m.

Arthritis of the Hand Join Dr. Jessica Frankenhoff as she discusses treatments for arthritis and pain of the hand and thumb.

August 3 | 5:30 p.m.

Depression: Is it All in Your Head? Join Dr. Rashida Gray to learn how depression and stress can impact your health and the appropriate treatments available to help.

vcuhealth.org

WASABI THE SUDOKU GAME WITH A KICK!

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School board approves contract for system’s top administrator fect on July 1, runs through June 2015. The superintendent’s current contract expires in The Chesterfield County School Board 2012. believes the county’s schools are headed in Newsome’s salary will remain unchanged the right direction, and consistent leaderat $207,667 and is subject to a 3 percent cut ship will help ensure that trend continues scheduled for all senior administrators in well into the future. the school system. Last week, the board unanimously Chesterfield County Public Schools is the approved a new contract for Chesterfield state’s fourth largest system, with more than County Public Schools superintendent Dr. 59,000 students. Marcus Newsome. Newsome took the helm in 2006. He “During his nearly five years in Chester- is credited with implementing innovative field County, the School Board has worked policies that have consistently resulted in with Dr. Newsome to implement a variety of higher test scores and improving academic initiatives that have helped increase student results, according to a press release issued by achievement, ensure our schools are safe the county. and supportive learning environments, and In 2009, the county school system beincreased two-way communication opporcame the largest in the state to receive full tunities for our staff, parents and commuaccreditation at all of its schools. nity members,” School Board chair Dianne Newsome arrived in Chesterfield after E. Pettitt said following the approval. serving as head of Newport News Public The new contract, which went into efSchools, the largest school division in the BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

LENNOX from page 1 had with one of her students in English class while stationed in Jordan. “A college-aged young woman told me her brother appreciated the extra worksheets I was sending home with her for him to use,” she said. “She then told me I should come over and visit them because ‘He looks just like Jacob from Twilight.’ ” According to Lennox, her host family in the training village was wonderful. “I still visit them every month or two,” she said, “and some of my best experiences in Jordan have been in their home, cooking, cleaning, harvesting olives, playing with the children, or just sitting around and talking with my host sisters and cousins.” She said the hospitality in Jordan has been exceptional, but has had her share of

TIME from page 1 guys, they got a little…frisky. How did those guys sound from a musician’s point of view? They were phenomenal. Phenomenal. John Bonham influenced more drummers today probably than anybody. In any genre? In any genre. There are jazz drummers whop say one of their big influences was John Bonham. I liked Bonham — and I was definitely influenced by him — but I was influenced by anything I heard. If there was cool drumming going on I was into it. When I was growing up everyone else was listening to the Beatles — I listened to the Beatles but I was also listening to Buddy Rich and stuff like that. That stuff intrigued me. I just thought it was so cool. Plus, every once in a while my parents would lat me stay up late and see Buddy on the Johnny Carson show. And that was great. Do drummers hear music differently than people who don’t play drums? I hear rhythm. There are songs that I’ve heard a million times and I couldn’t tell you what the lyrics are. I know the song, I know the structure of the tune, I know how it’s played. But if you said ‘sing this’ I couldn’t do it.

brushes with difficulties in the country. “I can’t count the amount of times I’ve walked down the street and a woman would invite me in for coffee, tea, or lunch, even though I’d never met her before,” she said. “Of course there are the difficult experiences as well, [like] getting rocks thrown at me, being harassed by young men, [and] seeing how my students are treated by the greater community.” “I try and focus on the positive, and seeing the results of my teaching and presence in my village is very rewarding,” Lennox said. Volunteers in Peace Corps serve for two years with an additional two to three months of in-country training. Lennox will be leaving Jordan in late December. She

with records and took some lessons. Have you always supported yourself as a musician? Well yeah. I mean I had construction jobs growing up, I’ve done a little of everything. But yeah, music has been a big part of it. We had [Richmond Music Center]—we started that in 1990 and we sold it about three years ago. When I sold it we had 750 students a week. It was a machine. And they still have a high number of students, even with the economy the way it is. What was the best show you ever attended? Oh, God, I couldn’t name one. Probably one of the most memorable was seeing Buddy Rich live. I saw him five times live. He used to come to JR Tucker High School. The band director there was in cahoots with somebody, so every year when they would go on tour they would come by the high school. What’s the best show you’ve never seen? Probably Led Zeppelin. I never saw them live—that would have been cool.

Ok, who is the better drummer: Tommy Lee or Buddy Rich? Oh, Buddy Rich—although Tommy Lee does what he does really well. I’m not knocking Tommy Lee. He has a lot of cool tattoos… But could you play it? A lot of cool tattoos, Oh yeah, sure. If I’ve heard and he did the thing in the it I could play it. spinning orb where he went What would you say to kids upside down while playing. I mean, come on. who love music, live for Oh yeah. [Laughs] I music, and want to do something with music, but whose wouldn’t try that…not in a million years. parents are telling them to go to school and major in Finish this sentence for me: something practical? ‘If the world was run by It’s individual case but, musicians…’ you know, if they are deterIt would be a beautiful mined…I’d say follow your place. But nothing would get heart but use your brain. done. Think about it…they I went to VCU for a real short time but I didn’t gradu- do what they do great, but I haven’t met too many musiate. I was going for a music cians that could run things. education degree, but that would have only meant that I Kip Williams’ group, Bopcould teach school. And I had Nation, will be at the Powno ambition to do that—I hatan Performing Arts Concert wanted to play. this summer for Jazz in July on I graduated from high July 23. They can also be seen school in 1973 and I wanted every third Thursday of the to play jazz. I was basically a rock drummer who was influ- month at Capital Ale House enced by jazz. So I took a year downtown. All other scheduling off and just woodshedded on can be seen at www.kipwilthe jazz stuff, just played along liams.net.

