101615 colonial voice by The Progress-Index

REALTORS MINGLE, FOR CAUSE INSIDE, V4

COLONIALS TAKE WIN THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA

INSIDE, V5

Friday, October 16, 2015

LOCAL Brunswick stew The Colonial Heights Volunteer Fire and EMS will hold a Brunswick stew fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 17. The cost is $7 per quart. For orders, call Walter Bishop at 804-892-7262. Stew may be picked up on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at the American Legion Stew Kitchen, 505 Springdale Ave.

Christmas Parade applications

FREE

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Celebrate Safe Communities is another hit

Police officers, fire personnel and residents mingle at one of many Celebrate Safe Communities neighborhood events in Colonial Heights. SHELBY MERTENS/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

The 63rd Annual Christmas Parade — a longtime Colonial Heights tradition — will occur on Tuesday, Dec. 1, on the Boulevard. Originated in 1953, the nighttime parade is a unique event that draws people from all over the Tri-Cities area. This year's Christmas Parade theme is "Christmas on the Boulevard." The deadline to submit an application for the Christmas Parade is Monday, Nov. 2. Applications may be submitted online. Visit www.colonialheightsva.gov/christmasparade For more information, contact the Recreation & Parks Department at (804) 520-9390.

4th Annual Turkey Trot Citizens are invited to establish a fun, family Colonial Heights tradition on Thanksgiving Day. The Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce, along with the Colonial Heights Recreation Department, is gearing up for its' 4th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day — Nov. 26. This Turkey Trot will continue the tradition initiated in 2012 – bringing over 1,000 participants together annually to gratefully celebrate healthy living in the city. Organizers will again be raising funds for scholarships, special school programs, and Chamber of Commerce college scholarships for high school students. The Turkey Trot is a 1 mile fun run/walk and 5K fun run/walk. The run/walk begins at 9 a.m. at Colonial Heights High School, 3600 Conduit Road. Registration fee is $10 with T-shirt or $25 with hooded sweatshirt. Registration is available online. Register by Nov. 7, to be guaranteed a T-shirt or hooded sweatshirt. Same day registration will also be available at the event from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. All those who wear a costume for the event win a prize. For more information on the Turkey Trot, contact Director of Recreation & Parks Craig Skalak, at skalakc@colonialheightsva.gov or call (804) 520-9390.

Story-time sessions COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Public Library is offering its 2015 fall story time sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. through December 9. Each session includes stories, music, lots of movement and a craft. According to a statement released by the library, "story hours are a wonderful way for children to gain important prereading skills, learn to socialize with other children, and to begin a lifelong love of books and reading. This is a family story hour, and all ages are welcome. No registration is necessary. A parent or caregiver must attend with the child. For more information, call Chantal Emerson at 804-520-9384. INDEX Opinion........................................................V2 Things to do................................................V3 Classiﬁeds...................................................V6

Vol. 13, No. 06

The Colonial Heights Celebrate Safe Communities night at the Pinecliffe at Whitestone Court location featured antique cars from a local car club, Southern Knights Cruisers.

Police, residents get to know each other better while enjoying food, music and games By Shelby Mertens and Charve Bynum Staff Writers

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Citizens and officers conversed together over food, music and games at the seventh annual Celebrate Safe Communities event in Colonial Heights on Tuesday, Oct. 6. At 22 locations around the city, officers with the Colonial Heights Police Department, ﬁreﬁghters with the Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, representatives of the Tri-Cities Strike Force and city officials made their rounds to talk to residents and get to know one another while promoting safe communities. Individuals or various organizations host the event in each designated neighborhood. Sgt. Rob Ruxer, spokesman for the Colonial Heights Police Department, said it’s not only

Prevention Month. The city used to participate in National Night Out, another popular community crime prevention event, which is always held in August, but Ruxer said the city received complaints about August being too hot, so the city switched to Celebrate Safe Communities seven years ago. Both events are similar in format. “This is the seventh year and we’ve had a really good response from the public,” Ruxer said. The event, Ruxer said, is meant to strengthen the police Residents gather at Flora Hill Park for the Colonial Heights annual Celebrate Safe Communities night, meant to engage force’s relationship with the the community with police officers. community in a positive way. “It allows the community a way for neighbors to socialize, leaders and just get together to meet the officers one on but for residents to get to know for a nice couple of hours out- one when it’s not a response their city leaders in an informal side,” Ruxer said. to an incident type of situasetting. Celebrate Safe Communi- tion,” Ruxer said. “It’s not a “It’s just a way for citizens to ties, a national event, is held traffic stop, we’re not coming ask questions to the officers, each year in October concurthe command staff and various rently with National Crime SEE EVENT, V3

