12/16/2010

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EXPECTEXERCISE EXTRAEXPLOREEXPLAIN •P11 A big win for Gordon Patriots - Minors Super Bowl champions

•P7 Clover Hill senior Abby Badura wins High School Heisman

•P10 It's a wrap for annual gift event at Midlothian High School.

•P4 Charitable gift giving tips for the holidays.

•P2 Parenting seminar offers skill sets to break the cycle of entitlement

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY 12.16.10

PHOTO BY BRIDGET HAZEL Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling presents the Virginia state fl ag to Sister Anne Marie Mack, CBS, Senior Vice President, Sponsorship and Peter J. Bernard, CEO, Bon Secours, Virginia Health System at the ground

Bon Secours celebrated the start of Chesterfi eld’s newest health-care facil-ity, Bon Secours St. Francis Watkins Centre on Thursday, Dec. 9, with a groundbreaking ceremony. The new project will bring an infl ux of capital investment, 150 new jobs to northwest Chesterfi eld County and increased availability of ambulatory services for the county’s fast growing population.

St. Francis Watkins Centre will include the area’s only freestanding emergency department as well as an imaging center and physician offi ce space. The new Bon Secours campus will be located at the corner of Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike, just four-and-one-half miles from Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center.

“Bon Secours has received tremen-dous support from Chesterfi eld County and its residents, and we are pleased to serve the community,” said Peter J.

Bernard, CEO of Bon Secours Virginia. “Five years ago we made a signifi cant commitment to the county with the opening of St. Francis Medical Center. Our expectation is that residents will welcome the services of Watkins Centre as they did our hospital.”

St. Francis Watkins Centre is located in the northwest part of the county, and will service three large residential and commercial areas of Chesterfi eld, as well as Powhatan, Amelia, Goochland and western Henrico counties.

The facility will be built in phases, with Phase I consisting of 100,000 square feet of space that includes a freestanding emergency department, a comprehensive diagnostic imaging center and a physician medical offi ce building, which will house primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, and internal medicine physician practices.

When Phase II is completed, the total

medical campus will consist of some 200,000 square feet of space. Plans for Phase II are still under development.

“An important part of any com-munity is making certain that quality health care is readily available to its citizens,” said Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. “The construction of Bon Sec-ours St. Francis Watkins Centre will do just that with a freestanding emergency department, imaging center and physi-cian offi ce space. But this project is also important to our economic develop-ment efforts. It will result in signifi cant capital investment in Chesterfi eld County and create 150 new jobs. We appreciate the strong contribution that our friends at Bon Secours have made to the Commonwealth over the years, and we are delighted that they continue to invest in our state.”

According to Chesterfi eld Country

Medical facility breaks ground for Phase I of project

Holiday delivery for Virginia

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH FARINAMidlothian High School student Tony Pelegrino, left, leads his class' wreath through the front doors of the Governor's mansion on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 9.

BY ELIZABETH [email protected]

Sometimes a class project takes a life of its own. For one Midlothian High School class, it wasn’t about a grade. It was

creating a gift for Virginia. Teacher Beth Taylor and her students presented a hand-made wreath fi lled with hundreds of pinecones, acorns and other natural plants of the Commonwealth to Vir-ginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell at the Governor’s mansion on Thursday, Dec. 9. “This is beautiful,” McDonnell said. “I think it’s A+”

Taylor, who teaches students with intellectual disabilities, explained in an earlier interview that the class began

making smaller wreaths a few years ago. The class, who also helps maintain the school’s memorial garden on the north side entrance of the school, had one student who loved nature. “She would pick up rocks, acorns and pine cones and put them in her pocket,” Taylor said. “I thought, ‘What are we going to do with these things that are so precious to her?’ I decided we would just make a pine cone wreath.”

The fi rst wreath became 148 wreaths during the fi rst year and the class sold them to faculty, staff and students. Since then, the profi ts from the sales were used to celebrate the students’ gradu-ation in the spring. This year, the class focused on a large wreath to present to Virginia’s governor.

“We’re trying to prepare our students for the 21st century world of work, and because my students have intellectual disabilities, they usually go directly into the workforce or into a training program,” the teacher said.

The project incorporated a range of subjects from math to science to gov-ernment. “I decided that since I teach every subject in high school to include every subject in this project,” she said.

