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ICONIC BUILDING GETTING FACELIFT V4

BUS SERVICE EXANDING IN HEIGHTS

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA

Friday, February 27, 2015

FREE

WINTER STORM

LOCAL Lane closures on west bound Temple Avenue COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Shoosmith Construction are continuing construction of the right turn lane expansion on west bound Temple Ave at Conduit Road. This project is expected to be completed around mid-March. Temporary lane closures for the right through lane and turn lane will be set up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. as needed during this project. Motorists are asked to please be aware of these closures and obey all traffic controls in the area. For more information regarding this project or the lane closures, contact Public Works – Engineering at 520-9334.

Tax preparation assistance COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Free tax preparation assistance for seniors is offered at the Colonial Heights Public Library from Feb. 3 through April 14, by appointment only. Appointments with a trained volunteer are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call the library at 520-9384.

College baseball coming to Shepherd Stadium COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Renovations to the University of Richmond’s Pitt Field is giving Tri-Cities fans several chances to see NCAA Division I baseball action in their own back yard. The Spiders will play eight games at Shepherd Stadium in 2015. Richmond played Norfolk State at Shepherd Stadium earlier this week. The Spiders will return to Colonial Heights for a matchup against Longwood (March 4), a three-game series against Penn (March 13-15), a two-game series against Minnesota (March 17-18) and an in-state rivalry game against William & Mary (March 24). Also NCAA Division II teams will be playing at Shepherd Stadium through early March. Admission to all games is free. For a schedule of games, visit www.colonialheightsva.gov

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. For vendor information, email melissa.newcomb1@gmail .

Community blood drive

SNOW From Staff Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Nearly half a foot of snowfall on Monday, Feb. 16, left kids out of school all week, in the biggest storm for several winters. Extremely cold temperatures meant snow covered much of the area through Sunday, Feb. 22. Kids and families headed over to the hill behind Colonial Heights Middle School to enjoy the fluffy stuff. Sleds, boogie boards, storage bins and even a big inﬂatable chair were pressed into snow day duty. Meanwhile, VDOT and city crews worked hard to clear roadways, starting with major interstates and working down to side roads. Folks dealt with many other delays and early closures, including the delay of University of Richmond baseball games scheduled for Shepherd Stadium.

Only Online Check out a video of kids enjoying the snow at www.progress-index.com

The Schane family sleds on the hill behind Colonial Heights Middle School Tuesday, Feb. 17 Schools were closed but the weather was beautiful.

A man drives a tractor with a snowplow in the southern end of Colonial Heights Tuesday, Feb. 17, following the overnight snow that blanketed the area.

Snow begins to fall on the campus of Virginia State University in Chesterfield County, Va. Monday, Feb. 16. Schools, government agencies and many businesses were closed for much of the week.

COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP

SVAR President David Patsel loves giving back to his community By Amir Vera Staff Writer

INDEX Churches ...........V5 Classiﬁed ...........V6

Vol. 12, No. 23

INDEX PHOTOS

snarls roads, cancels school

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Recreation Department’s Senior Center is hosting a community blood drive in Colonial Heights in conjunction with Virginia Blood Services. The blood drive will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 1 to 4:45 p.m. at the Community Center, 157 Roanoke Ave. Anyone who is interested in being a donor is asked to contact Elaine Thompson at (804) 520-9220 or by email at thompsone@colonialheightsva.gov to select a time slot.

Opinion ..............V2 Police Log ..........V4

Grayson, 3, and Madison, 6, get a push down the hill behind Colonial Heights Middle School Tuesday, Feb. 17. Schools were closed but the weather was beautiful. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-

David Pastel

the organization in the right city (spouse, children, parents, etc.)? direction. My wife is Monica and I have Are you originally from Colonial Heights? two sons, Matt and Noah. I also No, I was born in Roanoke, have have an extended family Virginia but went to school and that lives in the city as well. How long have you been graduated from Prince George president and a member of the County.

David Patsel is all about helping those around him. Whether it’s through the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors or simply volunteering through his church, seeing others happy is How long have you lived in what drives Patsel to do better. the city? 16 years As the 2015 president of SVAR, Do you have family in the Patsel hopes to continue leading

Southside Virginia Association of Realtors?

SEE PASTEL, V3

Friday, Feb. 27, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

OPINION

WE INVITE YOUR COMMENTARY

Letters should be no longer than 400 words. We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Include your name, address and a daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Send letters to lettertoeditor@progress-index.com.

YOUR VIEW

conscience as guaranteed under the First Amendment. Twenty of the 48 also provide a broader opt out based on “personal beliefs.” Only two RE: the subject story in states, Mississippi and West your Sunday 2/8/15 edition Virginia, limit exemptions to (page A-7). It is my prayerful medical reasons. hope that when the DemoAlthough no one has died crats boycott Israeli Prime (yet), reports of babies at risk Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress next and children being kept home month, that they won’t return. from school have focused media attention on the growThe Congressional Black ing anti-vaccine movement Caucus has also threatened a in the United States – and “boycott.” the relative ease with which Does anyone care? I objecting parents can now certainly don’t care that they invoke religious and personal and other Democrats will not belief exemptions to opt out of be in attendance. Are threats vaccinating their kids in many to “not be there” representastates. tive of some sort of loss to What’s at stake is mainour country? Are liberty and taining herd immunity – the democratic freedom lovers to public health principle that be upset by this? For the life of when at least 92-94 percent me I see no results to accrue of people are vaccinated, their from this childish behavior immunity prevents contagious by elected adults. My first diseases like measles from thought was: “hallelujah-no spreading. idiots to be in attendance to According to a 2013 embarrass the Israeli PM.” study published in Scientific Then my second thought was: American, “many states are how childish for adults to act dropping below safety threshthis way. My final thought olds” because “parents are results in this letter to the opting out of state vaccination editor; Who cares? requirements for kids entering It’s as if the Democrats and public school despite a dearth CBC members think anyone of evidence that vaccines are actually cares if they attend. harmful or unnecessary.” The Congress has the right Consider San Geronimo, to invite whomever they wish Calif., a pocket of opposiand executive approval nor tion to vaccination near San notice is not required. I, for one, am ecstatic that President Francisco, where fully 40 percent of children in the Obama and all Democrats local elementary school have who passed “Obamacare” without the support of a single not been vaccinated against measles. (not one!) Republican in Despite a looming public Congress at that time, are feelhealth crisis of significant proing what the Rpublicans and portions, scientists and public freedom supporting “states health officials are having a rights” citizens like me felt as difficult time convincing the a result. swelling ranks of naysayers. While not Jewish, I 100 No matter how clear and percent support Israel and its compelling the scientific right to exist as the only demevidence about the safety ocratic country in the Mideast. of vaccines, many parents It is further telling of President Obama’s seeming disdain still refuse to vaccinate their children out of fear, religious for anything non-Muslim, conviction, anti-government that US/Israeli relations at animus, commitment to a their respective executive “natural” lifestyle, distrust of levels are at an all time low. pharmaceutical companies – The charge from the execuor some combination of the tive branch about “breach of protocol” on this visit, rings as above. Some anti-vaccine advotrue as passing a law without a cates reinforce the fears and single vote of support from the distrust by promoting bogus representatives of 50 percent science, including a 1998 of our population. I, for the first time, can finally be proud study that claimed to have of something that Representa- found a link between vaccinations and autism – a study tive Boehner has done. Now, if other Republicans and cen- that was soon debunked and retracted. trist Democrats will continue Education helps, but it isn’t to “grow a spine” for other enough. States need to re-visit liberty issues like this, we’d be their laws and find ways to on a good track to bring back make opting out of vaccinatthe America of my youth. ing children more difficult for parents. Jesse L. Harrup Jr. Right now, religious and Colonial Heights personal belief exemptions are far too easy to get in most states, requiring little more Verizon ad is that filling out a form statnot cute or clever ing a personal objection to The folks at Verizon may vaccination. Personal belief think they're smart or cute exemptions are the most or clever about their half fast common – and they are on commercial but I think they the rise. need to realize what it sounds The measles outbreak like to small children who should be a wake-up call. The hear it as something else. Veri- time has come to eliminate zon, I know you can do better broad “personal belief exempthan this, maybe! tions” entirely and tighten

