PARTY DEALS OPEN IN HEIGHTS
THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA
INSIDE, V3
Friday, November 20, 2015
COLONIALS HEADING TO STATE INSIDE, V5
FREE
LOCAL
APPOMATTOX RIVER TRAIL
Turkey Trot time COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The City's Chamber of Commerce and Recreation Department will host its 4th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The city is continuing the tradition initiated in 2012 – bringing over 1,000 participants together annually to gratefully celebrate healthy living. 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 that 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. Participants needed to 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 520-9390.
Dunlop House program COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House Assisted Living & Memory Care will host another Survival Skills for Healthy Aging, an educational series for seniors, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Dunlop House, 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard. The December topic is “Downsizing and Decluttering Tips.” The program will be presented by Joann Crowell-Redd of SFS Estates. RSVP is requested by Dec. 4. Call 804-520-0050 to RSVP or for more information about the event.
Civitan Club to meet COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Civitan Club meets at noon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Vincenzo's Italian Restaurant, 609 Boulevard. For more information about the club, meetings, or activities, call 804-919-4246.
Tree Lighting COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The City's Recreation and Parks Department will host its second annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 28 at the Colonial Heights Courthouse, 550 Boulevard. The event will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with Santa's Workshop at 5; entertainment at 6; followed by the tree lighting at 6:30. There is no cost to attend the tree lighting. For Santa's Workshop, the cost is $5 and pre-registration is required. The workshop portion of the event includes photos with Santa, cookies, hot cocoa or coffee. For more information about this event, call 804-520-9390.
Christmas Parade COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The City's annual Christmas Parade will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, on the Boulevard. Originated in 1953 by the Colonial Heights Optimist Club, this year's theme is “Christmas on the Boulevard.”
INDEX Opinion ..............V2 Classifieds .........V6
Things to do.......V3 Local...................V4
Vol. 13, No. 11
Folks stroll down the Colonial Heights Appomattox River Trail. FILE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO
‘Best New Renovation Award’ Contributed Report
The City of Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Department recently received the “Best New Renovation/Addition Award” from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society for the Phase 3 construction of the Appomattox River Trail. Over 350 delegates from around the state gathered last week at the 61st Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society held Nov. 7-10 in Virginia Beach. Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. This prestigious statewide program honors individuals, agencies and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in parks and recreation services during the previous calendar year. Judged by a jury of its peers, the Society paid tribute this year to the City of Colonial Heights as the best new renovation/addition as a trail for the Phase 3 construction of the Colonial
Heights Appomattox River Trail operation. This new section of the trail includes a 3⁄4 mile 10-foot wide paved, fully accessible walking trail with spectacular elevated views of the Appomattox River. The addition to this popular trail also includes a historic overlook utilizing a Civil War era railroad line that has since been abandoned, as well as corresponding signage with information on Civil War history in the area and how the abandoned railroad played a role in the war. The historic overlook is built on an old railroad abutment that once served as a bridge over the river. An ADA accessible pedestrian bridge was built from the paved trail up to the overlook area so that all could enjoy the view. “This award is an important and gratifying recognition of the hard work invested by our Recreation & Parks Department and the CHARTS citizens committee in making the Appomattox River Trail something our residents can
Folks check out an overlook at the Colonial Heights Appomattox River Trail System in October 2014. FILE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO
enjoy and be very proud of,” said City Manager Tom Mattis. The Virginia Recreation and Park Society is a private, nonprofit professional organization, founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1956. Its purpose is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in the
Commonwealth of Virginia, into one body. The members work together to promote and improve the profession in all its diversity. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association. For more information about the Appomattox River Trail, contact the Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Department at 520-9390.
