Voice 041715 by The Progress-Index

CHEF SHARES TIPS PAGE V3

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA

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Friday, April 17, 2015

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COLONIAL HEIGHTS

LOCAL Adopt-A-Roadway ‘Spring Clean-up Day’ COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The City’s annual “AdoptA-Roadway” program will sponsor its “Spring Clean-up Day” from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25. Those participating will meet brieﬂy in the multi-purpose room at the Community Center, 157 Roanoke Ave., where the mayor will provide the kick-off speech for the day’s activities. Refreshments and T-shirts will be provided for participants. Any organization that wishes to participate is asked to complete a registration form, which can be found on the City’s website, www. colonialheightsva.gov For more information, call the Public Works Department (804) 520-9372, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. or email dixonp@ colonialheightsva.gov

Riding for awareness

Dunlop House pancake breakfast COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The residents and staff of Dunlop House Assisted Living invites the public to join them for their “Pancakes for Parkinson’s” fundraiser, which is being held from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Dunlop House, located at 235 Dunlop Farms Blvd. The cost is $5 per person and advanced tickets are available at Dunlop House. The breakfast will feature pancakes, sausage and choice of water, juice or coffee. All proceeds will beneﬁt the VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center. For more information, call Dunlop House at 520-0050.

Colonial Heights garden tour COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Following Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, the Colonial Heights Beautiﬁcation Committee will host a garden tour fundraiser from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. This self-guided tour will highlight six unique residential gardens and several city gardens. The residential neighborhood of Kennon Point will be the featured stop on the tour, with 10 residents participating. Refreshments will be served on the lawn of The Old Brick House, in Conjurer’s Neck, with indoor tours available. Tickets will be $10 and may be purchased at the Colonial Heights Public Library, the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce, and at the Colonial Heights Department of Parks and Recreation. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the tour at any of the residential garden sites. A brochure will accompany each ticket, listing all of the stops on the tour. For more information, contact Jessica Sears Younce at 804-526-8541.

Career fair CHESTERFIELD — John Tyler Community College and Old Dominion University (ODU) will host a career fair on Tuesday, April 21, from 4–7:30 p.m. in the Nicholas Center at John Tyler Community College’s Chester Campus (13101 Jefferson Davis Highway). More than 60 employers from the Tri-City region will participate. For more information, contact Dr. Ann Sorensen at 804-706-5166 or asorensen@ jtcc.edu or Bennie Rogers III at 804-594-1562 or brogers@ jtcc.edu. INDEX V2 .............. Opinion V4 .......... Police Log

V6Church directory V7 ......... Classiﬁeds

Vol. 12, No. 30

Leslie Fender and his American Quarter Horse, Angel, are seen on the Boulevard in Colonial Heights Wednesday, April 8. Fender and Angel are on a cross-country trip and hope to raise $1 million for the National Stroke Association. AMIR VERA/ PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Man rides across the country on horseback to raise awareness for the National Stroke Foundation By Amir Vera Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Citizens driving to work and during lunch on Wednesday, April 8, may have caught a glimpse of a man walking with a horse. Leslie Fender, accompanied by his American Quarter Horse Angel, is on a mission to raise $1 million and awareness for the National Stroke Association. The four-year Marine Corps veteran and Michigan native said he suffered from a

stroke on Sept. 2, 2004, which he believes was caused by the stress of owning his own restaurant in Michigan called Leslie’s. “It sucked and I was paralyzed on my right side for six months. My doctor had a new surgery he was doing and we were willing to give it a try,” Fender said. The surgery in total would cost $275,000, which he said was completely covered by the nonprofit organization. It’s SEE RIDING, V3

RECOGNITION

McNeer honored during Emory & Henry Founder’s Day Former Colonial Heights mayor received Distinguished Achievement Award From Contributed Report

EMORY — Dr. James B. McNeer, a former Colonial Heights mayor and former president of Richard Bland College of William and Mary, Petersburg, was one of several people who was honored during this year's Founder's Day celebration at Emory & Henry College. Founders Day at Emory & Henry, which is marking its 178th year of existence, is a time to recognize others who have been generous to their College and their communities through their service and success.

McNeer was presented the College's Distinguished Achievement Award. McNeer graduated from Emory & Henry in 1961 with a double-major in history and political science, and while a student he served as student body president and co-captain of the basketball team. He received a master’s degree in history from West Virginia University, and an administrative degree and doctor of education degree at the College Dr. James B. McNeer, right, was honored during the 178th Founder’s Day at Emory & Henry College. McNeer, the former of William and Mary. McNeer served as president of president of Richard Bland College of William and Mary and a SEE MCNEER, V5

former mayor of Colonial Heights, was presented the Distinguished Achievement Award. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Friday, April 17, 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

Broadband access still an issue in some rural areas

ccess to high-speed Internet remains a problem in rural areas across the country and in the Tri-Cities The challenge for rural areas is reliability. A state government agency called Virginia Performs says that the SouBroadthside and Southwest regions of the state have the lowest broadband access. In Southside Virginia, 93.5 percent of citizens have broadband access and 92.1 percent of citizens in Southwest Virginia have access. It’s for this reason that many county governments in the TriCities and across the state are building satellite towers and putting thousands of dollars into broadband initiatives to give citizens reliable, high-speed access. In Prince George, Verizon has proposed a roll-out of new towers to be built in the county to expand coverage to citizens in early 2014. All of the towers broadcasted 4G signal and were state of the art. Currently, Prince George is working to fill the gaps in the county where citizens may not have access. With a 265.16 square miles, there are a lot of areas that are not covered. Areas such as the Newville region at the intersection of Route 616 and 625 and the Templeton area near Exit 41 are struggling with service. While Prince George may have gaps, the areas they are covered have very reliable service. In 2011, Mid Atlantic had planned to run dark fiber optics from Dinwiddie to Sussex county. The only way to do that linearly was to go through Prince George County. The project in total cost the county $315,334.82 and was completed in 2011. The dark fiber now does a loop around the New Bohemia area of the county through Rolls-Royce and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing. Over in Dinwiddie County, officials are working to gain access to the dark fiber that runs through the locality from the county airport. Once a partnership is made with an Internet service provider, it would not mean the entire 503.72 square miles of the county would be covered right away. County Administrator Kevin Massengill said he’s confident a partner for broadband should be chosen by May 2015. Elected officials in both Prince George and Dinwiddie have made the issue a priority. It’s clear that despite the lack of broadband in certain areas, both counties are working their hardest to improve that situation so that they both can become global communities. Access to the Internet through computers, smartphones and tablets have become just as important as having running water or electricity. In today’s high-speed, technology driven atmosphere, having broadband Internet access makes a difference in being competitive and informed. Available high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury - it is vital for economic development and an important tool for businesses and residents alike. Officials in Prince George and Dinwiddie counties should be commended for continuing to push so that all residents have access to highspeed broadband.