CHESTERFIELD-COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Sarah Tatum named 2015 Christmas Mother Annual kickoff tea was held Tuesday, Oct. 13, at historic Magnolia Grange From Contributed Report

CHESTERFIELD — The 2015 Christmas Mother season has arrived and Sarah Tatum, a long-time volunteer in the program, has been named the 2015 Chesterﬁeld-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother. Tatum was honored at the annual Christmas Mother tea at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the historic Magnolia Grange, 10020 Iron Bridge Road.

After giving a brief speech, she officially kicked off the 2015 Christmas Mother season. Tatum’s role as Christmas Mother is to ensure that children and elders in need will receive needed food, toys, and clothing for the holiday season. She will be working with the media, local businesses, and individuals to promote the program and ask for donations. Donations can come in the form of new toys, clothing, food

certiﬁcates or money. She will also be on the lookout for volunteers. Ta t u m h a s b e e n involved with the Christmas Mother program since 1996, serving 18 years as coordinator. She was also in charge of the program’s ﬁrst auction and continues to support the annual event. Tatum is active in the community, serving in multiple positions at Beulah United Methodist Church. She is also the chairman of the Charles Gillette Garden Committee and the second vice president of Gillette Gardens of MCC

Inc. She is a member of the Meadowbrook Country Club and the Women of Meadowbrook, where she currently sits on the proxy committee. According to a statement released by the Christmas Mother Program, Tatum is excited to be the 2015 Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother and will draw on her extensive volunteer experience and dedication for helping others to make this a successful year for the program. Would you like the Christmas Mother at your

event? Are you interested in helping? If yes to either question, contact the Christmas Mother office at 804-748-1183 or at cchchristmasmother@gmail. com. Further information is also available on the website at http://www. cchchristmasmother.com . Contributions may be made payable to the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother, PO Box 2500, Chesterfield VA 23832 or on the website. The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

OPINION

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ANOTHER VIEW

15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803 Brian J. Couturier ........... Managing Editor Bob Seals .................... Circulation Director Jamila Khalil .............. Advertising Director Travis Wolfrey ............Operations Manager Ron Shifflett ..............Pressroom Manager Peggy Simon................. Business Manager

OUR VIEW

Civil War tourism helps our economy

he numbers don’t lie. Tourism related to history, specifically the Civil War, is a large economic engine for both Virginia and the greater Petersburg region. Virginia’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War resulted in more than $290 million in spending and 3.7 million people visiting the state, according to an economic impact study. Programs marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War generated more than $8.4 million in state tax revenue and nearly $5 million in local tax revenue, according to the study by Chmura Economics & Analytics. The study estimates the total economic impact of Civil War sesquicentennial programs and events, combining commemoration expenditures and visitor spending, at $290.3 million, supporting 3,488 jobs. Direct spending by visitors to sesquicentennial events is estimated at $165.7 million. According to the report, sesquicentennial programs and events, as well as visitor spending in Virginia related to the commemoration, “contributed positively to the Commonwealth’s economy in terms of sales, jobs, and tax revenue.” Virginia was the scene of many of the major Civil War battles during the four-year conflict. The Petersburg area was at the center of the conflict in the last two years of the war. Locally, visitors to the Petersburg area spent $343 million in 2014, an increase of a 4.5 percent increase from the $328 million spent in 2013, according to travel figures. Some of the increase in tourism spending was connected to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Expenditures for tourists include meals, lodging, public and auto transportation, shopping, admissions and entertainment. Over $8.3 million in local tax revenue was collected by local governments in the region, while $14.1 million was collected by the Commonwealth as a result of tourism in the area, according to recent data from the U.S. Travel Association reported to the Virginia Tourism Corporation. One reason for an increase in spending is Petersburg National Battlefield. According to a report from the National Park Service, Petersburg National Battlefield brought in 205,572 visitors in 2014, resulting in $11.2 million in spending. “I do think that 2014 was a big year for us because of the Civil War sesquicentennial,” said Martha Burton, director of Tourism at Petersburg Area Regional Tourism. Although the various studies have many numbers there is one key figure to keep in mind. More than 200,000 people visit the Petersburg National Battlefield every year. And from there, visitors can visit a slew of other Civil War related attractions and sites. And that contributes heavily to the overall health of the region’s economy. INSPIRATION

