Destinatnion Dinwiddie 011615

JANUARY 2015

DESTINATION

DINWIDDIE A Special Supplement To The

Progress-Index

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Christmas Parade, 7

Toy Drive, 7

Dance Studio, 8

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January 2015

Dinwiddie County

WANDA HARMON

New 911 texting service

Local Supervisors clerk retires

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INWIDDIE — Wanda Harmon, county clerk to the Board of Supervisors, attended her last meeting in early December as she approached retirement after nine years of service.

Denice Marrs, left, Dinwiddie County’s communications manager, talks to Dinwiddie resideny Linda Killin about Dinwiddie County’s launch of the “Text to 911” system. Contributed photo From Staff Reports

DINWIDDIE — When Linda Killin’s husband went into diabetic shock, she immediately called 911.

However, the interaction between Killin and the dispatcher was difficult because Killin had been deaf since birth.

So while on the phone with the dispatcher during her husband’s incident, she told them she was hearing impaired.

There was a downside though.

“I could not hear or answer their questions,” she said.

Eventually, a sheriff ’s deputy was dispatched to Linda’s home and her husband received the help he needed, but the situation would have probably ran smoother with a service that could help people like Killin who are unable to speak with dispatchers.

Dinwiddie County has come up with the solution to this issue. Starting Jan. 1, county communications will begin accepting calls via “Text to 911.” The county is only the sixth in the state to use this service. It will allow people in need of assistance to send a text message to initiate response. Dispatchers will reply

via text with a question regarding the nature of the emergency and will then ask whether or not the individual is able to call into the 911 center. Denice Marrs, communication manager, recognizes that not everyone is able to utilize traditional methods when requesting assistance even though voice calls are the most efficient and preferred method of contact with the 911.

“There are also instances where which making a traditional call to 911 isn’t in the best interest of the caller,” Marrs said referring to individuals in abusive or hostage situations.

While the “Text to 911” service may be life-saving for many, is not intended for use by everyone in need of assistance.

“Traditional contact with 911, whereby the caller is able to communicate and speak freely with a 911 operator, is the still the best way to report an emergency or request medical assistance,” Marrs said.

The overall cost of this project was $180,888. Dinwiddie County received a grant in the amount of $150,000 from the E-911 Services Board, making the county’s net cost $30,888.

Her retirement went into effect Dec. 31.

“I want to say what a privilege it has been to serve the citizens and to work beside some of the best people. To make a decision to retire is not always an easy decision, but it’s so much more difficult when you work with people who are like family,” Harmon said at her last meeting. “To serve such a board who has such a strong faith is so unique. I cherish the time I’ve had and I thank you for the privilege.”

County Administrator Kevin Massengill also spoke on Harmon’s work ethic and dedication to Dinwiddie.

“Many of you see the public side of these meetings, I get to see the postmeeting with Wanda as my assistant. I can tell you that working with Wanda over the years that she’s not really an assistant, she’s a partner. What a good partnership we’ve had,” Massengill said.

“There are big shoes to fill.”

Filling those shoes will be Stephanie

Wray, who Massengill said was a 2002 graduate of Richard Bland College and a 2006 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BS in business administration and management.

“She’s just an amazing individual herself with great administrative background. She has great emphasis on customer service which I think is part of those big shoes that Wanda has. She has strong communication skills and I’m happy to have such a transition take place,” Massengill said.

Wray’s tenure as clerk began Jan. 1.

January 2015

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Natural gas

Pipeline could run through Dinwiddie From Staff Reports

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INWIDDIE - A proposed 550-mile natural-gas pipeline could run through 12 miles of Dinwiddie County.

The project, known as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, would run an underground pipeline from North Carolina to West Virginia. It is a joint venture between four energy companies: Dominion, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas and AGL Resources.

According to Frank Mack, Dominion manager of communications, the ACP would cost between $4.5 billion and $5 billion with no cost to Dinwiddie.

“There is a need for additional natural gas infrastructure to better serve existing customer demand, improve service reliability and allow for customer growth and economic development,” Mack said. “The project also would improve gas supply for Mid-Atlantic markets, thereby promoting price stability and enhancing economic opportunity.”

The idea of this pipeline was originally proposed in April 2013. Before construction, though, the companies have to apply for a permit, Mack said, through the Federal Energy Review Commission to review input for local and state entities, private citizens as well as looking at the environmental impact on the proposed route.

Harrison Moody, District 1 Supervisor, is one of the close to 30 landowners who may be affected by the pipeline’s construction.