YOUR VIEW

CH School Board needs to engage with citizens What are the minimal expectations of elected officials? One would think that you could at least have a conversation with them to answer any questions or concerns that you might have. This is where my confusion began. My story starts with the election of November 2014, when I read an article that stated Colonial Heights has five people running unopposed (three City Council and two School Board). Is the city running so smoothly that everyone is happy with the status quo? Does anyone care to at least challenge our officials? A t this point we decided to get more involved in the inner workings of our city by attending meetings. First up was a city planning meeting, where we watched several residents voice their concerns and heard the council respond back ( note a two-way conversation). Next, we tried a School Board meeting and began to realize the lack of community involvement. During this time my daughter was selected to apply for the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School. Our excitement soon faded when we learned that Colonial Heights has the lowest number of students allotted out of all the surrounding districts (11 compared to 70 for Petersburg). So at the meeting, I finally addressed the School Board with my concerns and learned a shocking fact: the public may address the board but they will not respond back. Since then I have emailed all five members twice using the link provided on the official school board website, with no reply. I have addressed the meetings three more times dealing with a range of ideas and concerns varying from combining all city and school employees under one insurance group, different ways to offset costs of capital improvements, teacher salaries and giving cash rewards to school employees for finding cost saving ideas. Usually I’m the only person speaking out. At the last meeting two concerned parents gave very impassioned speeches about the deplorable conditions at North Elementary School. The main points were circuit breakers being tripped, losing power in the cafeteria, and deficiency in library books. To the average person listening to their speeches, it was painfully apparent that the paid elected officials had not even visited the school. I had raised the question at an earlier meeting as to why is the budget for Tussing twice that of North or Lakeview, again with no response. This experience in becoming involved has left me frustrated to say the least, mainly with the School Board. I have found no answers to anything I have presented. How is it that we can elect officials to a paid position the represent us, address them in a open meeting, send emails and get nothing. I would like to think that all of my efforts and ideas are not a waste of time, at least acknowledge that you will look into them. I need an explanation as to when and why this policy is in effect.

Finally, I want to see an open town hall type meeting to discuss this and to ﬁnd out exactly how many times a year each school is visited and if teaching staff can speak without fear of reprisals. My wife wanted us to become involved, so I am going to hold each of our paid elected officials to a fair minimal standard. If you are on the School Board, go to the schools unannounced, talk to your constituents, and be open to new and innovative ideas. Mike Haley Colonial Heights

Why National Defense is more than a line in the budget Recently, I attended a briefing in which military officers and intelligence experts sought to explain the various national security crises confronting the United States. The information itself was not particularly new- the brutality of ISIS, Russia’s adventurism in Eastern Europe, and China’s continued military advancements and regional provocations are well-known. However, what especially caught my attention was the sheer number of experts, representing nearly every region of the world, appearing before us to explain the serious security problems impacting their area of responsibility. This reaffirmed for me a disturbing trend over the last several years: not only is the international situation becoming increasingly dangerous, but that instability is becoming more and more global. The proliferation of national security challenges facing our country, from aggressive regional powers to transnational terrorists, should remind us of an essential Constitutional responsibility that too many in Washington have recently chosen to overlook: providing for the common defense. Ensuring that the United States military is capable of protecting our country and guaranteeing our liberties is not merely another line in a budget: it is the core responsibility of the Federal Government. For the past several years, Administration officials and many elected representatives have treated our national defense budget like a faucet that one can turn on and off. In the process, they’ve attempted to put band-aids over any leaks. But the problem with this is that a strong national defense is not something that can be turned on with the push of a button. The devastating cuts imposed by sequestration have not only severely impacted our military’s training and readiness; they have made it nearly impossible for our services to plan for the future. Over the long run, these cuts threaten the military’s ability to deter potential aggressors, prevent unnecessary wars and, if absolutely needed as a last resort, prevail in a conflict. But don’t just take my word that we are rapidly approaching a crisis for national defense. The Chiefs of our military services have all warned of the dangers facing their organizations due to unnecessary and harmful budget cuts. The Commander of all U.S. forces in the Pacific warns that, should the United States Navy continue to shrink, we risk becoming merely a regional rather than a global power. Other Combatant Commanders have sounded similar alarms.

Unfortunately, the budget recently introduced by President Obama fails to solve this impending crisis. As the leaders of the Army and Marine Corps recently told me, this budget can merely prepare the military for the conﬂicts of the previous decade rather than readying it to meet future threats. To truly reverse these trends, policymakers must start investing in the type of military this country requires – both today, and tomorrow. To begin with, defense must be removed from sequestration. I recently asked the Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, what the impact of sequestration will be on our military. He replied that it would be “devastating”. I could not agree more, and it is essential that Congress and the Administration begin working together before further harm is visited on our men and women in uniform. But while ending sequestration for defense will begin the process of rebuilding our military, it is not enough to prepare us for the challenges of the future. The rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the rapid progress of Iran towards a nuclear weapon have shown that the traditional American advantage in technology is not guaranteed. We must continue to invest in research and development, and encourage the types of innovative, unconventional thinking that gave us stealth technology, guided missiles like the Tomahawk and advanced satellites. The investments we make today will ensure that our children and grandchildren continue to enjoy the freedom and security we have enjoyed. Ultimately, national defense is about the men and women who choose to wear our nation’s uniform. They will ﬁght to defend this nation, no matter what. The real question is whether we will adequately equip and empower them to accomplish their mission, both now and in the decades to come. Congress holds the purse strings. And it’s time we made a wise, long-term investment in the future security of our nation. It’s not just about what we should spend, it is about what we must spend. Because if we get defense wrong, nothing else matters. Congressman Randy Forbes R-4th District Chesapeake, Va.