COLONIAL HEIGHTS
City may raise School Board salaries Council members also looking at a pay increase By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights City Council is considering giving School Board members a raise that will boost salaries $3,400 more by January of 2017. The chairman of the School Board, who currently makes $2,700 annually, will earn $5,100 starting in 2016. The chairman’s salary will increase by another $1,000 starting on Jan. 1, 2017. For
the rest of the school board, their salaries, currently sitting at $2,400, will raise to $4,800 in 2016 and $5,800 by 2017. City Council voted in favor of amending the ordinance on first reading in a 5-1 vote. Councilwoman Diane H. Yates abstained from voting due to a personal interest. The vice mayor’s husband, Mike Yates, is chairman of the Colonial Heights School Board. “It’s a small compensation for the services the city receives and that the schools receive,” said Councilor John T. Wood in support of the raises. According to City Attorney Hugh “Chip” P. Fisher III, the city ordinance for the School Board salaries has not been modified
since 1994. Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba said salary increases are within the School Board’s budget, meaning that it will not cost the city any additional funds. Councilor Joe Green was the sole opposition to the salary increases. “Because of the domino effect I see this having, I don’t think it’s smart for the City Council to consider when the showers in the high school don’t work,” Green said. “I don’t think the responsibilities for running the schools are comparable to the responsibilities of running the city.” After the vote, Wood suggested the City Council also raise their own salaries in order to keep the wages proportional to the School
Board’s. The mayor currently earns an annual salary of $7,000 and the other six councilors receive an annual salary of $6,500. “I make a motion that the City Council likewise participate in an increase from their own budget to keep the salaries proportionate considering the obligations and the duties and responsibilities of council members,” Wood said. Wood said the City Council has not received any compensation increase since 1992. Any changes to the City Council’s salaries would have to be made before the Dec. 31, 2015, deadline. Fisher calculated that the School Board is receiving a roughly 250
SEE SALARIES, V3
V2
Friday, Nov. 20, 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
James River improves but more work remains
T
he James River is healthier today than it has been in decades. And that is good news for residents throughout the region and for the economy. The James River Association recently released their biennial report card of the James River, stating that the overall health of the river has improved from a C+ in 2013 to a B- in 2015. This means that the health of the river has increased by 4 percent over the past two years, bringing it up from 57 percent to 61 percent. The State of the James is the first report to give the James River an overall grade in the “B” range. “Having the grade move into the “B” range is a major milestone and reflects the tremendous progress that has been made since the James was considered one of the most polluted rivers in the nation four decades ago,” said Bill Street, CEO for the James River Association. “This result really highlights the improvements that have resulted from Virginia’s investments in cleaning up its waters, particularly in wastewater pollution controls. The benefits of these investments will ripple throughout not only the river but also the communities along it.” The report card focuses on four different categories that affect the river: Fish and Wildlife, Habitat, Pollution Reductions, and Protection and Restoration Actions. Positive findings from the report included a marked improvement in areas where Virginia has made significant investments – particularly with regard to wastewater pollution reductions. Additionally, a consistently healthy population of bald eagles was reported, smallmouth bass populations appear to be experiencing a resurgence in the Upper James, and underwater grasses continue to increase in the tidal tributaries of the river. However, the report noted areas of concern for the river, including an all-time low for American shad populations. And while overall pollution reductions increased to put Virginia on track with meeting the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup goals for the James River, the report notes slow improvement in sediment pollution reductions. Sediment continues to pose the most significant and long-standing threat to the James, the report said. Overall, Virginia must strengthen efforts to control agricultural and urban stormwater pollution to the same level of investments it has made for wastewater, according to the group. That will require an effort not only from state and local governments, but individuals can also lessen stormwater runoff into the river. The importance of the James River cannot be overstated. More than onethird of all Virginians rely on the James River and its tributaries for water, commerce and recreation. While there has been great improvements in the health of the James River, more work will need to be done.
