120415 colonial voice

CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA

INSIDE, V3

FESTIVE TREE LIGHTING INSIDE, V5

Friday, December 4, 2015

LOCAL Dunlop House program COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Dunlop House Assisted Living & Memory Care will host another Survival Skills for Healthy Aging, an educational series for seniors, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Dunlop House, 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard.

The December topic is “Downsizing and Decluttering Tips.” The program will be presented by Joann Crowell-Redd of SFS Estates.

RSVP is requested by Friday, Dec. 4. Call 804520-0050 to RSVP or for more information about the event.

Festival Chorus concert

PETERSBURG — The Petersburg Festival Chorus will perform its annual Christmas concert, “Sounds of the Seasons” on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 225 Claremont St. Tickets for the concert are $12 and can be purchased at the door or from any chorus member.

The Festival Belles, an a capella group, will perform several songs including “There Is No Rose” by Benjamin Britton, “Pie Jesu” and “Bethlehem”.

FREE

Expanding our borders

By Craig Richards Publisher

The Colonial Voice has been dedicated to the Colonial Heights community since 2003.

The Progress-Index has proudly published this community edition for over 12 years. During that time we have been able to highlight the events, activities and people of the area.

As our times have changed, so has The Colonial Voice. In recent years, our communities south of the James River have become more interwoven. While we all maintain our distinct personalities, as we should, we also enjoy experiencing what makes each of our areas different. Our city borders used to define us.

But now, many family, friends and customers live beyond our community.

We are bigger than our borders. Many residents live or work in one area and shop or play in another. Many attend functions in one area and church services in another.

We are truly one region with great individual community character.

More now than ever, the news and information from one community affects that of the others.

News, sports and entertainment highlights in one community are important to the others.

Colonial Heights has great people and engaging activities, events and businesses.

In o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o

exposing the entire region to one another, we will be combining the efforts of our Colonial Voice team and The ProgressIndex. While this will be the final edition of The Colonial Voice, it is far from a swan song. Combining our efforts will result in expanded coverage of Colonial Heights.

The events and activities of Colonial Heights is not and should not be limited to just Colonial Heights. Therefore, in the Sunday, December 20th edition of The Progress-Index, you will see a new Metro section sharing stories that make our communities, especially Colonial heights, special with the entire region.

We are also committed to

expanded day-to-day coverage of issues happening in and important to Colonial Heights.

Currently we are searching for Colonial Heights community columnists that will be able to write about those things that make Colonial Heights who we are.

We are excited about the opportunity to share Colonial Heights more completely with the entire region south of the James. We are one region with many unique and special communities. The individuality of our communities gives us character. The Progress-Index remains committed to being an advocate for the entire region and a transparent voice between our great communities.

EXERCISING COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Hundreds join the Turkey Trot

Fool for Art 2016 call for artists CHESTERFIELD — Artists are invited to join John Tyler Community College for its eleventh annual Fool for Art Festival on April 16, 2016.

The festival, held at the College’s Midlothian Campus, features a variety of art and craft vendors from around the state. If you are an artist who is interested in participating as a vendor, sign up now. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31, in order to qualify for a discounted registration fee of $50. For those postmarked after Dec. 31, the registration fee will be $75. All applications must be received by Feb. 19, 2016, to be considered for the event.

Vendor applications may be downloaded from www. jtcc.edu/foolforart .

Alzheimers educational program PETERSBURG — The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter will be offering the following educational program to the general public during the month of December: • “Conversations About Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Effective Communication Strategies” will be offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at the Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St. Advance registration is required by calling 804-967-2580. More information is available at www. alz.org/grva.

INDEX Opinion ..............V2 Things to do.......V3

Classifieds .........V6

Vol. 13, No. 13

Participants in the fourth annual Turkey Trot begin the race on Thanksgiving Day. There were over 900 people who participated in the event Nov. 26. AMIR VERA PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Colonial Heights holds fourth annual fun run on Thanksgiving Day

By Amir Vera Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The sight of green shirts, turkey hats and superherothemed costumes could be seen along Conduit Road Thursday morning, Nov. 26.

The Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce, the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, along with other city and local organizations, sponsored the fourth annual Turkey Trot, bringing in over 900 participants from around the Tri-Cities.

“I just think it’s great how the community has come together,” said Rita Feasenmyer, president of Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce. “The police department, the recreation department, the city works [have come together] to keep everyone safe. All the way around, it’s just a great event.”

Craig Skalak, Colonial Heights director of Recreation and Parks, said his

department has helped with operations in the past, but this was the first time they’ve administered the event due to the recent death of Roger Green who originally began the Turkey Trot in 2012.

“Roger wanted to do a fun, family event for Thanksgiving and bring our community together to stress healthy living in our community,” Skalak said. “Roger did a good job with starting it and we’re kind of holding the torch for a year.”

Skalak added that this year the event raised $8,500 in sponsors.

“It’s been a joy to assist the chamber and the schools to make sure this tradition continues,” he said.

Feasenmyer said the continuing community involvement illustrates just how important this event is to the city.

“Our population is roughly around 17,000, if we’ve got a 1,000 people out here that come together on Thanksgiving Day, that shows how committed they are to the community,” she said.

Participants said they enjoyed the fun

run. Manuel Perez of Colonial Heights ran with his wife, Jodi Perez, and 6-yearold son, Louie Perez.

“It’s important for us to maintain physical fitness and show him [Louie] that physical fitness is important. But it’s also important to help the community,” Manuel Perez said. “Where you live is where you raise your children, your family and it’s important for everyone to be a good community.”

Residents from outside of Colonial Heights also said they enjoyed the event.

“It gets everyone in a good spirit. You always feel good after a good run,” said John Shumar of Prince George.

The money raised from the Turkey Trot, according to the city website, will go toward scholarship funds, special school programs and Chamber of Commerce college scholarships for high schools students in the city.

Amir Vera may be reached at avera@ progress-index.com or (804) 722-5155.

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Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

OPINION

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ANOTHER VIEW

15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803

Brian J. Couturier ........... Managing Editor Bob Seals .................... Circulation Director Jamila Khalil .............. Advertising Director Travis Wolfrey ............Operations Manager Ron Shifflett ..............Pressroom Manager Peggy Simon................. Business Manager

OUR VIEW

Laws of physics suspended in Hopewell

T

he average bullet travels at 2,500 feet per second. That equates to around 1,700 mph. The average house fire burns at a temperature of about 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s 10 times the amount of heat needed to cause first degree burns.

Yet, according to Councilor Tony Zevgolis, police officers and firefighters in Hopewell do not face the same dangers as their counterparts in Richmond. This was one of over 17 reasons why he was unwilling to vote for a pay increase for emergency service personnel at the Nov. 24 council meeting.

The emergency service personnel took offense to that statement. So does this paper. Outside the council chambers Tuesday night a senior officer stated what a group of fellow officers alongside him were echoing.

“You can’t base it on the locality you work in. It has nothing to do with the size. For someone to sit up there and say that Richmond is more dangerous than Hopewell, then they haven’t worked in Hopewell. It’s a moot point and one that he can’t back up with facts,” said Lt. John Irons.

Zevgolis was not the lone nay vote Tuesday night. Mayor Brenda Pelham also voted no. The mayor cited her service in the military as a point of empathy, but she was still not willing to support this raise. “What do you say Mr. City Manager to the other departments that probably want a raise as well? It’s just not equitable. It’s not right – fair to me,” Pelham said.

To this point we disagree as well.

It is a fair request. There is a reason these folks are asking for an increase.

It is a dangerous job. With risk often comes compensation. Those in administration positions in the city are not required to carry a firearm.

They go to work every day with the assumption that crossing the hall to the printer will not involve possible gunfire or the need to navigate scorching flames. It does not mean that their job is not challenging or important, but it is not dangerous.