No deal with Iran is better than a bad deal The Obama administration is being very naive about this nuclear “deal” between the U.S. and Iran. Iran has a “stated mission,” which is the destruction of Israel and the United States of America. The Ayatollah of Iran has said this recently. Anyone who believes that Iran will honor any deal that we make is fool. They are just as dishonest as the Obama administration and should never be trusted. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., got it right when he said that the United States delegation should just get up and walk out of the meeting. Sanctions against Iran should never be lessened or dropped ever! This debacle — and waste of taxpayer’s time — is just more proof of no leadership in the White House. Gary Allen Chesterﬁeld County

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, April 17, 2015

YOUR NEWS

THINGS TO DO THIS

WEEKEND

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application. All proceeds from this event will go to local charities and the soror■ Get ready for some theatrical and musical fun ity’s scholarship fund. as John Tyler Community ■ Saturday will be a day College’s theatre stufull of fun, fitness, history, dents bring two beloved food, music and more in characters to the stage. the city of Petersburg. “A Year with Frog and Toad”, based on the book Beginning at 7 a.m., the city will host the inauby Arnold Lobel, follows gural Petersburg Half two best friends who have just awakened from Marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) and Kid’s Run hibernation. Throughout beginning at the Union their adventures, they Train Station. The scenic learn a few life lessons, course will feature views celebrate their differences, and rejoice in their of Old Towne Petersburg, the Petersburg National friendship. Battlefield, Blandford Performances of “A Year Cemetery and Pocahonwith Frog and Toad” will tas Island. The course take place at 6 p.m. on will also feature battle Friday; 6 p.m. on Satre-enactments. This urday, and 2 p.m. on event is open to all fitness Sunday, in the Nicholas Center located at the Col- levels. Registration continues until the day of the lege’s Chester Campus, event. For more informa13101 Jefferson Davis tion, please visit www. Highway. Admission to RunPetersburg.com. this family-friendly show is free. ■ Beginning at noon (ending at 5 p.m.), the Petersburg Chamber of SATURDAY Commerce will present ■ Side Street Gallery, the Smokin’ Barbecue 127-129 Pickwick Ave., Festival in Historic Old Colonial Heights, will Towne Petersburg. The have its third Saturday event will feature vendors art opening on Saturday serving “the tastiest of from 5 to 8 p.m. There will barbecues, entertainbe awards given for the ment, arts and crafts and juried all media show and more”. Local talent will be an art supply yard sale. featured on the live music Refreshments, art work stage behind the Farmer’s by 50 local artists, all free Market. Admissions are to the public. $10 in advance and $15 at the gate and kids 12 and ■ John Tyler Commuunder are free. Free tastnity College will host ing of beer and ciders will its 10th annual Fool for also be offered. For more Art Festival on Saturday information, visit www. from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at SmokingBarbecueFestithe College’s Midlothian val.com. Campus, 800 Charter Colony Parkway. Admission is free. SATURDAY The day will be packed AND SUNDAY with family fun, including art, music, hands-on ■ Petersburg’s Departactivities, free educament of Cultural Affairs, tional sessions, food and Arts, and Tourism is much more. Highlights sponsoring the 24th include: Arts and crafts, Annual Revolutionary demonstrations, dancing, War Re-enactment of the and the Art of Learn1781 Battle of Petersburg ing Tent, where visitors at historic Battersea. can experiment, design, This event will take place imagine, create and on Saturday, from 10 learn. There will be lots of a.m. until 5 p.m., and on hands-on activities for all Sunday, from 10 a.m. until ages. 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for active ■ The Beta Mu Sorority military and Children 12 of Hopewell is holding its and under are free. third annual scavenger On Saturday at 10:30 hunt/road rally/vendor/ a.m., there will be a comyard sale fundraiser on memorative ceremony Saturday, beginning 9 of the Revolutionary War a.m. at Crystal Lake Park, Battle of Petersburg and located at 3600 River wreath laying in honor Road. of Major General William The sorority is seekPhillips. ing participants who Activities each day would like to enter their include period music teams as part of the performances, dancing, hunt around Hopewell. children’s games, horse Teams must consist of demonstrations, a period three or four people and furniture maker and anyone 16 or older may much more. This year’s participate. There will be event will feature a battle cash prizes for winners, demonstration – “On a 50/50 raffle and hourly Command” – Find, Fix give-aways, as well as and Finish the Enemy as food available. well as cooking demonThose interested in strations “Makin Sumptin’ participating in the scavOutta Nothin’” by Wisteria enger hunt are asked to Perry. The 1781 Battle of contact Janice Creamer Petersburg Re-enactment at 229-5461 or Janice@ will take place at 1:30 wellandsafe.com for an p.m. each day.

FRIDAY THRU SUNDAY

RIDING From Page V1

because of the generosity of the association that Fender began riding across the country. “People don’ t know enough about [the association] and a lot of the things that they do is the best in the world,” he said. According to information from the association,

strokes are the ﬁfth leading cause of death in the country and the recovery process can be lifelong. There are currently 7 million stroke survivors in the country. The association also stated that 80 percent of strokes are preventable by eating healthy, exercising and not drinking too much alcohol or using tobacco products. Fe n d e r a n d A n g e l

Colonial Heights Food Pantry representatives are shown picking up donations of canned goods at Colonial Heights High School. The Home Builders Association of Southside Virginia conducted a food drive during the annual Taste of Home Cooking School. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Leah Brantley, president, Home Builders Association of Southside Virginia, welcomes Chef Eric Villegas from Taste of Home to the Colonial Heights High School stage.

Chef whips up several dishes on Colonial Heights High School stage In addition to freshly prepared food, event includes cooking tips and loads of door prizes for the community School was held at Colonial Heights High School COLONIAL HEIGHTS on Saturday, March 28. A statement released — Brought to the area by Taste of Home and the by the local home buildHome Builders Associa- ers association reports tion of Southside Virginia, that the HBA of Souththe Taste of Home Cooking side Virginia has been From Contributed Report

instrumental in bringing the show to the Tri-City area for the past 12 years. The association said that everyone attending the event "enjoyed a preshow vendor area, Chef Eric Villegas on stage

preparing 10 delicious dishes, cooking tips, and loads of door prizes. It was a show not to miss," the association said. The Home Builders Association also spearheaded a food drive whereby attendees brought along canned goods to help those in the local area.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, April 17 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. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Oldies But Goodies Classic Cruizers Car Club is hosting its weekly "Cruise-In"

began their journey in January 2012. So far, they have traveled 10,000 miles through much of the Southeastern and Midwestern section of the country. Fender has also raised $750,000 in the three years he has been traveling. “Each of the places I’ve been, the National Stroke Association and Veterans Affairs had places for me to go,” he said.

from 6 to 9 p.m. each Friday through September, in the Lonestar Steakhouse parking lot, next to Southpark Mall in Colonial Heights. This event is free and is open to all car and truck enthusiasts that enjoy reminiscing about their antiques, muscle and custom cars, classics, and hot rods. Music is included: Oldies and Rock & Roll. For more information visit the website at www.obgcc.com.

