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COLONIAL HEIGHTS

LOCAL Spring bazaar COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Calvary Baptist Church, located at 17001 Jefferson Davis Highway, will be hosting a Spring Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The public is invited to "shop until you drop." For more information, contact melissa. newcomb1@gmail.com

CHAMBER HOSTS 66TH ANNUAL DINNER MEETING From Staff Reports

Tax preparation assistance COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Free tax preparation assistance for seniors is being offered at the Colonial Heights Public Library now 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.

Rabies clinic COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Animal Shelter, located at 301 Charles Dimmock Parkway, will sponsor a rabies clinic on Saturday, April 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost for a rabies vaccination is $10 per animal (cash only). Animals must be at least four months old to receive a rabies vaccination. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers. For more information, contact the Animal Shelter at (804) 520-9397.

Pam Comstock, president of the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce, speaks during the annual dinner meeting. The event packed the Lee Club at Fort Lee Thursday, March 19. PATRICK

he Lee Club was the place to be Thursday, March 19, for the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce's 66th Annual Dinner Meeting. The event drew more than 100 guests for a reception, dinner, presentation by motivational speaker Brett Leake and more. Check out a gallery of more photos from the event, only at www.progressindex.com

KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Easter egg hunt for teens COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The City's Recreation and Parks Department will host a "Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt" for city students in sixth grade to 12th grade. The event will be held from 7:45 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Shepherd Stadium, 901 Meridian Ave. The event is being sponsored by the Colonial Heights Quarterback Club. All participants must bring a bag/basket to collect their eggs. Please no 9 Volt battery ﬂashlights. Special eggs will be placed for special prizes. Registration begins at 7:50 p.m.; Hunt begins at 8:15 p.m. For more information, call 804-520-9390.

Seen on Scene: Fort Lee’s Lee Club was the place to be Thursday, March 19, for the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce annual dinner meeting.

"Proposed" Capital Programs available online COLONIAL HEIGHTS — At the regular scheduled Council meeting March 10, the city manager presented the FiveYear Capital Programs for both Capital and Operations. The goal of the Five-Year Capital Programs is to provide a strategic long-term ﬁnancial plan and provide a guide to future capital investment in city-owned assets and operations. Citizens may view the "Proposed" Capital Programs that were presented to City Council online at www. colonialheightsva.gov/ .

Sunshine 5K Run/Walk COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting its "3rd Annual Sunshine 5K Run/ Walk and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run" on Saturday, May 2. The goal of this event is to raise money for the future replacement of aging park playground equipment within the City of Colonial Heights and will provide a fun ﬁtness activity for individuals. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at White Bank Park, with on-site registration beginning at 7.m. The Kids run begins at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call 804-520-9390. INDEX V2 ------------- Opinion V4 ---------- Police Log

V5 - Church directory V7 --------- Classiﬁeds

Vol. 12 No. 27

COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP

Colonial Heights resident Margie Wood shares what farm life was like in rural Chesterﬁeld County By Leah Small Staff Writer

Margie Wood, mother of Councilmember John Wood, will celebrate her 85th birthday on May 18. Wood also has another son, Brock Wood, who lives in Colorado. Both sons are lawyers. She has been a resident of Colonial Heights since 1972, but fondly remembers her days growing up with two siblings on her father’s southern Chesterﬁeld tobacco farm, which provided her with life-long lessons. Wood embarked on a career in nursing and other health professions, which took her to the practice of Dr. Milton Ende, where she continues to work three days a week after several years. Wood, who also enjoys painting watercolors at

the Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Center, always tries to look on the bright side. As she says to her patients, “I’m Wood still above ground and that’s good.” Q. Did you love living on the farm?

It was wonderful. Children today should have the experience farm children have. We didn’t have a a lot of material things but we always had a home and plenty to eat. Our parents never let us know what we didn’t have … They struggled to pay taxes on the farm but we never knew. We

were happy as larks. [Children] learn about birth, life and death of pets and farm animals … Children need the responsibility of that type of life. I used to bring in the wood. I milked two cows in the morning and in the night and fed them. When you tie out a cow you take a stake and a chain in a pasture and stake it down so she grazes and in three hours, you would move her if she grazed the length of the chain. Q. Do you ever miss living on the farm?

Oh yes, my brothers and my sister, especially my brother. We would laugh and talk about things and the good times we had. At Halloween, we did all sorts of wicked things like putting the neighbor’s wagon

on top of his barn. (A group of teenaged boys lifted the wagon on top of a lean to barn with ropes.) Watermelons always tasted better when you stole them from the neighbor’s. Big Daddy was the neighbor that raised watermelons. He was a great big man, Big Daddy Ragsdale. Q. What do you like the most about medicine?

I think I like the learning part of it. I like being right. If you can give me symptoms and I give you a diagnosis and I’m right, I feel good. [In years past] we did everything. We lanced hemorrhoids, did lung punctures. We did really hands-on nursing and surgical procedures. Today everything is sent out to a lab and everything is disposable.