Certainly good stewards should request complete information on decisions needed to be voted on. It was not clear from the information presented at Tuesday’s meeting that this expense was sustainable. Perhaps a delay of a few weeks to review the numbers might be prudent. However, let’s not insult our emergency service professionals.

First. Don’t call the job these men and women do less dangerous than that of Richmond. It’s offensive. To date, the National law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reports that 115 police officers have lost their lives serving the public and the U. S. Fire Administration reports that 74 firefighters gave their lives in 2015. People die doing these jobs.

Second. Don’t suggest that somehow all employees should receive raises. That’s entitlement. Each individual department and each individual employee should be reviewed.

That’s called merit increases based on performance.

If you feel you need more time to make an informed decision then take it. Just don’t insult or belittle those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.

INSPIRATION

When [Jesus] entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”

Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”

Matthew 9:28-29 SOURCE: WWW.DAILYSCRIPTURE.NET

YOUR VIEW

Baseball, Language and American Unity “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America better learn baseball.” The late cultural historian Jacques Barzun penned these words in a tribute to the great American pastime. He marveled over the way baseball became a sport deeply engrained in our national landscape, both in the love of the game and in how it symbolizes values unique to our nation. I was reminded of this during the World Series last month. Baseball truly is a cultural touch point that brings our nation together.

There are moments and traditions that have unified our country throughout the course of our history: baseball, the American flag, Sunday church services, barbecues, honoring our veterans, our national anthem, fireworks on the Fourth of July, and county fairs, to name a few. You can probably think of several others. Some of these moments — like baseball and barbecue — are more trivial; others — like our American flag — are more significant.

But these cultural touch points serve a crucial purpose in the way they connect our diverse nation.

One of our nation’s strengths is our ability to bring together people across many backgrounds, cultures, customs, and beliefs. Our common principles of freedom, individual rights, opportunity, and the rule of law attract people to our nation. They make our nation strong. But our cultural touch points serve as the threads that connect us as a people.

The English language is one of them.

The ability to communicate in one standard language is a thread that unifies our workforce, our schools, our official functions, and government ceremonies. Nations all over the world build meaning and purpose from a unifying element. Here in America, our language builds unity among citizens. It creates a sense of national pride. It contributes to our common purpose.

Many people are surprised when they learn that even though many states, including Virginia, have adopted English as their official language, the English language has not been adopted as the official language of the United States as a whole. In fact, the U.S. is one of a relatively few countries around the world that does not have an official language.

For years, there has been a debate as to whether or not English should be one of the things that unites our nation by requiring official functions of the United States be conducted in English.

I believe it should be. Our language is a communication currency. One of the quickest ways for people to assimilate in our society is to speak the language of our nation.

Not too long ago, I co-sponsored the English Language Unity Act (H.R. 997). The legislation declares English as the official language of the United States and establishes three simple requirements. First, it would require all official functions of the United States to be conducted in English.

Second, it would establish a uniform language requirement for naturalization. And finally, it would place an

obligation on representatives of the federal government to encourage individuals to learn English.

This bill is not to say that immigrants to our country should abandon their native roots. It is important for immigrant families to teach their children where they came from and encourage knowledge of their native language. It’s also equally important for young Americans to study and learn to value the language and culture of other nations, so that they can become well-read, informed citizens, as well as gain an appreciation for other countries and cultures. Rather, the purpose of this bill is simply to encourage all residents to become proficient in English.

Making English the official language of the United States is a common sense step. The heart and mind of America is expressed in our common, unifying language. To recognize this cultural thread is to remain e pluribus unum— out of many, one.

Congressman Randy Forbes Virginia, Fourth District Chesapeake, Va.

Thanks for Moses Malone coverage Thank you and your associates for your recent clarion legacy article honoring Moses Malone as printed and illustrated in your Sunday edition. The article was wonderfully done and made even more important by the photograph of Micah Malone with his mother. A good friend sent it to me.

Many important and wonderful works of art illustrating the uniquely mother-child depth of bonding immediately leapt to mind when this article appeared. This photograph stands out and coveys so very much about the unique, warming nature of mother-child loving care. For this your newspaper as a unit deserves admiration, respect and trust.

