HOME BUILDERS SELECT LEADERS PAGE, V4
CURTAIN CALL FOR RIALTO THEATER
THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA
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Friday, January 16, 2015
FREE
LAW ENFORCEMENT’S LATEST TOOL
LOCAL Winter/spring story time sessions COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Public Library will be offering its 2015 winter/ spring story time sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. beginning January 20 and ending on May 13. Each session includes stories, music, lots of movement and a craft. Story hours are designed to help children 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 520-9384.
Food drive COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Treasurer’s Office is collecting food for area residents in need. There is a collection box in the office and collections will be accepted through Jan. 31. Citizens and employees are asked to donate non-perishable foods as part of this effort to help the less fortunate. The Treasurer’s Office will serve as the collection point for the program and all collected items will be distributed locally, with donations going to the Colonial Heights Food Pantry. For more information about this food drive, contact Joy, Peg, Harriet, Cheryl or Shannon at 520-9320.
Concert to benefit CCHASM CHESTER - The Sweet Adelines Champion Greater Richmond Chorus will perform a Valentine’s Concert for the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Alliance for Social Ministry (CCHASM). The concert will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, in the great hall of Chester United Methodist Church, 12132 Percival St. Doors will open at 2 p.m. The concert will be open seating with a “love offering” taken to support area residents in need. This concert will be the first in a series of “Generous Hearts Concerts” sponsored by CCHASM.
Dog and cat tags available COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The deadline for purchasing city dog and cat tags from the Treasurer’s Office is Monday, Feb. 2. All dogs and cats more than 4 months old must be vaccinated against rabies and be licensed with the city. Dog and cat tags are $10 each or $2 each for spayed or neutered pets. Kennel tags are $50 for 10 or less animals and $100 for 11 or more animals. Two-year and three-year tags are also available. They can be purchased for both cats and dogs, if the rabies vaccination is good for at least the number of years from date of purchase of tag. Note: Proof of rabies and spayed or neutered animals must be presented at the time of purchase. For more information, contact the Colonial Heights Treasurer’s Office at 520-9320.
TO PROTECT AND RECORD Colonial Heights becomes first locality in Tri-Cities to provide officers with body cameras Sgt Robert Ruxer models a sunglasses mount fo Sgt. for the new Taser Axon Flex body camera system purchased by Colonial Heights Police. They are the first agency in the Richmond area to equip all patrol officers. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS By Amir Vera Staff Writer
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — As of Dec. 15, every uniformed patrol officer and every school resource officer in Colonial Heights has been equipped with a body camera totaling about 40 cameras for the entire Colonial Heights Police Department. That same week, officers from Colonial Heights and other locality departments attended a three-day training session to learn how to use the body cameras. The CHPD is the first law enforcement agency in the TriCities and metro-Richmond area to equip its entire patrol operation with body cameras. The move toward body cameras comes during a sensitive time in law enforcement in the wake of a tumultuous year following the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner by police that sparked national protests and played a role in the Dec. 20 fatal shooting of New York City Police Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liuon. “This is not a reaction to what happened in Ferguson or New York. We actually demoed this exact system in 2013,” said Sgt. Rob Ruxer with the Colonial Heights Police Department. Colonial Heights officers will now be equipped with a 3.2inch camera, about the same size as a pen, known as the Taser Axon Flex. The $600 package includes not only the camera, but a battery pack that acts as
a record if someone logs in and deletes it,” he said. Ruxer said data is kept indefinitely until a court process, if one is held, is done and the case is adjudicated. Once that happens, videos are moved to a non-evidentiary status and are deleted after 120 days. “I think this can do nothing but improve the relationship because not only will the police officer know they’re being recorded, all the citizens will know they’re being recorded as well. I think it will lessen any complaints,” Ruxer said. Other localities in the TriCities have also looked into implementing body cameras in their work force. Prince George, Dinwiddie and Chesterfield County have all considered the implementation of body cameras, but are still investigating their impact on the
community. The Prince George Police Department and Dinwiddie Sheriff ’s Office both have dash-board cameras in their patrol vehicles, Dinwiddie officers even wear a microphone on their duty belt. The Chesterfield Police Department has neither body cameras nor dashboard cameras. They said in a December 2014 statement that they are “actively looking into the technology and how its procurement, implementation, and long-term use would impact the department going forward.” Both chiefs of the Hopewell Police Department and Petersburg Bureau of Police have said that their departments are also looking into implementing body cameras. John Keohane, Hopewell police chief, said his department is in the evaluation SEE CAMERA, V3
Dancer spreads her talent to others By Leah Small Staff Writer
Churches -------- V4 Classified -------- V6
Vol. 12, No. 18
Colonial Heights Police have issued the Taser Axon Flex body camera system to all patrol officers.