Congress doesn't need to worry about boycotting Democrats 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

Transparency, ethics and a dance

hree things we’d like to see: ■ Recently Peterburg Mayor Howard Myers held the city’s inaugural State of the City Address. The address was given before a packed crowd at Union Train Station.The mayor gave an overview of the city’s status and he summed it up by saying that Petersburg “is growing strong.” The theme of the day was to provide an overview of all the progress Petersburg has made recently and to outline the goals and priorities in the upcoming years. “We have had a fantastic year and I am proud to say that we are consistently moving forward in a positive direction,” Myers said. The address was a great forum to inform citizens about the past year and the city’s priorities for the coming years. Other mayors should consider a simlar event to communicate with citizens.

■ Newly-elected Hopewell City Councilor Anthony Zevgolis suggested that the council form an ethics committee to ensure that the council is keeping with city code. “Hopefully it’ ll never be used, but we need to let the public know that such a thing exists and that we are concerned,” Zevgolis said. Zevgolis suggested that the councilors should be required to sign a form stating that they have read the city code in full. He also recommended that the ethics committee could be headed by two members from council. Zevgolis clarified that a two-person ethics committee wouldn’t make final decisions for the City Council, but instead would act as a force that would address council of any ethical issues. Zevgolis said the ethics committee would also handle chamber conduct and decorum. The Hopewell City Council has a history of squabbling at meetings. An ethics panel may help the City Council and other cities should look at forming such a panel.

We hope that Akira Hepburn has a successful “You and Me Masquerade” dance for children and their parents. Hepburn was just 9 years old when her father, Spencer Hepburn III, died of colon cancer on May 27, 2012. Her mother, Lawarna Howard, admires the strength such a little girl her age had during this time. Three years later Akira and her mother are looking to honor his memory by sponsoring the dance. The idea comes from a missed opportunity. At A.P. Hill Elementary School, she was supposed to attend a fatherdaughter dance with her father. However, due to criminal activity, the dance was cancelled. The fact that they never got to enjoy that father-daughter dance is what’s driving the now mother-daughter duo to work so hard to make sure that this dance is a success. The ultimate plan, Howard said, is to hold the dance and donate the proceeds to the Thomas Johns Cancer Hospital at Johnston-Willis Hospital in Richmond, where Spencer Hepburn was treated during his 16-month battle with cancer. ■

Ralph Walker Chesterﬁeld

Vaccines, science and the limits of freedom Alarm over the current measles outbreak that began mid-December in Disneyland, California – more than 100 cases in 14 states reported in January – has renewed debate about laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia mandating that students be vaccinated for certain diseases before entering school. At issue are the religious and personal belief exemptions granted to parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. While all 50 states allow medical exemptions, 48 states offer religious exemptions – reﬂecting our nation’s historic commitment to liberty of

ANOTHER VIEW

guidelines for religious and philosophical exemptions. State legislators are beginning to act. This week, a group of California lawmakers are preparing legislation that would get rid of that state’s personal belief exemption. Also this week, a committee of the Mississippi House of Representatives turned back an effort to amend the law to add personal belief objections and voted instead to retain the state’s policy allowing only medical exemptions. Unless states act soon, highrisk people – including babies who cannot be vaccinated in their first year and children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons – will contract measles with potentially fatal results. Medical experts tell us that for every thousand children who get measles, one to two of them will die. Ending all non-medical exemptions – a remedy suggested by some public health advocates – would be both politically difficult and counter to our religious freedom tradition of accommodating, when possible, claims of conscience based on deep religious or philosophical convictions. Instead, states should continue to grant a limited number of exemptions to those who articulate clear religious or philosophical grounds for their refusal to vaccinate their children. States should also thoroughly inform all parents about the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of vaccination – and the health risks to the community of refusing vaccination. Eliminating personal belief exemptions and tightening guidelines for religious exemptions should lower the number of parents opting out. If that works, we can restore and maintain herd immunity while still providing exemptions for genuine conscientious objectors. However, if narrowing the grounds for exemption doesn’t work – and parental opt outs continue to rise – then states will have little choice but to follow the example of Mississippi and West Virginia by limiting exemptions to those with legitimate medical reasons. Protecting individual rights is a core American value. But when the lives of children are at risk, public health and safety must necessarily trump even the most sincere claim of conscience. Charles C. Haynes Religious Freedom Center Newseum Institute Washington, DC

Keep existing coal plants open I have been following the debate going on in the General Assembly right now about how to meet new EPA carbon rules. It appears they will have a big effect on Virginia because many older, coal-ﬁred power stations might have to

be shut down. It concerns me why Virginia might have to do this because our state needs jobs and the coal industry is important, especially in the southwestern part of the state. Personally, I don't’ know whether these new EPA carbon rules are really needed or not, but I have heard they are much stricter for Virginia than they are for some surrounding states, which doesn't seem fair. I hope we will be able to keep these coal plants functioning. A lot of money has already been spent by the state’s electric utilities cleaning them up and it seems like a big shame to lose them now. After all, don’t we need the electricity they generate? Sen. Frank Warner’s bill (SB 1349) that would freeze Dominion Virginia Power’s base rates for several years seems like a good plan while all this is ﬁgured out. Hopefully, in the end, our rates won’t go up too much and we will keep those reliable, efficient plants running. Richard T. Elder III Colonial Heights

Develop a lasting friendship Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. God’s plan is for you to be in relationships that provide mutual help and assistance, as much as you need other people for help and friendship, they need you for the same reasons. What does it take to develop a lasting friendship? (A) Time together - Philippians 2:4 encourages us to “not merely look out for (our) own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” When you care enough about your friends to put them ﬁrst, you love them like Jesus Christ loves you. (B) Communication - genuine friendships are built on honesty and transparency. “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend” (Proverbs 27:9). (C) Shared life experiences - is there someone you can laugh and cry with? Godly friends rejoice over accomplishment, give wise counsel, and are loyal at all times. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). (D) Demonstrations of love - we are called to love one another the way Jesus Christ loves us. “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). A loving friend is selﬂess, kind, patient, generous, and forgiving. Caring for others - with God's supernatural assistance - shows the world that we are His followers. It also reminds us of His love for us. Jesus Christ said, “As I have loved you ... you also love one another”. Wayne Robert Scott Petersburg

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Feb. 27, 2015

YOUR NEWS 'I NEVER FORGET MY FRIENDS ...

