03/07/2013

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY

3.7.13

INSIDE SPORTS Lancers’ long jumper Micah Todd is “eating up” the competition Page 8

BON AIR || BRANDERMILL || GENITO || MIDLOTHIAN || ROBIOUS || SALISBURY || WOODLAKE

Clover Hill Show Choir conquers Clover Hill’s choirs and competition band, Big Cheeks, didn’t equins, lights, feather fans just take the overall championship – a stage full of perfectly title at the Homestead Classic synchronized dancers with Showcase, held the weekend of meticulous makeup, big Feb. 16. They swept the top commoves and even bigger voices. petition categories.

It may sound like a Las Vegas But what’s so special about show, but that’s a basic descripIndiana? A lot, Thomas explained tion of what show choirs similar in a recent interview. Indiana was to those performed at Clover Hill one of the early states to adopt High School do almost weekly show choir as a competitive venthroughout their winter competi- ture, picking up the pursuit in the tion season. And they don’t just 1970s. Virginia was one of the last compete in Virginia. states to start show choir competiTwo Clover Hill show choirs tions, with many schools coming – New Dimensions, a mixed choir on board in the 1990s. That leaves that includes both genders, and the state a bit behind the curve, Iridescence, a girls-only group Thomas said.

– recently broke into Indiana “They don’t welcome other competition. choirs into their competitions According to New Dimensions easily, and your chances of winand Iridescence show choir direc- ning are really tough,” Thomas tor Sandra Thomas, no Virginia team has ever won in Indiana.

SHOW page 2

BY JODI DEAL

Regional Reporter

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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SCOTT COMBS

The big closing number of Clover Hill Show Choir’s competition piece, shown here, features glitz, glamour, big dance moves and even light-up stairs. The group recently took top honors at a major Indiana competition.

NEEDED:

Students honored for creations in art and writing

Summer homes for exchange students

BY JODI DEAL

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Regional Reporter

ach year, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards spotlight the creativity and abilities of middle and high school students throughout the country.

Students in Chesterfield County Public Schools this year achieved 50 Gold Keys, 64 Silver Keys and 80 honorable mentions. Gold Key winners go on to national competition; national winners will be announced in March.

Have some love to give, an extra bed and time to nurture?

Monacan High School graduate Erin Anthony is on the lookout for potential host families willing to accept students from Spain into their homes for a month this summer. She needs to place 15 students.

Anthony recently said she is working with an organization called Compass USA, which offers students from around the world a variety of foreign exchange opportunities stateside.

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Writing awards

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Manchester High School student Summer Balcom took multiple awards, including one for this handmade piece of jewelry.

competed in the Southeast region, which encompasses eight states.

Students in Chesterfield County Public Schools won eight Gold Keys, Local winners included: 14 Silver Keys and 12 honorable Clover Hill High: Evan Washingmentions in the writing section of the ton, Silver Key for personal essay/ Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. memoir, honorable mention for short Because there is not a local writing competition, Chesterfield students STUDENTS page 3

OVERHEARD ERIN ANTHONY PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAURA VARLEY-TWYMAN

Maura and Luke Varley-Twyman are co-chairs of the 2013 Relay for Life of Chesterfield.

Mom and son team up for Relay for Life Life, at least one member of each team must be walking the track at hirteen is usually an all hours of the night. Luke and his age for checking movie team signed up to walk 2 a.m. to 4 listings, listening to the a.m. last year. hottest song on the music “By 3:30 a.m. our feet were hot, charts and contemplating how to hands were numb, but our resolve spend a Friday night with friends. was strong,” said Maura. “The However, for Luke Varleyenergy and atmosphere at the overTwyman, who attends Robious night event was indescribable.”

Middle School, 13 isn’t too young Two weeks after the event, the for a more serious focus on raising mother-son duo attended a wrapmoney to stamp out cancer. up party hosted by the American In 2012, Twyman was among a Cancer Society. It was there, Relay for Life team that included Varley-Twyman recalled, that they 135 other students and teachers met Mynik Taylor, the American Michael McEwen and DeboCancer Society’s local community rah Cook. Together, they raised manager. Taylor was looking for $36,000.

2013 volunteers, and according to “Luke raised $900 himself,” Varley-Tyman, her son jumped at said Maura Varley-Twyman, Luke’s the chance. mother, who is also a very involved Twyman set his sights on the participant in the annual American event chair position, his mother Cancer Society fundraising event. said. She added that she had to One of the mottos of Relay for Life is “Cancer Never Sleeps”, RELAY page 4 Varley-Twyman said. At Relay for

The most ideal host family is one that has a teenager...

BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT Special Correspondent

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUSAN GARLING

During a recent visit to Fort Lee, Monacan High School JROTC students took advantage of devouring several large pieces of cake just before lunch.

Monacan JROTC students get peek at Fort Lee life CONTRIBUTED REPORT

From computer vehicle and flight simulators to tours of barracks and kitchen space, a group of Monacan High School students recently got an

up-close look at life at Fort Lee. During an all-day trip on Feb. 8, about 15 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students, ranging from sophomore

to senior, visited the 345th Training Squadron at Fort Lee to see how the U.S. Air Force builds future airmen.

JROTC page 2

Unlike some foreign exchange programs that place students in homes for a semester or full school year spent attending an American high school, the program Anthony will help run in the Midlothian area this summer offers a onemonth stay during summer vacation.

“They’re basically going to be integrated into the family lives of the host families,” Anthony said.

Ideally, she added, she’s seeking families with a stayat-home parent and other children in the household, but couples without children or retirees with adult children also could work.

FAMILIES page 2

Moms of Multiples hosts kids’ goods sale will find plenty of gently used bedding, clothing, ultiple ba- toys and other children’s bies means items. multiple Southside Area Moms everything of Multiples, the local – cribs, bibs, clothes, nonprofit organization bottles and toys. sponsoring the sale, is At the upcoming dedicated to providing Everything for Kids Sale, support for parents of set for 8 a.m. on Saturday, twins, triplets, quadruMarch 9, at Manchester plets and higher order Middle School, shoppers births.

BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent

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Since families with multiples are offering up the goods for sale, other parents who have or are expecting multiples will be able to find several items of the same style and type.

Kate Challis, who is co-president of Southside Area Moms of Multiples, said the semi-annual Everything for Kids sale

happens each spring and fall.

“The consigners are all parents of multiple children,” Challis said. “And it’s great for families who are awaiting multiples and for people to get two things that look alike.”

Both the private sellers and Southside Area Moms of Multiples will benefit from the sale.

“The group keeps a portion of the total overall sales, and the seller keeps a portion of the sale on their items,” Challis said. “It goes back to fund things like our support groups and helps us to get speakers in for our meetings.”

MOMS page 3

Everything for Kids Sale 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 9 at Manchester Middle School

EXPLAIN

2 || MARCH 7, 2013

NEWS || FEATURES

JROTC from page 1 JROTC aims to instill leadership, self-discipline and confidence in teens, through everything from uniform inspections and charity projects to leadership opportunities. Air Force personnel from a variety of occupational specialties met with the students throughout the day.

Lt. Col. Richard Apple, commander of the 345th TRS (Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron), kicked off the tour in the Air Force Highbay facility. After sharing some of his career experiences, he answered questions like, “What wars have you served in?� and “What’s it like when you’re deployed?� Students were awestruck as the colonel talked about 40-foot flames from aircraft engines preparing for takeoff, being on the last plane out of Iraq, and positive experiences like travelling all over the world.

The next stop on the tour was the Highbay itself. Exclamations of “Wow!� and “I want to see that!� could be heard as the students saw the large C-130E aircraft training model inside. Students stuck close to Staff Sgt. Michael Matas-Scheurer, not wanting to miss a word, as he explained how they would need to hook up their line before the rear hatch opened or the flight crew gave the OK to jump out of the plane.

Next on the itinerary was an opportunity for the second-year JROTC class to chat with five recent graduates from basic training. The curious visitors wanted to know what boot camp and technical training was really like and what the young airmen liked most about the Air Force thus far.

Each of the Airmen easily fielded the questions they were asked, and added key points like the importance of being part of a joint team and working in concert with all branches

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUSAN GARLING

The simulator instructor is providing the Monacan High School JROTC students with a look at how the simulator works. It took groups of four students working together, each having a different role, to accomplish the task.

of the military. They also said the Air Force’s emphasis on education and the vast array of specialty areas one can go into, depending on a particular interest. The military students shared the experiences of learning discipline and the feeling of accomplishment when they graduated and received their Air Force coin. “That’s the point when you have earned the right to be called an Airman,� said Staff Sgt. Shermon Phillips, a military training leader who is responsible for overseeing the students’ transition from basic to technical training.

Continuing their tour, the JROTC students stopped by the Aerial Delivery facility on A Avenue where Technical Sgt. Jacob Spotts and Staff Sgt. Stephen Dowse from the Parachute Rigger Course explained the process of dropping cargo of every shape and size from the back of a plane. The students climbed aboard a simulator for a staged Humvee delivery. “The load stops at the back of the plane,� said

FAMILIES from page 1

in the sun and Busch Gardens.

Host families will be welcome “The most ideal host family to come along. is one that has a teenager,�

Anthony emphasized that Anthony said. Teens would be the program is very familyable to share experiences fully oriented and that close bonds with the students from Spain, are an essential part of the who will range in age from 13 experience. to 17. That said, Anthony added that staying with a family with younger children could foster “really neat� sibling-like ERIN ANTHONY experiences. “The younger you expose children to different experiences, the more well-rounded ...The point is they will be,� Anthony said.

Anthony stressed that the for the students students will be able to speak to come and English – a concern that has been expressed by some experience potential host families. Part of American family the point of the journey is to polish English skills through life. immersion in an Englishspeaking culture.