COMMUNITY CLOSEUP
INDEX Opinion ---------- V2 Police Log ------- V4
both a charger and data storage, glasses with clear or black lenses with a clip on the temples to mount the camera, shoulder clip to mount the camera and a headband with a mount clip for the camera. Total cost for the implementation of the entire system was estimated at $70,000 to the city. The plan to pay for the system was split between the Police Asset Seizure Fund and the current-year budget contingency fund. Most of the money will be used for storage, which Ruxer said could cost the CHPD $20,000 a year because there are terabytes worth of video stored. “We wanted a device that was easy to use, it’s not really complicated. The officers don’t have to do anything on their own to make the data go from the camera to the cloud. When they put this device in the charging port, it automatically does everything for them,” Ruxer said. Videos will be stored on a cloud-based storage system through a third-party software at evidence.com, which Ruxer said is part of Taser. All of the recorded videos are stored off-site. “The officers themselves have no ability to alter this data once it’s recorded,” Ruxer said. Ruxer said several administrators have the ability to delete files at a later date, but there will be an audit trail. “So there’s always going to be
Meredith Crocker
Meredith Crocker loves to dance and to help other dancers to realize their dreams. The 22-year-old Hopewell resident learned her craft at Genia Johnson Dance Company in Colonial Heights and has taught at the studio since she graduated from Hopewell High School. She has been an assistant instructor since she was 13. Johnson is entering her 13th
year in business, and moved to a larger studio on the Boulevard four years ago. Crocker views Johnson as a close friend and mentor. Q. How long have you been dancing? I’ve been dancing since I was 8 in a studio … But I was raised in a church so I’ve been dancing since I could walk. Pretty much my whole life. Q. What type of dance do you do? All types: jazz, modern, ballet,
tap, hip-hop, pretty much everything. Genia taught me much of what I know. Q. What do you love about dance? The better question is what do I not love about dancing! It gives you the freedom to express yourself. It’s like therapy. Q. Have you thought about continuing your education in dance? I would love to go to school
SEE CROCKER, V5
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Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.
OPINION
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ANOTHER VIEW
15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803
Cindy Morgan ...............................Publisher Brian J. Couturier ............ Managing Editor Bob Seals .....................Circulation Director Baretta Taylor .............Advertising Director Travis Wolfrey ................Prepress Manager Ron Shifflett .............. Pressroom Manager Peggy Simon................. Business Manager
OUR VIEW
Time for community to speak out on proposed Fort Lee cuts
T
he public had a big chance to come out in force for what the Army is calling a “Community Listening Session on Army 2020 End Strength Reductions.” This was a chance for local officials and community members to comment on proposed cuts at Fort Lee that could have a severe impact on the regional economy. The meeting was at the Army Logistics University, Fort Lee on Thursday. A U.S. Army report says Fort Lee could face major cuts, affecting as many as 3,600 soldiers and Army civilians by 2020. That could pull down the local economy by an estimated $338.4 million in sales and $243 in income, for a total of $581 million, if the worse-case cuts in the Army’s Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment are authorized. Fort Lee contributes $2.4 billion in economic output for the Tri-City region and 13.62 percent of the total gross domestic product, according to the Army study. If the worse-case cuts took place, state and local tax revenues are expected to decrease by $3 million. The base also makes up a fair amount of Prince George County’s workforce at almost 16 percent. Fort Lee’s total working population is 22,487, according to SPEA, which is made up of active duty soldiers, civilians, students, trainees and contractors. Of the total population, 6,474 are considered permanent residents. If the worsecase cuts are enacted, an estimated 2,792 permanent party soldiers and 746 Army civilians will be cut. The estimated loss of 3,600 soldiers and Army civilians includes the 879 positions that were cut when the 49th Quartermaster Group was deactivated. The force reduction would directly affect approximately 8,909 of the Fort Lee population, including 5,371 family members and 3,396 children. And the overall population in the Tri-Cities region would drop by 1.9 percent. The report concludes that there are no significant impacts other than socioeconomic at the 30 installations analyzed, including Fort Lee. Decisions on which units and organizations will be selected for reductions have not yet been made. Potential impacts, including those identified in comments received from the public, are being considered as final force structure decisions are made. An expert from Department of Army headquarters will be at the listening session to provide an overview of the stationing decision process and to take comments and questions. Time will be provided for community officials and citizens to provide their input and ask questions. It was up to community members and leaders to convince the Army that there would be a significant impact on the region if there were substantial cuts at Fort Lee.
