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SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY 05.17.12

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Clover Hill hosts “Kick for the Cure” Page 7

INSIDE SPORTS

Living Well

BY BEN ORCUTTSpecial Correspondent

Roland “Ron” Kessler’sapproach to living withParkinson’s diseaseand his encourage-

ment of others with the maladyhave earned him the Local HeroAward from the Davis PhinneyFoundation.

Kessler, 79, of Midlothian willreceive the award on Satur-day during the Davis PhinneyFoundation’s Victory Summit atthe Greater Richmond Conven-tion Center.

“We are pleased to presentRon with the Local Hero Awardand feel that he is a remark-able example of how a positiveattitude, exercise and proactiv-ity make it possible to live wellwith Parkinson’s disease,” PollyDawkins, executive director ofthe Davis Phinney Foundation,said in a press release.

The foundation was formedin 2004 by noted American

cyclist Davis Phinney, who hasParkinson’s disease.

The mission of the foun-dation is to help those withParkinson’s disease have a betterquality of life. Through its Vic-tory Summits, the foundationbrings in local and nationalexperts to talk about advances intreatment of Parkinson’s diseaseand how to live with it, accord-ing to the release.

Registration is required,but free for Saturday’s Vic-tory Summit. Those inter-ested in attending can register athttp://davisphinneyfoundation.org/victory-summit/upcoming-victory-summits/.

Kessler was diagnosed withParkinson’s disease in 1988. Hehas battled the disease with astrong spirit and a desire to helphimself and others maintain ashigh a quality of life as possible.He said he is humbled to receive

“WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT RON WITH THE LOCAL HERO AWARDAND FEEL THAT HE IS A REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF HOW A POSITIVEATTITUDE, EXERCISE AND PROACTIVITY MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO LIVEWELL WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE.” POLLY DAWKINS - Davis Phinney Foundation executive director

PHOTOS BY BEN ORCUTTRoland “Ron” Kessler and his wife Rose are battling his Parkinson’s disease as a team.

Kessler demonstrates one of his stretchingroutines in his exercise room at his Midlothianhome. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in1988, Kessler exercises regularly to help copewith the disease.

PHOTO BY JIM RIDOLPHIGreg Wingfield has headed the Greater RichmondPartnership since its inception in 1994. The 410businesses recruited since 1994 have committed$7.3 billion in new investment. The region also hasadded 75,000 net new jobs over the same period oftime. Wingfield spoke to the Chesterfield Chamberof Commerce last week at the May luncheon atMeadowbrook Country Club.

‘Phone isringing’ forRichmondregionPartnership presidentis pleased with activityBY JIM RIDOLPHISpecial Correspondent

All economicindicators in theRichmond areaare beginning to

point toward a recovery,and that’s good news for theregion, according to GreaterRichmond Partnershippresident Greg Wingfield.

Wingfield spoke at theChesterfield Chamberof Commerce’s regularmonthly luncheon last weekat Meadowbrook Countryclub.

Founded in 1994, thePartnership markets thearea both nationally and in-ternationally, attracting newbusinesses to the region.

“We do the outreachwork around the world,trying to bring in veryspecific types of businesses,”Wingfield said.

The Partnership workswith groups in the UnitedKingdom, Germany, Scan-

dinavia and the Far Eastto promote the Richmondarea as a target locationfor businesses wishing torelocate.

Keeping business in thearea also is an importantcomponent of the econom-ic development picture.

“Business retention isequally important to us,”Wingfield said.

He said economicdevelopment directors likeChesterfield’s Will Davis arevital in ensuring the atmo-sphere is friendly towardexisting businesses.

“They are the cuttingedge organizations that aretaking care of problems atthe local level,” he said. “Wesupport them with trainingand software, but Will andhis team are the boots onthe ground,” Wingfieldadded.

Wingfield indicated

Clover Hill studentwins PamplinLeader AwardBY KOREY HUGHESSpecial Correspondent

The Pamplin LeaderAward is a merit-based scholarshipthat Virginia Tech

presents to one incomingstudent at each high schoolin the state.

Last month, Clover HillHigh School student StevenMagnuson won the honor,putting him one step closerto achieving his dream tobecome an engineer.

“I was accepted intothe engineering program,and that is the major that Iintend to fulfill,” Magnusonsaid. “Since around first orsecond grade, I’ve been ac-celerated in mathematics.”

“During sophomore year,I was taking 12th grade levelmath. I’ve always been in-trigued by science, so thoseare my fortes with classesI’ve taken throughout theyears.”

During the nomination

process, three students atClover Hill were suggestedby faculty members, andMagnuson won out overhis peers. It’s possible theschool’s staff learned thathe had earned the award

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DONNA WILSONRobious Middle School teachers Melissa Rickey, Rachel Gruner, Kim Maxey and Teresa Caraher received a Partnersin the Arts grant this year to work with sixth grade students on an interdisciplinary learning expedition combiningmath, art and science concepts. They are working in conjunction with artist Lisa Johnson, and are designing a mosaicthat represents Virginia’s Watershed System. This science theme is directly related to student investigation of naturalprocesses (erosion, decomposition, bio-degrading) conservation (recycling, reducing pollution) and interdependencewithin our ecosystem, the James River and the Food Web. They will be presented their completed mosaic to thecommunity from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at the school.

ROBIUS MIDDLE: PARTNERS IN THE ARTS GRANT WINNER

SUBMITTED PHOTOSteven Magnuson, winner ofthe Pamplin Leader Award,plans to study engineering atVirginia Tech.

KESSLER page 2RICHMOND page 2

STUDENT page 4

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BY BECKY ROBINETTEWRIGHTSpecial Correspondent

Mary Elliott en-tered the hugedouble-glassdoors of Vic-

tory Tabernacle Church inthe 11700 block of GenitoRoad and her eyes beheld acornucopia of displays. Allprovided information tobenefit seniors.

Elliott was attendingTRIAD’s 13th event. “I havebeen coming to the TRIADevents for three years,” shesaid smiling as she reachedfor some pamphlets.

More than 1,000 visitorstook part in the bounty ofinformation available.

Although the topics wereserious, the event also of-fered breakfast, snacks andperformances by the Jubila-tion Senior Adult Commu-nity Choir.

The annual event con-nects older adults andcaregivers with more than65 businesses and nonprofitagencies that provide servic-es for seniors.

Among those offeringremarks.were Lynda Gor-mus, Chesterfield TRIADchair; Ken Cuccinelli II,attorney general; JuanitaBalenger, director of theVirginia TRIAD and Citi-zens Outreach for the Officeof the Attorney General;Dorothy Jaeckle, BermudaDistrict supervisor; DennisProffit, Chesterfield Countysheriff; Col. Thierry Dupuis,Chesterfield County policechief; Edward “Loy” SenterJr., Chesterfield County Fireand Emergency MedicalServices chief; and JamesHolland, Dale Districtsupervisor.

Free Tdap vaccinationswere offered while supplieslasted.

County police were onhand to promote “GotDrugs?” that enablescitizens to have a safe placeto dispose of unwanted orexpired medications. Morethan 26 pounds of medica-

tions were collected by Cpl.Mike Catron and assistingofficers.

“We appreciate the manyvolunteers and businessesthat helped to make thisevent possible by donatingtheir time, refreshmentsand door prizes,” said senioradvocate Debbie Leidheiser,Chesterfield County Officeof the Senior Advocate andDisability Services.

TRIAD is a statewidenetwork of public-safetyand older adult organiza-tions that works to enhancethe quality of life for andreduce crime against seniorcitizens.

For more information,call Leidheiser at 768-7878.

TRIAD event a success with morethan 1,000 seniors in attendance

PHOTOS BY BECKY WRIGHT ROBINETTEA resident speaks with a sheriff’s deputy.

Ruth Young is shown withLifeline.

Mary Elliott takes some pamphlets from a display.

Chesterfield County police officers collected unwanted orexpired medications.

the Local Hero Award.“Well, it is an honor and

certainly gratifying, espe-cially knowing the peoplewho voted it,” Kessler said.“There’s a lot of them everybit as active in efforts as Iam and some of them more.There are people who willbe attending this meetingwho have accomplishedmiracles with their handlingof the situations.”

