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REBULDING TOGETHER TRI-CITIES

COMMUNITY GETS TASTE OF INDIA

INSIDE, V5

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA Friday, July 3, 2015

FREE

A COIN FOR COX

LOCAL Barbecue fundraiser COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House Assisted Living & Specialized Dementia Care is partnering with Texas Roadhouse to sponsor a barbecue fundraiser to beneﬁt the Colonial Heights Fire and EMS. The fundraiser will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23 at Dunlop House. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event. Dinner will be provided by Texas Roadhouse — pulled pork, baked beans, pasta salad, drinks, dessert — and live bluegrass music will be provided by Partners and Friends. This outdoor event will be held rain or shine. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Dunlop House Assisted Living, located at 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard; or call Colonial Heights Fire and EMS at 804-520-9387.

Farmers’ Market COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Farmers’ Market at Dunlop House, 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard, will host its grand opening on July 7. This farmers’ market will be open on the ﬁrst and third Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., July through October. There will be fresh food, fun and activities for the whole family. It is being sponsored in part by Dunlop House, the City of Colonial Heights, the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce, VSU, and Colonial Christian Church.

Summer branch library COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Public Library has opened a summer branch library at the Community Center. The branch will be open until August 24. The Community Center is located at 157 Roanoke Ave. The library branch will serve youth 6 through 18 years of age, and will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Library at (804) 520-9384.

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. 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. Rain date will be Sunday, July 5. For more information, please contact the Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Department at (804) 520-9390.

Director, Virginia Selective Service recognizes local delegate’s support Contributed Report

Virginia’s Director of Selective Service, Brig. Gen. Bob Flores, USAR retired, presented Del. Kirk Cox, R-66th, with the Selective Service recognition coin during a visit to Cox’s office in mid-June. General Flores stated at the presentation that “Del. Cox has been the Selective Service’s most outstanding General Assembly supporter. We wanted to let Kirk know that his efforts continue to have a positive impact on our system in Virginia.” Retired USA Col. Bill Flanagan, Del. Cox’s chief of staff, was also presented a coin for his personal support of the Selective Service System. The SSS coin is given as a personal thanks from General Flores to Virginians who support and volunteer for the Selective Service System. The medal recipients also receive an official Selective Service certificate recognizing their efforts. While the United States has not drafted young men into the Armed Forces since 1973, there is still a federal registration law covering every state and US territory. Virginia is

Director of the Virginia Selective Service, Brig. Gen. Bob Flores, USAR retired, right, presents Delegate Kirk Cox, R-66th, with a Selective Service System coin. Col. Bill Flanagan, USA retired, chief of staff for Del. Cox, left, is also pictured with his coin. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

a leading state in compliance with the federal requirement that all males must register for the draft within 30 days of their 18th birthday. V i r g i n i a ’s s t a n d o u t

compliance dates to 1999 when the Director of VA Selective Service, Brig. Gen. Flores, worked with Del. Cox’s office to pass legislation tying the issuing of driver licenses

to Selective Service registration. With passage of this legislation, registration in Virginia has grown from 74 percent to 96 percent today, SEE SELECTIVE SERVICE, V3

AFFILIATES FAIR

Realtors show support and their appreciation for affiliated industries Contributed Report

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Realtors® from across Southside Virginia came together for an afternoon of networking and camaraderie June 3 in support of businesses that bolster the area’s real estate industry. The second annual Affiliates Fair, presented by the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors® at SVAR headquarters in Colonial Heights, connected Realtors® with those who provide services, expertise and resources to them and property owners. Businesses from an area spanning Windsor to Richmond and including the Tri-Cities were represented at the event. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of affiliate

businesses that complement and help us do our work – putting together buyers and sellers in the residential and commercial real estate arenas,” said SVAR President David Patsel, broker and Realtor® with Napier Realtors® ERA in Colonial Heights. “This was our way of showing appreciation for their efforts and offering our support in return.” Among the participants were American Home Shield, Mi d l o t h i a n ; H M S Ho m e Warranty. Midlothian; First American Home Buyers Protection, Mechanicsville; Virginia Housing Development Authority, Richmond; Colonial Farm Credit, Windsor; Bank of Joe Croce, CEO of the Southside Virginia Association of RealSEE REALTORS, V4

tors®, left, serves up a hot dog to Bruce Richardson of Virginia Capital Realty during the Affiliates Fair, held at SVAR headquarters in Colonial Heights. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Council meeting date changed COLONIAL HEIGHTS — City Council’s regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, has been changed to Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 James Ave. INDEX Calendar ............V3 Classiﬁeds .........V6

