Chesterfield Observer

Fall fun

11/19/2008

Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer Sarah Montgomery helps her 3-year-old daughter, Taylor, across the bars at Rockwood Park during a play date with friends earlier this month.

Schools plan $287M in improvements

By Donna C. Gregory NEWS EDITOR — 11/19/2008

The Chesterfield School Board last week got its first look at the latest version of the school system's capital improvement program (CIP), which maps out major construction projects through 2015. Altogether, the CIP totals $287.

Consumers seek value and reliability in vehicles - not hybrids

By Shariq Torres CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 11/19/2008

Hybrid vehicles - cars and trucks that can operate using both gasoline and electricity - are being hailed as the future of transportation. But according to local Chesterfield auto dealers, hybrids aren't selling any more or any less than any other type of vehicle.

Developer seeks support for proposed amphitheatre project

By Gwen Sadler CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 11/19/2008

Some people dream big. Tom Garner dreams huge, and then makes things happen. Over the course of many years, Garner, a Midlothian resident and developer, has donated the land that eventually cradled the buildings of the Midlothian Library and the YMCA, both located on Coalfield Road.

Board appoints 12-member multicultural commission

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER — 11/19/2008

The county's Board of Supervisors last week unanimously appointed 12 citizens to serve on the Multicultural Advisory Commission that was created last January. Dale Supervisor Jim Holland was the board's strongest proponent while Bermuda Supervisor Dorothy Jaeckle expressed some reservations.

Probation and parole office is still looking for new site

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER — 11/19/2008

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VDC) is trying to decide where to relocate its probation and parole office, currently located in the 11000 block of Iron Bridge Road.

Little accomplished at legislative dinner

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER — 11/19/2008

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors and other county leaders had dinner last week with its legislative delegation, but state funding issues - specifically for transportation - were hardly discussed. Most of the 35-minute meal was taken up by a presentation of the county's financial situation including lower state revenue.

Chesterfield Observer circulation tops 54,000

11/19/2008

An independent audit for the Chesterfield Observer for September/October 2008 reported an average weekly circulation of 54,278, a 15.3 percent increase from the same period in 2007 when the audit showed an average of 48,365.

Winner for life

11/19/2008

Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer Styles Bi-Rite manager Lori Woodel congratulates lottery winner Harold Warren during a prize ceremony at the store last week. Warren won the top prize in the Virginia Lottery's Win for Life game and will receive $1,000 per week for the rest of his life. The store received a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Car turns 7-Eleven into a drive-thru on Chester Road

Becky Robinette Wright — 11/19/2008

There were some hair prickling moments at the 7-Eleven located at Centralia and Chester roads on Nov. 10 shortly after 8 a.m. when a car crashed through the front door of the occupied store. "The vehicle went into the store," said Lt. Matt Coffin of Chesterfield Fire and EMS, "and happened to go down the center aisle.

JTCC Philosophy for Lunch series scheduled

11/19/2008

Associate Professor Brie Gertler, head of cognitive science at University of Virginia, will speak on the topic, "Does the Mind Extend Beyond the Body?" on Dec. 8 as part of John Tyler Community College's fall Philosophy for Lunch series. The presentation will take place from noon-1 p.m.

Training available for landscape professionals

11/19/2008

Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension has reserved two seats for landscape professionals for its upcoming master gardener training program. In lieu of volunteer services, professionals may join the training to brush up on a topic or two, or many, by signing up for individual classes at a cost of $25 per class, or $500 for the entire program.

St. Francis Medical Center to add more beds to facility

11/19/2008

As the culmination of a process that began nearly a year ago, Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center recently received approval from the Virginia Department of Health to add 54 beds to its current 130-bed facility. Bon Secours requested the additional beds so they could meet current and expected patient demands. With the projected growth through 2011 of counties that St.

Elderfriends will deliver holiday baskets

11/19/2008

Elderfriends, a volunteer-based visitation program, will partner with Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Gerontology to collect, assemble and deliver "Friendly Baskets of Cheer," while spending time visiting with isolated older adults during the holiday season. This venture offers a onetime volunteer opportunity for community members who wish to get involved.

November programs for older adults

11/19/2008

The Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department will hold the following programs and activities for older adults at the Church of Our Saviour, located at 4000 Stigall Drive. Adults 50 years old and older are invited to attend. For more information, call Catie Home at 767-6295.

Teachers awarded chance to fulfill dreams

11/19/2008

In determining their own professional-development activity, recipients of the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence are told to dream big. They're asked to consider something they've always wanted to do, but lacked the resources to accomplish.

Resource bank connects with community

11/19/2008

Are you an expert on banking, bugs or biking? Would you like to volunteer for a school's career day or mentor a student? Are you a business owner who would like to host a field trip or find a summer intern? Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) has just made all those things easy to do.

Mall walk set to benefit children's research hospital

11/19/2008

Local chapters of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha service organization will sponsor an indoor 5K walk to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Chesterfield Towne Center on Midlothian Turnpike. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending by 10 a.m.