THINGS TO DO THIS

WEEKEND FRIDAY ■ The Watoto Children’s Choir from Africa is performing in the Tri-City area this week. The children are ambassadors for orphans in Africa and each have a personal story to tell. At 7 p.m. Friday, they will be performing at Prince George Christian Church, located at 7605 Prince George Drive in Prince George County. The program offers vibrant, original African music; dance routines; and lifetransforming stories. The performance is free and open to the public.

SATURDAY ■ The Side Street Gal-

lery, located at 127-129 Pickwick Ave., will host a juried photography show and art party from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday at the gallery. Because of the inclement weather and road conditions, the monthly art opening was postponed from last week so that more people could

HOW TO SUBMIT: Send event and contact info to newsroom@ progress-index.com or The Progress-Index, 15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803 LOOKING FOR MORE: If you can’t find what you’re looking for, find it online at www.progressindex.com enter the photography show and attend this month’s event. More than 50 local artists will have their original artwork available and there are cash awards for winners in the photography show. ■ The Carson Ruritan Club will host its Oyster Feast from 3-6 p.m. Saturday at the Rives Ruritan Hall, 16015 South Crater Road in Petersburg. For tickets or more information, call 804-592-1771. ■ The Prince George County Relay for Life is hosting a fundraiser, “Mardi Gras - Dance For The Cure, One Step At A Time” this weekend. Admission is $10 per person. The dance will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Prince George County Parks and Recreation Community Center, 11100 Old Stage Road. All proceeds will benefit the PG Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. For more information, call (804) 527-3781 or email kathe. goller@cancer.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, Feb. 27 DINWIDDIE — AlAnon Family Groups for family and friends of alcoholics meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Friday at Kenwood United Methodist Church, 25200 Ritchie Ave., Petersburg. For more information, call 733-7395. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Road, holds bingo every Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or information about membership requirements or activities of the American Legion, visit the Post 284 website, http://mysite. verizon.net/legion284 or call 526-5656. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Recovery Support program meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. each Friday in the conference room at the Colonial Heights Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Groups meet for 90 minutes and offer a structured group process designed to encourage, support and empower. All diagnosis welcome. For more information, contact Gina at 804-605-5010 or towritegina@yahoo.com. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Friday at 10 a.m. at: Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Meetings are also held at 5:30 p.m. each MondayFriday at the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959. DINWIDDIE — The Dinwiddie Diamonds will sponsor its monthly country dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Eastside Community Enhancement Center, 7301 Boydton Plank Road. Music will be provided by The Antiques. This is an alcohol free, smoke free event. Concessions will be open. This dance is held the fourth Friday of each month, except November.

SATURDAY, Feb. 28 COLONIAL HEIGHTS

— Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2239, 14705 Jefferson Davis Highway, holds bingo each Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 7. There are six to eight chances to win $500 or more. Food is available. For directions or questions about this event, call 748-4896 and ask for Tom Gore. For information about VFW membership or other activities, call Tom Ferguson, 748-4896.

SUNDAY, March 1 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Moose Lodge 1783, 170 Moose Ave., holds bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, visit the website at www.chmoose.com or call 526-1537. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959.

MONDAY, March 2 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The “Colonial Square Dancers,” a nonproﬁt organization, meets from 7-9 p.m. each Monday at the Colonial Heights High School cafeteria on Conduit Road. Square dancers and visitors are welcome. For more information, call 804-720-2340. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Road, holds bingo every Monday. Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or information about membership requirements or activities of the American Legion, visit http://mysite. verizon.net/legion284 or call 526-5656. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Monday at 10 a.m at Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Meetings are also held at 5:30 p.m. MondayFriday at the Tri-City Club, SEE CALENDAR, V4

Gov. Terry McAuliffe speaks during the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, held Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Tabernacle Community Life Center. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Governor commends Petersburg, pledges to work with city for greater success As keynote speaker for Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Dinner, McAuliffe said he was 'bullish on Petersburg' By Leah Small Staff Writer

PETERSBURG — Gov. Terry McAuliffe encouraged the city to keep pressing forward during his keynote address at the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Dinner. He commended the city for strides made in business, education, tourism and other areas. The governor said that he would also work to help to improve Petersburg and acknowledged the city’s support during his first year in office. Overall, McAuliffe said he was "bullish on Pe tersburg" and saw brighter days ahead for the city. “I do love Petersburg, I’ve spent a lot of time here, you’ve been good to me,” he said. “I’ ve enjoyed my time here and I never forget my friends … and that ‘s just the beginning.” Par t of not forge tting his friends was taking part in efforts to facilitate the sale of the former Boehringer Ingelheim Chemicals plant to Chinese firm UniTao Pharmaceuticals LLC, in October 2014. The firm will eventually create 376 jobs with an investment of $22.5 million. B-I Chemicals announced in August 2013 that it was closing, which would have resulted in the lose of 240 jobs. McAuliffe called Unitao’s Petersburg location the “biggest success he has had as governor” so far during the first year of his term.

PASTEL From Page V1

All presidents of SVAR serve a one-year term as president. It is a threeyear commitment, being president elect one year, president for one year and past president one year; 2015 is my year being the president.

He commended Petersburg for beating out locations in China to provide a facility for the Chinese pharmaceutical company’s operations. McAuliffe said that Petersburg may have weathered the worst through the economic downturn but continues to climb. “You’ve seen an economy that has slugged you in the gut a couple of times but you keep on going,” he said. McAuliffe said that during his first year a s g o v e r n o r, h e h a s brought over 270 projects, including UniTao, to the commonwealth, as well as $5.6 billion in economic development from around the world. He also recognized Petersburg’s strides in tourism, with the January groundbreaking of the National Park Service visitors center inside of South Side Depot. He also noted Petersburg's growing role in Hollywood films and said actress and director Meg Ryan, who filmed "Ithaca" in Petersburg last year, gushed about how wonderful the city was for nearly a half hour. McAuliffe mentioned Petersburg in his promise to ensure that all Virginia schools would be accredited by the end of his term and said that there would be no cuts to k-12 education in his budget this year. He also advocated for a 2-percent raise for teachers. The governor also congratulated Petersburg City Public Schools awards throughout the years and I am also a member of the Lifetime SVAR Honor Society. What is your most memorable moment being a member of SVAR?