state. He also worked in school systems in Prince Georges County, Md. and the District of Columbia. Newsome earned his doctorate at Bowie State University, where he also received his master’s degree in administration and supervision. He also holds a doctorate in religious education from the International Seminary in Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. Education also is a large part of Newsome’s family life. He is married to a schoolteacher and they have three children. Pettitt said Newsome’s leadership, combined with a supportive local government, has served the county well during some challenging times. “Focused leadership on the part of the board and superintendent during some trying times has helped keep Chesterfield County Public Schools pointed in the right

direction. With the ongoing work being done to support an enhanced vision and mission, our school division is poised to move even closer to being the premier school division we all want it to be,” Pettitt said. Student achievement and pass rates have achieved best-ever numbers in the county under Newsome’s leadership, all accomplished with a shrinking budget and tight economic times. The on-time graduation rates now exceed state averages. “I am blessed and honored to serve the Chesterfield County community and humbled to be asked to continue to lead the school division,” Dr. Newsome said. “However, we will not rest on our past accomplishments. We will maintain a laser focus on continuous improvement and innovative solutions to overcome the many new challenges that lie ahead,” he said in a prepared statement.

I Love the Tavern Triathlon KAYLA WAMSLEY Special Correspondent

Runners, swimmers and rally teams alike tested their athletic abilities for a cause on Sunday, June 26, Triathlon at Robious Landing Park located at 3798 James River Rd. for the I Love the Tavern. The triathlon, which was in its fi fth year, is named after its title sponsor, The Tavern restaurant located at 7110 –F Patterson Ave. The restaurant provided barbeque after the race. Triathlon participants raised money from their sponsors while raising money for Comfort Zone camps. The nonprofit camps offer a supporting community for bereaving children. Last year, the triathlon raised more than $2,000 for Comfort Zone camps. “Every race that we produce is affi liated with raising money for charity,” Laurie Mehler, owner and president of Richmond Multisports, said. Mehler, who also is a certified USAT race director for Richmond Multisports, started the company in 2004. She has been racing for 20 years. “I do it because I love creating the courses, and it’s something for people to race and to be involved with,” Mehler said. “It gives them

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE LENNOX

Kate Lennox and a student in special education in Jordan.

said volunteers who decide to post-selection than during extend their service for two their first term. years in a different country “It’s going to be hard to go usually have more say in the back to America,” she said.

Chesterfield county asks customers to conserve water in response to regional requests In response to requests by the Appomattox River Water Authority, the Chesterfield County Department of Utilities is asking its customers to voluntarily conserve water by:

• Limiting noncommercial vehicle washing to two days per week. • Irrigating golf courses between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Chesterfield County is a member of the Appomattox River Water Authority, which provides water from Lake Chesdin. The water level in Lake Chesdin has now decreased to an established level to trigger voluntary water restrictions. If significant rainfall occurs, further water-conservation measures may not be necessary. A complete list of voluntary water-conservation measures is available online at www.chesterfield. gov/utilities. For more information, contact the Department of Utilities at 748-1291.

• Avoiding lawn watering on Mondays and then follow a lawn-watering schedule of alternating days based on street address. For example, addresses ending with an even number and locations with no street numbers water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and addresses ending with an odd number water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. • Limiting the filling and replenishing of swimming pools to levels needed to maintain health and safety.

something to train for and look forward to. It keeps us all fit. It’s a good balance.” Since December, 500 people had been attracted to and registered for the triathlon. Race options included relay, Clydesdale, Athena, student, aquabike and individual. The minimum age for the race was 10. There was no maximum. The run section of the triathlon was 70 percent trails, and the race distances were 650 meters of swimming, 18.8 miles of biking and 5 kilometers of running. Training locations for the triathlon included the Chester YMCA, located at 3011 West Hundred Rd.; Midlothian YMCA, located at 737 Coalfield Rd.; Central Virginia Endurance; and Endorphin Fitness, located at 8908 Patterson Ave. Upcoming events in Chesterfield County offered by Richmond Multisports include the Commonwealth Sports Medicine Power Triathlon on Aug. 21 and The Brickman Richmond Sprint Triathlon on Oct. 9. Both will be held at the Midlothian YMCA. Richmond Multisports is always looking for volunteers for its athletic events. For more information on how to volunteer, call 389-0588.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

America, my kind of place BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

here’s really no better way to spend a Fourth of July than sitting outside on a hot summer night watching spectacular fireworks explode (unless Mother Nature decides to unload her fireworks). It’s the unofficial start of the summer, but, more importantly, it’s a date that celebrates the birth of a nation. Many Americans will gather with family and friends in parks and around lakes and beaches to enjoy the spirit of the holiday. Now, it may be hard to associate barbecuing a big piece of meat in the backyard to our Founding Fathers, but there is a connection. In fact, everything we do in this country is directly related to the wisdom and good sense of the men who, at the risk of great personal sacrifice, provided the documents we base our freedoms upon. In the midst of the family reunions, parades and fireworks displays, all should spend just a moment recognizing the importance of the holiday. After a day at the beach followed by a night of fireworks, it’s easy to lose sight of the meaning of Independence Day. America’s Independence Day is a holiday known around the globe. It serves as an annual reminder of the power of democracy and the refusal of a dedicated