The teen students will be accompanied by a collegeIn some other exchange age chaperone from home programs, she noted, host during their time in the U.S., parents are paid for opening and Anthony will coordinate their homes. That can create weekly “excursions� to create problems on both sides, she a distinctly Virginian USA said, with some students deexperience. Students will visit veloping inflated expectations Washington, D.C., historic sites for their accommodations, and in Virginia like Jamestown, some host parents treating the Virginia Beach for a little fun experience more like a job.

OVERHEARD

Compass USA provides a $50 weekly stipend to help offset some cost, Anthony said. “The point is for the students to come and experience American family life,� Anthony said.

She added that this kind of cultural enrichment appeals to her, given that she recently spent two years serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, where she herself delved into the community and culture.

As potential host families contact Anthony, she will conduct interviews and perform home visits. From there, she’ll match the students up with families who seem to be the best fit. She’ll also run all of the appropriate background checks to assure students’ safety.

A graduate of Christopher Newport University, Anthony is currently in graduate school and working toward her goal of becoming a Spanish teacher.

For more information, or to get started on the application process to become a host family, call Anthony at 804426-1606, or e-mail her at erin. anthony.05@gmail.com.

Learn more about Compass USA at www.compass-usa.net.

Toastmasters Open House

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A legacy built with ‘enormous grace’

RPI in Rejected by would 1954, Harris provost rise to VCU

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hesterfield Toastmasters Club will hold an open house on Monday, April 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second floor of Haley Toyota dealership located at 3600 Lonas Parkway, Midlothian.

There will be a guest speaker and refreshments will be served at the event. I is free for visitors.

For more information, visit http://5790.toastmastersclubs.org or contact Nancy Davis, president, at 804-310-2445 or e-mail ndavis1958@yahoo.com

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MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

“These are good kids,� said retired Air Force Maj. Timothy Logan, the Monacan JROTC instructor. “And this is certainly a day for them to think outside the box. Some of these students already know what they’re going to do after they graduate. For those who are not yet sure, today will give them greater insight into the many choices they have.�

The final stops of the tour included the newly built Air Force-Navy barracks complex that clearly impressed the JROTC class, as indicated by the many favorable remarks about appearance and modern amenities. After that, the students headed for the one facility that was sure to wow them more than any others that day. Entering a large warehouse on post, they came face-to-face with the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 and the Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactics Trainer – both computer-driven simulators that help service members train for combat.

Quickly learning that these devices were far more complex than a home video game, the students discovered the importance of group tactics, listening, staying focused, being confident and teamwork above everything else. The hands-on experience was considered the highlight of the day and the students were buzzing with excitement as they boarded buses for the return trip to their high school. “The 345th TRS personnel did an outstanding job coordinating and executing this tour,� said Logan after the event. “For the Monacan High School JROTC students, it is certain that they went home thinking about this day. It’s not something they will soon forget.�

Dowse, “but the plane keeps going. That’s how it’s done.�

The Joint Culinary Center of Excellence was the next stop. Staff Sgt. Angelina Marrero briefed the students before handing out the chef hats required for entry into the facility kitchens where Air Force culinary students were preparing lunch. Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Gideon, the Chief Enlisted Manager, took time to talk with the youths, as did Capt. Tamara Kidd, the squadron’s operations officer and Master Sgt. Michelle Medford, Services Academy Flight Chief.

A military unit organizing a formation outside captured the attention of the JROTC class and many of them flocked to the window for a better view. Several students also noticed the small table in the corner of the room with Information submitted by Susan Garling. Air a single chair leaning against it. They stood Force Capt. Christopher Hulbert, Transportain silence as they read the description of the tion Training Flight Commander, also contribPOW/MIA display and its poignant purpose. uted to the article.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SCOTT COMBS

This weekend, Clover Hill High School hosts its annual Mid Atlantic Show Choir Spectacular.

Shown here are last year’s winners in the Mixed Division, Matoaca High School’s Show Choir, High Impact.

SHOW from page 1

before you get to the multiple costumes students wear said, adding that both of during their routines, which her choirs that competed at usually last nearly 20 minutes Homestead competed solely and cover five or six songs against Indiana choirs. “No apiece. There are props, like group from Virginia has ever feather fans, and sets, which, won in Indiana.� this year, includes a set of Thomas directs five of light-up stairs.

Clover Hill High’s seven At a big competition, stushow choirs. When asked dents can be giving their all what drew her to show choir, for many hours in a day. At she said it was just a good fit. the Homestead competition, A trained opera singer, she both Clover Hill groups had has worked as a professional to perform their draining performer singing popular routines four times in just a music with choreography, few hours. just like show choir. She be“It’s high adrenaline,� gan working with Clover Hill Thomas said. “They come off students in 2005. stage and they’re sweating “We work extremely hard – before school and after school,� Thomas said. She even brings in specialists from New York, Chicago and California for consultation.

Her school runs a show bullets. They’re on a high for choir camp each summer to awhile, but, once they come help kids learn about what down, it’s hard to regroup to the hobby entails – lots of do it again. It’s incredible the practice, lots of traveling, things they do and continue lots of costumes and plenty to do for 18 to 20 minutes of fun. – they have to hit every move hard, and they’re singing and Big, big, big dancing. They’ve got all this cardio going. It’s really good Thomas said it’s not for them.� just her students who are Students don’t just focus talented. on performance during “I was proud to represent major trips. Thomas serves Virginia and my colleagues who weren’t there,� Thomas as de-facto substitute teacher, allotting time for schoolwork said. “We have a really strong music community in and overseeing students’ studies.

Midlothian.�

Show choir groups are huge – up to 50 members apiece. Traveling with multiple choirs, a band and the appropriate number of chaperones fills two charter buses with about 110 people, Thomas added. And that’s

Major event at home On Saturday, March 9, Clover Hill High School will host its own show choir competition, the Mid-Atlantic Spectacular. Choirs from Clover Hill will perform in

exhibition pieces, but won’t compete – they’ll watch as 14 other schools from Virginia and West Virginia perform.

Events will kick off at 7:30 a.m., and, aside from a short dinner break before performances from finalists, they’ll continue nearly continuously until awards are handed out at 11:35 p.m. Finalist performances will kick off at 7:45 p.m.

Concessions and meals will be sold throughout the day. Guests will have three ticket options – day passes or finals only passes will be $5 each, and all day all-access passes will cost $8. Professionally printed programs will be on sale for $2. The programs will include show choir facts, the schedule, biographies and more.

Clover Hill High School’s Grand Champion New Dimensions, Iridescence and Big Cheeks will perform their award-winning shows.

The finals will be emceed

by Richmond’s 103.7 The River’s Jack Lauterback. He will add fun and flair as the best of the day’s show choirs perform and the trophies are awarded to the Spectacular’s winners.

After they’re finished hosting, Clover Hill will hit three more competitions – one in Ohio, one in Hampton and a final season-ending run at a national competition on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information on the upcoming competition and general information about Clover Hill’s show choirs, visit www.cloverhillshowchoir.com.

Honors taken by Clover Hill’s show choirs, show band and individual performers at the Homestead Classic Showcase Grand Champion, Mixed Division Finals, Tier I ................................... New Dimensions Grand Champion, Women’s Division Finals ...................................................Iridescence Best Band, Mixed Division, Tier I ......................................................................... Big Cheeks Best Band, Women’s Division .............................................................................. Big Cheeks Best Crew ............................................................................................Clover Hill High School Showmanship Award for New Dimensions ................................... Dominique Jenkins Best Performer for Iridescence ............................................................... Briauna Vinniane Best Vocals, Mixed Division Finals, Tier I ............................................. New Dimensions Best Vocals, Women’s Division Finals ................................................................ Iridescence

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

EXPLAIN

MARCH 7, 2013 || 3

NEWS || FEATURES

STUDENTS from page 1

Henricus Historical Park offers camp

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understanding environment.

From September through June each year, the organization meets on the second Monday of each month at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center at 13710 St. Francis Boulevard in Midlothian.

Challis said that the group’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 11.

“At the beginning of the meeting, we have support groups for expectant moms,” Challis said. “We try to answer questions that women have at that time about newborns and infants and how to take care of them.”

“Then, the regular meeting is devoted to club business. And, typically, we have a speaker come in to discuss family-oriented topics, and those topics have included everything from financial planning to going on vacation with by going to our website, and, of course, multiples,” Challis said. a ton of it is through word of mouth.”

For more information about SouthDuring its meetings, Southside Area side Area Moms of Multiples, or to join Moms of Multiples provides an atmo- the organization, visit www.samom. sphere where issues related to parenting com. multiples can be discussed in a safe and

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Learn about the daily life of a soldier during the Civil War and several inventions and engineering feats that the war brought about at an upcoming day camp at Henricus Historical Park.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 1–5, the Civil War on the James River Spring Break Camp is open to students aged 8 to 12. Tuition is $180, or $160 for Henricus Foundation Patrons.

Registration is required one week prior to each camp by contacting Victoria Sweeney at 804-318-8797 or sweeneyv@chesterfield.gov.

on Feb. 23 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. Other teams competing in Group AAA included Princess Anne (Virginia Beach), Albemarle (Charlottesville), Robinson (Fairfax), Stonewall Jackson (Manassas), Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria), and Warwick (Newport News). Maggie L. Walker’s team placed second, just behind Thomas Jefferson High.

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Challis said the club, which is a member of the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs and the Mid-Atlantic Parents of Multiples, split from another group, Richmond Area Moms of Multiples, in 2006 to better service parents that live in Richmond’s adjacent counties.