Way back in the 1940s until about 1950, I delivered many daily and Sunday editions of The Progress-Index to nearly a 200-customer route. As it is with kids privileged to have the paperboy experiences safely roaming the streets and blocks of Petersburg evenings and wee hours of Sunday mornings, with just the dogs and cats for company, memories remain enchanting and are rebooted by the Moses Malone illustrated article.

T. P. Logan Nashville, Tennessee

Presidential primary debates: Free speech as discussion or distraction?

The great debate over the 2016 presidential primary debates is distracting and disappointing at the least, in free speech terms.

Distracting in that the most-talked about issue at the moment is concern over news media bias and news media credibility, an issue that while troubling is hardly new — or news — to many Americans.

Disappointing in that the purpose of a free and open debate — which is an exchange of differing political views without government intervention or

limitation, and is at the core of why we have such strong protection for free speech — thus far seems more than an afterthought than outcome.

Lost in the national kerfuffle, which along with criticism of moderators includes debate hall temperatures and the process for taking bathroom breaks, is a real discussion over improving an already weakened process so that it informs rather than simply inflames.

A starting point for serious talk about using such debates as part of our commitment to free speech, petition and assembly is to acknowledge that the primary season — as opposed to the limited series of debates once presidential candidates are nominated — sets out what well may be an impossible task.

Take an increasingly common double-digit set of primary candidates onto a TV stage to face multiple questions on complex issues in just a few hours. Try to keep the focus on those issues and solicit real responses, even as campaign strategists and the financial dynamics of running for office today pressure candidates to simply stick to their generic talking points and attempt to motivate donors — or get national attention — with dramatic statements and rhetorical flourishes.

Add in personal attack time, whether directed at the moderators, the news media or opponents.

Such a system doesn’t need First Amendment protection for free speech. Let’s just borrow the ropes, ring and format from professional wrestling and issue a whistle to someone who — as proposed in the latest GOP attempt to “reform” the debate structure — declares the appropriate party preference.

As vocal critics of today’s debates hold forth, some do see the events as acceptable, if not admirable. The Newseum Institute and the online talk leader TYT Network recently co-sponsored a discussion at the Newseum about how millennial voters will consume news of the 2016 elections.

Panelists said young voters see lighter questions, along with serious inquiries, as more in keeping with how their generation shares all kinds of news and information.

Free speech matters most when we have something worth saying, regardless of whether the views are popular or not. In a political contest, this constitutional right and duty shouldn’t be wasted on trivial talk or spiteful spats.

The news media’s role in a political debate should be to encourage, enable and on occasion, to press candidates with piercing inquiry to be specific, clear and definitive about positions or policy — or journalists have no real reason to be on stage.

The First Amendment provides us with the right to freely debate public policy with the intent of making our nation a better place in which to live.

Moderators asking silly questions or candidates hijacking the process simply to shriek for attention or to shill for donor support is just wrong.

Gene Policinski First Amendment Center Newseum Institute Washington, D.C.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Dec. 4, 2015

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YOUR NEWS WOODLAWN BAPTIST CHURCH

Community Fall Festival THINGS TO DO THIS

WEEKEND HOW TO SUBMIT: Send event and contact info to newsroom@ progress-index.com or The Progress-Index, 15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803

1. Holiday bazaar The 24th annual Jingle Bell Bazaar will be held Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ecoff Elementary School, 5200 Ecoff Ave., Chester. More than 110 local crafters and vendors will offer a wide variety of items, such as baked goods, bird houses, clothing, decorations, hand-painted porcelain, glass and slate jewelry, pet products, wood crafts and wreaths. Door prizes and concessions. The $1 admission donation will benefit the Ecoff Elementary PTA.

2. ‘Plaid Tidings’ at the Mill

to warm their hands while waiting for the parade to arrive. Concessions will be available for purchase.