RUFF from page 1 for the park,” Overstreet said. Some sponsors of the dog park include Anna’s Pizza, Angelo’s Pizza, Four Paws Pet Resort, CritterTown BathHouse, Southern States, Pet Co. and The Dog and Cat Shoppe. Overstreet has two dogs, a 4-year-old lab mix and a 2 1/2- year-old Labradoodle named Buddy. She takes Buddy to the park every Saturday and Sunday morning and meets with their dog family. “I’m originally from Roanoke, and I don’t have any family around here. Even if feel like crap I’m going to pull myself out of bed at 8 o’ clock on Saturday and Sunday morning because I want to go see [my dog park friends],” she said. “It’s more

few to accept the tyranny of many. It represents the day we celebrate not only the reality of freedom, but also the promise. A lot has changed in America since that fateful day in 1776, but the documents still provide the blueprint for our nation. The signers of the Declaration of Independence risked execution and personal ruin to pursue the dream that eventually became America. It’s a story worth celebrating, and the day still has meaning, whether it’s at a campsite on the lake or a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. And while today’s America would be technologically unrecognizable to our Founding Fathers, the promise of democracy would not. It’s a grand theory — the birth of a nation. What are the odds that the carefully chosen and debated words of a few Patriots over 235 years ago would still remain unchanged, though not unchallenged? Over the years, the cost of freedom has been high, and thousands of Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the dream continues. It’s a worthwhile mission. So, welcome summer and allow us all to remember, in between the fireworks and hot dogs, to thank those who made it possible- our Founding Fathers

PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE

Tattoo artist Sean Kelly consults with his customer Tim Booker about a tattoo.

Local shop tattoos the community

than just letting Buddy play -- but it’s also a social, community connection for me.” She said the board is in talks to find a spot for a new park. They would like to find a location where dog trails can be created and the dogs can walk around without a leash. “Not all dogs have a backyard, not all dogs have another dog next door to them that they can play with and it does allow a safe environment for dogs to come and be dogs,” she said. “They can run full-out, and they don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car, they don’t have to worry about kids . . . so it’s really a place where a dog can come and be a dog. And, for humans, if you love your dog, you want him to have a good

KAYLA WAMSLEY Special Correspondent

ocated in a small strip of stores on Hull Street Road stands the first licensed tattoo shop in Chesterfield County. Heart & Soul Tattoo, barely a year old, is home to artists and piercers whose canvases are eager to share their stories and to get incomparable body art. Jason Daiagi and his business partner Evan Somogyi decided to open a tattoo shop and another shop called Kulture next to each other. Kulture has been in business for 12 years, and has another location at 2 1/2 N. 18 St. in Richmond. Daiagi, who has been in the tattoo business for five years, also owns a shop in South Beach, Fla., called Rockstar Tattoo. Balancing the two shops does not faze him. “I fly back and forth about every month. I do a lot of things from remote access,” Daiagi said. “On my laptops I have cameras that watch both stores. I have programs that look at the registers off of the laptops so I’m really connected to the businesses.” He said the community has embraced the fact that there is now a licensed tattoo shop in Chesterfield. He said police officers, fire fighters and paramedics are among the customers that walk through the door every day at Heart & Soul. “It’s very welcoming; so far, so good,” Daiagi said. “The community seems to like it, and we’ve been getting really positive feedback from everybody.” They had to get approval from adjacent businesses around the location of Heart & Soul and had to get signatures. The legal process was drawn out over a period of six months. Daiagi said customer service is

SANTA from page 1

daughter have the card. After Despain also emphasized they finished their dinner, that everyone has a soft spot her father told her daughter for Santa. He recalled a time to tell Santa “thank you.” Santa Ron said he underwhen he was out to dinner stands that children can get and a curious little girl kept waving at him from another tired of waiting in line for table. Her mother was weary long periods of time to see of their interaction, so Santa Santa and let him know what is on their Christmas lists. He Ron decided to talk to her has previously set up a visit mother. at Powhatan Pharmacy where “I got up and I walked 12 children can meet with over to the mom and I said, Santa Ron and Mrs. Santa, by ‘your daughter is just so appointment. sweet, can I give her someAt the end of the summer, thing?’ and the mother’s still Santa Ron and Mrs. Santa a little suspicious but I am will give families the opporasking permission,” he said. tunity to visit Santa’s Chest “And I said, ‘your daughter shop to see Santa Ron and is being really good and I want her to know she is being Mrs. Santa. Children can tell Santa what they’d like to have good,” for Christmas and photos for He showed the mother a card that said, “Santa caught cards will be available. “Why do we do this? Well, me being good, and he gave let’s face it, when Santa walks me this card to prove that I in the room, you’ve got to was good today.” smile,” Santa Ron said, “you Once her mother saw really do.” what it was she let her M

COM

Joy Monopoli Elizabeth Farina Jim McConnell Pam Sanders Sara Carter Stephanie Childrey Cindy Grant Michelle Wall

what sets Heart & Soul apart from similar shops. He said most don’t have that, and it is the most important aspect of owning any business. Unlike other shops in the surrounding areas, Heart & Soul does not have tattoo sample sheets covering the walls. They offer their customers a computer to search for unique tattoo designs, and they have photo books of previously done tattoos for reference. “We go above and beyond to help the customers find the tattoos, the references, what they’re looking for -- everything,” he said. “We really like to connect with the customers when they come in.” Sean Kelly, an artist at Heart & Soul, recalled tattooing customers of all ages. He said he tattooed a sailor anchor on a 79-year-old man. “Every tattoo has a story -- from military soldiers, their stories from when they were over there, to just crazy, wacky frat stories,” Kelly said. “There’s so many, it’s so hard to remember.”