Friday, March 27, 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 Jamila Khalil ...............Advertising Director Travis Wolfrey ............ Operations Manager Ron Shifflett .............. Pressroom Manager Peggy Simon................. Business Manager

OUR VIEW

What are the next steps to ﬁght bullying?

ullying is a serious problem in Virginia and a new poll supports that statement. Half of Virginians view bullying and harassment as a “very serious problem” at school, and another third think it is “somewhat serious,” according to a statewide poll. The Commonwealth Education Poll, conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, found that most respondents think the problem is worse today than when they were younger. Bullying has caught the attention of both state and local officials. In 2013, the Virginia Board of Education released a report advising school districts on how to combat bullying. It defined bullying as “the systematic and chronic inflicting of physical hurt or psychological distress.” The General Assembly has addressed the issue as well. In 2013, for example, legislators directed school boards to include in their student codes of conduct a prohibition against bullying. Like the state, the federal government also has taken steps to curb bullying. Among other things, it has created a website called www.stopbullying.gov. Locally, the Dinwiddie County Sheriff ’s Office held its first antibullying forum in November. The Don’t Be A Bully Rally sought to educate parents and students alike on the signs and qualities of both someone being bullied and people who do the bullying. The scourge of bullying in America should not be underestimated. A 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said 14.8 percent of students nationwide had been electronically bullied, including being bullied through email, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites, or texting. In Virginia, 14.5 percent of students were electronically bullied in 2013. The survey also said that 19.6 percent of students nationwide had been bullied on school property, 21.9 percent in Virginia. The USDHHS cited that 29.9 percent of students nationwide felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row. Halting regular activities such as spending time with friends or playing sports are a sign of students feeling hopelessness or depressed. In terms of suicide, 17 percent of students nationwide have seriously contemplated suicide. This percentage was higher among female students. The best way to deal with a bully, as many may remember in a school yard, is directly. As a community, we must let it be known that bullying will not be tolerated and a bullying will be dealt with through a combination of sanctions, and if necessary, therapy. But bullying, like many ills in society, should be addressed with sunlight being the best disinfectant. The recent statewide poll reflects that many in Virginia believe bullying remains a serious issue. The Dinwiddie Sheriff ’s Office should be commended for taking a first step on the issue. The question remains: What can be do as a state, a community and individuals to end bullying?

YOUR VIEW

What does God need with a starship? “What does God need with a starship?” That was the question asked by Commander Kirk in the movie, “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier”. Despite the movie’s reputation as the worst in the franchise, I believe that question – and the contemporary circumstances under which it may be posed – is especially pertinent today. In the movie, the Enterprise and crew are seeking a path to the mythical planet Sha Ka Ree, the place where creation supposedly began (think Eden). Naturally they must first overcome the insurmountable obstacles of Klingons, asteroids, Star Fleet bureaucracy, a tight budget at Paramount Pictures and a strike by the Writer’s Guild of America. But finally they reach their destination and encounter an entity that many of the crew believes to be God. When the faux God asks the intrepid adventurers how they were able to approach him in Oz – sorry, Sha Ka Ree – they respond that they came via starship. Oddly, no one thought to ask “God” why, if he was so smart, he even had to ask. The impostor God then demands that the starship be brought closer to the planet, as he has need of it. Ever the skeptic, Commander Kirk replies, “What does God need with a starship?” I think of that scene and that question now, following the slaughter of Christians and non-Christians alike worldwide at the hands of self-proclaimed followers of Islam. Take for instance the murder of the editor and staff of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The attackers who murdered eight journalists, two police officers, a maintenance worker and a visitor claimed allegiance to al-Qaida in Yemen and, according to witnesses, loudly proclaimed “Allahu akbar!” as they slaughtered innocent people, calling out the names of their victims. “Allahu akbar!” is an Arabic phrase usually translated as "God is [the] greatest," or "God is great". We read and hear that phrase often, usually in the same context. In the video of Nick Berg being beheaded in Iraq in 2004, the perpetrators can be heard shouting "Allahu Akbar!" In the 2007 Fort Dix attack plot, a group of self-proclaimed Islamists who were convicted of plotting an attack on the Fort Dix military base in New Jersey had videotaped themselves shooting weapons and shouting Allahu Akbar. During the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, witnesses reported that U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire, killing 13 people and wounding 30 others. Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad smiled and said "Allahu Akbar" after receiving a life sentence in 2010 for his attempted bombing. Other examples abound of this proclamation followed by desolation. By comparison, my God – the God of Abraham and Isaac and Isaiah, the great I Am, the Father of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – actually forbids His followers from harming those who mock us and scorn us and hate us in His name. Not only that, He wants us to forgive those who abuse us on His behalf and pray for their salvation. And on top of everything else, He tells us not to judge others because that’s His job.

