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INSIDE SPORTS Midlothian boys’ lacrosse comes back from slump to win state championship. Page 8
BON AIR || BRANDERMILL || GENITO || MIDLOTHIAN || ROBIOUS || SALISBURY || WOODLAKE
GRADUATION 2013 CLOVER HILL, COSBY, JAMES RIVER, MANCHESTER, MIDLOTHIAN AND MONACAN HIGH SCHOOLS
Clover Hill High School PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Above: Graduating Clover Hill High School drummers added color to their school’s graduation ceremony. Below left: In keeping with tradition, Clover Hill High School seniors toss their caps at the close of their graduation. Below right: A triumphant Clover Hill High School graduate pumps his fists in the air after finally receiving his diploma. See more on Page 2.
Cosby High School PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Top left: The parents of McAllister “Cal” Reilly accepted a diploma in their son’s memory at Cosby High School’s graduation on June 6. Their son passed away the previous week. Top right: Cosby High School Principal Brenda Mayo applauds her 2013 graduates. Bottom: Rows of Cosby High School seniors anxiously await the start of their graduation. See more on Page 2.
PHOTOS BY ANJIE HENLEY
Left: James River High School’s class of 2013 was led into the VCU Siegel Center by a student carrying a large, colorful banner. Below: Teacher Carrie Roarty, who is fighting breast cancer, shares a hug with a student. The entire senior class wore pink ribbons to graduation in her honor. Bottom: Chesterfield County officials congratulate a James River High School graduate. See more on Page 2.
Manchester High School PHOTOS BY JODI DEAL
Above: The large crop of Manchester High School graduates on June 8 drew a huge crowd, filling the Virginia Commonwealth University Siegel Center to capacity. Left: Manchester High School’s 2013 class poet, Brittany Taylor Dawkins, prepared a graduation poem called “A New World.". Below: Manchester High School graduates applaud class president Paula Olumide Olugbemi, who used quotes from the rapper Drake in her welcoming remarks. See more on Page 6.
James River High School
Midlothian High School PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Above: Monacan High School Senior Class President Joshua Shaffer lets out a happy scream as he tells his classmates it’s finally over. Right: A Monacan High School graduate returns to her seat smiling after receiving her diploma. Below: Monacan High School Principal William Broyles, foreground, leads the way as graduates and local dignitaries enter his school’s graduation ceremony. See more on Page 6.
PHOTOS BY ANJIE HENLEY
Top: Midlothian High School’s top 10 students got special recognition during the school’s June 7 graduation at the VCU Siegel Center. Left: Midlothian Principal Shawn Abel grins at his first class of graduating seniors. Right: Jubilant Midlothian seniors take part in the traditional cap toss. See more on Page 6.
Monacan High School
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Clover Hill High School
2013
PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Above left: A Clover Hill High School graduate mugs for the camera with her brand new diploma. Middle: Jubilant families cheered their graduates on at Clover Hill High School’s June 6 graduation ceremony. Right: A Clover Hill High School graduate gestures to family watching from the stands at the VCU Siegel Center.
2013
Cosby High School
PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Above: Cosby High School valedictorian Thomas H. Negron gives his valedictory speech during his school’s June 6 graduation ceremony. Right: Excited Cosby High School seniors react to the start of their graduation ceremony.
James River High School 2013
PHOTOS BY ANJIE HENLEY
Above: James River High School graduate Reed Dibich, who has a full scholarship to Yale, was heavy with medals by the end of his graduation on June 7. Middle: James River High School students anxiously await their diplomas. Right: James River High School students stand at the outset of their graduation ceremony.
Congratulations Class of 2013!
Tired of joint pain interfering Call Belfield Physical Therapy today! Located in the Arboretum Gold’s Gym.
Graduation 2013 contnued on page 6
Village Bank updates mobile banking
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Bumblebee Jamboree creates buzz once again
The experience, Edwards said, will show attendees how many of those dishes depend on the travels of the abovementioned animals. “Annually, about 40 billion dollars’ worth of products made in the U.S. agriculture are pollinator-dependent, including
crops pollinated and textiles that are made from materials created by pollination,” Edwards said. “For instance, alfalfa has to be pollinated by a certain type of bee, and we feed it to cows.” “If not for that, milk and cheese would not be produced. And, one out of every three bites of food is pollinator-dependent,” Edwards said. The event is intended to help local residents to view pollinators less like pests and more like vital contributors to our ongoing eco-system. By day’s end, par ticipants might even feel less afraid of bees. “Well, if you’re taking about bees in general, people are afraid of a sting, but females are the only ones who can sting,” Edwards said. “Most bees are extremely docile and don’t get agitated easily.” The Children’s Lawn at Maymont is located at 2201 Shields Lake Drive in Richmond. For more information about the Bumblebee Jamboree, visit www.tinyurl.com/bumbleebeejamboree.
804.598.4305
June 17 – August 30 11th Street Closed Between Broad & Marshall VCU Medical Center is making way for Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new Children’s Pavilion. A portion of 11th Street will close for construction this summer, from June 17 to August 30, between Broad and Marshall streets. Current valet and self-parking options will not change. Thank you for your patience as we advance health for our region!