First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
YOUR VIEW
The one New Year’s go our nation needs At the beginning of a new year, we stand at the cusp of possibility. We have the chance for a fresh start. And though the start of the New Year may not bring with it a completely blank slate, it at least offers an opportunity to recalibrate. We find ourselves considering where we’ve been in the year before and what we want to become in the year ahead. For many people, myself included, this recalibration manifests itself in the form of goals. This year as I thought of goals for myself, I also found myself thinking of the goals I would set for our nation. I thought of economic policy goals, national defense goals, goals for our budget, and many others. Those are all important legislative issues that touch mainstays of our society. But if there were one overarching goal I could set for our country — one that reaches across industries, legislative policies, and national issues — it would be this: To be a nation that builds instead of a nation that repairs. America comes from a steep tradition of building. Out of chaos, uncertainty, and the desire for freedom, the first generation of Americans built a country based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Since that point, our history has been sprinkled with stories of incredible builders. Jonas Salk constructed a vaccine for polio – and produced a medical breakthrough for humanity. Henry Ford built the concept of a moving assembly line — and changed the face of American manufacturing. Andrew Higgins built the LCVP boat — and gave our military the ability to transport thousands of soldiers to open shore, ultimately leading us to victory in World War II. NASA built the Apollo rocket program — and we put a man on the moon. The Wright Brothers built an airplane — and opened a new way of travel that spans the globe. Behind those feats was a national government cheering and mobilizing in support of those innovations. We celebrated huge national successes. We witnessed defining moments in history. We haven’t seen that government in quite some time. Instead of being the entity to help propel innovation, the federal government is holding it back. There is a simple reason: resource allocation. The federal government is so focused on repairing broken policies that it has little time to think towards the future. Instead of thinking of ways to encourage innovative discovery, the federal government is repairing mistakes in the implementation of the healthcare law, the effects of sequestration, badly strained political relationships, a myriad of scandals, an out of control deficit, and an overall dysfunctional government. In other words, the federal government is playing defense, rather than playing offense. It’s putting out fires instead of lighting the way to the next defining moment. Yet through it all, American individuals and businesses have continued to build. Steve Jobs and his company built a computer, and an iPod, and an iPhone — and changed the way we communicate. Dr. Francis Collins and his team of scientists mapped and sequenced the human genome — and advanced biological knowledge of human health. Larry Page and Sergey Brin built Google — and changed the way we look for information. The American propensity to build
continues to sustain us and launch us forward. That value is deeply engrained in our society, and I believe American individuals and businesses will always look for ways to build a better future for themselves. But imagine what could be done if our goal was for an American government that builds instead of one that repairs? What if our government had the capacity to create the best possible environment for innovators, so that they can be more agile, creative, and efficient? There is a clear way to do this: by giving individuals and businesses the tools necessary to innovate and excel, and by cutting the red tape that is choking vital American industries. The federal government can build America by simply getting out of the way and empowering individuals and businesses - not the federal government - to do what they do best. We could encourage a renewed emphasis on math and science education for our students, so they can maintain our competitive edge as they enter the workforce and eventually become the driving strength behind our economy. We could lift the weight of government bureaucracy off the shoulders of our manufacturing industry to create opportunity for increased global competitiveness, national innovation, and an increase in American jobs. We could be on the frontiers of new medical breakthroughs by reinvesting in our medical research infrastructure, putting patient first, and choosing medical innovation over medical regulation. We could put medicine in the hands of researchers rather than bureaucrats. The potential is limitless. Here at the beginning of 2015, we stand at the possibility of possibilities. The most important goal we can set is one that empowers Americans to do what we’ve always done best. I want to be a nation that builds. —Congressman Randy Forbes, R-4th District Chesapeake, Va.
Former governor did not receive a fair trial As the sentencing date for former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s conviction on corruption charges approaches, one wonders “Did Gov. McDonnell receive a fair trial?” Consider: During the Fourth of July weekend in 2013, a rumor surfaced that McDonnell was about to plead guilty and resign from office. Due to the holiday weekend, the rumor received wide publicity before it could be discredited. McDonnell’s image was severely tarnished and there were several calls for his resignation. In December 2013, the offer of a plea deal was made public. If McDonnell would plead guilty to a bank fraud charge, both he and his wife could avoid prosecution on corruption charges. This offer being made public gave the appearance of guilt and thus finished the destruction of McDonnell’s image. This happened even though there wasn’t a single report in the media of any illegal action by the governor, no report of any improper act, and even no report of any questionable act. This always happens when an innocent person is falsely accused. The media only reports the accusations because that is all there is to report. The public just doesn’t realize that when the media fails to provide evidence of guilt, that is proof of innocence! The whole idea of this plea deal, especially it being made public, seems wrong. Isn’t offering a deal prior to filing
