Voice 013015 by The Progress-Index

POLICE OFFICER CLEARED IN SHOOTING

RBC PRESIDENT TALKS TO CHAMBER

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA

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Friday, January 30, 2015

LOCAL

FREE

SIDE STREET

Winter/spring story time sessions COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Public Library is offering its 2015 winter/spring story time sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. 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 wraps up on Jan. 31 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Treasurer’s Office continues to collect 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. All collected items will be distributed locally, with donations going to the Colonial Heights Food Pantry. For more information about the food drive, contact Joy, Peg, Harriet, Cheryl or Shannon at 520-9320.

Valentine’s 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 are now 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, please contact the Colonial Heights Treasurer’s Office at 520-9320.

INDEX Opinion......................................................V2 Top 4 things to do.....................................V3 Wild game dinner..................................... V4 Classiﬁed.................................................. V6

Vol. 12, No. 20

From left, Judy Harris, Rose Mast and Marti Fann enjoy the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. Harris and Fann co-own the gallery, which hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

Creative crowd hangs at local art party Colonial Heights gallery features local artist Marti Fann for an afternoon reception From Staff Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Artists and their fans appreciated the view from Side Street Gallery on Jan. 17. The gallery's January art party and reception featured more than 50 original art pieces by local artists that included paintings, jewelry, woodworking, pottery, stained glass and graphite. Local artist Marti Fann was the gallery's

featured artist for the January art reception. Fann displayed her works in mixed media, encaustics, acrylic and cold wax. T he galler y hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month from 2-5 p.m. at 127-129 Pickwick Ave. The gallery also offers classes and will offer the following workshops in February: ■ Collage workshop with instructors Judy Harris and Marti Fann, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. Class participants will be learn several collage techniques, such as texturing with stencils, making marbled papers staining and decorating art tissue papers and making geli prints. The cost to attend

this workshop is $35. Many supplies will be provided. Those taking this class are asked to bring acrylic paints and brayer. ■ Art as Meditation with instructor Milly Youngblood Horner, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. Lingering time 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Class participants will take the time to relax while exploring their creative voice. Coffee and snacks will be available. The cost to attend is $40. Class participants are asked to bring black fine line and medium markers (Sharpies are great); glue and scissors. Checks should be made payable to Milly Youngblood Horner. Both classes will be taught at the Side Street

Marti Fann stands in front of her artworks at the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. SCOTT P. YATES/ PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

Gallery, 127 Pickwick Ave., and registration is required. To register, call the gallery at 536-0011. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays

from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the gallery or upcoming classes, visit www.sidestreetgallery127.com or call 536-0011.

SEE ART PARTY, V3

COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP

Band director loves teaching music By Amir Vera Staff Writer

Teaching and music have always been a passion for Kyle Flohre. The former James Madison University drum major has been the band director in Colonial Heights for the last 13 years, winning numerous awards and recognitions. Q. Are you originally from Colonial Heights? I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. Q. Do you live in the city now and if so, how long have you lived here? When I moved to the area, I lived in Chester. After getting married, I now live in Midlothian. Q. How long have you been the band director at the high school? I am currently in my 13th year being the band director at Colonial Heights High School (CHHS).

Kyle Flohre Q. Do you or your band have any awards or recognitions? The bands at CHHS have consistently received superior ratings (the highest rating possible) at all-state marching and concert assessments. In addition, the band program is an 11-consecutive and 15-time total Virginia Honor Band. The band program also supports an award winning Winter Guard called Concept. Q. What has been your favorite part about being a band director?