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Bees and other pollinators are seen by some as airborne pests, but our world would be a very different place without them. In fact, the pollen that they distribute helps to create foods that we consume everyday including chocolate, coffee, honey and tomatoes. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, the second annual Bumblebee Jamboree, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 at the Children’s Farm Lawn at Maymont, will shed light on the contributions of insect and animal pollinators. Susan Edwards is the office’s program technician for agriculture and natural resources environmental horticulture. Edwards explained the Bumblebee Jamboree’s goal and said insects such as honeybees play a huge role in agricultural processes. “The purpose of the Bumblebee Jamboree is to bring awareness to pollinators and the role they serve in our agricultural economy with insect and animal pollinators,” Edwards said. “There’s also a concern with growing use of pesticides and with reduced habitats from development because their populations have declined, so we not only tell why they’re important but what (people) can do to protect the pollinators.” The Bumblebee Jamboree will precede National Pollinator Week, a nationally observed awareness event that will be observed from Monday, June 17 through Sunday, June 23. Gov. Bob McDonnell declared Virginia Pollinator Week on the same days throughout the state. “National Pollinator Week is celebrated in June every year, and last year was the first time we did a larger event,” Edwards said. “The purpose is to bring families together in an engaging environment to teach them why pollinators are important, what they do and why we want to help protect and conserve them.” According to Edwards, last year’s event attracted 1,200 people. The upcoming event will be entertaining as well as educational with a huge focus on families. A butterfly safari tent and an observation beehive will put participants in close proximity with butterfly and bee populations. A puppet show that teaches facts about pollinators will be followed with a themed craft project. Kids can dress up like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
with temporary tattoos and visors, and dance instructor Candy Beers of Creative Wellness Studio will teach youngsters how to frolic like their favorite pollinators. Parents can choose a snack and drink for the kids from an assortment of pre-packaged pollinator-dependent foods.
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Attendees of the upcoming Bumblebee Jamboree can learn about bees and other insect and animal pollinators.
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GUEST COLUMNIST
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CRIME REPORT
To the Class of 2013
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.
23112 May 25
supply of frozen dinners). B. The leader of a cult (and let’s be honest, joining a cult never, ever turns out well). C. Lying to you. D. All of the above. And that’s it. That’ll all I have. A little over a decade and a half after leaving high school, the one thing I know for sure is that no one really knows anything for sure. That isn’t to say that all advice is bad advice or conventional wisdom has no value. But the best part about entering the adult world is that no one gets to tell you how to do it anymore. That’s in part because you’ve earned the right to call your own shots, but also because no one really can tell you. As much as it helps to study the mistakes others have made, there is no more blueprint — you’re on your own. So no pithy quotes or words of wisdom from the editor’s desk this year, just a heartfelt wish that you find all the luck you need to take you where you want to go and all the happiness in the world when you get there. (That said, if you ever get suckered into buying a year’s worth of frozen dinners, no matter how awful they are, you have no one to blame but yourself — you should have taken my advice!)
BY ROSLYN RYAN
Dear Class of 2013, Before I say anything else, I just have to ask: Have you gotten any advice yet? Kidding! Of course I’m kidding. I’d be willing to bet the laptop I’m typing on that you have received plenty of advice in the last several weeks, lots of “make sure to do this” and “always remember that” and more inspirational quotes than you could fit on 100 coffee mugs. Fortunately for you, I have no advice to share today — nothing inspirational anyway. And what I have to say is probably not something you would find in “Chicken Soup for the High School Grad.” All I want to tell you, as you stand on the precipice of adulthood waiting to dive in headfirst, is this: I can almost guarantee that at some point over the next four or 10 or 40 years you are going to run across someone who claims to have all the answers and to hold the key to a happy, successful, productive life filled with personal satisfaction, wealth and all the things you ever wanted. When you do meet this person -- no matter where you are or what you happen to be doing -- run. Why, you ask? Simple. Because anyone you meet that fits this description will be . . . A. Trying to sell you something you probably don’t need (i.e. a book, a gadget, a year’s
Roslyn Ryan is editor of Powhatan Today and Cumberland Today.
Miscellaneous items were stolen from a victim’s unlocked vehicle.
3400 block of Suncrest Drive Unknown suspect/s broke out a glass pane on a rear door to reach through and unlock it. Miscellaneous Items were stolen.
May 27
May 30
2400 block of Sherbourne Road Miscellaneous items were stolen from a victim’s unlocked vehicle parked outside of a residence.
3200 block of Quail Hill Drive Miscellaneous items were stolen from outside a residence.
23113 May 29 200 block of Perimeter Drive Unknown suspect/s stole a license plate from a vehicle in a parking lot of a department store.
9300 block of Greatbridge Road Unknown suspect/s kicked in a rear door and gained entry into a victim’s residence. Items were reported stolen.
6600 block of Whitepine Road Miscellaneous items were stolen from a victim’s unlocked vehicle parked outside of a residence
23234
23803
May 27
May 17
4000 block of Stella Court Unknown suspect/s forced entry to the residence through a window and stole miscellaneous items.
21300 block of Hampton Avenue Unknown suspect/s stole the license plate from a trailer at a residence.
6300 block of Cyrus Street An item was stolen from a construction site at a residence.
23831
May 30
May 19 2500 block of W Hundred Road Unknown suspect/s forced entry to a business through a window.
5700 block of Jefferson Davis Highway A victim reported that a suspect had May 24 grabbed money from him after ask12800 block of Ben Fry Drive ing for a dollar in a parking lot of a Miscellaneous items were stolen from department store. A second suspect a victim’s unlocked vehicle. demanded another victim’s rings, but the victim refused and the suspects left May 29 the scene in a vehicle. 12900 block of Sir Scott Terrace Unknown suspect/s entered three unlocked vehicles at a residence and May 30 stole items. 10900 block of Robious Road Unknown suspect/s entered a vehicle with no signs of forced entry and stole electronic items.
23235
23832
23237 May 25 9000 block of Laurel Oak Circle
May 15 6000 block of Holly Trace Drive Unknown suspect/s forced entry through a rear bedroom window and stole miscellaneous items.