Praise the LORD. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. Psalm 111:1-4 SOURCE: WWW.DAILYSCRIPTURE.NET

YOUR VIEW

Just say thank you to librarians Librarians are more than the stereotypical book worm they were once portrayed. The image of a librarian sitting behind the reference counter with a bun in her hair, glasses on, peering out from behind a book, constantly putting her finger to her lips and giving a quick “shhh” is gone. They do so much more than simply help cardholders find their favorite book. Librarians now welcome a slight buzzing sound of patrons shuffling through the stacks of books or practicing activities and the giggles of children as they make their way through the aisles. Over the years, even the last decade, our libraries have had to change with the times, competing with tablets, smart phones, the Internet, eReaders and so much more. Libraries have done an outstanding job of offering unique services for the young and old alike, appealing to all tastes and needs. Today the library is a place to gather, not only for books, but also for social interaction. It’s a place to run into a friend or two, or even a place to meet someone new. Our libraries have developed terrific programs and we should all be grateful and thankful to the staff that works tirelessly to make them happen. They are the silent heroes that keep libraries in operation. The next time you visit your local library or attend a library program be sure to say, THANK YOU! Those two words can and will mean a lot these days. Bill Ward Colonial Heights

6 things we can learn from the pledge I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Today, these 31 words make up one of the most widely known sentences in America. It is used in courtrooms, classrooms, on coins, and in government buildings across the country. The phrase may be common, but there is nothing ordinary about it. Those 31 words are rich with meaning. Most importantly,

the Pledge gives us a succinct definition of the fundamental principles of American democracy, and there is much we can be reminded of when we recite or hear it. With a tumultuous week in Congress behind us, and both leadership turmoil and grave budget challenges ahead, these words not only inspire us, they guide us forward. Here’s a look at the phrases of this national symbol and what it means for our nation today. “I pledge allegiance” The pledge begins with a simple but powerful declaration for citizens of our nation. Allegiance is a commitment, but the allegiance spoken of in our Pledge is unique. The Pledge reminds us that our allegiance is not to a ruler or a monarch, but rather to a set of core values. The act of allegiance itself is an option, something to be freely committed by its people. Even the recitation of the pledge itself is voluntary because we are each afforded the right to say it or not. This kind of allegiance is powerful because it is a choice. Abraham Lincoln said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” Today, our Pledge offers a challenge to our government’s leaders – to commit to making decisions that strengthen our nation’s core values, so that Americans remain proud of the place in which they live. “to the Flag of the United States of America,” After Sept. 11, three New York City firefighters raised the American flag on top of the smoldering rubble at Ground Zero. The symbol of patriotism cut through the gray devastation and offered hope to an America that was craving it. Decades earlier in a similar act, five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman hoisted Old Glory on top of Mount Suribachi at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Every day, visitors at Arlington National Cemetery place small American flags beside white grave markers. Ask any of these individuals what went through their minds when they raised the stars and stripes, they probably won’t say anything about the flag itself. Instead they would describe values: freedom, hope, liberty, unity. Our flag is more than just a cultural symbol for our nation. It is a representation of the freedoms that set us apart from other nations around the world. In our nation, every person is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There is no other flag in the world like it. Today, it reminds us

that despite all that is wrong with our nation – no matter the turmoil and challenges ahead — there is more that is right and good. There is more worth fighting for. “and to the Republic for which it stands,” As citizens of this nation, we are afforded guaranteed rights: the right to due process of law, the right to vote, the right to be free. Because of those rights, America today serves as a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope to millions around the globe. The Pledge reminds us who is at the helm of this American experiment: citizens. Today, we must commit to a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. This model is necessary for justice and liberty to work and for tranquility to exist in our nation. “one Nation under God,” President George Washington said in his final address as president, “Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” Rooted deeply into our form of government and throughout our nation’s history is the belief that all men are created equal and endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights. The First Amendment promises that we are free to live according to the dictates of our conscience and to live every aspect of our lives according to our faith. Our Pledge asserts that this is a value that is worth protecting and worth expressing. “indivisible,” Today across the nation, in the midst of great conflict and great division, Americans are wondering, Can we return to unity? Can we reclaim the spirit of America? Being indivisible doesn’t mean being without conflict, but being indivisible does mean being committed to a common goal. Today, the Pledge reminds us that, even in the midst of debate and frustration, there are core values that we can stand together upon, united. I am reminded of it most when I see the people who are working to save America every day — the way communities come together after crises and tragedy, the heroes who teach our school children every day, the men and women who put on a uniform and stand for freedom across the globe. We can be indivisible, but we have to earn it daily. “with liberty and justice for all.” As a national symbol, the Pledge serves to unify Americans in remembrance of the fragile and precious freedoms we have in this country. Amidst