A tough request, and I often fall short. Yet, despite all the abuse and scorn and hatred that Christians of all denominations receive daily and worldwide, I have yet to read any reports of masked, rampaging followers of Jesus Christ beheading or immolating “unbelievers” while proclaiming their faith in Him. You see, my God doesn’t need a starship, nor does He command me to grab an AK-47 or a large knife on His behalf and butcher unbelievers in His name. Yes, He wants me to do His work, but in His case that means to bring comfort to the sick, provide for my family, share my wealth and resources with the needy, be kind to all and preach the good news of His salvation, among other things. Massacring innocents is not on His list, nor mine. Stephane Charbonnier, the editor of Charlie Hebdo, had been threatened previously by Islam’s defenders. He replied, “I prefer to die standing than living on my knees!” One day, we will all kneel at the Judgment, some to condemnation and some to forgiveness. “Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.” (Isaiah 45:23) “If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) You see, today - this day - we all have a decision to make. Why today? Because “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33) Make your choice today so your tomorrow will be eternally assured. Rick Venema Colonial Heights

Governing by crisis isn't governing at all After Congress came a hair’s breadth from shutting down the Department of Homeland Security a few weeks ago, members of the leadership tried to reassure the American people. “We’re certainly not going to shut down the government or default on the national debt,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” Congress, he said, would not lurch from crisis to crisis. I wish I could be so conﬁdent. Because if you look at the year ahead, the congressional calendar is littered with opportunities to do just that. Next month, unless Congress acts, doctors will see a steep cut in Medicare reimbursements. In May, the Highway Trust Fund runs out of money, meaning that infrastructure projects all across the country could grind to a halt. The following month, the federal Export-Import Bank’s charter runs out. By the end of summer, Congress will need to raise the debt ceiling. Then it will have to ﬁnd a way of funding the government for next year, deal with across-the-board spending cuts that are scheduled to take hold, and make it possible for the Treasury to continue to borrow money. I don’t know about you, but my bet is not on smooth sailing. This is a huge problem. Great democracies do not veer from one doomsday

moment to the next, nor do they fund government on a week-to-week basis. World superpowers do not risk their creditworthiness or threaten to strangle their own agencies or force them to plan repeatedly for shutdowns. Yet that is precisely the habit Congress has developed. It’s embarrassing. Why? Look at what happened with Homeland Security. The issue, essentially, was that members, unhappy with President Obama’s plan to shield undocumented immigrants from deportation, tried to use the DHS funding measure to force him to back down. In other words, they tied two unrelated issues together. The solution ultimately lay in separating them, allowing a vote on each. But during the weeks Congress spent arriving at this commonsense approach, DHS had to get ready for roughly 30,000 employees to be furloughed, arrange to wind down administrative support functions, prepare law enforcement across the country for the loss of training funds, and ask crucial employees to be willing to work without pay — we’re talking the border patrol, Coast Guard, screeners at airports, cargo inspectors...the people on the front lines. The impasse threatened ongoing research and planning on making the country safer and grants to local communities to pay salaries for emergency personnel. At the very point when terrorism overseas was consuming the attention of our national security agencies, the department charged with protecting the nation at home had to be consumed with shuttering its operations. Small wonder that much of the world thinks the United States is incapable of governing itself. I know that the politics of Capitol Hill are difficult right now. But they’ve been troublesome for years, and legislating is about getting things done in a difficult environment. Congress is designed to be an institution where the dilemmas of the moment can be overcome by skillful legislators. We need a Congress that can address its problems before a crisis comes up. What will it take to do so? Part of the answer lies in dedication to Congress’s job. Its members need to work at legislating every day — not just the three days in the middle of the week. Its leaders need to make clear their determination to move legislation through in an orderly fashion. The so-called “Hastert Rule” — that the Speaker of the House will not allow a vote on a bill unless he has a majority of his own party behind it — needs to be jettisoned for good, not just in extreme circumstances. Allowing a majority of the House and the Senate to work its will, whatever the partisan alignment, would do wonders. And perhaps most important, the tactic of tying two unrelated issues together in order to force an opponent’s hand needs to be rejected. The parade of make-orbreak issues that Congress faces this year presents myriad opportunities for legislative mischief. If all we see before us is one government-shutdown threat after another, the remaining faith Americans hold in our chief lawmaking body could disappear altogether. And deservedly so. Lee H. Hamilton Director of the Center on Congress Indiana UniversityBloomington, Ind.

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

YOUR NEWS THINGS

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ONE INJURED

Power line downed in Colonial Heights

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TO DO THIS

WEEKEND SATURDAY  Everyone who knows their way around a kitchen may enjoy watching a Taste of Home chef whip up a few new tasty recipes while dishing out some healthy cooking tips this weekend. For over 10 years, the Home Builders Association of Southside Virginia has partnered with Taste of Home to bring the nationally famous cooking school to the area. The cooking school will be held Saturday at Colonial Heights High School, 3600 Conduit Road, Colonial Heights. The event begins at 3 p.m. with local vendors, featuring jewelry, handbags, ﬂags, Pampered Chef, QVC products and more. The cooking school begins at 6:30 p.m. There will be plenty of door prizes. For tickets, call 804-732-2742.  Families might enjoy an Easter celebration hosted by Swaders Sports Park in Prince George County on Saturday. The event begins at noon with face painting and glitter tattoos followed by an egg hunt at 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Swaders is located at 4725 Whitehill Blvd. For more information about the event, call 804-733-3700.

state Route 708 (Namozine Road) in Dinwiddie County. The event is free and ample free parking is available. The celebration will feature early and mid-19th-century civilian and military living history demonstrations, as well as tours of the 1803 plantation house, Sutherland’s Tavern, which sits on the site. Of special interest this year will be an excavation by local history buff and amateur archaeologist Eddie Woodmancy of what is believed to be the old ice house pit behind the tavern. Visitors will be able to see the artifacts as they are recovered from the ground where they have been hidden for well over a century. Also featured will be 19thcentury crafters, such as blacksmiths and wood carvers, food, children’s story telling, a moonshinemaking exhibit, farm animals, Civil War drilling & ﬁring demonstrations, encampments; and a 19th-century-inspired Christian worship service on Sundayat 9 a.m. For more information on Southside Virginia Heritage Days, call (804) 943-2283 or email circa1803@hotmail.com.