“There were moms who wanted a group on this side of town,” Challis said. “We have members from Pow-

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ominion District Scholastic Bowl Champion Clover Hill High School Cavaliers recently earned a chance to compete at the state competition, where members placed seventh in the AAA group.

The honor followed a successful run at the Central Region Tournament in early February, where the team competed in round-robin competition with district champions and runners-up from across the region, including Atlee, Cosby, Clover

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About Moms of Multiples

Hill, Douglas S. Freeman, Henrico, Maggie L. Walker, Matoaca and Prince George high schools.

After seven matches at the regional tournament, Clover Hill placed second, 6-1, with the team’s only loss coming at the hands of the perfect 7-0 Maggie L. Walker Dragons. The Cavaliers averaged 230 points per match, while allowing an average of 153 points to their opponents.

Teams from Maggie L. Walker and Clover Hill High competed in the Virginia High School League State Scholastic Bowl Tournament

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

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hatan, Chesterfield, Chester, Midlothian The sale provides both an opportu- and Amelia, so we cover everything nity to purchase items any parent might south of the James [River].”

“We have somewhere between 75 need and to support an organization and 100 members,” Challis said. “A lot that provides a unique but much-needof times, people are referred to us by ed kind of community support. their doctors who know about us and “We’ve got just about anything you would need at fantastic prices,” Challis said.

Cash is preferred during the sale.

MasterCard and Visa credit cards will be accepted, but checks will not.

Manchester Middle School is located at 7401 Hull Street Road in Midlothian.

Clover Hill academic team ends successful season

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MOMS from page 1

PHOTOS BY DIANE PERKINS

Members of the Clover Hill High School Scholastic Bowl team include, from left, front row, Christopher Roy, Evan Washington, Joshua Roy, Alec Nelson and Zack Perkins, and, back row, Joshua Spence, Madison Hodge, Diana Taylor, Yen Dao and coach Thomas Hilterbrant.

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Baker, Silver Key for photography; Connor Colassaco, Silver Key for mixed media; story, two honorable mentions for poetry.

Caitlin Harris, Silver Key for jewelry; Harper Cosby High: Christa Carle, Silver Key for Henson, Silver Key for painting; Sharon Maflash fiction; Devin Jessup, Silver Key for sciguire, Silver Key for ; Kyra McMahon, Silver ence fiction/fantasy.

Key for ceramics and glass; Samantha McInJames River High: Carrington Confroy, nis, honorable mention for painting, honorSilver Key for poetry. able mention for drawing; Christine Cabrera, Robious Middle: Elizabeth Benos, Silver honorable mention for drawing; Rebecca Key for poetry.

Ellis, honorable mention for mixed media; Appomattox Regional Governor’s Victoria Felice, honorable mention for drawSchool: Hannah Bracey, Silver Key for writing; Halina Forest, honorable mention for ing portfolio, Silver Key for dramatic script, drawing; Celine Herbez, honorable mention honorable mention for personal essay/memfor photography; Brenda Kerns, honorable oir. mention for drawing; Lauren Kozak, honorMaggie L. Walker Governor’s School: able mention for drawing; and Steven Mayo, Christopher Benos, Gold Key for poetry, honorable mention for photography.

Silver Key for flash fiction; Bailey Dunn, Elizabeth Davis Middle: Mia Petrov, honGold Key for short story, honorable mention orable mention for drawing. for flash fiction; Katherine Monks, Gold Key James River High: Devon Payne, Silver for poetry, honorable mentions for personal Key for sculpture; Camden Williamson, Silver essay/memoir and poetry; Mackenzie Neal, Key for sculpture; Leighton Carter, honorable Gold Key for personal essay/memoir; and mention for painting; and Genevievre Gray, Annesha Sengupta, Gold Key for poetry, honorable mention for sculpture.

Gold Key for science fiction/fantasy, Silver Manchester High: Emily Mason, Gold Key for flash fiction, honorable mention for Key for mixed media, Silver Key for mixed flash fiction. media; Mitchell Craft, three honorable mentions for digital art; and Melissa Ramirez, Art awards honorable mention for photography.

Midlothian High: Marie Ramsey, Gold Students in Chesterfield County Public Key for digital art, Silver Key for digital art; Schools won 42 Gold Keys, 50 Silver Keys Katrina Schutt, Gold Key for digital art, two and 68 honorable mentions in the art section honorable mentions for digital art; Syreen of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Goulmamine, Gold Key for printmaking, organized locally by the Virginia Museum honorable mention for photography; Abigail of Fine Arts. Several students won multiple Lee, Gold Key for painting, honorable menawards, most notably Manchester High tion for painting; and Emma Brinton, honorsenior Summer Balcom who won a Gold Key able mention for photography. for an eight-piece portfolio submission that Monacan High: Dresden Lee, two Gold included mixed media and sculpture, a Gold Keys for photography, two honorable menKey for mixed media, a Gold Key for sculptions for photography; Erin O’Keefe, Gold ture, a Silver Key for mixed media, a Silver Key for painting, Silver Key for drawing, honKey for painting, and honorable mentions orable mention for painting; Erin Gray, Gold for mixed media, painting and jewelry.

Key for photography, honorable mention for photography; Darcy Flanagan, Silver Key for Other local winners included: photography, two honorable mentions for Clover Hill High: Austin Gentry, Clover photography; Catherine McGuigan, Silver Hill High, Gold Key for digital art; Kendall McCorkle, Gold Key for film and animation; Key for drawing, honorable mention for drawing; and Samantha Munson, honorable Valentina Zabrovskaya, Gold Key for mixed media; Mark Pownall, Silver Key for photog- mention for photography.

Robious Middle: Sarah Morgan, honorraphy, Silver Key for photography; Briana able mention for painting Barnett, Silver Key for photography; Brandon Swift Creek Middle: Amy Cheng, Gold Skye Brooks, Silver Key for photography; Key for drawing; Caitlin Harris, Gold Key for Mckenzie Crane, Silver Key for photography; drawing; Deanna Hamilton, Silver Key for Grace Herrick, Silver Key for drawing; Sarah drawing; Ben O’Dell, Silver Key for drawing; Steele, Silver Key for drawing; Kayla AbraKenya Thomas, Silver Key for drawing; Tess hamson, honorable mention for digital art; Leftwich, honorable mention for drawing; Kasey Beville, honorable mention for mixed Hannah Miller, honorable mention for drawmedia; Cierra Brown, honorable mention ing for digital art; Melanie Harwood, honorable Appomattox Regional Governor’s mention for photography, honorable menSchool: Sara Sobieraj, Gold Key for drawing, tion for photography; Jessica Mulles, honorSilver Key for sculpture, honorable mentions able mention for drawing; Nancy Sloan, for sculpture and drawing; Paris Brower, honorable mention for ceramics and glass; Gold Key for photography, honorable menand Darrian Strong, honorable mention for tion for sculpture; and Olivia Nash, honordigital art. able mention for painting.

Cosby High: Courtney Gerboc, Gold Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School: AlKey for drawing, Gold Key for drawing; lison Owens, Silver Key for photography, SilChristopher Mosca, Gold Key for digital art, ver Key for photography; Katherine Monks, honorable mention for digital art, honorable Silver Key for photography, honorable menmention for digital art; Myaja Ashmon, Gold tion for photography; Scott Miller, Silver Key Key for drawing; Kinsey Childress, Gold Key for photography; Katherine Pollard, Silver for ceramics and glass; Brianna Heller, Gold Key for photography; Alexandra Laroche, Key for mixed media; Tucker Lamson, Gold honorable mention for photography; Natalie Key for digital art; Kylie McLaughlin, Gold Pita, honorable mention for photography; Key for sculpture; Robert Redenz, Gold Key and Thomas Tombes, honorable mention for for photography; James Venti, Gold Key for photography. photography; Melanie Huey, Silver Key for drawing, Silver Key for painting; Madison

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery with over 20 years experience.

Medical and surgical problems of the foot, diabetic footcare, wound care specialist.

Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgeons

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4 || MARCH 7, 2013

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

NEWS || FEATURES

GUEST COLUMNIST

CRIME REPORT

A woman ahead of her time one that I recognized, but nothing was obviSpecial Correspondent ous. I approached two very old women sitting spent my early childhood days running the in rocking chairs on a small porch that faced the interstate that had dissected their neighborhood streets of Montgomery, Ala., totally obliviand transformed their city. ous to the fact that the city was a hotbed of Pearl Lee and NaNa stared intently as I approtest and rebellion and the center of the proached.

Civil Rights movement in America.

“I know you,” my grandmother said.

My environment was decidedly separate, and a “That is James’ son,” Pearl Lee chimed in. long way from equal, from a large population of I visited for a few hours, but it only took minAfrican Americans in the capital city. utes to realize that Pearl Lee and my grandmother What may surprise you is Montgomery was somewhat of an enigma in a legacy of the defeat- were more than employer/employee — they were best friends. Their stories belonged to each other, laden South that was slow to change, especially and they spoke of each other’s families as if they when it came to Civil Rights. were their own.

Although Dexter Avenue was often clogged Differences that seemed so important in years with protesters, or large crowds were gathered to hear Gov. George Wallace deliver a fiery speech on gone by didn’t seem to matter to either of them segregation, the town was civil, but alive with the now, and they displayed a refreshing form of race relations that inspired. controversy of change.

They knew no color, no system of segregation.

Much of my time in Montgomery was spent As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of at my grandparents’ home in the downtown area. the famous march from Selma to Montgomery, They had a lifelong maid named Pearl Lee who thoughts and recognition of Pearl Lee seem apwas more like a member of the family than a propriate. domestic servant.