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

Vol. 12, No. 41

John Krug of American Home Shield, left, and SVAR President David Patsel of Napier Realtors® ERA, get in some networking time during the Affiliates Fair held June 3 in Colonial Heights. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SVAR RPN chair Lorna Cornett of Napier Realtors® Era, right, checks out Sandy Bogese’s WestStar Mortgage booth during SVAR’s second annual Affiliates Fair. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Friday, July 3, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

OPINION

WE INVITE YOUR COMMENTARY

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ANOTHER VIEW

15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803

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

VSU’s future hangs in the balance

irginia State University finds itself in a precarious position that could alter the future of the historically black college. VSU has been placed on academic warning by its accrediting agency, which follows a state audit showing that the school could be on shaky financial ground. The Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges placed the university on warning for a six-month period. The school was placed on accreditation with warning in five areas including: compliance with the federal Title IV financialaid program, academic program coordination, financial aid audits, student complaints and faculty numbers. VSU will be required to submit a monitoring report to the SACSCOC in September. The organization’s board will meet again in December to review the university’s monitoring report. Without accreditation, a university’s students won’t be able to receive federal or state financial aid. The warning comes on the heels of an audit of the university by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts, which was finalized and made public earlier this month. The audit has raised serious red flags about the university’s financial affairs, such as an overestimation of enrollment last fall, which led to a loss in revenue. The report also stated that the $84 million multipurpose center, slated to open in late 2015, won’t make enough money to cover operating expenses. The audit went further to say that student fees would need to be increased to fill the hole. Accountants also concluded that room and board fees do not currently generate enough revenue to cover future maintenance costs for VSU’s dorms. The college currently places $180,000 annually in room and board revenues into a $2.1 million fund for dorm maintenance. But the university is facing an estimated $5.2 million in postponed maintenance and $8.5 million in new maintainence, through fiscal year 2020. The audit also found 56 single source contracts the university awarded in fiscal year 2014. Auditors stated that VSU didn’t follow appropriate state procedures by failing to determine price reasonableness of the contracts, showing no evidence of negotiation for 29 percent of the contracts and not posting the award in a timely manner for 93 percent of the contracts. Shortfalls in revenue caused the university to make $18.2 million in budget cuts last fall and led to the departure of Keith Miller, former university president. Pamela Hammond, VSU interim president, said the school is “committed to make any necessary improvements.” The state audit and the accreditation with warning is a double blow to Virginia State University. The administration will have its work cut out to get its financial house in order. But even then, the challenge will be steep. The enrollment needs to grow, but that requires financial aid for students. At this point, the future of Virginia State University is hanging in the balance.