SUNDAY

Colonial Heights Fire, EMS & Emergency Management responded to the 300 block of Walnut Avenue for at least one injury and several damaged homes after a power line was struck by a treetrimming truck on March 17. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Colonial Heights — City Fire & EMS units responded to the 300 block of Walnut Avenue on the afternoon o f M a r c h 1 7 for a downed power line, which caused at least one injury and several damaged homes. A treetrimming truck working in a front yard appeared to have hit the line, located between Hamilton and Snead avenues.

 For those celebrating the Lenten and Easter SATURDAY AND season, Wesley United SUNDAY Methodist Church is presenting a Palm Sunday  Anyone who follows cantata that is free and Civil War history or who the community is invited enjoys demonstrations to “just come and allow by military and civilian for the words and the re-enactors, will want music to move you.” At 4 to experience the 19th p.m. Sunday, the church, annual Southside Virlocated at 3701 Conduit ginia Heritage Days in Road, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie County. This will be hosting the “Seven educational event that Last Words of Christ.” This commemorates the sacred work will be preanniversary of the Civil sented under the direction War Battle of Sutherland of Dr. James Harris and Station, will be held from feature soloists Jennifer 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Piazza-Pick, Clarence Bell, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Sutherland’s Tracey Welborn, pianist Russell Wilson and memTavern, also knows as Fork Inn, located at 19621 bers of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Namozine Road, SutherWesley’s Church Choir, land. It is 30 minutes south of Richmond and 10 with additional voices from Virginia State Uniminutes west of Petersversity, will comprise the burg at the intersection chorus. of U.S. Route 460 and

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, March 27 DINWIDDIE — Al-Anon Family Groups for family and friends of alcoholics meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Friday at Kenwood United Methodist Church, 25200 Ritchie Ave., Petersburg. For more information, call 733-7395. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Road, holds bingo every Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or information about membership requirements or activities of the American Legion, visit the Post 284 website, http://mysite.verizon. net/legion284 or call 526-5656. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Recovery Support program meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. each Friday in the conference room at the Colonial Heights Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Groups meet for 90 minutes and offer a structured group process designed to encourage, support and empower. All diagnosis

welcome. For more information, contact Gina at 804-605-5010 or towritegina@yahoo.com. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Friday at 10 a.m. at: Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Meetings are also also held at 5:30 p.m. each 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. 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 in November.

SATURDAY, March 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 29 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 30 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. 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.

TUESDAY, March 31 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 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, April 1 PETERSBURG — The Jessie J. Mayes Tri-Cities Chapter of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association Inc will have its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at The Cameron Foundation, 228 South Sycamore St. 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

SEE CALENDAR, V6

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

POLICE LOG The following information was provided by the Colonial Heights Police Department.  James Evan Callahan II, 18, of the 1200 block of Rome Street, Petersburg was charged with larceny:petit on Feb. 14.  Denise Gloria MoralesWarner, 29, 200 N. 11th Avenue, Hopewell was charged with driving under inﬂuence on Feb. 14.  Brandi Thompson Newman, 37, of the 200 block of Nottingham Drive, Colonial Heights was charged with assault:simple on Feb. 14.  Michael Newman Sr., 37, of the 200 block of Nottingham Drive, Colonial Heights was charged with assault:simple on Feb. 14.  Christy M. Scearce, 34, of the 700 block of Lafayette Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with assault:simple on Feb. 14.  Diane Southall, 45, of the 2900 block of Forksville Road, LaCrosse was charged with drunk in public on Feb. 14.  Melissa Young Stigall, 48, of the 300 block of Griggs Street, Petersburg was charged with trespass:general; annoying phone calls on Feb. 14.  David Earl Tatum, 52, of the 10500 block of Robinson Ferry Road, Brodnax was charged with drunk in public on Feb. 14.  Jeffrey Deangelo Barnes, 44, of the 1600 block of N Valdor Drive, Petersburg was charged with fail to appear on Feb. 15.  Richard Matthias Garrison, 22, of the 600 block of Hamilton Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with capias on Feb. 15.  De'Sean Ramone Harrison, 23, of the 100 block of Lakeside Drive, Colonial Heights was charged with recklessly handle ﬁrearm on Feb. 15.  Patricia Riddle, 59, of the 6100 block of Jerusalem Plank Road, Disputanta was charged with assault:simple on Feb. 15.  Gerry Allen, 45, of the 1800 block of Reeses Store Road, Halifax, NC was charged with dist contraband cigarettes on