Civil War boat tour reveals history on the James River BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
C SUBMITTED PHOTO
Creedence Clearwater Revisited will appear at Pocahontas State Park on Thursday, June 13, as part of the Pocahontas Live concert series.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited to perform at Pocahontas State Park BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
With a string of hits like “Born on the Bayou,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” it’s no wonder that Creedence Clearwater Revival, also known as CCR, has maintained a loyal fan base throughout the years. Although the original band disbanded in 1972, its music will be played live when Creedence Clearwater Revisited performs at 6:30 p.m. today, Thursday, June 13, at the Heritage Amphitheater at Pocahontas State Park. The performance is part of the Pocahontas Live concert series. Creedence Clearwater Revisited is a partial reunion band formed by ex-members of the original band, bassist Doug Clifford and drummer Stu Cook. The act will perform courtesy of the Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment. Chris Gowin, executive director of the Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment, explained that his organization works within the industry to secure professional acts for its shows. The group’s other mission is to train students to do their own M
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community concerts. “The mission of the VMRE is to perpetuate American music through the presentation of quality educational and community enrichment programs,” Gowin said. “The VMRE works with young adults to teach them about concert promotion and production while providing economic impact for the surrounding community through professionally produced concerts and school programs.” The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment will present two other fundraiser concerts this summer to benefit the Virginia Association for Parks. Foreigner will perform on Thursday, June 20, and Scotty McCreery will perform on Sunday, July 28, and net proceeds from each show will help to fund state park projects and improvements. Gowin said Pocahontas State Park is not just a concert venue with wonderful acoustics, but also an enjoyable outdoor destination for the entire family. “Pocahontas Live offers a wonderful, friendly atmosphere surrounded by nature,” Gowin said. “Great sightlines and wonderT
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ful amenities, as well as wonderful sound and friendly concert goers – it’s a very special place indeed.” When asked why Creedence Clearwater Revival’s music has remained so popular for so many years, Gowin said that it’s fun-loving music with great lyrics that will keep audience members singing along all night long. “The music is timeless,” Gowin said. “It has a soul and a drive that brings a new generation of fans at every concert.” “I know my children listen because I listen, (and) we teach as we go and by example. So, many parents love Creedence Clearwater Revisited and what they represent,” Gowin said. Tickets for tonight’s show range from $20 to $40. Pocahontas State Park is located at 10301 State Park Road in Chesterfield. For more information about the Creedence Clearwater Revisited performance and others in the Pocahontas Live concert series, visit www.pocahontaslive.com. For more information about the Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment, visit www.vmre.org.
hesterfield County provided a stage for several important events that happened during the Civil War, and the James River was a heavily-traveled thoroughfare during the conflict. Sadly, many people haven’t seen the locations where those skirmishes took place up close. A pair of upcoming boat tours, set for 9 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, will shed light on important sites along the James. Tours will depart from 9525 Deep Bottom Road in Henrico. During the tours, Captain Mike Ostrander will ferry passengers on the Discovery Barge II while Civil War historian Mike Williams points out important locations along the shoreline. A long-time volunteer with the Chesterfield Historical Society, Williams is a mapmaker who also contributed to the recently published Bermuda Hundred Campaign Tour Guide. He said the Civil War boat tour is offered monthly. “One of the main draws is that it’s an overlooked part of history, and there are a lot of things that not a lot of people know about,” Williams said. “For the enthusiast, it’s new territory, and we’ve found in our experience that a lot of people haven’t been on the James River at all.” “So, for me, that’s the fun of it. It hasn’t been studied that much, and it’s a very interesting subject,” Williams said. Points of interest on the tour include City Point, which was the headquarters of the Union Army during the Siege of Petersburg, and Trent’s Reach, which is an area behind Henricus Historical Park in Chester where one of the final major naval battles of the Civil
War happened. Ostrander and Williams have long shared a passion for historical events and the James, which is how they decided to team up to present tours in the first place. Williams said they have been providing boat trips locally for the last four years. “Mike and I go way back,” Williams said. “We were college roommates, we have talked about the history on the river, and we wanted to do a tour of Civil War stuff.” At times, the men have also taken the craft out for private groups. For instance, Williams said that he and Ostrander recently organized a similar boat tour for a group called the Blue and Gray Education Society that happened on Thursday, May 30. That group’s membership includes Civil War historians, and it provides educational grants. Williams said that the organization is also currently raising funds to have 37 interpretive signs about occurrences that happened during that war placed along the James River. As for the next tour, Williams said Civil War buffs shouldn’t miss it. “It’s only once a month, and it has limited space, so it’s a rare opportunity for enthusiasts,” Williams said. “And, Mike has experience with the wildlife, so it’s just a good all-around experience.” Space for the boat tour, however, is extremely limited. Williams said that the Discovery Barge II can safely accommodate six passengers. Tickets are $50 per person. Interested parties must register by Saturday, June 15, and seating is first-come, first-served. For more information or to reserve space, call Captain Mike Ostrander at 804-938-2350. For more information about the 2013 tour schedule, visit www.discoverthejames.com.
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LaPrade Library’s BookThink book discussion group will cover “The Marriage Plot” by Jeffrey Eugenides from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The library is located at 9000 Hull Street Rd., and can be reached at 804276-7755. Day care story time will be offered at the Clover Hill Library from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Specially designed for child care providers, these story times provide a group experience and support literacy. The library is located at 6701 Deer Run Dr. in Midlothian, and can be reached by calling 804-318-8668.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 The Chesterfield County Public Library kicks off summer reading with the Midsummer Night’s Dream festival, set for 5 to 8 p.m. at the Central Library. Wear your fairy wings, your knight armor, or any costume or dress-up of your choice. Bring a lawn chair. Attractions will include: Juggler Jonathan Austin, magician and balloon artist Mike Klee, face painting and glitter tattoos, balloon creations and caricatures, the Chesterfield Children’s Theatre presenting songs from “The Wiz,” woodcrafting with Home Depot, and live owls and other Virginia wildlife. Food will be available for purchase. The library is located at 9501 Lori Road in Chesterfield, and can be reached by calling 804748-1603.