YOUR VIEW

Also thanks to Wal-Mart Super Market, Martins Super Market, Bland As I listen to the news today of nine Florist, The Progress-Index, Wilkerson people killed in a church in CharlesFuneral Home, Carl Brown & Bruce ton, S.C. I think this cannot be the Brown for their donations. country I live in. Hatred is taught Our objectives were to give people - why? more insight into the problems that My mother taught me at an early age can lead to mental disorders; to help that I was no better than anyone else recognize the signs of mental disorand no one else is better than me. ders, to bring awareness to the public Hate divides us just like walls. that most people with mental disorHatred is insidious. Hatred does not ders don’t realize that they need help, accomplish anything positive - it can’t, and where to go for help. Also, to help it is pure evil. people realize how exercise, eating This sickness is a cancer of unacright, and sleep can release stress and knowledged bias and supremacy. It has anxiety been with us since our founding and Take a minute to think about your civil rights laws. Americans of all strips breathing. Being present with yourneed to drive the dialogue. We need self, and with whatever arises in your dinner table conversations about what mind and your body. Breaths in and creates paranoia and fear of someone out, the time between breathing in, different than ourselves. Our leaders and out, your lungs expanding. When and potential leaders must tamp down your mind wanders- gently bring your the inﬂammatory speech - please! attention back to your breath this We are all on this planet for a very is called mindfulness which means short length of time - we are all in this paying attention – to your thoughts, together. feelings, body sensations, and the environment. With mindfulness, we gently Jo Ann C. Glazier bring awareness to our experience in Colonial Heights each moment. By being present in this way – not forcing things or hiding from them, but actually being with Mental health is a serious them, we create space for new ways issue in our communities of responding. We may not always have full control over our lives, but we May 11-17. 2015, was Mental Health can work with our minds and bodies, Week. I hosted a Mental Health learning how to live with more appreAwareness Fair with the partnership ciation and less anxiety. of NMAI and VFW Post 622 on May Everyone has feelings of anxiety 16 and 17 and I want to thank all that participated in the MHAF. Petersburg at some point in their lives, whether it’s preparing for a job interview or Mayor Howard Meyers spoke about bringing up a child. It is normal to making Petersburg healthier and experience anxiety in everyday situathe communities better. They have tions, however persistent and excessive a garden where people can get fresh anxiety can cause more serious mental vegetables. The police department of health problems. Anxiety is one of the Petersburg talked about how 90 permost common mental health problems cent of the police have taken the class in nearly every country in the world CIA. This class teaches the police how and, while a low level of anxiety can to deal with a hostile situations. be a useful motivating force, in some Appomattox Area Health & Wellcases it can take over your life. People ness Center, MDUTIME Youth & need the insight into the problems of Family, All the Veterans organization mental health; to help recognize the gave out information that all veterans signs of mental illness; to bring awareshould know. The other organizaness to the public that most people tions talked about keeping your mind with mental illness don’t realize they and body healthy, and how they try need help, and inform the public that to help people. Kemel P, I thank him mental illness is a disease that is place for showing us how we can use dancon the bottom of the list in congress, ing to release stress and anxiety. I our state and our country. Congress learned some steps in line dancing. If and city officials need to address you would like for him to come your mental disorders event he can be contacted at P.O. Box My biggest concern is that mental 5287, Richmond, VA 23220, or call health issues are not being taken 804-549-0444. seriously. There is a thin line between Among those involved were: JRMC being sane, and being insane. I know Behavioral Health, Good Neighbor you are saying that could never happen Intensive In House Service, Virginia to you. Well you are wrong. I read in Wounded Warrior Program Region newspaper several years ago about a IV, Wally Hogue Dr.Heather Stone, female doctor. She was married to a Regina Cason, Digna E. Vera, Robert doctor. She had everything then she Hermandez, Leah S. Hardy B. B. A, found out her husband was having an Ashley Melton, George Friday affair with his secretary. Her husband Chandra Huldier, Will Cocgrane, divorces her and married his young JRMC Association for Wounded secretary. She got very little from the Veterans, Poplar Spring Hospital, divorce. She had a nervous breakdown, Appomattox Area Health & Wellness and end up homeless and living on the Center, MDUTIME Youth & Family street Service Mental health affects us all, it is the National Counseling Group, CMHS, way we think; feel about ourselves, our The Vet Cente and AFWVETS.

We must stop with the hate

behavior, and how we cope in tough times. You can keep yourselves in good mental health by talking about your feeling, keeping active, eating right, keeping in touch with friends and family, asking for help when you feel stressed out , take breaks taking time to do the one minute breathing, but do it more than one time, accepting who you are and caring for other October is Mental Health month. I would like to start a walk for mental disorder. If anybody is interest in forming or walking for mental disorder e-mail me at Mothers Prayer @ hotmail.com. M. Louise Davis Petersburg.