Kessler and his wife Rose,78, moved from FairfaxCounty to ChesterfieldCounty in 1995 after he re-tired from the U.S. Depart-ment of Energy. A meteo-rologist in the Air Force,Kessler also had a stint as aTV weatherman for stationWTIC in Hartford, Conn.

When he was told bya researcher at the Na-tional Institutes of Health inBethesda, Md., that he hadParkinson’s, the good news,Kessler said, was he also wastold that his exercise regi-men would help him copewith the disease.

Dr. Mark Baron, directorof the Southeast VeteransAffairs Parkinson’s DiseaseResearch, Education andClinical Center at McGuireVeterans Affairs MedicalCenter in Richmond, isscheduled to be one of thespeakers at Saturday’s Vic-tory Summit.

Regular exercise is im-portant for everyone as theyget older, Baron said.

“But if you have Parkin-son’s disease, which is slow-ing you down and makingeverything harder, if youexercise, it makes a tremen-dous difference,” Baron said.“You know we like to talkabout the medicines, butno doubt that exercise isequally, equally importantas medicines.”

Parkinson’s disease mostcommonly comes on in

people who are in their 50sand 60s, Baron said, notingthere is a significant per-centage of patients who arediagnosed with the diseaseunder the age of 40.

“Most people think ofit as a tremor disorder andnot everyone necessarily hasto have a tremor, but mostpeople get a tremor,” Baronsaid.

People with Parkinson’sdisease begin to have a slow-er gait and more troubleusing their arms and legs,with everything becomingslower and more difficult,Baron said.

The problem, Baron said,is there is a decrease in theproduction of a chemical inthe brain called dopamine,which is important formovement.

“The disease occurs be-cause those brain cells thatare making dopamine aredying . . .” Baron said.

Dopamine is given toParkinson’s patients in pillform, Baron said.

“Fortunately, there’s alsoa surgical procedure that wecan do, but we tend to dothat if somebody’s had it formaybe eight or 10 years orlonger where the medicine’snot working as well andthe surgery can dramati-cally improve these people,”Baron said.

If it wasn’t for his wife,Kessler said he doubts thathe would take his medicineson schedule.

“You have to take Parkin-son’s medication on time– all the time − continually,”Mrs. Kessler said.

Although he can’t joganymore, Kessler maintainsa regular exercise routineof stretching and bending,coupled with riding a sta-tionary bicycle and workingout on a cardio glider.

An Indiana native, there’sa framed autographedphoto of legendary Indiana

University basketball coachBobby Knight that hangs inKessler’s exercise room. ForKessler, the photo symboliz-es that “You gotta be toughat times.”

And tough Kessler is.Despite having Parkinson’s,Mrs. Kessler said her hus-band made a solo parachutejump out of an airplaneabout 16 years ago.

“It was about 10 secondsof absolute terror and thenone of the most gloriousrides I ever had in my lifefor the next couple min-utes,” Kessler said.

Mrs. Kessler said herhusband’s eyesight isdeteriorating because ofParkinson’s, his balance isnot as steady as it used to beand he is unable to do thethings around their househe once did.

But, she is very proud ofhim. If he has a setback, hefights on, she said.

“He accomplishes a lot,”Mrs. Kessler said. “He’s justan exceptional person.”

“She’s a doer too,” Kesslersaid of his wife. “She’s apusher.”

Kessler said he’s fallenabout three times in thepast six or eight months.“And that fall, in almostevery case, was due to thefact that my concentrationdrifted away from what Iwas doing,” he added.

Kessler had surgery onhis feet not long ago andis working with a physicaltherapist. The physical ther-apist is “tailoring” exercisesfor him, Kessler said, “whereI need it the most.”

Although he doesn’t playtennis anymore, Kessler saidhe would like to get back toat least hitting a tennis ball.He is an avid follower of theDavis Phinney Foundation’sParkinson’s manual, “EveryVictory Counts.” Kesslersaid he likes Phinney’sapproach to living with

Parkinson’s in that chal-lenges “are opportunities forvictories.”

The Kesslers stay busywith various activities, suchas attending a weekly danceclass designed for peoplewith Parkinson’s.

Mrs. Kessler said herhusband was one of the firstpeople with the disease toproduce an exercise video,which they have distributedfreely.

They also enjoy spend-ing time with their threechildren, seven grandchil-dren and three great-grand-children.

Kessler said it dependson the person as to howhe counsels someone withParkinson’s disease.

“I try to get the person tofocus on what it is they cando and what it is that laysahead of them is a chal-lenge,” Kessler said. “And Itry to indicate to them thatit’s something you’re goingto have to live with, so youmight as well get the qualityof life as good as you canget it.”

A heart patient, Mrs.Kessler said she and herhusband take care of eachother. It’s that kind of ap-proach to life that Kesslersaid he tries to embody.

“I believe and I hope thatmy family comes to believe− if they don’t already −that it’s what’s happening tothe other guy that mattersto you,” Kessler said.

“You don’t have to lookafter your own well-being.If you look at other peopleand what they’re sufferingor having to deal with andhow you can influence that,and if you take that attitude,you don’t have to worryabout yourself.”

KESSLER from page 1

that business activity in thelast two quarters has beenhealthy, a good sign for arecovering economy.

“ It’s improving. We’reseeing more businesses com-ing into the area. We’ve at-tracted six new businesses inthe first two quarters of thefiscal year. We’ve seen about$161 million in new invest-ment with those companies,”Wingfield said.

On the retention side, thePartnership worked withabout 60 businesses withexpansion plans, increasedemployee bases, or increasedfacility capacity. That repre-sents about $75 million ofinvestment locally.

“That’s a great sign thatour local companies areadding jobs,” Wingfield said.“This picture is looking a lotbetter than it did last year orthe year before. We’re on ourway to beating goals for thefirst time in two years,” theVCU graduate said.

Wingfield said there isa changing climate in theeconomic developmentworld. “We’re not seeing themega deals like we saw in thelate ’90s and early 2000s, thesemiconductor plants com-ing and dropping $3 billionand hiring 2,000 people ormore,” he said.

Current projects usuallyfall within the $50 millionrange and generally hire200 people. “That’s our newhomerun,” Wingfield said.

Another trend, accordingto Wingfield, is fewer jobson the actual employmentrolls, but more people actu-

ally working. “In America,24 percent of all the peopleworking are on a 1099 form.In 2024, they are expectingthat to be at 40 percent.”

The cost of healthcare is aprimary factor in the rise ofcontract workers.

Wingfield said thoseworkers need to be includedin the job investment figuresto make the area even moreattractive to potential busi-nesses.

All in all, it adds to a posi-tive climate in the Richmondarea.

Recent accolades include:• Named Third Best Larg-

est City in the Country forJob Creation by Gallup.

• Voted one of the top BestCities for Business among102 metro areas by the WallStreet Journal.

• Named one of thenation’s 50 best places forbusiness and careers byForbes.

• Richmond ranked in thetop 10 of the 50 Best Citiesfor Working Mothers byForbes.

• Ranked one of the 20Happiest Cities for YoungProfessionals in America byForbes.

With 45 economicdevelopment trips plannedfor the upcoming fiscal year,Wingfield said, “the phone isringing more.”

The Chamber will hold itsannual golf classic on Mon-day, June 4, at MeadowbrookCountry Club. Slots are stillavailable for a fun-filled dayof golf and networking. Reg-istration begins at 10:30 a.m.and the shotgun start beginsat 1 p.m.

RICHMOND from page 1

CONTRIBUTED REPORTThe Genealogical Research

Committee of the ChesterfieldHistorical Society of Virginiawill present a workshop ongenealogy for beginners from9 a.m. to noon on Saturday,May 19, at historic Castle-wood, 10201 Iron Bridge Rd.,Chesterfield.

The purpose of theworkshop is to acquaint thenovice genealogist with thetools needed to begin tracinga family tree.

