Chesterfield Observer

Legal Notices

05/07/2008

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA AND PUBLIC NOTICE Tuesday - May 20, 2008 NOTE: The 2,symbol indicates that an attachment accompanies the agenda item. These attachments are generally available the second or first Wednesday prior to the Planning Commission meeting, depending upon their release date.

Police Chief Dupuis reviews officer pay

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER — 05/07/2008

Chesterfield Police Chief Thierry Dupuis is developing a pay plan to retain his current staff and recruit new officers amid complaints that the county underpays its officers. A report from the Police Employee Retention Team paints a bleak picture of the department's competitiveness in pay and potentially its ability to retain police officers.

Moms' favorite Mother's Day gifts

By Julia Torres Barden CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Some say that the celebration of Mother's Day originated in ancient Greece as a festival to Cybele, thought to be a great mother of Greek gods. Here in the U.S., President Woodrow Wilson declared the first official American Mother's Day holiday in 1914.

Even in a tight economy, high school proms still go on

By Julia Torres Barden CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Money was no option for Cinderella, whose perfect dress materialized with the wave of her Fairy Godmother's wand. Unfortunately, today's moms don't have the same magical powers. Prom is one of the most expensive occasions in teenage life - even more so when the economy is waning and gas prices are at an all-time high.

Monitor your health with free screenings

05/07/2008

In The Spotlight Free health screening, Wed., May 14, 1-4 p.m., Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Rd. Tests include a finger-stick blood test for cholesterol, blood pressure screening, height and weight with BMI index calculations and nurse counseling on the results. Free. For ages 18 and older. No appointment necessary.

FOR RENT - Area 62 f

05/07/2008

Woodlake - Furnished waterfront 2BR condo. Full water views from 4 rooms. Walk-in-ready. All utilities, W/D, cable, Internet. $2,000. 677-6323. Walton Park - Immaculate 2-story, 3BR, 2.5BA. Great room w/FP, formal DR, eat-in kitchen, wooded y lot, great schools. $1,350/month. 426-5218.

FOR RENT - Other

05/07/2008

Retail space - 2,500 sq. ft. Powhatan/ old courthouse area. 387- 4043.

REAL ESTATE - Area 10

05/07/2008

Spectacular opportunity to have a Hanover Address. Turn of the Century Victorian home boast enough space for a Four Bedroom 3.5 Bath home. Front Bay windows, Heart of pine wood floors, Full length and height walk out basement (Very Rare)127 foot lot which allow for off street parking and or a garage. Ready to Renovate, and Ready to Sell $370K.Patrick 804-677-7750 BW Bruce & Associates.

REAL ESTATE - Area 54

05/07/2008

Meadowbrook Estates - 3936 Falstone Rd. Convenient to Rt. 150 and I-95. Brick rancher, 3BR, 2.5BA, sunroom, attached garage. Large brick storage building. Large lot w/irrigation. $248,000. 389- 7416.

REAL ESTATE - Area 62

05/07/2008

FSBO - Woodlake. 4BR, 2.5BA, 2,200 sq. ft. Renovated inside and out. Special features include new roof, windows, hardy plank siding, PVC trim and driveway. Buyers' agents welcome. Will sell furnished. $289,950. Call 739-7830.

REAL ESTATE - Other

05/07/2008

For sale by owner - Dinwiddie (Area 61) 2,850 sq. ft. all-brick rancher and 780 sq. ft. attached 2-car garage. 3BR, 2.5BA on 3 acre lot. 15 minutes from South Park Mall and I-95. $395,000. 739-5352. www.brickrancher.com.

REAL ESTATE OPP

05/07/2008

We buy houses - Any price, any area, any condition. 641-3384, www.kbcproperties.com. Need to sell your home? Visit www. ellenclark.com to find out the latest tips to get top dollar for your home in this ever-changing market!

BUSINESS OPP

05/07/2008

Avon - To buy or sell. Jennett, 639- 6166.

CAMP

05/07/2008

Elite Soccer Camps at Hampden- Sydney College. July 13-16, 2008. For boys ages 8-19. Tuition $340. Team rate, $315. Register online at www.hsc.edu/athletics/soccer/ camps. Contact Josh Laux, jlaux@ hsc.edu or (434) 603-1796.

CHILDCARE

05/07/2008

Now open - Kids & Co. Childcare, 13711 Village Mill, Midlothian. Now enrolling for summer programs. Come see a fresh approach to childcare today. 794-5437.

FOR SALE

05/07/2008

12-gun cabinet - Two etched glass doors, $300. 2001 HP computer w/hard drive and printer, $125. Diana, 919-2835. Golf clubs - New. Great price. Titanium square drivers, 9.5, 10.5 and 12-degree loft. Fairway woods, hybrid irons, 3 through pitching wedge and other miscellaneous clubs. 745-3763.

