Colonial Voice by The Progress-Index

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The Colonial Voice, Friday, April 11, 2014

MACAWS Continued from Page 1

Virginia air. Waskey approached state Sen. Steve Martin, R-Chesterfield, about proposing legislation to change the law. After researching the cause, Martin patroned Senate Bill 50, which has been approved by the House, Senate and the governor.. The bill becomes law on July 1. Waskey said a main reason for adding animals to the endangered species list is smuggling, which isn’t an issue for the blue-throated macaw. “The smuggling in developed countries is like zero. It just doesn’t happen,” he said. “People in the United States don’t want wildcaught birds.” Waskey said the bluethroated macaw hasn’t been imported since 1992. East Wings member Sharon Fassold said not allowing ownership of the bluethroated macaw hampers efforts to grow wild popu-

lations. “There are people trying to breed them to reintroduce them to the wild in their native countries and they cannot even do that,” Fassold said. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website, there are estimated to be fewer than 500 bl u e - t h ro at e d m a c aw s remaining in the wild and the population continues to decrease. The main reason for the decreased population is loss of nestlings due to competition for nest sites and the macaws falling prey to larger birds. Blue-throated macaws are native to a small area in Bolivia and can live as long as 60 years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering adding other macaws to the endangered species list, including the great green macaw, the hyacinth macaw, the military macaw and the CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/WENDY MARTIN scarlet macaw. • Leah Small may be Buddy Waskey of Colonial Heights is pictured with three of his birds. On his left reached at 722-5172 or hand is a blue-throated macaw; a blue and gold macaw named Mikhail rests on lsmall@progress-index.com. his back; and on his right arm, is a Camelot macaw named Cosmo.

Authorities investigating suspicious fires in Colonial Heights on Monday COLONIAL HEIGHTS — City fire officials are seeking answers after a string of suspicious fires early Monday morning. A vehicle was damaged on Hanover Avenue, a trash can was torched at a playground and a traffic cone was burned. Just after midnight, firefighters responded to Flora M. Hill Park on Lafayette Avenue for a trash

can fire. The can and barriers for the recently-renovated playground were damaged. The city spent about $63,000 last fall to replace the playground’s broken equipment. About 12 minutes after the first fire, firefighters were called to Hanover Avenue at Cambridge Place for a vehicle fire. A 2006 Maz da was dama g ed on the

engine compartment and driver’s side, Deputy Fire Marshall Lt. J.E. Boisseau said. Damage is estimated at $6,000. Just a minute after the car was found on fire, a police supervisor found a traffic cone on fire on Royal Oak Avenue near Jefferson Avenue. Although all fires were quickly brought under control and no

WEEKLY CALENDAR TODAY APRIL

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Road, holds bingo every Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or information about membership requirements or activities of the American Legion, visit the Post 284 website, http://mysite. verizon. net/legion284 or call 526-5656. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Recovery Support program meets each Friday from 1-2:30 p.m. in the conference room at the Colonial Heights Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Groups meet for 90 minutes and offer a structured group process designed to encourage, support and empower. All diagnosis welcome. For more information, contact Gina at 804-605-5010 or towritegina@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY APRIL