There will be an introduc-tion to the various types ofrecords genealogists use andwhere these records can befound. This interactive work-shop will provide opportuni-ties for beginners to have all

their questions about researchprocesses and proceduresanswered. Space is limited.

The cost of the workshopis $10 per person and prepaidregistrations must be madevia Paypal at www.chesterfiel-dhistory.com or phone theSociety office at 796-7131.

The Chesterfield HistoricalSociety of Virginia is a non-profit 501(c)3 organizationthat serves as the center forChesterfield County history.Its mission is to collect, pre-serve, promote and interpretthe county’s unique past forthe education and enjoymentof present and future genera-tions. For more information,or to volunteer, visit www.chesterfieldhistory.com.

Advertise inMidlothian Exchange!

Call Carol Taylor or Steve Pittmanat (804) 598-4305 for details.

Genealogy workshop May 19

MAY 17, 2012 || 3MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM EXPLAIN NEWS || FEATURES

Advertise inMidlothian Exchange!

Call Carol Taylor or Steve Pittman at (804) 598-4305 for details.

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CONTRIBUTED REPORTThe Chesterfield County

Police Department, in part-nership with the Drug En-forcement Administrationand SAFE, Chesterfield’ssubstance abuse prevention

coalition, helped residentssafely dispose of severalhundred pounds of expiredand unneeded prescrip-tion and over-the-counterdrugs Saturday. ChesterfieldCounty Police, as part of the

DEA’s National Take-BackInitiative, hosted a Medica-tion Take-Back on April 28at the Chesterfield CountyPolice Department CloverHill Support Facility.

During the four-hour

event, police, DEA agentsand SAFE volunteerscollected 390 pounds ofunused, unwanted and po-tentially harmful drugs.

A total of 198 residentsdropped off medications.

County takes back 390 pounds of medication

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Four ChesterfieldCounty students –Dorothy Cartwright,Lloyd B. Bird High

School; Julia Fournier, Ches-terfield Community HighSchool; Maya Henderson,Meadowbrook High School;and Travis Klein, MatoacaHigh School -- have received$1,000 scholarships from theComcast Foundation.

The presentations weremade on Wednesday, May 2,at the State Capitol in Rich-mond. Sen. Walter A. Stosch,R-12, joined Comcast inawarding $62,000 to 53 statehigh school seniors.

The Comcast Foundation,founded in 1999 to providecharitable support to itslocal communities and toempower and enrich lives,awarded the scholarshipsthrough its annual Leadersand Achievers® ScholarshipProgram.The program, oneof the Comcast Foundation’ssignature community invest-ment programs, recognizesstudents’ leadership skills,academic achievement andcommitment to communityservice.

Fifty-two of the Leadersand Achievers recipientsreceived $1,000 scholarshipsand Marleny Giron of theArlington Mill High SchoolContinuation Program wasawarded a $10,000 ComcastFounders Scholarship, insti-tuted in honor of Ralph J.Roberts, founder and chair-man emeritus of ComcastCorporation.

“It is important that ouryoung people are providedequal access to quality edu-cation in order to gain the

skills they need to succeed inan increasingly competitivejob market,” Stosch said. “Icommend Comcast for help-ing these fine students fromacross the state to achievetheir dreams of higher edu-cation.”

“Comcast is dedicatedto providing our leaders oftomorrow not only withthe support they need tosucceed academically andprofessionally, but withopportunities to serve ascatalysts for positive changein our communities,” TomCoughlin, regional seniorvice president for Com-cast, said. “It is an honor torecognize these outstandingstudents for their achieve-ments across the board, andwe wish them the best intheir future endeavors.”

The Comcast Leadersand Achievers® ScholarshipProgram provides one-time$1000 scholarships to stu-dents who strive to achievetheir potential, who arecatalysts for positive changein their communities, whoare involved in their schools,and who serve as models fortheir fellow students.

The philosophy behindthe program is to give youngpeople every opportu-nity to be prepared for thefuture, to engage youth intheir communities, and todemonstrate the importanceof civic involvement andthe value placed on civicinvolvement by the businesscommunity.

Since the program’sinception, there have beenmore than 17,000 scholar-ship winners totaling morethan $17.2 million.

Comcastawards $62,000in scholarshipsto Va. students

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Perhaps the smellof the steamingbarbecued chickenand ribs affected

the clouds above as it waftedalong the road, enticingcustomers to follow theirnoses. The storm was kindto the Relay For Life Teamand held off until the eventwas over.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.on Saturday, April 21, ScottAllen was cooking at Bon AirShell, 8762 Huguenot Road.

Assisted by his nephews,Layton and Cory Deane; hismother, Betsy Jane Allen; hisbrother, Todd Allen; ChrisHerrmann, Joanne Kithcartand Bill Thompson of TutorDoctor − all members of theteam − Scott served chickenand ribs and pulled porksandwiches, with sides ofcorn muffins, potato salad,macaroni and cheese, bakedbeans and cole slaw. Apple

pie, cherry pie and severalvarieties of brownies wereoffered for desert.

Money from the sales wasall for the American CancerSociety to help defeat thedeadly disease that tookboth Scott’s sister, Lee AllenDeane, a Boy Scout leaderfor whom the team wasnamed, and his father, JohnWall Allen.

Joanne Kithcart summedup the purpose of the event.“The food is very delicious,and we like doing things forcharity,” she told a hungrycustomer who donated moremoney than the cost of hismeal.

By 2 p.m., all the ribswere gone. The wind beganto rattle the tent and theclouds were darkening.A few customers arrivedtoo late. They promised toreturn on Saturday, May19, when Scott will again becooking for a cure.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY FRANCES BROADDUS-CRUTCHFIELDChris Herrmann helped with the April 21 Cooking for aCure event. Another is scheduled for Saturday, May 19.

Man lends culinary talentsto ‘Cooking for a Cure’ effort

CONTRIBUTED REPORTThe Chesterfield Council

on Aging will present “Dy-namics of Elder Abuse” from9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, May24, at Lucy Corr Village, 700Lucy Corr Blvd., Chesterfield.

Participants will look at theoverall topic of elder abuseand elder financial abuse.

Bill Lightfoot of Lightfoot

Consulting Associates will givean overview of elder abuselegislation on the state andnational level. He is a retiredpolice sergeant and has inves-tigative experience in violentcrimes, elder abuse and neglectand the abuse and neglect ofincapacitated persons. Forreservations, or more informa-tion, call 768-7878.

Elder abuse topic of eventCONTRIBUTED REPORT

Free Agile Writer Seminar will be held from 1 to 3p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at Martin’s Food Market,11361 Midlothian Tpk., Richmond.

Agile Writers combines the lessons of myth, story-telling, psychology, and a little project management tocreate a six-month program to finish a first draft.

Agile Writer seminar set May 19

4 || MAY 17, 2012 MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COMEXPLAIN NEWS || FEATURES

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Vol. VI, 16th edition

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WASABI THE SUDOKU GAME WITH A KICK!

For Whom the Bell Tolls?Drivers deserve better fixBY JIM RIDOLPHISpecial Correspondent

How many times do the taxpayers haveto pay for Interstate 95? For 34 years,drivers traveling between Rich-mond and Petersburg paid tolls, and

their removal in 1992 was a happy day for areamotorists. Now the prospect of toll roads in theRichmond is a real possibility.

I must admit I was somewhat surprised tolearn that the Virginia Department of Trans-portation is moving full speed ahead on a planto install tolls on some Virginia roads. I musthave missed something. While I’m no expert atjudging public opinion, I suspect most affectedVirginians might seriously consider raising thegas tax a few pennies when presented with theoption of toll booths on interstate highways.

They know, despite the public rhetoric, thetrue effects of adding tolls to I-95 will have thegreatest impact locally. It could even hinder aless than robust economic recovery or placefurther obstacles to doing business in CentralVirginia.

It’s just a poorly conceived, misguided, badidea that could only come from the puzzlingreasoning of politicians. Somehow, they equatean increase in the gasoline levy as a tax increase,while the collection of tolls from its citizens isnot. Both are badly needed if Virginia’s roadshave any chance of keeping pace with increasedtraffic and more congestion.