the turmoil and dysfunction in Washington, we must not lose sight of the ultimate goal: protecting and passing on this great gift of liberty. By upholding and passing down our civic history and traditions we preserve our core belief that United States citizenship is an honor. And this honor transcends race, religion, privilege, or politics, and it is one that ultimately will continue to determine the character and the course of our nation. What does the pledge mean to you? What images or emotions does it call to mind? What do you think of most when you ﬁnd yourself reciting the Pledge? Is there someone in your family who made sacriﬁces for, as our Pledge proclaims, “liberty and justice for all?” We want to hear about it. Share your perspective with me on Facebook at www.facebook. com/randyforbes . Congressman Randy Forbes Virginia, 4th District Chesapeake, Va.

Restrict immigration to Western world Syrians and Iraqis are currently ﬂooding Europe seeking a new life. European countries previously allowed 20 million people from the Middle East and North Africa to enter after World War II. They now number 50 million, and they refuse to integrate into Western societies. Most of the areas settled by these immigrants are depressed and lawless, and the immigrants want to implement Sharia law. Some European countries are passing immigration laws which allow entry only to Syrian Christians, and Yazidis who are an oppressed minority in Syria. The United States, a country founded on Christian principles, could increase its quotas for Syrians, Iraqis and other Middle East minorities, but we should limit the quotas to the persecuted Christians and small numbers of oppressed minorities such as Yazidis, Kurds, Druze and Bedouins. We have to ensure that any immigrants are not potential radical Islamic terrorists or sympathizers, and they have to be directly encouraged to assimilate into U.S. society. Serious threats to the security of the U.S. and the Western world are increased due to inﬁltration of countries and attacks by radical Islamic terrorists. Donald A. Moskowitz Londonderry, N.H.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Oct. 16, 2015

8 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND HOW TO SUBMIT: Send event and contact info to newsroom@ progress-index.com or The Progress-Index, 15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803 LOOKING FOR MORE: If you can’t ﬁnd what you’re looking for, ﬁnd it online at www.progress-index.com

1. Violet Bank House anniversary

The public is invited to join Violet Bank Museum and the American Legion Post 284 for a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Violet Bank House, 303 Virginia Ave., Colonial Heights. The free celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, at Violet Bank. Activities will include: a large petting zoo (Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Tri-state Paranormal mobile unit, DerringBeaureguard Camp, SCV First Ladies Fashion Show presented by the women of the 12th VA (Saturday 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) period music, military reenactments, period dance demonstrations, weapon display and demonstrations, on-site food truck and more. All activities are open to the public. For more information, call (804) 520-9395.

2. Gallery opening Side Street Gallery’s third Saturday art opening will be held on Saturday from 5-8 p.m., and will feature the Richmond Modern Quilters of Mount Pisgah Church. According to Judy Harris, Side Street Gallery owner, “these quilts are very personally themed to the artist, with landscapes, the written word, and beautifully pieced complicated patterns.: This event is free to the public. The exhibit will hang from Oct. 17 until Nov. 14. Side Street Gallery is located at 127 Pickwick Ave.

3. Swift Creek Mill Theatre show Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Colonial Heights, is currently showing “Church Basement Ladies – A Second Helping.” The show runs through Oct. 24. Shows are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with some weekend matinees. For reservations, call 804748-5203 or visit www. swiftcreekmill.com for online ticketing.

4. Virginia Hops & Harvest Festival On Saturday, the Virginia Museum of Radio & Concert Entertainment will present the 4th Annual Virginia Hops & Harvest Festival at the Heritage Amphitheater in Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Road, Chesterﬁeld. Tickets for the festival are $12.50 advance & $15 at the gate (beer tastings not included in cost of admission). Gates open at noon; music begins at 12:30 p.m. Visit www. pocahontaslive.com or www.vahopsfest.com for tickets, information, and directions. Tickets are also available at the Pocahontas State Park office, Brock’s Bar-be-Que in Chester, or by calling: 804-794-6700. This event features local artisans, craft brewers, food vendors, and outdoor adventure companies. Music will be provided by The Weight (Songs of The Band), and the Skip Castro Band, The Trongone

Band, and Seth Stainback & Roosterfoot. The Weight will perform at 7 p.m.