While she did not enjoy the deserved freedoms Pearl Lee’s wisdom becomes more evident and insightful as I grow older, and many of the things and rights that were rightfully due, Pearl Lee lived I’ve based basic beliefs upon came from her cau- with dignity and displayed a sense of wisdom that should be envied by most of us. tious words.

Today, Pearl Lee’s grandchildren are successful I wondered at her ability to keep track of more lawyers, doctors and professionals in the Montthan two dozen grandchildren, their names, gomery area. They have achieved the social status birthdays and special events. She did all that and and success that unfairly eluded their grandmothalso had the unique ability to make each one of er, and I can only hope their contribution will them feel like they were her favorites. That was be half as important as the one Pearl Lee made. I important to us.

But, at the end of the day, Pearl Lee always left know that she’d be mighty proud.

My last visit with Pearl Lee was years ago. Her with a bag of leftovers and headed back across children had purchased a small shotgun-style town to her tiny apartment in one of Montgomhome in Montgomery. ery’s most desperate areas.

We talked, laughed and I again felt like I was One of my uncles or aunts would always arrive around 6 p.m. to give Pearl Lee a ride, and all that her favorite grandchild.

As I was leaving, I noticed a collage of photowas left was a large plate of brownies or cornbread graphs on an overcrowded pegboard in the dining for us to munch on. room. There were photos of all of Pearl Lee’s Years later, I passed through Montgomery on my way to spring break in New Orleans. I arrived children, white and black, placed in no particular order, but all together. at my grandmother’s house, but the old street That’s the way Pearl Lee saw the world. What a didn’t look the same. vision!

I walked past the tiny homes looking for the

BY JIM RIDOLPHI

I

All data are based on the publicly available Chesterfield County Police Department daily arrest and crime releases and are reported according to Federal Incident Based Reporting rules. fires three times during the past two weeks on the stairs at a commercial location. No damage was reported.

23112 Feb. 16 5100 block of Rock Harbour Road Unknown suspect/s possibly entered the residence through a window.

Items were reported stolen.

Feb. 20 4000 block of Hailey Crescent Drive Three unknown suspects kicked in the front door of the residence and held a victim at gunpoint demanding money. The suspect/s fled the scene without stealing anything. No injuries were reported.

23236 Feb. 25 11800 block of Gordon School Road Unknown suspect/s possibly entered a residence through an unlocked window. Items were reported stolen.

23237 Feb. 22

7100 block of Midlothian Turnpike A victim reported the front license plate stolen from his vehicle.

9500 block of Dawnshire Road Possible known suspects forced entry to a classroom trailer of an elementary school and vandalized the interior.

Nothing was reported stolen.

Feb. 24

Feb. 24

4100 block of Mallard Landing Circle Unknown suspect/s stole miscellaneous items from the bed of a pick up truck.

4100 block of Laurel Oak Road Unknown suspect/s entered a vehicle through a rear sliding window and stole the inspection sticker. The vehicle was parked at a residence.

Feb. 20

23113 Feb. 15 3100 block of Lady Marian Lane Unknown suspect/s broke out a basement window to enter a residence. Items were reported stolen.

23114 Feb. 1 800 block of Murray Olds Drive Unknown suspect/s stole items from a victim’s vehicle while it was at a dealership.

Feb. 20 700 block of Glenpark Lane A victim reported her vehicle stolen from her residence.

23224 Feb 23 3100 block of Anners Way Known suspects broke out the window of a vehicle and stole multiple items. Most of the items were recovered with the suspects.

20200 block of Rowanty Court Suspects robbed a victim at gunpoint and stole the victim’s vehicle from a parking lot/garage.

5200 block of Woodpecker Road Unknown suspect/s kicked in the rear door of a residence. Items were reported stolen.

Feb. 23 20900 block of Riverterrace Road A ossible known suspect forced entry to a residence through the front door.

Items were reported stolen.

23831 Feb. 25 3700 block of W Hundred Road Unknown suspect/s entered a detached garage through a side door and broke a handle off a pick up truck to make entry. Nothing was reported stolen.

23832 Feb 20

23235 Feb. 22 11500 block of Allecingie Parkway Unknown suspect/s started small

3600 block of Ghent Drive Unknown suspect/s broke out a rear window, reached through and unlocked it to make entry. Items were reported stolen.

Free GED clinics aim to help with specific sections CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Need extra help with a section of the GED? March toward completing your GED certificate by participating in free Saturday clinics in March designed to help adults who have taken the test but have not yet passed all five sections.

Chesterfield County Public Schools’ Office of Adult Continuing Education is sponsoring free GED re-tester clinics at the Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Proffers column complimented Dear Editor, Thank you so much for publishing Mr. Ridolphi’s intelligent piece on Chesterfield County proffers. His balanced assessment of the issue is a breath of fresh air when compared to most of the one-sided news stories that have appeared in the Greater Richmond Area press and television news lately.

The Chesterfield county supervisors do indeed have their work cut out for them, and the community will be well served having all sides of the issue reported. Please continue to follow this important story so that we citizens can form intelligent opinions on this issue. Thank you.

David Schwartz Midlothian

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Courthouse Road.

The schedule is as follows: Math clinic — 2 to 5 p.m.

March 9, 16, 23 and 30.

Writing clinic — 10 a.m. to noon March 16, 23 and 30.

Reading, science and social studies clinic — noon to 2 p.m.

March 16, 23 and 30.

Sign up by logging in to ace. mychesterfieldschools.com, clicking on “classes,” then scrolling down to “GED: Free Re-tester Clinics.”

To learn more about additional opportunities to earn your GED certificate, which is equivalent to a high school diploma, call 804-768-6140 or e-mail ccpsinfo@ccpsnet.net.

The current GED test expires at the end of 2013, so people who have passed part of the test should go ahead and complete their GED now.

People who have not passed all five parts of the test before Dec. 31 will have to start over with a new test to earn their GED certificate.

RELAY from page 1

mother was diagnosed with stage four peritoneal cancer. She went through surgery and chemotherapy. She is currently undergoing a second round of chemotherapy, as the cancer has not been contained.

Both of my parents are living with cancer, and both are survivors. Their spirit and their fight have inspired our decision to get involved.”

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising activity. Relay is more than a fundraiser, Varley-Twyman said. It’s a worldwide movement to end cancer.

This year’s Relay for Life will take place starting at 1 p.m. on May 4 through 6 a.m. on May 5 at James River High School. The 2013 event is seeking teams from schools, businesses, places of worship, clubs, organizations, families and friends.

This year, Relay for Life’s goals are to recruit 40 teams, up 22 from last year; raise $80,000, up from last year’s $78,000; and to find at least 50 survivors to participate in the survivor lap.

For more information contact Maura Varley-Twyman at mauraforrelay@hotmail.com or check out the event website at www.relayforlife.org/chesterfieldva.

gently explain that an organization wouldn’t likely put an $80,000 fundraising event solely in the hands of a 13-year-old, but offered to co-chair with him. That worked for the American Cancer Society, who handed the reins for the 2013 Relay for Life of Chesterfield to Maura and Luke.

The two have attended multiple event chair trainingsessions, which include training on handling phone calls. A high point, VarleyTwyman said, has been the opportunity to meet many past Relay participants and getting to recruit many new volunteers to help.

Varley-Twyman graduated from Boston University with Master’s Degrees in both social work and public health. Her first job out of graduate school was at Hospice and Home Health in Brisbane, Calif. Cancer was pervasive in lives of the patients and their families.

“Little did I know at that time how close home cancer would strike,” Varley-Twyman said. “Both of my parents have battled cancer and its treatments. My father is a two-time cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 1998 and kidney cancer in 2008. In the spring of 2012 my T

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Joy Monopoli Brian French Birgit Weeks Melody Kinser Bruce Wells Jodi Deal Cindy Grant

No more Crown Vics State Police purchase new fleet

BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT Special Correspondent

Right now, more than 1,000 marked and unmarked Crown Victorias are part of the Virginia State Police fleet.

A Virginia State Police staple for more than a decade, the familiar cars will soon become a part of history, as a new make replaces them.

“Because Ford has discontinued its Crown Victoria Interceptor, we are now ordering its replacement vehicle – the Taurus Interceptor – in its place,” said Corinne Geller, Public Relations Director for Virginia State Police.

Right now, there are about 1,100 Crown Victorias across the state, some marked with the familiar blue and gray color scheme associated with state police, and some in solid colors. According

to Gellar, orders have already been placed for 144 marked and unmarked Taruses, but not all of those have arrived yet.

Geller says the department has enough Crown Victorias to equip about threefourths of the recent trooper trainee class – the 118th Basic Session which has 90 troopertrainees. The remainder of the class will be issued the new Taurus.

The new vehicles will start to show up on the highways when the class graduates. New Tauruses left over after graduates are issued cars will be issued to existing troopers to replace aging vehicles.

Virginia State Police has also ordered seven unmarked Chevrolet Caprices – part of a new police package vehicle offered by Chevrolet, Geller said.

One Caprice will be issued to each of our seven field divisions

across the state. Geller noted that so few Caprices were ordered because they are more expensive.

The State Police fleet also includes several Chevrolet Impalas and Dodge Chargers.

Virginia State Troopers drive their patrol cars to roughly 130,000 miles, according to Geller. The vehicles are then turned over to supervisors, as they’re not on patrol as much as troopers. Once the vehicles reach 150,000 they’re assigned to civilians or are used as substitute vehicles. In the end, Virginia State Police vehicles are auctioned off to the public.

The new Ford Police Interceptors cost $24,496 marked and $24,121 unmarked.

2012 Chevrolet Caprices cost $26,260 unmarked, while 2012 Chevy Impalas are $20,036 unmarked.

N 3229 Anderson Highway

EXCHANGE EX Publisher Production Manager Market Manager Managing Editor Sports Editor Regional Reporter Classifieds

PHOTO BY CJ SWIFT PHOTOGRAPHY

Ford Police Interceptors will soon replace the classic Crown Victorias.