charges and prior to showing McDonnell the evidence against him a violation of McDonnell’s right to face his accuser and the charges against him? Isn’t it also an unfair presumption of guilt? Shouldn’t a plea offer/deal be kept totally private unless it is accepted and then only made public in a court of law? For justice to be served, shouldn’t a governor and his wife who are guilty of corruption both serve some serious prison time? The plea deal offer implied that, if accepted, the prosecution would not present evidence of corruption to the grand jury. Is it ever proper to not present evidence of corruption to a grand jury? This plea deal seems more like an attack on McDonnell than justice! Consider this deal from McDonnell’s viewpoint. He knows that he is not guilty of anything illegal in the performance of his duties as governor. McDonnell also knows that he is not guilty of the bank fraud charge — (Nine months later a jury agreed.) The threat of facing corruption charges and years of jail time must have seemed intimidating — almost like blackmail! How do you even deal with such false accusations and with threats? On Jan. 24, 2014, many newspapers reported “Gov. McDonnell nixes plea deal; Indicted on corruption charges.” I have never heard of another time when an indictment was reported at the same time as the rejection of a plea deal. This headline screams guilty! This left no doubt of guilt in the court of public opinion and totally destroyed Gov. McDonnell’s image! The jury pool was now permanently tainted, eliminating the possibility of a fair trial. Even the grand jury believed that receiving gifts was proof of corruption. If this had been a normal corruption case, McDonnell would have been charged with illegal or improper acts while acting in his official capacity as governor. Jonnie Williams would have been charged with giving gifts/bribes to Gov. McDonnell and his family. Instead, we have Gov. McDonnell and his wife charged with receiving gifts and Jonnie Williams granted immunity. Why is McDonnell being charged with the crimes committed by Jonnie Williams? When did receiving gifts become illegal? Isn’t a gift just a gift until an action by the recipient turns the gift into a bribe? If Gov. McDonnell did not know that a gift was intended as a bribe, and did nothing to convert a gift into a bribe, where is the crime? Besides, when the first gift turned into a bribe, Jonnie Williams would have gotten what he wanted and the gifts would have stopped. The McDonnells received $177,000 in gifts. Compare this to the Clintons. Back in 1999 when the Clintons were trying to buy a house in New York state so that Hiliary could run for senator from New York, Terry McAuliffe put up $1.35 million cash as collateral for the loan, but the Clintons were not charged with corruption. In 2013, when McAuliffe ran for governor, both Clintons made campaign appearances which probably accounted for the margin of victory. Still, no one accused the Clintons of corruption. The difference? Accusers pointed fingers at McDonnell to save themselves! Even the jurors focused on the gifts as proof of corruption. After the trial, one juror even stated “Yep. he took the gifts, he’s guilty.” This bias guaranteed a conviction! It’s time the McDonnells received justice! —James N. Bridgeman,
Chester
The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Jan. 16, 2015
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THINGS
LOOKING FOR MORE: If you can’t find what you’re looking for, find it online at www.progress-index.com
TO DO THIS
WEEKEND FRIDAY Families may want to take advantage of the Target $1 Family Night at the Children’s Museum of Richmond - Central location only at 2626 West Broad St., Richmond. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the whole family can enjoy the museum’s exhibits and activities for only $1 each thanks to a generous donation from Target.
Saturday Side Street Gallery will host its monthly Art Party from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the gallery, located at 127-129 Pickwick Ave., Colonial Heights. The event will feature original artwork for sale by more than 50 local artists. Artwork includes paintings, jewelry, woodworking, pottery, stained glass and graphite. The event will also include an Art Reception for Artist Marti Fann in Gallery 129, whose artwork includes mixed media, encaustics, acrylic and cold wax.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY If you like bingo, there’s a game going on in Colonial Heights Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. The 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 more information, call 526-5656. The 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 more information, call 748-4896 and ask for Tom Gore. The 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 more information, call 526-1537.
SUNDAY Two-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players will be performing at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, Central location only, 2626 West Board St., Richmond. According to the Museum, this group dishes out “whimsical, intelligent and rocking music for kids and their parents”. His latest album, Recess has already garnered praise from People Magazine and the New York Times and is a seven-time Gold Award winner for the Parents’ Choice Awards and National Parenting Publications Awards.
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stage and seeing which cameras are the best for his patrol units. “I’m looking at possibly getting 40 in my first time purchase,” he said. “It would definitely outfit all my patrol units.” Keohane added that thanks to a Virginia Municipal League grant, some officers in the city already have body cameras. He said the Hopewell Police Department is currently in ownership of 20 cameras. Every officer in the city is also already equipped with Taser Cameras. In Petersburg, Chief John Dixon III said they too are looking into getting body cameras. He said the city has been in the evaluation phase for more than a year. Petersburg has 50-60 body cameras on patrol officers. He said that the city is in the evaluation stage, but has not determined when they are implementing the cameras for sure. He added that they looked at five companies and have paid for the usage of the cameras with grants, so it does not cost the city anything. “We’re doing them in stages. We’re starting out with patrol officers utilizing them and then we try to obtain them for the other officers that come in contact with the community,” Dixon said. Petersburg has made headlines twice this year because of incidents between citizens and police. The first being in April 2014 when a video of an officer putting a woman, now identified as Debra Fisher, in a choke-hold on Rome Street went viral. The second was two months later when Devin Thomas’ camera was knocked away in an apparent scuffle with Petersburg police officers. The Thomas incident later sparked protests in the city. Dixon, who is an immediate past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, said that he
Sgt. Robert Ruxer discusses the new Taser Axon Flex body camera system purchased by Colonial Heights Police. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS
thought body cameras will help to improve transparency. However, he warns against people thinking they’re going to solve all problems with citizen trust in law enforcement. “I think it’s important for people to look at body cameras from a deeper perspective,” Dixon said. “We need to look at policies concerning body cameras. I think body cameras are a good thing, I think it helps for transparency within policing organizations. I think people need to be aware that those body cameras will be on at times when police respond to domestic situations involving them. I also think they need to understand it’ll be on during times where people are victims of different kinds of assaults, even sexual assaults, and we need to talk about policy for those things before we talk about implementing them as a mandatory thing across the country.” The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, published a 92-page analysis of body cameras in 2014 called “Implementing a Bodyworn Camera Program: Recommendations and Lessons Learned,” looking into policies and restrictions about body cameras.