There is not one memorable moment that comes to mind. I am proud to serve as president of SVAR in 2015. SVAR has been around since 1958 and is Do you have any awards very prestigious. Looking or recognitions through out for homeowners' best SVAR? interests and seeing the Members can win a vari- Realtor name as an asset ety of awards each and every to help buyers and sellers year. I have won production in most cases, the largest

Gov. Terry McAuliffe speaks during the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, held Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Tabernacle Community Life Center.

for bringing Petersburg High School up to full accreditation. He advocated for the expansion of access to quality pre-kindergarten education. “If 80 percent of the brain is developed be tween bir th and 5 years old, why is it that some children have access to pre-K education and others don’t,” he said. He also emphasized the need for Virginians to earn workforce credentials to fill in demand high tech jobs. McAuliffe proposed more financial transaction in their life.

aid for community colleges to incentivize students working toward workforce credentials. He has made it a goal for Virginians to receive an additional 50,000 credentials before the end of his term. McAuliffe also spoke of strides made in the restoration of rights for non-violent felons and said that he has been working with newly elec ted Delegate Joe Preston, D-Petersburg, to do so. “ There are so many

SEE MCAULIFFE, V5

is presently. I was a part of a team that was able to assist and feed our volunteers that were doing the cleanup. Seeing everyone coming I am an active member together to help was absoof Mount Pleasant Baptist lutely great. Church for the past 11 years. What is your favorite I love my church and my thing about living in the church family. city? What is your most memThe convenience is great. orable moment living in It is very close to everything Colonial Heights? and you can still go ﬁshing The most memorable at the Appomattox River or event I remember in Colo- Swift Creek. nial Heights is when the What do your hobbies tornado went through include? where the old Wal-Mart I love going to the beach, was, where the Sam’s Club ﬁshing and playing golf. What other city organizations have you been a part of? How long have you been a member?

Friday, Feb. 27, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

POLICE LOG

PETERSBURG

Iconic BB&T building is under renovation By Leah Small Staff Writer

PETERSBURG — One of the largest and mostrecognizable buildings in Petersburg — with some of the best views of the city — could soon become a local icon as the location of the city’s visitors center. On Jan. 13, the city closed on the sale of the BB&T building at 30 Franklin St. to private company Maramjen Investments LLC. The circa-1930 building is in the process of being renovated into a multi-use property, complete with office space to be rented by the city and potentially by other businesses. In addition to the visitors center, the second floor of the building will house the city’s cultural affairs office and the third floor will be the location of the economic development office. Renters will be able to take advantage of amazing views, with 15 market rate apartments on floors five, six and seven. Originally, a restaurant tentatively named M Bistro South was proposed to occupy the first floor, but those plans fell through. To m W i l k i n s o n , a developer with the Richmond-based firm, Maramjen Investments LLC, said that downtown Petersburg was the ideal location for the project because of increased development. “Retail follows rooftops,” he said. “You are starting to see the restaurants come back and other kinds of retail because enough people are living down here.” But the developer

CALENDAR From Page V3

located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959.

TUESDAY, March 3 CHESTERFIELD — The Chesterﬁeld County Senior Advocate and Lucy Corr Village invite anyone who is caring for an adult with physical or cognitive deterioration to attend Caregiver Connection, a monthly support group that helps address caregivers’ needs and concerns. It meets on the ﬁrst Tuesday of each month, 4 to 5:15 p.m., in the Friendship Room at Lucy Corr Village Assisted Living, 6800 Lucy Corr Blvd. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 804-768-7878 or 706-5657. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at 5:30

Workers pound away on demolition work inside of the former BB&T bank building on Franklin Street. The structure will be renovated into apartments, office space and a city visitors center. LEAH SMALL/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Tom Wilkinson, left, and Vie Lowden, right, of Maramjen Investments LLC, stand inside of the BB&T building on Franklin Street. The two developers recently acquired the property from the city.

expects that the building apartments will bring something special to downtown. “They should be the nicest apartments in Petersburg …They will certainly have the nicest views,” he said. Wilkinson has been at the forefront of residential development in Petersburg, with the adaptive reuse of Perry Street Lofts at 109 Perry St. into 149 market rate p.m. Monday-Friday at: the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959. 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 804-520-9384.

WEDNESDAY, March 4 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Jessie J. Mayes

apartments. Wilkinson said that the BB&T project will be financed with $1.8 million in historic tax credits and $3.2 million in debt. According to a sales agreement approved by City Council in September 2013, the developers purchased the building for $600,000. Council voted 5-1 to approve the agreement, with thenMayor Brian Moore recusing himself from Tri-Cities Chapter of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association Inc will have its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at The Piccadilly Restaurant, Southpark Mall. Prior Airborne experience is not a prerequisite for membership or attending. For more information, call 861-0945. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 485 meets each Wednesday morning at Colonial Heights Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Weighins begin at 8:15 a.m. and the meetings start at 9. For more information, call Evelyn at 748-2607. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Optimist Club of Colonial Heights, 916 Meridan Ave., holds bingo every Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird games start at 6:45 and regular games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions or details, call 526-0689. Money raised supports youth projects in the community. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Wednesday at 10 a.m.

the discussion. Councilmember Kenneth “Ken” Pritchett, Ward 3, was the dissenting vote. The city will pay approximately $57,000 a year to lease the office space for at least 10 years, with options to renew. The former bank building and the associated land is valued at $1.4 million, according to assessors records. Developers expect the project to be completed in March 2016 and have been working for the past month on clearing the building of asbestos and other demolition work. On April 1, Wilkinson expects that the project’s contractor, Richmond based Monument Construction, will start building the apartments on the top three floors to be followed by construction of the office space. Other partners on the project include Walter Parks Architects, SEE BB&T, V5