Flag group condemns killings and attack on history The Virginia Flaggers join the entire country in mourning the loss of the 9 men and women killed in the massacre at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. We offer our deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones and friends in the tragedy, and pledge to continue to pray for comfort and peace for those who are grieving after the senseless act of violence. We condemn any and all such acts of savagery, and call for swift and severe punishment for anyone who is found guilty of having any part in this heinous crime. At the same time, we are deeply saddened to watch the disgusting attempts by some media representatives, self-appointed “historians”, activists, and even elected officials to exploit this national tragedy by using it for political purposes, and as an excuse to advance their hate-filled agenda, by calling for an all-out war on the Confederate flag and our Confederate heritage, beginning with the removal of the flag from a Veterans’ memorial on the Capitol grounds in South Carolina, over 100 miles away. These blatant attempts to incite violence and further divide the citizens of this country are despicable, and The Virginia Flaggers call on all those of Southern ancestry to resist any and all endeavors to use this tragedy as a platform to erase our history and attack the honor of our Confederate veterans. We have received several requests for interviews by national media outlets, but at this time, feel strongly that media attention, and that of the entire country, should be focused on honoring the memory of those who were killed, supporting their families and friends in their time of grief, and securing swift and severe punishment for those responsible. For this reason, and for a brief time, we will observe a moratorium on public interviews or media appearances on this subject, as a courtesy to the victims’ loved ones, and in reverence to the memory of those whose lives were cut short in the shooting. Grayson JenningsVirginia Flaggers Sandston. Va.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, July 3, 2015

YOUR NEWS THINGS TO DO THIS

WEEKEND FRIDAY

■ For theater buffs, “You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running” by Robert Anderson is currently playing at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The show runs through July 18. Swift Creek Mill Theatre describes the show as: “Four stories comprising one of the most successful comedies in Broadway history. The topic is human relationships, in all their mysterious and fascinating manifestations. Captivating, touching and explosively funny!” This week performances were held at 8 p.m. Thursday and will continue Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for the show only or bufffet and show. Call 804-748-5203 for reservations or visit www. swiftcreekmill.com for online ticketing.

SATURDAY Area residents are invited to celebrate the 4th of July at observances around the Tri-Cities: ■ Fort Lee Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will present the Fourth at the Fort Independence Day celebration Saturday, July 4, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Williams Stadium. Fourth at the Fort will feature music from the high-energy band Redneck Pool Party followed by the 392nd Army Band. A rock wall, bounce houses, and sports challenges are all part of this year’s KidZone and more than a dozen vendors are signed on to sell food and beverages. The event concludes with a spectacular ﬁreworks show beginning at about 9:35 p.m. Admission and

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parking are free and open to the general public. KidZone tickets are $1 each or $20 for an unlimited access armband. To access Fort Lee for this event, drivers must be able to show a Driver’s License, current vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Adult passengers must show a Driver’s License or other government-issued photo identification. All vehicles are subject to search. ■ Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier will offer a full schedule of programs on July 4th, including an artillery firing at 1 p.m. In addition, there will also be costumed interpretations, military encampment, rifle musket demonstrations, lecture on “The Fourth of July during the Civil War”, and history tours. The park is located at 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg. The Fourth of July celebration is free with paid admission to Pamplin Park. For more information, call 1-877-PAMPLIN or 804-861-2408. www. pamplinpark.org. ■ 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. Viewing for the fireworks will be off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/WalMart Area. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs. Rain date will be Sunday, July 5. For more information, please contact the Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Department at (804) 520-9390.

SENIOR MOMENTS

Highlights from recent Senior Citizens Club meetings

Craig Skalak, director of Recreation and Parks in Colonial Heights, installed new officers at a recent meeting of the Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club. Standing from left to right: Skalak, Don Lawson, Rusty Sirles, Joan Light, Mildred Morrison, Barbara Davis, Julia Gerheart, Juanita Lee and Doris Grubb. Seated member is Ludwig Hoge. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SELECTIVE SERVICE From Page V1

putting Virginia in the top five states for compliance with registration requirements. Commenting on the importance of Cox’s legislation, Flores stated, “The legislation patroned by Delegate Cox is responsible for our present outstanding compliance rate. Getting the bill passed was not easy as it took a two-year effort to pass the legislation.” Cox’s legislation allowed the DMV to verify if

Fathers were recognized during a recent meeting of the Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club. Fathers present were, standing from left to right, Craig Skalak, Don Lawson, Rusty Sirles; and member seated, Ludwig Hoge. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

males over 18 are eligible for registration. If they were required to register and did not, they are denied a learner’s permit or driver’s license. Flores said, “This requirement is by far the most successful tool for implementing registration.” Registration also opens the doors to many federal benefits. Registration makes one eligible for job training, federal employment, federal student aid and other opportunities. Failure to register means young men cannot be employed by any branch of the Federal Executive Department or receive federal grants for

college. In addition, failure to register can result in a ﬁne up to $250,000. Commenting on his recognition, Cox said, “I was pleased to lead this effort to comply with federal registration requirements and to assure young Virginia men were not inadvertently adversely affected by failing to register for Selective Service. I have worked with General Flores on this issue and have supported his efforts over the years. He has done a great job and his office makes sure our country is ready for any national emergency that requires a quickly expanded military effort.”