Feb. 16.  Jason Christopher Frazier, 33, of the 21400 block of Warren Avenue, S. Chesterfield was charged with fraud:false pretense on Feb. 17.  Demier Mahylo KlevitchGay, 20, of the 2600 block of Chancler Drive, Henrico was charged with fail to appear on Feb. 17.  Reginia Leigh Cochran, 38, of the 900 block of Hardy Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with probation:violation on Feb. 18.  Marie Junie Gaboton, 65, of the 2800 block of County Drive, Petersburg was charged with larceny:petit on Feb. 18.  Amber Ann Jordan, 32, of the 200 block of Pickett Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with violation of court order on Feb. 18.  Devon Lamont Mabry 18, of the 9100 block of Oak River Dr., S. Chesterfield was charged with larceny:petit on Feb. 18.  Wolfgang Peters, 58, of the 1200 block of Hermatige Road, Colonial Heights was charged with fail to appear on Feb. 18.  Deon Antonio Goodwyn, 37, of the 400 block of West Drive, Petersburg charged with probation violation on Feb. 19.  Markice Garry Haskins, 29, of the 800 block of Monticello Drive, Hopewell was charged with fail to pay fines on Feb. 19.  Clarence Edward Howard, 43, of the 20800 block of Hunnicut Court, Dinwiddie was charged with larceny:shoplifting more $200; drunk in public on Feb. 19.  Brittany Rene Mason, 24, of the 2300 block of Navajo Court, Petersburg was charged with probation:violation on Feb. 19.  Carl William Mustoe, 50, of the 200 block of Plumtree Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with capias on Feb. 19. Information is provided by police and sheriff's departments. This information may or may not be all inclusive. Arrests include summons. Arrest do not imply guilt.

PETERSBURG

Colonial Heights author supports Battersea Foundation

Colonial Heights author Sarah Norkus is seen at the McIlwaine House in Petersburg on Friday, March 13, where she talked about and signed copies of her new book during a fundraiser for The Battersea Foundation. Her latest novel, “Treasure of the Battersea Cliffs,” is set at Battersea in Petersburg. SCOTT YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Colonial Heights author Sarah Norkus signs books during a fundraiser for The Battersea Foundation at the McIlwaine House in Petersburg on Friday, March 13. Her new novel, “Treasure of the Battersea Cliffs”, is set at Battersea in Petersburg. SCOTT YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Police identify man struck by train

City cuts rental inspection program By Leah Small Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — City officials have voted to cut the city’s rental inspection program in order to have more funds to crack down on junk cars and overgrown lawns, following a number of community complaints last year. The program will be suspended until March 2016, when Council can return to the issue. City Manager Thomas Mattis said that next year, the city would focus more on inoperative vehicles, tall grass and weeds when it comes to code enforcement, and that Council has agreed that these areas were an issue. Mattis said that the city’s rental inspection program uses 25 percent of the city’s resources devoted to code enforcement, and that these resources could be devoted to the new priorities. Council approved suspension of the program on second reading on March 10, with all councilmembers except for John Wood voting in favor of

suspending the program. Code enforcement was a topic that dominated many Council meetings last year, with the Citizens for a Cleaner City civic group, and other residents, asking that the city take a harder stance on property owners in violation of code. Code enforcement was also discussed as a priority during the Council ’s annual retreat in January. Mattis said that the city would still enforce any building codes, but they will no longer be regularly looking for violations by proactively inspecting properties. A statement from Mattis’ office also said that there would be a reduction in resources devoted to regular building inspection services. The letter stated that “demand for such services is not anticipated to be what it once was. Resources currently invested in these services can be redirected in a manner consistent with — and more responsive to — Council’s new priorities.”

During the meeting, Mattis said that the decreased need for building inspections was because very little of the city is undeveloped. Interim Director of Planning C. Scott Davis also said that in order to tackle the issue of inoperable vehicles, the city is issuing a request for proposals for a towing service. He said that this would reduce the need for property liens. Wood said that the rental inspection program is needed by the city and asked if it was possible to save resources by increasing the number of years between inspections. Under the program, each rental property is inspected every four years. He said that 40 percent of residences in the city were rental properties. Councilwoman Diane Yates said that she was satisﬁed that the city was taking

a harder stance on code, and agreed with a proposal to give only one warning to code violators. Councilman Milton Freeland said that the year without the program would allow the city to evaluate if it should be brought back. Councilman Kenneth Frenier said that the city could do without the program temporarily to have more resources to devote to the new priorities. But he said that he hesitated on his decision. “When it comes back next year, I will be asking for it,” he said. Councilman Joe Green said that he isn’t completely satisﬁed with the decision either, but understood that the city had limited resources to meet its new goals. —Leah Small may be reached at 722-5172 or lsmall@progress-index.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Police have identiﬁed 26-year-old Joshua A. McGraw of Richmond as the pedestrian who was fatally struck by a freight train yesterday in Colonial Heights. McGraw was struck near East Ellerslie Avenue at about 12:29 p.m on Sunday. The CSX freight train was traveling from Selkirk, New York, to Waycross, Georgia, when it struck and killed the

pedestrian, CSX spokeswoman Melanie Cost said. There were no injuries to the crew of the train, which was carrying 125 cars of mixed freight. Both CSX and the Colonial Heights Police Department conducted an investigation before opening the track back up just before 5 p.m. The body was taken to the Medical Examiner's Office in Richmond. Colonial Heights police do not suspect any foul play.