HELP WANTED

05/07/2008

Sales assistant - Southern Police Equipment. Answer phones, take orders, filing. Full-time and parttime available. Call John, 323- 1855. Medical assistant - Richmond Ob/Gyn Associates.

HOUSEHOLD

05/07/2008

Gas cook stove - Like new, GE, white, free-standing. 30-inches wide, 4 burners, oven, clock, one storage drawer. $200. Call 379- 5420. Bellini convertible crib and dresser with removable changing table attachment. Coffee finish. Excellent condition. $599/set. Photos available. midlo.mom@gmail.com or 306-3774.

ROOMMATES

05/07/2008

Bedroom for rent in nice ranch, washer/dryer, full use of kitchen and other rooms. $500/month, all utilities included. 517-7977.

SERVICES

05/07/2008

Home improvement, decks, vinyl siding, roofs, floors. Big jobs okay, small jobs okay. Licensed and insured. Free estimates. 218-7645. Katreena Lewis, Attorney at Law - Chesterfield/Midlothian. Free phone consultation. Divorce or bankruptcy. 243-4284.

VACATIONS

05/07/2008

Wintergreen - Beautiful 6-bedroom mountaintop home. Low rates. 739-3589. Owner/broker.

YARD SALES

05/07/2008

Huge 7-family sale - Sat., May 10, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 14416 Huntgate Woods (near Brandermill Parkway/ Genito Road). Little Tikes, toys, furniture, clothing, tools, baby and household items. Huge yard sale! Multi-family. Sat., May 10, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 12236 Riverway Rd. (off Beach). Antiques, books, toys, crafts, decor, tools, kitchen and tons more!

PETS

05/07/2008

Top line CKC poodle pups - Toy and mini. Born Mar. 2, ready now. Parents onsite. 1F, 1M, all black. Loving homes only. Vet cared. $450. 350-3351.

Auto Marketplace

05/07/2008

1997 Buick Park Avenue - 99K, AM/FM, moon roof, A/C, cruise, all power, maintenance records. Garaged, one owner. GC. $5,000. 378-2218. 1988 GTA Trans Am T-top - 140K, 5.O liter, HO-305 engine, A-1 condition, maintenance records, new AM/FM stereo/CD, car cover and original radio. $2,500.

Victim assaulted, robbed after meeting to play basketball

05/07/2008

The victim was assaulted by five black males of unknown ages after meeting them at Grange Hall Elementary School to play basketball around 5:30 p.m. on Apr. 27. He was robbed of his shorts, which contained his vehicle keys, cell phone and wallet, and received "bumps and bruises" during the struggle.

Looking out for Mother Earth

05/07/2008

Last month's Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations prompted several schools to participate in Earth-friendly activities. Beulah Elementary kindergarten teacher Jenny Reasoner (left), released butterflies her students raised in their classroom as part of the school's Earth Day celebration.

Animal shelter offers $30 enticement to boost adoptions

By Katherine Houstoun CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

If the kids have been pestering you for a family pet, now may be the best time to give in to them. Not only is summer vacation impending - and hopefully the kids' schedules clearing - but the Chesterfield County Animal Shelter is offering a deal for the month of May: $30 sterilization vouchers with any dog or cat adoption.

Loose Ends

Susan Nienow — 05/07/2008

Whenever we invite people over to see our pictures from Africa, they're busy. I think word has spread that my other half took over 1,600 pictures. We do have a comfy sofa, though. And I'll serve caffeinated coffee so everyone can stay awake to see them all.

Meadowbrook Class of 1968 plans 40-year reunion

05/07/2008

Meadowbrook High School's Class of 1968 will hold its 40-year class reunion on Sept. 13 at Meadowbrook Country Club, 3700 Cogbill Rd. For details, contact Betty Abbott at pebblebeachlady@verizon.net or call 639- 9182.

A history of Bon Air

By Diane Dallmeyer CHESTERFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY — 05/07/2008

Today, if one were to go to the intersection of Buford and Rockaway roads in northwestern Chesterfield, he would be at the center of what was in the late 1870s a wonderful Victorian resort village. The city of Richmond was thriving at the turn of the 20th century, and suburbs began to develop in areas like Bon Air, Chester and Midlothian.

A fiery 60 years

By Becky Robinette Wright CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

In a blend of old and new, memories will be shared, old friends will unite, and the community will meet their local heroes when the Bon Air Volunteer Fire Department celebrates its 60th anniversary this weekend. John Honaker is sure to be one of the longtime members in attendance.