MONDAY, JUNE 17 Early Literacy Story Times will be offered 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Midlothian, Bon Air and LaPrade libraries. Story times help develop early literacy skills, which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. Meet You At the Movies at the Bon Air Library will feature Premium Rush, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dodging speeding cars, crazed cabbies, open doors, and eight million cranky pedestrians is all in a day’s work for Wilee (GordonLevitt), the best of New York’s agile and aggressive bike messengers. Come along for the ride in this actionpacked flick. No registration is required, and the program is free. Refreshments will be served before the movie, which runs 91 minutes. The library is located at 9103 Rattlesnake Road, and can be
JUNE 13, 2013 || 5
Bon Air Rotary member celebrates 55 years of perfect attendance
Central Library and the Clover Hill Library will both host CONTRIBUTED REPORT a pajama story times from eekly for 55 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Children are unbelievable welcome to wear pajamas and bring stuffed animals. years, Ted Story times help develop Kirby has early literacy skills, which managed to maintain perfect enable your child to be readattendance at Bon Air Rotary ing-ready for kindergarten.
W
TUESDAY, JUNE 18 Early Literacy storytimes will be offered 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Meadowdale and Midlothian libraries, and at 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Central Library. Story times help develop early literacy skills, which enable your child to be reading-ready for kindergarten. Paws to R.E.A.D will be offered 6 to 7 p.m. at the Clover Hill Library. The program offers individual 20-minute help sessions in which children read to therapy dogs. Each session takes place in a glassed quiet study area or small meeting room and parents can sit in or nearby during the session. Sign up at the reference desk. Advance registration is recommended and a waitlist is available at all locations. For more information call 804-768-7941. The Chesterfield Emergency Management staff will offer a one-hour boot camp on keeping your family safe from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Meadowdale Library Learn how to make a family communication plan, how to be safe at home or get to shelter, and what you need to survive on your own for 72 hours. This program is recommended for adults. Registration is recommended. Register online at library.chesterfield.gov or by calling any branch library at 804-751-CCPL.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 Day care story time will be offered at the Meadowdale Library from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Specially designed for child care providers, these story times provide a group experience and support literacy. The library is located at 4301 Meadowdale Blvd., and can be reached at 804-318-8778.
Early Literacy storytimes will be offered 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Clover Hill and Meadowdale libraries, then at 11 a.m. at the Bon Air Library.
Club meetings. On Friday, May 3, the Bon Air Rotary Club gathered for a very special meeting to honor Kirby, a man described as a true gentleman with incredible dedication and consistency by other club members. The crowd that day was rather large and was treated PHOTO PROVIDED BY BON AIR ROTARY to an inspiring and humorTed Kirby is presented with an engraved silver platter for perfect attendance. ous speech by Kirby, in which he promoted attendance, dedication, and the Rotary way. The club then presented Kirby with an engraved silver platter and Bon Air Rotary past president Gale Cushing read him a special poem. Several Rotarians from other clubs attended the presentation including Stephen Beers, district governor nominee as well as Jim Bynum and Jim Pierce, both past district governors for Rotary, who both spoke kind and humorous words about the man of the hour. The streak of perfect attendance is one that Kirby does not intend to break anytime soon. He has said he is already working on adding another year to his current mark. Kirby closed the ceremony by sharing the secret to a long life. “Keep attending as long as possible,” Kirby said. “Thank you. May God bless America and all of you.” The Bon Air Rotary Club meets weekly on Friday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at Joe’s Inn for fellowship, breakfast, and a presentation from a guest speaker. Rotary is an organization of business and professional Authorized and Paid for by Friends of Lee Ware, Bill Edmunds, Treasurer leaders united worldwide. The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
Congratulations!
Midlothian High School Graduates of 2013
Delegate Lee Ware
2980465-01
FRIDAY, JUNE 14
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CLUES ACROSS 1. Chicago time 4. And hearty 8. In a murderous frenzy (var. sp.) 10. Substance that imparts a hue 11. Italian’s capital 12. Oral flavors 13. The Pitt Family artist, Wm. 15. Most buffoonish 16. A group of 8 17. Overlords 18. Camera artists 21. Resinlike substance in shellac 22. Fundamentally important 23. Fishing implement 24. Hamilton’s bill 25. An adult female hog 26. Emergency broadcast network 27. Transcending national boundaries
34. Applied by spreading 35. Lower in esteem 36. Entered the noneating larval stage 37. Nears 38. Woke up 39. Selfs 40. Parts 41. Dry: esp. of vegetation 42. Knot in a tree 43. River in NE Scotland
CLUES DOWN 1. Drive-in server 2. Kiss 3. Red fruit eaten as a vegetable 4. Foot and legwear 5. Changes 6. Wind deposited silt 7. Formerly (archaic) 9. Gold fineness measure
10. Military snack bar 12. Capital of Uzbekistan 14. Old Tokyo 15. Heat in a microwave 17. A waterproof raincoat 19. Stared sullenly 20. Slang for cool 23. Revolves 24. Don’t know when yet 25. Sports shoe 26. Opposite of beginning 27. Chevy sedan model 28. Communist nickname 29. 007’s Flemming 30. Drama awards 31. Badgered 32. Towards land 33. Leaseholder 34. Capital of Gyeonggi-do 36. Yellowstone or Central
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Life experience is your advantage, Taurus. When your company is looking to fill a position, they will most likely hire from within. Make the most of this opportunity. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, just when things seem hopeless, a small ray of light shines through and you find a solution to your problem. Scorpio has some wise words, so listen up.