The class, made of 11 students in grades 9 through 12, started the project writing letters to Christmas tree farm-ers and extension offi ces throughout Virginia in October. “They typed every letter. They couldn’t just print fi ve. It

Handmade wreath presented to Virginia’s First Lady

WREATH P3

WATKINS CENTRE P2

AGECROFT P6

It’s time to make New Year’s resolutions. Why not make your 2011 resolution something attainable: prepar-ing yourself and family for emergencies and learning the skills needed to help your neighbors in a disaster. Chesterfi eld County residents are invited to attend training that will help them overcome the effects of a disaster. The popular Chesterfi eld Com-munity Emergency Response Team, or CERT, training will commence on Jan. 4, 2011. There is no charge for the course, which is open to the fi rst 30 persons aged 18 and older who apply. The dead-line to enroll is Dec. 22.

The eight-night initial training course is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays over four consecutive weeks. The training provides partici-

pants with basic emergency response skills that are es-sential in the critical time after a disaster and before fi rst responders arrive. Topics include: light duty search and rescue, fi re safety and sup-pression, basic and advanced emergency care, terrorism awareness, emergency com-munications, and disaster psychology. Graduates earn certifi cates and receive CERT emergency gear including a backpack and helmet. More than one hundred people completed the CERT train-ing in 2010, and more are needed.

Registration forms are available online at www.chesterfi eld.gov/CERT/, by e-mailing CERT@chesterfi eld.gov, or by calling 804-751-CERT.

courtesy of Chesterfi eld County

C.E.R.T. course offered Jan. 4

BY ERIC MILLIRONSSpecial Correspondent

While one can expect to fi nd Richard Mox-ley, Executive

Director of the Agecroft As-sociation, in and around this bit of England in Richmond most anytime, fi nding him outside on a dreary, cold and wet day had to be unantici-pated. However, on Sunday, Dec. 12, from noon until about 5 p.m., there he was,

under a large umbrella and sporting a very broad smile as he handed out programs and welcomed all to the an-nual Christmas fest.

Dubbed “Yuletides at Agecroft Hall,” this year’s event had to be one of the best “calming” events dur-ing this maddening rush in anticipation of the coming holiday. It allowed people to meander through the court-

Agecroft Hall’s very special Christmas gift

PHOTO BY ERIC MILLIRONSJohn Pagano, (left) a local re-enactor, portrayed Charles Dickens and James Miller from West Virginia, portrayed a 19th century Englishman at "Yuletides at Agecroft Hall."

A holiday sleigh ride

PHOTO BY PATRICK DOBBS2010 Powhatan Christmas Mother Frances Crutchfi eld waves to the crowd during the county's annual Christmas Parade held on Sunday, Dec. 12.

Photo Gallery ONLINEmidlothianexchange.com

2 || DECEMBER 16, 2010 MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COMEXPLAIN NEWS || FEATURES

Marilyn E. Cole, Ches-terfi eld County’s assistant county administrator for administration and govern-ment affairs, has announced her upcoming retirement. Her last work day will be Dec. 22, 2010.

Cole joined the county in 1992 as executive assistant to the county administrator, and was promoted in 1997 to her current position. In addition to coordinating the daily activities of the county administrator’s offi ce, Cole’s responsibilities include overseeing special events; providing oversight for the county’s legislative and intergovernmental relations functions, clerk to the Board of Supervisors offi ce and the Center for Organizational Excellence; and providing direction for the county’s long range planning citizens committee, as well as serving as the primary liaison for staff support to the Board of Supervisors. Most notable among her achievements are being a champion for regional cooperation, having

coordinated the fi rst regional summits for elected offi cials in the greater Richmond area; serving on the team responsible for the county’s ACE (Award for Continu-ing Excellence) under the U.S. Senate Productivity and Quality Award program; and coordinating over 100 special events on behalf of the county.

During her employment she served on a number of boards and committees. She is a 1997 graduate of Leader-ship Metro Richmond and served on that organization’s board of directors from 1998-2004.

She also served on the boards of Metro Richmond YMCA, the Petersburg Area Regional Tourism (PART) and the Richmond Met-ropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. For the past fi ve years, Cole has served on the national board for the National Forum for Black Public Adminis-trators (NFBPA), having been elected by her peers nationwide, and she is past vice president and current

treasurer of the NFBPA- Cen-tral Virginia Chapter. She is a member of the Richmond Chapter of The Links, Inc.; earned several awards from the National Association of Counties; received the Star Achievement Award from the Chesterfi eld Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and is a past Employee of the Year for county administra-tion.