5. Take a walk Southside Regional Medical Center (SRMC) in Petersburg and Colonial Orthopaedics in Colonial Heights will celebrate the success of their joint replacement patients and their coaches during the third annual Joint & Bone Health Awareness Walk on Saturday. The 1-mile walk will be followed by a health and resource fair. This event will be held on the campus of Colonial Orthopaedics, located at 325 Charles Dimmock Parkway, Colonial Heights. Registration for the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 9 a.m. Vendors will provide giveaways, refreshments and free health information. This is a rain or shine event. The walk is open to the public. To register, contact Lisa Mears, RN, Orthopaedic Service Line director, at 804-765-5652 or register online at SRMConline.com/Community.

6. Czech/Slovak festival and gallery opening The Virginia Czech & Slovak Folklife Festival and grand opening for the Czech/Slovak Gallery will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Prince George Regional Heritage Center, 6406 Courthouse Road, Prince George.

7. Relay for Life Fall Festival Relay for Life of Dinwiddie will host a Fall Festival on Saturday at Fats BBQ, 19606 Carson Road, Dinwiddie. The event will feature a Charity Poker Run, car/truck/ bike show, craft show/ vendor fair, corn hole tournament, live music, homemade baked goods auction, Brunswick stew, and karaoke. Registration for the Charity Poker Run begins at 10:30 a.m., with ﬁrst bike riding out at 11:30 a.m. Brunswick stew will be available during the day for $7 a quart and/or $3 a bowl. The car/truck/bike show begins at 2 p.m. Trophies to be awarded, including People’s Choice. The craft show/vendor fair begins at 2 p.m., and the corn hole tournament begins at 3 p.m. Live music and dancing with the Racket from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and The Josh Duncan Band performs from 5-7 p.m. Karaoke will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight. Provided by Walt Lackey, singers will make a donation to Relay for Life of Dinwiddie for each song they sing. An auction of homemade baked goods begins at 9 p.m. For more information, including costs to participate in the craft show/vendor fair, car/truck/bike show, poker run or corn hole tournament, contact Kerry Shell, Event lead, at 804-469-4073 or email shellmd21@verizon.net.

8. VSU Homecoming Virginia State University is celebrating its homecoming all weekend with various events, including an alumni ﬂag football game from 4-6 p.m. on Friday on the back lawn of Foster Hall. On Saturday, the VSU Homecoming Parade will begin at 9 a.m. in Downdown Petersburg and the Homecoming football game begins at 2 p.m. at VSU.

At the Virginia Avenue and Jackson Avenue location of the Colonial Heights Celebrate Safe Communities, residents ate food and conversed with local officials and police officers. SHELBY MERTENS/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

EVENT From Page V1

because something bad happened, we’re just out there showing that we’re all members of the community.” Katie Fenderson, who hosts the Violet Bank neighborhood’s Celebrate Safe Communities event, said it will help her and her neighbors have “better eyes for the community” when it comes to spotting suspicious activity. Jo h n “ Wo l f m a n” Newton, head of the Southern Knights Cruises Car Club, hosted the event on Pinecliffe Drive at Whitestone Court. Among the food and music, members of the car club showcased their antique motors while neighbors looked in awe. Ruxer said the Pinecliffe location has become the most popular site of the event. Newtown said the cars have drawn folks from outside of the city. “It’s not only neighborhoods. I’ve got people coming in from Chesterfield, I’ve got some guys from Varina that come down, Prince George and Fort Lee helps me with the lights,” Newton said. “It’s what I call an old fashioned cookout get together.” Resident Jerry Jones said this is the second time this event was held at his home at the corner of Forestview Drive and Nottingham Drive.

Kids play games at Flora Hill Park for the Celebrate Safe Communities event, which took place at dozens of locations across Colonial Heights.

Folks gather around to see the antique cars at the Celebrate Safe Communities event in Colonial Heights.

“The turnout has been real good; it looks like it’ll be pretty good this year too,” he said. The Forestview Drive and Nottingham Drive

site featured inflatables for the children to enjoy while the adults mingled. Jones’s wife, Sonya Jones, coordinator of the neighborhood watch, thanked

everyone for coming out. “Events like this cannot go on or cannot be successful without the support of the entire neighborhood,” she said.