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, once you think you have all of the answers, something pops up to make you reassess a situation. It could take a few days for you to find the answer you’re looking for.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you have much to learn, but you cannot cram it all into one week. There is no crash course on life. Make the most of a getaway opportunity.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, changes at home are in store and you may be feeling both excited and anxious at the same time. This is perfectly understandable as you await the news.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you may have fun in the sun on your mind, but others are urging you to buckle down and focus on some tasks that need to get wrapped up before you leave.
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 You can’t seem to focus on one thing for very long this week, Scorpio. You might have to spend a few days clearing your mind before you can refocus on the tasks at hand.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, vacation plans may have been elusive until now, but you finally have the funds and the time to take the trip you desire. Your traveling partner is still up in the air.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you are not one to let an obstacle block you from your goal. Rethink your strategy and you will soon find yourself back on the path to success.
PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, a new season inspires you to make changes and reconsider old relationships. Call it a late spring cleaning of your life.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 There are some changes coming at work, Virgo. You just don’t know if they will be to your advantage or be something that could tilt you off your axis.
THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 You could be feeling under the weather this week, Aries. Even if your to-do list is a mile long, you need to take some time to recuperate before getting back to business.
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Manchester High School 2013
PHOTOS BY JODI DEAL
Above left: Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome commended Manchester High School’s class of 2013 for coming together to help student Alex Straight in ninth grade. Straight fought cancer alongside her father, who was diagnosed after her treatment had already begun. Students raised more than $20,000 to help Straight, who graduated on June 8 cancer free. Middle: Manchester High School graduates react with a range of emotions as they enter their graduation ceremony. Right: Manchester High School graduates share a jubilant moment as their classmates file into graduation.
Midlothian High School 2013
PHOTOS BY ANJIE HENLEY
Above left: Midlothian High School graduates enjoy the afterglow as they file out of the VCU Siegel Center. Middle: A Midlothian High School graduate shows off her diploma to someone special in the stands. Right: Superintendent Marcus Newsome recognizes Midlothian High School senior Savannah Lane, who will compete in the Miss Virginia Pageant on June 29.
Monacan High School
2013
PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Above left: Monacan High School valedictorian Andrew James Badgerow gives his valedictory speech during the school’s June 6 graduation. Middle: A Monacan High School graduate exchanges a high five with a classmate after receiving his diploma. Right: Monacan High School seniors file into their school’s graduation, held at the VCU Siegel Center.
Wesley visits Bethia UMC CONTRIBUTED REPORT
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, will soon appear at Bethia United Methodist Church – or at least, he will through the Rev. Jeff Hale’s portrayal of the historic figure. Hale will appear at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, to present “If John Wesley Were Here Today,” an evening filled with a “blast from the past featuring stories of our founding fathers and mothers of our great Methodist tradition.” Hale has a Masters of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga., and is currently in the Doctorate Program of Spirituality and Story at Wesley Seminary, Washington, D.C. Hale’s visit to Bethia UMC kicks of the first evening of the 7:30 p.m. Wednesday summer worship services which run through Wednesday, Aug. 28. These special, casual-dress worship services are designed for those who are going out of town and wish to attend worship service before they leave. An ice cream social follows each service. Bethia United Methodist Church is located at 10700 Winterpock Road, Chesterfield 23832. For more information, call 804-7393459 or visit bethiaumc.org, Facebook.com/BethiaUMC or on Twitter @Bethiaumc.
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Fisher gets Certified Financial Planner certification CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Stephen T. Fisher, a financial advisor at Virginia Asset Management in Midlothian, has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to use the certified
financial planner certification marks. Fisher specializes in comprehensive financial solutions for individuals and business owners. CFP marks identify those individuals
who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP certification examina-
tion. The exam covers the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning. CFP professionals
also agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements and to adhere to rules of ethics, conduct and standards. For more information about the CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net.
Fire and EMS department under consideration for national award CONTRIBUTED REPORT
The Chesterfield County Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services has been named one of three semifinalists in Virginia to potentially receive the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is the U.S. Department of Defense’s highest honor for employers that provide extraordinary support to employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve. The DOD recently named 138 semifinalists nationwide. The two other Virginia semifinalists are ASM Research in Fairfax and Honeywell International in Colonial Heights. The DOD’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee selected the semifinalist from a pool of 2,899 nominations. Chesterfield County has been recognized previously for its support of its employees who serve as reservists. In 2011, the Chesterfield County Police Department was named a Secretary of Defense Freedom Award semifinalist. In 2004, the county was recognized by the National Association of Counties for its ongoing support of military reservists. The DOD has announced 30 finalists for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award this month. From those, it will name 15 award recipients this summer. More information on the award can be found at www. FreedomAward.mil.
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‘Lacrosse doesn't build character, it reveals it’ CONTRIBUTED REPORT
T
hese are words of wisdom attributed to many a lacrosse coach’s manual, but to Greg Barnard, varsity head coach of Midlothian Lacrosse, they are the reason he coaches. Volunteering thousands of hours on the lacrosse field to motivate young men to accomplish both athletic and personal goals, Coach Barnard is the most admired lacrosse coach in Midlothian- this, according to his players and parents. Their beliefs were validated on January 12, 2013 when Coach Barnard received the premier honor bestowed by US Lacrosse- “The Gerald J Carroll, Jr. Exemplary Coaching Award. “ This award recognizes the National COACH page 9
PHOTO BY MONICA CASSIER
The Midlothian Trojans Club Lacrosse team celebrates the first state championship in the history of the Midlothian Club Lacrosse Program. The Trojans beat two-time defending state champion Atlee High School by a score of 11-4. The tournament, which was officially called the Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia, was hosted by River City Sportsplex in Midlothian on June 1-2.