Kelly worked at Lucky 13 in Richmond and at shops located in California and Florida. He has been in the business for 13 years. Rachel Beam and Todd King have been the shop managers since the shop opened last July. Beam said the artists and management understand getting a tattoo is a big deal for every person who walks in the door. “At Heart & Soul, we make every effort to put the customer first. Customer service --along with quality tattoos, of course -- is our top priority,” Beam said. “People are generally pretty nervous walking into a tattoo shop, so we go the extra mile to make their tattoo experience a great one.” She said the artists and management connect with the customers and take time with them to ensure they are getting what they want. “The old adage remains true, ‘You get more flies with honey,’ ” she said. “We simply do everything we can to make everyone comfortable.”

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EXPLORE

JULY 7, 2011 || 5

YOUR WORLD || TRAVEL

Pocahontas State Park offers unique summer activities KAYLA WAMSLEY Special Correspondent

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL CRABTREE, JR., VA. TOURISM CORP.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POCAHONTAS STATE PARK

After 75 years, Pocahontas State Park still draws local crowds and people from out of state looking to go camping, take a swim, or enjoy Virginia’s outdoors. As the summer temperatures keep rising, the state park offers an aquatic center for all ages. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until Labor Day. People 13 and over can swim for $8 and ages 3-13 can swim for $7. Kids under 3 years swim free. Upcoming activities at the park include live music at Pocahontas Premieres that goes on through the summer, a twilight canoe in the Swift Creek Reservoir and a celebration of National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Day on July 16. Attendees must register for the Twilight Paddle and the food celebrations by calling 796-4255. “We have increased our efforts in special events like interpretive programming, canoe trips, hiking programs and nature programs for children, so there’s a summer full of programs like that for kids,” Jim Meisner, of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, said. “We have more this year than in years past just to keep up with the demand.” For more than a decade, Pocahontas Premieres, which is exclusive to Pocahontas State Park, has been a meeting place for fans of music and the outdoors. This summer, musicians on the schedule of performers include Casper, a dance music band; ZOSO, a Led Zeppelin tribute band; The Seldom Scene, a bluegrass band; and blues guitarist Tom Principato. “The series has a wider variety of types of music to appeal to as many folks as we can,” he said. “The concert series is really popular.” On Sept. 11 the park will hold an

event called “Honoring the Heroes of 9/11.” The Richmond Concert Band, the area’s oldest community concert band, will perform. The event is free and there is a $5 parking fee. Meisner said there are certain aspects of each state park that draws crowds to them. “On a hot day, you’re going to have people lined up to get into the pool, and they’re there all day. The pool is a massive local draw,” he said. “It’s a popular campground, so we have people staying at the campground at Pocahontas who’ve come from out of state and they travel to this area just to camp [here].” Other upcoming activities where families can learn more about nature and wildlife in the park include Birds of Pocahontas State Park, a free program where participants learn common bird calls heard in the park and will be able to identify them; Amphibians of Virginia, where attendees learn more about different species of frogs, toads and salamanders found in the state; and Beaver Hike, where participants learn about the adaptations beavers use to survive in the wild. There is also a two-mile hike to a beaver lodge after the lesson. Miesner expressed the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities state parks like Pocahontas State Park offer. He said generations of young people have grown up somewhat distant from nature and the outdoors. “To get children outside in nature in a state park -- where there are rangers, interpreters and naturalists who can help reintroduce children and families to nature -- offers health benefits and the positive impact for the family and the children,” he said. “The impact helps children grow up to be good stewards of nature who understand and respect nature.”

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 The New Virginians, www.the newva.org, (a club for women new to the Richmond area in the last two years) will have a Friendship Brunch from 10 a.m. – noon at Great Seasons (11400 W. Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA). Reservations for the luncheon are requested by noon on June 6. Please contact Sam Gentz – (804)639-7042

SATURDAY, JULY 16 Harbour Pointe Chiropractic and Wellness Center, located at 6003 Harbour Park Drive, Midlothian,(23112). is hosting a Patient Appreciation and Community Fun Dau from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.Please join us for food, games, prizes and

more! Virginia Blood Services will be there collecting blood donations. Free and Open to the Public.