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

PALM SUNDAY

Wesley UMC to present ‘The Seven Last Words of Christ’ Cantata will include guest soloists, members of Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and singers from Virginia State University From Contributed Report

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — On Palm Sunday, March 29, at 4 p.m., “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore Dubois will be presented at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3701 Conduit Road. Dr. James Harris, minister of music, will lead this sacred work featuring soloists Jennifer PiazzaPick, Clarence Bell, and Lynn Atkins, accompanied by Russell Wilson on piano and members of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Wesley’s Church choir, with additional voices from Virginia State University, will comprise the chorus. Tim Moore, a bass in the church choir notes that, “Dr. Harris has developed the choir

at Wesley Church utilizing his teaching skills and his love of the worship experience.” S o p r a n o Je n n i f e r Piazza-Pick is currently adjunct instructor of voice at Virginia State University. She has been active in opera, oratorio, and concerts in the United States and Europe. She is the recipient of the George Cortes Award for Classical Singing by the Artist Foundation of San Antonio and was a ﬁnalist for the American Prize in the women’s art song division. This summer, she will be covering the role of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Princeton Festival and then joining the Berwick Chorus at the Oregon Bach Festival. Dr. Harris states that “Hearing the Passion story sung during Holy Week

is a high point for those celebrating the Lenten and Easter season.” He adds, “Dubois includes the angry mob, the thief on the cross, the anguished mother, Christ’s suffering and death — all through the seven last words Jesus spoke. It is sung in English with the text printed in the program so that one can follow along and experience the story as it unfolds.” Wesley’s senior pastor, the Rev. L. Raymond McGarr, says, “Everyone participating in the Palm Sunday presentation invites the community to join us. There is no charge; just come and allow for the words and the music to move you. Wesley Church opens its doors for everyone to enjoy this beautiful symphonic and choral music.”

The Rev. Terri P. Mason was installed as pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church on Jan. 11 at the Colonial Heights church. Participating in the service were the Rev. Mike Cherry, administrator, Life Christian Academy; the Rev. Fred Atkins, pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church; the Rev. Terri Mason, pastor, Woodlawn Baptist Church; Dr. John Upton, executive director, Baptist General Association of Virginia. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

New pastor installed at Woodlawn Baptist Church COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Woodlawn Baptist Church, 3120 Woodlawn Ave., installed the Rev. Terri P. Mason as pastor in a special service held on Jan. 11. Rev. Mason has served Woodlawn for 15 years as minister of music, and a brief ninemonth interim period as

pastor before her formal installation in January. R e v. Ma s o n h o l d s degrees from Hollins College (now University) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Rev. Mason follows her husband, Dr. John P. Mason, in the pulpit after his death from a brief battle with cancer in September

2013. Participating in the service were the Rev. Mike Cherry, administrator, Life Christian Academy; the Rev. Fred Atkins, pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church; the Rev. Terri Mason, pastor, Woodlawn Baptist Church; Dr. John Upton, executive director, Baptist General Association of Virginia.

over 250 clubs and organizations, RU offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. Learn more at www. radford.edu.

even more families with this basic necessity. The diaper drive supports ﬁrst-time parents enrolled in the Families First program as they continue on their journey to becoming stronger parents,” said Andelicia Neville, Families First program coordinator. For library locations and hours, call 748-1601 or visit library.chesterﬁeld.gov/screens/ branches.html.

IN BRIEF

Radford University graduates RADFORD — Russell Alexander Korb and Alyssa Winn Firesheets, both of Colonial Heights, graduated from Radford University at the end of the fall semester. Korb earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history. Firesheets earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Radford University is a comprehensive public university of nearly 10,000 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. RU serves the commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service, and research programs. The university offers 67 degree programs at the undergraduate level, and 21 master’s programs and three doctoral programs at the graduate level. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Athletic Conference, Radford University competes in 15 men’s and women’s varsity athletics. With

PHOTO

CHURCH NEWS DIRECTORY

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Contributed Report

Dr. James Harris is minister of music at Wesley United Methodist Church in Colonial Heights. He will lead the church’s Palm Sunday production, “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore Dubois. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jennifer Piazza-Pick will be one of the featured soloists in “The Seven Last Words of Christ”, a cantata that Wesley United Methodist Church in Colonial Heights will present on Palm Sunday. Piazza-Pick, a soprano, has been active in opera, oratorio, and concerts in the United States and Europe. She is currently adjunct instructor of voice at Virginia State University. CONTRIBUTED

Diaper Drive for Families First CHESTERFIELD — Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Families First, a program of Chesterfield County’s Department of Mental Health Support Services, is holding its second annual diaper drive throughout March to assist families in need. All Chesterfield County Public Libraries will serve as collection sites for unopened packages of diapers during regular business hours. Families First is a nationally accredited program of Healthy Families Virginia that provides family support services to first-time parents to ensure their children become healthy, well-adjusted individuals who are ready to start school by age five. “Last year’s drive was such a success. The community really stepped up to donate more than 8,000 diapers. We were able to provide 90 families with diapers. This year, we hope to provide

Calvary Baptist Church Address: 17001 Jefferson Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-0981. Christ Community Church Address: Meets at Lakeview Elementary School, 401 Taswell Ave. For more information or directions, call 520-6200, or www.christcommunitychurchva. org. 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. 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 5204988 or visit www. colonialchristianchurch. com. Colonial Heights Baptist Address: 17201 Jeff Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-0424 or visit www. chbaptist.com. CH Nazarene Church Address: 601 East Ellerslie Avenue. For more information, call 526-6920. 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 5268260 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 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. Power Over Power Deliverance Ministries Address: Meets at Comfort Suites hotel, Colonial Heights (near Southpark shopping mall). For more information, call 757-968-6532. Prayer Vigil Ministry 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. 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.