As a band director I am able to teach, work with, and develop relationships with students for seven years. Unlike a typical teacher I see students start in sixth grade, progress through middle school, and then make it to high school. During that time I learn as much about the students as they learn from me. Every single student is different but they all enjoy being in band and playing music, which make teaching this subject very special. Q. What is your most memorable moment being band director? I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Band was the subject that I fell in love with, so attending college to learn how to be a music teacher just made sense. After graduating for college, getting a job in my chosen ﬁeld is one of my proudest moments. I have taught in Colonial Heights my entire career and it has been a wonderful area to teach and I have had many

memorable moments during this time. Q. What instruments do you play? My primary instrument is clarinet, but I can play all the other band instruments to varying degrees of ability. Q. What is your musical/educational background? I, of course was, in band all through high school and took private lessons. I attended James Madison University — GO DUKES — where I was a member of various ensembles, including the Wind Symphony and the Marching Royal Dukes. I was drum major of the MRDs for three years. Q. Are you a member of any other local organizations? No. Q. Is there anything else you want to add that may or may not have been asked? I have a lovely and supportive wife named Jennifer, and we have an active and silly 22-month-old daughter named Emma.

Friday, Jan. 30, 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

Getting dirty at a landﬁll is part of the science push

oing to a former landfill to dig around is probably not part of a typical school day for middle school students. But last month, a group of Colonial Heights Middle School students did just that. The trip was part of the school’s year-long science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiative. The students were challenged with the question of why there are so many seagulls in the brownfield area off East Roslyn Road when there is no ocean nearby. The field trip allowed students to get real life scientific fieldwork experience by measuring water and soil quality, as well as population sampling. The landfill, which closed down in the 1970s, has since attracted a large number of seagulls that aren’t supposed to live in the environment, said Kate Ewalt, seventh-grade life science teacher. Students found a variety of specimens, ranging from bones and invertebrates to deer tracks. The brush at the brownfield is almost knee-high, which required students get their hands a little dirty in order to search for animals or anything else they can find below the brush. Some of their findings even surprised teachers. “They found all sorts of stuff that I wasn’t even expecting ... and they’ve been really excited about it,” Ewalt said. “It’s nice that they get to enjoy the fieldwork part of science that we don’t get to do much sitting in the classroom.” Jordan Dube, 13, said he found a dead snail and a large log, while fellow student Anna Mingloski found more living creatures such as centipedes, worms and crickets, in addition to various plants. Students were also tasked with measuring the quality of water samples taken from a pond near American Family Fitness and natural ponds that are in close proximity to the Appomattox River. Two Virginia State University professors — Dr. Brian Nerrie and Dr. Asmare Atalay — helped the students with their data collection. The STEM initiative allows students to problem solve real situations. It also encourages students to mesh all of their courses of study together. Under STEM programs, students learn to not just think about English while they’re in English class, but to also integrate their knowledge in math, science and other topics. The landfall experience is a great educational opportunity for the students because it exposes them to real life scientific work and that it will be something they can relate to in future assignments. The professors and many others know that it’s better to get a hands-on experience instead of just discussing it in a classroom. Immersing students in STEM learning is a big trend in education today, one that seeks to build a student population that is familiar with science, technology and engineering. That will help not only individual students, but the nation as a whole in an increasingly technological society. And in the meantime, we will be curious to learn one thing. Why are there so many seagulls in Colonial Heights?

YOUR VIEW

Congress: No Accountability for Vietnam veterans It is not about what political party a member of Congress belongs to, it is about accountability for government to do what is right. The Blue Water Navy Agent Orange Act has failed. House Bill HR-543 was stalled in the VA committee even though there were 258 co-sponsors in support of the bill — enough for a House vote. More Vietnam vets will die, many cannot pay medical expenses some are forced to take second mortgages on their homes or sell their homes. Does Congress care? Most do not. However, we vets do have a few caring friends in Congress, they are a minority. There are those in Congress so full of greed to fill their own pockets for the next election rather than provide proper VA benefits to our veterans who come home sick and broken. This is especially true of the Vietnam War veterans. With the new Congress in session will our Vietnam veterans be once more denied what they have earned? The dollars needed for VA benefits is a trifle amount compared to the hundreds of billions we give away. Perhaps our Congress should serve on the front lines in war to let them know how it feels to dodge bullets and be sprayed with herbicides. In time of war the enemy does not care about race, creed, or political party. Our Congress discriminates against those who served our country, there is no accountability. To our members of Congress, in 10 more years there will be no Vietnam vets left living for you to contend with — what a shameful legacy. John J. Bury US Navy retired Vietnam veteran Media, Pa.