“I’ve got mixed feelings about it. It could bring in jobs for the area. As far as the big picture, I’m sure it’s going to be providing low cost energy to certain areas. It’s going to be a positive economic impact for the whole state of Virginia,” Moody said.

He added that upset landowners have already contacted him and other members of the board. The current

“There is a need for additional natural gas infrastructure to better serve existing customer demand, improve service reliability and allow for customer growth and economic development.”

Frank Mack, Dominion Communications Manager

route, according to County Administrator Kevin Massengill, cuts through the county.

“The line comes in through Brunswick, crosses Interstate 85 and comes near Fort Pickett. Then traverses U.S. Route 40 and comes back around Pickett towards the U.S. Route 460 end and shoots west all the way from Robinson County, NC, up through Virginia and all the way to West Virginia with another line going toward Chesapeake,” Massengill said at a Sept. 16 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Because the proposition is still in the beginning stages, Moody said he and the board have come up with alternative options so that not as many landowners are affected by the pipeline.

“One option we we’re looking at is maybe it going around the perimeter of Fort Pickett where it wouldn’t affect any operations or landowners,” he said.

He said he wanted to emphasize that these were just options and that no concrete route has been determined.

Dominion communications manager Mack said no matter the route chosen, landowners will be compensated for the use of their land or if any damage occurs on the property as a result of the initial land survey. He added that they should have received letters in May making them aware that their land could be used for the project.

“The pipeline, if approved by the FERC, would be built with the best possible route with the least impact to the environment, cultural and historical resources,” Mack said. “Landowners, government officials and the general public will have many opportunities

throughout the process to provide input about the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline project.”

Thirteen information sessions have already been held on Sept. 18. One of these sessions was in Lawrenceville,Va., where Mack said over 300 people attended. The last two open houses will be held Sept. 25.

As for the Federal Energy Review Commission application, Mack said Dominion will pre-file later this fall and submit in summer 2015. “[We] hope to obtain the FERC Certificate by Summer 2016, begin construction in 2017-18 and have the pipeline in-service by the end of 2018,” Mack said.

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January 2015

Dinwiddie

Board of Supervisors gets new leadership

From Staff Reports

DINWIDDIE — The Board of Supervisors appointed a new chairman and vice chairman at their organizational meeting Tuesday.

For the next year, Daniel D. Lee will serve as the board chairman and Brenda K. Ebron-Bonner will serve as the vice chairman. According to the Board of Supervisors’ bylaws, the chairman and vice chairman serve one-year terms.

“I’d like to thank my fellow board members for electing me as the 2015 chair. I greatly appreciate their trust in my leadership abilities and know that

“...With strong schools, a robust workforce development program and recreation opportunities for all citizens, Dinwiddie will continue to be an extraordinary community in which to spend a lifetime.”

Daniel D. Lee,

Board chairman

I am honored to sit in this chair that has seated such strong and dedicated leaders over the past three years,” Lee said. “My goal as chair is to continue moving Dinwiddie County forward with the continued emphasis on economic development and conservative spending.

We will accomplish our goals without creating additional tax burdens on the citizens we serve. Over the past three years, I feel as though we have worked together as a board to put our county on the map which will continue in the years.

With strong schools, a robust workforce development program and recreation opportunities for all citizens, Dinwiddie will continue to be an extraordinary

community in which to spend a lifetime.”

Ebron-Bonner also added that she is excited for her term.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board and thank you for the opportunity to be vice chair, [I want to] continue to move Dinwiddie forward,” she said.

Prior to the new nominations, William “Bill” Chavis served as the board chairman for the year 2014 with Lee as the vice chairman.

“I’ve enjoyed Mr. Lee being my vice chair this year,” Chavis said. “He’s always stepped up when I needed him and I always felt secure that he would do that so I’m looking forward to his leadership.”

January 2015

Don’t be a bully rally

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Bully prevention

INWIDDIE — The bullying began in fourth grade for Maya Criss, 14, a student at Varina High School Specialty Center. She began to get “picked on” for just being the tallest and wearing her hair in natural curls.

“I’ve been hit, kicked, punched, teased, talked about and stabbed with pencils,” Maya said. The bullying changed Maya’s behavior. She began straightening her hair, dieting, forgetting to do her homework and lashing out at home.

“I just didn’t care about anything anymore,” Maya said.

Her mother, Macy William noticed the changes and began probing into her daughter’s situation by talking to teachers, principals and counselors about Maya.

“After talking to my mom and counselors and stuff, I decided that it was time for me to make a change for me. I did the big chop (cutting all her chemically altered hair) … I felt beautiful and free.