at: Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are also held at 5:30 p.m. MondayFriday at: the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The 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 804-520-9384.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS larceny:petit; fraud:false The following information pretense on Jan. 24. was provided by the Colonial Heights Police Department. ■ Jeron Laytaysaha-Pelham Lee, 23, of the 600 block of Pleasants Lane, Peters■ Bryan Justin Cox, 24, of the burg was charged with 1300 block of Clifton Road, larceny:shoplifting more Rawlings was charged with $200 on Jan. 25. driving under the influence on Jan. 23. ■ Richard Mason, 46, of the ■ Coty Bryce Fender, 19, of the 1100 block of Upper Appomattox Road, Petersburg was 13500 block Queen Street, charged with threat/obscene Disputanta was charged with probation:violation on Jan. 23. phone calls on Jan. 25. ■ Lesa Muwatak Manuel, 23, ■ Ryshawn M. Newsome, of the 1400 block of Clark21, of the 1000 block of son Road, Richmond was Nottowway Street, Peterscharged with fail to appear on burg was charged with Jan. 23. larceny:shoplifting more $200 on Jan. 25. ■ Shantel Quanae Mayfield, 21, of the 8 block of Prin■ Johnny Lee Wilhelm III, 40, cess Court, Petersburg was of the 2300 block of Franklin charged with larceny:petit on Avenue, Colonial Heights Jan. 23. was charged with assault & battery:family member on ■ Daja Ayana-Monay Walker, Jan. 25. 20, of the 1100 block of Hinton Street, Petersburg ■ Thomas Daniel Harris, 31, was charged with larceny w/ of the 4200 block of Orchard intent to sell; larceny:grand Drive, Petersburg was on Jan. 23. charged with fail to appear on Jan. 26. ■ Marissa L. Begin, 25, of the 116 E Westover Avenue, ■ Salon Sharee Hill, 28, of Colonial Heights was charged the 17700 block of McKenwith assault & batter: family ney Road, McKenney was member on Jan. 24. charged with fail to appear on Jam. 26. ■ Jarod Tyrell Buford, 20, of the 20000 block of Roosevelt ■ Linda Leigh James, 48, of Avenue, S. Chesterfield was the 600 block of Colonial charged with illegal possesAvenue, Colonial Heights was sion of alcohol on Jan. 24. charged with larceny:petit; assault:simple on Jan. 26. ■ Jennifer Elizabeth Burdge, 30, of the 9500 block of ■ Senario Denise Pitt, 25, Telstar Drive, Chester was of the 1500 block of Caney charged with larceny:petit on Branch Road, Emporia was Jan. 24. charged with larceny:grand on Jan. 26. ■ James Julius Jackson, 50, of the 100 block of Lee ■ Melissa Marie Ramsey, Avenue, Colonial Heights was 36, of the 7900 block of Iron charged with larceny:grand; Bridge Road, Richmond was larceny w/intent to sell on charged with fail to pay fines Jan. 24. on Jan. 26. ■ Miesha Marie Leader, 31, ■ James William Regal III, 33, of the 700 block of Stenwix of the 16000 Mistora Road, Square, Norfolk was charged Chester was charged with fail with probation:violation on to pay fines on Jan. 26. Jan. 24. ■ Crystal Mae Snodderly, 34, of the 3200 New Found Lane, ■ Taylor Nia Moore, 18, of the 4100 block of Silver Park Terr, Chester was charged with fail Suitland PG, MD was charged to pay fines on Jan. 26. with larceny:petit on Jan. 24. ■ Philip Elijah Wanamaker, 28, of the 200 block of ■ Antwon Demario Patrick Sage Lane, Petersburg was 29, of the 100 block of E charged with possession Westover Avenue, Colonial untaxed alcohol; trans alcoHeights was charged with hol/excess limit; maintain assault & battery:family common nuisance on Jan. member on Jan. 24. 26. ■ William Leon Rogers III, 43, of the 600 block of Hamilton Avenue, Colonial Heights Information is provided was charged with assault & by police and sheriff 's battery: family member on departments. This inforJan. 24. mation may or may not ■ Shawn Dionte Thompbe all inclusive. Arrests son, 32, of the 200 block include summons. Arrests of Suffolk Avenue, Colonial do not imply guilt. Heights was charged with

THURSDAY, March 5 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Rotary Club of Colonial Heights meets at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpark Boulevard, each Thursday at 7 a.m. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Moose Lodge 1783, 170 Moose Ave., holds bingo every Thursday. Doors open 4 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. Food is available for nominal fee. For directions, visit the website at www.chmoose. com or call 804-526-1537. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Intimidators Quilt Club holds their monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the ﬁrst Thursday of the month at the Colonial Heights Public Library. For information, call Caddie, 526-3909, or Dink, 804-520-8224. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — New caregiver support groups meet the ﬁrst and third Thursdays at 5 p.m. at Colonial Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, 831 Ellerslie Ave. Dinner provided if you RSVP no later than the morning of the group meeting. For more information, call 804-526-2359.

PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at: the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club meets each Thursday. On the ﬁrst three Thursdays of the month, and any ﬁfth Thursday, the club meets at 1:15 p.m. at the community building, 157 Roanoke Avenue. The fourth Thursday is a monthly luncheon at area restaurants by reservation with Joan Light at 526-5884. The Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club is sponsored by the City of Colonial Heights Department of Recreation and Parks. Any resident of Colonial Heights, 50 years of age or older, is invited to join meetings. For more information, call Mildred Morrison at 526-3497.

BEST OF THE Voters Guide & Ofﬁcial Ballot In Print and Online • Friday, February 27th This is your chance to vote for the people who do the best work and recognize the businesses that practice great customer service. If you like the job they are doing, let them know by voting for them.

The Progress-Index www.progress-index.com

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Feb. 27, 2015

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

PAT bus route to expand, loop through city By Leah Small Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Petersburg Area Transit is expanding its Southpark Mall bus route at no expense to the city of Colonial Heights. The 21-stop route will be operated as a demonstration route for a period of three years, during which time PAT would work to grow ridership. If the route is profitable at the end of the three years, Colonial Heights could be expected to share in the cost of operating the route. Council voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to approve the expanded route, which is planned to start in mid-March. Mayor Gregory Kochuba said that the 21-stop route would provide greater connectivity throughout the city. “A person can go from one side of the city to the other side of the city … They can go to the doctor. They can go to the library. it opens up a lot of avenues. It’s a great opportunity,” Kochuba said. City Manager Thomas Mattis also spoke of the benefits of the route’s connectivity to Petersburg and Greater R i c h m o n d Tr a n s i t , which can be accessed through Petersburg’s bus station. “Folks will be able

Petersburg Area Transit is expanding the Southpark Mall bus route to loop through Colonial Heights, as a three-year demonstration.

Petersburg Area Transit is expanding the Southpark Mall bus route to loop through Colonial Heights, as a three-year demonstration. PROGRESS-INDEX FILE PHOTOS

to catch the bus here, go there [Old Towne Petersburg], have lunch and come back,” Mattis said. “ They can go to Richmond, get the Greyhound and go anywhere.” PAT currently operates a similar route in Hopewell, The Hopewell Circulator Route, which is now fully operated out of Hopewell’s budget. The current route before the expansion d e p a r t s Pe t e r s b u r g Area Transit’s bus station at 6:15 a.m., with the last bus returning to the station at 5:50 p.m. The stops are centered around the mall area at Walmart, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesday, Regal 16, H.H. Gregg and Kmart. The new 21-stop route more extensively covers the city with a route that

goes from the bus station in Petersburg, down the Boulevard, turns right onto Ellerslie Avenue, then travels along Conduit Road onto Temple Avenue. The stops on the original Southpark Mall route will also be included. The new stops will be placed between 750 to 1,000 feet of each other. Each single trip on the route will have a fare of $1.75 but other fare options will be offered. All day bus passes will be offered for $3.50, seven-day passes will cost $7.50 and monthly passes will cost $44. All of those prices are half the amount for disabled patrons. The passes can also be accessed in $5 increments. Handicapped riders

who live three quarters of a mile from the stop qualify for door-to-door service. Pe t e r s b u r g A r e a Transit pays $263,000 to operate the current Southpark Mall route, with a little over $100,000 coming from federal transit funding. Dironna Moore Belton, PAT general manager, said that when the cost of the c urrent route is considered, Colonial Heights could be e xpec ted to contribute about $163,000 to $200,000 to operate the route after the three-year trial period. She also said that rider fair would be counted as revenue that would lessen that contribution. Belton attended the council meeting with