SATURDAY, April 18 PETERSBURG — The Petersburg Chapter of Saint Paul's College National Alumni Association will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday of each month at Saint Stephen's Epicopal Church, 228 Halifax St. Meetings are open to area alumni and friends of the college. This Association meets the third Saturday, September through April. CHESTER — The Southern Knights Cruisers Inc. car club is hosting its weekly "Cruise-In" now through Oct. 31, from 5 to 9 p.m., weather permitting, at Hardee’s on Route 10 and Old Stage Road. Over 100 antique cars, street rods, classics, muscle cars, and custom cars can be seen. Music from the 1950s and ‘60s from Wolfman John can be heard. Fun for the entire family and it is free to see. For more information, call Ricky Williams at 804526-8865 or visit www. southernknightscruisers. com. 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, April 19 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Moose Lodge 1783, 170 Moose Ave., holds bingo every Sunday.Doors open at 4 p.m. each day. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Thursday. 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, April 20 PETERSBURG — The Disabled American Veterans Petersburg Chapter 47 will hold its next meeting on Monday at the American Legion Post 2, 820 Winﬁeld Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7. All military veterans who have been wounded, gassed, injured or disabled in line of duty during time of war is invited. For more information, visit the DAV Petersburg Chapter 47 web site: www.davmembersportal.org/chapters/ va/47. The DAV meets the third Monday of the month. 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. COLONIAL HEIGHTS The Colonial Heights Triad will meet from 1-2 p.m. Monday at the Community Building. TRIAD is a partnership consisting of the local Public Safety Office, seniors, and senior service providers who work to prevent the victimization of Seniors. It is run by S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) council. There is no cost to attend Triad meetings.

TUESDAY, April 21

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

SEE CALENDAR, V6

Friday, April 17, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

ETTRICK

BRIEFLY ITEMS

VSU Cares brings free health screenings to Tri-Cities

Henricus Educator Open house

By Leah Small Staff Writer

ETTRICK — With many Tri-Cities' parents hit hard by the continued effects of the past recession, Virginia State University Cares is working to make sure that the smiles of local children stay bright. This is the fourth year that the university has hosted the event, which provided vision, hearing and dental screenings to children, as well as dental hygiene instruction, on Friday. Adults health screenings were available Saturday at Daniel Gymnasium. Parents marched their children up the stairs of a Colgate van equipped with full service dentist chairs for the free dental screenings. Wakeshi Benson, DDS, head of W.B. Orthodontics in Chesterfield, was one of two dentists who volunteered to perform the screenings. She said that she also sees meeting the kids as an opportunity to get them started on a healthy path early. “I love improving smiles and I love educating people on why dentistry is important,” she said. “It’s the gateway to total health.” E r m a Fr e e m a n , a retired dentist who had a practice on Chesterfield Avenue from 1979 to 1999, said that it’s her way of showing the area support. “This community supported me for 20 years, so

Dr. Erma Freeman and Dr. Wakeshi Benson lent their skills to the Virginia State University Cares program April 10-11 by conducting dental health screenings. They are pictured Friday, April 10, the day devoted to screenings for children. PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

from ages 1 to 12 were expected for screenings on Friday. On Saturday, about 125 -150 adults were expected for health screenings. The health screenings included mammography, blood glucose testing, hearing and vision screenings, HIV screenings, breast examinations and education, prostate health, men’s health and PSA testing, blood pressure screenings and The Virginia State University Cares program began diabetes screenings. Friday, April 10, with children’s dental health screenInformation on veterings and continued Saturday, April 11, with adult an’s services was provided medical services, such as blood pressure checks, as well as on safety net diabetes screenings and mammograms. providers and healthy now I want to give back,” provided hearing and eating and exercise. Repvision screenings. she said. resentatives were on-hand Dr. Karen Faison, a to provide assistance with Fortis College also provided dental assistants professor in VSU’s nurs- navigating the Affordable and educators for the pro- ing department, said that gram and the Lions Club about 25-30 children SEE VSU, V5

POLICE LOG COLONIAL HEIGHTS Road, Colonial Heights was The following informacharged with larceny:petit tion was provided by the on March 6. Colonial Heights Police Department. ■ Lavander Lamar Archer, 25, of the 15000 ■ Jessica D. Boothe, 30, block of Creekglen Lane, of the 400 block of PearMidlothian was charged son Drive, Brodnax was with driving under the charged with larceny:petit influence on March 7. on March 6. ■ Lameka P. Chappell, ■ Tashina D. Cardwell, 29, of the 400 block of 18, of the 11800 block Pearson Drive, Brodof Sylbia Drive, Clinton nax was charged with MD was charged with larceny:petit on March 6. larceny:petit on March 7. ■ Danet Emma Davis, 21, ■ Niya Quanae Clark, of the 21500 block of Pan- 18, of the 800 block of nill Street, S.Chesterfield Caledon Drive, McLeanswas charged with violation ville NC was charged with of court order on March 6. larceny:petit on March 7. ■ Nancy A. Easter, 25, of ■ Joshua Alexander the 400 block of PearCook, 24, of the 9500 son Drive, Brodnax was block of Chipping Drive, N. charged with larceny:petit Chesterfield was charged on March 6. with capias on March 7. ■ Maria D. Granados■ Daniel Heath Jones, Rios, 23, of the 700 block 26, of the 4100 block of of Old Town Drive, Colonial Hickory Road, S. ChesHeights was charged with terfield was charged with larceny:petit on March 6. probation:violation on March 7. ■ Chasity Hope Gray, 35, of the 100 block of ■ Derek A. Parrish, 18, Richmond Avenue, Coloof the 20000 block of Oak nial Heights was charged River Court, S. Chesterfield with probation:violation on was charged with illegal March 6. possession of alcohol on March 7. ■ Maria HernandezGarcia, 27, of the 300 ■ Harmony Jacobson block of Branders Bridge Pratt, 18, of the 9800

block of Shallow Creek Loop, Manassas was charged with larceny:petit on March 7. ■ MacArthur Elijah Johnson, 25, of the 4200 block of Laurel Oak Road, N. Chesterﬁeld was charged with fraud:false pretense; larceny:credit card theft; fraud:credit card; identity fraud; conspiracy on March 8. ■ Decarro Dumonte Owens, 26, of the 900 block of Old Wythe Street, Petersburg was charged with fail to appear on March 8. ■ Sanghui Carmona Clark, 66, of the 4100 block of Heritage Court, Hopewell was charged with obstruct justice/resist arrest; trespass:general on March 9. ■ Omar Garcia-Melgarejo, 35, of the 2400 block of the W Hundred Road, Chester was charged with driving under the inﬂuence on March 9. ■ Temmekka W. Peterson, 37, of the 24000 block of Agelico Road, Capron was charged with vandalism on March 9. ■ Madison Way Wells, 18,