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Stress and Anger

Management by Yoga and Meditation is being held 5-6 p.m. each Saturday at 914-A Hardy Ave. For more information, call Dr. J. Upadhyay at 5240589 or 943-8688. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2239, 14705 Jefferson Davis Highway, holds bingo every Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 7. There are six to eight chances to win $500 or more. Food is available. For directions or questions about this event, call 748-4896 and ask for Tom Gore. For information about VFW membership or other activities, call Tom Ferguson, 748-4896. CHESTER — The Southern Knights Cruisers Inc. car club holds a weekly cruise-in from 5 to 9:30 p.m., weather permitting, at Hardees off Old Stage Road in Chester. Over 150 antique cars, street rods, classics, muscle cars, and custom cars and trucks can be seen. Music from the 1950s and ‘60s from Wolfman John can be heard. Event is free to the public. For more information, call Ricky Williams at 804-526-8865 or visit www.southernknightscruisers.com. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Oldies But Goodies Classic Cruizers Inc., based in Chester, holds a weekly cruise-in in Colonial Heights from 5 to 9 p.m. each Saturday at the parking lot in front of Ashley’s Furniture and Books-A-Million next to Southpark Mall. This is open to all car and truck enthusiasts that enjoy reminiscing about their antiques, muscle and custom cars, classics, and hot rods. For more information visit the website at www.obgcc.com, or call Bill or Jane Bennett at 307-3425. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The city’s Animal Shelter will hold a rabies clinic from 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the shelter, located at 301 Charles Dimmock Parkway. The cost is $10 per animal (cash only). Animals must be at least 4 months old to receive a rabies vaccination. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers. For more information, call (804) 520-9397. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Queen B Events, along with Karen Isik, will sponsor an “Until the Pieces Fit” fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday at Colonial Heights Middle School, located at 500 Conduit Road. All proceeds will beneﬁt the Autism Society of Central Virginia. The event will feature more than 60 vendors, food, face painting and fun activities. The city’s Police Department will be available to provide information on the new Life Band tracking devices intended for individuals who may wander.

SUNDAY APRIL

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Moose Lodge 1783, 170 Moose Ave., holds bingo every Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. each day. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Thursday. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, visit the website at www.chmoose. com or call 526-1537.

MONDAY APRIL

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Road, holds bingo every Monday. Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or information about membership requirements or activities of the American Legion, visit the Post 284 Web site, http://mysite. verizon.net/legion284 or call 526-5656. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association, a British Heritage Society, will meet at 2 p.m. Monday at the Colonial Heights Public Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. For information, call Valerie Jones at 804-526-1731. MATOACA — The Retired Teachers Club of Petersburg and Vicinity will meet at 1 p.m. Monday at the Baptist Children’s Home, Ritchie Multi-Purpose Building and Learning Center, 6900 Hickory Road. For information, call Filmore Martin, Membership chairman, at 804-732-3048. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Tri-City Coin Club meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Colonial Heights Public Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. For information, call George Minson at 804-5262939.

TUESDAY APRIL

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Quilter’s group program meets every Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at the Senior Center, 157 Roanoke Avenue. We have tables for your workspace. Bring with you your fabric and sewing notions, sewing machine, extension cord and work in progress. For more information call 804-520-9220. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Public Library is offering its winter/spring story time sessions on Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

injuries were reported, investigators are seeking more information. Anyone with information may contact the Colonial Heights Fire Marshal’s Office at 804-520-9376 or boisseauj@colonialheightsva.gov, or Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers at 804-748-1278 or www.crimesolvers.net.

through May 14. Each session includes stories, music, lots of movement and a craft. This is a family story hour, and all ages are welcome. No registration is necessary. A parent or caregiver must attend with the child. For more information, call Chantal Emerson at 804-520-9384. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Alzheimer’s Association will sponsor a support group meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Care Advantage, 3509 Boulevard. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Chapter 1472 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees will meet at the Colonial Heights Library at 2 p.m. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Central Virginia Coin Club will hold its regular meeting at Dante’s Pizzeria, 2900 Cedar Lane, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, call Jim Ransom at 6916286.

WEDNESDAY APRIL

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support meets at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Colonial Heights at 6:45 p.m. each Wednesday. The group is designed to be “open” so that a person can begin coming any week. Childcare is provided. The church is located at 17201 Jeff Davis Hwy. DivorceCare features nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics. For information, call 526-0424. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 485 meets each Wednesday morning at Colonial Heights Library, 1000 Yacht Basin Drive. Weigh-ins begin at 8:15 a.m. and the meetings start at 9. For information, call Evelyn at 748-2607. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Optimist Club of Colonial Heights, 916 Meridan Ave., holds bingo every Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird games start at 6:45 and regular games start at 7. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, or details call 5260689. Monies raised support youth projects in the community. CHESTERFIELD — Chesterﬁeld County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center hosts a free, ongoing support group for survivors of domestic and sexual violence from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays. New members are welcome to join at any time. For information or to enroll, call 706-1281. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Public Library is offering its winter/spring story time sessions on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. through May 14. Each session includes stories, music, lots of movement and a craft. This is a family story hour, and all ages are welcome. No registration is necessary. A parent or caregiver must attend with the child. For more information, call Chantal Emerson at 804-520-9384. CHESTER — The American Red Cross, Web of Hope, welcomes all who would like to learn to knit or crochet to its monthly meeting held at Chester Baptist Church, 4317 School St., on the third Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome to participate, or you may help this program by donating new yarn. For information, call Linda Southward at 779-3453 or Angela Guastella at 530-0871.