Flores, a Chesterfield County resident, was first appointed state director in 1997. The Selective Service System is an agency that reports directly to the President, contrary to the perception that they report to the Department of Defense. Virginia has 55 selective service local boards, each staffed by five volunteer civilians. There are also two District Appeals Boards in the state. Del. Kirk Cox is also t h e Ho u s e Ma j o r i t y Leader. He represents all of Colonial Heights and 12 precincts in southern Chesterfield County.

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.

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 City Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Council Chambers, located on the ﬁrst ﬂoor of City Hall, 201 James Ave.

— 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.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, July 3 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 "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.

SATURDAY, July 4 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, July 5 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Moose Lodge 1783, 170 Moose Ave., holds bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, visit the website at www.chmoose.com or call 526-1537. PETERSBURG — Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Tri-City Club, located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the rear of the building, (access through North Market Street in the large parking lot. The doors are at the top of the ramp). Call 24/7 for the AA hot line and more information, 452-1959.

MONDAY, July 6 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

TUESDAY, July 7 CHESTERFIELD — The Chesterﬁeld County Senior Advocate and Lucy Corr Village invite anyone who is caring for an adult with physical or cognitive deterioration to attend Caregiver Connection, a monthly support group that helps address caregivers’ needs and concerns. It meets on the ﬁrst Tuesday of each month, 4 to 5:15 p.m., in the Friendship Room at Lucy Corr Village Assisted Living, 6800 Lucy Corr Blvd. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 804-7687878 or 706-5657. 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

WEDNESDAY, July 8 COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Post 284 Auxiliary meets Wednesday at the Post Home, 505 Springdale Ave. The Executive Committee meets at 6 p.m., followed by a social at 7. The general meeting begins at 7:30. For membership information, contact Rita Feasenmyer at 804-3370905. The Auxiliary meets the second Wednesday of the month. 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

THURSDAY, July 9 FORT LEE — The Tri-City Toastmasters Club meets the second Thursday of each month from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Defense Commissary Agency in Multipurpose Room 6. The club is open to the public. For more information, visit the website at 8662.toastmastersclub.org. 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

SEE CALENDAR, V4

Friday, July 3, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

YARD SALE

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

1st Choice Realty Group hosts fundraiser to beneﬁt 'Rebuilding Together Tri-Cities'

Man could face 37 year sentence for child porn

Group raises $1,000 for the organization

FROM STAFF REPORTS

On May 16, 1st Choice Realty Group held a yard sale in their office parking lot at 2306 Boulevard, Colonial Heights. The proceeds were to benefit “Rebuilding Together Tri-Cities”. A total of $1,000 was raised and presented to Brandon Massenburg on behalf of the organization. Pictured sitting are: Kathie Braswell, broker for 1st Choice Realty Group, and Brandon Massenburg with Rebuilding Together Tri-Cities. Standing left to right are: Patty LaMarr, Tommy Mentzer, Susan Figuieras, Spencer Canada, Rhonda Canada-Partin, Ron Hardy, associate broker, and Cindy Eanes. Patty LaMarr and Susan Figuieras, Realtors with 1st Choice Realty Group, serve on the Community Affairs Committee through Southside Virginia Association of Realtors. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

POLICE LOG The following information was provided by the Colonial Heights Police Department. ■ Cameisha Monique