professor Dr. Barak Ariel equipped the RPD police force on random experimental (with camera) and regular (without camera) shifts from February 2012 to February 2013. The results showed that complaints toward officers decreased 89.3 percent after the use of body cameras and officer use of force decreased by 58.3 percent. Body cameras have also been looked at from a federal level. With the recent shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and the Eric Garner video in Staten Island, N.Y., the Associated Press reported that President Barack Obama is asking Congress for $75 million to fund 50,000 body cameras for police departments in order to build trust within the community as part of his proposed three-year $263 million spending package. The president has also created a Task Force on 21st Century Policing, which will include law enforcement and community leaders. The task force is being co-chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey and Laurie Robinson, a professor at George Mason University and former assistant attorney general at the Justice Department. Petersburg Police Chief John Dixon said while these are honorable efforts, improving relations between citizens and law enforcement must go past the lens of the camera. “I’m hoping people aren’t thinking that body cameras are the panacea and it’s going to fix everything. I think having body cameras will help toward transparency. I think it’ll help bring out what actually happened from the camera’s perspective,” Dixon said. “I think relations depend on how you deal with the public, how you interact with the public and how you open your doors to the public.”
Scott Greenwood, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, said in the analysis that police should record all of the time no matter the situation because putting restrictions on what to record could cause problems for officers in cases where they should have been recording. Greenwood also said it would protect the officer from accusations of tampering or deleting evidence. In Colonial Heights, Ruxer said officers will be required to record during any citizen contact or enforcement situation, but that implementing the culture of turning on their cameras will be a challenge. “It’s going to be a learning curve just like when officers initially had to start turning their radio on every time,” Ruxer said. “Once they get used to having to do this, it’ll become second nature.” While there are no national statistics as to how many precincts in the country use body cameras, there have been studies that have shown that they do improve community relations. For example, a year-long study by the Rialto (California) Police Department proved that notion. William Farrar, police chief at the RPD, —Amir Vera may be reached and Cambridge University at avera@progress-index. Institute of Criminology com or (804) 722-5155.
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Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA
New year, new leaders Leah Brantley, vice president/regional manager, Bank of Southside Virginia, installed as association’s 2015 president From Contributed Report
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE — The Home Builders Association of Southside Virginia installed officers and directors for 2015 on Dec. 11, 2014, at the Home Builders office, 10300 Corporate Road. The installation was followed by a holiday open house. Outgoing President O. B. “Butch” Fulcher Jr. installed Leah Brantley, vice president/ regional manager, Bank of Southside Virginia, as the association’s new president. Goals for the new year are
focusing on education, political actions to benefit the building industry, and networking with association members. Other officers installed were Brandy Nickel, vice president; Brandon Smith, treasurer and Drew Comstock, secretary. New directors are Jeff Camden, Horace Wilkins, and associate director, Darryl Clarke. According to its website, the Home Builder’s Association of Southside Virginia serves the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, Danville, Emporia
Butch Fulcher installs Leah Brantley as president, Home Builders Association of Southside Virginia. Brantley is vice president/regional manager, Bank of Southside Virginia. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
and Martinsville, as well as the counties of Prince George, Dinwiddie, Amelia, Brunswick, Charlotte, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Surry, Sussex and southern Chesterfield. This is a non-profit, volunteer association affiliated with the Home Builders Association of Virginia and the
National Association of Home Builders. For more information, call 804-732-2742 or email hba@hbaofsouthside.com
information, call 526-3667. Fellowship Baptist Church Address: 21000 Chesterfield Avenue, Ettrick. For more information call 526-6184 or 590-2277.
Lyons Avenue Bible Church
Highland Methodist
Lutheran Church of our Redeemer
New 2015 directors for the Home Builders Association of Southside Virginia are Jeff Camden, Horace Wilkins and associate director, Darryl Clarke.
RIGHT: New officers Brandon Smith, treasurer, Drew Comstock, secretary and Brandy Nickel, vice president, are installed by Butch Fulcher.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Christ Community Church
Highway. For more information, call 526-0424 or visit www.chbaptist.com.