of the 9200 block of Cardinal Forest Way, Lorton was charged with larceny:petit on March 9. ■ Cory James Roda, 19, of the 80 block of Burnt Cypress Lane, Spring Grove was charged with larceny:petit on March 10. ■ Michelle Bowe Trujillo, 38, of the 200 block of Old Oak Lane, Colonial Heights was charged with violate conditions of release on March 10. ■ Douglous Malcolm Wright, 45, of the 300 block of Washington Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with possession of child pornography on March 10. ■ Nicole Tiana Barnes, 20, of the 3900 block of Yorktown Drive, Hopewell was charged with larceny:petit; trespass:general on March 11. ■ Adreene Beckford, 24, of the 2200 block of Farmer Lane, Chesapeake was charged with fail to appear on March 11. ■ James Quincy Davis, 18, of the 4900 block of Burnt Oak Drive, Chesterﬁeld was charged

CHESTER — Henricus Historical Park invites educators to participate in the annual Henricus Educator Open House on Thursday, April 23, from 2- 5 p.m. Participants will experience guided site tours (including the park's new 17th century church and meeting house), demonstrations from school programs, make-and-take activities, and discussions about the park's new and upcoming SOL- and STEM-aligned programs. There will be light refreshments and the opportunity to enter a drawing for educational items from the Henricus gift shop. This event is open to all teachers, administrators and their immediate family members: public, private, home schools and other educational institutions. To register, call 804318-8797. The cost is free. For more information, visit www.Henricus.or

School hosts 5K event CHESTERFIELD — Elizabeth Scott Elementary School will host the "Scott Scorpions Run the Rocks 5K Walk/Run" on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a free family festival, at the school, located at 813 Beginners Trail Lane in Chester. Registration fee: $25 (discounts for CCPS employees & students) Register at www.RunTheRocks5k.com

Spring plant sale PRINCE GEORGE — The annual spring plant

with assault:simple; trespass:general; disorderly conduct on March 11. ■ Juanita Y Saunders, 35, of the 900 block of Azalea Lane, Colonial Heights was charged with fail to appear on March 11. ■ Martin Thomas Short III, 19, of the 2500 block of Warner Road, Petersburg was charged with assault:simple; trespass:general on March 11. ■ Tony Channya, 30, of the 25600 block of Cox Road, N. Dinwiddie was charged with fraud:false pretense; forgery on March 12. ■ Treasure Teara Luckett, 24, of the 40 block of Pine Street, Petersburg

sale, presented by the Friends of Burrowsville School, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Burrowsville Community Center, 18701 James River Drive.

Health seminar PETERSBURG — Southside Regional Medical Center and the Petersburg Family YMCA will sponsor a free presentation on high blood pressure for the community. The seminar will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Petersburg Family YMCA, located at 120 North Madison St., in the multi-purpose room. A board-certiﬁed member of the medical staff at Southside Regional Medical Center will give the presentation. Those who attend will learn about dietary and lifestyle changes and treatment. Light refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend and RSVP is not required.

Get the buzz on beekeeping HOPEWELL - The Appomattox Regional Library System (ARLS) invites the public to learn about beekeeping on Saturday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hopewell Library. Mr. Radford, a beekeeper in Prince George County, will explain how to get started in this hobby, what equipment is needed, and offer other tips on maintaining healthy hives. For more information about this program or any other resources of the Appomattox Regional Library, please visit the library website at www. arls.org or call 804-4586329, extension 1005.

was charged with violation of court order on March 12. ■ Melissa Kay Puchmeyer, 39, of the 8500 block of Chester Forrest Lane, N. Chesterﬁeld was charged with violation of court order on March 12. ■ Devin Trenell Tovey, 21, of the 20000 Church Road, S. Chesterﬁeld was charged with trespass:general on March 12.

— Information is provided by police and sheriff 's departments. This information may or may not be all inclusive. Arrests include summons. Arrests do not imply guilt.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, April 17, 2015

CLUB NEWS

BRIEFLY ITEMS

Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club meeting highlights

Hopewell Opti-Mrs. fundraiser HOPEWELL — The ladies of the Hopewell Opti-Mrs. Club will be hosting a “Spring Yard and Bake Sale” fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25 inside the Hopewell Optimist Club building, located at 1310 Lynchburg St. (at the circle behind the VFW Building). There will be a large selection of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, household items, and a display of homemade cakes, pies, cookies, etc., made by members of the Hopewell Opti-Mrs. Club. According to a statement released by the club, all proceeds from this fundraiser will go right back in to the community, as it will help the Opti-Mrs. Club in supporting their local community and youth projects, as well as the club's scholarship program. The club sponsors three scholarships each year for Hopewell High and Prince George High School graduates.

Bus trip to Maryland PETERSBURG — The BGC of Virginia Women’s Ministry A-3 will sponsor a bus trip to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. The one-day trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 25. The cost is $65 per person and the deadline to register is June 10. For more information or to get tickets, call 804-862-9699; 804-7328838; 804-748-5073; or 804-303-2134.

ABOVE: St. Ann’s Bell Ringers from St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Colonial Heights perform during a recent meeting of the Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

RIGHT: Julia Buren, left, is pictured accepting her one-year pin from Julia Gerheart, right, during a recent meeting of the Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club.

MCNEER From Page V1

Richard Bland College of William and Mary, Petersburg, for 16 years. He was mayor of Colonial Heights, for 12 years, and also served as chair of the city’s school board and library board. He was previously named the city’s Outstanding Young Man, and was once voted the city’s hero by Lakeview Elementary School. He was recently named a lifetime member of the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Presidential Award for Leadership and Courage in the Cause for Human Rights by the Virginia State Unit of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He received the Department of the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service and the Gatlin Award from the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce for work done to save Fort Lee. McNeer currently serves as a director for Virginia Commonwealth Bank and a trustee for Southside Regional Medical Center. He is married to Nancy Wilkinson McNeer, E&H class of 1962. Leading up to the presentation of awards, Delilah

The Virginia State University Cares program was held April 10-11 and offered children’s dental health screenings and adult medical services. Patrick KANE/PROGRESS-

performed these roles with the passion, care and success that Belvie has,” White said. “When she told me she was dying, I said, ‘No. You’re not going anywhere. The work you do is too important.” Morant was in the sanctuary of Emory & Henry’s Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 26, to listen to White as she encouraged others to perform continually important acts of generosity. Emory & Henry students, she

said, acquire the habit of generosity “simply by living, learning and growing in a generous environment.” To those students, White spoke of a need to recognize the many ways they are being supported to discover and act upon their generous natures. “Be present and be conscious, because there is magic happening here, and you are here in this environment for a reason,” she said.