INSPIRATION
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. Your testimonies are my delight, they are my counselors. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:14,24,72,103 Source: www.dailyscripture.net SOURCE: WWW.DAILYSCRIPTURE.NET
YOUR VIEW
The crack down on bake sales And now the government is cracking down on bake sales … A couple years ago, First Lady Michelle Obama launched her Let’s Move campaign. Along with it, the President signed into law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. Both are targeted at reducing childhood obesity, a laudable goal indeed. Childhood obesity is a real issue and one that our country needs to thoughtfully address. We need to be teaching our kids about nutrition and equipping them to make healthy choices. Some argued the law went too far, though, dictating what food can be served in school cafeterias – down to calories per snack, and the percentage that comes from fat, sugar, or sodium. Just last year, even more guidelines took affect that pushed those regulations beyond the lunchroom, restricting what food can be served in schools at all. These regulations will ban many in-school fundraisers – like bake sales – in some cases, unless they meet rigid nutritional standards or have a state-approved exemption. I started getting calls from school administrators concerned about some aspects of the new regulations and their impact on school life. My first thought is that we’re a long way away from my own school days when a bologna sandwich, Nabs, and a brownie weren’t an unusual school lunch. We’ve made a lot of progress over the years, and that’s important because we want to raise a healthy, strong generation. We want nutritious food for our children. But that doesn’t mean we want to ban them from selling cookies in school to raise funds for their soccer team. Cracking down on bake sales doesn’t make any common sense. In typical Washington fashion, it’s taking the worthy objective of healthy options for our kids and twisting it into a heavyhanded government mandate. Not only is it nonsensical, this new push — putting homemade brownies, cupcakes, and pumpkin bread under the weight of federal regulations — is really about something much bigger than bake sales and fundraisers in schools. It is indicative of a culture of hand-holding that is creeping into our country. In the hand-holding culture, the federal government chooses what’s best for individuals — as well as businesses and organizations. Instead of empowering people with options, it dictates their decisions. Instead of challenging them, it chooses for them. Working towards healthier meals in school and teaching our children to make wise choices about what they eat are good goals. But mandating the calorie intake in the cafeteria, at bake sales, and beyond, takes away individual decision-making and replaces it with a government defined dictate. Instead of educating our youngest generations that their actions have consequences, we’re defining the path for them. We owe it to ourselves to measure the costs of such a culture, because there is always a cost. One danger with this attitude is it leads to a shedding of individual responsibility. It chips away at the
characteristics that make us great as a nation: our ability to think for ourselves, make our own choices, and decide our own destiny. What if our founding fathers woke up one morning and said, “I’m going to wait until someone tells me what to do”? Where is there room for self-direction and drive in a hand-holding culture that tells you how to get from Point A to Point B (and what to eat along the way)? A shift happened in Washington last week. To many, the election of new leadership in Congress signals the potential for a new direction. This could be, but I also believe the new direction for Washington needs to start with a shift in mindset. We need to ask ourselves, are we going to regulate the personal decisions that happen in everyday life? Or are we going to empower Americans to make their own choices? Real growth happens when we roll up our sleeves, get to work, and start making things happen. But we’ll never be able to do that until the federal government stops trying to hold everyone’s hands. Congressman Randy Forbes Virginia Fourth District Chesapeake, Va.
Transportation is available for Colonial Heights senior citizens This letter is being written to inform the senior citizens of Colonial Heights concerning a service that many may not be aware of. If you are age 60 or over you qualify for the Senior Citizens Transportation Services. The transportation program operates under the supervision of the Senior Citizens Center. If you need transportation anywhere in the City of Colonial Heights for medical, business or personal reasons then give Elizabeth Thomas a call at 520-9219. They will also transport you to Hopewell and Petersburg for medical appointments only. Their vans are equipped with a hydraulic lift for wheelchair accessibility. There is no charge for this service, however, donations are gladly accepted. The city suggests at least a dollar donation for each way they transport you. Due to a severe injury from a fall resulting in me not being able to drive or even get into a car, I have used this service for several months. At this time I have only had the privilege of being driven by one of the drivers whose name is Howard Whirley. If you are not feeling good or having a pity party and need a good laugh, Howard will make your day. He is always at your house on time and will make sure that you are at your scheduled appointment on time. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance, however, they will provide transportation on shorter notice in an extreme emergency. This is a service that I have also had to use. They will pick you up as early as 8 a.m. for appointments and as late as 3:15 p.m. for your return trip home. As with all public services, there are certain rules that you have to abide by. So fellow senior citizens of Colonial Heights, please don't sit at home and wish that you had a way to go
somewhere because available transportation is just a phone call away. They will take you to your medical appointments in Colonial Heights, Petersburg or Hopewell and anywhere else you want to go in Colonial Heights. Therefore, seniors over 60 that live in Colonial Heights, your days of sitting home because you don't have transportation can be over if you pick up the phone and call Elizabeth at 520-9219 for full details about this service that is provided just for you. Betty Fields Colonial Heights
We need to protect ourselves from imported food Americans are getting more and more of their food from overseas, but we are not inspecting nearly enough of it. Eighty percent of the shrimp and other seafood we get are now obtained from foreign sources, along with twothirds of all the fruits and vegetables Americans eat every day. Despite these huge percentages, we inspect less than 2 percent of our food imports. We need more inspectors to keep our food supply safe from contaminated foreign food. Imported food may come from countries with lower production standards and may have been treated with drugs that are not approved for use in the United States. Without more inspectors, this food will flow freely into the United States, and on to American dinner tables. We must take action to protect ourselves from dangerous imported food. D Bailey Richmond