Address: Meets at Lakeview Elementary School, 401 Taswell Ave. For more information or directions, call 520-6200, or www.christcommunitychurchva. org.
CH Nazarene Church
Cameron Avenue Church of Christ
Colonial Heights Presbyterian
Address: 601 Cameron Avenue. For more information, call 526-5286. Celebration of Life Church Celebration of Life Church of God meets at 123 Pickwick Ave. in Colonial Heights. For more information please call 221-2915.
Address: 211 Lynchburg Avenue. For more information, call 526-0929 or visit http://www.colonialheightspres.org.
Chesterfield Community Church
Address: Meets at Matoaca Middle School, West campus. For more information, call 526-8260 or visit www. ccfnet1.org. Covenant Christian Address: 542 South Park Blvd. For more information, call 526-0634.
Address: Meets at Greenwood Presbyterian Church, 7110 Woodpecker Road. For more information, call 7961040 or visitccc4jc2007@ aol.com.
Colonial Christian Address: 295 Dunlop Farms Blvd. For more information, call 520-4988 or visit www. colonialchristianchurch.com.
Colonial Heights Baptist Address: 17201 Jeff Davis
Address: 601 East Ellerslie Avenue. For more information, call 526-6920.
Address: 125 E. Westover Avenue. For more information, call 526-3870.
Immanuel Baptist Address: 620 Lafayette Avenue. For more information, call 526-3276 or www. ibc4family.com.
Ivey Memorial U.M. Community Christian Church Fellowship Address: 17120 Jefferson
Faith Baptist Address: 1226 W. Roslyn Road. For more information call 526-8189 or visit mysite. verizon.net/FBC316/.
Faith and Hope Outreach Center Address: 101 Highland Avenue. For more
Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-1350.
Life Church Address: 16801 Harrowgate Road. For info on Sunday services and other Life changing ministries and activities go to www.visitlifechurch.org, or e-mail wanda@visitlifechurch.org or call 526-7000.
Lifeline Fellowship Church Services are held at Salem Church Elementary School, 9600 Salem Church Road, in Chesterfield. For more information, call 804-839-3136.
POLICE LOG
The following information was provided by the Colonial Heights Police Department: On Nov. 2, 2014, police responded to the 400 Block Walnut Avenue for vehicle theft On Nov. 2, 2014 police responded to the 2000 Block of Conduit Road for a simple assault On Nov. 2, 2014 police responded to the 600 Block of Pinehurst Ave for vehicle vandalism On Nov. 2, 2014 police responded to the 400 Block of Southpark Circle for theft from building On Nov. 3, 2014 police responded to the 3100 Block of Boulevard for found property On Nov. 3, 2014 police responded to the 3000 Block Conduit Road for theft from a building On Nov. 3, 2014 police responded to the 3100 Block of Boulevard for a DUI On Nov. 3, 2014 police responded to the 600 Block Boulevard for a DUI On Nov. 4, 2014 police responded to the 1300 Block Canterbury Lane for grand larceny On Nov. 4, 2014 police responded to the 200 Block of Archer Avenue for burglary and unlawful entry On Nov. 5, 2014 police responded to the 400 Block of Lafayette Avenue for a Hit & Run On Nov. 5, 2014 police responded to the 3500 Block of East Avenue for fraud and impersonation On Nov. 5, 2014 police responded to the 200 Block Southpark for fraud and swindling On Nov. 6, 2014 police
responded to 100-A Highland Avenue for credit and ATM fraud On Nov. 6, 2014 police responded to the 00 Block Archer Ave for aggravated assault On Nov. 6, 2014 police responded to the 200 Block of Southpark Circle for Grand Larceny On Nov. 6, 2014 police responded to the 116 Block Southgate Square for credit and ATM fraud On Nov. 7, 2014 police responded to the 200 Block Archer Ave for aggravated assault On Nov. 7, 2014 police responded to the Interstate 95 Temple Avenue area for Disorderly Conduct On Nov. 7, 2014 police responded to the 170 South Park Circle for counterfeit and forgery On. Nov. 8, 2014 police responded to the 600 Block of Hamilton Avenue for theft from a vehicle On Nov. 8, 2014 police responded to the 3000 Block of Dale Avenue for Sexual Assault On Nov. 8, 2014 police responded to the 1000 Block of Conduit for Burglary On Nov. 8, 2014 police responded to the 110 Block
of Southpark Circle for DUI On. Nov. 9, 2014 police responded to the 600 Block Southpark Boulevard for a Hit and Run On Nov. 9, 2014 police responded to the 500 Block of Riverview Road for a Burglary On Nov. 10, 2014 police responded to the 300 Block of Shade Tree Drive for Simple Assault On Nov. 10, 2014 police responded to the 3100 Block of Atlantic Avenue for Vehicle vandalism On Nov. 10, 2014 police responded to the 3100 Block of Atlantic Avenue for Vehicle vandalism On Nov. 11, 2014 police responded to the 100 Block of Biltmore Drive for Fraud and Swindling On Nov. 12, 2014 police responded to the 1100 Block of Hamilton Avenue for Burglary On Nov. 13, 2014 police responded to the 600 Block Southpark Boulevard for Liquor Law Violation On Nov. 13, 2014 police responded to the 100 Block of Southgate Road for Tresspassing On Nov. 13, 2014 police responded to the 600 Block of Southpark Boulevard for embezzlement
Address: 516 Lyons Avenue. For more information, call 520-7813.