MONDAY, JULY 18 Camp Invention, a hands-on summer camp for children, will be held July 18-21 at Weaver Elementary School. Led by local teachers, the full-day camp offers Children’s Engineering, inquiry-based activities disguised as fun for children in grades one through six. For more information, contact Mallory Smith, camp director, at Mallory_Smith@ ccpsnet.net.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 The 3rd Annual Dance Shoe Exchange and Costume Purchase

Extravaganza will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at Spotlight Studio of Dance at 6828 Woodlake Commons Loop in Midlothian. The public is invited to come swap used dance shoes, purchase used dance shoes and new costumes. All proceeds will benefit Soles4Souls, a charity created to facilitate shoe donations worldwide. For more information, visit www. spotlightstudio.net or call 639-1186.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Bon Secours Hospice will provide volunteer training from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, in the Orvieto Room of St. Francis Medical Center at 13710 St. Francis Blvd. in Midlothian. For more information

and to register, contact Barbara Palmer at 627-5323 or barbara_ palmer@bshsi.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 1 Walk to Stop Diabetes walks down Monument Avenue. It’s more fun to Step Out together! Grab your friends, family and co-workers, lace up your walking shoes and join Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital for a fun-filled and meaningful morning! Enjoy our kid Zone, Wellness Village, T-shirt contest and other entertainment! Every step you take and every dollar you raise helps the American Diabetes Association provide funding for education, advocacy and research. When you walk, you help us stop diabetes. To

WEEKLY The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Central Virginia Chapter (NAMI-CVA) is sponsoring a free 12-week educational class for families of those who are caregivers of individuals with mental illness. The class will begin Monday, March 7, 2011 at McGuire Veteran’s Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Blv, Room D120 (enter by the emergency room entrance) from 6:30pm to 9pm. Registration is required. Lulusc@ comcast.net 247-2431 or ikenparker@aol.com or (804)212-8297.

EXERCISE Lowery named nation's best catcher

6 || JULY 7, 2011

SPORTS || FITNESS

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

Cosby alum first CAA player to win Bench Award BY JIM MCCONNELL jmcconnell@midlothianexchange.com

hen an umpire once told him he was the worst catcher he had ever seen, Jake Lowery didn’t lash out or take it to heart. He simply kept working and kept believing that his efforts would eventually pay off. It did in 2011, when Lowery enjoyed one of the most dominant single-season performances in the history of James Madison University’s baseball program. The Cosby High School graduate put the finishing touches on his college career last Thursday night in Wichita, Kan., when he was honored with the 2011 Johnny Bench Award as the nation’s top collegiate catcher. “I got a lot of other great honors but this is the biggest one,” he said in a JMU press release. “Just being with the other guys as the three best catchers

in the nation was great, but to win the award is a great feeling. Just to cap off a great season like this is pretty special and I’m very thankful for it.” Lowery beat out fellow finalists Mike Zunino (Florida) and Chris O’Brien (Wichita State) to become the first Colonial Athletic Association player to win the award named for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer. Seated at a table with his family and JMU baseball coaches Spanky McFarland and Jason Middleton, Lowery realized he was the winner when Bench concluded his introductory remarks with the following question: “Jake, do you have an acceptance speech ready?” Lowery’s father, Cosby baseball coach Tim Lowery, gets choked up when he relives the moment he heard the legendary Bench call his son’s name. “Jake has always been a worker,” the elder Lowery said. “He didn’t go to one of the bigger schools. He took his own

path and he went to a school where he felt he could fit in. “People said ‘You can’t do this or that,’ but he never let the doubters deter him. He just went on and did his thing. I tip my cap to him.” Previous winners of the award, which is voted on by coaches across the nation, include TCU’s Bryan Holaday (2010), Oklahoma’s J.T. Wise (2009), Florida State’s Buster Posey (2008), Mississippi State’s Edward Easley (2007), East Carolina’s Jake Smith (2006), Southern Cal’s Jeff Clement (2005), Cal State Fullerton’s Kurt Suzuki (2004), Stanford’s Ryan Garko (2003), Alabama’s Jeremy Brown (2002), Baylor’s Kelly Shoppach (2001) and LSU’s Brad Cresse (2000). Most of those players had one thing in common: they played for big-time baseball programs in conferences that get much more national attention than AWARD P7

PHOTO COURTESY OF JMU ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

JMU's Jake Lowery capped his college career by being named the best catcher in the nation.

AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL SHOWCASE

Local players display their talent for college coaches BY JIM RIDOLPHI special correspondent

V PHOTO BY JIM RIDOLPHI

Devon Braswell of Midlothian puts her horse, Showgirl, through its paces at the Deep Run Horse Show.

Annual show a big hit with local equine community BY JIM RIDOLPHI special correspondent

n appreciative crowd of horse enthusiasts gathered to celebrate a Goochland County tradition last month at the Deep Run Hunt Club on Manakin Road. The Deep Run Horse Show wrapped up a fiveday run June 26, and, according to all accounts, this year’s event was a winner for those involved. “It has been a great show and the crowds have been fantastic,” said Pam Johnson, president of the Deep Run Horse Show Association, the group of volunteers who manage and produce the annual event. “The weather has been perfect, much cooler than the 100-degree heat of last year, and the response to the event has been wonderful,” Johnson said. Show manager Scott Nunnally agreed and said this year’s edition has proceeded without a hitch. “So far, so good,” he said as the event prepared for its final day. The show has been a Goochland signature event since around 1950, and many local equestrians trace their roots to the grounds at Deep Run. Local rider and owner Steffi Gordinier competed in the show and also serves on the show’s board of directors in a volunteer role. She said the convenience, tradition and setting all combine to make Deep Run a special experience.