Letter hits the mark on Congress Kudos to Ronald Uehara on a great satirical letter to the editor in The Progress-Index in regards to Congressional behavior in Washington. His amusing comment about keeping the "cats" and the "rats" on the reservation is referring to a Congress that either keeps "caving" to the other side or does nothing except argue with each other, even within their own party. This is what happens when you have no leadership not only at the top, but also in Congress. There are, indeed, many senators and representatives in Congress that are just too nice. I would love to see those "ripe tomatoes" flying, as Uehara eluded to, just to be somewhat confident that someone in Congress is doing something. Lately, the only item that our Congress seems to be unanimously in agreement to is whether or not to give themselves a pay raise. We all know what that answer always is. Wouldn't every taxpaying citizen love to see a new Constitutional Amendment where the people have to agree, through the election process, whether Congress gets a pay raise or not? I'm sure that's wishful thinking. Now, it is, indeed, too quiet in Washington, which is scary. To Ronald Uehara: Please keep those articles coming. Gary Allen Chesterfield County
The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Nov. 20, 2015
8 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND
NEW BUSINESS
Party Deals celebrates grand opening
Tiro and Janice Navara, owners and operators of Party Deals, celebrated the grand opening of their new business on Oct. 17. The business is located at 21 Dunlop Village, Colonial Heights. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO From Contributed Report
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Tiro and Janice Navara, owners and operators of Party Deals, celebrated the grand opening of their business on Oct. 17. According to the owners, the business, located at 21 Dunlop Village, offers “a large variety of products to suit your party needs. “We want to invite you to come check out our store. We look forward to meeting you soon.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FRIDAY, Nov. 20
SUNDAY, Nov. 22
DINWIDDIE — Al-Anon Family Groups for family and friends of alcoholics meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Friday at Kenwood United Methodist Church, 25200 Ritchie Ave., Petersburg. For more information, call 733-7395. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Road, holds bingo every Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or information about membership requirements or activities of the American Legion, visit the Post 284 website, http://mysite. verizon.net/legion284 or call 526-5656. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Recovery Support program meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. each Friday in the conference room at the Colonial Heights Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Groups meet for 90 minutes and offer a structured group process designed to encourage, support and empower. All diagnosis welcome. For more information, contact Gina at 804-605-5010 or towritegina@yahoo.com. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Friday at 10 a.m. at: Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Meetings are also also held at 5:30 p.m. each MondayFriday at the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959.
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Moose Lodge 1783, 170 Moose Ave., holds bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, visit the website at www.chmoose.com or call 526-1537. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959.
SATURDAY, Nov. 21 PETERSBURG — The Petersburg Chapter of Saint Paul’s College National Alumni Association will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday at Saint Stephen’s Epicopal Church, 228 Halifax St. Meetings are open to area alumni and friends of the college. This Association meets the third Saturday, September through April. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2239, 14705 Jefferson Davis Highway, holds bingo each Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 7. There are six to eight chances to win $500 or more. Food is available. For directions or questions about this event, call 748-4896 and ask for Tom Gore. For information about VFW membership or other activities, call Tom Ferguson, 748-4896.
MONDAY, Nov. 23 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The “Colonial Square Dancers,” a nonprofit organization, meets from 7-9 p.m. each Monday at the Colonial Heights High School cafeteria on Conduit Road. Square dancers and visitors are welcome. For more information, call 804-720-2340. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Road, holds bingo every Monday. Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or information about membership requirements or activities of the American Legion, visit http://mysite. verizon.net/legion284 or call 526-5656. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Monday at 10 a.m at Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Meetings are also held at 5:30 p.m. MondayFriday at the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959.
TUESDAY, Nov. 24 PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at: the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959. CHESTERFIELD — Chesterfield County
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center is facilitating an anonymous community support group for victims of domestic and sexual violence on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending, call 804-3188265 for more information. This support group is confidential. Anything you say is kept in strict confidence, as is the location. You do not need to use your name unless you choose to do so. The group’s goal is to support, encourage and provide resources to participants. 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.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Send event and contact info to newsroom@progress-index. com or The Progress-Index, 15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803
1. ‘Tinsel Town Bazaar’ The Tussing Elementary School PTO will host its third annual “Tinsel Town Bazaar” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Tussing Elementary School, 5501 Conduit Road, Colonial Heights. This event will host a variety of crafters and vendors providing holiday gift ideas and items for sale. The PTO will also be hosting a silent auction featuring many different items, such as restaurant gift certificates; museum and zoo tickets and sports activities. There will also be vendors on-site selling food items. This is a family-friendly event. There will be shopping for the adults and Santa pictures as well as craft/gift making for children, ages 4-11. The bazaar is free with a nominal charge for crafts made by the kids, as a gift for loved ones. Santa will also be visiting with pictures for $1.
