Voice 051515 by The Progress-Index

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THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA

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ECONOMY IS ON UPSWING PAGE V5

Friday, May 15, 2015

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COLONIAL HEIGHTS TRADITION

LOCAL Special Needs Resource Fair COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Arc South of the James is hosting a resource fair from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 at Tussing Elementary School, 5501 Conduit Roat. The event will feature 20-plus tables on a variety of topics for children and adults with disabilities. Among the agencies and organizations that will be represented are: Special Olympics of the Tri-Cities, experts in PT, OT and speech/ language, Chesterﬁeld Parks & Rec (aquatic therapy), Project Search (job training/ placement), Dare to Change (mental health services), Branches of Life (career prep and more), DisAbility Law Center and Dr. John Bruner, (ABA Therapy). For more information, contact Shareen Young-Chavez, president of The Arc South of the James, at schavez.thearcsoj@gmail.com

Army band to perform at Dunlop House COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Fort Lee Army Band will present a concert from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Dunlop House, 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard. The concert is being sponsored by Dunlop House Assisted Living and Specialized Memory Care; the event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 804-520-0050.

Bone health seminar COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation will sponsor a free bone health program at 5:30 p.m. May 28 in the rehabilitation gymnasium of the health care facility, located at 831 Ellerslie Ave. Attendees will learn how to prevent an injury, manage an injury and recover quickly. To register, call 804-5266851 or email Ethomas2@ care-one.com.

Fourth of July fireworks display COLONIAL HEIGHTS - The City of Colonial Heights will sponsor a fireworks display on Saturday, July 4, in the vicinity of Charles Dimmock Parkway in Colonial Heights. This display is free and open to the public. Fireworks will start at approximately 9:15 p.m. Rain date will be Sunday, July 5. Viewing for the fireworks will be off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/ Wal-Mart Area. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs. For more information, call (804) 520-9390.

Ray Bowles, left, and Bill Johnson, right, members of the Colonial Heights Optimist Club, raise money for the organization by grilling burgers at the Fort Clifton Festival. LEAH SMALL / PROGRESS-INDEX

History Mobile visits Fort Clifton Festival By Leah Small Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The 2015 Fort Clifton Festival, held on the heels of the Civil War sesquicentennial, was marked by a visit to the park by the 150th History Mobile. The traveling museum, funded and operated by the state, shows the impact that the conﬂict had on all Virginians. Noelle Baker, senior tour manager, has taken the museum across Virginia and through surrounding states. The farthest the mobile has ever traveled is Atlanta. “I like to see the state and to take the museum different places, especially places that don't have access to museums, like small towns,” she said. Fort Clifton was an important point of defense during the Siege of Petersburg from

1864 to 1865. The fort faced regular long-range artillery ﬁre and successfully defended the area from many gunboats that stopped attempts to get up the Appomattox River. The Fort Clifton Festival holds the tradition of being held on Mother's Day weekend with plenty of available arts and crafts vendors to ﬁnd mom something special. Reenactors also gather to teach the public about Civil War History. The festival began in May of 1976 as part of the Bicentennial celebration and has since become an annual event. Lamese Essey, who has been a member of the committee that organizes the festival for 18 years, said that she sought for four years to get the History Mobile to come. Essey said that the Civil War SEE FESTIVAL, V3

Steve Pano, Owner of Old Dominion Merchantile, sells his Civil War era wares at the Fort Clifton Festival. LEAH SMALL / PROGRESSINDEX PHOTO

The 150th History Mobile shows families at the Fort Clifton Festival how the Civil War impacted Virginia. The museum travels across the state. LEAH SMALL / PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP

Dive-in movie COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Swim and Yacht Club, 1225 Duke of Gloucester St., will host a dive-in movie on July 18. Gates open at 8:30 p.m.; Movie begins at 8:45 p.m. Members are invited to bring a ﬂoat and relax in the pool while watching “Despicable Me 2” or bring a lawn chair and sit on the pool deck. Lifeguards will be on duty. Free admission, concessions available on-site; no outside food or drink is allowed. For more information, call (804) 520-9390. INDEX Opinion ..............V2 Police Log ..........V4

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Vol. 12, No. 34

John A. Rooney Jr. captures scenes in the Tri-Cities By Leah Small Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — John A. Rooney Jr.’s photography is known throughout the Tri-Cities. Rooney is mostly self taught and has been shooting pictures since he was 12 years old. He routinely shows his work at the Fort Clifton Festival, held every May, and has been commissioned to do work for various organizations. Rooney is known for shooting events and locations throughout the area, such as the

ﬁlming of “Turn: Washington’s Spies” and “Ithaca.” Rooney is a member of the Cockade City Camera Club. How did you get into photography?

It’s in my genes. I don’t know. It’s a natural thing I guess. Some people get a camera bug and it stays with them. Why do you love photography?

I don’t know, but I do want the pictures I take to be good pictures. What makes a good picture to you?

A good picture, I guess that depends on the camera person. It’s a very nice feeling, like this one, (Rooney points to a photo of a woman walking on the rocks on the shore of the Appomattox River) she’s walking on a moon scape. Her hair is back lit. I was there at the right time and got the shot. Where did you learn about photography?

The school of hard knocks. I did have some classes at John Tyler Community College years ago that were beneﬁcial.

John A. Rooney Jr.

Friday, May 15, 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

Campaign season is time to focus on nation’s problems

erhaps the scariest thing about humans is their profound discomfort with ambiguity, and their concomitant desire to know things for sure, to have all the answers, and to demand that others believe exactly as they do. Ideology, it seems, is reasserting itself in a world that less than a generation ago appeared headed toward pluralism, tolerance and pragmatism, all bolstered by an unprecedented flow of free information that promised to render extremism obsolete. Too bad it hasn't worked out that way. Unpacking his 40-year career as a foreign correspondent for the New York Times, John Burns recently concluded: "What those years bred in me, more than anything else, was an abiding revulsion for ideology, in all its guises." Burns worked in some of the world's ugliest places, among them Soviet Russia, Mao's China, Afghanistan under the Taliban, South Africa under apartheid and North Korea under the Kim dynasty. "I learned that there is no limit to the lunacy, malice and suffering that can plague any society with a ruling ideology," Burns reflected. But even in the Britain and America to which he has now retired, Burns detects a frightening partisan rigidity. "It can be depressing beyond words," he wrote, "to hear the loyalists of a given political creed — whether left or right — adopt the unyielding certainties common in totalitarian states." We agree. Screeds portraying government as a manifest evil are especially damaging because they taint even the most sensible government solutions. With national campaigns approaching, our fervent hope is that voters have grown weary of the threadbare recitations common to both parties and will instead demand pragmatic, creative and courageous approaches that bypass the tiresome interest groups. This campaign will be wasted if voters continue to hear (on the right) about the dreary social issues and the virtues of never, never raising taxes, and (on the left) about candidates "who will fight for people like you." Oh, please! We yearn for an agenda that matches the nation's and the state's actual problems: Creating a wider prosperity; building an infrastructure that works; forging a coherent, sophisticated foreign policy; fostering a truly effective system for education and training; reforming the corrupt financing of campaigns, and devising serious policies on climate and energy. We long for solutions based on hard evidence, not ideological correctness. It's encouraging that ideology has suffered a few setbacks lately, among them the opening to Cuba and the repudiation of state laws that protected the "religious freedom" to discriminate. This advice from candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton offers another positive signal that should spread throughout the campaigns in both parties: "Don't vote for anybody of any party anywhere in the country who proudly tells you they will never compromise." Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota

YOUR VIEW

At any moment, one’s apartment might be invaded by a casual criminal "Justice" was the eighth episode of or fanatic, murdering for the sake of a the first season of the science ficloaf of bread. In this anarchy, justice tion television series “Star Trek: The and freedom were only words. ‘Then Next Generation.” The episode first I learned that before we can have jusaired on Nov. 9, 1987. In this episode, tice and freedom, we must have order,’ Wesley Crusher is sentenced to death my friend said. ‘Much though I hated after inadvertently breaking the law the Communists, I saw then that – an otherwise minor infraction – on even the grim order of Communism an alien planet. The USS Enterprise is better than no order at all. Many arrives for shore leave at the newly might survive under Communism; no discovered planet of Rubicun III. A one can survive in general disorder.’” small advance party from the ship is If one needs further evidence, look sent down to meet with the Edo, the around the world at other countries native people of the planet. Capthat are very “orderly.” China. Cuba. tain Jean-Luc Picard sends Wesley North Korea. Iran. There is very little Crusher as part of the away team to indication of anarchy in those counevaluate the planet on behalf of the tries. Saudi Arabia is a lovely place to young people on board the Enterprise. visit, a country full of happy smiling Upon their arrival, they are greeted by people, but try your hand at theft Rivan and Liator (who, conveniently and you may end up hand-less. That’s for plot development, are humanoids) order. Justice? Perhaps that’s one in a very gracious way, triggering Lt. definition. Freedom? Not the type I’d Worf to determine it a "nice planet", choose, but many have no choice. while Wesley leaves the adults to play What is the answer? More laws? with the native children. However, We have too many of those now, and while at play with other Edo children, people who are already breaking curWesley accidentally breaks a greenrent laws are not likely to respect new house. It is then that the away team ones. Higher taxes? That would only and Enterprise crew learn that there negatively impact current taxpayers, is only one penalty for the breaking of people most likely to be employed and any laws on Rubicun III – the death law-abiding. More surveillance? How penalty. Gee, no wonder everyone gets many eyes in the sky do we already along so well. have, and can anyone honestly say I was thinking about this episode their omnipresence has prevented our while watching the news reports current state of unrest and disconof rioting and looting in Baltimore tent? And how did we reach this level and Ferguson and, well, fill in the of national turmoil? blank for any American city these I believe it’s because we as a nation days. Folks, this is anarchy which have rejected God – the one true by definition means an absence of God, the God of Isaac, Abraham government, a state of lawlessness or and Isaiah, the Father of our Lord political disorder due to the absence and Savior, Jesus Christ. And God of governmental authority, and/or will allow us to make that decision the absence or denial of any authority freely if we choose, but not without or established order. The last definiconsequences, both here and in the tion is especially appropriate for this afterlife. History provides ample discussion because that is what we evidence of that reality. The prophet are actually experiencing nationwide Samuel speaks to us today as he did right now in our country, and this in the Old Testament when he spoke absence of authority seems to occur to the Israelites and said, “If you fear more and more often in our major the Lord and serve and obey Him and cities. I predict that concentration do not rebel against His commands, will dissipate and spread to smaller and if both you and the king who surrounding communities as we all reigns over you follow the Lord your become inured to the violence and God – good! But if you do not obey destruction until it happens in “our the Lord, and if you rebel against His own backyard,” so to speak. For some, commands, His hand will be against it already has. you, as it was against your ancestors.” Anarchy is not a natural state of (1 SAM 12:14-15) man; order is, however much we may So, to have order in our country and resent it as individuals, communities in our cities and in our families, we or nations. Order will fill the vacuum first must have order in our individual of its absence, and quite possibly lives. And if we want order in our lives in ways that many of us would not we must have God first and foremost choose for ourselves but still find in our hearts. preferable to wanton chaos. In “The Rick Venema Roots of American Order”, author Colonial Heights Russell Kirk tells the story of a Russian scholar during the time of the Bolshevik Revolution. “He had been a Charge for the card Menshevik, or moderate Socialist, at It's pre-presidential primary the time of the Russian Revolution. season, and thoughts turn to talk of When the Bolsheviks seized power entitlements. Chris Christie is already in St. Petersburg, he fled to Odessa, proposing a radical, back end revamp on the Black Sea, where he found a of Social Security. I'll go him one great city in anarchy. Bands of young better and suggest a front end candimen commandeered street-cars and date for reform: Charge for the card clattered wildly through the streets of For example, if you are going Odessa, firing rifles at any pedestrian, to continue to use the tax code to as though they were hunting pigeons. encourage having children, why not

‘Justice,’ order and anarchy

start assessing a fee for the precious paper rectangle that enables parents to take the kid related credits and deductions? And all those immigrants in this country that are about to be given amnesty should have to pay for the privilege coming out of the shadows and finally working here legally as well The system was set up as a way for employees to fund retirement benefits. The function of the nine numbers has expanded well beyond the original intent to all sorts of collateral and unrelated uses. They basically form a non-picture ID somewhat tantamount to a driver's license - and no one ever questioned plunking down for that, even when not so long ago it was imageless We constantly hear that the habitually robbed fund is expected to go bankrupt. It's always just a question of when. Less money, either for economic or demographic reasons. This would be a step in the direction of making the program more self sufficient and solvent, and preserving it for everyone who has contributed and for generations to come. It couldn't be more simple, just charge for the card. Karen Ann DeLuca Alexandria, Va.