TROJANFORCE Midlothian boys lacrosse comes back from slump to win state championship BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL Sports Writer
T
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL
Cosby pitcher Chelsea Whitcomb wheels and deals in the fifth inning of her team's Group AAA state semifinal game against Stone Bridge High School.
Cosby out of softball semis
he Midlothian Trojans season could have easily ended on a much grimmer note than it did. A team with a weaker character may have let an unexpected mid-April crisis of confidence sink their season faster than a crowbar in the James River. But the boys in blue (and gold) stuck to their guns – and with each other – and now they can proudly hoist a state championship trophy over their heads: a glowing symbol of perseverance in the face of certain adversity. The Trojans finished the season on an eight game winning streak in which they outscored their opponents 114-39. “It’s a credit to our players that they were able to make the necessary adjustments after the Atlee loss,” said head coach Greg Barnard, who is in his fifth season at the helm of the program. “It would have been easy for our team to get frustrated, but they put their
Midlothian junior midfielder Cole Georges chips a corner kick towards the net late in the second half of a Group AAA semifinal game at Westfield High School. Despite holding the lead for over 48 minutes of play, the Trojans ultimately fell to the Mount Vernon Majors 2-1.
Team eliminated after 9-1 loss BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL Sports Writer
T
here will be a new Group AAA state champion in softball in 2013 Last year’s state title winners, the Cosby Titans, were eliminated 9-1 in the state semifinals by the hard-hitting Stone Bridge Bulldogs. “That’s probably the best offensive team we’ve faced in two years,” said Cosby head coach Ray Jeter. “They hit the ball incredibly well.” The game was originally scheduled for Friday, June 7, but a day-long downpour forced the VHSL to reschedule the game for Saturday afternoon. By the time the girls took the field, storm clouds had given way to warm weather and blue skies. The temperature at first pitch was a heavenly 77 degrees. Central Region pitcher of the year Chelsea Whitcomb was on the bump for Cosby – something that comes as no surprise to anyone who has followed the Titans this season. The tall blonde with the Jennie Finch-esque delivery was typically dominant early on, allowing only one run through the first four innings. What may have come as a surprise to Titans fans were
minds to setting things right.” The Atlee loss that coach Barnard spoke of came on April 23, and was the undeniable nadir of the Trojans’ season for two main reasons. First of all, it was the final loss in a string
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL
of three consecutive defeats – a disconcerting losing streak that coach Barnard aptly referred to as a “mid-season slump.” Secondly, it came at the hands of a bitter rival – the Atlee Raiders – who were in the progress of defending back-to-back state championships. So you can imagine the satisfaction coach Barnard and his players must have felt when they ended the Raiders’ reign by beating them in the state title game. "It was a honor to once again share the field with an outstanding Atlee team,” said coach Barnard. “They had a great season that shouldn't be defined by one game. We had a very good day and that's what it takes to beat a team like Atlee" Although the first two games between the Trojans and the Raiders (12-3) were hardfought affairs, the championship game was the definition of a good old fashion drubTROJANS page 9
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL
Cosby head coach Mike Anderson gives the Titans a pep talk moments before the boys took the field against Mount Vernon in the state final.
Midlo boys soccer loses in squeaker
Cosby loses to underdog, but still has great season
Tense play follows Mount Vernon’s tie goal
BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL
BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL
B
Sports Writer
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he Midlothian Trojans were 21 minutes and 17 seconds away from securing a victory. Twenty-one minutes and 17 seconds away from facing their bitter rivals, the Cosby Titans, for the third time in the past three weeks. Twenty-one minutes and 17 seconds away from playing for the Group AAA state championship game But at 21 minutes and 16 seconds Mount Vernon’s Cedric Ekoue netted the Majors’ first goal of the game and sent the 1-0 lead that Midlothian had built over the first 58 minutes up in smoke. The Trojans were back to square one. From that point, the game could have gone in one of two directions. The first direction would have seen the Trojans regroup, refocus and strike a counter-blow to make inconsequential Mount Vernon’s gametying goal. The alternative direction involved Mount Vernon capitalizing on their newfound momentum to complete an improbable comeback victory. The latter turned out to be reality.
Sports Writer
efore last Sunday’s Group AAA state title match between Cosby High School and Mount Vernon High School, a song blared over the speakers at Westfield High School that seemed like a fitting ditty for what transpired over the next two and half hours. The song was “The Underdog” by Spoon, and the chorus goes a little something like this: “You have no fear of the underdog, that’s why you will not survive.” The 2013 Mount Vernon Majors are the ultimate underdog story. After beginning the season 3-7-3, they won 11 of their last 12, including a 2-1 victory over Cosby’s most bitter rival – Midlothian – in the state semifinal on Saturday. Even in that game the Majors had to overcome adversity – they trailed by one as late as the 58th minute, but went to score two unanswered goals to secure a birth in the state title game against Cosby. Mount Vernon ultimately won the state title, 6-5, in penalty kicks. It is the first state championship in the history of the program. Not that Cosby head coach Mike Anderson ever denied having “fear of the underdog.” In fact, he admitted after the game that if
SQUEAKER page 9 SOFTBALL page 9
SEASON page 9
TROJANS from 8 bing. The Trojans jumped out to a 7-0 half-time lead and never even considered glancing in the rear view mirror. The Raiders scored four goals in the second half, but the game was already well out of reach by that point. By the time the final whistle blew, the Trojans had found the back of the net 11 times. Miles Muncie had a hat trick for Midlothian (15-4). Brennan Wilkes and Austin Via scored two goals a-piece.