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

COLLEGE BASEBALL

SHEPHERD STADIUM HOSTS RICHMOND SPIDERS

CULINARY MAJOR/SCHOLARSHIP BOWLER

Tyler Hartsell

Hartsell cooking up success Local teen to bowl for NAIA power Robert Morris University

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Chicago, here he comes. Hopewell High School senior Tyler Hartsell is taking his bowling talents to perennial NAIA power Robert Morris (Illinois) University. Hartsell made his decision official March 10, signing his national letter of intent at The Bowling Alley in Colonial Heights. Robert Morris is the two-time defending NAIA champion. The Eagles also claimed the 2013 United States Bowling Congress intercollegiate team title. But Hartsell has interests beyond bowling. He is planning a career in culinary arts — a program offered by Robert Morris. "When I first started looking for colleges, when I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do for a major, I looked at Robert Morris because they were No. 1 (in men's bowling)," Hartsell said. "When I decided to go into culinary arts, my list of available schools kind of shrunk. ... The ﬁrst time I checked out the campus, I fell in love with it. "I don't think it has hit me yet. I got home after I signed and told my girlfriend (Kath Trainum) 'This is it. I'm going to bowl for the No. 1 team in the country. This is what I've wanted since freshman year.' I really don't think it has hit me yet. I don't think it's going to hit me until I'm there." Hartsell was 10 when his path to Robert Morris — and Eagles coach Dale Lehman — began. He spent four years learning the game at Hopewell Bowling Center before entering youth leagues in Colonial Heights. "Dale is awesome. He's just awesome," Hartsell said. "He invited me to come check out the school. We met, we talked and he gave me my scholarship offer." Hartsell bowled a 299 in late 2013. His followup performance: a perfect 300.

Hartsell clinched a second consecutive trip to the Junior Gold Championships by recording a 1,517 score at a qualifying tournament over the past weekend. After traveling to Buffalo, New York, to compete in the 2014 championships, Hartsell will return to the national stage in Dupage County, Illinois, beginning July 11. The Virginia High School League does not sponsor bowling as a varsity sport — a fact Hartsell hopes to see changed. And soon. "I think that bowling is growing," he said. "PBA numbers are up; more people are watching it. ... There are a lot of kids who could be scholarship bowlers who simply don't go for it because it's difficult. If there were Virginia high schools that offered (bowling) and we had more coaches in order to make that happen, I think there would be a lot more scholarship bowlers." Local coaches Robby Phillingane, Dewey Bentley, David Allen and Rebecca Williamson have all aided Hartsell on his path to the college ranks. While Hartsell hopes to inspire more teenagers to pursue college bowling, he cites a PBA Hall of Famer as a personal source of inspiration. "My favorite bowler has always been Norm Duke," Hartsell said. Duke bowled the 15th televised 300 game on Jan. 5, 2003. He owns 38 PBA Tour titles, including seven majors. Marshall Kent, a recent Robert Morris graduate, has joined the PBA Tour. Hartsell would like to be the next Eagle soaring into the pro ranks — while owning his own restaurant. The first steps toward realizing those dreams will take place in Chicago. "I think public transportation is going to take a little getting used to," Hartsell said. A small price to pay for a young bowler — and chef — with so much potential.

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 will

meet at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday. Entertainment will be provided by the Bell Ringers from St. Ann’s Church. This 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 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. For more information, call Mildred Morrison at 526-3497.

By Neil Fuller Sports Editor

Richmond’s Daniel Brumbaugh (23) bats during the March 17 game against Minnesota at Shepherd Stadium. Colonial Heights is hosting the Spiders for several games due to repairs underway at their campus stadium. Minnesota won the game 13-12. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

Shepherd Stadium is hosting the University of Richmond Spiders for several games due to repairs underway at their campus stadium, including games against Minnesota on March 17 and March 18. Minnesota won 13-12 on March 17. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

CALENDAR From Page V3

8:15 a.m. and the meetings start at 9. For more information, call Evelyn at 748-2607. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Optimist Club of Colonial Heights, 916 Meridan Ave., holds bingo every Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird games start at 6:45 and regular games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions or details, call 526-0689. Money raised supports youth projects in the community. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each

Wednesday at 10 a.m. at: Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W. Washington St. (round the back come upstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are also held at 5:30 p.m. 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.

THURSDAY, April 2 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.

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

Colonial Heights and Petersburg officials inaugurated the expanded Petersburg Area Transit Colonial Heights bus route Monday, March 23. It will cover more of the city than the previous Southpark route. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

PAT bus route expands to serve more of city

iders are already on board with Petersburg Area Transit's expanded Colonial Heights bus route. On Monday, March 23, Petersburg and city officials inaugurated the route, which covers more of the city than the previous Southpark route."There has been an increase of 44 percent in two weeks," said Dironna Belton, general manager of PAT. "This partnership fosters effective regional transit connections for the Tri-Cities and helps to meet the region's changing transportation needs."Colonial Heights Mayor Greg Kochuba said it will help citizens get around the city and surrounding areas."Any time that you can partner with a surrounding community it is a good thing," he said. "It's gonna provide our residents with the ability to get from one end of town to the other end of town. If they want to get to the library, if they want to get to the doctor's office, or if they want to go shopping, now they're gonna have that capability to do that."Petersburg Mayor Howard Myers said it was a step forward for working folks, as well."We have to link people with jobs through a strong transportation system," he said.About a dozen officials rode the route, starting at the stop by the Public Safety Building.