Another view on Freddie Gray In the Tuesday 5/5/15 ANOTHER VIEW section of The ProgressIndex, a Washington Post editorial, in part says”…Gray…emerged dead… Of course the officers involved were responsible…”. How about another view? As everyone has rushed to blame the officers, let me share some knowledge/facts that I have from working 15 of my 28 years of Commonwealth of Virginia service with the Department of Corrections. Criminals often hurt themselves to incriminate guards or other law enforcement personnel as a way to get back at being arrested or incarcerated. It is worth any personal pain, to them, to see these law enforcement personnel investigated, humiliated, or otherwise traumatized from being accused. I believe, Mr. Gray (angry at being arrested) was banging his head in the van (as reported by another perp in the van –source: 4/29/15 Washington Times), in order to show signs of injury so as to try to incriminate the police. Unfortunately, in Mr. Gray’s case, he was unaware that in banging his head against the van body, that he would inadvertently damage his spine from a protruding bolt inside the van. If you have not worked around the criminal elements of our society, you will not believe that the preceding could in any way be possible, much less probable. I know it happens because I’ve been told by inmates that it happens as often as they think they can get away with it. I submit this just to counter the smugness of The Washington Post, who know no more about the evidence than I do; as The ProgressIndex likes to say: another view. Jesse L. Harrup Jr. Colonial Heights

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, May 15, 2015

YOUR NEWS

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WEEKEND acoustic, kid-friendly matinee set at 11 a.m. on ■ The ninth annual Saturday. concert of the Titan Band Primitive festival will be held on Friday, camping is available for 7:30 p.m. in the Cosby additional charge, and Theater, 14300 Fox Club camping with electricParkway, Midlothian. This ity and ﬁre pits can be show will be a Hollywood- purchased through styled production by the the state park: http:// 130-member band. A www.dcr.virginia.gov/ wide variety of musical stateparks/pocahontas. styles will be performed. shtml#general_informaThe concert will also tion feature a special guest Several notable artists soloist, trumpet superjoining Carbon Leaf are: star, Alan Chez. Trigger Hippy (featuring Chez was the trumpet Joan Osborne, Jackie player on The Late Show Green and Steve Gorman with David Letterman of the Black Crowes, on CBS for 15 years TomBukovac, and Nick as well as numerous Govrik); and singer-songperformances on Late writer/producer/actor Night with David LetJeff Daniels (The News terman when it was on Room, Terms of EndearNBC. He now leads the ment, Dumb & Dumber) “Al Chez and The Brothalong with his son’s ers of Funk Big Band,” band, The Ben Daniels a big band playing rock Band. and soul music with big Tickets for Carbon horn sound. He has the Leaf’s Ragtime Carnival distinction of being the and Campout range in second longest-tenured price from $15 (Friday network TV trumpet concert only) up to $55 player in broadcast (2-day ticket with primihistory. tive festival camping) Chez has other perand are one sale through formance credits with www.pocahontaslive. artists as Bonjovi , The com. Tickets may also Rolling Stones , David be purchased at Brock’s Bowie, Tower of Power, Barbeque in Chester and Robert Cray Band, Spyro the Pocahontas State Gyra, Stevie Wonder, Park office. Sting, Eric Clapton, Cee lo Greene , Snoop Dog, SATURDAY Flava Flav, James Brown , Bruce Springsteen, and n Prince George Master Earth Wind and Fire. Gardeners are hosting This is his third appear- their ninth annual spring ance with the Cosby plant sale and clinic on Titan Band. Saturday, from 8:30 Tickets are $7 per seat a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on and are on sale this week the grounds of Prince at the school, and at the George County Regional door as supplies last. Heritage Museum, 6406 Advanced purchase is Courthouse Road, Prince suggested. George County. Available For more information, for sale will be a large call 804-639-8340 ext. variety of perennials, 8421 fragrance and culinary

FRIDAY

herbs, combination plantings, shrubs and artist Zach Perkins will more. Prince George perform during a “Spring Master Gardeners will Showcase & Vendor be on hand to answer Fundraiser” Friday evegardening questions ning in Chesterfield. The and assist with plant fundraiser is being spon- selection. sored by the nonprofit The spring plant sale Chesterfield Children’s is a major fundraiser for Theatre from 6:30 to 9 the Master Gardeners. p.m. at Curtis Elementary Money raised support School, located at 3600 scholarships, Master West Hundred Road. All Gardener programs and proceeds from this event projects in the comwill benefit the children’s munity. Virginia Master theatre. Gardeners are volunteer In addition to Perkins, educators who work the show will include within their communimore than 40 venties to encourage and dors including Origami promote environmentally Owl, Thirty One, Avon, sound horticulture pracMary Kay, Tupperware, tices through sustainable Scentsy, Pampered Chef, landscape management Jamberry and more. education and training. There will also be game booths, food, silent auc■ The Families United tions, and entertaining Foundation is hosting a highlights from “The “Community Yard Sale Wizard of Oz”. and Fish Fry” beginning For more information at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, call 691-7235 or visit at the Benedict Civic chesterfieldchildrensthe- Club, 500 Fleet St., atre@hotmail.com Petersburg. All proceeds

■ Nashville recording

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ■ The second annual

Carbon Leaf’s Ragtime Carnival and Campout will be the featured entertainment for the Pocahontas Live concert series on Friday and Saturday in Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Drive, Chesterﬁeld. Sponsored by The Virginia Museum of Radio & Concert Entertainment (VMRCE), the 2015 Ragtime Carnival and Campout features 13 bands on two stages over two days, with Carbon Leaf performing three shows — headlining both nights on the main stage, and performing a shorter

after expenses will go to support the Families United Foundation projects which promote the development of young people by instilling a sense of belonging and usefulness. ■ On Saturday, the

Virginia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), headquartered in Richmond, will host Great Strides at Innsbrook’s North Shore Commons across from the Innsbrook Pavilion. The event will include a 2-mile walk, food, music, awards and many kid’s activities. All proceeds will beneﬁt CFF. Registration is free and can be done by visiting www.cff. org/greatstrides.

FESTIVAL From Page V1

sesquicentennial was the perfect opportunity. Essey also said that this year, the festival hit the max number of vendors that it can host. Elizabeth WatkinsMorris, a re-enactor with the 12th Virginia Infantry, helped children at the festival make dolls from the era in exchange for a small donation to the group's scholarship fund. Even if a child didn't have change on hand, he or she was still able to make a doll. The re-enactors also showed daily life in a Confederate camp and gave military demonstrations. Steven E. Pano, owner of Old Dominion Merchantile, stopped at Fort Clifton to sell Civil War-era wares in his

Elizabeth Watkins-Morris of the 12th Virginia Infantry takes a break from reenacting to grab a modern snack in Civil War era garb during the annual Fort Clifton Festival. LEAH SMALL / PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

traveling store. An array of nesting dolls, pocket knives and other items were nestled in wooden

displays. Pano also sold Necco candy, which got its start during the Civil War.