COACH from 8 High School Coach of the Year. Created in memory of Gerry Carroll, it was established in 1994 and annually recognizes one boys’ high school coach in the country "whose success is best measured not in victories but in Barnard the support and guidance given to the balanced growth and development of young men who play the game.” Numerous parents and players under Coach Barnard’s tutelage over the past decade submitted personal accounts of his positive influence. The Midlothian Lacrosse varsity teams have boasted a career 56-15 record over the past four years, but are equally proud of two awards for
SQUEAKER from 8 Mount Vernon’s Rahim Costa-Dorsey headed in the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute, and a little over six minutes later the Majors celebrated the first state championship appearance in the program’s history. The Trojans lone goal came in the 9th minute, when first team All-Region selection Alex Waite netted a corner kick from Cole Georges. As was pointed out in an article in the Connection, the Majors (12-8-2) had to overcome quite a few impediments just to make it to the regional tournament, let alone the Group AAA state finals. In early May, Mount Vernon was four games below five hun-
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The Trojans will graduate their three captains – Justin Joyce, Jay Moss and Madison Day – along with 11 other seniors. “The leadership provided by our captains gave us a solid foundation to field a strong team this season,” said coach Barnard. “We had outstanding defenders and a balanced attack that allowed us to compete with every team on our schedule.” Despite the mass exodus of talent, the Trojans will probably still be a force to be reckoned with this coming spring, as coach Barnard
will return six players – Corbin Dunn, Danny Serafin, Miles Muncie, Trent Parker, Nick Powis and Casey Shepherd – to a squad that will be faced with the challenge of defending the first state championship in the history of the program. Three of those six players – Muncie, Serafin and Dunn – scored goals in the state title game. “We expect to be very competitive next spring,” said coach Barnard. “There’s no doubt about that.”
Team Sportsmanship received from the US Lacrosse Richmond Chapter officials. Their successful record and commendations are directly related to Coach Barnard’s talent for expecting the best in each player. Many players noted Coach Barnard’s integrity, sense of community, and attention to personal responsibility as the backbone of his coaching, not necessarily line drills, shooting accuracy or defensive plays. Parents are cognizant of Coach Barnard being a true advocate for following the moral compass, putting all wins and losses into perspective, and teaching their sons that life is not always fair. Barnard’s respect for the military is evident in the team’s involvement with the Wounded Warrior project, and he has his team wear Armed Forces branch stickers and t-shirts to recognize the sacrifice our service people make every day. He gathers his team together before and after games to reflect upon and
remember those players and family members who are sick or have passed away. Steven Berger, Men’s Game Director for US Lacrosse, wrote to Coach Barnard, “Nominees also were to demonstrate support and care for players in their growth and development as young adults and leaders on and off the playing field. The Carroll Award measures the success of a coach not in victories but in the care and guidance given to the balanced development of young men who play the game and it was evident your dedication as a coach has displayed that.” At this year’s 2013 US Lacrosse Convention in Philadelphia, Barnard’s name was added to the sculpture trophy displayed in the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame-a welldeserved honor for a man who, by nurturing and revealing his players’ character, has ultimately revealed his own.
1) succeeded at putting the Majors away, they would have been the first Dominion district boys soccer team to reach the state championship in 17 years. The last team to reach the finals was Clover Hill High School in 1996 – a game the Cavaliers ultimately lost 1-0 to Woodbridge High School. Instead, the Cosby Titans are the team that now holds PHOTO BY MICHAEL SCHOEFFEL the distinction of ending that 17-year drought. Midlothian soccer fans Natalie Anderson (left) and Danni The Trojans finish the "Ginger" Coppino (right) cheer on the Trojans late in the second half of last Saturday's semifinal game against Mount season with a collection of Vernon. team and personal accolades that will ultimately define dred and in danger of having 10 of 11 and advanced further their legacy within the history to suffer through a brutal, than any team in the history of the program. uneventful spring. But since of the program. As a team, they were May 2, the Majors have won Had the Trojans (14-5district tournament champi-
SEASON from 8 Cosby were pitted against Mount Vernon ten times, the Majors would probably win nine of them. Still, fear or no fear, the Majors’ story is one of resilience and persistence. “They were an extremely talented team,” said coach Anderson. “Very fast, very athletic.” The Majors showed their athleticism early. Coming out with fresh legs and a seemingly boundless well of energy, Mount Vernon fired shot after shot after shot from a myriad of different angles. Some shots ended up near the goal, others did not, but the message the Majors were trying to send was absolutely clear: getting to the state championship wasn’t the team’s final goal – they wanted to take home first-place hardware. But, of course, so did the Cosby Titans. For every scorching line-drive that the Majors’ attackers fired, Cosby keeper J.C. Fueller answered with outstanding save of his own. The question of the day was whether or not the Majors could run with the Titans for the entire game. Sure, they had bursts of inspiration, and they were certainly as fast – if not faster – than the Titans. But would they be able to keep up with a team as well-coached and arduously conditioned as the Titans?