THURSDAY APRIL

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Colonial Heights Moose Lodge 1783, 170 Moose Ave., holds bingo every Thursday. Doors open at 4 p.m. each day. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m.

CH area pets go online to find homes COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Happy Endings Animal Rescue Team Inc. has joined thousands of animal welfare organizations across North America and beyond that list their homeless pets on Petfinder, the online leader in responsible pet adoptions. Petfinder, the largest database of adoptable animals on the Internet, has been committed to animal welfare and rescue organizations dedicated to the cause since its founding in 1996. Over 13,000 rescues and shelters leverage Petfinder’s website, Petfinder.com, and mobile apps to connect homeless pets with prospective pet adopters. To get started, a potential adopter simply enters his or her search criteria and a list is returned that ranks the pets by proximity to the location entered. Adoptions are carried out by the animal placement group that is caring for the pet selected, following its policies. Petfinder was established as a grassroots project by Betsy Banks Saul and Jared Saul to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets. Since its inception, the website has facilitated more than 21 million adoptions, making it the most life-saving initiative in animal welfare. Additionally, Petfinder is a digital destination for pet owners, providing resources on pet care, health and training.

Thursday. Food is available for a nominal fee. For directions, visit the website at www.chmoose. com or call 526-1537. CHESTER — The Chester Village Sunshine Club meets at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday at Chester Village Clubhouse, 11701 Chester Village Drive. This is for seniors 62 and older. Coffee and refreshments are provided. CHESTER — Commonwealth Power Sports presents every type of Bike Night 6-8 p.m. each Thursday at Steel Horse Bar & Grill, 1920 W. Hundred Road. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Rotary Club of Colonial Heights meets at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpark Boulevard, each Thursday at 7 a.m. HOPEWELL — St. Joseph Catholic School holds bingo every Thursday at AHEPA Hall, 810 W. Poythress St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. Food is available for nominal fee. For more information, call St. Joseph School at 732-3931. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Colonial Heights Community Center, located at 157 Roanoke Ave. This will be a Triad meeting, featuring guest speaker Jack Saunders with the Better Business Bureau. He will be presenting information regarding telemarketing fraud, IT fraud and contractor fraud. This meeting is free and open to the public. Any resident of Colonial Heights, age 50 and older, is invited to join the Colonial Heights Senior Citizens Club, which meets each Thursday. For more information about the club, call 526-3497. For more information about the Triad meeting, call 520-9220. PETERSBURG — An Amputee Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, 95 Medical Park Blvd. All patients who have experienced an amputation, as well as their family and friends are invited to attend. For more information, contact Stephanie Thompson at 504-8100 or stephanie.thompson@healthsouth. com. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Association of Military Retirees meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of every month in the Colonial Heights Community Building. Military retirees of all branches of service and their spouses, and Reserve and National Guard retirees are invited to become members. All active duty members with 18 or more years service are invited to become a member. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — If you are a family member or friend of someone who has dementia, including Alzheimer’s, and would like to join a support group, please call 526-6851. Support groups are meeting on the ﬁrst and third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at Colonial Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, 831 Ellerslie Ave. Dinner provided if you RSVP no later than the morning of the group meeting. COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert E. Lee Post 2239 and the Ladies Auxiliary meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Post Home, 14705 Jefferson Davis Highway.

Calendar listings

The Colonial Voice will publish a listing of events in the community each week. The goal is to highlight the nonproﬁt, social, fraternal or self-help groups in the region. The deadline for submitting items is at noon Monday for the Friday newspaper. Submit calendar items to newsroom@progressindex. com or to The Progress-Index, 15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803.