Leah Small may be reached at 722-5172 or lsmall@progress-index. com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Historical memorabilia sought Documents, photographs, news articles, as well as artifacts, will be used to create exhibit for viewing by general public Contributed Report

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Historical Commission is requesting assistance from the citizens of Colonial Heights and surrounding areas in creating an exhibit of historical memorabilia that will represent a full range of Colonial Heights history between the first Indian se ttlement to

the present. Members of the historical commission are looking for photographs, news articles and documents, as well as historic artifacts that can be placed on display for viewing by the general public. "We are in need of historical items, such as Indian artifacts from our area, Revolutionary War era or Civil War era memorabilia or general items,

such as old business signs or miscellaneous items that remind us of our past city life," says John A. Rooney Jr., historical commission chairman. "Note that we would scan photographs so that you could keep your originals," Rooney stressed. At this time the historical commission is in the display planning stage and need to know what items would be available

to display. Anyone who would be interested in donating, or placing on loan, a historical artifact, or if you have some photographs the historical commission could scan, please contact Elke Gibbs at 520-9265 or by email at gibbse@colonialheightsva.gov. An inventory of items will be compiled but items will not be collected at this time. "We would collect the items when our display plan is nearing completion," Rooney said.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, May 15 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. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Oldies But Goodies Classic Cruizers Car Club is hosting its weekly "CruiseIn" 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. 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 — 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.

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.

SATURDAY, May 16

MONDAY, May 18

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.

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

SUNDAY, May 17 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

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 in the Senior Center at the Community Building, 157 Roanoke Ave. 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, May 19 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 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.

WEDNESDAY, May 20 CHESTER — The American Red Cross, Web of Hope, welcomes all who would like to learn to knit

SEE CALENDAR, V6

Friday, May 15, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

Tri-Cities Law Enforcement Memorial Breakfast By Amir Vera Staff Writer

HOPEWELL — It was a solemn morning in Hopewell as 22 police officers, including two from Colonial Heights, were honored for their ultimate sacriﬁce. Police officers, deputies and state troopers from around the region and state gathered with friends and family of fallen officers at the Hopewell Moose Lodge Friday for the 21st annual Tri-Cities Law Enforcement Memorial Breakfast on Friday, May 8. Local and state officials were also in attendance with Brian Moran, state secretary of public safety and homeland security, acting as the keynote speaker. “Each of you is an exemplary individual, dedicating your life to safeguarding all of us,” Moran said. “We recognize that you are the best of us, good men and women who live in our communities and pull us together in times of crisis. As we mourn the loss of these officers, these 22 heroes, we also pay homage to all those without their loved ones. To the parents, spouses, children and siblings, we are here to grieve with you.” The memorial breakfast

Friends and family of fallen police officers listen during the 21st Annual Tri-Cities Law Enforcement Memorial Breakfast that was held Friday, May 8, at the Hopewell Moose Lodge. Twenty-two police officers from around the Tri-Cities were honored for their ultimate sacrifice. Friends and family of the officers were joined by police officers, deputies and state troopers from around the region and state. PATRICK KANE / PROGRESS INDEX PHOTO

also kicks off what is known as National Police Week, held May 11 through 15 to honor those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. The event dates back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. “It is our duty, as active law enforcement officers, to honor our brothers and to never forget the fallen,” said John Keohane, chief of the Hopewell Police Department. Moran also said the pain

of the 52nd annual Police Week has been sharpened by the national debate on policing with the deaths of both police and citizens at the hands of officers. “The debate has sometimes been divisive, but even as the debate continues, thousands of police officers, deputies and state troopers get up everyday and make sure our families and neighbors are safe,” he said. Moran added that there are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities

Virginia State Police Sgt. Michael McCann performs on bagpipes at the 21st Annual Tri-Cities Law Enforcement Memorial Breakfast. The event was held Friday, May 8, at the Hopewell Moose Lodge. PATRICK KANE / PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

across the United States, with 19,000 in Virginia. “On average, one law enforcement officer dies in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every two and a half days,” he said. “They chose those careers knowing that everyday might be the day they save a life, but they also understood that they might be asked to risk their own.”

CRIME SOLVERS

Among the 22 officers honored, two officers served in Colonial Heights, one officer served in Dinwiddie, seven officers served in Petersburg and two officers served in Prince George County. Additionally, three Virginia State Troopers also served in the area: Trooper Garland W. Fisher Jr. in Dinwiddie, Trooper Leo Whitt in Prince George and

Trooper Junius A. Walker in Dinwiddie. Most recently Trooper Fisher and Trooper Whitt had bridges dedicated to them in their respective counties, and Trooper Walker had a section of Interstate 85 dedicated to him after his death in 2013. Amir Vera may be reached at avera@progress-index. com or (804) 722-5155.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Program seeks help from public in Murder suspect catching fugitives, solving murder found not guilty

County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program is also asking for your help this week to solve a cold case homicide. Just before 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2014, officers responded to the 3300 block of Meadowdale Boulevard in North Chesterfield for a report of multiple shots ﬁred. Upon arrival,

officers located two adult male shooting victims. One of the men, David Emmanuel-Sinclair Copeland, 23, of the 3300 block of Meadowdale Boulevard, died at the scene. The second victim was transported to VCU Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. If you have information about these fugitives

or any unsolved crime in or person wanted by Chesterfield County or the city of Colonial Heights, you may submit an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers: by phone at (804) 748-0660, through the website, crimesolvers. net, or Text-A-Tip by texting “WATSON” plus your tip to CRIMES (274637)**. All three methods will allow you to stay anonymous. If your tip helps to solve a crime or catch a fugitive, you could receive a cash reward. * * Te x t S T O P t o 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg&Data rates may apply. Visit crimesolvers.net for Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

breath test on April 5. ■ Timothy Sterling Ryder, 26, of the 1200 block of Oakwood Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with assault & battery:family member on April 5. ■ Samuel Lamont Smith, 18, of the 400 block of Gould Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with larceny:grand on April 5. ■ Albert Lamont Snipes, 39, of the 21300 block of Gilritchie Drive, S. Chesterﬁeld was charged with driving under the inﬂuence on April 5. ■ June Carrie Childress, 48, of the 15500 block of Harrowgate Road, Chester was charged with larceny:petit on April6. ■ Deshawn Raheem Shaw, 21, of the 300 block of Brookedge Drive, Colonial Heights was charged with probation:violation on April 6. ■ Donna Marie TomlinMichaels, 61, of the 30 block of Colonial Court, Colonial Heights was charged with larceny:petit; trespass:general on April 6. ■ Jean H. Whitt, 36, of