“I have worked with Mari-lyn for18 years, and for the last three years in particular, have relied on her outstand-ing leadership. You could not ask for a better assistant county administrator. Mari-lyn embodies everything you look for in a senior leader and has given much to me, the board of supervisors, our employees and the citizens of Chesterfi eld County,” said County Administrator Jay Stegmaier.

Cole’s retirement plans include travel, golf and more time with family and her husband, Allen.

courtesy of Chesterfi eld County

CRIME REPORTAll data are based on the publicly available Chesterfi eld County Police Department daily arrest and crime releases and are reported according to Federal Incident Based Reporting rules.

Advertise in Midlothian Exchange!Call Anne Gibb at (804) 366-4691 or Sara Carter at (804) 201-6071 for details.

Assistant County Administrator to retire

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offi cials, the Midlothian area surrounding the Watkins Centre is expected to grow signifi cantly in 10 years, creating a need for more

medical services to ac-commodate the growing

population.“The health care indus-

try is one of our primary economic development tar-

WATKINS CENTRE from P1 get markets,” said Daniel A. Gecker, chairman of the Chesterfi eld Board of Supervisors. “The economic impact of St. Francis Watkins Centre will be signifi cant for Chesterfi eld; not only are we adding accessible, quality health care, but the number of jobs the project will gener-ate is substantial.”

The project is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, with a completion date for Phase I scheduled for late 2011.

Bon Secours is a not-for-profi t Catholic health system with four hospitals in the greater Richmond metro-politan area; St. Mary’s, Me-morial Regional, Richmond Community Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, as well as Bon Secours Medical Group which is composed of more than 40 physician practice groups, home health and hospice.

courtesy of Melissa Jones on

behalf of Bon Secours

23112Dec. 84600 block of Twelveoaks RoadUnknown suspect(s) busted a hole in a locked front living room window to gain entry into the residence. Property taken from inside.

Dec. 612500 block of Bailey Bridge RoadA bomb threat was found written inside of a bathroom at the school. The school was searched, however, nothing was found.

23113Dec. 83300 block of Old Gun Road EastVictim reported property stolen from the rear of his truck.

23114Dec. 9700 block of Coalfi eld RoadVictim reported the prop-erty was stolen from his locked white 2004 Chev-rolet. No signs of forced entry were noted.

23235Dec. 1111500 block of Midlothian TurnpikeProperty reported stolen from victim’s unlocked gray 2006 Chrysler.

10900 block of Robious Road Small fi re found burning in men’s bathroom.

Dec. 9300 block of Twinridge LaneVictim advised she heard noises on her patio at ap-proximately 1 a.m. Upon checking the next day, the victim found the screen on her rear patio window bent.

1500 block of Winding Way Unlocked 2002 Ford Explorer entered and prop-

erty was reported stolen. 8900 block of Brucewood DriveRear door forced open, destroying the door frame. No items determined missing.

8600 block of Brown Summit RoadVictim returned home to fi nd the frame around her rear French doors dam-aged. Entry had also been attempted at a basement door.

1100 block of Buford RoadFront door to residence kicked. The door was dead-bolted and no entry gained.

Dec. 89400 block of Beckham DriveSuspects admitted to entering multiple un-locked vehicles and taking property.

Dec. 71500 block of Robindale RoadSeveral unlocked vehicles were entered and the property was reported stolen.

2100 block of Wrens Nest RoadTwo unlocked vehicles were entered and property was reported stolen.

Dec. 610000 block of Bayham Drive Two unlocked vehicles were entered and the property was reported stolen.

Nov. 282200 block of Cedar Crest RoadProperty reported stolen from victim’s unlocked vehicle.

23236Dec. 102900 block of Abbeydale CourtEntry gained to residence, which is for sale. No signs

of forced entry. In speak-ing with the owner, offi cers learned the owner believes friend of her son may possibly have a key to the house.

Dec. 91000 block of Koger Center BoulevardTwo unlocked work trucks were entered and property was reported stolen.

Dec. 8200 block of Marbleridge RoadProperty removed from victim’s residence. Entry possibly gained via an unsecured rear sliding glass door.

Dec. 711900 block of Sunfl ower LaneLocked red 2002 Ford Mustang entered and property was reported stolen.

23832Dec. 103400 block of Hollow Wood Court Forced entry made to the residence through the rear utility room door. Property removed.

11800 block of Clearwood CourtKnown suspect arrived at the victim’s residence to confront him about a domestic issue. During the confrontation, the suspect entered the home and as-saulted the victim.

Dec. 96500 block of Belmont RoadEntry to school gained possibly through an unsecured rear door. Once inside, suspect(s) dam-aged a pull-down door in the cafeteria and removed the items from other areas inside the school.