Ray, 21, of Locust Court, Petersburg was charged with probation:violation on May 25. ■ Courtney D. Robinson, 52, of the 200 block of N. Dunlop Street, Petersburg was charged with larceny:petit on May 25. ■ Samuel Darnell Smith, 29, of the 15100 block of Broadwater Way, Chester was charged with driving under the inﬂuence on May 25. ■ Quanae-Ann Watson, 28, of the 800 block of Floral Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with larceny: petit on May 25. ■ Brandon Dale Weatherford, 23, of the 5000 block of Middle Road, Prince George was charged with assault & battery:family member on May 25. ■ Fuequon Nike Claiborne, 21, of the 1400 block of Almondberry Place, Henrico was charged with violate conditions of release on May 26. ■ Tacoria Dabney, 25, of the 1800 block of Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg was charged with fail to appear on May 26. ■ Ashley K. Dickenson, 23, of the 5000 block of Grand Oaks Forest, Chester was charged with fail to appear on May 26. ■ Jason Daryl Little, 37, of the 500 block of Moorman Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with assault & battery:family member on May 26. ■ Adrienne Michelle Patterson, 37, 4500 block of Outlook Drive, Prince George was charged

with violate conditions of release on May 26. ■ Earnest G. Taylor, 21, of the 3600 block of Chagford Terr, Chester was charged with child neglect/cont to del mino on May 26. ■ Leonardo Bobby Taylor II, 22, of the 1300 block of E Longview Drive, Woodbridge was charged with fail to appear on May 26. ■ Terrence Jamaul Barner, 23, of the 800 block of High Street, Petersburg was charged with probation:violation on May 27. ■ Jarod Tyrell Buford, 20, of the 19200 Braebrook Drive, S. Chesterfield was charge with illegal possession of alcohol on May 27. Jeanette C. Busby, 76, of the 2000 block of Snead Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with fail to vacate property on May 27. ■ David J. Baier, 56, of the 5100 block of Linsey Lakes Drive, Glen Allen was charged with probation:violation on May 22. ■ Aaron Michael Easter, 25, of the 10 block of Colonial Inn, Colonial Heights was charged with assault:simple on May 22. ■ Russell Reddell Lammey, 23, of the 1900 block Kutchen Street, Petersburg was charged with larceny:petit on May 22. ■ Paul F. McManus, 58, of the 100 block of Essex Road, Colonial Heights was charged with driving under influence on May 22. ■ John Eugene Russell Jr., 44, of the 19600 block of the Temple Avenue, S. Chesterfield was charged with probation:violation on May 22. ■ Toni Renee Branch, 45, of the 5100 block of

Colemans Lake Road, Church Road was charged with larceny:petit on May 23. Frezell Brown, 37, of the 100 block of Piedmont Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with drunk in public on May 23. ■ Anthony Damar Johnson, 20, of the 10100 block of Brightwood Avenue, N. Chesterﬁeld was charged with vandalism on May 23. Daniel Forrest Mullins, 23, of the 120 block of Suffolk Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with robbery on May 23. ■ Phillip William Boyce Jr., 23, of the 100 block of Essex Road, Colonial Heights was charged with probation:violation on May 24. ■ John Timothy Smith Jr., 26, of the 15300 block of Harrowgate Road, Colonial Heights was charged with larceny:grand on May 24. ■ Steven Walter Cole, 32, of the 4300 block of Esposito Place, Prince George was charged with violation of court order on May 25. ■ Donald Mitchell Emory, 41, of the 1200 block Boulevard, Colonial Heights was charged with larceny:petit on May 25. ■ Degana A. Gray, 21, of the 1000 block of Willcox Street, Petersburg was charged with larceny:petit on May 25. ■ Taquisha N. Jones, 30, of the 1600 block of Liberty Avenue, Hopewell was charged with larceny:petit on May 25. ■ Antown Demario Patrick, 29, of the 100 block of Westover Avenue, Colonial Heights was charged with assault & battery:family member on May 25.

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COLONIAL HEIGHTS — A Colonial Heights Circuit Court found a 45-yearold man guilty yesterday on numerous Wright charge of distributing and possessing child pornography. The jury recommended a 37 year prison sentence to Douglas M. Wright following a guilty verdict at the conclusion of a twoday trial. Wright was found guilty of four felony counts of distribution of child pornography and nine felony counts of possession of child pornography. “I am pleased with the verdict handed down in the case and the strong message the jury has sent with their sentencing recommendation,”