the 200 block of Orange Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with cruelty to animals; poss unvacc dog/cat; fail to provide adequ shelter on April 6. ■ Joshua Eugene Brewer, 26, of the 2000 block of Carolina Road, Chesapeake was charged with brandish a ﬁrearm on April 7. ■ Amy Lee Settle, 29, of the 300 block of E Westover Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with brandish a ﬁrearm on April 7. ■ Lakeisha Shante Whitehead, 28, of the 300 block of S. 13th Avenue, Hopewell was charged with larceny:shoplifting under $200 on April 7. ■ Brian Stacy Wilson, 46, of the 11300 block of Ivywood Road, Chester was charged with probation:violation on April 7. ■ Toni R. Adams, 51, of the 900 block of Hardy Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with larceny:petit on April 8. ■ Joshua D. Allison, 25, of the 12700 block of Wilson Road, Wilsons was charged with driving

under the inﬂuence; refuse breath test on April 8. ■ Andrew Douglas Alvis IV, 29, of the 3600 block of Portsmouth Street, Hopewell was charged with driving under the inﬂuence on April 8. ■ Christopher Douglas Boone, 23, of the 1800 block of Bath Street, Richmond was charged with conspiracy; aid or abet in larceny on April 8. ■ Aaron Thomas Booth, 20, of the 500 block of Riverview Road, Colonial Heights was charged with probation:violation on April 8. ■ Anthony Cedric Hudgins Jr., 34, of the 600 block of Juniper Road, Petersburg was charged with larceny:petit on April 8. ■ David Crew Jackson, 34, of the 200 block of Jennick Drive, Colonial Heights was charged with drunk in public on April 8. ■ Vanessa Renee Jackson, 37, of the 2200 block of Lynchburg Street, Hopewell was charged with larceny:petit; child neglect/cont to del mino on April 8.

Contributed Report

CHESTERFIELD/ COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Crime Solvers is asking for the public's help this week with catching the following two fugitives: • Ben Earl Rivers Jr. is wanted for breaking and entering. Rivers is a 44-year-old black male, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 150 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. • Marquel Williams is wanted for credit card theft. Williams is a 26-year-old black male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 140 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. Photos of these two fugitives and others can be seen at crimesolvers. net. The Chesterfield

POLICE LOG The following information was provided by the Colonial Heights Police Department. Cynthia Mae Stephens, 53, of the 100 block of Hampton Drive, Colonial Heights was charged with driving under the influence on April. 4. ■ Donna Marie TomlinMichaels, 61, of the 30 block of Colonial Court, Colonial Heights was charged with fraud:credit card; larceny:credit card theft; forgery on April 4. ■ Rithy J. Chim, 21, of the 5200 block of Whetstone Road, N. Chesterfield was charged with larceny:grand on April 5. ■ Robert Garland Fletcher, 35, of the 4400 block of Frederick Farms Drive, Midlothian was charged with driving under influence; refuse breath test on April 5. ■ Tina Maria Nishchuk, 49, of the 200 block of E Bank Street, Petersburg was charged with fail to appear on April 5. ■ Blake A. Roulo, 22, of the 19700 block of Matoaca Road, Petersburg was charged with driving under influence; refuse

Williams Rivers

South Carolina woman is being held at Central State Hospital in Petersburg From Staff Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The woman accused of attempting capital murder of a law enforcement officer was found not guilty on May 4 by reason of insanity. Melissa Alexander, 44, of Jackson, S.C., pointed a semi-automatic handgun at Colonial Heights police officer Greg Thinnes following a car chase on Aug. 24, 2014. Thinnes attempted to pull Alexander over for driving 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, but she ignored his lights and sirens until she pulled over on Yacht Basin Drive and wielded the weapon, according to court documents. Once Alexander stopped the vehicle, Thinnes parked his police cruiser 20 feet behind the vehicle and ordered her to show her hands, but she did not cooperate. The affidavit stated, “Approximately one minute later, the female suspect suddenly opened the driver’s door of her vehicle, stepped out facing the officer and raised a black semi-automatic handgun directly towards the officer.” The police officer then shot the woman several times, according to the affidavit. Alexander was in critical but stable condition and was taken to the VCU Medical Center. She was then held at Riverside Regional Jail. The police officer sustained no injuries. Thinnes was cleared of any wrongdoing after investigations determined he acted lawfully. “Officer Thinnes' actions were in accordance with proper procedure and departmental policy," Col. Jeff Faries, chief of police, said previously. "Officer Thinnes reacted and performed as trained under a life threatening situation and he is to be commended for his actions.” COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Alexander was charged with attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, use of a firearm, assault on law enforcement,

eluding police endangerment and reckless handling of a firearm. After obtaining a search warrant, police found a cell phone, two .380 caliber cartridges and prescription medication in the woman’s car. The affidavit stated the 2014 Dodge Avenger with South Carolina license plates was registered to a man in South Carolina. During the trial, Alexander was medically evaluated by two doctors, first at the orders of the defense and then by Colonial Heights Commonwealth’s Attorney William “Bill” Bray. “Two doctors examined her and came to the same conclusion,” Bray said. “There was no evidence to overcome them.” Bray added that both doctors are frequently used by the courts and rarely have differing evaluations. The next step for Alexander, Bray said, is to continue to be evaluated by a psychologist and psychiatrist who will present their reports to the judge on Aug. 4. Their evaluations will determine whether Alexander needs to be housed in a mental institution. The judge can also give Alexander a medical probationary release. But Bray said, “It’s a pretty serious case and she has a long psychiatric history.” Alexander was prescribed medication for a mental illness, which Bray wouldn’t disclose. She had stopped taking at least one of the medications when the incident occurred, Bray said. The woman had an outstanding warrant from South Carolina for writing bad checks. Alexander allegedly stabbed her boyfriend in the leg in New Jersey while they were driving south to Florida. The boyfriend fled the car and Alexander drove the rest of the way by herself, eventually stopping in Colonial Heights where the incident occurred. No charges were filed against Alexander in the alleged stabbing, according to Bray. Alexander has been transported to Central State Hospital in Petersburg.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, May 15, 2015