9400 block of Brocket Drive Property was reported stolen from the rear of the victim’s fl atbed truck.

DUI SNAPSHOT

Total number: 15 drivers Six drivers between the ages of 21-29Two drivers between the ages of 30-39Five drivers between the ages of 40-49 Two drivers between the ages of 50-59

Time of day: Two arrests between 6 pm – 9 pm

One arrest between 9 pm – midnightNine arrests between midnight – 3 am

One arrest after 4 am

DUI arrests made between Dec. 3 - Dec. 8

More than lights displayed at Lewis-GinterDominion GardenFest of

Lights at Lewis-Ginter offers more than 700,000 holiday lights outdoors, but inside the garden's Education build-ing are dollhouses and model trains on display through the holidays.

Some will recognize the miniature scene of Midlothian Family Practice that is replicated with the tiniest details, which includes an EKG machine, a stethoscope, and magazines in the waiting area. The dollhouse, which is on loan from Dr. Jennifer Brown, is one of 12 dollhouses on dis-play for during the event.

More information can be found at www.lewisginter.org

-courtesy of Lewis-GinterPHOTO BY ELIZABETH FARINA

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helped with their keyboard-ing and typing skills. I have some [students] that are profi cient with the computer and some haven’t used it very much, especially for word processing,” she said.

While waiting for a response from the letters, the group began learning about Virginia government. “I wanted them to have knowl-edge of who they were going to visit,” Taylor added.

The class also studied the typography of Virginia and its natural resources, which incorporated math and sci-ence topics. “We’re one of the largest exporters of coal on the East Coast, but we didn’t use any coal,” she said. “We used natural plants from Virginia.”

Soon, packages arrived for the students’ Virginia wreath from Virginia Beach, the Shenandoah Valley and as far west as Carroll County. The owner of Foxfi re Farms, which is located in Albemarle County, labeled each of the donated items. Also, Taylor met the owner from Au-gusta County, who operates two tree lots in Chesterfi eld County. “These pack-ages came with all kinds of wonderful things. It was like Christmas day,” the teacher

explained.Taylor, who studied hor-

ticulture at North Carolina State, was amazed at the variety of fl ora. She was surprised at the wild rose pods and the wild blueber-ries. “The tiny berries on the sticks were the size of the head of a pin. We sprayed them gold and they turned out beautiful,” she said.

Students added hundreds of pinecones, acorns accented with gold-painted Okra pods, Magnolia leaves, wild blueberries, red-painted rose pods, mushrooms and sea oats from private plants in the mountains to the wreath. To hold the weight, two wire loops with a minute spray of artifi cial greenery were used. “It’s been a learning experi-ence for all of us,” Taylor said.

Eight students presented the wreath to First Lady McDonnell. Each told how the project was created and where each of the items came from in Virginia that were incorporated into the wreath, which coincidentally matched the gold garland spray on the fi replaces in the north and south ballrooms of the mansion. “I was just noticing that two minutes ago that it matches with the gold,” said student Tony Pelegrino.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR


State troopers were busy on Monday responding to 110 reported crashes over a six-hour period in the Richmond area, according to a Virginia State Police report. The main culprit in hazardous road condi-tions – snow.

Yes, the fl uffy white fl akes made its ap-pearance in the early morning hours and tapered off well before noon. Harmless in appearance, it covered mostly lawns and parked cars. However, on the roadways, it added a nice coating of “slick” that fooled over-confi dent drivers into thinking he or she would be able to handle wintry condi-tions.

If you haven’t had the time to practice maneuvering off road, don’t time your fi rst lesson during a bad weather day. Driving in snow, rain or any wintry mix requires more than confi dence behind the wheel. It requires, at minimum, a combination of the vehicle’s tires having the right treads and an attentive driver that understands the futility of hitting the brakes when the car is sliding on an ice patch.

Here’s what I’ve learned about driving in snow from a few years of working at a ski resort: leave the car parked in the driveway until the roads clear.

If that’s not feasible, create the follow-ing road-trip kit for your car: a fl ashlight,

thick blanket, snow shovel, straw broom, ice scraper, de-icer, extra gloves, big rubber boots and a 2- to 5-pound bag of kitty litter gravel. Of course, have the cell phone fully charged, if possible, before heading out.

It does sound a little goofy to pack all

these items in the car’s trunk, especially if you don’t own a cat. Most Richmonders will purchase a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk before stocking up on winter road items. However, once you get stuck in an embankment on a cold morning commute, you’ll appreciate the Scout-like prepared-ness more than sliced bread.