To register or for more information, call (804) 526-5872.

Development, at eppsk@ colonialheightsva.gov or (804) 898-3002.

the shows at Swift Creek, call 804-748-5203 or visit www.swiftcreekmill. com .

BRIEFLY ITEMS

Triad meeting COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The monthly Triad meeting will be held from 1-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Colonial Heights Senior Center, located in the Community Building, 157 Roanoke Ave. There is no cost to attend. Triad is a partnership consisting of the local Public Safety Office, seniors, and senior service providers who work to prevent the victimization of Seniors. It is run by SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) council.

Chamber luncheon COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon and meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Dante’s Pizzeria, located at 2900 Cedar Lane. The local business community is invited to attend.

Development plan Swift Creek Mill stakeholder meeting Theatre fundraiser Senior Citizens Club meeting COLONIAL HEIGHTS — COLONIAL HEIGHTS— The City and its Economic Development Department will hold the second economic development “Stakeholder Meeting,” for the purpose of obtaining business owner input and perspective, which will assist in creating a guide to the future of business recruitment and retention objectives in Colonial Heights. The meeting will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, at John Tyler Community College’s Nicholas Center, located at 13101 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, contact Karen Epps, director of Economic

Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., will hold the theater’s first special event for the 50th anniversary season - “A Floral Curtain Call with David Pippin”. This fundraiser will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. and will feature renowned floral designer David Pippin’s interpretation of five highlighted shows of Swift Creek Mill Theatre’s past through floral design. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Historic Swift Creek Mill Revitalization Project. Tickets are $45 in advance only. For tickets or more information about any of

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club will meet Thursday, Oct. 22, at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at Golden Corral by reservation with Barbara Davis at 840-3761 at 1:15 p.m. The Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club is sponsored by the City of Colonial Heights Department of Recreation and Parks. The club meets each Thursday. the fourth Thursday is a luncheon by reservation. If you are a resident of Colonial Heights and 50 years or older, you are invited to join the meetings. For more information, call Rusty Sirles at 520-1652.

CCHASM

Nonproﬁt presenting Elvis tribute artist in concert

in their efforts to support area residents with emergency needs. The concert will begin From Contributed Report present award winning at 3 p.m. (doors will open Elvis tribute artist Keith at 2 p.m.) at the Cosby MIDLOTHIAN — On Henderson in concert. High School auditorium, Oct. 25, the Chester- T he concer t is open 14300 Fox Club Pkwy. CCHASM is the proud field-Colonial Heights seating. A “love offering” will be recipient of the CamAlliance for Social Ministry (CCHASM) will taken to beneﬁt CCHASM eron Foundation’s 2014

Organization is also accepting donations for Thanksgiving meals

Cle veland A . Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service. CCHASM is a 501 (c) (3) whose mission is: To provide food, financial assistance, and career clothing to area residents who have experienced or are experiencing an emergency

situation which threatens their survival needs. CCHASM has been serving area residents for over 27 years through its 25 Alliance Food Pantries, Career Clothes Closet for Women, and with utility, rent, and other financial assistance, as funds are available. Its largest

program of the year is the Thanksgiving Meal Gift Package Program. Last year the Thanksgiving Program provided a food gift package and financial help with perishable items for over 8,000 adults and children.

SEE ELVIS, V5

Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

ANNUAL PICNIC

SVAR Realtors, affiliates mix, mingle and compete for a cause From Contributed Report

PETERSBURG — Members of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors® are a spirited bunch of real estate professionals who enjoy camaraderie, networking and healthy competition, especially when their revelry — and rivalry — beneﬁt others. The association held its annual Members’ Picnic, a tailgate party-themed event, Sept. 22, at Home Builders Pavilion. Scoring the win as recipient of the event’s second annual fundraising cornhole tournament was Blandford Community Center. The independent Wythe Street center is run by Petersburg assistant

ﬁre marshal Marlow Jones to offer Petersburg residents, primarily youths, recreational opportunities through boxing, wrestling, basketball, football, baton twirling and other programs. Nic and David Hayes, competing on behalf of Harris & Associates Inc. of Chester, earned bragging rights as corn-hole champs from the ﬁeld of 16 teams. Among the more than 100 picnic participants were state legislators Sen. Roslyn Dance, D-16th; and Del. Riley Ingram, R-62nd. Also attending were 63rd District House of Delegates Democratic nominee Lashrecse Aird; 11th District Senatorial Republican