Powhatan, Va 23114 Office: (804) 379-6451 Fax: (804) 379-6215 Mail: PO Box 10 Powhatan, VA 23139

jmonopoli@worldmediaenterprise.com bfrench@powhatantoday.com bweeks@powhatantoday.com editor@midlothianexchange.com bwells@midlothianexchange.com jdeal@mechlocal.com cgrant@mechlocal.com

(804) 746-1235 x 14 (804) 598-4305 x 16 (804) 598-4305 x 14 (804) 746-1235 x 22 (804) 598-4305 x 17 (804) 746-1235 x 29 (804) 746-1235 x 16

Vol. VII, 5th edition © 2013 by Richmond Suburban News. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY || ONLINE EVERY DAY

All correspondence submitted for publication must include first and last name, and for verification purposes only, a street address, and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, grammar & space.

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MARCH 7, 2013 || 5

YOUR WORLD || TRAVEL

Table Talk: Meals With Meaning offers strategies for parents Contributed Report

C

hesterfield County Public Schools invites families to pull up a seat and join Table Talk for a meal and conversation. After all, children don’t come with instruction manuals and solutions for everyday problems such as managing schedules, running a family on a budget, and making healthy dinner choices can be hard to find — even in the age of Google.

To help, the school district is launching Table Talk: Meals With Meaning. Six free sessions offer families the strategies needed to thrive in a hectic world. Every Table Talk includes a meal for fami-

lies, activities for students, child care for ages 5 to 12 and information sessions that will help parents find the solutions they seek. Transportation also is available from several hub sites.

Admission is free, but attendance is limited. Families need to register online as soon as possible at mealswithmeaning.eventbrite. com. An access code must be entered before you can register. The access code to use is the name of the magisterial district you live in (Bermuda, Cloverhill, Dale, Matoaca or Midlothian). If you are not sure which district you live in, then this link to

county maps may help: www. chesterfield.gov/content2. aspx?id=4667.

For additional help with registration, call 804-7481781.

Table Talk: Meals With Meaning will take place at Meadowbrook High School at 4901 Cogbill Road.

Here is the lineup: A kickoff meeting will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9. This session will include a keynote by certified family manager Coach Kathy Jenkins, and information on single-parent resources, tackling worry and testing stress, SAFE, choose respect, positive parenting

and wellness.

A parenting and family session, set for 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, will address managing challenging behaviors, parenting as a united front, bullying, Parent-Teacher Resource Center, raising responsible children and technology and the Internet A finance session, which will be held 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, will include discussions on finance 101, college savings, taxes, mortgages, car loans and financial planning A student resources meeting, set for 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30,

will cover overcoming obstacles to learning, tutoring options and help with homework, life after high school, specialty centers, résumés and interviewing skills and technology and the Internet.

A wellness session, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, will address safety in the home, physical fitness in Chesterfield schools, nutrition, 5210 and COACH, healthy snacks and eating healthy on a budget.

Commencement will be held 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1.

Pick up a Midlothian Exchange at any of these locations: - 23112 -

Clover Hill Library 6701 Deer Run Drive

Goodwill – Hull Street 11749 Hull Street Road - 23113 -

Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 11643-B Midlothian Turnpike

The Book Exchange 13198 Midlothian Turnpike

Chick-Fil-A–Westchester Commons 132 Schofield Drive

de Rochonnet Delights 13228 Midlothian Turnpike

Goodwill –Alverser Drive 1211 Alverser Drive

STUFF TO DO

Kroger – Ivymont Square

E-mail your event to editor@midlothianexchange.com Subject line: EVENT

14101 Midlothian Turnpike SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Lucky Clover 5K on the trails of Woodlake will raise funds for technology purchases for Clover Hill Elementary School. Kids are encouraged to take part in the Kids Fun Run and post-race festivities on school grounds. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers as well as top finishers for each age group. For more information, or to register, visit http://luckyclover5k. weebly.com/. Registration fees for the 5K are as follows: pre-registration for 5K and no shirt, $17.50; pre-registration for the 5K with a shirt,$20.

Registration for the 5K the day of the race will cost $25, and shirt supplies will be limited. Kids Fun Run registration is $10.

St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School’s “Hooray for Hollywood!” 21st Annual Auction is from 6:30 to11 p.m. at 10701 W Huguenot Road in Richmond. Lose yourself in the glitz and glam of the greatest films and stars of the decades. Auction proceeds directly benefit St. Edward-Epiphany School and students. Tickets, which cost $40, include hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, dessert and a

martini toast, along with live music. Lots of items will be up for bid in live, silent and gift auctions. Live, silent and gift auctions for an array of great items for bid. Black and white attire is requested. For more information, visit www. seeschool.com

MONDAY, MARCH 11 I Can Teach My Child to Plant seminar will begin at 6 p.m. at the Bon Air Library. Learn about planting activities to do inside with your children. The program is being presented for free by the Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension and the Chesterfield County Master Gardeners.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Commonwealth Parenting, the Richmond area’s leading resource for parenting information, is offering “Understanding Your Child’s Temperament” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mt. Pisgah UMC, 1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive in Midlothian. Learn how adapting parenting techniques to suit your child’s temperament.

Registration is required at www.commonwealthparentingcenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 SATURDAY, MARCH 16 The March meeting of the NARFE Midlothian Chapter 2265 begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Brandermill Woods Retirement Community meeting room, 14311, at Brandermill Woods Trail in Midlothian.

The program will feature Larry Estep, a finalist from the 2012 Chesterfield Senior Idol contest who specializes in singing and playing music from the 1960s. Questions? Call Verona H. McLeod at 804-338-7921.

Manakin Episcopal Church’s Lenten Program will be held at 985 Huguenot Trail in Midlothian. Eucharist begins at 6 p.m., followed by a light supper and the program from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Those who are unable to attend the worship and/or the supper may come at 7:15 p.m. for the program, “Faith in the Context of the Islamic Community in the Twenty-First Century in Richmond,” by Imam Ammar Amonette from the Islamic Center of Virginia in Bon Air. For more information, call 804-794-6401 or the rector, Rev. Michael Stone, at 804317-5083.

Midlothian Masonic Lodge No. 211 will sponsor a charity breakfast 8 to 10 a.m. at the lodge at 13510 Westfield Road in Midlothian. The breakfast is a combined charity event for the Masonic Home of Virginia

by Midlothian Lodge 211 and Black Heath Lodge No. 1982.

For $5, the menu includes allyou-can-eat pancakes, coffee, bacon and sausage.

MONDAY, MARCH 18 Flowers for Three Seasons seminar begins at 6 p.m. at the Bon Air Library. A class on easy perennials and shrubs for a colorful landscape will be presented for free by the Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension and the Chesterfield County Master Gardeners.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Manakin Episcopal Church’s Lenten Program will be held at 985 Huguenot Trail in Midlothian. Eucharist begins at 6 p.m., followed by a light supper and the program from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Those who are unable to attend the worship and/or the supper may come at 7:15 p.m. for the

program, “Faith in the Context of the City and its Environs in the Twenty-First Century,” by Rev. Ben Campbell, director of Richmond Hill. For more information, call 804-794-6401 or the rector, Rev. Michael Stone, at 804-317-5083.

Care, Feeding and Communication with Houseplants seminar begins at 6 p.m. at the LaPrade Library. Bring ailing or unidentified houseplants.

The class will include a repotting demo, and participants will get a snippet of a house plant to pot and take home.

The program is presented for free by the Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension and the Chesterfield County Master Gardeners.

Midlothian Apothecary 13502 Midlothian Turnpike

Starbucks - Bellgrade 11307-F Polo Place - 23114 -

YMCA 737 Coalfield Road - 23235 -

Chesterfield Towne Center 11500 Midlothian Turnpike

Goodwill – N. Chesterfield

MONDAY, MARCH 25 Eat Like a Locavore seminar begins 6 p.m. at the Clover Hill Library. Learn to grow your own vegetables regardless of space constraints – leave with a garden plan and a plant in hand. The program is presented for free by the Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension and the Chesterfield County Master Gardeners.

8535 Midlothian Turnpike

Monkey Joe’s 11304 Midlothian Turnpike - 23236 -

La Prade Library 9000 Hull Street Road

Shoney’s 9963 Hull Street Road - 23832 -

Central Library 9501 Lori Road

Goodwill – Woodlake 14740 Hull Street Road

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

03/06-03/07

FROZEN FOOD WORD SEARCH

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HOROSCOPES

CLUES ACROSS 1. Swedish rock group 5. Teen skin disorder 9. An instrument that magnifies 14. Sledgehammer 15. Ran away from 16. Old European silver coin 17. “Rule Britannia” composer 18. Rend or tear apart 19. Oats genus 20. Greater TV resolution 23. Kiln 24. A furrow in the road 25. Family Turdidae 28. Duck-billed mammal 33. German tennis star Tommy 34. “You Send Me” singer Sam 35. Volcanic mountain in Japan 36. Governed over 38. Process of decay 39. Clear wrap brand 41. Put into service 42. Snake catcher tribe of India 44. Best section of the mezzanine 45. Masseur

47. Funereal stone slabs 49. Before 50. Again 51. 1 of 10 official U.S. days off 58. Alternate name 59. One of Bobby Franks’ killers 60. Port capital of Vanuatu 61. Individual dishes are a la ___ 62. Shellfish 63. Welsh for John 64. Fencing swords 65. Griffith or Rooney 66. Titanic’s fate CLUES DOWN 1. Far East wet nurse 2. Apulian seaport 3. Barrel hole stopper 4. Tavern where ale is sold 5. Anew 6. Actor Montgomery 7. Pigmented skin moles 8. Adam & Eve’s garden 9. Legislative acts 10. Pit 11. Butter alternative 12. Actor Sean 13. A major division of geological time 21. Hyrax

22. Country of Baghdad (alt. sp.)

25. Repetitive strumming 26. West Chadic 27. Rattling breaths 28. Savile Row tailor Henry 29. Burbot 30. Christmas lantern in the Phillipines 31. Utilization 32. Sound units 34. Leg shank 37. Umlauts 40. Female owners of #4 down 43. One who regrets 46. Serenely deliberate 47. Stuck up 48. Cablegram (abbr.)