VIRGINIA'S GATEWAY REGION

Regional economy shows job growth, investment By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Virginia’s Gateway Region’s annual report shows the Tri-Cities economy is on the upswing, with nearly 4,500 jobs created and $2.33 billion total in capital investment in the last year. “Our region has been very fortunate. These are private sector jobs, these are not government or public sector jobs. We had very good numbers each year,” said Renee Chapline, president and CEO of Virginia’s Gateway Region. “Things do seem to be getting better.” Virginia’s Gate way Region is one of the 18 regional organizations under the state-run Virginia Economic Development Partnership. A nonproﬁt, Virginia’s Gateway Region, provides data and research analysis to persuade businesses to open sites in the cities of Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and the counties of Prince George, Dinwiddie, Chesterﬁeld, Surry and Sussex. The small group of four fulltime employees work to bridge public and private entities together to foster economic cooperation in the community. According to the report, unemployment has dropped from 7.9 percent in 2010 to 5.7 percent last year. The average wage in the region was $43,336 in 2014, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Representatives from Virginia’s Gateway Region are seen at the SelectUSA Investment Summit on March 31. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

shows. The report says the workforce employment totaled 184,204. The organization has implemented a ﬁve-year plan starting in 20102011 called the Driving Regional Growth Embracing a Global Future, or G2 initiative, that sets goals for the organization and greater community to foster economic growth. “We put together about 150 corporate executives together in a room to determine how do you want the economic outlook to look in ﬁve years in this region,” Chapline said. “It was a visioning process.” In four years the initiative has exceeded all goals. The G2 goal for capital investment for existing business was $450 million

and so far existing businesses, with the help of Virginia’s Gateway Region, have invested a total of $521 million. For new businesses, the capital investment goal was $150 million and the actual amount towered $435 million. In terms of job creation, the G2 goal for existing businesses was 700 jobs, which the organization surpassed by over 2,200. The 2014 report says 11 new companies have been added to the region with continued investment in 13 existing businesses. The region raked in $5.26 billion in taxable sales, according to Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service’s 2013 Virginia statistics, and collected $17.3 million in revenue

through the Machine & Tool tax thanks to the heavy industrial and manufacturing presence in the Tri-Cities. “That money (M&T tax) can be used to support the school systems and highway infrastructure,” Chapline said. Dennis Morris, executive director of the Crater Planning District Commission, was pleased by the numbers in the report. “I thought it was a very well done annual report and certainly tells a very positive story for the region,” Morris said. Morris said the retail industry in the region is showing modest growth and the hospitality sector has seen a 10 percent increase in hotel occupancies in the last 12 months.

Renee Chapline of Virginia’s Gateway Region, thenPetersburg Vice Mayor Horace Webb and Gov. Terry McAuliffe represent area businesses at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom July 15, 2014. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Hotel revenues have also increased 10 percent in the region, he said. Revenue from the meals tax on food and beverages purchased in restaurants has grown 15 percent annually too, Morris added. On the tourism side, he said the Petersburg National Battleﬁeld reported an almost nine percent increase in visitations this year. “You take all those factors from various business sectors and I think we’re beginning to turn from the recessionary impacts that we’ve had in Virginia, in the country and in the region,” Morris said. “There’s some bright signs I see.”

Morris also noted the impact Fort Lee has to the regional economy. The military installation is responsible for $2.4 billion of the Tri-Cities economic output, 13.62 percent of the total gross domestic product and almost 16 percent of Prince George County’s workforce. However, Fort Lee could face as much as $581 million in force reductions due to federal sequestration. A report from the U.S. Army estimated cutting $338.4 million in sales and $243 million in income by 2020. The cuts at Fort Lee could affect as SEE ECONOMY, V6

"SOMETHING MAGICAL HAPPENS"

DISTINGUISHED MEMBER

Dunlop House salutes special volunteers

Frances Fleming honored at April meeting of NARFE Chapter 28

High school students, teachers share their time with residents of assisted living facility From Contributed Report

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Dunlop House Assisted Living & Specialized Memory Care has been graced with some very special volunteers over the last couple of years. According to Holly Pond, director of Marketing & Admissions for Dunlop House, these volunteers willingly give up their time during a very busy part of their lives. They come once a month to host parties, do treasure hunts, arts and crafts, games and most importantly, share their stories and precious time. These “special volunteers” are students from Colonial Heights High School and two of their teachers, Dana Barfoot and Kathleen White. According to Pond, the students and teachers all come on their own time and do not get school credits or grades; they simply give their time to come and volunteer

at the assisted living facility. In the beginning, Pond says “the expectation was to have a small group of students but the surprise was having at least 25 students showing up every time.” Pond says, “To see these two generations interact together is priceless. The kids, like the residents, come from all walks of life. Somehow, when they are here at Dunlop House, something magical happens and for those few minutes, time stands still. To watch a WWII veteran tell his stories to a struggling young man with wide eyes, or to see two young girls twirling a former dancer in her wheelchair on the dance floor is not only heartwarming, but also life changing. It’s hard to say who has been more touched by these seamless acts; the teenagers with wonderment of learning about days gone by, the teachers who never saw some of their students in this capacity,

the residents who may have thought kids today would never have time for them, or myself. The relationships have ﬂourished,” she says. The biggest event the students plan for the residents is the annual “ S w e e t h e a r t D a n c e ”. Pond says every part of this event is carefully thought out. They all show up in their finest attire bringing lots of goodies to share. They always have a table set aside to make valentines for every resident and for the residents to be able to make special valentines for their loved ones. Pond says, “once the music starts, the lights are lowered and the dance begins, that one hour of time is suspended and the memories begin. Eyes sparkle, laughs and giggles can be heard, and for a brief moment, knees don’t hurt, blood pressure lowers, aches and pains seem to drift away, as a young man asks a radiant woman sitting by herself to dance.”

Next meeting set for May 20 Contributed Report

PETERSBURG — Members of Petersburg Chapter 28, National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1769 S. Sycamore St. This chapter serves the cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights, as well as the surrounding communities and counties. Retirees and active employees from all Federal agencies are invited to attend this meeting, as well as spouses, annuitants, and guests. This month the program will be presented b y B a r b a r a G r av e l y from Crater Community Hospice. Her informative presentation will

Frances Fleming, left, is shown accepting the NARFE Distinguished Member Award, presented by Jack McMurchy, current president of Chapter 28. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

be entitled, "End of Life Care." At the chapter's last meeting Frances Fleming was presented with the Distinguished Member Award. During her 20 years of membership she has served in many positions, including 13 years as treasurer.

She also attended the yearly state conventions, returning inspired to assist in the implementation of new plans and ideas. According to a statement released by NARFE, this chapter is very privileged to now have four 20-year members.

Friday, May 15, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

ECONOMY From Page V5

many as 3,600 soldiers and Army civilians. Both Morris and Chapline have expressed their concerns over the impact the cuts would have to an economy that relies so deeply on the military. “We know we’ll probably have to make some cuts at Fort Lee,” Chapline said. “We hope sequestration doesn’t take away too much. We need to be decisive in our cuts.” Chapline said manufacturing is the future of the Tri-Cities economy, with general manufacturing making up 25 percent of new project industries while 18 percent comes from advanced manufacturing, totaling over 40 percent together.