“I’ve been riding here for years,” Gordinier said following a first place finish in the. Upper Amateur class. “The rings are riding great and this year’s show has been just great,” she added. Gordinier and her mount, Bentley, have been together for about a year. “He’s a special horse. He’s a beautiful mover and usually wins the class,” she said. The show gives the region’s equine community the opportunity to catch up and compete at a high level. The entry list included riders from Hanover, Chesterfield and other Virginia counties mixed with entrants from up and down the East Coast. “This is a very special event each year with all the vendors and the crowds that come out,” Gordinier said. Midlothian resident Devon Braswell also has a special connection to Deep Run. “This is a great show and I love coming here to compete,” she said. “I’ve been coming here since I was little,” she added. Braswell and her horse Showgirl found the renovated rings at Deep Run accommodating and she took home several champion ribbons during the week. Aynsley Fisher, a Goochland rider, also is a volunteer at the show. She was making her first appearance at a competition since giving birth to her son Roby six months ago. She, too, notes a strong connec-

irginia’s top college baseball coaches and scouts converged on Ken Moore Field at Douglas Freeman High School earlier this week to get a firsthand look at some of the best scholastic baseball players in the region. The annual American Legion District 11 Showcase All-Star game pitted rising seniors from north and south of the James River against each other on a stage that highlighted their talents in front of some of the state’s biggest and most prestigious programs. “It’s a great opportunity for these kids,” said South head coach Byron Ballard of Post 137. Most of the incoming seniors have not committed to any college, so it was a unique opportunity for many of the players. Virginia head coach Brian O’Connor and VCU’s Paul Keyes were just a few of the familiar faces who kept a keen eye on the action. “I came out here to support American Legion baseball, and see these kids play in a wonderful showcase,” Keyes said. Asked if he was looking to bolster his Ram lineup with an early look at some possible prospects, Keyes replied: “Always." The North jumped out to a quick four run lead in the bottom of the second inning, but the South of the James all stars scored two in the fourth inning and took the lead

PHOTO BY JIM RIDOLPHI

Cosby's Luke Lowery represented South Richmond Post 137 at last week's American Legion Showcase and led the South team with four hits.

with a three run fifth. The North knotted the game at five in the sixth. Dinwiddie’s Cory Grant got the tie breaking RBI in the top of the seventh, and South of the James added three more runs to go up 9-5. They added to that lead in the eighth with two more runs to go up 11-5. The North loaded the bases in the eighth but could only push two across on a throwing error by the South. “They took a commanding lead and my guys just hung in, and the second time around in our order, they

just flat got it done. It was a great team effort by the all of the kids on both sides,” Ballard said. Ballard said he appreciated the way his team didn’t quit and came back after trailing 4-0, but he said the real winners were all the kids who got a chance to showcase their talents. “To be involved in an All Star game is a great opportunity for these kids,” Ballard said. “Just getting a chance to compete in front of all of these scouts is great,” he added. Post 137's Luke Lowery,

a rising Cosby High senior who has committed to East Carolina, had four hits for the South. He was joined by teammates Michael Carpenter, Bryan Miltenberger and James Sink, all rising seniors named to this year’s All Star Squad. Midlothian’s Connar Bastaich and Jacob Stephens also played on the South squad, joined by Monacan’s Jalen Carter. North head coach John Boyer said he was also proud of his team’s performance. “I SHOWCASE P7

PHOTO BY JIM RIDOLPHI

HORSES P7

Coaches from several Virginia colleges, including VCU and Richmond, were on hand to evaluate rising senior prospects.

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

EXERCISE

JULY 7, 2011 || 7

SPORTS || FITNESS

Dodson claims first win

SPORTS ON YOUR TIME (send your sports news to sports@midlothianexchange.com)

The Huguenot Little League Detroit Tigers are 2011 World Series Champions for Instructional Baseball (Machine Pitch ages 7 and 8). Team members are: (Top row, left to right) Coaches Terry Phillips, Richard Wood, Wes Moore and Scott Lewis. (Middle row, left to right) Ben Gobble, Jake Wood, Zach Phillips, Mason Lewis and Colby Scioscia. (Front row, left to right) Sam Diemer, Thomas Henderson, Landen Moore, Thomas (Beaver) Cook and West Hartman. Not pictured were Coach Scott Carreras and John Carreras.

AWARD from P6 the CAA. But while Zunino led Florida to a runner-up finish in the College World Series and O’Brien (son of former Milwaukee Brewers catcher Charlie O’Brien) played for longtime college baseball power Wichita State, neither offered a resume to match Lowery’s. In his junior campaign at JMU, Lowery batted .359 with 22 doubles, eight triples, 24 home runs, 91 RBIs, 80 runs scored, 200 total bases and a .797 slugging percentage. He set or matched JMU and CAA single-season records for RBIs, home runs, extra-base hits (54) and total bases. Lowery finished as the nation’s leader in runs (80), RBIs (91) and total bases (200). In fact, his 91 RBIs are the most by a college player since 2008 Bench Award winner and cur-

rent San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey had 93. Lowery also finished second nationally in slugging percentage (.797), fourth in on-base plus slugging (1.239), second in home runs (24) and fourth in triples (8). Not to be overlooked defensively, Lowery ranked second in the nation prior to regional play with 34 runners caught stealing. He threw out 43 percent of runners for the season while posting a .994 fielding percentage. Collegiate Baseball newspaper named Lowery the fourth first-team All-American in JMU history. He was the CAA Player of the Year, First Team All-CAA, selected to the CAA All-Tournament Team, honored on the NCAA All-Regional Team and named First Team AllEast Region by the ABCA. “He’s very deserving of the honor,” McFarland said