50. In advance 51. Envelope opening closure 52. Ireland 53. Australian Labradoodle Club of America (abbr.)

54. Poetic forsaken 55. Female operatic star 56. Actor Alda 57. An American 58. Highest card

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, difficult decisions take time to mull over. Although you want to properly work through all the scenarios, this week you might not have all the time you need.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, water rolls off of your back quite easily. However, something tugs at you this week and you may have to give it more thought than you’re accustomed to.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, with such a hectic schedule, you may be feeling the pressure. It is not unreasonable to take some time for yourself and focus on your relationship with a spouse or significant other.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, keep the lines of communication open with a loved one.

There may be messages coming your way, and you should be ready to receive them.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, now is a good time to get friends or family together for an informal dinner party. Focus your energy on socialization to get away from the daily grind.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Sometimes you have to make a few mistakes before you get things right, Leo. Don’t let this worry you because you’ll get back on the right path soon enough.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 You may need to break out of your routines this week, Scorpio. Even though you thrive when things are organized, you cannot expect everything to go according to plan.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, others appreciate all that you do for them, but sometimes they have to do for themselves to learn valuable lessons.

This week is a time to step aside.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, it’s important to recognize your way is not always the right way. If you absorb what other people are saying, you might have an easier go of things.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 There are some happy moments in your immediate future, Sagittarius. This will make any difficult days in your recent past seem well worth it.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, things may seem like they are going to go one way this week, but at the last minute things turn in an entirely different direction.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Finding time to get everything done can be challenging, Aries.

Fortunately, you have quite a few supporters in your corner who are willing to lend a helping hand.

EXPLORE Monacan band keeps busy

6 || MARCH 7, 2013

YOUR WORLD || TRAVEL

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

House calls from master gardeners CONTRIBUTED REPORT

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dr. Quincy Hilliard, a well-known conductor, educator and composer of band literature, was in Richmond on Jan. 25 and 26 to serve as guest conductor for the District III AllDistrict Junior Band. He is shown rehearsing with students from Monacan High School’s Concert Band.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Isander Lebron , Drew Buckley, Khalid Shodeinde, Allyson Ritchie (Providence Middle School), and Blake Mogel are shown on Feb. 16 at the Middle School Night with the Monacan Basketball Pep Band. Lebron, Ritchie and Shodeinde attend Providence Middle School, Buckley is from Midlothian Middle School and Mogel attends Monacan High.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Monacan students Stuart Archer and Alex Springer and Providence Middle School student Jordan Snovell perform on Feb. 16 with the Monacan Basketball Pep Band.

That night, eighth grade students from Providence, Midlothian and Manchester Middle School performed with the high school band.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Monacan High School orchestra member James Haskins, who plays bass, participated on Feb. 8 and 9 in the Central Regional Orchestra at Meadowbrook High School.

Classes planned for local seniors CONTRIBUTED REPORT

T

here’s plenty going on to keep seniors busy, learning and active in Chesterfield County.

Adults 50 and older can participate in a series of programs offered up at the Chesterfield Senior Center, located at 4000 Stigall Drive in Midlothian and Bon Air Baptist Church at 2531 Buford Road.

The Senior Center will host a general meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 15. Those who attend will get the latest information on daily activities, special events and fundraisers at the center, along with entertainment provided by Charles Batson.

A catered lunch is included in the $4 price of admission, and sign-up is required one week in advance.

Among the courses set for the

senior center are: Brain Aerobics provides games and physical and mental activities to keep brains and bodies fit. Classes will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Mondays, March 18 through April 15. The course number is 26508, and participation will cost $10.

Intermediate Line Dancing will expand on basic steps, and is intended for those with experience. Classes will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, March 7 through April 11. The course number is 26498, and participation will cost $38.

Jewelry Design will guide participants through making beaded jewelry – specifically, a necklace and earrings. The class will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. Participation will cost $19, and materials will be provided. The

course number is 26502.

Programs at Bon Air Baptist include: Jewelry Design will guide participants through making beaded jewelry – specifically, a necklace and earrings. The class will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 20. Participation will cost $19, and materials will be provided. The course number is 26442.

Beginner Line Dancing offers instruction in basic line-dancing steps to a variety of music. This class is for those with no experience. Classes will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. each Wednesday through April 10. The first class was on Wednesday, March 6. Participation costs $38, and the course number is 26454.

Advanced Beginner Bridge II will teach additional modern bridge

St. Michael’s Brownies pull in big food drive haul St. Michael’s third grade Brownie Troop recently participated in the International Girl Scouts World Thinking Day 2013.

In keeping with the event’s theme reducing child mortality rates around the globe, the Brownies hosted a Lower School Food Drive. Donations from the food drive – more than 150 pounds of food – were given to the St. Michael’s Church Food Pantry to help families in need.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ST. MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Every yard is different and each comes with its own unique challenges.

The Chesterfield County Office of Cooperative Extension is offering county residents help tackling landscape challenges from experts.

The Learn Your Landscape includes an hour and a half on-site evaluation from a master gardener who will provide a basic landscape inventory, a follow-up consultation and a personalized reference landscape binder.

Participation costs $30 and space is limited.

Grass Roots offers the chance to learn about and remedy specific yard problems. It includes a home visit by a trained master gardener who will measure the lawn, take a soil sample and provide personalized recommendations based on a detailed site evaluation.

The program fee is $25 and covers the cost of supplies, materials and one soil test. Additional soil samples are $11 each.

The Grass Roots program is available from March through June and is limited to the first 400 residents to apply.

For more information, or to register, call 804751-4401.

Applications may be downloaded and more information can be found at offices.ext.vt.edu/chesterfield.

Drivers needed to help seniors

bidding conventions and play techniques. Workbooks can be purchased from the instructor on the first day of class. Classes will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays from March 20 to April 24. Participation will cost $42, and the course number is 26475.

Intermediate Bridge is for experienced players and will be taught by certified bridge instructor Richard Deyerle. Register at least one week in advance. Classes will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. each Wednesday, March 20 through April 24. The class costs $42, and is course number 26457.

For more information, call Daneisha Nicholas at 804-337-2877.

To register, call 804-748-1623.

A full list of programs can be found in the current Program Guide, available online at chesterfield.gov.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Shepherd’s Center has issued an urgent call for volunteer drivers to transport seniors to urgent medical appointments and grocery shopping.

A nonprofit interfaith organization, The Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield offers transportation, in-home handyman services and lowcost classes to adults over 50.

Volunteers are particularly needed in the Chesterfield, Hopewell, Prince George and Chester areas.

For more information, call The Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield at 804-706-6689 or go to www.shepctrchesterfield.org .

‘Ceili’ dance party set CONTRIBUTED REPORT

C

hesterfield County Public Library will host a free, familyfriendly pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration with traditional Irish music by Celtic band Scalaheen on 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 at Central Library, 9501 Lori Road, Chesterfield.

The “ceili,” or Irish dance party, will give attendees a chance to show off their Irish soft-shoe dancing skills or learn jigs and reels with the staff of Heart of Ireland School of Dance.

Dance experience isn’t necessary to attend. Registration is recommended and may be done online at the library’s

website, library.chesterfield.gov, or by calling 804-751-CCPL. Scalaheen is based in Chester, and performs throughout Central Virginia.

The group’s repertoire includes traditional Celtic tunes, pub songs and original melodies. (https://www.facebook. com/pages/Scalaheen/156324687808222) Heart of Ireland School of Dance is directed by dancer and award-winning choreographer Andrea S. McCarney. The Midlothian school offers solo and ceili classes for all ages and abilities. Their Irish dancers have performed at Walt Disney World, and at the Virginia Dance Festival. (http://www.heartofirelandschool.com/home.html)

Pick up a Midlothian Exchange at any of these locations 23112

CHESTERFIELD CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY Clover Hill Library branch 3701 Deer Run Drive

GOODWILL Hull Street Location 11749 Hull Street Road

23113

CROSSROADS SHOPPING CENTER Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 11643-B Midlothian Turnpike

VILLAGE MARKETPLACE SHOPPING CENTER Midlothian Book Exchange 13195 Midlothian Turnpike

VILLAGE MARKETPLACE SHOPPING CENTER deRochonnet Delights 13228 Midlothian Turnpike

WESTCHESTER COMMONS Chick-Fil-A 132 Schofield Drive

GOODWILL Alverser Drive Location 1211 Alverser Drive

IVYMONT SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER Kroger 14245 Midlothian Turnpike

MIDLOTHIAN TURNPIKE

23114 YMCA

Midlothian Branch 737 Coalfield Road

23235

GOODWILL Midlothian Turnpike location 8535 Midlothian Turnpike

Midlothian Apothecary 13502 Midlothian Turnpike

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THE SHOPPES AT BELLGRADE

LaPrade Library branch 9000 Hull Street Road

Starbucks 11307-F Polo Place

CHESTERFIELD CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY

SHONEY’S RESTAURANT Hull Street location 9963 Hull Street Road

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CHESTERFIELD CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY Central Library 9501 Lori Road

GOODWILL Woodlake Location 9501 Lori Road

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

EXPLORE

MARCH 7, 2013 || 7

YOUR WORLD || TRAVEL

Richmond Raiders Host Youth Training Day at Chesterfield Towne Center thing in the parking lot, and I was interested in kicking off our events unior football fans will soon earlier than usual this year,” Wilkes get a chance to meet their said. “And, I thought: What are the favorite Richmond Raiders kids going to love more than Raidplayers, while also showing ers football?” off their athletic skills in public and Richmond Raiders business competing for prizes. general manager Tim Hurley said Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, his organization wants to do more March 9, Chesterfield Towne Center community outreach and that the will play host to the Raiders’ first Youth Training Day event will be a Youth Training Day in the parking step in that direction. lot of the Macy’s store. That’s on “Well, we wanted the Huguenot Road to reach out to their side of the mall, customer base, and Raiders’ first which is located at it was a unique way 15000 Midlothian for us to get some Youth Turnpike in North exposure that would Chesterfield. be beneficial to us,” Training Day Children will Hurley said. “That compete at physiday, we’ll be out and 11 a.m. cal activities such in front of people, as passing accuracy, such as families Saturday, passing distance and and kids, and it’ll place kicking, and the March 9 emphasize the famones who place first, ily-friendly aspects second and third will of the Raiders.” each receive prizes.