Heirloom tomatoes lecture

INDEX PHOTOS

Lion’s and Rotary clubs. — Leah Small may be reached at 722-5172 or lsmall@progress-index. com

Dr. Karen Faison from Virginia State University talks about the VSU Cares program, which began Friday, April 10, with children’s dental health screenings and continued Saturday, April 11, with adult medical services.

White, a 2005 Emory & Henry graduate, told the audience of about 500 people that Emory & Henry cultivates a pervasive spirit of generosity, and those touched by it act on behalf of others without thought of reward or recognition. White, keynote speaker for the Founder's Day celebration, has dedicated her life’s work to generous acts and nurturing the generosity she finds in others. She serves as the founder

and president of VETWorks Consulting, which helps military veterans ﬁnd jobs and deal with other challenges in their lives. She also serves as the project and communications manager for the Center for Principled Problem Solving at Guilford College. In 2013, White demonstrated her own sense of generosity when she donated a kidney to a colleague, Belvie Morant, thus saving her life. The two women

worked at the time at Danville Community College as career coaches and outreach specialists focused on providing education and career training access to under-represented and underserved populations throughout southern Virginia. “The roles we played at the community college – helping people get an education to advance their careers – are vital for the economic development of our community, but few people

SRMC to offer free Oral, Head and Neck Cancer screening

CHESTERFIELD – The Chesterﬁeld Historical Society of Virginia will present a lecture entitled, “Heirloom Tomatoes: A Taste of the Past” at the Chesterﬁeld County Museum on Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. Presented by Museum associate Pat Roble, a

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter will offer the following program to the general public during the month of April. “Understanding and Responding to DementiaRelated Behavior” will be presented from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Colonial Heights Healthcare and Rehab Center, 831 Ellerslie Ave. Advance registration is required by calling 804-9672580. More information is available at www.alz.org/ grva

From Page V4

Chesterfield County master gardener, the lecture will explore the history of the tomato and heirloom varieties such as Black Krim, Brandywine and Mortgage Lifter. “Produced from seeds, these colorful, flavorful treasures are passed down from generation to generation,” explained Roble, adding, “our presentation will discuss how to save seeds, how to start plants from seeds and the best practices for growing your own mouth-watering heirloom tomatoes.” The lecture is free but seating is limited at the museum. To reserve a seat, please call (804) 768-7311 or email RobleP@chesterfield.gov Tours of the Museum and the 1892 Old Jail next door will be available; suggested donations are $2 and $1, respectively. The museum is located on the historic 1917 Courthouse Green at 6813 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield. The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia is a private, nonprofit 501c3 organization that serves as the center for Chesterfield County history. Its mission is to collect, preserve, promote and interpret the County’s unique past for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.chesterfieldhistory.com

PETERSBURG – Southside Regional Medical Center is offering a free oral, head and neck cancer screening on Thursday, April 23, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The screening will be held at Southside Regional Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists, located at 40 Medical Park Boulevard, Suite D. According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms of oral, head and neck cancer include: ■ A lump or sore that does not heal ■ A sore throat that does not go away ■ Trouble swallowing ■ A change in or hoarseness in the voice According to a statement released by SRMC, 85 percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco. If found early, these cancers are often curable. Dr. Tejas H. Raval, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. David Penberthy, Radiation Oncology, and Dr. Robert J. O’Neill, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, will perform the screenings. Appointments are preferred but not required. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 804-765-5320.

Alzheimer’s Assoc. program

VSU

Care Act Marketplace. Cares itself began as a volunteer community based partnership with Virginia State and Virginia Commonwealth Universities, the Virginia Dental Association, the Southside Dental Society and the Old Dominion Dental Society. The partnership has expanded to include other major sponsors, such as the American Association of Retired Persons, Bon Secours Richmond Health Systems, Hospital Corporation of America, Komen Foundation, and the

Friday, April 17, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

FOOD SAFETY

CHURCH NEWS DIRECTORY

Sabra, which runs facility in Chesterﬁeld, recalls hummus

Calvary Baptist Church

From Staff Reports

CHESTERFIELD — Sabra Dipping Company, whose major factory is located in South Chesterﬁeld, has issued a recall for approximately 30,000 cases of hummus due to potential listeria contamination. According to a statement posted to the Food and Drug Administration website, a sample collected from a retail store on March 30 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company has not received any reports of illness caused by the product. Listeria

can cause fever, headache, stiffness, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Customers may contact the company for a full refund at 1-888-957-2272, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Central. Sabra has become a major player in the dip market, and a growing taste for hummus across America has meant more local jobs and investment. Once rare in the U.S., the chickpea-based dip has stormed grocery stores across the nation. Last fall, the company expanded their facility for the third time since opening in 2010. The company expected to add 70 jobs, bringing their local total to about 500, and doubling

Cameron Avenue Church of Christ Address: 601 Cameron Avenue. For more information, call 526-5286. Samples of products from Sabra Dipping Co. are set out for a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion of the company’s Chesterfield County production facility on Thursday, July 12, 2012. PATRICK KANE/ PROGRESS-INDEX FILE PHOTO

production capacity. The expansion was pegged at $155 million. In July 2012, company

leaders and then-Gov. Bob McDonnell held a groundbreaking for an expansion and research center.

SVAR honors Realtor member, affiliate achievements FORT LEE — Hundreds of Southside Virginia Association of Realtors' members and guests gathered at The Lee Club on March 28 for SVAR’s annual Awards for Excellence ceremony and banquet, recognizing Realtor of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Affiliate of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Distinguished Property Manager of the Year and more, as well as those who reached exceptional production levels in 2014.