Few would argue that the writing on the wallin Northern Virginia is a good indicator of thefuture of our road systems here. It’s a visionmost of us don’t want to consider.

When Gov. McDonnell first took office, hereopened the rest areas with much hoopla andcelebration. Two years later, we’re turning backthe clock and the nightmare that once was theRichmond Petersburg Turnpike is a real pos-sibility.

In fairness to VDOT, the initial study is look-ing at three scenarios for toll collection. The

first requires only two booths, one at the NorthCarolina state line and one near Fredericksburg.Option 2 places toll collection gantries every 20or so miles, and option 3 collects at each and ev-ery interchange. As the collection sites increase,so does the revenue which might be an indicatorof where future plans will take us.

VDOT officials estimate upwards of $50 mil-lion could be raised annually from the tolls withthe money specifically targeted for I-95 corri-dor improvements and repairs. No one doubtsthe legitimacy of the need to pump huge sumsof money in to Virginia’s aging road systems,but anyone who has priced the cost of a singleproject knows that $50 million is a drop in thebucket to fixing the problem.

No, it will require a more novel and uniqueapproach to fund the state’s growing transpor-tation needs. In the past, citizens assumed thatonce an interstate was completed, the mainte-nance would be funded by tax dollars, possiblyeven some federal money.

Over the past decade, the federal share hasdecreased dramatically as infrastructure dollarsare routinely rerouted for other projects. And,the process has fairly been described as politi-cal when it comes to who and where the limitedfunds end up.

The words of my mother come to mind onthis appropriate weekend when she told meto never present a problem if you don’t have asolution.

While common sense tells me that a raise inthe gasoline tax of a few pennies is a reasonablefirst step, and the latest VDOT presentationregarding tolls may bolster the popularity of theincrease.

For most of us who are already paying closeto $4 a gallon for gasoline, I believe the thoughtof a few more pennies added to each gallon isfar superior to the thought of sitting on 95 onone of those 100-degree-plus summer days in abacked-up toll line.

What say you?

23112April 2412100 block of Timber Trail DriveUnknown suspect/s forced entryinto residence through the rear door.Once inside, every room inside theresidence was rummaged through.Property was reported stolen.

April 2513800 block of Shadow Ridge RoadSeveral vehicles were entered and atthis time nothing has been reportedstolen.

April 269400 block of Morley RoadUnlocked vehicle was entered and atthis time nothing has been reportedstolen.

9700 block of Pasture Hill RoadProperty stolen from the bed of thevictim’s truck.

April 273800 block of Grey Hound CourtUnknown suspect/s pried open adoor at location and stole copperfrom inside.

3900 block of Bellson Park DriveItems were taken from an unlockedvehicle left on the lot.

April 295000 block of Long Shadow CourtUnknown suspect/s rummagedthrough the victim’s unlocked vehicle;nothing was reported stolen.

4900 block of Long Shadow DriveItem was stolen from the victim’sunlocked vehicle.

12400 block of Tennessee PlazaSuspect stole items from the victim’svehicle.

4800 block of Woodbriar CourtItems were stolen from the victim’sunlocked vehicle.

April 3013600 block of Northwich DriveItems were stolen from the victim’sunlocked vehicle.

23113April 2411800 block of South Briar PatchDriveProperty reported stolen from victim’sunlocked vehicle.

11800 block of Midlothian TurnpikeUnknown suspect/s forced entry intothe business, rummaged through aninterior office and stole property.

11600 block of Midlothian TurnpikeUnknown suspect/s forced entryinto the business, removed keys anddrove two vehicles from inside andparked them outside the business.

April 251600 block of Black Heath RoadUnknown suspect/s forced entry intothe residence through a rear base-ment window. Once inside, severalrooms were rummaged through andproperty was reported stolen.

April 2613400 block of Welby CourtTwo unlocked vehicles were enteredand property was reported stolen.

23235April 239100 block of Bon Air CrossingsDriveVictim reported property was missingfrom her apartment.

April 248200 block of Greenock DriveComplainant reported property wasstolen from a vacant residence underrenovation.

April 2511100 block of Cranbeck CourtProperty was reported stolen fromvictim’s unlocked vehicle.

April 269500 block of Redington DriveUnknown suspect/s forced entryinto the victim’s residence and stoleproperty.

10700 block of Midlothian TurnpikeUnknown suspect/s forced entry tomultiple storage units at location.Property was reported stolen.

1900 block of Forestdale DriveUnknown suspect/s damaged awindow screen in an attempt to gainentry to the victim’s residence. Atthis time nothing has been reportedstolen.

April 271900 block of Woodmont DriveUnknown suspect/s entered thevictim’s residence through theunlocked front door. Property wasreported stolen.

April 291700 block of Rockcrest RoadUnknown suspect/s gained entryinto the victim’s residence and stoleproperty. No signs of forced entrywere noted.

2000 block of Timbers Hill RoadUnknown suspect/s broke out theside window to the victim’s vehicleand stole items.

April 30500 block of Whitaker RoadUnknown suspect/s gained entry intothe victim’s residence and propertywas reported stolen.

23236April 23500 block of Research RoadUnknown suspect/s broke a windowand gained entry into location. Onceinside, an office was rummagedthrough and property was stolen.

April 292700 block of Providence CreekRoadUnknown suspect/s attempted toforce entry into the vacant residence.Entry was not gained and at this timenothing has been reported stolen.

April 30300 block of North Arch RoadSuspect entered the store, ap-proached the clerk, and, while noweapon was displayed, immediatelyordered her to the back. The clerkbolted around the aisle, knockingover some items. The suspect thenfled the store.

23832April 239400 block of Torrey Pines CircleProperty was reported stolen fromvictim’s unlocked vehicle.

April 249500 block of Courthouse RoadUnknown suspect called in a bombthreat to location.

April 267900 block of Hampton GlenTerraceProperty was reported stolen fromvictim’s vehicle.

6200 block of Holly Trace DriveUnknown suspect/s forced entry intothe victim’s detached garage andstole property.

7800 block of Hampton MeadowsLaneItems were taken from the victim’sunlocked pickup truck.

All data are based on the publicly available Chesterfield County PoliceDepartment daily arrest and crime releases and are reported according toFederal Incident Based Reporting rules.

CRIME REPORT

CONTRIBUTED REPORTA free Shred Identity Theft pro-

gram will be held from 10 a.m. to1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at L.C.Bird High School, 10301 Court-house Road.

Citizens may bring up to twoboxes (no larger than 10 inches by13 inches by 18 inches) or threepaper grocery bags of personaldocuments to be shred on site in theShred-it™ document destructiontruck.

Shred Identity Theft is a metro-wide crime prevention campaigndeveloped by the Central VirginiaCrime Prevention Association in

collaboration with metro-Rich-mond law enforcement agencies andShred-it™, a nationwide documentdestruction company.

Identity theft is a growing prob-lem, so police urge citizens to cleanout personal documents that needto be disposed of and bring them tothis shredding event. Identity theftcan wreak havoc in a person’s life byruining a person’s credit or wipingout entire bank accounts, and it cantake months or even years to clearone’s name and financial records.

Prevention and awareness are twocrime-fighting tools that can helpdeter identity thieves.

Free ‘Shred Identity Theft’ eventoffered May 19 at L.C. Bird High

before he did, but the informa-tion remained a secret until thescholarship committee contactedMagnuson.

“I found out in late April whenVirginia Tech sent me an e-mail,”Magnuson said. “My guidancecounselor had known, but shecouldn’t tell me until I came to lether know that I found out.”

“I felt honored that the admin-istration felt that I was worthy ofthe award, and I was quite sur-prised because they chose me outof the whole senior class. So, I wasexcited that I had received it.”

Magnuson said, most of all, hewas thrilled about winning theaward because Virginia Tech washis first choice of colleges. He saidhe knew he wanted to attend theschool after he toured the campusin October.

“Oh, yes, Virginia Tech hasbeen my first choice for manyyears,” Magnuson said. “I lovethe campus, and it’s absolutelybeautiful.”