Petersburg City Manager William E. Johnson III and Petersburg Mayor Howard Myers to advocate for the new route. Before bringing the proposal to Council, Petersburg Area Transit conducted surveys o f C o l o n i a l He i g h t s residents who use PAT’s Ettrick and Southpark Mall routes and Colonial Heights business owners. Of the bus riders, 29 answered the 12 question rider survey. The Southpark Mall route was identified as the most frequently used, with 100-percent ridership. Only 18 percent of respondents use PAT’s Ettrick route. The rider respondents also indicated that offering services to the disabled and seniors was a top priority. Fare reductions, route expansion and expansion of evening and weekend services, were also listed

as high priorities. The median income of rider respondents is $55,000 annually and 94 percent hold a valid drivers license. Belton said that there is a huge push for millennials with access to cars to have alternative transportation. Eleven business owners along the Boulevard responded to the sur ve y. Of those businesses, 72 percent require employees to h av e a v a l i d d r i v e r s license and 72 percent feel that employees have no trouble accessing their location. Most businesses had employees with salaries in the range of $15,000 to $55,000. Business owner survey respondents also indicated that low cost disabled and senior transit services should be a high priority. Low cost SEE PAT, V6

COMMENTARY

Constituents agree General Assembly on right track Editor’s note: Del. Kirk Cox sends weekly updates during the General Assembly session. This is his report.

s we approach the ﬁnal week of the 2015 Session, legislation is efficiently moving through the legislative process. Budget conferees have been appointed and are negotiating the details of a ﬁnal budget. Based on an initial review of House and Senate budgets, it’s noteworthy that our respective budgets are close and have common objectives to include: pay increases for our public employees, teachers, and law enforcement; additional deposits to the “rainy day fund”; cash for capital construction; additional funding to strengthen the Virginia Retirement System; and increased investments for K-12 and higher education. While there is increased spending in some areas, I am pleased that the total proposed House budget for the state is nearly $1.1 billion less than the 2014 enacted budget. I thank the some 1,450 people who joined my second telephone town hall of the session last week. We covered many relevant topics, including

DEL. KIRK COX

the budget. I asked poll questions and took caller questions on several issues that are being addressed right now in the General Assembly. The governor has recently announced an additional $136 million available in revenue over the current figures in the proposed budget. The additional revenue reflects an increase in retail sales tax collections and estimated income tax payments, in addition to a big boost in the forecast for payroll withholding and corporate income tax collections. I asked listeners who participated in the telephone town hall how they think that additional revenue should be best spent. From five choices, 41 percent of listeners believe any additional revenue should be used to make a prepayment to the rainyday fund, the equivalent of Virginia’s savings account. The second highest majority, 27 percent, supported giving teachers a pay raise

“I’m trying to get away from the bipartisan From Page V3 politics and get to what makes business sense f o l k s o u t t h e r e w h o for Virginia,” the goverserved their time and nor said. “It’s our money paid their price,” he said. But McAuliffe said that he wasn’t successful in Closing the Coverage Gap in healthcare and said that more work remains to be done. The initiative would allow Virginia to accept federal funds to bring tax dollars back to the state in order to provide health insurance coverage to 400,000 Virginians.

MCAULIFFE

above the 1.5 percent already in the budget. A hot topic at the General Assembly has been school boards’ authority to set their own academic calendars and be able to start school before Labor Day. Supporters of the legislation say it allows school boards more flexibility to prepare for unplanned missed days, such as snow days. Opponents say starting before Labor Day will hurt late summer tourism. Sixfour percent of listeners on the call supported allowing school boards the authority to set their own calendar. During the call, we also discussed higher education and corresponding costs and tuition. Seventy percent of listeners believe college tuition is too high and increasing too fast. The House agrees these costs are a concern for parents and we have put forth legislation to help make college more affordable. House Bill 1692, sponsored by Del. Nick Rush, R-Montgomery, gives students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields the option of a more affordable “flat-fee degree.” Del. Ben Cline,. R-Rockbridge,sponsored legislation that establishes a new cooperative bachelor's degree and I want it.” — Leah Small may be reached at 722-5172 or lsmall@progress-index. com

program in Virginia that lets students earn a bachelor’s degree for a total of $16,000 through the use of online, community college, or public or private college or university courses. My House Bill 1897 addresses cost concerns by reducing high athletic fees all students must pay. On average, 12 percent of what Virginia students paid in tuition and fees in 2012-2013 was directed toward intercollegiate athletics. With only 3 percent of students playing sports, we simply cannot ask students who will never play a minute of college sports to bear such a disproportionate share of the costs associated with these programs. My legislation, that passed out of the House unanimously, has now passed out of Senate Committee. The House budget also supports making college more affordable and accessible. Of the over $35 million higher education budget, $19.8 million will be used to make available additional in-state slots at colleges and universities SEE COX, V6

Councilmember Brian Moore, Ward 4, stands on top of the BB&T building on Franklin Street. Moore has been hired to oversee the demolition work for the building. Leah Small/Progress-Index photo

BB&T From Page V4

of Richmond; and McCray Electric Company, of Petersburg. Councilmember Moore, who owns the Petersburg based companies, Commonwealth Communications LLC and Commonwealth Development Group LLC, is performing the demolition

work in the project. Moore said that the project would be able to capitalize on its proximity to Exit 52, which is passed by over 100,000 cars a day. “I think it’s an excellent location right on the main strip,” he said. — Leah Small may be reached at 722-5172 or lsmall@progress-index. com

Friday, Feb. 27, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

CHURCH NEWS DIRECTORY

CONFERENCE 25

Colonials fall to visiting Falcons By Neil Fuller Sports Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — When fourth-seeded York needed him most, Joe Riddick accepted the responsibility. Riddick had 18 points — including seven in the fourth quarter — and 10 rebounds as the Falcons defeated No. 1 seed Colonial Heights 66-62 in the Conference 25 semiﬁnals Monday night. Riddick entered the postseason averaging 13.9 points per game. The Colonials (10-12) held a 57-56 lead with 3:13 remaining. "It was a gutsy performance by our guys," York coach Bobby Pearce said. "We had a lot of close loses early in the year to some pretty good basketball teams. I feel like, going forward, (those close loses) prepared us for tournament time. That kind of showed tonight." He wasn't kidding. Derrick Jackson recorded layups 39 seconds apart to give the Falcons (10-12) a 62-58 lead with 2:17 remaining. From there, York did enough at the free-throw line to escape. The Falcons will travel to Lafayette for the conference championship game Wednesday night. The thirdseeded Rams edged No. 2 Park View 65-63 to advance. With their semifinals victories, both York and Lafayette have clinched spots in the VHSL Class 3A East Region tournament. The Falcons opened the second quarter on a 13-2 run to claim a 26-13 advantage

Address: Meets at Lakeview Elementary School, 401 Taswell Ave. For more information or directions, call 520-6200, or www.christcommunitychurchva. org. Colonial Heights’ Corey Reynolds (12) guards York’s Derrick Jackson (11) during the Conference 25 tournament semifinals Monday night at CHHS.