Prom horror stories

By Caroline Gecker CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

For high school students across the country, prom is the most highly anticipated event of the year. Juniors and seniors spend countless hours and tons of money making certain that their night is a perfect and memorable occasion. However, sometimes prom night is unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

Bailey Bridge band camp

05/07/2008

Bailey Bridge Middle School Band Boosters will host a camp this summer open to all rising seventh through 12th-grade county band students. The camp will be held at Manchester High School on July 28-Aug. 8 from 8 a.m.-noon. Cost is $120 per student, and includes a souvenir water bottle and t-shirt.

Around and around and around the rink they go

05/07/2008

Chalkley Elementary School students recently gathered at Skate-A-Way for a Skate Night fundraiser. From top: Third-grader Virginia Williams catches her balance; fourth-grader Cody Edwards shows off his moves; students collapse on the floor after doing the hokie-pokie; Ethan Harris takes a break; Rachel Jeffers speeds around the rink.

The Pleasure of Life

Chuck Hansen — 05/07/2008

NOTHING is more predictable than change. And NOTHING seems to take us so consistently by surprise. "Can you believe how cold it is today? Man, it is so cold! Can you believe it?" How many times in December, January and February do I find myself saying that in a conversation - and I really mean it! WOW, it's so cold, it's like it's…. WINTER.

Is it trash or treasure?

05/07/2008

Have you ever wondered if the teapot Aunt Margaret left you is merely a dust collector, or could it help pay for that boat you've had your eye on? Find out at the Chester Antique Evaluation Roadshow on Sat., May 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Chester Christian Church, 4330 Curtis St.

County chamber seeks volunteers for this year's Celebration of the Vine

05/07/2008

The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce is looking to build on the outstanding success of last year's Celebration of the Vine with this year's festival scheduled for June 28. Fifteen Virginia wineries have already reserved a spot at the festival. Along with the wineries, food, crafts and music will be available.

Police Chief Dupuis reviews officer pay

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER — 05/07/2008

Moms' favorite Mother's Day gifts

By Julia Torres Barden CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Even in a tight economy, high school proms still go on

By Julia Torres Barden CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Legal Notices

05/07/2008

Former Midlothian school board member disagrees with property tax rate reduction

05/07/2008

Dear Editor, Houston, we have a problem. While billions of people slept, Apollo 13 was on a journey that was only on course 2 percent of the time. Fortunately, a sharp team of leaders in Houston Space Center was able to target the problems and develop a unique solution for each problem.

Students have seen this language before

05/07/2008

Dear Editor, I am a seventh-grade honor roll student at Bailey Bridge Middle School. I have been following the articles about the "mature section" in our school library. Up until eighth-grade, you must have a parental signature to check out one of these books.

Apr. 23 letter called for a response

05/07/2008

Dear Editor, On rare occasions do I address a specific letter to the editor. However, in this particular instance I find it necessary to do so. In an Apr. 23rd letter, the writer provided the following comment: "During the past two years…I have documented millions of taxpayer dollars wasted by the county leadership team.

Tomahawk committee did a good job

05/07/2008

Dear Editor, As a member of the Tomahawk Creek Middle School redistricting committee, I was shocked and outraged by the statements [Matoaca School Board member] Omarh Rajah made about our committee at a March school board meeting. At the request of several committee members, Mr. Rajah met with us on Apr. 15 to discuss his comments.

Corrections & Amplifications

05/07/2008

Correction: In the Apr. 30 issue in a story on proffers, we misidentified the speaker of the House of Delegates. He is Del. Bill Howell. We regret our error. Editor

County puts more emphasis on declining neighborhoods

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER — 05/07/2008

County leaders are taking a renewed interest in older communities, believing that being proactive will help prevent further degradation of some property values. The Sustain Our Communities Committee will be asking to update the board of supervisors this summer during an afternoon work session to head off more future problems.

Plane crash unites community to help burn victim

By Becky Robinette Wright CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

As Peter Heimsath and his fellow neighbors looked on, the crash scene on Woodsong Drive was like a movie unfolding before unbelieving eyes. What had once been a home was now a pile of charred walls, as firefighters fought to put out the flames.

Celebrate Children's Book Week with the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre

05/07/2008

County libraries are celebrating Children's Book Week with performances by the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre on Sat., May 17. The Blue Sky Puppet Theatre will perform "Pig Tales," in which a troupe of pigs learns how to share and take turns while putting on "The Three Billy Goats' Gruff" and "Jack and the Beanstalk.

MYSL Second Annual Golf Tournament

05/07/2008

The Midlothian Youth Soccer League's Second Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Mon., May 19, at Birkdale Golf Club, 8511 Royal Birkdale Dr. The cost to register is $500 per foursome or $125 per player. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Entry fees include driving range, green fees, cart, lunch, beverages, dinner and door and team prizes.