Oaklawn Baptist
Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-2548.
Address: 7925 Hickory Road, Chesterfield. For more information, call 804-526-5649.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Prayer Vigil Ministry
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
The Tri-Cities Prayer Vigil Ministry has a prayer line open for prayer requests seven days a week including holidays from 7 p.m. to midnight. Local number is 804-425-6370, 804-8612609 and toll-free long distance 1-800-443-3155. Someone is always available to take calls.
Address: 19600 Halloway Avenue, Matoaca. For more information, call 590-2094.
Prince of Peace Outreach Center
Mount Pleasant Baptist
Address: 107 Pickwick Avenue. For more information or transportation, call Overseer Walter J. Mason at 834-2356. St. Ann Catholic Church Address: 17111 Jefferson
Address: 1769 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg. For more information, call 732-8567 between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
Address: 3110 Greenwood Avenue. For more information, call 526-0816.
Address: The corner of Ellerslie Avenue and Old Town Drive. For more information, call 526-1790.
Swift Creek Baptist Church Address: 18510 Branders Bridge Road. For more information, call 520-1211.
Walthall Baptist Church Address: 14001 Woods Edge Road. For more information, call 530-8011.
Wesley Methodist Address: 3701 Conduit Road. For more information, call 526-3700 or visit www. wesley.col-hts.org.
The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Jan. 16, 2015
V5
RIALTO RAZED
A construction worker holds up the crumpled sign of the former Rialto Theater, a Halifax Triangle landmark that had fallen into disrepair, Friday afternoon. A city inspection earlier this week found the structure in danger of collapse, prompting a controlled demolition. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS
A demolition crew works on tearing down the former Rialto Theater, a Halifax Triangle landmark that had fallen into disrepair, Friday. They worked carefully to ensure the safety of the neighboring J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment.
Final curtain for historic theater morning, Jan. 9, but was underway by 11 a.m. PETERSBURG — The The city has been workhistoric Rialto Theater ing with property owner Joseph Brisco since 2011, has been razed. The demolition of the to bring what was once a 1923 theater was delayed gem of the African-Amerby high winds Friday ican community and the From Staff Reports
historic Halifax Triangle, up to code. The curtain came down on the theater where James Brown once performed after city officials declared that it was an “imminent danger.”
A report from an independent consulting company estimated that it would cost anywhere from $350,000 to $400,000 to perform the “minimum repairs … to return the building to a
safe structure.” The building has partially collapsed about 8 feet down to the basement level in both the front and back, and could completely collapse at anytime, according to the
CONNECTING
IN BRIEF
Constituents give live feedback
Dunlop House displaying ‘Wall of Art’
Delegate Kirk Cox plans another telephone town hall for mid-February From Contributed Report
RICHMOND — Delegate M. Kirkland “Kirk” Cox (R-Colonial Heights) spoke with some 1,700 constituents this week during his first telephone town hall of 2015 in advance of the General Assembly session. Cox also left messages with over 5,300 residents. The call included constituents across the entire 66th District, which includes all of Colonial Heights and portions of Chesterfield County. “I enjoy getting the chance to connect with you using this telephone town hall format, and I hope that you find these town halls informative and productive,” said Cox in his introduction. “This is a great way for me to get your opinions on important issues facing the General Assembly and I look forward to hosting another in mid-February.” The telephone town hall provided Cox the opportunity to talk about two legislative initiatives he’s carrying this session. The first proposes to cap student athletic fees at Virginia’s four-year public universities. Virginia has great schools, but the cost of attending them is going up too much, too fast. Under his legislation, the amount of athletic revenue that universities collect from mandatory student fees would be limited. Cox used a polling feature that gave callers the opportunity to “cast their vote” on issues with live results. Eighty-six percent of callers on the line indicated they supported his legislation to cap student
Delegate Kirk Cox takes caller questions while Legislative Aide Kelly Gee assists in tracking poll question results.
athletic fees. The second initiative he addressed was his legislation to allocate Virginia Public Building Authority Bonds for funding of Veterans Care Center projects in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. These projects would be placed on a funding priority list in front of a new General Assembly building. He is looking for this high priority legislation to jump start stalled efforts to get required matching federal funding. Eighty-one percent of callers on the line supported constructing two new Veteran Care Centers. A good portion of the call was used to talk about the state budget. The governor announced last summer a $2.4 billion revenue shortfall. The shortfall is largely due to President Obama’s dangerous defense cuts and increased taxes, which are disproportionately impacting the commonwealth compared to other states. Poll results indicated that a majority of listeners, 54 percent, supported cutting government spending as a means to address budgetary constraints, followed by 40 percent supporting streamlining government services and programs, 4 percent supporting increasing specific fees, and 2 percent support raising statewide taxes.