Saturday’s winThe contest will be ners will be eligible to compete in open to boys and girls in the age a final competition that will take divisions of 6 to 8, 9 to 11 and 12 place during the Richmond Raiders to 14. Participants should dress for home game at 7 p.m. on Saturday, safety and comfort.

March 23. Hurley said the big During the competition, an winner in each age category at that assortment of Raiders players, game will receive a game ticket and members of the Lady Raiders a grand prize pack that includes dance team and Risky, the team’s items provided by the Raiders and mascot, will root for the kids. After its promotional partners. the competition ends, the players According to Hurley, the orgawill sign autographs and pose for nization will host Youth Achievephotographs with kids in the mall’s ment Night during the game on food court.

March 23, which will spotlight local Kelly Wilkes, the marketing youngsters’ community service and manager for Chesterfield Towne sports achievements.

Center, said she approached the “It’s a celebration of any (posiRichmond Raiders with the idea for tive) activity that kids are doing in the event. the community, and we want to “I really wanted to do somehonor them,” Hurley said. “That

BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent

J

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE RICHMOND RAIDERS

Kids will be able to meet their favorite Richmond Raiders during a Youth Training Day event set for this Saturday.

night, we will celebrate youth sports activities, and youth-oriented groups such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Big Brothers-Big Sisters will be there.”

Both Hurley and Wilkes see Youth Training Day as beneficial for all involved – the mall, the team and the children.

“The mall is all about community engagement,” Wilkes said.

“We are family-friendly, and we

bring free events to the mall that we think that the community will be interested in.”

“It’s great for a few reasons,” Hurley added. “We have a lot of fans in Chesterfield.”

“And it’s a good way for us to reach out to them and to local families, so they can know what kinds of family friendly entertainment we have at our games. So it’s a great location for all those things to happen

at the same time,” Hurley said.

Admission is free.

For more information about the event, visit www.chesterfieldcenter. com.

For more information about the Richmond Raiders, visit www. richmondraidersprofootball.com.

The team’s first home game will happen at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Richmond Coliseum at 601 E. Leigh St. in Richmond.

The Perfect Advertising Supplement

2013 Business Profiles A GUIDE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES SERVING YOUR AREA

The Powhatan Today is publishing a business directory featuring local merchants & professionals.

Deadline: March 8 Publication Date: March 20

Supplement your business’s advertising with targeted exposure in our Healthy Lifestyle section.

A special section dedicated to health, fitness, nutrition and well-being. To be a part of this popular special section, contact your sales rep or call (804) 598-4305. Hurry; March 7 is the last day to reserve your advertising space.

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EXERCISE Fence concerns a matter of safety

8 || MARCH 7, 2012

SPORTS || FITNESS

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

The fence around the 3/4 mile oval at Richmond International Raceway, affords race fans a close-up view of the on track action. The last accident to bring a race car into contact with the fence around RIR came in September of 2005.

debris when the car driven by rookie Kyle Larson flew into the protective fencing at Daytona. The impact was felt at every race track across the country and attention has not only become focused on how such an event could happen at

BY CHARLIE LEFFLER Daytona but if it could hapRichmond Suburban News pen elsewhere.

Accidents are an everyday The devastating crash part of NASCAR and wrecks during the season-opening at the longer superspeedways NACAR Nationwide race at often result in an image of Daytona International Speed- mechanical carnage. Howevway has initiated questions er, it is extremely rare when of spectator safety nationsuch events carry into the ally. Over two dozen race FENCE page 9 fans were injured by flying

Daytona crash places spotlight on local track

PHOTO COURTESY OF RIR

BY FRED JETER Contributing Writer

Popeye the Sailor Man draws his strength from a can of spinach. With long jumper Micah Todd, it’s Twizzlers that pump him up and send him sailing.

This winter, the Manchester High senior has munched many bags of Twizzlers while also “eating up” the competition.

With a pre- and during-meet fondness for the twisted licorice, Todd won Dominion District and Central Region crowns and was a strong third at Group AAA States.

Next, he’ll compete at Scholastic Nationals at the New York City Armory, March 7-10, along with a talented group of Lancers’ teammates.

The lean, lithe 6-3, 173-pounder says his devotion to Twizzlers (that he washes down with Gatorade) is part good-luck charm, part nutritional boost.

The concept may not be silly as you might suspect.

“I do a lot of events, back to back to back,” he said.

“Twizzlers give me energy.”

Sure enough, a serving of Twizzlers has 19 grams of sugar, helpful in fueling quick bursts of power.

It’s not a centerpiece of his daily diet, however.

“No, the only time I eat them is at track meets,” he says smiling. “A lot of athletes ask me if they can have a Twizzler.”

Whatever Todd, dubbed “Gazelle” for his bounding stride, seems to be doing is the right thing, at least for him.

“Once he gets his marks straight (on takeoff board), there’s no end to what Micah can do,” says MHS jumps coach Fred Bullock.

“He thinks he’s got a 24 (feet) in him … and he may before it’s over this spring.”

Todd won Dominion District long jump honors with a 22-41/4. For an encore at Ashe Center he captured Regions with personal best 22-81/2.

At States, Todd came within about half the length of a Twizzler of striking gold at Hampton’s Boo Williams SportsPlex.

His 22-61/2 (on next to last leap) trailed only Norcom’s Romero Hines (22-71/2) and Forest Park’s Williams Mustaqueem (22-7).

Now there’s one indoor meet (Nationals) to go before taking his spring-loaded act into outdoors season.

“My goal in New York is to get a personal best and maybe go past 23 feet,” says the Lancer. According to Milestat.com, the MHS record of 23-6 was set by Anthony Chesson in 2007.

Also a standout hurdler, Todd hopes to do intermediate and high hurdles and jump next year on the NCAA level.

His college wish list starts with VCU, Hampton and Norfolk State.

Todd has shown dramatic improvement this winter.

He pegs a dedication to the weight room for his major upgrade in muscle (he’s added about 15 pounds) and lengthier flights into the sand.

“I didn’t start lifting weights until last August,” he said.

“It’s made a huge difference. I’m much stronger now and more determined.”

The workout doesn’t stop when he gets home.

Each evening he does 350 crunches, varying the angles.

It helps he’s surrounded by other stellar leapers such as Christian Rogers (District, Region triple jump champ), Michael Averett (District, Region high jump kingpin) and Corey Devore (third in District, Region high jump).

The Lancers made the jumps their personal play thing in winning District and Region team honors.

In long/triple/high jumps combined, Manchester scored 59 points at Districts, 42 at Regions.

“We push each other; Christian especially pushes me,” said Todd. “When I first started long jumping, he was better than me … and I couldn’t stand it.”

The leaping Lancers will be joined in Gotham by MHS’s trio of strong-armed shot putters.

David Thompson, Cody Wilborn and Ezra Hill were first, fifth and sixth, respectively, at Regions.

It was Hill who first talked Todd into signing up for track after he was cut from the JV basketball squad in 10th grade.

POWERED BY

TWIZZLERS

Lancers’ long jumper Micah Todd is “eating up” the competition

PHOTO BY JAMES HASKINS

Micah Todd won Dominion District long jump honors with a 22-41/4. For an encore at the Arthur Ashe Center he captured Regions with personal best 22-81/2. At States, Todd came within about half the length of a Twizzler of striking gold.

In New York, Todd looks forward to competing against America’s premier jumpers, some with listed leaps well beyond his own.

It figures to be a two-purpose trip – sightseeing along

crowded Time Square and high-test competition.

In case you wonder, Todd’s favorite type Twizzlers is strawberry.

Maybe it’s time to switch to apple flavor, as in Big Apple.

SPORTS BRIEFS Moseley also picked up a win in the 300meter dash with a time of 42.40 seconds.

Midlothian runner Tessa Riley set a meet record in the 1,000, winning the event in 3:02.18. and breaking the record set in 2008 Lead by Junior Alexandria Moseley, de- by fellow Trojan Paige Johnson.

A collaborative effort from standout field fending champion Cosby captured a third consecutive Central Region indoor track athletes Christian Rogers, Michael Averett and Micah Todd insured that Manchester and field title at the Arthur Ashe Center wasn’t challenged in the boys field as the in February.

Lancers led wire to wire and cruised to the Moseley, won the long jump for the championship. second year in a row with a mark of 17 feet, 10 inches and was named the girls field athlete of the meet,.”