2. Art opening Side Street Gallery, located at 127-129 Pickwick Ave., Colonial Heights, will host its November art opening on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. This month features the gallery’s Small Works show, selling all framed 6 by 6 inch original works of art for $25 each. This event is free to attend and will also feature live music and refreshments.
3. ‘Hello Dolly!’ “Hello, Dolly!” wraps up its run on the Fort Lee Playhouse’s Main Stage this weekend. Directed by Catherine Schaffner, this production stars Mellen Heggie as the unstoppable Dolly Gallagher Levi. Heggie was seen most recently in “9 to 5: The Musical”. Her curmudgeonly love interest, Horace Vandergelder, is being played by Mark Tomczak. Performances continue Nov. 20-22. Note: Fort Lee has installed its access policy
Hopewell’s historic Beacon Theatre will be rocking Nov. 19-21 with classic blues rock, vintage funk and southern rock. On Thursday night, The Yardbirds, with founding member and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jim McCarty, will lead an all-star band through a night of British Invasion blues rock. The Yardbirds continue musical traditions of a lineup that has seen the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck in its ranks. Things get funky at The Beacon on Friday night with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. The entertainment wraps up Saturday with Blackfoot, featuring special guest and founding member Rickey Medlocke, currently of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Medlocke is only playing three dates with Blackfoot this year and The Beacon will host his final night. Tickets are on sale now at the box office, online or by phone. The Beacon Theatre is located at 401 N. Main St.; 804-446-3457; www.thebeacontheatreva. com .
5. ‘Shrek the Musical’ Thomas Dale High School, 3626 W Hundred Road, Chester, will present “Shrek the Musical” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. For more information, call 768-6245.
6. Light Show and Santa’s Village DOSWELL — Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village will feature numerous special events during its six-week run at The Meadow Event Park. The event opens Nov. 21 and runs through Jan. 2, 2016, at the Caroline County venue. Hours of operation are 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly, including holidays. Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village is partnering
7. ‘Plaid Tidings’ at the Mill “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” by Stuart Ross is currently playing at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights. Shows are held Thursday through Saturdays at 8 p.m. nightly with some matinees. Tickets are available for the show only or a buffet meal and show. Call 804-748-5203 for reservations or visit www. swiftcreekmill.com for online ticketing.
8. Affairs of the Hearth at Henricus This day-long, foodforward event will explore 17th-century cooking for English soldiers and middleclass colonists. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester. Historical interpreters will demonstrate how soldiers made small rations of salted bacon, peas and oatmeal appetizing by adding bread, cheese and vegetables. At the re-created plantation of John and Alice Proctor, interpreters will host a typical English autumn meal. In addition, demonstrations at the Virginia Indian site will feature the smoking of meat and making of harvest stew and corn cakes. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 children ages 6-12. Henricus patrons are free. For more information, call 748-1611 or visit http://Henricus.org
City offering neighborhood leaf removal services From Contributed Report
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The 12th Virginia, Co. C, Petersburg New Grays meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Colonial Heights Public Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. For more information, contact C.L. Helmer at 526-0724. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 485 meets each Wednesday morning at Colonial Heights Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Weighins begin at 8:15 a.m. and the meetings start at 9. For more information, call Evelyn at 748-2607. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Optimist Club of Colonial Heights, 916 Meridan Ave., holds bingo every Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird games start at 6:45 and regular games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions or details, call 526-0689. Money raised supports youth projects in the community. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Wednesday at 10 a.m. at: Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are also held at 5:30 p.m. MondayFriday at: the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959.