Colonial Heights’ Elijah Shaw (21) shoots against York’s Joe Riddick (12) during a Conference 25 semifinal matchup Monday night at CHHS. York’s Jaylen Riggsbee (24) is also seen. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

over the Colonials — and carried a 34-24 lead into halftime. But this would be no blowout. Brandon Smith and Noah Murdock made certain of that. Their second-half efforts were almost enough to send Colonial Heights into the Conference 25 title game and a berth in the Class 3A East ﬁeld. Almost. Smith played determined, dogged defense and scored all 17 of his points over the final two quarters. His 3-pointer with 5:39 remaining gave the Colonials a

Chapter has regional offices in Fredericksburg, Gloucester, and Colonial Heights

54-50 lead. Murdock hit two thirdquarter 3s and added a three-point play to help Colonial Heights carry a 48-45 advantage into the ﬁnal 8 minutes. Murdock, who has committed to play baseball at Virginia, finished with a game-high 21 points. York forward Eric Harp had eight points and 11 rebounds and Jaylen Riggsbee ﬁnished with 12 points, despite second-half foul trouble. When asked how good his team can be as postseason play progresses, Pearce

Colonial Heights’ Noah Murdock (44) shoots against York’s Collin Mandrick (21) during Monday’s conference game at CHHS.

didn't hesitate. "I know we fight. We fight hard," he said. "As for our ceiling, it just depends on how we shoot the ball that night. As with any team this time of year, if you start getting hot, you can make a run. "You've got to shoot the ball and you've got to play defense." Riddick did that, too, with two steals and a block. Jackson Cox scored 10 for the Colonials, who won three of their final five regular-season games to clinch Conference 25's top seed.

16 employees with a headquarters in Richmond and regional offices in Fredericksburg, Gloucester, and Colonial Heights. “It has been my honor to provide leadership to the Alzheimer’s Association and to serve the over 26,000 individuals in our chapter area with Alzheimer’s and their families and caregivers,” said Peterson. “I have been fortunate to have a strong board to help guide the chapter.” “We are grateful for Sherry’s dedication, compassion and steady leadership and we wish her happiness in retirement,” said Yoak. Peterson, a native of New York, and a University of Vermont and Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, has spent over 40 years working in nonprofits in Central

Virginia, including 17 years in child welfare and 6 years in education. “It has been a privilege to work with a dedicated and compassionate staff who provide support and guidance to those affected by this devastating disease,” added Peterson, “and I remain dedicated to the cause and the Alzheimer’s Association and hope we will soon achieve our vision of ‘a world without Alzheimer’s disease.’” “The Board of Directors will select the Chapter’s next CEO over the coming weeks,” added Yoak, “and we are confident we will find an individual able to build upon the foundation set forth by Sherry and position the Greater Richmond Chapter for success and additional growth as we continue to do all we can to meet the needs of those facing Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.”

She will join her husband, Bill Peterson, PhD, former Senior Policy analyst for Virginia Department for the Aging, in retirement. The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter was established in 1981 and its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Greater Richmond Chapter serves those in need across 24 counties and ﬁve cities. The chapter serves persons with any dementia disease, not just individuals with Alzheimer’s, and serve over 11,500 individuals a year. Ninety percent of services are offered free of charge. For more information, call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/grva.

HISTORY LESSONS

Colonial Heights Historical Society offering 2015 lecture series From Contributed Report

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The city's Historical Society began its 2015 lecture series on Wednesday, Feb. 11, when local Civil War historian George Fickett presented “Winter in the Trenches,” a lecture about the life of the common soldier in the trenches between Richmond and Petersburg during the winter of 1864– 1865 as revealed through

COX From Page V5

and $2.1 million has been added for new ﬁnancial aid funding. Of this amount, $1.2 million is targeted for an innovative expansion of the transfer grant program. It takes the form of a

Cameron Avenue Church of Christ 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.

Sherry Peterson, longtime CEO of Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter, to retire

RICHMOND — Sherry Peterson, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter, will retire on June 30, after nearly 17 years of leadership to the Chapter. “Under Sherry’s leadership, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter has grown exponentially, and now serves thousands of individuals annually throughout the region,” said Andrea Yoak, President of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond’s Board of Directors. Peterson began her work with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter in 1988; a time when the Chapter included one full time employee. The Chapter now includes

Address: 17001 Jefferson Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-0981.

Christ Community Church

MENTAL HEALTH

From Contributed Report

Calvary Baptist Church

hero.” Decatur was the youngest American naval officer to attain the rank of captain. He was successful in dealing with the Barbary pirates that raided commercial shipping off of the North African coast during the early 1800’s. All programs will start at 7 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Colonial Heights Public Library, located at 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. The programs are free and open to the public.

their letters sent home. More lectures will follow. The following lectures are scheduled: ■ Wednesday, March 11: Scott Williams, chairman of the military history committee for the Chesterﬁeld Historical Society, will present “Lee’s retreat thru Chesterfield,” examining the various routes used by Confederate forces as they evacuated Richmond and Petersburg in early April 1865.

■ Wednesday, April 8: Noted local historian David Malgee will present a program on the Confederate evacuation of Colonial Heights. Malgee will discuss the abandonment of Confederate camps at Fort Clifton and Ellerslie in early April 1865, as well as the disaster that occurred at Dunlop Station. ■ Wednesday, May 13: Bert Duckwall will present “Commodore Stephen Decatur, early American

$1,000 per student incentive to encourage colleges and universities with low graduation rates to accept transfer students. The General Assembly is set to vote on ﬁnal budget amendments to be presented to the governor on Friday, Feb. 27,. In the meantime, we will

work to resolve differences in the House and Senate proposals.

PAT

— Del. Kirk Cox is a Republican who represents the 66th District that includes Colonial Heights and Southern Chesterﬁeld County. He is also the House Majority Leader.

transit to and from work was also identified as important. The PAT bus line seen as most likely to enhance business was the Southpark line. During a public hearing, city resident Ann

From Page V5

Chesterﬁeld Community Church Address: Meets at Greenwood Presbyterian Church, 7110 Woodpecker Road. For more information, call 796-1040 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 Highway. For more information, call 526-0424 or visit www.chbaptist. com.

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.

Lyons Avenue Bible Church Address: 516 Lyons Avenue. For more information, call 520-7813.