5. Symphony concert The Petersburg Symphony Orchestra will present its “Home for the Holidays” concert at 4 p.m.

Sunday, at Petersburg High School, 3101 Johnson Road. This concert will highlight traditional favorites. Tickets may be purchased at the box office on the day of the concert or on line at www.psova. net. Individual ticket prices are: Adult $20, Student $10 with ID, Senior $18; Season tickets are: Adult $55, Student $25 with ID, Senior $50.

6. The Beacon rocks

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” by Stuart Ross is currently playing at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights. Shows are held Thursday through Saturdays at 8 p.m. nightly with some matinees.

Tickets are available for the show only or a buffet meal and show. Call 804-7485203 for reservations or visit www.swiftcreekmill. com for online ticketing.

Hopewell’s historic Beacon Theatre will be rocking this weekend with music from Jonny Lang with guest on Friday; doors open 6:30 pm.; and on Saturday, Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas starring Michelle Berting Brett with special guest; doors open at 6:30 p.m.. Tickets are on sale at the box office, online or by phone. The Beacon Theatre is located at 401 N. Main St.; 804-446-3457; www. thebeacontheatreva.com .

3. Street Parades

7. ‘Holiday Memories’

Petersburg, Prince George and Hopewell will be hosting their annual holiday parades this weekend. The Petersburg Christmas Parade will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. The route along South Crater Road will start near the water tower (Old J.C. Penney parking lot) and end at Pinehill Plaza. Free The Prince George County Christmas Parade will also be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. The parade route along Courthouse Road begins at Beazley Elementary School and Scott Park. Rain or shine.

Free.

Hopewell’s festivities will be held on Sunday and include not only a holiday parade, but also the city’s tree lighting ceremony, a concert at the Beacon Theatre, The action runs from 4-8 p.m. starting with the parade beginning at Cavalier Square shopping center, following 15th Avenue and City Point Road to downtown Hopewell, where it will end at the Ashford Civic Plaza, where the tree lighting ceremony will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. (immediately following the parade). Beginning at 6 p.m., local school groups will perform at the Beacon Theatre. Different groups will perform throughout the evening until 8 p.m.

The Beacon Theatre will also offer a special area for children to meet Santa Claus. All Hopewell events are free and open to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase at the Beacon Theatre.

Quill Theatre will present Holiday Memories by Truman Capote, adapted

by Russell Vandenbroucke, from Dec. 3-26 at Grace Street Theatre, 934 W. Grace St., Richmond. This family-friendly play is directed by Dr. Jan Powell.

4. Holiday Boat Parade For all ages. The public is invited to Hopewell City Marina to view some beautifully decorated boats participating in the Holiday Boat Parade. The parade runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Local boaters spend hours hanging lights and attaching holiday decorations to see who will take home the top prize.

Free to the public. Event includes Christmas music and a bonfire for viewers

8. ‘Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols’ The University of Richmond’s Office of the Chaplaincy, in partnership with the Department of Music, will hold the 42nd annual “Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols” on Sunday in Cannon Memorial Chapel. Two identical community services will be offered, one at 5 p.m., and another at 8 p.m. The university’s Schola Cantorum and Women’s Chorale will present carols as well as anthems in the tradition of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. University Chaplain Craig Kocher will preside over the services, which will conclude with the lighting of candles by the congregation and the singing of “Silent Night.” For more information, visit http:// chaplaincy.richmond.edu/ practice/christian-life/holidays.html .

9. ‘A Colonial Christmas’ Road trip. In Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center is presenting “A Colonial Christmas,” Dec. 1, through Jan. 3, 2016.

The month-long event explores 17th- and 18thcentury holiday traditions with interpretive programs and, December 26-31, musical entertainment of the period. The two livinghistory museums tell the story of our nation’s beginnings throughout the year with gallery exhibits and historical interpretation in re-created outdoor settings – a Powhatan Indian village, 1607 ships and colonial fort at Jamestown Settlement, and Continental Army encampment and Revolution-period farm at the Yorktown Victory Center.