The answer turned out to be a resounding yes. In fact, the two teams were so evenly matched that neither was able to put a goal on the board over the first 80 minutes of regulation. And neither team scored in the two five-minute overtimes that followed regulation. And neither team found the net in the subsequent two golden goal (sudden death) overtimes. So, after over 100-minutes of on-thefield play, the biggest prep soccer game in the state of Virginia would ultimately come down to penalty kicks. And, even then, both teams refused to go down without a fight. Through the first seven rounds, the two squads went kick-for-kick, bringing the score to a 5-5 tie as Cayman Fisher stepped to the line for Cosby. Mount Vernon goalkeeper Lucas Belanger thwarted Fisher’s attempt at scoring the go-ahead goal, which brought the Majors’ Erik Rodriguez – a portly fellow with a physique more like a defensive tackle than a soccer player – trotting out with a chance to win it all for Mount Vernon. The left-footed midfielder and senior captain planted a kick just under the crossbar for the win. His jubilant teammates came sprinting out from midfield. They surrounded
him near the net in a mob that grew larger and larger, until eventually Rodriguez was surrounded by upwards of thirty or forty sweaty, howling Majors. The underdogs were now top-dog. “I thought we did everything we had to do,” said coach Anderson. “The first twenty minutes we were getting crushed, and then we sort of figured it out. But they were the more fortunate team today.” What got lost in the hoopla, however, was the outstanding season that the Cosby Titans enjoyed. They, like the Majors, had to battle like the dickens just to advance to the state finals. Their firstround state tournament match-up was a four-overtime thriller at home against Landstown, a game the Titans ultimately won on a Quentin Peterson goal in the second golden gold period. And the game before that – the Central Region championship - they obliterated their rivals, the Midlothian Trojans, 5-1 in a game that avenged a loss in the Dominion district championship. “I couldn’t be prouder of this group,” said coach Anderson. “It seemed like the wheels were falling off about half-way through the season [after a tie and a loss over a three-game span], but they pulled together and ended up with a great season.”
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SOFTBALL from 8 Whitcomb’s troubles in the middle innings. Sydney Broderick initiated a Stone Bridge rally in the fifth. Her RBI double put the Bulldogs on top 2-1. Not to be outdone, the next batter – pitcher Kelly McDaniel – hit a run-scoring double of her own. The most damaging blow of the inning – and perhaps the one that really took the wind of the Titans sails – came off the bat of Emily Kenny. With McDaniel on second, Kenny turned on a Whitcomb fastball and sent a line drive screaming just over the left field fence. “It’s gone,” mumbled a Cosby fan the moment the ball rattled off the bat. And so it was. Just like that, Stone Bridge had grabbed a 5-1 lead. To make matters even more maddening for the Titans, all four of the Bulldogs fifth-inning runs came with two outs. So what did Stone Bridge decide to do in their very next at bat? That’s right – they scored another four runs with two outs on the
board. The catalyst for the sixthinning rally was an RBI Texas leaguer by Courtney Gibson. A McDaniel infield single brought home the Bulldogs’ eighth run. Lastly, Kenny ripped a two-RBI single that pushed the Stone Bridge advantage to 9-1. And that’s how it ended for the Titans. Cosby head coach Ray Jeter was noble in defeat. He tipped his hat to the Bulldogs, complimented his players on their success over the past two seasons, and showed enough perspective to meditate on the fact that very few teams are lucky enough to make it to the state tournament – and even fewer have the good fortune of doing so in backto-back seasons. “You know, these girls had an absolutely incredible run,” added Jeter. “At one point, I believe they had a 30-game win-streak [than ran between 2012 and 2013]. We’ve faced good teams, beaten good teams, and come back against good teams. Unfortunately, today was not our day.”
Clarification Photos that accompanied information about registration for the Midlothian Mustangs in the June 6, 2013, edition were taken by Lee Coleman Jr. ons and region tournament runner-ups. They went on the road against state runner-up Cosby High School and won the Dominion district title game in front of a hostile and abrasive Titans' crowd. The very next week, they returned to Cosby High and secured a secondplace finish in the regional tournament. The All-Central Region boys soccer first and second teams featured three Midlothian players – Alex Waite, Finnlay Wyatt and Matthew Szucs – on their ros-
ter, with Wyatt taking home player of the year honors. So while the Trojans may have missed out on a chance to face their bitter rivals in the state championship, while they may have came up just shy of having an opportunity to be the first Dominion district school to win a state championship in nearly two decades, they will ultimately be remembered as a hard –working – and successful – group of young men. And, as a high school athlete, that’s really the most important thing.
Flag Day & Fourth of July
American Flag Page We’re celebrating the red, white and blue with a salute to our nation’s heroes in our July 4th, 2013 edition of the Midlothian Exchange. We will have a full color back page American Flag with sponsoring companies on the reverse side. Please contact your sales representative before June 26th by 3pm to place your ad.
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HAULING Abandoned Junk Cars Wanted Pay $300 up to $1,000. Cash on the spot. No title needed. Same day pickup, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free towing. Lic. salvage dealer & vehicle remover. 804-247-5263
LAWN SERVICES Brian Merrell Landscaping & Lawn Care Mowing, Hedges, Bushes, Mulching, Spring & Fall Clean ups. Residential/Commercial ** Ask about our Powerwashing Special ** . Licensed/Insured. Free Estimates. 25+ years experience. Call 804-598-8032
Recruitment
Pets & Animals DOGS COCKER SPANIE L PUPS - AKC regist. Males & females. All colors. $400. 804-513-2554, 804-779-3264 Advertise with Midlothian Exchange Call (804) 598-4305 for display advertising details!
Drivers: Experienced CDL-A or Recent Class-A grads. The Best Pay, Equipment, Benefits & More!! Roll with the best @ US Xpress: 1-866-634-6170
GENERAL EMPLOYMENT FUN SUMMER JOB!! Immediate Opening!! Must pass National Background Check & have excellent driving record. $10 per hour. Gas & Food Allowance Included. Position is manage home & help with a preschooler. Flexible hours. Please call 804-586-9893 Truck Driver wanted to drive Dump Truck hauling Asphalt & Gravel in the Richmond Area. Pay is $15 per hour. CDL & GOOD DRIVING RECORD REQUIRED. Call 804-698-9654.
10 || JUNE 13, 2013
MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM
Play Baseball at
All camps for ages 8 and up.
3008432-01
Go to: rbibaseballonline.com call 804.901.4295 for more details
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
Kroger – Ivymont Square 14101 Midlothian Turnpike
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 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
Ryan Cavan, Minor league Second Base 2012 Gold Glove winner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels gave pointers at last year’s Rapids clinic, while JRHS head coach Pete Schumacher listens.