“The campus tour for engi-neering was very well-organized,and I learned things that I didn’tknow. The people there wereexcited about being there, and Ididn’t get that vibe at the othercolleges.”

It’s wasn’t surprising thatMagnuson won the PamplinLeader Award, because he exhibitsa maturity well beyond his teen-age years. He hasn’t even startedclasses at Virginia Tech, but healready has made firm plans forhis future.

“While at Virginia Tech, Iplan to get an internship or doa co-op,” Magnuson said. “I amgoing to try and get a job at someengineering center, and I don’tquite know what field of engi-neering, but I plan to go into theworkforce as soon as I graduatefrom college.”

The Pamplin Leader Awardisn’t the only prize that Magnusonhas won this year. He recently re-ceived the Excellence in TechnicalDrawing award at Clover Hill, anhonor he won while using a com-puter program called AutoCADto create engineering drawingprojects.

Magnuson also has been activeat his church, St. Mark UnitedMethodist Church in Chesterfield,and programs such as EmbraceRichmond, Impact Richmondand Stop Hunger Now.

He said he also takes any op-portunity that he can to help oth-ers, such as helping his neighborsto do yard work.

“I like to offer assistance topeople,” Magnuson said. “I liketo do what’s right without thethought of needing a reward.”

Still, the last few monthshaven’t been easy for Magnu-son. He has encountered serioushealth issues, but he said he re-fused to let those challenges stophim from achieving academic andsocial success.

“I underwent brain surgeryover winter break, and that wasdefinitely was a big setback for(my) senior year of high school,”Magnuson said. “It definitelyopened my eyes to the possibili-ties.”

“I had a baseball-sized hema-toma in my brain. But I have re-covered. I’m doing well in school,and nothing has changed socially.”

So, what lessons can otherteenagers learn from Magnuson?Well, his example proves thatperseverance and pluckiness arequalities that can help youngstersto achieve their personal goals.

“Never take the small thingsin life for granted,” Magnusonsaid. “This year, I went througha tough time, but I’ve learnednot to take things for granted,because, if you put your mindto something, you can achieveanything you want.”

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CUE appoints state coordinatorBY KOREY HUGHESSpecial Correspondent

The National Com-munity UnitedEffort Center forMissing Persons,

or CUE, is an organizationthat is devoted to helping thefamilies of missing peopleto find their lost relatives. InMarch, the national organi-zation appointed MadonnaLayne as the state coordinatorfor Virginia.

“My duties as the statecoordinator are to assist fami-lies who may have a missingloved one and help them toaccess resources,” Layne said.“Our key organization offershelp to them for free.”

“We do posters, searchesand K-9 units, and we act asliaisons between families andthe media and law enforce-ment and help with that. Weassist the families in under-standing what resources areavailable, what their rightsare and help them to thinkclearly by being that voice ofreason (they need) to helpwith their search.”

Because Layne is thedaughter of a missingperson, CUE’s cause is onethat is close to her heart.Her mother, Annita Price,vanished in May 1974, whichmade her want to help otherfamilies look for their missingrelatives.

Layne first becameinvolved with CUE in 2008during one of its “On theRoad to Remember” mediatours. Because the organiza-tion lacks the resources to

physically respond to eachstate’s missing persons cases,however, it has appointedcoordinators like Layne tosupervise those situations.

“A friend had heard abouta road stop, and I was invitedto participate. Then, I metthe founder of CUE and gotinvolved with the organiza-tion.”

“CUE decided this pastyear that they can only reachso many families since theirheadquarters was in Wilm-ington, N.C. They wantedhelp with the local familiesbecause they could becomebeneficial in the case of asearch, and the board ofdirectors voted me in earlierthis year.”

May 25 is recognized asNational Missing ChildrenAwareness Day, and Laynesaid that parents should usethat day for precaution-ary actions that will help inabduction cases.

“I think one good thing(to do) is that the communityshould have their familiesfingerprinted,” Layne said. “Ifyou went missing, you can beidentified.”

“Things like dental records

and recent pictures can alsohelp because you can handthem over to law enforce-ment,” Layne added.

Layne said good commu-nication between parents andchildren is the first step tohelp families avoid possibleabductions.

“Well, the biggest thingis to talk to your childrenand make sure that they’realways aware of their sur-roundings,” Layne said.“Make sure that you haveaccess to their friends, knowhow to get in touch withthem, and know what’s go-ing on in their lives.”

Layne also said thatparents keep a fresh sampleof their children’s DNA thatcan used if a kidnapping everoccurs.

“Parents should take anew toothbrush, scrape theircheek, put it in the freezerand keep it as a DNA sample,”Layne said. “And change it ev-ery six months like you woulda smoke alarm battery.”

Layne’s primary goal inher new position is to fosterawareness about families’rights in disappearance cases.For instance, she said theidea that people have to waitan entire day before filing amissing person’s report is awidely-held myth.

“People think you have towait 24 hours, and that’s justnot true.” Layne said. “Evenmembers of law enforcementdon’t know that’s not a law.”

“And you don’t have towait 24 hours. As soon assomeone is missing, they

should file a missing person’sreport.”

Layne said she wantsto make sure that peopleunderstand their aforesaidrights. As people age, it can bedifficult for their families todecide if they should pursuepolice involvement, but alert-ing law enforcement mightbe the difference betweenfinding family members andlosing them forever.

“People need to know theirrights nationally and locally,especially with older teensand adults,” Layne said. “Theyhave the right to leave, but, ifit’s out of character, you havethe right to make a report.”

Layne

CONTRIBUTED REPORTStan Sweeney, a 28-year

Midlothian area artist, isfeatured in a One Man ArtExhibition at CJW John-ston-Willis Hospital throughThursday, May 31.

The Gallery is located inthe Main Cafeteria on the firstfloor of Johnston-Willis.

Sweeney holds a B.F.A. inCommunication Arts and

Design from Virginia Com-monwealth University.

He has been creatingadvertising for national andinternational clients through-out his career and has wonseveral national awards for hisadvertising work.

He paints oils on canvasand captures a wide variety ofsubjects, including landscapes,sports in action, cycling, Tour

De France, running, marinescenes, wildlife, wild flowersand still lifes. His paintingsare described as impressionis-tic or expressionistic in style..

Sweeney said his paint-ing inspirations come fromtraveling, cycling, running,sea kayaking and art history.His oil paintings are in privateand corporate collectionsaround the world.

SUBMITTED PHOTOStan Sweeney’s art will be on display at Johnston-Willis Hospital through May 31.

Stan Sweeney’s art exhibitionat Johnston-Willis Hospital

CONTRIBUTED REPORTThe Chesterfield Historical

Society of Virginia will hostSpirited History from 8 to 10p.m. on Saturday, May 19, asmembers explore the storiesand paranormal activity athistoric Magnolia Grangeplantation house museum.

By popular demand, thishistoric site will be open tothe public for paranormaltours on a regular basis.

During the tour, you willhear spine-tingling tales andthe fascinating history of thetreasured site. Bring yourcameras and recorders and

dare to find out if you willhave a ghostly experience.

The fee is $20 per personand is for ages 8 to adult.

Reservations are requiredfor this event and participa-tion is limited.

Reservations can be madethrough the ChesterfieldHistorical Society’s website atwww.chesterfieldhistory.comvia PayPal.

Spirited History is a groupof paranormal investigatorswhose mission is to bring at-tention to historic sites witha spirited past from aroundthe United States. They can

be heard live every Fridaynight at 9 p.m. on www.para-X.com. The website is www.spiritedhistory.com.

The Chesterfield His-torical Society of Virginia is anonprofit 501(c)3 organiza-tion that serves as the centerfor Chesterfield Countyhistory. Its mission is to col-lect, preserve, promote andinterpret the county’s uniquepast for the education andenjoyment of present andfuture generations. For moreinformation, or to volunteer,visit www.chesterfieldhistory.com.

Historical Society to host ‘SpiritedHistory’ at Magnolia Grange May 19

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Memorial service will honorfallen Va. state troopersBY KOREY HUGHESSpecial Correspondent

Virginia’s statetroopers provideprotection andsupport to the

public, but their jobs areoften dangerous. For thatreason, it is fitting that thelives of fallen officers will becommemorated on Friday,May 18, during the 2012 Vir-ginia State Trooper MemorialService at the Virginia StatePolice Academy Gymnasiumin North Chesterfield.