Face painting was one of many activities offered at the Community Fall Festival sponsored by Woodlawn Baptist Church in Colonial Heights on Oct. 31. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Event included games, face painting, costume contest, music and ‘yummy baked goods’ From Contributed Report

C

OLONIAL HEIGHTS — Woodlawn Baptist Church, located at 3120 Woodlawn Ave., hosted a Community Fall Festival from 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 31.

According to a statement released by Diane Embry on behalf of the church, “there were lots of fun things to do, including many games, face painting, costume contest, ... door prizes, music, and lots of candy and refreshments.

“Crafts and yummy baked goods were for sale. An adult at Woodlawn Baptist Church’s CommuWe had a great time and really enjoyed having the nity Fall Festival holds up one of the many door community children and families join us,” she said. prizes given away at the event.

Woodlawn Baptist Church in Colonial Heights hosted a Community Fall Festival on Oct. 31. The event featured games, music, a costume contest, plus lots of refreshments and candy.

SWIFT CREEK MILL STAR SEARCH

Theatre presenting summer camps Applications available for 2016 Exploratory Theatre Camp and 2016 Performance Camp From Contributed Report

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Swift Creek Mill Theatre is preparing for its 2016 Summer Theatre Camps.

Two sessions of the 2016 Exploratory Theatre Camp will be offered. Interested youth may register for the June 20-24 camp or the July 18-22 camp. Camp hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The theatre exploratory camp is recommended for ages 8 to 15 (grouped by age) Full tuition is $240.

Please remit a nonrefundable deposit of $25 with your application. The balance of $215 is due two

weeks before the first day of camp. Tuition for a second or third sibling is $220.

Tuition includes: hot lunch, music, acting, movement, and theatre enrichment classes. Theatre enrichment classes are designed to give students a better knowledge and appreciation of all aspects of theatre, such as make-up, dialects, special effects, lighting, auditioning, costuming and more.

On Friday afternoon (the last day of camp) at 3:30 p.m., the students will have the opportunity to take part in a variety show. Parents are invited to attend to see what their

children have worked on during the week.

The theatre’s faculty consists of area directors, music directors, singers, dancers, actors and technicians who have an interest in sharing their craft with children.

The 2016 Performance Camp is a two-week masters class in acting, singing and dancing. This camp will be held Aug. 1-12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. A hot lunch is provided.

This theatre master camp is recommended for ages 8 to 15.

Full tuition is $450.

Please remit a nonrefundable deposit of $50 with your application. The

balance of $400 is due two weeks before the first day of camp. Sibling discount not available for Performance Camp.

Students in this camp will have an intensive rehearsal process with top directors and choreographers, resulting in a vibrant production performed on the Mill stage for an audience.

Performances will be held Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, 7 p.m. each night. Tickets for the performances will be $5 per person.

Interested youth must complete an application to reserve a space. Applications are available at www.swiftcreekmill.com .

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Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

LEADING THE WAY

CHRISTMAS ON THE BOULEVARD Region’s first holiday parade of the season spreads cheer on Tuesday evening Staff Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The 63rd annual Christmas parade – a longtime Colonial Heights tradition — moved along the Boulevard on Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

This year’s theme was called “Christmas On The Boulevard.”

The Colonial Heights Optimist Club started

the parade in 1953. The nighttime parade is a unique event that draws people from all over the Tri-Cities area. Since 1961, the parade has been organized by the Colonial Heights Jaycees, making the parade a true community event.

Beginning in 2014, the City of Colonial Heights assumed management of the annual Christmas parade.

Participants move along the Boulevard during the annual Christmas parade in Colonial Heights on Tuesday, Dec. 1. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

PETERSBURG’S MASONIC-SPONSORED YOUTH GROUP

DeMolay initiates new members 3 members of the group are Colonial Heights residents From Contributed Report

MIDLOTHIAN — At a Central Region DeMolay meeting in Midlothian earlier in the fall, the Pe t e r s b u r g D e Mo l ay Club welcomed three new members.

Tommy Colletti received both the Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees, while Bryn Trader and Zach Wittig each received the DeMolay Degree.