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The City's Department of Public Works is providing convenient leaf removal services in city neighborhoods again this year. Each fall, residents collect and stockpile loose leaves along city streets, which city crews remove and make available to local recycling businesses. During the 2014⁄15 season, city crews collected approximately 3,300 cubic yards of leaves. This year, leaf removal operations will occur in three main service areas, each consisting of three to four neighborhoods. Visit www.colonialheightsva. gov and see link for map of the service areas and schedules. Signs will be installed on adjacent thoroughfares to let residents know in advance when service is scheduled in
Thanksgiving Day
4. The Beacon is rocking
with SummitMedia and FeedMore, Central Virginia’s regional food bank, Star Radio Group and Toys for Tots to give a gift to those in need. Guests who bring five or more nonperishable food items on Mondays or a new, unwrapped toy on Tuesdays throughout the duration of the event will receive $5 off gate admission after making their donation at the light show entrance. For more information and to buy discounted tickets, visit IlluminateLightShow. com. Discounted tickets also will be sold at 32 Walgreens locations in Central Virginia; details are available on the Illuminate website.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 25
THURSDAY, Nov. 26
whereas all adults seeking entrance to the post will submit to a background check. If you have questions as to how this will affect your ability to attend a show, call 804-734-6629.
SALARIES From Page V1
percent salary increase by 2017; from $2,700 to $6,100 for the chairman and from $2,400 to $5,800 for the rest. According to Fisher, if the City Council raised their salaries by 250 percent too, their salaries would surpass $16,000. “Two-hundred and fifty percent of what they’re making now would be $16,500 for the regular council members and $17,000 for the mayor,” Fisher said. But City Council
their area. Please note that the time for service in each area is subject to change depending on inclement weather conditions and other events beyond the City’s control. Leaves are being collec ted and removed during the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Leaf collection began Nov. 9, and will continue until Jan. 29, 2016. Residents are asked to place leaves along street frontages and roadsides one week before service is scheduled to begin in their neighborhood. No leaves will be removed except during regularly scheduled times. Leaves that are not placed before regularly scheduled removal times will be removed during the next regularly scheduled service in the area. City crews cannot remove l e av e s f r o m p r i v a t e property.
Residents are asked to keep leaf piles free of tree branches, lumber, steel, rock, concrete or other debris. Hard objects mixed with leaves are hazardous and may damage leaf vacuum equipment causing unnecessary time and expense to repair or replace. Residents can assist city leaf removal operations by keeping parked vehicles clear of leaf piles. The use of off-street parking is encouraged wherever available. “No Parking” signs may be used to restrict parking on neighborhood streets while city crews remove leaf piles. To avoid damaging personal property, city crews will not rake leaf piles out from under or between parked cars. Residents may contact the Public Works Department at (804) 520-9372 for more information about this neighborhood service.
quickly dispelled the idea. “In my opinion that would be outrageous,” said new City Councilor E. “Betsy” Gentry Luck. “We need to come up with some practical figures.” The councilors tossed around the idea of increasing their salaries by the same dollar amount of the School Board raise instead, which would amount to $3,400. The mayor’s annual salar y would then add up to $10,400 while the remaining six councilors would make $9,900 annually. Wood’s motion to look
into increasing the City Council’s salaries passed in a 6-1 vote, with Yates participating this time. Green was the lone “no” vote again. The ordinance to amend the School Board’s salaries will be voted on again for a second reading at the Dec. 8 meeting. The city will also present figures for a City Council raise as well, which Fisher said has yet to be determined. Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-7225154 or smertens@ progress-index.com
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Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.
NEW REPAIR SHOP
Fruit Fixed opens in Colonial Heights From Staff Reports
F
ruit Fixed has a new location in Colonial Heights. The store is located at 3107 Boulevard, Suite 6.
According to store owner, Justin Carroll, "Fruit Fixed was started as an Apple product repair shop, hence the name, but over time we expanded to offer services on all Samsung and Android devices. We are a leader in the repair industry because we are committed to using 100 percent original quality parts .. We have fast turnaround times, most repairs take less than 30 minutes, and we warranty our parts and labor against defect for the LIFE of your device." The business celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 13.
Fruit Fixed celebrates its opening in Colonial Heights on Wednesday, Oct. 13. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO MORE BRIEFLY ITEMS
Cox re-elected majority leader RICHMOND — On Sunday, Nov. 15, during its organizational meeting, the Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus unanimously elected Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), to another term. “I appreciate the support of my colleagues and look forward to continuing to serve as Majority Leader,” said Majority Leader Cox. “The Republican Majority in the House of Delegates has been the one constant in Virginia politics for more than a decade. We have offered a governing vision that produces results on the issues that matter most to Virginians and we will continue to do so in the years ahead. I look forward to working with the Speaker, Chairman Hugo, Majority Whip Miller and our entire caucus this term.”