SVAR Realtor® and Affiliate members take their corn hole seriously. Sixteen teams competed in the second annual corn-hole tournament during the annual Members’ Picnic.

nominee Amanda Chase; and Prince George County Board of Supervisors candidates Floyd M. Brown, D o n a l d Hu n t e r a n d Melvin Jones. “We support helping youths find beneficial extracurricular activities outside of school and appreciate our legislators for attending this event,” said SVAR President David Patsel, ABR, of Napier Realtors® ERA in Colonial Heights. “We knocked out a home run in regard to participation at the picnic.” The Southside Virginia A ssociation of Realtors® is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in real estate business practices and advocating

on behalf of the interests of private property owners. Its members also are members of the 30,000-member Virginia Association of Realtors® as well as the National Association of Realtors®. SVAR encompasses Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Pe t e r s b u r g , C h e s t e r, Emporia and Ettrick, and Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry and Sussex counties and much of Chesterﬁeld County. The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors®. For more info on SVAR, go to www. SVARealtors.com .

Southside Virginia Association of Realtors® President David Patsel, ABR, of Napier Realtors® ERA works the grill during the association’s tailgate party-themed Members’ Picnic and fundraiser. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

More than 100 SVAR members gathered at Home Builders Pavilion in Petersburg to network, enjoy camaraderie, compete and raise money for Blandford Community Center.

Joe Croce, left, CEO of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors® interviews corn-hole tournament winners They might root for opposing teams, but they’re still part of the David Hayes, center, and Nic Hayes, same SVAR family. Realtor® (and Cowboys fan) Michelle James with both representing Harris & Associates Century 21 Colonial Realty, was joined by husband and fellow Cowboys Inc., following their victory. Sixteen fan Gerald, and their son, Redskins fan, Christopher, center, at SVAR’s teams competed for bragging rights annual Members’ Picnic. The tailgate party-themed event, including a in the fundraiser to benefit Blandford corn-hole tourney, benefitted Blandford Community Center. Community Center.

RIGHT: George Grundy, SVAR Professional Standards Committee chairman, and Eileen Knode, Budget and Finance Committee chairman, enjoy some camaraderie during the tailgate party-themed event.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Oct. 16, 2015

BRIEFLY ITEMS

Barktoberfest COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House Assisted Living and Memory Care will host Barktoberfest and the Farmers Market at Dunlop House on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The event is free to attend. The Farmers Market will run from 4-7:30 p.m. The Barktoberfest will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Authentic German food plate will be sold. Food tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the event. All proceeds from food sales will beneﬁt PAWS and the Colonial Heights Animal Shelter. The event will also feature German music, craft and vegetable vendors and animals for adoption. Exhibitors will include Colonial Heights Animal Shelter, Crater Road Veterinary, Bully Rescue and Advocacy Group (BRAG), Collars for Causes, Hopewell Animal Control and Richmond Boxer Rescue. For more information or to purchase an advance food ticket, call Dunlop House at 804-520-0050.

Colonial Heights Civitan Club COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Civitan Club meets at 12 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant, 609 Boulevard. For more information about the club, meetings, or activities, call 804-919-4246.

Chester Civitan Club CHESTER — The Chester Civitan Club meets at 7 p.m. the ﬁrst and third Tuesday of the month at the Masonic Lodge, 411 Dodomead St. For more information on the club, meetings, or activities, call 804-796-4921.

NARFE to meet PETERSBURG — Petersburg Chapter 28, National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday Oct. 21, at 10:30 a.m., at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1769 S. Sycamore St. This chapter serves the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell, as well as the surrounding communities and counties. Retirees and active employees from all Federal agencies are invited to attend this meeting, as well as spouses, annuitants, and guests. This month’s program will feature representatives from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield who will explain any changes to their health plan for the Federal retire in 2016. Due to the demand for BCBS speakers, this will be the ﬁrst item on our program. For more information about the meeting, call 898-0091.