Fort Lee is a worthy ﬁght There’s a sense of pride among those who work and live there. It’s a linchpin in an operation that is bigger than itself. Locally, it is a key hub for economic development. The surrounding communities value it as a trusted partner and contributor to the well-being of its neighbors. Globally, it is a leader in logistics for both the private and public sectors. And in 2005, it came really close to being shuttered. You wouldn’t know it today, but 10 years ago Fort Lee – the vibrant military base tucked south of Richmond and nestled in the Tri-Cities

region – was targeted for closure through the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round. At the time, the surrounding communities were gearing up for an economic blow, and naysayers said there was no point in fighting the closure. Closure is imminent, they said. We disagreed. We saw a critical need for Fort Lee’s mission and envisioned a valuable future for the military base. So we fought. I, along with my Fort Lee Advisory Board and Tri-Cities elected officials, worked hard to position Fort Lee to come out better than ever. We succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. Fort Lee doubled in size and 12,000 new jobs were added to the surrounding community. The Defense Supply Center Richmond remained open and vibrant. Since 2005, the federal government has invested over $400 million into the region. I’m proud of our fight for Fort Lee, because it was a mission worth saving. Fort Lee is now laserfocused on defense logistics and home to several important U.S. Army commands. The U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Center trains Army personnel and helps develop the Army’s doctrine. The logistical triad of U.S. Army Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Transportation Schools trains Army personnel who specialize in supplying, arming, and moving the warfighter so they can execute their missions around the globe. The Army Logistics University is a composite campus for military and Department of Defense logistics leader education. This “state of the art” learning center provides professional military education, civilian education, and joint, multinational, and interagency education supporting America’s Army logistics leaders of today and tomorrow. The Defense Contract Management Agency manages Pentagon contracts with the purpose of providing the best return for taxpayer dollars. The Defense Commissary Agency operates the 241 defense commissaries worldwide that serve our men and women in uniform and their families by providing reasonably-priced goods at a convenient location. Behind our men and women on the front lines, behind our responses to global crises, and behind those defending freedom around the globe are supply chains – critical logistics systems making sure we move people where they need to be, and supplies get where they need to go. Respected Navy Vice Admiral Oscar C. Badger II once said, “Logistic

considerations belong not only in the highest echelons of military planning…but may well become the controlling element with relation to timing and successful operation.” A quick glance back in history shows his words to be true – armies are most often destroyed because their supply lines have been cut off. For the Army of the future, quality logistics is the secret weapon – and Fort Lee is the logistics capital in the defense world. But all of this hard work, all of this capability we have built for the Nation, is now under threat as massive sequestration cuts prepare to attack our defense budget. As part of this, the Army is being forced to cut tens of thousands of soldiers, and possibly several thousand from Fort Lee. This isn’t occurring because a new national security strategy has called for them, but because arbitrary defense budget cuts have demanded they be made. I voted against sequestration cuts to our national security and have fought relentlessly to reverse them every day since, including introducing H.R. 733 that would remove the Department of Defense from sequestration. As a senior member on the House Armed Services Committee, and as a Subcommittee Chairman, I will continue to deliver the message that we simply cannot afford to dismantle the greatest military the world has ever known. Particularly at a time when, from Europe to Russia to the Middle East and the Asia-Paciﬁc, the world is only becoming more dangerous. Just as Fort Lee leadership, local elected officials, and I worked together in strategic partnership to bring Fort Lee to where it is today, I believe that same partnership can carry us through the challenges we face tomorrow. This is a worthy ﬁght ahead of us. Because, as we move forward in addressing the growing threats of today’s world, Fort Lee’s leadership and logistical knowledge will be essential in meeting our national security demands around the globe. Fort Lee is a national leader in ensuring a strong defense and a secure America. America’s national security is dependent on Fort Lee – and we must remain as committed as ever to ensuring its enduring success.