Realtor of the Year

John W. Brockwell, principal broker of Weichert Realty, Brockw e l l & Po r tw o o d i n Colonial Heights, was awarded Realtor of the Year, the highest honor bestowed on a SVAR Realtor. The accolade is presented annually to one whose professional and

CALENDAR From Page V3

Lucy Corr Blvd. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 804768-7878 or 706-5657. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are 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 Central Virginia Coin Club will hold its regular meeting at Dante’s Pizzeria, 2900 Cedar Lane, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. This club meets the third Tuesday of each month. 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 22 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The 12th Virginia, Co. C, Petersburg New Grays meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth

civic activities have made a substantial contribution to SVAR and the real estate industry. B r o c kw e l l , S VA R’s immediate past president, has been in real estate for his entire life. He is a graduate of the Virginia Association of Realtors Leadership Academy and involved in Realtor activities at the local, state and national levels, including the annual Realtor Day on the Hill in Richmond. Brockwell serves as vice president of the Central Virginia Regional Multiple Listing Service, is a member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, and is active in the Petersburg Rotary Club and Christ and Grace Episcopal Church. He also served as SVAR’s president in 2007 and Distinguished Property Manager of John W. Brockwell, immediate past president, the Year recipients are received SVAR’s Realtor of the Year Award. He is SEE SVAR, V8

Wednesday of each month at the Colonial Heights Public Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. For more information, contact C.L. Helmer at 526-0724. 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. 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

Christ Community Lifeline Fellowship Church Church Address: Meets at Lakeview Elementary School, 401 Taswell Ave. For more information or directions, call 520-6200, or www.christcommunitychurchva. org.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

From Contributed Report

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

principal broker of Welchert Realty, Brockwell & Portwood in Colonial Heights. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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 23 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Lions Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Dante’s Pizzeria. For more information, call Ralph Dunn, secretary, at 748-4810. This club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month. 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. HOPEWELL — St. Joseph Catholic School holds bingo every Thursday at AHEPA Hall, 810 w. Poythress St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. Food is available for nominal fee. For more information, call St. Joseph School at 804-732-3931. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Southside Regional Medical Center sponsors a free bereavement support group at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Southside

Rehabilitation Services, 430 Clairmont Court, Suite 120. For more information, call Chaplain Don Phelps at 765-5593. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are 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 Senior Citizens Club will meet for its fourth Thursday luncheon at Golden Corral by reservation with Joan Light at 5265884. 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 meetings. For more information, call Mildred Morrison at 526-3497. PETERSBURG – The regular monthly meeting of the Tri-City Association of Educational Office Professionals will be on Thursday, in Room 110 Owens Hall on the campus of Virginia State University. All interested office professionals are invited to attend. For more information, call 733-1772, 862-1192 or go online at www.tcaeop.org.

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.

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.

Celebration of Life Lutheran Church Church of our Redeemer 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 5260929 or visit http://www. colonialheightspres.org.

Community Christian Fellowship

Address: 1769 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg. For more information, call 7328567 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: Meets at Matoaca Middle School, West campus. For more information, call 5268260 or visit www. ccfnet1.org.

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

Covenant Christian

St. Ann Catholic Church

Address: 542 South Park Blvd. For more information, call 526-0634.

Address: 17111 Jefferson Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-2548.

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 5263276 or www.ibc4family. com.

Ivey Memorial U.M. Church Address: 17120 Jefferson Davis Highway. For more information, call 526-1350.

Life Church Address: 16801

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 5262179 or 541-3514.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, April 17, 2015

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Friday, April 17, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

SVAR From Page V6

nominated based on professional integrity, outstanding sales production, and contributions to industry and community, and are voted on by their peers. Longevity Awards honor recipients who have obtained a Circle of Excellencesm award for 10 years or more.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Mack Strickland, owner of Strickland Appraisal Co., in Chester, was presented SVAR’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which is awarded to a Realtor who has made signiﬁcant contributions to the association and the real estate profession for at least 25 years. Strickland, a certiﬁed residential appraiser, received his real estate license in 1975 and his broker’s license two years later. He served as SVAR president in 1983 and has been the association’s legislative chairman several times. He served as a Virginia Association of Realtors director for six years and has been on the National Association of Realtors appraisal committee since 1990. He was president of the Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity in 1999 and 2000 and is a member of Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Appraisal Board.

Associate of the Year Johana Story, with RE/ MAX Commonwealth in Mechanicsville, was named Associate of the Year. The accolade is based on the nominee’s sales or property management activity while maintaining a high level of participation in local association and civic involvement. Story is SVAR’s treasurer, serves on the MLS committee and is liaison to property management committee. She has a high sales volume and manages 20 properties as well.

Rookie of the Year Lorna Cornett, with Napier Realtors ERA in Colonial Heights, received t h e Fr e d C . Mo r e n e Rookie of the Year Award. The honor is presented to a new member who has been a full-time real estate licensee for 18 months or less; sales volume, association par ticipation and civic involvement also are considered. Cornett worked in banking and real estate closing for three decades before receiving her real estate license in 2014. She serves on two SVAR committees, including chairing Realtor Professional Network, and is a frequent attendee at SVAR events. She is devoted to animal rescue.

Board's Choice Award

Meg Duarte, with Century 21 Colonial Realty in Colonial Heights, received the Board’s Choice Award, which is presented to one whom the SVAR Board of Directors believes

Bobby Perkins, with Long & Foster Real Estate in Colonial Heights, was recognized with the Donald W. Parr Community Involvement Award. Robert Hill from Hill & Rainey, Attorneys at Law, one of the evening’s platinum sponsors, presented the award. Pictured from left to right are: Hill, Perkins and SVAR President David Patsel. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

shines above the rest in their financial and participatory involvement in SVAR. Duarte is a major donor to the Realtor Political Action Committee and chaired the Realtor Professional Network and served on the education committee. She volunteers weekly at the USO.

the Virginia Association of Realtors. Grundy is a “Sterling R” major contributor to RPAC and serves as a VAR RPAC trustee. He takes part in Realtor Day on the Hill VAR’s Road Show professional training.

Legislative Award

The Bank of McKenney and its mortgage team, active participants in and sponsors of SVAR events, received Affiliate of the Year. The team is made up of Beth Honea, loan officer and vice president of mortgage services; Lorainne Lester, mortgage loan officer; Tammy Harrell, mortgage production assistant; and Holly McCaffity, mortgage loan processor.

Mary Ann S. White, with RE/MAX Commonwealth in Mechanicsville, received SVAR’s Legislative Award, which is presented to a Realtor who advocates on the local, state or national government level. White visits state legislators, participates in Realtor Day on the Hill and chairs the legislative committee. She has worked with the RPAC trustees and spoken in a public meeting regarding proposed Fort Lee downsizing and its potential effects on the local economy.

Community Involvement Award

Life Member Honor Society Award

Bobby Perkins, with Long & Foster Real Estate in Colonial Heights, was recognized with the Donald W. Parr Community Involvement Award, which is presented to one who is has made a significant contribution to the community through his or her involvement in activities and programs. Perkins has served on the Tri-Cities Crime Solvers Program’s board of directors and is a member of the Dinwiddie Ruritan Club. He donates his truck for use by local nonprofits and feeds the homeless as part of Smyrna Baptist Church’s Manna Ministries. He is president of Red Hill Hunt Club, voluntarily cooks for SVAR e vents and prepares meats for community fundraisers.