SHOWCASE from P6

notice all of the attention from area colleges. thought the kids did a good “They get up and see all job on both teams,” Boyer of those radar guns pointsaid. “It’s all about exposure ing and it has to test their for the kids,” the Post 361 nerves… but they won’t coach added. admit it,” he said. He said the game was an Boyer said there are drawindication of just how special backs to the all star format, Legion baseball is, and said the players couldn’t help but and the scouts sometimes

in the JMU release. “I’m glad that the voters didn’t just casually vote for a big name school but actually looked at his body of work and his value to our team. It’s an award shared by everyone involved with the

program.” Tim Lowery credited McFarland and JMU’s other coaches for never losing faith in his son after Jake struggled through a mediocre freshman season in Harrisonburg. “Other coaches might have said, ‘You can’t cut it here,’ and moved on to someone else,” he added. “They stuck with him and it’s paid dividends.” Has it ever. Lowery was selected last month by the Cleveland Indians in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft and began his professional baseball career with an assignment to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the Class A New York-Penn League. He picked up right where he left off at JMU, leading the league with 27 total bases and ranking third with 10 RBIs while hitting .313 in his first 13 games. He took a brief leave of

absence from the team to attend the banquet, then returned to New York for games Friday and Saturday before heading to Lubbock, Texas for the 2011 College Baseball Hall of Fame annual awards banquet on Sunday night. “It’s been a rush. Getting here was crazy with airport connections. I got to see my parents for the first time in a few weeks. Then of course getting to meet Johnny Bench, a Hall of Famer and the best catcher in baseball history, that was a great experience,” Lowery said. Tim Lowery acknowledged it’s been difficult to find the words to accurately describe what the last few months have meant to his family. “It’s been storybook,” he said. This is no happy ending, though. This story is just beginning.

don’t get to see the subtle values of some athletes. “They get to see a good arm, but they don’t get to see how good that arm is in the fifth inning — how that arm performs with guys at second and third base with no outs,’ Boyer said. Even with the limited

playing time, Boyer said it’s a once in a lifetime chance for many of the kids. John Clark, District 11 baseball chairman, said the showcase game is quickly becoming a favorite among fans and players, and the large number of college coaches present validates the level of

play in Legion baseball. “We’ve about 20 college coaches in her looking at these kids tonight,” Clark said. “We like to do this every year to showcase the talent in our league, and it’s a great opportunity for the kids who participate,” he added.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JMU

Jake Lowery closed out his college baseball career with one of the greatest single seasons in the history of James Madison's program and was named the nation's top catcher.

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Southside Speedway press release

HORSES from P6 tion to the show. “It’s a great event and I always look forward to coming here,” she said. “We didn’t do too bad for our first time out in awhile,” Fisher added. Not bad at all, as she captured a first place finish in the VHSA medal and a second and third in the Adult Amateur division. The week was filled with the usual schedule of ring events and a full slate of hospitality sessions that included the annual “A Taste of Local Flavor” dinner held earlier in the week. June 26 marked the 50th edition of the Bryan Cup, the event’s signature event and most sought after trophy. Final day events included a brunch with a special dedication to Mary Anne Kean, a longtime Deep Run supporter volunteer, show manager and friend. Kean passed away earlier this year. Johnson said this year’s show met and exceeded all expectations. “It’s been a great show,” she said. “The crowds have gotten bigger each day and all the volunteers have done an outstanding job making sure things ran smoothly,” she added.

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ROOMS FOR RENT POWHATAN - 1-Furnished bedroom ($400/mo) & 1-unfurnished bedroom w/attach. liv. Rm. ($500/ mo), Bath & kitchen privileges. Home on 4 acre lot. Include utilities. Criminal background Check. Call 804-878-2329.

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Chris Dodson saw the red and white of Nick Smith’s Late Model division car pass him by a nose and hang on for the win in the first of two races for the division Sunday night at Southside Speedway. No one was getting past Dodson in the second race, however. He flew through the field in the first seven laps and never looked back. Dodson started the second race in fourth position due to an invert of the top five finishers in the first race. By lap 3, Dodson was in second place; by lap 8, he’d overtaken the No. 18 car of Brad Davis. Cautions bunched the field up twice behind Dodson, but to no avail. Finishing in the top five in the race were Dodson, Jeff Oakley, Chris Johnson, Davis and Adam Resnick. In the first Late Model division race, Smith marched his way through the field into second place by lap 27. Threatening Dodson for the lead, Smith finally got an edge on lap 34, taking the bottom line through turn 4. Top five in the race were Smith, Dodson, Johnson, Brad Davis, and Oakley.

PAINTING A Women’s Touch to make your home Beautiful! Inter/Exter. Comm. & Res. Painting. Call for FREE estimate & color consultation Diane’s Painting 651-6134 or 437-0612. www.dianespainting.com

Announcements YARD & ESTATE SALES Caring Transitions Estate Sale Fri. 7/8, Sat. 7/9 & Sun. 7/10; 9-3 daily; 2651 Radstock Rd. Midlothian. Art by Herb Jones, John Barber, D.F. Higgason, P. Buckley Moss, more. Antique ice box, dry sink, rolltop desk, pie safe, school desk, Victorian chair, Queen Anne corner chair, teacart, spool chest, metal toys, Civil War books, horse saddle. Imari and Satsuma pottery; tools, garden, and more!