by attending a dream program or breakfast. I recognized the strength of that great man who spoke truth to power was to take that message to where it would gain the greatest impact. I took the message to the Virginia General Assembly. For any legislator that would listen, I let them know where the State NAACP stood on a few issues. I had the opportunity to let them know we supported police body cams, increasing the felony conviction level from $200 to $1,000, and the reappointment of Judge Birdie Jamison. Sitting down with Del. Riley Ingram and Sen. Steve Martin, they were quite sensitive to our concerns. While catching the ear of Del. Betsy Carr in the hallway on the issues, I was also able to write out these concerns at the offices of Del. Manoli Loupassi, Sen. Rosalyn Dance, and Del. Delores McQuinn. As I closed my General Assembly visit, I discovered that Judge Jamison came to Richmond as a deputy prosecutor while Del. Joe Morrissey was the city’s commonwealth’s attorney. It’s been 40 years since I made that ﬁrst “I Have a Dream” speech at Little Zion Baptist Church in Chesapeake, and now, I think I ﬁnally got it right.

L.J. McCoy Jr.Chesterﬁeld NAACP President Chester

President Obama went AWOL

On Jan.11, 2015, 40 leaders from various countries and 1.3 million people participated in anti-terrorism events in Paris. President Obama was AWOL, and he was only represented by our ambassador to France. It is difficult to believe our president overlooked the need to be in Paris for the antiterrorism rally. Based on his previous comments it is quite possible he decided he did not want to offend Islam by appearing at the anti-terrorism unity march. In the past he has refused to label the multitude of attacks conducted by Muslims as Islamic terrorist attacks. He said “we are not at war with Islam,” but it sure appears Islam is at war with us. After all, what is the religion of Congressman Randy Forbes almost every terrorist who has R-4th District Chesapeake, Va. attacked Western civilization in the past 50 years? President Obama, you Pushing King’s just offended every freedom message at loving person in the world.

General Assembly

On the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, I didn’t celebrate

Donald A. Moskowitz Londonderry, N.H.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

YOUR NEWS ART PARTY From Page V1

From left, Julie Northcott and Ruby DiVittoria enjoy the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

THINGS TO DO THIS

WEEKEND FRIDAY ■ For Swift Creek Mill

Theatre fans, a new musical premiers this weekend at the theatre, located at 17401 Jefferson Davis Highway. "Those Harvey Girls" by Tom Width introduces the Harvey sisters bringing their vocal talents to the stage. This all-new show highlights three young girls growing up in rural, 1960s Virginia, sharing their spirit through song. The sisters have a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs that have made them who they are today, and through it all, they have kept their faith and kept on singing. The event features gospel music legend Cora Harvey Armstrong in her third starring role on the Mill stage. The show runs through March 7. Tickets are available for theatre only or buffet and theatre. Call 804-748-5203 for reservations or visit www.swiftcreekmill.com for online ticketing. ■ If you are a beach

music and shag fan, you may be game for a weekend get-away to Wilmington, North Carolina. The fourth annual East Coast Shag Classic returns to Wrightsville Beach, Jan. 29 - Feb. 1. The Shag Classic is a three-day charity event beneﬁting women with cancer and their families. The event showcases elite recipients of beach music's recent CAMMY Awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Group of the Year, and Best Live Production Award. On Friday, The Embers headline entertainment with Male Vocalist of the Year, Craig Woolard. Saturday's beach music marathon spans afternoon through late night hours with Entertainer of the Year Jim Quick and Coastline, Group of the Year The Entertainers, and Saturday's Late Night Dance Party with DJs Joey Warren and Ken Jones. Festivities for 2015's East Coast Shag Classic come to a close on Sunday with The Gospel Train, hosted by The Big Kahuna, of The Big HOW TO SUBMIT: Send event and contact info to newsroom@ progress-index.com or The Progress-Index, 15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803

Kahuna's Beach Party and Sunday Morning Gospel Train. The Holiday Inn Resort is hosting the Shag Classic.