Navy wind ensemble to perform at Clover Hill High

05/07/2008

Clover Hill High School will host the U.S. Fleet Forces Band wind ensemble on May 15. The Navy musicians will conduct clinics with Clover Hill student musicians and perform for the student body during the day, and will then perform at 7 p.m. in the auditorium during the school's spring concert, which is free and open to the public.

FIRE & EMS WATCH

Becky Robinette Wright — 05/07/2008

As firefighters at Bensley Station on Dundas Road were preparing for breakfast and a shift change on Apr. 24 around 7:23 a.m., they were called to a crash within yards of the station. County police, fire crews and medics responded to Dundas' intersection with Westwood and found a car smashed into a large tree.

Swift Creek plan proceeds without quantifiable data

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER — 05/07/2008

The Upper Swift Creek Plan (USCP) will go to the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors on June 9 without sufficient data needed to back up its recommendations for how to protect the Swift Creek Reservoir as a source of drinking water.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

05/07/2008

Millwood School has announced plans to offer grades 9-12 beginning in the fall of 2009. The school is located on 79 acres on the western border of Woodlake. A 27,000-square-foot academic building will be built by B.K. Katherman and house classrooms for middle and high school students.

NEWS BRIEFS

05/07/2008

As part of its capital improvements budget approved late last month, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors set aside $400,000 to design the proposed Chesterfield Arts Center to be built across from the Chester Library. The funding came from a county refund from the Richmond Convention Center, and the money has to be used for tourism and economic development purposes.

Web of Hope volunteers need donations of yarn

05/07/2008

The Chester Web of Hope is seeking more yarn to complete its projects. The Web of Hope is a group of women who knit and crochet hats, scarves, sweaters and blankets, which are then donated to hospitals, shelters, children's homes and Indian reservations.

Recent selected real estate sales in Chesterfield County

05/07/2008

Subdivision Name Property Address AMBERLEIGH ANTLER ARCHBROOKE 9007 LAUREATE LN ARCHWOOD ASHBROOK ASHBROOK 1005 ASHLEY ASHLEY BAILEY RIDGE EST.

Woolridge Athletic Association Golf Tournament

05/07/2008

The Woolridge Athletic Association is holding its first fundraising golf event on Mon., May 12, at Birkdale Golf Club. The range opens at 11 a.m., and there is a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The cost is $125 per player or $500 per team and includes driving range, greens fees, cart, boxed lunch, dinner and prizes.

LLI panel discussion highlights aging issues

By Jennifer M. Drummond CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Aging is a process often openly embraced, sometimes quietly feared and secretly denied even though it's as certain as the days and years continue to add up. "Aging is not a problem itself. It is a wonderful opportunity in many ways, and I think in America we have so many seniors who are engaged and contributing to our community," said Thelma Bland Watson, Ph.D.

Planting for the future

05/07/2008

Sarah Collins helps her son, Benjamin, turn up some earth during a ceremonial tree planting at Lucy Corr Village. In celebration of Arbor Day, the facility planted the first tree in its new Wellness Garden in honor of Dr. Betty Hunter- Clapp, a strong supporter of Lucy Corr Village.

Monitor your health with free screenings

05/07/2008

Former Midlothian school board member disagrees with property tax rate reduction

05/07/2008

Students have seen this language before

05/07/2008

Apr. 23 letter called for a response

05/07/2008

Tomahawk committee did a good job

05/07/2008

Corrections & Amplifications

05/07/2008

Correction: In the Apr. 30 issue in a story on proffers, we misidentified the speaker of the House of Delegates. He is Del. Bill Howell. We regret our error. Editor

Looking out for Mother Earth

05/07/2008

Animal shelter offers $30 enticement to boost adoptions

By Katherine Houstoun CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Loose Ends

Susan Nienow — 05/07/2008

Meadowbrook Class of 1968 plans 40-year reunion

05/07/2008

A history of Bon Air

By Diane Dallmeyer CHESTERFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY — 05/07/2008

A fiery 60 years

By Becky Robinette Wright CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Prom horror stories

By Caroline Gecker CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Bailey Bridge band camp

05/07/2008

Around and around and around the rink they go

05/07/2008

The Pleasure of Life

Chuck Hansen — 05/07/2008

Is it trash or treasure?

05/07/2008

County chamber seeks volunteers for this year's Celebration of the Vine

05/07/2008

LLI panel discussion highlights aging issues

By Jennifer M. Drummond CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 05/07/2008

Planting for the future

05/07/2008

Victim assaulted, robbed after meeting to play basketball

05/07/2008