COLONIAL HEIGHTS Cox was the House majority whip 2004–2010 and has served as House majority leader since December 2010. Delegate William J. Howell, R-Stafford, was elected for an eighth term as Speaker. Majority Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo, R-Fairfax, and Majority Whip Jackson Miller, R-Manassas, were each also elected unanimously.
Dunlop House tree lighting COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House Assisted Living facility will host its annual holiday tree lighting event on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the facility, 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard. The community is invited to join staff and residents as the facility's solarium comes alive with festive cheer and holiday magic. Refreshments will be served and
entertainment will be provided by the Chesterfield Choral Society. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Gina Wiles at 804-520-0050.
CVWMA collections delayed for holiday RICHMOND - CVWMA residential recycling and trash collections will be delayed one day in observance of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26. There will no collections on Thanksgiving Day. Recycling and trash collections Monday through Wednesday will be on regular schedule. RED Thursday and RED Friday recyclers will have a one day delay in recycling collection service due to the holiday. Collections will take place on the day following the regularly scheduled collection day. Friday collections will take place on Saturday.
BRIEFLY ITEMS
Confidential support groups PRINCE GEORGE — James House is offering several cost-free confidential support groups. A group for women affected by domestic violence and another for children ages 4-12 who have witnessed violence in their homes will be held on Monday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Nov. 23, and running through Dec. 28. A second group for women affected by domestic violence will be held on Thursday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m., beginning Dec. 3, and running through Jan. 28, 2016. Registration for all groups is required. For additional information or to
set up an intake appointment, call 458-2704. James House provides support, advocacy and education for people affected by sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking, to empower them to become healthy, safe, and selfsufficient. The only nonprofit agency in the Tri-Cities area accredited by the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, all James House services are cost-free and confidential. To learn more, call 458-2704, visit www.thejameshouse.org; or email helpline@thejameshouse.org.
Holiday bazaar CHESTERFIELD — The 24th annual Jingle Bell Bazaar will be
held Saturday, Dec 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ecoff Elementary School, 5200 Ecoff Ave., Chester. More than 110 local crafters and vendors will offer accessories, baskets, baked goods, bird houses, books, candles, clothing, crocheted and knitted items, decorations, floral, health and beauty products, handbags, hand painted porcelain, glass and slate jewelry, kitchenware, pet products, pocket watches, totes, wood crafts and wreaths. There will also be door prizes and concessions. The $1 admission donation will benefit the Ecoff Elementary PTA. For more information, email ecoffpta@gmail.com.
Fire, EMS & Emergency Management receives Firehouse Subs grant Funds will be used to purchase five ventilation fans Contributed Report
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The City's Fire, EMS and Emergency Management has received a $17,812.50 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. These funds will be used to purchase five ventilation fans to be placed on each fire apparatus in the city. The battery operated fans will allow for quick set-up to clear smoke from structures leading to a more effective search for victims. These fans will also help
remove toxic gasses from firefighter’s gear. " We w o u l d l i ke t o thank Firehouse Subs for their commitment to our department and for promoting fire safety in our community, said Deputy Fire Marshal J. E. Boisseau. In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment, and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Through its grant application program, the foundation has awarded more than $15 million to hometown heroes in 44 states and Puerto Rico.
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The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Nov. 20, 2015
V5
REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
Colonials earn title with intense 3-0 victory
The Colonial Heights Colonials boys volleyball team stand together as the 4A East Western Section regional champions following their 3-0 victory over Midlothian. PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS VANDELOECHT/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS.
Colonial Heights wins all sets over Midlothian by two points By Nicholas Vandeloecht Staff Reports
MIDLOTHIAN — Don’t let the 3—0 end result fool you. It was an intense game. But in the end, hard–hit kills, crucial blocks and steady play factored into three nail–biter sets that the Colonial Heights boys volleyball team captured by the slimmest of margins to defeat Midlothian and win the 4A East Western Section Championship. That means home court advantage for the Colonials in the 4A state semifinals. “It was incredible!” Colonials Volleyball’s Stuart Crinkley said of his team’s regional championship. “We’ve worked hard all season, we’ve been down a player (Tyler Gingrich), he comes back in a week with no practice whatsoever. We get right back in the swing of things — everything runs smoothly.” Gingrich had a strong game, getting 42 assists as well as three kills over three sets. Crinkley rolled out nine kills, seven blocks and three digs as he and his teammates brought the emotion and intensity throughout the matchup. Noah Murdock lasered the ball across the net on many occassions as he earned 27 kills, nine blocks and three digs. Crinkley said, “It’s just a great feeling to know that we have that much confidence in ourselves ... knowing that we can come out and win games like this.” Noah Bryant and Noah Sears also contributed crucial points throughout the sets with key blocks and kills — Sears holding position at the net
Noah Murdock (right) congratulates Noah Sears (left) following a Colonials point in the regional finals at Midlothian. Also pictured are Stuart Crinkley (second from left) and Tyler Gingrich (#4).