SATURDAY ■ Families and/or anyone interested in Chinese culture won't want to miss the "Lunar New Year" celebration going on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Children's Museum of Richmond - Central location only, 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. The public is invited to be a part of the sights and sounds of this colorful holiday when families of Asian descent traditionally enjoy family reunions to bring health, wealth and happiness in the New Year. Area youth and adult Chinese cultural organizations will share traditional Chinese folk dancing. The festival will include storytelling, traditional Erhu music and the Lion Dance presented by the Richmond Chinese School, traditional costumed dances by Red Silk Performing Arts; Paciﬁc Arts; Yu Dance Arts; CVCS South; and the Chinese Folk Dance Club of VCU. For more information about the Children's Museum of Richmond, visit www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org.

SUNDAY ■ The Children's Museum of Richmond will celebrate Black History Month throughout February by showcasing traditional and modern African American music and dance performances — and will also include a unique tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Sunday, The Richmond Boys' Choir kicks off Black History Month. This group will take guests on a musical journey through historical, traditional, and modern songs. The concert begins at 3 p.m. at The Children's Museum of Richmond Central location, 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. It is being presented by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

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John Bohrer enjoys the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. Scott P. YATES/

From left, Heather Galloni and her mother-in-law Joy Galloni from Prince George enjoy the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-

PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

INDEX PHOTO

From left, the Askew family, Jason, Alyssa and Nada, enjoy the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

From left, the Northcott family, Julie, Melina and David, enjoy the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

Faye Henderson enjoys the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month.

Joe and Ginny Lamontagne from Hopewell enjoy the Side Street Gallery’s January reception on Saturday, Jan. 17. The gallery hosts receptions every third Saturday of the month. SCOTT P. YATES/

SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

BRIEFS

‘Wall of art’ at Dunlop House COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House is now displaying a “wall of art” for residents and visitors. Once a month a local artist will present his or her art work at the assisted living community, located at 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard. This month, residents and visitors are enjoying the work of 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 he has taken up painting portraits. Bohrer’s artwork can also be viewed at Side Street Gallery in Colonial Heights.

Wine Gala & Auction COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 284 will present a Wine Gala & Auction fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at 505 Springdale Ave. Admission is a $20 donation, if the ticket purchased in advance; $25 at the door. The event will feature wine tastings, cheeses, hors d’oeuvres and glass of wine. There will also be music, door

prizes, 50/50 raffle. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets may be purchased from any Auxiliary member. Tickets are also available at EVB and Topside. Cash or check only. All proceeds will support Auxiliary Unit 284 veteran, youth, community and education projects. For more information or reserved seating, call 337-0905.

Spring Bazaar & craft show COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Awana Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, located at 17001Jefferson Davis Highway, is hosting a “Spring Bazaar & Craft Show” on March 28. The event is a fundraiser for the high school club to raise money to attend Awana’s National Summit event where members will compete in a Bible quiz competition, ﬁne arts, and volleyball. Please email melissa. newcomb1@gmail for vendor information.

Dunlop House to host Healthy Aging program COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House Assisted Living and Dementia

Care will present another Survival Skills for Healthy Aging “Dash and Dine” educational event entitled, “Maintain Your Heart Health.” This event will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Dunlop House, located at 235 Dunlop Farms Blvd. CJW Medical Center and John Randolph Medical Center cardiac nurses will present this program and answer questions. A box dinner will be provided. RSVP is required by calling (804) 520-0050. This event is free and open to the public.