The service will be heldin honor of National PoliceWeek, an annual observancethat commemorates theefforts of local, state andnational law enforcementpersonnel.

Corrine Gellar is thepublic relations director forthe Virginia State Police,and she has been with thedivision since 1999. She saidthe department has beenholding the annual memorialceremonies since 1947.

“We’ve been holding anannual memorial service tohonor those who have beenkilled in the line of duty,”Gellar said. “We began doingthem when they first dedicat-

ed our memorial gallery thatis inside our headquarters onMidlothian Turnpike.”

Although the activitycommemorates the lives ofall deceased Virginia StateTroopers, this year’s obser-vance will feature a pre-sentation dedicated to thelate Trooper Adam Bowen,who was killed in June 2011during a traffic stop in KingGeorge County.

During the ceremony,a portrait of Bowen willbe unveiled and join otherpaintings that have lined thehalls of the Virginia StatePolice headquarters.

“This year, Trooper Bowenwill be honored,” Gellarsaid. “Every year, we have aportrait of that departmentmember that we decideto honor, and, during theceremony, we will unveil anddedicate the portrait.”

“During the last couple ofyears, we’ve had 56 portraitsof state police that havebeen killed in the last 80years. Their portraits will belined up and there will be atribute.”

Gellar said members ofBowen’s family will attendthe service. The officers that

he served with also will bepresent during the unveiling.

“We invited his fatherand his brother, and we arein constant contact with thefamily,” Gellar said. “All of hisfellow co-workers that wereassigned to Caroline andKing George will have specialseating with the family dur-ing the service.”

“Ours is one of many, andwe like to think of our folksas family. His father, brotherand mother are still family tous, and we want to make surethat they have the supportthey need as they grieve theloss of their loved one.”

Bart Johnson, executivedirector of the InternationalAssociation of Chiefs ofPolice, will be the keynotespeaker.

In addition, Gellar said thecolor guard, honor guard andbagpipers will make presen-tations, and a wreath donatedby the Virginia State PoliceAssociation will be laid.

Singer Susan Greenbaumwill perform musical selec-tions.

“We try to make it a verydignified and honorableservice,” Gellar said.

Although the ceremony

will mostly be attended bypolice personnel, the publicis invited.

“Traditionally, it’s at-tended by families and lawenforcement officials,” Gellarsaid. “If someone wants topay tribute, they’re morethan welcome.”

Friday’s service is oneof many that will happenthroughout the U.S. duringNational Police Week. AsGellar said, because manystate troopers and other typesof police officers sacrificetheir lives while on duty, theydeserve to be memorialized.

“Well, law enforcementpersonnel are truly theunsung heroes who are pro-tecting citizens all over fromChesterfield to (other areas),”Gellar said. “They’re not in itfor great pay or great hoursor great working conditions,but they do it because theyhave a passion and commit-ment.”

The 2012 Virginia StatePolice Officers’ MemorialService will get underway at10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 18,at the Virginia State PoliceAcademy Gymnasium at7700 Midlothian Turnpike inNorth Chesterfield.

BY KOREY HUGHESSpecial Correspondent

Zumba has becomeone of the mostpopular fitnessprograms around

today. Both beginners andenthusiasts are drawn toits energy and use of Latinmusic, so it should come asno surprise that the fitnessphenomenon has made itsway to Chesterfield County.

Started by dancer andchoreographer AlbertoPerez in Colombia duringthe 1990s, Zumba has takenthe fitness world by storm.The brand began sellinginstructional DVDs via itsinfomercials in 2002, and, in2005, the Zumba Academylaunched and began tolicense instructors to teachZumba classes.

Basically, Zumba is amish-mash of various musi-cal and dance styles blendedinto a fitness experience.In addition to elementsborrowed from Latin dancestyles such as meringue,mambo, salsa, samba andsoca, the exercise regimentalso includes fundamentalsfrom bellydancing, hip-hopand martial arts.

Haley Wise is a fitnessinstructor who has taughtZumba classes since No-vember at various locationsin Chesterfield, including arecent stint for the Bon AirCommunity Association.

Wise teaches at Accelera-tion Sports in Midlothianwith fellow Zumba instruc-tor Christina Owens, andshe teaches her own Zumbaclass at Eastern Martial ArtsCenter in Sandston.

Wise said the variety ofdifferent musical styles usedduring Zumba classes is oneof the fitness craze’s biggestattractions.

“Well, we use a lot ofinternational music fromdifferent countries as wellas hip-hop, and that alsoincludes cumbia and reg-gaeton,” Wise said. “We usedifferent music from allover the world, and we alsodo belly dance and Egyptian(styles of movement).”

At times, it can be dif-ficult for participants to fol-low directions during aero-bics classes, but Zumba isdifferent. That is, according

to Wise, instructions aren’tgiven while the classes hap-pen, and correctly executingthe steps isn’t as importantas continuing to move.

“Well, one thing is thatwe cue people non-verballyinstead of verbally like theydo in a cardio class wherethey call out with a micro-phone,” Wise said. “Theother thing is that you don’thave to follow a perfectdance step like you would ina dance class.”

“You can go at your ownpace and make whateverkinds of changes that youwant. And anyone can do itat any fitness level.”

So, what is it aboutZumba that makes it such agreat workout? Well, otherthan the upbeat music, itmight be the fact that itdoesn’t solely focus on anyspecific body part or physi-cal region.

“We incorporate everysingle part of your bodyin the workout,” Wise said.“We’re pretty much incor-porating all of that into thedances, and it’s hidden inthere.”

And as Wise said, Zumbaaccommodates all fitnesslevels. So, if you’ve been rid-ing the fence about whetherto give Zumba a try, there’sno time like the present.

“They can just makealterations in the moveswhere they need to,” Wisesaid. “There is somethingcalled Zumba Gold whereolder or more overweightpeople can start, but a lot ofoverweight people come tomy classes, and they slow itdown and do just fine.”

Acceleration Sports islocated at 6144 Brad Mc-Neer Pkwy. in Midlothian,and Owens teaches Zumbaclasses there at 6:45 p.m. onWednesdays and at 9 a.m.on Saturdays Admission is$7 per class.

Wise also teaches aZumba class at EasternMartial Arts Center at 5631Corrugated Rd. in Sandstonat 11 a.m. on Saturdays.Admission is $6 per class.

For more informationabout the Zumba classes,visit Wise’s website at www.facebook.com/rvazumbaor Owens’ website at www.cgozumba.com.

Zumba classzooms intovarious sitesin Chesterfield

STUFF TO DOE-mail your event to editor@midlothianexchange.com.

Subject line: EVENT

FRIDAY, MAY 18Jessica Morgan School ofDance will present the ballet“Coppelia” at 7 p.m. as aspring gala at ManchesterHigh School. The fundraiserwill benefit the school’sShow Choirs. Performancesalso are scheduled for 10a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. onSaturday, May 19. Tickets,$12 for adults and $10 forchildren 3 to 11, will be soldat the door.Victory Tabernacle Churchof God at 11700 GenitoRoad, Midlothian, will hostthe Senior Idol Final TwelveCompetition (the bestsenior talent in the GreaterRichmond area) at 7 p.m.Tickets, which are $10 foradults and $7 for students,can be purchased by calling768-7878 or 706-6689. Theyalso will be available at thedoor. Tickets can be or-dered and picked up at the“will call” booth. Proceedsbenefit the Shepherd’s Cen-ter of Chesterfield’s servicesfor seniors.

SATURDAY, MAY 19Free Agile Writer Seminarwill be held from 1 to 3p.m. at Martin’s at 11361Midlothian Turnpike, Rich-mond. Agile Writers com-

bines the lessons of myth,storytelling, psychologyand a little project manage-ment to create a six-monthprogram to finish your firstdraft. This method was usedto successfully complete 10first draft novels this year.