I loved myself for once.”

With the silence broken and with the attention of school officials, the bullying stopped. And Maya began to start her own natural hair-care business BaNue, which stands for “Beauty and You.” Maya is not alone in her situation. A 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said 14.8 percent of students nationwide had been electronically bullied, including being bullied through email, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites, or texting. In Virginia, 14.5 percent of students were electronically bullied in 2013. The survey also said that 19.6 percent of students nationwide had been bullied on school property, 21.9 percent in Virginia.

With bullying so pervasive, members

of the Dinwiddie County Sheriff ’s Office, local churches and are television stations wanted holiday gatherings to also include some serious talk about how to prevent bullying.

A forum held in December at the Eastside Enhancement Center — the first Don’t Be A Bully Rally — sought to educate parents and students alike on the signs and qualities of both someone being bullied and people who do the bullying. Maj. William Knott with the Dinwiddie Sheriff ’s Office said that even though National Bullying Prevention Month was in October, this was the perfect time to do it because families are together for the holiday’s and can discuss it.

“It’s for everybody. Families, young and old alike, can benefit from this.

The children can get an idea of what to do if they are bullied and parents can be informed of things to look for like changes in behavior, being afraid to go to school or a certain area and being worried about who may be there. I think the whole family can benefit from it,” Knott said.

Bullying, according to stopbullying. gov, is is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. It includes physical, social or verbal attacks or threats It can also happen before or after school, on the bus, in a neighborhood or online.

In additions to Maya, others who spoke were adults who were bullied or were bullies in the past.

Virginia Berry, principal at James S. Russell Middle School in Brunswick County, spoke of how she became a bully.

She said she grew up with her mother, brother and abusive father. She said her father always beat the three of them and See Bully, 8

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January 2015

DINWIDDIE CHRISTMAS SHARING FOUNDATION, INC.

Citizens rally to provide Christmas gifts

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INWIDDIE — Citizens of the county made an effort to make sure every child received Christmas gifts in 2014.

Christmas Day.” In order for families to participate in the distribution, they must be eligible.

Pittman said eligibility is based on the same federal guidelines for what a family The Dinwiddie Christmas Sharing needs to get food stamps.

“You can also qualify if you’ve had a Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization, held its sixth annual Toy recent job loss, house fire or severe illDistribution for families in need Friday ness of the family. You can qualify four Dec. 12 at 15610 Courthouse Road. or five ways. We have a committee that County administrator Kevin Massen- approves, mails them a letter that says gill said that this year the foundation they’ve qualified and day to come in and pick up,” she said. helped make the holi For a successful disdays brighter for about “The purpose of tribution, Young said, 120 families and more the event is to there are between 40 than 300 children in to 50 volunteers that Dinwiddie County. share the love include members of “It ’s the best gift the Dinwiddie Fire and of the season,” said of Christmas EMS, Dinwiddie High Susan Carson, Head School football players with all of of Elf of the Dinwidand community volundie Christmas Sharing the children teers. Carson said 12 Foundation, Inc. As churches sponsor toys head elf, Carson is the in Dinwiddie where they picked puzindividual who counts County.” zles, games or books, the all the toys, buys all the Knitting group at Dintoys and then has them widdie Library knitted Susan Carson, delivered for distribuDinwiddie Christmas Sharing hats for children and tion set up.

Foundation, Inc. their parents and 18 “The purpose of the county businesses had event is to share the love boxes for toy donations. of Christmas with all of Young also said the families and indithe children in Dinwiddie County,” she viduals will want to sponsor families in said.

Money for the distribution came, said need by providing them the resources foundation chairman Kathy Young, from needed to participate in the distribution $1,000 grants from the John Randolph as well as other charitable events by the Foundation and the Richmond Christ- foundation. She said these sponsors mas Mother. The toys were a range from may provide clothes or even Christmas dolls, books, stocking stuffing and sports dinner.

“It’s people helping other people in items for children of all ages.

Barbara T. Pittman, Christmas Shar- ways that are comfortable for both paring Foundation Volunteer, also said ties,” she said.

As far as a benefit to the community, Wal-Mart Distribution Center gave the the foundation is just looking to make organization 26 bicycles.

“We’re putting out one for each age sure everyone can celebrate the holiday group,” Pittman said. “[The families] comfortably.

“It puts a twinkle in a child’s eye and come here, we walk around with them to know that every child in Dinwiddie and they pick out seven toys for each child, also a book, a puzzle and stock- County will wake up Christmas morning stuffers. Then when they checkout, ing with something under their tree or they will receive a $20 gift per child to in their house,” Carson said.