INDOOR TRACK Cosby girls, Manchester boys rule

BASKETBALL Benedictine wins VISAA league title

AROUND TOWN VCU, to play in Key Dog Strike Out Cancer Classic

Chesterfield resident Robert Johnson scored team high 22 points as Benedictine defeated Bishop O’Connell 62-56 to win the VISAA Division I title on Saturday at Virginia State University. Midlothian's L.G. Gill added four points for the Cadets..

To honor the late VCU Baseball Coach Paul Keyes (ODU ’84), who lost his courageous battle with cancer in November of 2012, when VCU and Old Dominion will play in the first-ever Key Dog Strike Out Cancer Classic on April 23 at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton, Va.. Tickets at PeninsulaPilots.com

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

EXERCISE

MARCH 7, 2012 || 9

SPORTS || FITNESS

Meet the Benedictine Youth League champions

Fence from page 8

realm of bystanders.

At Daytona, parts of Larson’s car traveled either through or over the protective fencing with .disastrous results. Remarkably, none of the 12 drivers involved were injured in the crash including Larson, who climbed from a Chevrolet with the front end completely missing.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Two St. Edward Catholic Church 5th grade teams competed against each other on Feb. 24 for the Benedictien Youth League Championship in the Benedictine Youth Basketball league. Players from Midlothian and Bon Air defeated teams from other local private schools to reach the final in the weekend competition. The players remain united representing their parish despite the friendly competition. St. Edward Catholic Church is located in Bon Air.

Hamlin’s high expectations making the speeds really go up.”

That has Hamlin making the bold predictions that are his nature.

“Our goals haven’t changed from one year to the next,” Hamlin said.

“We look at it (that) we need to win at least six to seven races. That’s where

BY BRUCE WELLS we feel like we’ll be this Sports Editor year.

After a difficult 2011 “Last season, Hamlin Sprint Cup season, Denny and crew chief Darian Hamlin returned to form Grubb racked up five wins last year. But the Chesin the 26-race regular seaterfield native is still in son to start the Chase in search of NASCAR’s bigfirst place. Unfortunately gest prize. Never one to for them, no victories folhesitate from issuing blunt lowed. expectaHamlin was in contentions, tion until the Chase race two at Martinsville when an races ignition switch disasseminto bled during the race. the “We’ve won a lot of 2013 races year after year and season, we are always a team that his atwins a lot of races,” Hamtitude lin said. “We’re always in is no Hamlin the hunt and then somedifthing mechanical happens ferent. to our cars and it takes us The 32-year-old driver out of the championship. has high expectations “Hopefully those bugs amid changes at Joe Gibbs have been fixed. We’re Racing. The team lineup working on a new process looks different with Matt to make our cars more Kenseth replacing Joey tough and rigid and makLogano. The new “Gen6” ing sure they don’t fall cars also look different apart.” and Hamlin likes what he The new process is a has seen so far. new system of checks“The cars drive better and-balances on the JGR than they ever have as cars, Hamlin said. far as driver comfort is “It was human error,” concerned,” Hamlin said.

Hamlin said. “You need “These cars handle well, to take that out of the especially in a pack, it’s

Driver hopes to finally win Cup title

equation. To do that, you have to have more than one set of eyes working on your car.

“So we’re hopefully working on some things to make sure that our cars are as reliable as the planes we fly in the air.”

While he must wait and see if his cars are more durable, Hamlin has a good feel for the impact of adding Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, to the JGR fold.

Kenseth, who has 24 career victories, replaced Logano in the No. 20 car after 13 years at Roush Fenway Racing.

Hamlin believes he will be able to learn from Kenseth, much how Hamlin has helped teammate Kyle Busch at Martinsville and Busch has helped Hamlin at Charlotte.

“We know what he’s done in the past, and I know what he’s capable of on the racetrack because I race with him every week,” Hamlin said. He’s going to be a guy that takes Joe Gibbs Racing to that elite level.”

Outside of the new car and new teammate, this season will be Hamlin’s first as a father. Girlfriend and former Charlotte Bobcats cheerleader Jordan Fish gave birth to their first child, Taylor James Hamlin on January 20.

“The experience is great,” he said. “It’s just

your outlook changes on when you have to leave home, when you have to get home, and things like that of how excited you are to pull into the driveway knowing you get to see your daughter.”

Team owner Joe Gibbs has long watched drivers becoming dads and sees a change in them all.

“I think it makes you aware of some things and probably changes your attitude on some things,” Joe Gibbs said. “The first time you’ve got kids, you’ve got responsibilities, how much you care for them and you think more about the future than you do right now. So I think it’s a maturing process and probably, I think it probably helps settle them down some.”

JGR has never had all three teams win multiple races in one season. The most wins for the organization came in 2010 when Hamlin won eight races and Busch won three for a total of 11.

Grubb admits that a Sprint Cup championship would go a long way in proving that both Hamlin and JGR Racing are among the elite.

“We fell short of our goal to win the championship,” Grubb said of 2012.

“We won a bunch of races and made the Chase, and now it’s up to us to take the next step. I think our team has what it takes.”

Larson’s car struck the fence at the crossover gate, which is arguably the weakest point in the barrier because there are no high tension support wire cables running though that area as elsewhere around the track.

The fencing tore away under the full weight of the car and the different configuration of the gate area may have contributed to the disintegration of the front end sending debris flying into the stands.

While scrutiny was placed on how the injuries occurred, less attention was focused on the actions of the track’s emergency response team and the fact that, for the most part, the fence did was it was supposed to do; prevent the car itself from reaching the seats. While one tire and smaller parts did reach the spectators, the engine and major front end components of Larson’s vehicle were stopped just inside the fence area.

Richmond International Raceway president Dennis Bickmeier was in Daytona but had left the track for the day before the accident occurred.

Watching the replays on television, Bickmeier’s thoughts gradually turned to what he would do if a similar accident occurred in Richmond.

“Everything goes through your mind,” he said. “If I were back here, knowing all the preparation that our team goes through in regards to handling a major incident like that.”

Bickmeier said it was such preparation that prevented the outcome of Daytona from being much worse. “I know that the medical personnel, the track workers, got a lot of praise for how coordinated the effort was, the work they did to get to the injured parties and everything.

That makes you feel

good. The things you practice and train for and put in place really did work.”

While accidents happen every week in motorsports, it is extremely rare when fan injuries are a result. Nine spectators were injured in 2009 when the car of Carl Edwards flew into the catch fence at Talladega in an accident similar to Daytona.

In recent history, the only accident to bring a car into contact with the fencing at RIR occurred during the September 2005 Busch Series race when Mike Wallace turned the car driven by Martin Truex Jr. onto its side along the back stretch. Though Truex’s car never became airborne, as it slid on its side, the front tires did briefly connect with the fencing then bounced away.

If the Daytona accident brings about any changes in NASCAR they will not come overnight.

“I think it’s probably going to be a little bit of a process,” Bickmeier said.

“I think we’ve got to wait until our company and NASCAR look at what happened before we start hearing some things at the other tracks.”

Late last week NASCAR was still investigating the Daytona accident and announced they will have an evaluation completed in time to implement changes before their next superspeedway race at Talladega in May. They will then determine if changes need to made at other tracks around the country.

Bickmeier pointed out that safety in NASCAR is an ever evolving process perpetuated by events such as the accident at Daytona.

Sixty years ago, the track in Richmond was surrounded by wooden fences which eventually evolved into metal guardrails. “From guardrails to a wall to a fence, a bigger fence, to a bigger fence, to an even bigger fence,” Bickmeier said.

Most recently, Steal and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers were installed along the backstretch at RIR following an accident that injured driver Jeff Gordon two years ago.

LAST WEEK’S BOWLING SCORES TENPINS AT MIDLOTHIAN Bits and Pieces

Derek Carter 732 Latikki West 256 - 716 Mike Rodriguez 716 Therestia Lewis 256 - 701 Clarissa Maddox 248-657 Tracie Edmonds 638 Tina Tune 256 - 635 Bryon Craig 289 game Darus Jones 278 game Vickie Rowe 253 game Men of Magic

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Body Shop Estimator Candidates should have estimating experience as well as experience working with various insurance companies. Job duties include: estimating automotive body repairs by ascertaining body damage; developing estimates; preparing work orders; contacting insurance companies; maintaining customer rapport and updating customer on repairs.

Please send resumes to pbwrichmond@yahoo.co m.

ADVERTISE Advertise with Midlothian Exchange Call (804) 598-4305 to hear about Midlothian Exchange’s upcoming advertising opportunities!

10 || MARCH 7, 2013

UP TO

MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

70%OFF

Up To

5 Yrs*

FREE Financing No Credit Needed

ORIENT EXPRESS FURNITURE® CLEARANCE GALLERY

NO downpayment option

Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms, and Mattresses!

PICK-UP OR DELIVERY

Home-Makers

FURNITURE

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon.–Fri 10-7, Sat. 10-6 Sun. 12-5

2919854-01

Your Home Town Discount Furniture Store ALL SALES FINAL.

MECHANICSVILLE

MIDLOTHIAN

8235 Mechanicsville Tnpk Mechanicsville, VA 23111 804-746-7781

1516 Koger Center Blvd Richmond, VA 23235 804-794-2100

*SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL

THE FREEDOM TO DO EVERYTHING YOU WANT. AND NOTHING YOU DON’T.

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Midlothian 3740 Winterfield Road 419-4160 Flat Rock 2320 Anderson Highway 598-6839 24 Locations in Virginia, Maryland and Georgia Call 1-800-443-5524 for the location nearest you.

EssexBank.com Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. Property and flood insurance may be required.

Certain limitations apply. Please see an Essex Bank representative for details.