TUESDAY, MAY 22Mt. Gilead FGIM will hold itsspring 2012 Job Fair from 9a.m. to noon at 2501 Mt. Gil-ead Boulevard, Richmond.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23Celebrate the colors of sum-mer at Bella Arte Galleryat 3734 Winterfield Rd. inMidlothian with an openingreception with fabric artistand designer Genny PrestonEpstein from 5 to 8 p.m. OnThursday, May 24, she willbe available from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Epstein’s workshave been described as“eclectically hip island stylefashions using batik fabricfrom Bali.” She has createdkimono robes, sofa andbaby throws, designs for thehome and loungewear. Re-freshments will be served.The gallery is open from10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdaythrough Thursday and 10a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY AAAThe 2012 Outstanding AAA School Safety Patrol Awardees for Virginia are, from left, (Curtis Gray Bryant, ChalkleyElementary School (Chesterfield County); Annika T. Benson, Hampton Oaks Elementary School (Stafford County);Konstantin Sannikov, Alberta Smith Elementary School (Chesterfield County); Sam Alburger, Three Chopt ElementarySchool (Henrico County); Bill Bevins, Radio Personality for Lite 98; Adam Hanger, Riverheads Elementary School (AugustaCounty); Tiona Alissa Hill, Baker Elementary School (Henrico County); Aileen Johnson, Colonial Trail Elementary School(Henrico County); Ralph Wilcher, manager of safety services for Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education; DanyellAmari Monroe, Longdale Elementary School (Henrico County); Chantal Sheilyn Hernandez, Broad Rock Elementary School(Richmond City); and Raina S. Ibrahim, Trevvett Elementary School (Henrico County).

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Two ChesterfieldCounty studentswere recentlyrecognized by

AAA Mid-Atlantic for beingchosen as outstanding AAAschool safety patrols for2012.

Curtis Gray Bryant fromChalkley Elementary Schooland Konstantin Sannikovfrom Alberta Smith Elemen-

tary School were selectedfrom about 300 elementaryschools that utilize the AAA’ssignature school safetyprogram throughout Centraland Western Virginia.

They were among 11students recognized at theannual Outstanding AAASafety Patrol Luncheon thatwas held on May 4 in Rich-mond. Each student receiveda plaque and will get a $100

Visa Gift Card.“These students were

recognized for their specialtalents and dedication, usedin the service of keepingtheir fellow students safe onthe school grounds and onschool buses,” said RalphWilcher, manager of safetyservices for the Mid-AtlanticFoundation for Safety andEducation. “Their sacri-fices of time and effort given

before and after school, ontop of their school work andother activities, show a greatamount of character anddesire. AAA salutes them forthis dedication of service toothers.”

AAA has served as the solesponsor of the school safetypatrol program nationwidesince 1920. Schools through-out Virginia have utilized theprogram since 1927.

AAA honors two student school safety patrols

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Virginia Mu-seum of RadioEntertainment willpresent Grateful

Dead tribute band Dark StarOrchestra at 6:30 p.m. today(Thursday, May 17) at Poca-hontas State Park, 10301State Park Rd., Chesterfield.

Bluegrass legend JesseMcReynolds will make aspecial guest appearance withDSO, performing severalsongs from his “Songs of theGrateful Dead” CD, releasedin 2010.

Pocahontas State Park isjust a few miles southeast ofRichmond, and is easily ac-cessible from Highway 360 orInterstate 95.

Tickets, which are $16.50in advance or $20 at the door,are available through www.ticketstobuy.com.

For more information,visit: www.pocahontaslive.com

For 11 years, Dark StarOrchestra has presented itslive show at venues all overthe world.

Dark Star Orchestra’s

concerts are built off theextensive catalog of theGrateful Dead. On any givennight, the band will performa show based on a set listfrom the Dead’s 30 years ofextensive touring or use theDead’s catalog of songs tocreate a unique set list forthat show.

Grateful Dead classics areperformed in the same waythat an orchestra interpretsmusic of classical composers.

Band members adapt theirstage positioning, vocal ar-rangements, specific musicalequipment and instrumentsto fit the era of the show theyare performing.

McReynolds began hiscareer in the late 1940s,alongside his brother Jim.Jim & Jesse made their firstrecordings in 1952, andbecame members of theGrand Ole Opry in 1964.They were inducted into theInternational Bluegrass Mu-sic Hall of Fame in 1993 andreceived a National HeritageAward at the White Housein 1997.

Though Jim passed away

in 2002, Jesse has continuedto perform, and this year hecelebrates 65 years in music.He is known as an innova-tor, having created his ownunique and intricate styleof mandolin playing nowreferred to as “the McReyn-olds style.”

Jim & Jesse frequentlypushed the boundaries ofbluegrass and country musicby incorporating materialfrom other genres into theirrepertoire.

Now Jesse has gone a stepfurther by recording an entirealbum of Grateful Deadcovers with a group of musi-cal friends including DavidNelson and Stu Allen.

“Songs of the GratefulDead” was released in 2010and in November of that yearJesse made a surprise guestappearance with Dark StarOrchestra at a concert inNashville.

Over the last two yearshe has performed at severalJerry Garcia tributes, along-side such artists as DavidNelson and New Riders ofthe Purple Sage.

Today’s concert at Poca-hontas State Park will be Jes-se’s second guest appearancewith Dark Star Orchestra.

The Virginia Museumof Radio Entertainment(VMRE) is a nonprofit501(c)3 organization basedin Crewe. The mission of theVMRE is to archive, sustainand perpetuate roots-basedAmerican music, and toenhance public awareness ofCentral Virginia’s rich musi-cal heritage. In addition, theVMRE partners with schoolsystems in several counties,presenting special programsto educate students aboutmusic business. Since itsformation in 2010, theVMRE has hosted concertswith some of the top namesin acoustic music, includ-ing Riders in the Sky, SierraHull, Curly Seckler with TheSteep Canyon Rangers, andThe Quebe Sisters. This yearthe VMRE has expanded itsconcert series to include sev-eral new and bigger venues.Visit www.vmre.org to see alist of venues and upcomingevents.

Dark Star Orchestra performs today

MAY 17, 2012 || 7MidlothiAnExchAngE.coM sports || fitnessEXERCISED

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Each week, the Midlothian Exchange willtrack the progress of Chesterfield nativeDenny Hamlin as he pursues his firstNASCAR Sprint Cup championship

Last week: Hamlin had a terrific run at one of NASCAR’s mostdemanding tracks, leading the Southern 500 at Darlingtonuntil he slid through his stall during a late-race pit stop andcost himself valuable time. He came out of the pits in fifth andbattled to a second-place finish.

Where he stands: Hamlin remained in fourth place in the SprintCup points standings but gained 10 points on leader Greg Biffle.Hamlin is now just 17 points out of first place.

Up next: The Sprint Cup drivers get a break from points racingand will go all out for the checkered flag at Saturday night’sSprint Showdown at Charlotte. Race time is 7 p.m.

tennis p8

Moorhead rolls to three-peat

PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELLBrett Moorhead hits a volley during his victory over Clover Hill’s Kieran Raphael.

Cosby junior doesn’t dropa game in three matchesBY JIM MCCoNNELLjmcconnell@midlothianexchange.com

In an era where manyelite junior tennis play-ers have abandonedtheir high school teams

in favor of full-time trainingwith private coaches, BrettMoorhead is living proofthat it’s possible to do bothwithout compromising per-formance.

The Cosby High junior,who has played tennisyear-round since he was 12,spends most of his time witha racket in his hand. If he’snot practicing or workingout, he’s usually traveling thecountry to play in high-leveljunior tournaments

He’s also been the top boyssingles player in the Domin-ion District for the last threeyears. Moorhead earned histhird consecutive singles titlewith a 6-0, 6-0 victory overClover Hill’s Kieran Raphaellast Thursday.

Moorhead beat formerteammate Tyler Carey (nowa freshman at Mary Wash-ington in Fredericksburg)in grueling, back-and-forthdistrict finals each of the past

two seasons. The Titans kneweach other’s games so welland were able to nullify theirrespective strengths, makingfor long rallies and matchesthat were decided by a hand-ful of key points.

