Program targets adults who enable underage drinking

Photo courtesy of Jessica Morgan The JEMS and Dance Force performing dance groups from Jessica Morgan School of Dance recently garnered numerous platinum, gold and silver awards for their dance routines at the Dance Educators of America national competition in New York City. They also won more than $5,000 in the titanium category, the highest award given.

Last weekend, Sticker Shock teams comprised of youths, parents, prevention specialists and law enforcement from six area localities, including Chesterfield, worked together to send a message to purchasers  of alcoholic beverages in the area: keep alcohol out of the hands of potential underage drinkers.

Nationally, 40 percent of the alcohol consumed by 12-20 year olds is given to them by adults who undoubtedly know it's against the law to do so, according to Regional Drug-Free Alliance (RDFA) Chairman Dave Mathis.

To remind people of the law, Sticker Shock teams, coordinated through the RDFA in cooperation with Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control, visited stores where they labeled alcohol products with the message: "Prevent Underage Drinking - It is illegal for any person 21 or older to purchase or provide alcohol for minors. Fines are up to $2,500 or one year in jail."

Watkins

The "stickering" does not deface the products, so they can be sold as usual. More information may be found at www.drugfreealliance.org.

In other announcements:

The Famous Dave's located at 10201 Midlothian Turnpike will team up with other restaurants nationwide to support the Share Our Strength Great American Dine Out through Sunday, Sept. 28. During this week, the restaurants will contribute a portion of their sales to the Share Our Strength program to fight against childhood hunger in the U.S. by helping to improve children's access to nutritious foods wherever they live, work or play.

The Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (Virginia FREE) recently ranked Sen. John Watkins, who represents a portion of the county, as a top business-friendly legislator. In the organization's 2008 General Assembly Incumbent Evaluations, Watkins was tied for first place in the Senate ratings. The yearly business rating considers legislators' voting records, effectiveness and stewardship. Virginia FREE, a nonpartisan group, is the oldest organization in the state dedicated to monitoring the performance of the Virginia General Assembly with a goal of strengthening the state's business climate, promoting economic growth and creating jobs in the commonwealth.

Speers

Chesterfield winners in the "My Greater Richmond" photo contest, sponsored by the Greater Richmond Partnership, are Jerry Genda, who won first place with his photo, "The Boathouse"; Jeff Satterthwaite, who took second place with his work, "Barcelona Foundry off of Old Gun Road"; and Bart Maham, who received the third place prize for his photo, "Robious Landing Park."

The first 11 inductees into L. C. Bird High School's new Hall of Fame will be Daniel Beasley, class of 1983, football and wrestling; Marjorie (Johnson) Bessler, class of 1981, track; Doug Chapman, class of 1995, football and track; Daniel (Jake) Clarke, class of 1980, football, track and basketball; Tom Hall, class of 1986, football, basketball and track; Dutch Schrotenboer, 1982-91 head football coach (posthumous inductee); William (Billy) Sinclair, 1982-present contributor; Chevette Waller, class of 1994, basketball and track; Quincy Waller, class of 1992, football, basketball, track and baseball; Brian West, class of 1984, track and football; and Mike Williams, class of 1985, football, track and wrestling. An induction ceremony will be held on Sept. 27, at 6 p.m., at the Highlands Country Club.

Lentz

Christopher Donald Hruneni has enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College, class of 2012, as a Patrick Henry Scholar. The scholarship is offered for demonstrated leadership in students' high schools and communities and for strong academic achievement. Hruneni, a graduate of Midlothian High School, is the son of Kurt and Kari Hruneni of Midlothian.

Kyle Speers, a graduate of Cosby High School and son of Jack and Karen Speers, was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship by Virginia Smiles, an organization that helps families with children born with cleft lips or palates. He'll use the funds to continue his education at Eastern Mennonite University.

Travis Collins, senior pastor of Bon Air Baptist Church and referee, will sign copies of his recently published book, "Tough Calls: Game-Winning Principles for Leaders under Pressure," on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1-3 p.m., at Barnes & Noble at Chesterfield Towne Center.

Millwood School is celebrating its 20th year in business. The school, which offers classes from JK-eighth grade, has grown from 20 students to more than 250. Future plans include adding ninth-12th grades. Construction is scheduled to begin soon on a new academic building to house the middle school and initial high school classrooms. Millwood will hold open houses on Oct. 21 and Jan. 13 and 25. For more information about the school, visit www.millwoodschool.org or call 639-3200.

Employees of Defense Supply Center Richmond recently collected and delivered eight boxes of school supplies to Bensley and Bellwood elementary schools and Meadowbrook High School.

"Picturing America" will be on display at Chesterfield Community High School, thanks to the school's art teacher and 2008 Teacher of the Year Dawn Lentz, who was awarded a "Picturing America" grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The program introduces people to our nation's history and culture by bringing great works of American art into classrooms and libraries. The collection includes 40 high-quality reproductions and a teacher resource book with suggestions about using the artwork to enhance the instruction of history, writing, literature and civics.

Virginia State University moved up 12 spots in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of America's best colleges and universities to number 63 among master's level universities in the southern region. That puts VSU near the top of the tier three schools. The university's overall score of 36 is just two points shy of tier two. For the second consecutive year, VSU is the nation's highest ranked public, master's level, historically black college or university. The ranking is based on peer assessment, financial resources, graduation and retention rates, student selectivity, faculty resources and alumni giving.

Dr. David E. Benjamin is the new senior pastor at Winfree Memorial Baptist Church in Midlothian. He will lead both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Dr. Benjamin's installation service will be held on Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m.

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund recently awarded a grant totaling $80,160 to eight area YMCA branches, including the Manchester Family and Midlothian Family branches. The funds are intended to help YMCAs to provide financial assistance to youths who aren't participating in an after-school program, or are at risk of leaving a program, because of financial need.

Compiled by Gwen Sadler

Announcements can be e-mailed to news@, faxed to 744-3269chesterfieldobserver.com or mailed to Chesterfield Observer, Attn: Announcements, P.O. Box 1616, Midlothian, VA 23113.