along with Crinkley on notable defensive moments and Bryant’s attack sealing up the second set for the Colonials. “Blocking was big tonight,” Crinkley said, adding of Midlothian’s Nick Spichiger: “Great player, the best player we’ve played against all season — probably the best player in the state. He’s a phenomenal hitter, phenomenal player overall.” Spichiger was much more skilled tonight than Crinkley had ever seen him play before. “And we somehow got up and we were able to block him and get in his head a little bit.” Colonials Boys Volleyball head coach Mark Lee said his players blocked better — and he thinks they can block even better than that. He said Murdock and Crinkley had a good night in blocking, combining for 16. He added that Sears and Bryant also did better blocking on Thursday night. Lee added that this game
was one of his team’s better times as they did a lot of good things in that game. “Overall we played very well. The other team played down tonight, which helped us, but we were very steady,” Lee said. “We kept our heads ... one I thing I liked most of all is we didn’t get upset when we were down a few points.” In the first set, the Colonials roared back from a 21-15 deficit to win 25-23, putting the exclamation on the comeback with a rocketing kill by Murdock. The Colonials also trailed the Trojans by 18-14 at one point after the home team took the lead at 14-13. But with kills by Murdock and key plays by Bryant and Crinkley, the Colonials sprang back into a 24-23 lead and tied once more at 24 before winning that last set 26-24. The second set had also stayed close with the Colonials getting a big lead at 17-11, but Midlothian chipped away
at that advantage until tying them at 22 and then again at 25 and 26. Bryant scored the point on the attack to secure the set victory for the Colonials in the second at 28-26. Dante Jennings had some big saves that kept the ball in play and led to points for Colonial Heights. Lee said they came out, they weren’t too high or low, they knew what they had to do, and they did it. With Thursday’s win, the Colonials’ overall record is now 16-7. In the state semifinals game, Colonial Heights was scheduled to host Churchland — who lost to Great Bridge in their respective regional finals 3-0 — on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Great Bridge will host Midlothian in the other game of the state semifinals — also on Nov. 17 and also at 7 p.m. The winners of those two games will play in the VHSL
Stuart Crinkley of Colonial Heights (facing) embraces teammate Tyler Gingrich after their intense 3-0 win over Midlothian for the regional championship.
4A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Friday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. in the Siegel Center in Richmond. Nicholas Vandeloecht may be reached at (804) 722- 5151 or nvandeloecht@progressindex.com.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL STATE TOURNAMENT
Colonials to compete for 4A title
at Colonial Heights in the 4A State Semifinals on Tuesday evening, Nov. 17. COLONIAL HEIGHTS Churchland made up with - Call it official. their lack of height with an The Colonials are going impressive ability to dig to the state championship Colonial Heights’ hard game. hits, and their unorthodox Portsmouth’s Church- style kept Colonial Heights land boys’ volleyball on their toes. team met the Colonials But Colonial Heights By Wesley Bolyard
For The Progress-Index
came out on top 3-1 thanks to their offense, led by towering six-foot-seven senior Noah Murdock, and their blocking power. The Colonials won the match in four sets: 25-10, 25-15, 19-25 and 25-17. C hurchland in the second set picked up the pace, but still couldn’t
fully handle Colonial Heights’ offense. During the third set, the student section erupted again as the second string was able to step on the court and played during the last several points where Churchland was able to come back from 19-17 to win the set. Colonial
Colonial Heights beats Churchland 3-1, advances to championship game
Heights came back in the fourth set with the 25-17 win to seal the deal. Noah Murdock had nine blocks, 23 kills, four aces, and four digs. Tyler Gingrich had 36 assists, three digs, two aces and two kills. Stuart Crinkley had 13 kills and eight blocks. Colonial Heights is 17-7.
Churchland’s Carleek Owens had 11 kills. They end their season 12-12. Colonial Heights will meet Midlothian for the fourth time this season at the Siegel Center in Richmond for the State 4A Boys Volleyball Championship on Friday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m.
V6
Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.
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