Attorney General Mark Herring said in a statement. “The defendant’s distribution and possession of child pornography perpetuated the demand for this heinous material and contributed to the continued sexual abuse of children. I want to thank the officers, prosecutors, and computer forensic examiners involved for their diligent pursuit of justice in this case.” Assistant Attorney General Stacey Rohrs served as the prosecutor along with the Colonial Heights Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Edward A. Robbins is the presiding judge. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Wright was caught by an undercover police officer who was investigating online child pornography networks. “ T h e o ffi c e r c a m e into contact with an

individual who was making numerous images depicting child pornography available for sharing on the Internet. The officer was able to download four ﬁles on two separate occasions containing child pornography directly from the individual’s computer,” a press release stated. The Colonial Heights Police Department then obtained a search warrant and found Wright’s computer stored 108 pornographic videos of minors that had been distributed. The Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force helped with the criminal investigation. The Attorney General’s Computer Forensic Unit completed the forensic examinations of Wright’s computer. Wright will be formally sentenced on Sept. 29, 2015.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Elderly man arrested in bank robbery on Thursday From Staff Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Police arrested a 73-yearold man today suspected of robbing a bank Thursday. Leath Thomas W. Leath, of Chesterﬁeld,

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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 — 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.

is now being held at Riverside Regional Jail without bond. He was apprehended at his home on Jefferson Davis Highway in Chesterﬁeld without incident. The arrest stemmed from a tip from a concerned citizen, police said. Police were called to the scene of the robbery at Virginia Commonwealth

Bank, located at 3209 Boulevard, a few minutes before 10 a.m. on Thursday. According to police reports, the suspect didn’t display a weapon and demanded all large bills. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of currency, the suspect ﬂed the bank and was last seen behind the bank on foot. He may have left in a vehicle.

Bank, Colonial Heights; 2 -1 0 H o m e B u y e r s Warranty, Richmond; and ModVinTique, interior design and staging, Petersburg. 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, Pe tersburg, Chester, Emporia and Ettrick, and Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry and Sussex counties and 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®. For more info on SVAR, go to www. SVARealtors.com.

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. This week, entertainment will be provided by Jamie Burnett playing patriotic songs on the piano with club members singing along. 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. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — City Council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday in City Council Chambers, located on the ﬁrst ﬂoor of City Hall, 201 James Ave.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, July 3, 2015

CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Community gets Taste of India Staff Reports

CHESTERFIELD — The local community was recently invited to step into a foreign land — without ever leaving the area. The nonproﬁt Cultural Center of India (CCI) made the journey possible by holding its 12th annual Taste of India event. The free, family-friendly festival was held June 20-21 at the Cultural Center of India, located at 6641 Iron Bridge Parkway.

The annual festival provides people in the Richmond region with a glimpse of Indian culture, a taste of diverse Indian cuisine, and an opportunity to experience Indian handicraft, art, music and various cultural dances. Visitors were able to sample speciﬁc foods from various regions of India, including chicken curry, lamb curry, kabab, varieties of bread, the South Indian pancake, the “Dosa” and from North India, “Samosa.” Some of the available beverages included “Lassi,”

the traditional Indian “Chai” tea from Darjeeling or Assam, and varieties of Indian beer, and many Indian desserts and ice cream. Visitors could also shop for jewelry, saris, Bollywood designer clothing, music CDs, books, paintings and many other items. Throughout the day, folk dances, fashion shows and presentations from various regions of India were held, and visitors were invited to join the dances and shows.

Students from Henrico High School dance in traditional Indian clothing to a Bollywood mix during the Taste of India event at the Cultural Center of India June 20.

Karishma Patel, right, teaches customers about traditional Indian cuisine at the Taste of India event at the Cultural Center of India June 20. PHOTOS BY AMIR VERA/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

Cultural Center of India volunteers for the Taste of India festival pose for a photo at the June 20 event. From left to right are: Vidhya Patel, event coordinator; Punam Amin, Mrs. Chairman of CCI; Nita Pansuria, CCI manager; Pina Gandhi, event volunteer; Getta Shah, event publicity director.

Child volunteers pose for a photo during the Taste of India Event June 20.

Children dance in traditional Indian clothing to a Bollywood mix during the Taste of India event at the Cultural Center of India June 20.

Manimaran Thandavarayan with the Taaza Indian Restaurant in Roanoke, prepares a traditional dish known as Dosa during the Taste of India event June 20.

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Geeta Shah, Taste of India publicity director, poses with other event volunteers during the June 20 event.

Friday, July 3, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

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