CALENDAR From Page V3

or crochet to its monthly meeting held at Chester Baptist Church, 4317 School St., on each third Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome to participate, or you may help this program by donating new yarn. For information, call Linda Southward at 779-3453 or Angela Guastella at 530-0871. 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

“We are an advanced manufacturing corridor in Virginia, this region specifically,” she said. “We’re very attracted to them because we have the workforce that understands, we have the workforce training systems in play to continue to build their pipelines for the workforces in the future.” Manufacturing jobs have a turn on investment, Chapline said, because it creates other indirect jobs. “The multiplier is about 2.5 jobs in addition to the manufacturing job for every one manufacturing job you get,” she said. “Manufacturing does create jobs in your community.” The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing is

developing an Apprentice Academy, as well as four Regional Centers of Excellence, to increase vocational training opportunities in the Tri-Cities. The $25 million investment would teach high school students skills in high demand fields like data analytics, advanced manufacturing, bioscience and information technology. “Being a manufacturing region is very helpful to the overall economy,” Morris said. Virginia’s Gate way Region assisted 43 international companies in the ﬁrst four years of the G2 plan. The goal was 10. The organization aided 52 international marketing campaigns during the same time frame when the goal was 20. There are several

international plants in the Tri-Cities like the German Evonik Goldschmidt Corp. in Hopewell, the United Kingdom-based RollsRoyce plant in Prince George County and Shandong Tranlin Paper Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, in Chesterﬁeld County. Among new economic development announcements include the Sabra Dipping Company hummus plant in Chesterﬁeld pledge to invest $86 million into constructing a 118,000 sq. ft. expansion in October. More recently, the Ashland Inc. operation in Hopewell also announced a $89.25 million investment into expanding the manufacturing facility and creating more jobs. The report also highlights the accomplishments during the

past year in each of the Tr i - C i t i e s l o c a l i t i e s . The organization itself formed par tnerships throughout the year such as the collaboration with SelectUSA, a national economic development organization that aims to attract global industries to the U.S. “This is a global competition,” Chapline said. “We are competing with every country in the world.” But all of this success, Chapline said, couldn’t be without the help of the local governments and other community partners like the Crater Planning District Commission. “Economic development is a team sport,” she said. “I think I’m most proud of the ability to have a region of local governments and community leaders that get

it, that really understand about regionalism and about working together.” Chapline said she has seen the Tri-Cities region transition over the years and sees the economic growth only flourishing with revitalizations happening in Petersburg and Hopewell. “I have been here 10 years and I have seen a significant, 360-degree turnaround,” she said. “If we’re fortunate and the economic situation holds up, and I’m very hopeful that we will continue to see some strength in the type of industries we’re seeing and locating here. I think we’ve got a very bright future.”

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.

THURSDAY, May 21

Military Retirees meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of every month in the Colonial Heights Community Building. Military retirees of all branches of service and their spouses, and Reserve and National Guard retirees are invited to become members. All active duty members with 18 or more years service are invited to become a member. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — If you are a family member or friend of someone who has dementia, including Alzheimer’s, and would like to join a support group, please call 526-6851. Support groups are meeting on the ﬁrst and third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at Colonial Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, 831 Ellerslie Ave. Dinner provided if you RSVP no later than the morning of the group meeting.

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 — Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert E. Lee Post 2239 and the Ladies Auxiliary meet at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Post Home, 14705 Jefferson Davis Highway. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at: the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal

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

CHESTERFIELD — Grandparents Connection meets every third Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Community Development Building, 9800 Government Center Pkwy. Free child care is available. For more information, call contact the Senior advocate at Leidheiserd@ chesterﬁeld.gov or 804-768-7878. PETERSBURG — Southside Regional Medical Center sponsors a Multiple Sclerosis Support Group on the third Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. on the third ﬂoor in the Labor and Delivery Classroom at SRMC, 200 Medical Park Blvd. There is no charge to attend. For more information, contact Quennette Johnson at (434) 246-6007. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Association of

CHURCH DIRECTORY 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 7961040 or visitccc4jc2007@ aol.com. Colonial Christian Address: 295 Dunlop Farms Blvd. For more information, call 520-4988 or visit www. colonialchristianchurch. com. Colonial Heights Baptist Address: 17201 Jeff Davis 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 526-8260 or visit www.ccfnet1.org. Covenant Christian

Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-722-5154 or smertens@progressindex.com.

LONG & FOSTER

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. 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.

Street at 6 p.m. All educational office professionals who would like to attend and bring your boss or come alone, please call 804-733-1772 before Saturday, May 16.

— The 2015 Senior Idol Competition, featuring 12 talented seniors, 50 years of age and older, will compete for cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100 respectively, on Friday, at 7 p.m. at Victory Tabernacle Church located at 11700 Genito Road. The competition is

Local real estate office recognizes top sales associates for March From Contributed Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The following sales associates with Long & Foster Real Estate’s TriCities Southpark office, have been recognized for their accomplishments:

Top Closer for March 2015 Cindy Angone has been named top closer for March 2015 for Long & Foster’s Tri-Cities Southpark office. A real estate professional for 30 years, Angone is an active member of the Southside Angone Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Association of Realtors. Angone has consistently proven to be a high achiever since she entered the real estate ﬁeld, and has frequently been cited as a top real estate producer. Angone is a member of Long & Foster’s coveted Chairman’s Club for producing more than $4 million in settled sales volume in 2014.

Top Producer & Top Seller for

March 2015 Jay Eischen has been named top producer and top seller for March 2015 for Long & Foster’s TriCities Southpark office. A real estate professional for 11 years, Eischen is an active member of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Association of Realtors. Eischen has consistently proven to be a high achiever since he entered the real estate ﬁeld, and has frequently been cited as a top real estate proEischen ducer. Eischen is a member of Long & Foster’s coveted Director’s Club for producing more than $2 million in settled sales volume in 2014. In addition, Eischen holds the prestigious CDPE, GRI and ABR designations of advanced real estate.

Top Lister for March 2015 Eileen Knode has been named top lister for March 2015 for Long & Foster’s Tri-Cities Southpark office.