Transportation WANTED AUTOS A. J. ’S JUNK CAR REMOVAL 804-441-4314 WE BUY JUNK CARS $100 & UP!!!

PERSONAL SERVICES Experienced Legal Secretary providing excellent Secretarial /Typing Services at reasonable rates. Call 804-332-1884

POWER WASHING

Affordable Powerwash Houses, Roofs, Decks, Lic & Ins. 550-2345 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES The Home Worker – Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, renovations, painting, decks, fences, wallpapering, repairs, installs. Always free estimates. Call Chris, 378-7233, joso4032@yahoo.com. The Home Worker – Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, renovations, painting, decks, fences, wallpapering, repairs, installs. Always free estimates. Call Chris, 378-7233, joso4032@yahoo.com.

ADVERTISE Advertise with Midlothian Exchange Call 201-6071 or 912-5653 to hear about Midlothian Exchange’s upcoming advertising opportunities!

Merchandise MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Bed - New Mattress Set in Plastic w/ warr. Full $99, Queen $109, King $189. Delivery/Lay -A-Way. 218-0680

Dale Memorial Park - One site For Sale Section five, Garden of the Last Supper. Only cemetary inside of state park. Asking $1,795. Call 804-929-2210.

Farmers’ Markets FARM & DAIRY EQUIPMENT Tractor New Holland, 29hp diesel, 2002, 400 hours with 6-attachment & 2-axle trailer. $12,500. Call 804-454-1233 Advertise with Midlothian Exchange Call 201-6071 or 912-5653 for details!

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS Delivery Drivers Internation Truck Sales of Richmond, Inc. located in Ashland, VA is currently looking for Part-Time Hot-Shot parts delivery drivers for our parts department. Hours will vary based on customer needs. A good driving record and excellent customer service skills are a must. The ability to use a forklift and lift up to 50 pounds is required. Please call 804-200-1941 or come in and fill out an application.

HEALTHCARE The Attachment and Trauma Institute is now hiring intensive in-home and mental health support counselors. We offer excellent training and benefits. A BA or MA degree in social work, psychology or one of the other human services fields plus at least a year’s experience working with at-risk children or adults with significant mental health issues is required. Send resume: ati4112@aol.com CenVaNet – Telephonic Nursing Opportunity Seeking FT (8 am – 5 pm) RN/LPN to provide health information, referrals and resources to callers. Innsbrook location. Send resume: jobs@cvhn.com

8 || JULY 7, 2011

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Carrier Systems

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At Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell locations. Restrictions apply. See associate for details or visit kroger.com/fuel

Buy 4, Get 1

FREE FINAL COST

locally

grown

Sweet Corn Each

4$ for

With Card

5$ Soft Drinks Select Varieties, 6 pk, 24 oz Bottles

When You Get 5

Perdue Boneless Skinless ss Chicken Breasts ts

Limit (5) 6 packs. All items must be purchased in the same transaction with card.

Fresh, USDA Grade A, 97% Lean

for

With Card

$ 799

With Card

Buy uy 10, Get Ge et $3 Off! Off Of ff!

WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

Select Varieties, 32 oz

1 -30 Cheetos

1 -30

Fritos Select Varieties, 10.5 oz

WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

Select Varieties, 16 oz (Excludes Beef & Cheese)

WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

$ 99 Â˘

2 -30 With Card

Oreo Cookies

$ 69

Select Varieties, 8.5-18 oz

WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

EARN AR

FUEL POINTS

1100

for

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Select Varieties,

INSTANTLY at Checkout with your Shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Card.

$ 19 Â˘

1 -30 With Card

$ 99 Â˘

5 -30

Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue Select Varieties, 12 Double Rolls

$ 99 Â˘

2 -30 With Card

$ 69 ea

WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

$ 69

Breyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ice Cream

WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

Select Varieties, 48 oz

FUEL POINTS OFFER VALID: 6/26/11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7/9/11

* SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. SEE GIFT CARDS FOR R DETAILS, TERMS, CONDITIONS AND (IF APPLICABLE) FEES. ALL TRADEMARKS TRA ARE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. Only purchases made at Kroger with your loyalty card from the Kroger Family of stores or 1-2-3 REWARDSÂŽ MasterCard are eligible. Excludes Kroger Co. Family of Stores gift cards, Green Dot prepaid reloadable products, MoneyPaks and 1-2-3 REWARDSÂŽ Reloadable Visa aÂŽ Prepaid Debit Card and ReCharge Card, American Express Variable Load,Visa Variable Load, and MasterCard Variable Load gift cards. Offer may be modiďŹ ed ďŹ or discontinued at any time without notice. Fuel discounts are limited to up to 35 gallons of fuel per vehicle per purchase, subject to fraud prevention limits on the amount off purchase. Not valid where prohibited by law.

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WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

Select Varieties, 2 Liter

With Card

89Â˘

Coca-Cola Soft Drinks

EARN

Items & prices good in Richmond Area through Saturday, July 9, 2011

10$

99Â˘

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Select Varieties, 9-9.75 oz

Kroger Buns

$ 29 Â˘

With Card

$ 99 Â˘

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Select Varieties, 20-24 oz

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69Â˘

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With Card

Kroger Bread

ALL PRODUCTS MUST BE PURCHASED IN THE SAME TRANSACTION.

99Â˘ -30Â˘ With Card

$ 699

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DAY

Every Senior born in 1954 or before will receive a

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up to & Including a face value of

Manufacturers r

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