That wasn’t the case thisseason. An obvious selec-tion as Dominion player ofthe year, Moorhead rolledthrough three district tour-nament matches withoutdropping a game – hardly asurprising result when youconsider he was undefeatedagainst district opponentsduring the regular seasonwhile losing only four gamesin 10 matches.

Perhaps the most impres-sive aspect of Moorhead’sperformance has been hisability to maintain focusagainst outclassed opponentsand treat every match as ifit’s the finals of a prestigiousjunior tournament.

“I don’t do anything dif-ferent. I try to have the samementality every match,” hesaid after beating the third-seeded Raphael. “I go into

RIR raisesmoney forchildrenon FridayCoNTRIBUTED REPoRT

Richmond InternationalRaceway will celebrate theninth annual NASCAR Dayon Friday by giving fans extraincentive to share their pas-sion for the sport and makea difference in the lives ofchildren this year.

Fans who purchase aNASCAR Day 2012 lapel pinat the track on Friday from11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will receivea complimentary Pace Carride. Guests must enter at theService Gate, which is locatedon Meadowbridge Rd., onegate down from the MainGate.

To continue raising aware-ness, fans can visit The NAS-CAR Foundation’s Facebookpage between now and NAS-CAR Day to “Pin It Forward”with their $20 donation for apair of commemorative pins– one for yourself, one for afriend. In addition to helpingthe cause online, fans maypost pictures displaying theirspirit – and their pins – andshare the story of what itmeans to “Pin It Forward.”

Help spread the wordon social media throughthe NASCAR Foundation’sFacebook page and @NAS-CAR_FDN on Twitter. Theassociated Twitter hashtag forthis initiative is #NASCAR-Day. Submissions receivedwill be featured across vari-ous communication channelsincluding NASCAR televisionand social media platforms.

NASCAR Day is an annualcelebration of NASCAR’sfans, charities and spirit.Since it began in 2004, NAS-CAR Day has raised nearly$10 million for charity.

NASCAR returns to Rich-mond International RacewaySeptember 7-8 for anotherdoubleheader weekend. Tick-ets for both races go on saleFriday, June 1.

Clockwise from top:

Those whose lives weretouched by a loved onewith cancer releaseballoons in their honor as atradition during the event.

Clover Hill’s MorganConklin (22) shows off herdribbling skills.

The Clover Hill Cavalettesperform for the crowdbetween the JV and varsitygirls soccer games againstJames River.

The Rapids’ Allison Bortell(17) tries to maneuver herway through the Cavaliersdefense.

GivingCANCERthe boot

Clover Hill High Schoolgirls soccer hosts annual‘Kick for the Cure’ game

PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE

� || MAY 17, 2012 MidlothiAnExchAngE.coMsports || fitnessEXERCISE

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PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELLCosby’s Brett Moorhead has won three consecutive Dominion District boys singles titles.

every match knowing theycan beat me, so I don’t takeanything for granted.”

Moorhead’s daily schedulespeaks to his commitment-- on and off the court. Afterschool, he trains with localpro Eddie Parker most daysfrom 2:30 until 7, then headshome for a quick shower anddinner before doing home-work and going to sleep.

But despite his dedica-tion, he most likely wouldn’tbe able to compete for hishigh school team withoutthe accommodating spirit offirst-year Cosby coach NoelleHague.

The head tennis pro atBrandermill Country Clubfor 10 years, Hague knewMoorhead’s first priority wasworking on his game withParker, but she didn’t wanthim to miss out on a varietyof “special experiences” of-fered by high school tennis.

So she informed Moor-head that as long as he wascommitted to being availablefor Cosby’s matches, she

didn’t care if he practicedwith the team or not.

“I told him I’ll work withyou because you may notget it now, but you will inabout 30 years,” Hague said.“There’s camaraderie withteammates, the opportu-nity to set records and winchampionships and make itinto the Hall of Fame at yourschool. Those are importantthings.”

Hague noted that there’snever been an issue withinCosby’s team about anyspecial treatment for Moor-head, who led the Titans tothe Dominion District boysteam title and a berth inlast week’s Central Regiontournament.

“He’s fun to have on theteam,” Hague said. “He’s ateam player and the otherguys love it when he comesout because he’s a great rolemodel.

“He’s not at practice everyday, but my guys know he’sstill working hard.”

Moorhead carries a 4.2grade-point average andwants to play tennis in col-

lege. He’s made several unof-ficial campus visits and has along list of potential suitors.

First, though, he hopeshis effort pays off in theDominion District’s firststate singles championshipsince Monacan’s Joey Hopkebeat Douglas Freeman’s JayBruner in 1997.

Moorhead clinched hisfirst berth in the Group AAAstate tournament last springby reaching the regionalfinal, where he lost to even-tual state champion HunterKoontz of Deep Run.

Koontz, a two-timestate titlist, graduated lastJune and is now a risingsophomore at Virginia Tech– meaning, there’s an open-ing for someone else to stepup and carry the torch forthe Central Region.

“I definitely want to keeptrying to go further in highschool tournaments,” Moor-head said. “I think regionalswould be tougher than statesbecause most of the toughplayers are in Richmond. Ihit a lot with those guys. Ibeat them and they beat me.”

tennis from p7

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MAY 17, 2012 || �MidlothiAnExchAngE.coM sports || fitnessEXERCISE

PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTY DOBRUCKYThe Blessed Sacrament Huguenot baseball team celebrates with its championship trophy after winning the VCC title.

Suddenly hotKnights cruiseto VCC crownBy JIm mCConnElljmcconnell@midlothianexchange.com

On April 17,Blessed Sacra-ment Huguenot’sbaseball team

had a 2-8 record and aseason that began with statechampionship aspirationsseemed all but lost.

A state tournamentqualifier in each of the lastnine seasons, including arunner-up finish a year ago,the Knights’ listless play hadcoach James Poore scratch-ing his head as he struggledto find a remedy.

“We weren’t playing upto our potential for what-ever reason,” Poore recalled.“There was no way in theworld we should’ve beenwhere we were.”

Instead of trying to“force” a sudden turn-around, Poore decided tostepped back and let his vet-erans assume more responsi-bility for leading the team.

The Knights respondedby closing the regular seasonwith wins in four of theirlast six games – a stretchthat included a victory overVirginia CommonwealthConference regular seasonchampion SouthamptonAcademy.

Still, they could do nobetter than the fifth seedfor the VCC tournament,which meant a nightmarefirst-round matchup withTidewater Academy.

The Warriors had givenBSH more trouble thananybody else in the confer-ence, winning both of theteams’ meetings during theseason. But they were nomatch for the Knights lastTuesday, as brothers T.J. andTyler Dobrucky homered ina 15-3 rout.

Stephen Bendele tossed aone-hitter and struck out 11in the Knights’ 13-1 semi-final blowout of BrunswickAcademy, leading BSH intothe tournament final.

Two-time VCC player ofthe year T.J. Dobrucky didthe rest, earning tournamentMVP honors after hittingtwo home runs and drivingin five runs as the Knightsedged Fuqua School 8-6 tocomplete a most improbableturnaround.

“We’re like a totally dif-ferent team,” Poore said.“Everybody has cometogether and they’re doingtheir jobs. We’re playing thegame the way it’s supposedto be played.”

That certainly wasn’t thecase earlier in the season.The Knights weren’t hittingin the clutch and their de-fense was frequently subpar,nullifying the significance ofhaving two of the top pitch-ers in the VCC.

Poore acknowledgedhis players may not haveprepared as well as theycould’ve during the offsea-son – perhaps assumingthey’d cruise back to thestate tournament after losingin last year’s final.

“Maybe they thought,‘We’ve had success in thepast, so we’ll win regard-less,’” he added. “It tooka while to get everythinggoing, but this is what Iexpected all along.”

Seniors T.J. Dobrucky andNathaniel Settle both madethe all-VCC first team, whileBendele earned second teamhonors and was also an all-academic team selection.

Settle and Bendele alsomade the all-tournamentteam along with the Do-brucky brothers.

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