Recent selected real estate sales in Chesterfield County

11/19/2008

New members of the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce

11/19/2008

All-4-Rent, LLC James Potts 14440 Sommerville Court Midlothian, VA 23113 897-4033 Fax: 897-8848 All-4-Rent = rents-sales-service. All types of small construction equipment and lawn and garden equipment. Small engine repairs.

Folk songs for an autumn evening

11/19/2008

In the Spotlight Folk music concert, Sat., Nov. 22, doors open at 7:15 p.m., concert at 8 p.m., Congregation Or Ami, 9400 W. Huguenot Road. Traditional American and British Isles folk songs will be performed by Dan Schatz. Tickets are $12/advance, $10/door. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 647-7856 or visit www.richmondfolkmusic.com.

Moments in sports

11/19/2008

Clockwise from top: More than 550 runners participated in the County Middle School Cross Country Meet earlier this month at R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks. Sean Willard from Midlothian Middle won the 2.1-mile run during the meet.

Cheerleading reaches great heights for Cosby student

By Sande Snead CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 11/19/2008

Chesterfield's new high school on the block can add another feat to its growing list of athletic achievements. Cosby Varsity Cheerleader Melinda Lawman was named Cheer Ltd.'s 2008-09 National Cheerleader of the Year and was sent to England along with Coach Catharine Walters as ambassadors for an International Cheer Conference and competition.

Cosby cheerleaders show spirit

By Joey Matthews CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 11/19/2008

S-P-I-R-I-T. Catharine Walters said that one word perfectly describes the competitive cheerleading team she coached this season at Cosby High School. "Most of the girls on our team, and I hope they don't take this the wrong way, are really pretty average girls," Walters said. "We don't have any amazing flyers on the team. We don't have what you could call any superstars.

Varied views on "grinding" at school dances continue

11/19/2008

Dear Editor, Although I missed the picture that has created all the controversy, from what I have read here I can see why it must have been very controversial.

Honoring Operation Enduring Freedom veterans

By Gwen Sadler CONTRIBUTING WRITER — 11/19/2008

Thanks to the work of a trio of Midlothian men, Virginia drivers who have served the nation during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the official name for the U.S. contribution to the global war on terror, may soon be able to show their continued support with a vehicle license plate to commemorate that service.

War stories

11/19/2008

Chrisheana Organ (left) and Rosalia Pena, kindergarteners at Beulah Elementary School, listen to veteran Byron Marny talk about the ship he served on during World War II in the Pacific Ocean. His ship, the destroyer USS Maddox, played a supporting role leading up to the formal surrender of Japan.

Students squash the competition at veggie race

11/19/2008

Third-grade students from Marguerite Christian Elementary's Center-Based Gifted program held a Fruit and Veggie Derby last week. During the annual event, students designed race cars made from fruits and vegetables, which they then raced, and were judged on the distance traveled. Clockwise from top left: Lucas Fields holds up his race entry for a closer look. Michelle Pitz, a parent volunteer, helps student Meha Srivastava assemble her car. A plastic doll piloted one of the entries. Dean Hutchins, a parent volunteer, prepares to launch a car. Emily Harrison helps a parent cut potato slices for her entry into the race. (Photos by Lisa Billings)

Parade of Lights to set sail on Dec. 13

11/19/2008

The 16th Annual James River Parade of Lights, sponsored by the James River Advisory Council, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13. This year's theme, "Saluting Our Military on the Historic James," will honor the men and women serving their country, many of whom will have to spend the holidays away from their families and friends.

Cosby High School band concert scheduled

11/19/2008

The Cosby High School Titan Band will present a holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school theater, 14300 Fox Club Parkway. Tickets are $5. The 110- member Titan Band, as well as the percussion and jazz ensembles, will be featured in the hour-long show. A reception will follow in the school commons.

Historic Hallsborough: a 19th-century community

By Diane Dallmeyer CHESTERFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY — 11/19/2008

Once upon a time, Chesterfield County was a network of small communities, each with its own flavor, personality and purpose. Often situated beside a railway, these communities were not far apart by today's standards, but in the days when traveling 20 miles on horseback took half a day, they had a distinct "separateness" about them.

Book fair to benefit high school library

11/19/2008

Chesterfield Community High School will host a fundraising book fair at the Barnes & Noble bookstore located in Chesterfield Towne Center on Dec. 11. Customers may tell store cashiers that they wish to support the school and a percentage of their sale will go to purchase new books for the high school's library. Café sales are included in the fundraiser.

Gearing up for retail season

Susan Nienow — 11/19/2008

I am a sucker for a sale. Tell me there is a special on select brussels sprouts, and I'm there. Add a coupon and a limited time offer, plus a gift certificate for special customers only, and get out of my way.

Story time

11/19/2008

Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer Chantice Burnett, a senior from Chesterfield Community High, reads to second graders at Wells Elementary School as part of Read Aloud Week.

Beware of party crashers

11/19/2008

The party was over for a county man when he was the victim of a carjacking as he left a gathering in the 20900 block of Third Ave on Nov. 8. The victim was backing out of the party host's driveway with several friends in his car at about 2 a.m.