Together with current member Billy Erner, the growing Club now has four members. These are the first members initiated into DeMolay in Petersburg in over 45

years.

The Club is already planning a series of fun activities, including rock climbing, game nights, a tt e n d i n g t h e C o l o nial Heights Christmas Parade, and helping the local Masons.

The Club is actively looking for new members.

Tommy Colletti is the 15-year-old son of Thomas and Christi Colletti of Colonial Heights and is a 10th-grader at Colonial Heights High School.

Bryn Trader is a 20-yearold student at Richard Bland College, and he and his brother, Billy, are the sons of John and Kim Erner of Colonial Heights.

Zach Wittig is the 12-yearold son of Kenneth and Traci Wittig of Chester, and is a seventh-grader

at Elizabeth Davis Middle School in Chester.

The Order of DeMolay is a Masonic-sponsored youth group for young men between the ages of 12 and 21.

A c c o r d i n g t o To m Varner of Dinwiddie, local advisor for the group, “It is dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today.

DeMolay combines this serious mission with a friendship among memfun approach that builds bers in more than 1,000 i m p o r t a n t b o n d s o f chapters worldwide.”

The Petersburg DeMolay Club - a Masonic-sponsored youth group for young men between the ages of 12 and 21 - welcomed three new members recently.

Tommy Colletti of Colonial Heights, received both the Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees, while Bryn Trader of Colonial Heights and Zach Wittig of Chester each received the DeMolay Degree.

Together with current member Billy Erner of Colonial Heights, the growing club now has four members and are actively seeking new members. Pictured from left to right are: Bryn Trader, Tommy Colletti, Zach Wittig and Billy Erner. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Anyone interested in about the group, are joining DeMolay or wish- encouraged to call Tom ing more information Varner at 815-210-8757.

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Dec. 4, 2015

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BRIEFLY ITEMS

Tetterton named October’s top seller COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Rick Tetterton, a sales associate with Long & Foster Real Estate, the largest family-owned residential real estate company in the Tetterton United States, has been named top seller for October 2015 for Long & Foster’s TriCities Southpark office, located at 601 Southpark Boulevard.

“We are proud to announce Rick Tetterton as this month’s top seller,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “Rick is one of many examples of Long & Foster’s highly-trained professionals who go to great lengths to best serve clients seeking the total homeownership experience.”

A real estate professional for 19 years, Tetterton is an active member of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Association of Realtors. Tetterton has consistently proven to be a high achiever since he entered the real estate field, and has frequently been cited as a top real estate producer. Tetterton is a member of Long & Foster’s coveted Director’s Club for producing more than $2 million in settled sales volume in 2014.

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

‘TIS THE SEASON

LIGHTING UP THE CITY

Lindsay named October’s top closer COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Jessica Lindsay, a sales associate with Long & Foster Real Estate, the largest family-owned residential real estate company in the United States, has been named top closer for October Lindsay 2015 for Long & Foster’s Tri-Cities Southpark office, located at 601 Southpark Boulevard.

“We are proud to announce Jessica Lindsay as this month’s top closer,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “Jessica is one of many examples of Long & Foster’s highly-trained professionals who go to great lengths to best serve clients seeking the total homeownership experience.”

A real estate professional for three years, Lindsay is an active member of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Association of Realtors.

Lindsay has consistently proven to be a high achiever since she entered the real estate field, and has frequently been cited as a top real estate producer. Lindsay is a member of Long & Foster’s coveted Executive’s Club for producing more than $1.5 million in settled sales volume in 2014.

For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Johnson named October’s top lister COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Silvia Johnson, a sales associate with Long & Foster Real Estate, the largest family-owned residential real estate company in the United States, has been named top lister for October 2015 Johnson for Long & Foster’s Tri-Cities Southpark office, located at 601 Southpark Boulevard.

“We are proud to announce Silvia Johnson as this month’s top lister,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “Silvia is one of many examples of Long & Foster’s highly-trained professionals who go to great lengths to best serve clients seeking the total homeownership experience.”