Colonial Heights Mayor Greg Kochuba speaks as city and Petersburg officials inaugurated the expanded Petersburg Area Transit Colonial Heights bus route Monday, March 23. ABOVE RIGHT: Petersburg City Manager William E. Johnson III speaks as officials inaugurated the expanded Petersburg Area Transit Colonial Heights bus route Monday, March 23. RIGHT: Colonial Heights and Petersburg officials board a bus on the expanded Petersburg Area Transit Colonial Heights route Monday, March 23. It will cover more of the city than the previous Southpark route.

SAVE THE DATE

Kindergarten registration day is April 16 Contributed Report

Becoming a successful, productive adult starts at birth. One of the biggest milestones in that journey is starting school ready to succeed. Thursday, April 16, marks the ﬁfth annual Regional Kindergarten Registration Campaign, coordinated by Smart Beginnings Greater

Richmond. Children who are 5 years old by September 30th can start kindergarten in the fall, but ﬁrst they need to be registered. Kindergarten registration is Thursday, April 16, 2015, for all public schools in the Richmond and Petersburg region, including the Tri-Cities. Parents can register their child at the

local elementary school in their attendance zone. To ﬁnd the attendance zone in your area, visit www. readychildren.net or call "211." Kindergarten registration time for April 16 is:  Colonial Heights: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is quite a bit of paperwork needed to register a child for

kindergarten, and pulling everything together takes time. Parents and caregivers are still encouraged to attend registration even if they do not have all the documents because exceptions could apply. These are documents needed for registration:  Child’s official, certiﬁed birth certiﬁcate  C h i l d ’s S o c i a l

Security card  Proof of address  School Entrance Health Form  Photo ID for parent of legal guardian “Our goal is to reach more parents about the kindergarten registration date and help more parents understand what school readiness is. Parents are their child’s

ﬁrst and most important teacher,” said Jacque Hale, Director of Smart Beginnings at United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg. For more information about kindergarten registration and what to bring on April 16, parents can dial the phone number “2-1-1" or visit www.readychildren.net.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Enroll in pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds Contributed Report

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Public Schools offers a prekindergarten program for 4-year-old children. The goal of the program is to provide a healthy learning environment for children whose social or economic conditions may place them at risk for poor school performance. Selection of students

will be based on family need according to program guidelines for the Virginia Preschool Initiative. Enrollment priority will be given to children with the greatest number of factors impacting their environment. Fac tors considered include:  Income level of the parent/legal guardian  Education level of the parents

 Child characteristics (example – non-English speakers)  Family stress (example – parent deceased) The class will be h o u s e d a t L a ke v i e w Elementary School, 401 Taswell Ave., but will serve children from each of the three elementary school attendance zones. It will operate on the same calendar and school schedule as

the elementary schools. The program will be limited to 18 students. This is not a first-come, first-served program. To be eligible for the program, children must be legal residents of Colonial Heights and be 4 years of age by Sept. 30, 2015. Applications must be filled out completely. Proof of residency and financial information must be attached in order for the

applicant to be considered for the program. Families will be required to attend meetings and field trips with their child in this program. For more information about the program, contact Haidee Napier, assistant superintendent of instructional services, 524-3400, ext. 14 or Doris Swearingen, instructional secretary, 524-3400, ext. 11.

Applications are available at all elementary schools: Lakeview, North, Tussing, and the Schools Administration Offices at 512 Boule vard or online at www.colonialhts.net. Applications should be returned to any elementary school or the Schools Administration Offices. The deadline for returning applications is April 30.

area residents in need of food, ﬁnancial assistance, and career clothing. The program entitled “Walk in their Shoes” is an opportunity to enjoy an activity with your family, friends, or group, while raising money for individuals and families in our community who are experiencing ﬁnancial

hardship. “Walk in their Shoes” is unique as it allows you to select your favorite activity (walk, bike, hike, ride, swim, workout – whatever you like!) then decide the date(s) you will participate (anytime during the months of March & April). The ﬁnal step — have your family, friends,

co-workers, or group support your activity with a charitable donation to CCHASM [a 501 (c) (3)]. Participation forms are available on the CCHASM website, www.cchasm.org, or by mail. Gift Certiﬁcates from Butler Photography in the amounts of $500, $300, and $300 will be

awarded at CCHASM’s annual dinner meeting on June 8 to the top three fundraisers. For questions or to request a copy of the “Walk in their Shoes” information contact: Sharon or Helen at 804-796-3715 or e-mail Sharon@cchasm.org, Helen @cchasm.org.

CCHASM has been serving area residents for over 26 years through its 25 Alliance food pantries, career clothes closet for women, and with utility, rent, and other ﬁnancial assistance as funds are available. Its largest program of the year is the Thanksgiving Meal Gift Package Program.

IN BRIEF

CCHASM fundraising program CHESTERFIELD — During the months of March and April, the Chesterﬁeld-Colonial Heights Alliance for Social Ministry (CCHASM) will be conducting a fundraising program designed to help