Souper Bowl III PETERSBURG — Rebuilding Together*TriCities (RT*TC) and the campaign for Legal Aid Services are announcing the third annual Souper Bowl fundraiser event, to be held on Feb 8, from 4-7 p.m. at Boulevard Flower Gardens, located at 2100 Ruffin Mill Road, Chesterﬁeld. The event will feature 20 local restaurants competing for the coveted People’s and Judges’ Choice awards. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample all soups and enjoy musical entertainment provided by the Hullabaloos. The event is familyfriendly and will feature a

children’s area sponsored by the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Tickets are $25 for individuals age 13 and up, $10 for age 4-10, and free for children 3 and under. There are a limited number of tickets, so act fast. Tickets may be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com. Follow event updates on Facebook at www.facebook. com/RebuildingTogetherTriCities. All proceeds support the missions of Rebuilding Together * Tri-Cities and the campaign for Legal Aid Services in the Tri-Cities. More information about Rebuilding Together Tri-Cities can be found at www.rttricities.org.

Symphony to sponsor third annual Cabaret Concert ETTRICK — The Petersburg Symphony Orchestra will sponsor its third annual Cabaret Concert on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Gateway Dining and Event Center on the campus of Virginia State University. The symphony will be playing a variety of jazz, pop, and classical music.

SEE BRIEFS, V4

Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Police officer is cleared in shooting From Staff Reports

Commonwealth’s Attorney William Bray

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — A police officer who shot and wounded a South Carolina woman after she pulled a gun on him following an August car chase reacted lawfully, according to a review by the commonwealth’s attorney’s office. “After evaluating all the evidence I determined that Officer Thinnes reacted lawfully and according to his

training,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney William “Bill” Bray in a statement released on Jan. 21. Evidence was collected and investigated by Virginia State Police and evaluated by Bray. Master Officer Greg Thinnes attempted to stop Melissa D. Alexander, 43, for a traffic stop, but she ignored lights and sirens before pulling over on Yacht Basin Drive. She “failed to comply with Officer Thinnes’ repeated demands to

before detainment at Riverside Regional Jail. Bray said an internal police department use of force investigation came to the same conclusion. “Officer Thinnes’ actions were in accordance with proper procedure and departmental policy,” said Col. Jeff Faries, chief of police. “Officer Thinnes reacted and performed as trained under a life threatening situation and he is to be commended for his actions.”

MEN AND BOYS NIGHT

BRIEFS

The Swift Creek Baptist Church hosts annual a wild game & ﬁsh dinner

From Page V3

Performing with the symphony will be local vocalists, Denise Dye singing Whitney Houston, and Kathy Wysong singing Phyllis Hyman. Also James Gates, well known saxophonist, will play his arrangement of “Georgia on My Mind.’’ As in past years, the Sankofa Dance Theater of Virginia State University will perform. This group is known to dazzle an audience with their highly energetically choreographed moves. There will also be a silent auction with an array of very popular items up for bid. Refreshments in the form of heavy hors d’hoevres and wine will be served. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased online at www. psova.net; at the following busineses: Bland’s Florist, located at 618 E. Washington St. in Petersburg, Second Hand Rose, located at 11 N. Sycamore St., Petersburg; or by calling 804-861-1131.

show her hands. Instead, she exited her vehicle and pointed a handgun at him,” Bray said. She was struck and wounded by Thinnes’ ﬁre. Alexander was charged with attempted capital murder of Officer Thinnes, use of a firearm in the attempted murder, felony assault upon a law enforcement officer, attempting to elude police and reckless handling of a ﬁrearm. She was treated at VCU Medical Center in Richmond