SVAR 2015 President David Patsel, with Napier Realtors ERA in Colonial Heights, received the Life Member Honor Society Award. Members granted membership into the SVAR Honor Society after achieving a minimum of qualifying points at the local, state and national levels of participation in the Realtor organization were Elizabeth M. Abernathy, Kathie M. Braswell, John W. Brockwell, Betty Crostic, Libby Gatewood, Troy Gibbs, Ron Hardy, Eileen White Knode, David, Patsel, Larry R. Lewis, Carmen M. Martin, Kimberly Porter, Johana Story, Mary Ann S. White and Shanna Wiseman.

Affiliate of the Year

Ethics in Action Award George Grundy, with George Grundy & Associates Realty in Petersburg, received SVAR’s Ethics in Action Award. The accolades is presented to a Realtor who is sought out by other Realtors for his or her advice and counsel on the Realtor Code of Ethics and professional standards, and who incorporates the Code of Ethics in his or her daily business practice. Grundy leads the association’s professional standards committee and served as SVAR president in 1987. He also has chaired numerous other committees within the organization and is a SVAR representative to

Top sales honorees and accolades during at the

annual awards ceremony were: ■ Top Residential Sales Award: Carla Mayes ■ Top Residential Sales Team Award: The Gibbs and Story Team (Troy Gibbs and Johana Story) ■ Top Commercial Sales Award: Lawrence Bickings ■ Bronze Residential Sales winners: Doug Martin, Riley Ingram Sr., Brenda Brockwell, Rebecca L. Griffith, Frankie Franck, Jasper L. White, Sue Nerrie, Helen L. James, George Grundy, Mei Gunther , Silvia Johnson, Wanda Bond , Denis Medlin, Rose Woodfin , Eileen White Knode, Rick Tetterton, Patty LaMarr, Catherine S. Drumheller, Julie Smart Koob, Mike May, Charles Chappell, Sharon Stewart-Murphy, Diane T.

Lorna Cornett, with Napier Realtors ERA in Colonial Heights, receives SVAR’s Fred C. Morene Rookie of the Year Award from President David Patsel, President-Elect Ron Hardy and Immediate Past President John W. Brockwell.

O’Dell, Beverly Vaughan, Jay Eischen, Janice Melvin, Riley E. Ingram, Libby Gatewood, Donnie Bostic, Becky Partin and Jennifer Resnick Dudley. ■ Silver Residential Sales winners: Joyce Navary, Stephanie Rawlings, Sam Hamad, Jennifer McCray, Patsy Rogers, Jeff Blaha, Ronda Bradley-Gallagher, Rose Pai, Cindy Angone, Ashley Forehand Oakley, David Patsel and Steve Overgard. ■ Gold Residential Sales winners: Diana Hayes, Sharon P. Johnson , Robin Whitman, Brett Harris, Tina McCabe, Eric Dunkum, Betsy W. Wells, Joan W. Sasser, Jeff Clark, Melinda M. Sexton and Mary Ann S. White. ■ Platinum Residential Sales winners: Joy Harris-Cobb, Bobby Perkins, Elizabeth M. Abernathy, Deirdre Portwood, Edwina M. Daniel and Scott Morgan. ■ Bronze Team Award: The Keith and Nancy Team (Keith Wagner and Nancy Puse). ■ Platinum Team Award: Vickie Zevgolis and Larry Lewis Team. ■ Diamond Commercial Sales Award: Kevin Y. Specter and Mark B. Specter. ■ Lifetime Sales Award: Diane T. O’Dell, Jeff Blaha, David Patsel, Betsy T. Wells, and Vickie Zevgolis and Larry Lewis Team. ■ Distinguished Property Management: Stacey M. Hower, Judi Robertson, Joshua M. Chappell, Kim Boykin Smiley, Becky Partin, Aimee Kay Bradley, Shanna M. Wiseman and Crystal Williams. ■ Lifetime Property Manager Award: Aimee Kay Bradley. ■ New Member Sales Award: Nancy Steinke.

Omega Tau Rho Medallion Also during the evening’s recognition, Mary Virginia Harris was presented the Omega Tau Rho Medallion from the National Association of Realtors. Medallion recipients are recognized for their service and dedication to the Realtor organization and the real estate industry and become life members of the Omega Tau Rho fraternity. Harris, who has led Harris & Associates Inc. since its founding in 1975, served as SVAR’s president in 1990. She also was

Mack Strickland, right, owner of Strickland Appraisal Co., in Chester, was presented SVAR’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He accepts the honor from President David Patsel, President-Elect Ron Hardy, and Immediate Past President John W. Brockwell.

Johana Story, with RE/MAX Commonwealth in Mechanicsville, was named SVAR’s Associate of the Year. Pictured from left to right are: President David Patsel, President-Elect Ron Hardy, Story and Immediate Past President John W. Brockwell.

honored that year as the organization’s Realtor of the Year. SVAR President David Patsel, Immediate Past President John W. Brockwell, and President-Elect Ron Hardy presented the awards, while Sue Nerrie and Steve Overgard emceed the evening. Invocation was offered by George Grundy. The Awards for Excellence Committee was chaired by Troy Gibb, with Ron Hardy as the Board of Directors liaison, and included committee members Elizabeth Abernathy, Kathie Braswell, Eileen White Knode, Patty LaMarr and Betty Crostic. The band Flat Elvis performed for attendees’ dancing enjoyment. Awards for Excellence sponsors were Central Virginia Regional MLS, Virginia Commonwealth Bank, Fidelity Termite & Pest Control Inc. , Fidelity Well & Septic Inspections, Hill & Rainey, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, HMS, The Real Estate Book, Burley H. Langford Jr. Home Inspector, HHHunt Homes, Hayes Inspection Service Inc., Appomattox Title

Company Inc., Farm Credit, Capitol One Bank, Trinity Title and Settlement, Napier Realtors ERA, Presidential Mortgage Group, Bank of McKenney and WestStar Mortgage Inc. SVAR is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in real estate business practices and advocating on behalf of the interests of private property owners. Its members also are members of the Virginia Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors. SVAR encompasses Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, Chester, Emporia and Ettrick, and Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry and Sussex counties, as well as much of Chesterﬁeld County. The term Realtor is a registered collective membership mark that identiﬁes a real estate professional who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors. Go to www.isyouragentone.com for more information. For more info on SVAR, go to www.SVARealtors. com.