Food Lion to help with their food for

The Dinwiddie Christmas Sharing Foundation headquarters was buzzing with volunteers and toys on Thursday, Dec. 12. Their toy distribution helps more than 100 families in the county have a merry Christmas. Amir Vera/ProgressIndex Photos

January 2015

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Nick’s toy drive

Over 3,000 toys delivered to hospitalized children

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INWIDDIE — It was another successful year for 11-year-old Nicholas “Nick” Booth’s fourth annual toy drive as he donated 3,852 toys to Virginia Commonwealth University Children’s Hospital on Dec. 19.

“I felt like very excited that we delivered so many toys to the hospital this year. It was over double the toys than last year,” Nick said.

Nick’s mother, Sheri Booth, said in 2011 Nick collected 75 toys, in 2012 he collected over 1,000 toys, and last year collected over 1,500 toys.

This year’s toy drive had an added sentiment because Nick dedicated his toy drive to Quinlan Thomas, the Dinwiddie toddler who died from a rare form of Leukemia in August. Booth said a couple of Quinlan’s doctors were at the toy delivery to thank Nick.

“It was an emotional experience. I

“We’re going to keep Quinlan’s name alive and we’re going to keep it going,” Booth said.

The actual day of the delivery, Booth said there were two truck loads worth of toys. Help came from all over the community including the Hells Angels motorcycle group. Prior to the delivery, Booth said, she said the Colonial Heights Optimist Club let Nick store the donated toys in their building and also helped to sort them.

“I think he was in awe of all the toys he collected. When we walked into the Optimist Club Thursday (Dec. 18) he just stopped and stared at all of the toys collected,” she said.

Nick said he was happy that he could have such an effect on the children in Nicholas Booth, seen here in 2012, has once again gathered toys for the young the hospital. patients at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth Univer“I think they’ll love the toys and it’ll sity in Richmond. Progress-Index File Photo make them happy throughout the year,” Nick said.

She added that the toy drive will no think it was overwhelming for him, but As far as a goal for next year, Nick it was emotional for all us. We didn’t longer just be Nick’s Toy Drive, but from didn’t specify a number but he did say he expect it to be as big as it was this year,” this point on will be known as Nick and wanted to go over what he had this year.

Quinlan’s Toy Drive.

Booth said.

Christmas parade Participants enjoy the Dinwiddie Christmas Parade along Courthouse Road on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Scott P. Yates/ Progress-Index Photos

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January 2015

Dinwiddie

Dance studio relocates Deborah School of Dance celebrated their new location with a ribbon-cutting Saturday, Jan. 3. 5908 Boydton Plank Road also houses the Dinwiddie Karate Club and Twinkle Toes Dance Supply.

Deborah Ryan, owner of Deborah School of Dance, shows off the interior of one dance studio room at the grand opening the school’s new location in Dinwiddie Saturday, Jan 3. Scott P. Yates/Progress-Index Photo

Bully From Page 5

that made her angry. She took her anger out on students at her school.

“I was the bully, I would bully you to no end. I say that because when these children bully, that’s the kind of situation [they may come from],” Berry said. “Everyone was living well, I couldn’t take it. The kids had new shoes, I couldn’t handle it so I jumped on them for that.”

Children who go through the same thing as Maya and Berry don’t turn out as positive though.

“It can lead to depression, poor grades, problems at home with the family and some of the most drastic situations it’s led to are suicide or people harming themselves,” Knott said.

The USDHHS cited that 29.9 percent of students nationwide felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row. Halting regular activities such as spending time with friends or playing sports are a sign of students feeling hopelessness or depressed. In terms of suicide, 17 percent of students nationwide have seriously contemplated suicide.

This percentage was higher among female students.

The solution all of the testimonies agreed upon was that being silent is not the key to preventing bullying and that seeking help from a trusted adult when feeling hopeless is the key to defeating a bully.

“You don’t want to be silent because if you witness bullying, you see it and you’re silent, then it sends a wrong message to the bully. It sends the message that it’s okay and nothing’s going to be done about it,” said Amie McLain Carter, anchor for WRIC 8NEWS. Berry added that parents actively paying attention their child’s behavior, like Maya’s mother did, can also prevent the negative effects of bullying.

“Listen to the child, let them talk.

Know the pattern of your grandchildren and your neighborhood’s children,” she said. “Get to know them because if they’re bullying someone or being bullied … [you need to] have a relationship with them.”