A real estate professional for 18 years, Knode is an active member of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Association of Realtors. Knode has consistently proven to be a high achiever since she entered the real estate ﬁeld, and has frequently been cited as a top real estate Knode producer. Knode is a member of Long & Foster’s coveted Director’s Club for producing more than $2 million in settled sales volume in 2014. In addition, Knode also holds the prestigious e-Pro, MRP and SFR designations of advanced real estate. In a statement released by Long & Foster Real Estate, Gary Scott, president, expressed his pride in recognizing Angone, Eischen and Knode for their achievements and noted that these sales associates are three “examples of Long & Foster’s highlytrained professionals who go to great lengths to best serve clients seeking the total homeownership experience.” For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

BRIEFLY ITEMS

Annual Bosses’ Night

PETERSBURG — The Tri-City Association of Educational Office Professionals will celebrate their annual Bosses’ Night on Thursday, May 28, at the Tabernacle Community Life Center, located at 418 Halifax

Senior Idol competition MIDLOTHIAN

sponsored in part by The Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield, Chesterfield County Senior Advocate, Victory Tabernacle Church, Lucy Corr Village, and Buford Road Pharmacy. Proceeds will help benefit the senior services provided by The Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield.

Penny Elizabeth Humphries of Colonial Heights is among the ﬁnalists competing for prizes. Tickets for The 2015 “Senior Idol” are now on sale for $10 now and $15 at the door the night of the show. The tickets can be purchased at The Shepherd’s

Center of Chesterfield’s office located at 6800 Lucy Corr Blvd or their website at www.shepctrchesterfield.org , by by calling 804-706-9198 or at the door the night of the event. For more information, call 804-706-9198 or visit www.shepctrchesterfield.org.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, May 15, 2015

SERVICE GUIDE Call 732-3456 to advertise your business

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Required. Call 1-888-713-6020.

Warbirds Over the Beach Air Show May 15-17. See one of the largest collections of flying military aircraft from WWII. Military Aviation Museum. www.VBairshow.com

HELP WANTED / TRUCK DRIVERS

AUCTIONS

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Owner-Operators $180,000-$200,000. Work 5 days, off weekends. Run NC, VA, MD, NJ, PA, OH, WV. Permits, tags & tolls paid for. Need 2010 or newer truck, good MVR, 2+ years experience & Hazmat. Houff Transfer Weyers Cave, Winchester, Richmond, Baltimore MD. Text to 540-746-0955 or call 877-2349233. Apply at www.houff.com

ATTENTION AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions in Virginia Newspapers for one low cost of $300. Your 25 word classified ad reaches OVER ONE MILLION Virginians! Call this paper or Adriane Long at 804-5217585 (Virginia Press Services.

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EDUCATION / TRAINING

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2 ACRES in western Amherst County. Paved road frontage - OK for modular or doublewide. $29,900 and owner will finance - low down. 434-534-5161 MOUNTAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SHADOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 acres at the foot of Cahas Mountain southeast of Roanoke, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; open and wooded, stunning view, excellent financing. $99,900 - call now 540-294-3826 MISCELLANEOUS AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, NASA and others â&#x20AC;&#x201C; start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-245-9553. SERVICES DIVORCE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Uncontested, $350 + $88 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. All telephone inquiries welcome - no obligation. Hilton Oliver, Attorney. 757-490-0126. Se Habla EspaĂąol.

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Friday, May 15, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

FAMILY FUN & ADVENTURE

FOLAR hosts Lower Appomattox RiverFest Event celebrated the heritage, nature and recreational offerings of the Lower Appomattox River From Contributed Report

DINWIDDIE — Despite the rainy weather, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) hosted a day of family fun and adventure on the river April 25. The event, which celebrated the heritage, nature, and recreational offerings of the Lower Appomattox River, was held at the historic FerndaleAppomattox Riverside Park, located at 24903 Ferndale Road. Featured activities offered throughout the day included trail hikes, youth fishing workshops, kayak and canoe paddling lessons and a batteau exhibition. A batteau is a flatbottomed, shallow draft boat used in Colonial times, especially in the fur trade. Many organizations were also on-site sharing information and expertise on a wide range of topics, such as watershed protection, gardening, aquaculture, wildlife enjoyment, soil management, blacksmithing, local history, fitness, forest fire prevention and local parks and tourism. One event participant commented, "We had the best time and everyone was wonderful while teaching and patiently helping the children learn great things about our rivers and their inhabitants." The event was a community effort to bring together several highly respected regional organizations and experts to provide high quality, informative and entertaining programming in a beautiful natural

setting. Wayne Walton, FOLAR's chairman, said "This was a great example of the positive momentum that is building in the region and we truly appreciate the many supporters and participants who made this event a success. FOLAR is truly a regional success story." FOLAR has a lot of experience in bringing together the Lower Appomattox River communities to deliver successful, cooperative projects. During the past 13 years, FOLAR has been developing and maintaining the Regional Greenway/ Blueway Heritage Trail along the Lower Appomattox River. The trail system is 22 miles long with seven boat access points, 12 miles of walkable riverside trails and 11 riverside parks — all of which FOLAR created, improved or maintains through its network of volunteers and donors. Sponsors and donors were key to the success of RiverFest. They include: Walmart, Virginia American Water, RockTenn, Columbia Gas of VA, Vulcan Materials, and the Appomattox River Soil & Water Conservation District. Additional funding for promotion of the event was provided by a Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Program grant. FOLAR partnered with Petersburg Area Regional Tourism (PART) and Eco Trek Adventures-River Tours & Rentals, to match the state grant funds. Wendy Austin, FOLAR's acting

executive director, commented, "The park, river, canal and trails were a beautiful setting for the many fascinating and fun exhibits, experts, and activities. Great thanks to everyone who helped make it a wonderful day." FOLAR is the only organization in the region dedicated to conserving and protecting the natural, cultural, and recreational resources along the Lower Appomattox River which flows on a continuous route through six central Virginia jurisdictions from Lake Chesdin, a 3,100 acre reservoir straddling Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties in South Central Virginia, through Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Prince George County to the confluence with the James River at historic City Point in Hopewell. FOLAR has served the region as a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization since 2001. It is sponsored by the Crater Planning District Commission (CPDC). Proceeds from the RiverFest event will help FOLAR work to improve parks, establish trails, access the river, and protect special places through its River Stewardship-Education Programs, Water Quality programs, and the construction of the Greenway and Blueway Heritage Trail. For more information about FOLAR, visit www.Folar-va.org or email GetInvolved@ folar-va.org or call (804) 861-1666.

Bowl’d Sojer provided musical entertainment throughout the day for RiverFest, sponsored by Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR).

A group of children and watchful parents participate in a Youth Fishing Workshop, one of many activities available to the public during RiverFest. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

During a RiverFest sponsored by The Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) in April, a representative from Virginia State University’s 4-H Program shares information on water quality testing and river health.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries provided a wildlife display, live reptiles and outdoor information at the RiverFest sponsored by Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) on April 25.