ELVIS From Page V3

CCHASM is currently accepting donations for the 2015 Thanksgiving Meal Gift Package Program. A donation of $15 — through a food store gift card, a bag of Thanksgiving food or cash donation toward gift card or gift package — is requested and greatly welcomed. The gift will provide an area family in need with a Thanksgiving Meal (and lot’s of leftovers). Donations may be sent to CCHASM at PO Box 1741, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Or, you can make a secure donation through the CCHASM website, www.cchasm.org, or bring grocery items to the Chesterﬁeld County Fairground Exhibition Center Monday Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 17, from noon to 7 p.m. Residents must pre-register with CCHASM prior to receiving a Thanksgiving Meal Package.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS 27, PRINCE GEORGE 13

Colonials take commanding win at homecoming Darien Canada scores 4 TDs, rushes for 225 yards By Charve Bynum Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS— The Colonials gained a Homecoming victory over the Prince George Royals on Oct. 9, with an ending score of 27-13. Colonial Heights took off quickly with a 47-yard touchdown by Darien Canada in the first quarter. Soon after, quarterback Jackson Cox handed the ball off to Darien Canada, who once again ran it into the endzone for a 21-yard touchdown. Colonial Heights dominated defensively to end the first quarter with a score of 14-0. The Colonials came into the second quarter gunning with a touchdown by Darien Canada. The standout running back would break through a few tackles for his fourth touchdown of the night, ending the first half with a score of 27-0, Colonials leading. Prince George picked up the pace in the second half with a touchdown pass from Malaki Gurley to Deven Roache, changing the score to 27-6. The Royals had multiple defensive stops against the Colonials throughout the second half causing, no score change with six minutes left in the second half. Prince George’s Malaki Gurley handed the ball off to Alli Treadway for a touchdown to end the

Colonial Heights’ Darien Canada (20) carries the ball against Prince George High School during their Central District match up in Colonial Heights on Oct. 9. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Colonial Heights quarterback Jackson Cox (7) looks for a pass in the second quarter against Prince George during their Central District match up in Colonial Heights on Oct. 9.

The Colonial Heights Marching Band performs at halftime of the Central District match up of Colonial Heights and Prince George in Colonial Heights on Oct. 9.

game 27-13. The Colonial’s Darien Canada rushed for 225 yards and 4 touchdowns on 24 carries. Devinne Edwards rushed for 20 yards with 4 carries while Rayquan Rogers rushed for 18 yards with 3 carries.

added a sack. The Royals’ Malaki Gurley rushed for 45 yards with 9 carries. Gurley also threw for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns with 11 completions of 23 attempts. Deven Roache had 128 yards and a touchdown

Jackson Cox threw for 55 yards with 6 completions of 13 attempts. Ahsan McKenzie had a total of 8 tackles and 1 sack. Dequan Pyer added 6 tackles, while Sean Allen and Tyrone Porter each had 5 tackles. Tyrone Porter also

while Alli Treadway had 73 receiving yards and a touchdown as well. Paul Dennis had a total of 10 tackles. Dajuan Hendricks added 8 tackles. Elijah Smith-Thomas and Spencer Rotzoll each had 5 tackles.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Southampton defeats Colonials 3-0 From Staff Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — After dropping the ﬁrst set, Colonial Heights charged right back with a vengeance, taking the lead and pulling away. But then came the eight-point run. Down by five, Southampton freight-trained on by to take the second set and proceeded to win the third. On Thursday, Oct. 8, the visitors won in three with scores of 25-16, 25-22 and 25-13. The Blue Devils played their best set of the night in the second, storming to the front for the 10-5 lead after trailing 5-2 with Samantha Firesheets serving. Southampton tied the game at 11, but Colonial Heights rolled right back out front and built up to a 22-17 lead. But the visitors swept past the Colonials ABOVE: Colonial Heights’ Shayla Williams and Lauren with eight unanswered Boyd leap for the block during an Oct. 8 set. points to steal the set. After this match, the LEFT: Colonial Heights’ McKenzie Vrooman stands Colonials were 8-6. Ava ready for the Southampton serve on Oct. 8. Southampton would win 3-0 despite a competitive second Adenauer had three digs set from the Colonials. NICHOLAS VANDELOECHT/PROGand 15 assists. Alexis Page RESS-INDEX PHOTOS had four kills and 10 digs. Shayla Williams had three kills and six digs. Southampton improved to 10-3. Emma Drake had two aces, two blocks, three digs and 11 kills. Sarah Williams had an ace, a block, five kills and five digs. Courtney Vinson had a kill, a dig and 13 assists. Colonial Heights were scheduled to host Meadowbrook on Tuesday, Oct. Colonial Heights huddles together before the start of their game vs. Southampton on Oct. 8. 13 at 5:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

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AUCTIONS

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