One idea to increase general fund revenue has been to eliminate certain tax credits, deductions, incentives, and preferences. When asked how the General Assembly should use an increase in revenue from eliminating tax credits, 50 percent support providing broad tax relief by lowering the overall sales, income, and business tax rates. Governor McAuliffe has again included amendments in his budget to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act even though the House of Delegates has overwhelmingly rejected Medicaid expansion three times in votes on the House floor. Ninety-two percent of listeners on the line oppose expanding Medicaid and 97 percent of listeners support the state hiring an independent auditor to conduct a comprehensive financial and operational audit of Virginia’s Medicaid program. The General Assembly enacted a strong set of reforms to Virginia’s ethics, transparency, and disclosure laws during the 2014 session. These reforms were intended to improve transparency, promote greater accountability and help restore the public’s trust and confidence in both state government and those who serve. Fortyfive percent of listeners
agreed the reforms were a good step, but more work is necessary. Twentynine percent believed the reforms were enough and 26 percent believed the reforms did not go far enough. After announcing this poll result, Cox was proud to report that during the upcoming session the House will propose and support a $100 aggregate gift cap on both tangible and intangible gifts. Campus safety was also discussed during the call. Seventy-seven percent of listeners support mandatory reporting policies that require college administrators to report all allegations of rape and sexual assault to law enforcement, even if the victim chooses not to press charges. Three House Republicans, all lawyers and alumni of the University of Virginia, are carrying legislation that would require immediate reporting of a violent felony, such as rape, and require university police to inform the local commonwealth’s attorney. While college administrators are well equipped to handle many things, violent felonies are not one of them. Cox also took time to answer several live questions directly from his constituents. The top topics concerned Fort Lee base realignment, state employee salaries, and K-12 Common Core Curriculum. Cox ended the telephone town hall by thanking everyone for their participation and for their feedback. At the end of the call, everyone was given the opportunity to leave a voice mail if they had unanswered questions or just wanted to leave a comment. He also invited everyone to take his 2015 Legislative Survey that is available online at www. kirkcox.com/2015-survey.
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House now has a “wall of art” on display for residents and visitors. Once a month a local artist will present his or her art work. Residents and visitors are enjoying the work of this month’s artist, John Bohrer. Bohrer of Chester has painted for many years. He draws his inspiration from all aspects of life - mountains, lakes, flowers, trees and birds are included in the scenes. Most recently this artist has taken up painting portraits and has used his neighbor’s children as practice subjects. Bohrer is happiest at his painting table unless he is on the golf course. His art work can also be viewed at Side Street Gallery, 127-128 Pickwick Ave.
Retired School Personnel to meet COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Retired School Personnel will meet at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at North Elementary School, 3201 Dale Ave. Bill O’Brochta from the Virginia Historical Society will discuss the current building expansion and plans for new exhibits on the history of Virginia. For more information, contact Kathy Thompson
CROCKER From Page V1
for it. I’ve already started thinking about it. I want my knowledge to keep progressing. Not just for myself but for my students. Virginia Commonwealth University has a great dance program. Q . Which do you like better, teaching or performing? I think I was born to teach really … I would love
firm. The report said that the building has so many holes, that rot and fungus has grown throughout its two floors to the basement. A part of the front cornice has fallen, and more will fall soon.
at 520-2302.
Educational Office Professionals to meet ETTRICK — The regular monthly meeting of the Tri-City Association of Educational Office Professionals will be on Thursday, Jan 22, at 5:30 p.m. in room 220, Gandy Hall, on the campus of Virginia State University. All interested educational office professionals are invited to attend. For more information, call 733-1772 or 862-1192. or go online at www.tcaeop.org.
NARFE to meet
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Chapter 1472 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Colonial Heights Public Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Newly elected officers will be installed: Barbara Nugent, president; Gwynn Stastny, secretary; and Mary Lykins, treasurer. The 2015 Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) Convention to be held in Fredericksburg in April will be discussed. There will also be a speaker on a timely subject. Refreshments will be served. All eligible Federal employees are invited to attend.
to be able to perform and then teach, too. Q. Would you ever own your own studio? A part of me thinks it would be great if I could even stay with Genia. She has given me so much in my life. If I could branch out on my own and still work with her, that would be great. Q. What is your favorite form of dance? My favorite would be a balance of jazz and contemporary.
V6
Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.
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