From Contributed Report

Swift Creek Baptist Church, 18510 Branders Bridge Road, will host its annual wild game and fish dinner for men and boys tonight. Guest speaker for the event is Greg Edmonds, an avid sportsman, outdoorsman and conservationist who resides in central Virginia. Edmonds, who bagged the largest wild turkey taken in Virginia in 2012, showcases his bird at area sportsman events. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD — Swift Creek Baptist Church, located at 18510 Branders Bridge Road, held its annual wild game & ﬁsh dinner for men & boys on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the church gym. All area hunters and anglers were invited to cook and bring their wild game and ﬁsh dishes. Men who did not have game or fish to bring were asked to bring a vegetable, bread, or dessert. Following the meal,

there was a presentation by guest speaker, Greg Edmonds, who is an avid sportsman, outdoorsman and conservationist who resides in central Virginia. With advanced degrees in biology and environmental studies, Edmonds shares a strong educational background for respecting, enhancing and enjoying this c o u n t r y ’s n a t u r a l resources. Edmonds is also a founding member of the Cool Spring Church Outdoor Sportsman’s Ministry

a n d i s a c e r t i fi e d Hu n t e r E d u c a t i o n instructor in the commonwealth of Virginia. He harvested the largest wild turkey taken in Virginia in 2012, and he showcases his bird at area sportsman events. He is also director of Scope & Hook, a teaching, writing and mentoring ministry to outdoor sportsmen. Swift Creek Baptist Church offers Sunday services at 8:30 and 11 a.m., and a Men’s Testimony service at 6 p.m. on Sundays. The public is welcome at all services.

BEFORE THE VOTE

Lawmakers hold press conference Monday Veterans care center legislation up for discussion before the House From Contributed Report

RICHMOND — Ma j o r i ty L e a d e r M . Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights; Rep. Randy Forbes, R-4th; Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st; Del. Rich Anderson, R-Manassas; and Del. Chris Stolle, R-Virginia Beach; held a press conference Monday to discuss the veterans care center legislation before the House and to discuss the next stage of action from the federal government. Legislation to provide $66.7 million in state funding for new Veterans Care Centers in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads was scheduled to come to the House ﬂoor for a vote on

Tuesday. The bills, HB1275 and HB1276, fund Virginia’s share of construction for the centers, which provide affordable, long-term nursing care for veterans. While the total state construction share is $66.7 million, Veterans Care Centers are built with 65 percent federal funding and 35 percent state funding. The total construction cost including the federal match for the two centers will be $190 million. The centers would result in about 600 new jobs in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, with operational costs paid for through federal funding. Majority Leader Kirk Cox said, “This legislation is the culmination of a more than decadelong effort in the General Assembly to build additional ve terans care centers to provide longterm care for those who have served. The House of

Delegates and the Senate are united in support for these needed facilities with more than 100 legislators signed as co-patrons for each bill. I look forward to working with our Congressional Delegation to move these projects forward at the federal level.” Speaking about the legislation, Rep. Randy Forbes said, “While we will never be able to fully repay Virginia’s veterans for their service to our country, we can all work to ensure that they receive the care they have earned. There is a clear and pressing need

for greater capacity to care for our Virginia veterans over the long term, and the passage of this legislation marks an important step toward meeting that need. The new care centers in both Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia are essential to keeping our commitment to this state’s heroes. The state has done their part; I will be working with my colleagues in Congress to do what we can to get Washington to do their part.” Rep. Forbes and Rep. Wittman have worked closely with Delegates

Cox, Anderson and Stolle as they lead the General Assembly effort to pass legislation and funding for the two facilities. Del. Chris Stolle worked with the Virginia Beach City Council to reserve 15 to 25 acres of city land as the site of a proposed Veterans Care Center in Hampton Roads. Del. Rich Anderson has led the effort in Northern Virginia to identify two sites for a 230-bed Northern Virginia Care Center, one in Innovation Park, Prince William County and another site on George Mason University’s Prince

William County Campus. “Thanks to the efforts of Del. Chris Stolle and Del. Rich Anderson in identifying sites for these new veterans centers and the legislation to fund the state share, Virginia will be ready to proceed with construction as soon as these centers receive federal approval,” said Rep. Rob Wittman. “Virginia currently has fewer veterans center beds per veteran than almost any other state. It’s time to give all of Virginia’s veterans the quality care they have earned and deserve.”