Lutheran Church of our Redeemer Address: 1769 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg. For more information, call 732-8567 between 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church Address: 19600 Halloway Avenue, Matoaca. For more information, call 590-2094.

Mount Pleasant Baptist

Address: 3110 Greenwood Avenue. For more information, call 526-0816.

Oaklawn Baptist Address: 7925 Hickory Road, Chesterﬁeld. For more information, call 804-526-5649.

CH Nazarene Church

Prayer Vigil Ministry

Address: 601 East Ellerslie Avenue. For more information, call 526-6920.

The Tri-Cities Prayer Vigil Ministry has a prayer line open for prayer requests seven days a week including holidays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The number to call is 804-895-6910.

Colonial Heights Presbyterian Address: 211 Lynchburg Avenue. For more information, call 526-0929 or visit http://www.colonialheightspres.org.

Community Christian Fellowship 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. 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 information, call 526-3667.

Fellowship Baptist Church Address: 21000 Chesterﬁeld Avenue, Ettrick. For more information call 526-6184 or 590-2277.

Highland Methodist 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. Church Address: 17120 Jefferson Davis Highway. For

Hoopsick said that the route was a good idea, but had concerns about its location. Hoopsick said that the congestion caused by the expanded bus route would stall traffic even more on the Boulevard, which is in the last stages of construction of the two-year, $12

Prince of Peace Outreach Center Address: 107 Pickwick Avenue. For more information or transportation, call Overseer Walter J. Mason at 834-2356.

St. Ann Catholic Church Address: 17111 Jefferson Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-2548.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 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.

The Lord's Church Baptist Address: 20905 Third Ave., Ettrick. For more information, call 520-5133.

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.

Woodlawn Baptist Church Address: 3116 Woodlawn Avenue. For more information, call 526-2179 or 541-3514.

million Boulevard Modernization project. Chuck Henley, director of public works, said that no bus stops are planned for within the construction zone. — Leah Small may be reached at 722-5172 or lsmall@progressindex.com

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Feb. 27, 2015

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AUCTIONS

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The Progress-Index

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got You Covered

Our local news team reports what is most important to you â&#x20AC;&#x201D; schools, government, sports and local happenings. They cover how the news affects our community and make The Progress-Index a must-read, everyday

Neil Fuller

Amir Vera

Leah Small

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Court Wills

Friday, Feb. 27, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

SPECIAL GUESTS

POSEIDON SWIM TEAM

Group swims laps for Wounded Warriors Project From Contributed Report

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore speaks at the Tri-Cities Area Republican Women’s Club monthly meeting at the Country Club of Petersburg on Saturday, Feb. 14. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Former Gov. Gilmore speaks to Republican women’s group From Staff Reports

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore and Roxane Gilmore were the special guests for the Tri-Cities Area Republican Women's monthly meeting, held Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Country Club of Petersburg. RIGHT: Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore speaks at the Tri-Cities Area Republican Women’s Club monthly meeting at the Country Club of Petersburg on Saturday, Feb. 14. FAR RIGHT: Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore speaks at the Tri-Cities Area Republican Women’s Club monthly meeting at the Country Club of Petersburg on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore speaks at the Tri-Cities Area Republican Women’s Club monthly meeting at the Country Club of Petersburg on Saturday, Feb. 14.

FORT LEE — Dedication is the thing that pushes them out of bed early on a weekend morning and makes it OK to miss a favorite evening television show because they want to get in a few more minutes of practice. Members of the Poseidon Swim Team have buckets of the stuff. These military and civilian kids spend hours in the pool at the Collegiate School Aquatics Center in Midlothian. Some put in as many as 10 practice sessions a week. Their reward is time … those precious seconds whittled off a 200-meter backstroke heat or a 400meter freestyle swim that will make them contenders at district and regional meets. It doesn’t take long to be impressed by these athletes, and their “wow factor” jumped even higher on the morning of Jan. 31 when they swam in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. The event was called the Mile Trial. Each swim team member accumulated sponsors who agreed to make a donation for each lap completed by that individual. By the time the event was over, about $10,000 had been raised for the project. Watching the swim team and its supporters engage in this fundraiser was nothing short of awesome. Music was playing, volunteers were preparing snacks provided by a Colonial Heights restaurant, parents were cheering poolside, and coaches were explaining to the swimmers the special way they would swim their mile that morning. Head coach Ted Sallade had come up with some unique challenges to “put the team in touch” with the lives of soldiers and wounded warriors. Swimming a lap without using one or both of their arms or legs would help the youngsters realize the challenges faced every day by an individual missing a limb. Crossing the pool with their eyes closed would give them an idea of what it means to be blind. Carrying a weighted ball in front of them or holding a swimming noodle above the water while they traversed the pool would give them an idea of the

Fort Lee family member Hannah Trotter poses for a photo while participating in a fundraising event for the Wounded Warriors Project on Jan. 31 in Midlothian. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

strength and confidenc soldiers need in training and on the battlefield. However, the challenge observers found most incredible by far was the partner swim. Some of the older swimmers had to carry a younger team member while crossing the pool. The coaches explained that, on the battlefield, wounded soldiers had to be carried to receive medical attention. It was all about “carrying” our wounded warriors … the type of support that happens after the events on the battlefield and the recovery rooms of a military medical facility. Community support helps wounded warriors understand their sacrifice means a lot to the nation. It helps in recovery as they try to find new jobs, somewhere to live, a special wheel chair, or that place of peace after experiencing the horrors of war. So, on that Saturday, about 120 Poseidon swimmers gave more than they probably even realized. Or did they? Two team members – Sierra, 10, and Hannah, 8 – said they learned a great deal. It showed them how to ask for support from friends, neighbors and business owners. They both said it helped them gain confidence, and grow personally because they had done something for Wounded Warriors. But, they said it really meant something to do this event “all on their own,” including raising $600 for wounded warriors. Readers who would like to learn more about the Poseidon Swim Team can find additional information at www.poseidonswimming.com.

TALENT SHOW

Matoaca High School shines spotlight on student performers

A student singer, accompanied by another student on piano, perform a duet during the annual Matoaca High School talent show on Friday, Feb. 13. SCOTT P.

YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

The a cappella group “The Acapitches” performs a song during the annual Matoaca High School talent show on Friday, Feb. 13.

A student performs during the annual Matoaca High School talent show on Friday, Feb. 13.

Matoaca High School junior C.J. DeSantis greets his father, Camillo, after his singing performance during the annual Matoaca High School talent show on Friday, Feb. 13. This was the first time Mr. DeSantis had heard his son sing. In fact, he didn’t know his son could sing. He was “blown away” by his son’s performance. Mr. DeSantis had performed regularly in college and recognizes the background the two now have in common. “We’re gonna have to talk,” said Mr. DeSantis.

Taje Carr, a senior, performs the hip-hop song, “Zone,” during the annual Matoaca High School talent show on Friday, Feb. 13.