A real estate professional for 15 years, Johnson is an active member of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Association of Realtors. Johnson has consistently proven to be a high achiever since she entered the real estate field, and has frequently been cited as a top real estate producer. Johnson is a member of Long & Foster’s coveted Director’s Club for producing more than $2 million in settled sales volume in 2014.

In addition, Johnson holds the prestigious Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Graduate, Realtor Institute designations of advanced real estate. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.

Students from a local dance school pose for a photograph with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the second annual Christmas tree lighting and Santa’s workshop event at the Courthouse in Colonial Heights on Saturday, Nov. 28. Participants enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa, live entertainment and portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. SHELBY MERTENS/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Children pose for a photograph with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the second annual Christmas tree lighting and Santa’s workshop event at the Courthouse in Colonial Heights on Saturday, Nov. 28. Participants enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa, live entertainment and portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Santa and Mrs. Claus take a break between photographs with children during the second annual Christmas tree lighting and Santa’s workshop event at the Courthouse in Colonial Heights on Saturday, Nov. 28. Participants enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa, live entertainment and portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

FAMILY SUPPORT

CHURCH DIRECTORY

The season of giving

Calvary Baptist Church

information, call 796-1040 or visitccc4jc2007@aol. com.

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

Colonial Christian

Xi Gamma Omicron sponsors family through 2015 Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program

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

Cameron Avenue Church of Christ Address: 601 Cameron Avenue. For more information, call 526-5286.

Celebration of Life Church Celebration of Life Church of God meets at 123 Pickwick Ave. in Colonial Heights. For more information please call 221-2915.

Xi Gamma Omicron is sponsoring a family for the 2015 Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program. Needy families are sponsored by both individuals and organizations. Pictured with gifts from left to right are: Sandra Ranicki, Lorraine Buck, Donna Vrable, Carol Ricker, and Carolyn Rickman. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Chesterfield Community Church Address: Meets at Greenwood Presbyterian Church, 7110 Woodpecker Road. For more

Address: 295 Dunlop Farms Blvd. For more information, call 5204988 or visit www. colonialchristianchurch. com.

CH Nazarene Church Address: 601 East Ellerslie Avenue. For more information, call 526-6920.

Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church Address: 211 Lynchburg Avenue. For more information, call 526-0929 or visit http://www.colonialheightspres.org.

Community Christian Fellowship Address: Meets at Matoaca Middle School, West campus. For more information, call 5268260 or visit www.ccfnet1. org.

V6

Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

Hanging stockings with care

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Mantles adorned with garland and other holiday trinkets make fireplaces come alive for Christmas. That magic is only enhanced by hanging Christmas stockings, which are just waiting to be filled with goodies for good girls and boys. Those without a fireplace often hang stockings from windowsills and stairway banisters.

No written record exists to explain the origin of hanging stockings on fireplace mantles. Despite this, many people link the tradition to a tale about St. Nicholas. As that story goes, St. Nicholas was traveling through a village when he overheard the plight of three women. They were poor, and their father could not afford an ample dowry to marry them off. Rather than have them end up spinsters, St. Nicholas secretly tossed bags of coins through a window (or down the chimney, depending on which version of the story you read or

hear), and they were captured in the girls’ stockings hanging to dry by the fire. The family was overjoyed to have received such riches.

Soon news traveled about the mysterious money in stockings, and other children left out stockings for St. Nicholas to capture their own gifts.

The tradition has transformed over the years, and now many children hang stockings by the chimney with the expectation that the stockings will be filled with gifts from Santa. Traditions once suggested that only gifts from Santa were left in stockings, while gifts placed beneath the tree were from family, but that has since changed. Stockings are now meant to hold small gifts while larger items are placed under the tree.

Stockings should be hung away from the flames of the fire as a safety precaution. Some children even like to hang individual stockings on their bedposts instead of on a fireplace mantle.

Did you know...

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition. Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his gift-giving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts. While that’s one theory behind the tradition, others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments. Even after edible decorations gave way to inedible ornaments, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained.

Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children dutifully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

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