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

BUSINESS BRIEFING

President Debbie Sydow of Richard Bland College speaks about the challenges facing higher education, and how RBC is changing to meet new goals, during the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon. The event was held Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Dante’s Pizzeria. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Melody Stone and others introduce themselves during the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon, held Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Dante’s Pizzeria. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Folks listen to a speaker during the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon, held Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Dante’s Pizzeria. PATRICK KANE/PROG-

RESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Stephanie Stables reads the treasurer’s report during the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon, held Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Dante’s Pizzeria. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

President Pam Comstock calls the the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon to order. The event was held Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Dante’s Pizzeria. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Members learn about Richard Bland initiatives of Richard Bland College offered her thoughts on COLONIAL HEIGHTS the changes impacting — President Debbie Sydow higher education, and From Staff Reports

how RBC is rising to meet those challenges, during a speech with members of the Colonial Heights

Chamber of Commerce. Sydow spoke about dualenrollment programs, campus housing, a new

horse therapy course and other topics during the monthly luncheon meeting, held Tuesday, Jan. 20

at Dante's Pizzeria. About 30 members were there for networking, the guest speaker and pizza.

HOLLYWOOD KNOCKS AGAIN

Petersburg to be site of Civil War PBS drama From Staff Reports

PETERSBURG — The city is playing host to Hollywood once again as one of the ﬁlming locations of a Civil War hospital drama series. The six-episode ﬁrst season of the Public Broadcasting Service program will film in Petersburg and Richmond in the late spring, and is scheduled to premiere in the winter of 2016, according to a statement from the office of Gov. Terry McAuliffe Jan. 23. The series is based on the the memoirs and letters of actual doctors and female nurse volunteers at Mansion House Hospital, a luxury hotel in Alexandria that was transformed

into a Union Army hospital during the Civil War. The series focuses on true events and follows two volunteer nurses on either side of the conflict. Mary Phinney is a New England abolitionist and Emma Green is a traditional southerner. At the time, women were becoming more involved in the advancing practice of medicine. The title of the series and cast will be announced at a future date. William E. Johnson III, city manager, said that the city is ready and willing to host yet another period production. “For the past several years, Petersburg has been able to serve as the

backdrop for several major films and the city is even more excited about the announcement of another major television series coming to the area,” he said. “It allows us to showcase our history and the city’s infrastructure and even more importantly adds to the increased interest in tourism dollars spent in the city and foot traffic. We love the idea that Petersburg is the new “little Hollywood” and welcome the opportunity for more films to come to town to experience Petersburg.” In his statement, McAuliffe spoke to the economic impact of the film industry in Virginia. “We are proud to be hosting this series because

it is a Virginia story and an American story of people who struggled to endure and prevail during one of the most divisive eras our nation has ever known,” the Governor said. “I enthusiastically welcome PBS and everyone involved in this important series to the Commonwealth. This new project from PBS will be an important contributor to the new Virginia economy, providing good jobs and increased revenue for state and local taxes.” The series will be available for incentive funding from the state, which will based on the ability of the series to promote tourism and on expenditures in Virginia. In 2013, Virginia’s ﬁlm industry had

an economic impact of $382.5 million, and it provided $19.4 million in state and local tax revenue for the state. Maurice Jones, state secretary of commerce and trade, said that the Revolutionary War series “ Tu r n : Wa s h i n gt o n’s Spies,” which is being ﬁlmed in Petersburg, provided $19 million in wages and has had a $58 million economic impact on Virginia. To ensure historical accuracy for the Civil War series, historians and medical experts worked with filmmakers. Series creator Lisa Wolfinger said that the ﬁlmmakers seek to truthfully capture the lives of the era’s

ordinary people. “ The Civil War was a time of tumult and upheaval, but was also a social revolution that forever changed the lives of all who lived through it. Our series will introduce audiences to ordinary people living in extraordinary times, whose personal lives and stories will give us a greater insight into the remarkable era in which they lived,” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited to be in Virginia for this project. The authentic locations, historic resources and support from the state and local governments are exceptional and make this the perfect place to bring our story to life.”

Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

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