Tip no. 2: Using the brakes in such win-try conditions is about as useful as streak-ing windshield wipers in a torrential down-pour. The move doesn’t necessarily get the expected job done and an attempt to make a quick stop can be disastrous. Driving in these conditions means anticipating curves and hills in order to stay on the asphalt. It also means leaving enough time and room to stop, if necessary.

Last: be patient. Driving is a learned skill that requires responsibility. An inpatient driver only adds to dangerous conditions. More dangerous is an impaired driver regardless of the weather. The holidays usually include celebrations that may have alcohol beverages being served. Make a statement and give the gift of a sober ride.

Take it easy on the roads

M I D L O T H I A N

EXEXCHANGECOM

13702 Village Mill Drive, Suite 203Midlothian, Va 23114Offi ce: (804) 379-6451Fax: (804) 379-6215Mail: PO Box 420 Midlothian, VA 23113

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Vol. IV, 48th edition

© 2010 by Richmond Suburban News, a Media General Company. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

What's your favorite TV show to catch this holiday?

"Frosty, the Snowman is a favor-

ite. The magician reminds me of people

I've known."

"Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I think it's a hilarious concept."

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Elizabeth FarinaEDITOR

[email protected]

Jim McConnellSPORTS EDITOR

[email protected]

Anne GibbSALES

[email protected]

"Anything with Rudolph. Love Rudolph!"

WREATH from P1

After the 20-minute visit with Virginia First Lady and a tour with Governor’s man-sion docent Ira Booker, the students returned to the bus. For mom Veronica Gomez, the experience has been great

for her daughter, Liz, who has autism. “We went out and collected pine cones, hickory nuts and acorns,” Gomez explained.

Gomez was amazed at the size of the class’s wreath.

Gomez had purchased a small wreath from the class in last year’s sale. “Mine is on the back of a small door. This one just blew me away. The kids take pride in this, and Liz likes doing things like

this,” Gomez said. “She’ll tell me short, little things … not when I question her, but we’ll be riding in the car and she’ll say, ‘Oh, we made that in class today, and we used that.’ So, it goes on her terms.”

BY LATIKA LEEspecial correspondent

Raise your hand if you have ever praised your child for eating all of the food on his or her plate.

Even a seemingly rou-tine statement as simple as, “Good job” for a high grade on a spelling test may rein-force “entitlement” behavior, according to child develop-ment specialist, Susan Brown. In recent years, psychologists have written about entitle-ment, and some say it’s an epidemic.

An expert in child devel-opment with Commonwealth Parenting, Brown and other professionals agree that par-ents need to be consistent in the messages they are sending and forming regarding child rearing.

“If we allow children to speak to parents, teachers, and coaches with disrespect then we indulge the ‘give me’ -the feeling of entitlement,” Brown cautioned, “When we expect too little of our children and do too much for them, then we stand between them and their realizing their fullest potential.”

At a lunchtime lecture with parents and caregivers of children from toddlers to teens, Brown explained that when children come into the world they are, by nature, egocentric and, clinically, are in a narcissistic stage of development.

“Our job as parents and teachers is to move through this stage and help them learn to delay gratifi cation, to be less impulsive. This comes in small steps over time.”

When children reach 2 ½-years-old, they begin a learning process of how to control themselves. They learn how to share, wait their turn, and not hit or bite. As they grow, children have more language skills and can express themselves better. By the ages of 3, 4 and 5, they should know that more is expected of them.

Although children are not born with a “how-to” manual, resources are avail-able for parents who want to understand, train, and raise their children in a non-com-

mercial society. Common-wealth Parenting, a not-for-profi t parenting center, offers classes, speakers, workshops and consultations to serve parents and grandparents with children from birth to teenage years.

Brown delved into the background of psychology noting that until the 1960s, it was Freudian-based. Freud – the father of psychology - wrote papers and embraced the idea that children were a blank slate and parents shaped who the child would become. His philosophy was that the mother was very important to the upbring-ing of the child. However, a new theory emerged in the 1960s. A book called “The Psychology of Self Esteem” by Nathanial Branden posed the premise that in order for individuals to be happy and productive in life, they needed to have very high self-esteem, which begins in early childhood. Psychologists, parents and educators started to build upon this idea.

“We set the expectation,” Brown affi rmed. “We said a litany of quotes when they’re young to build self-esteem such as, ‘You’re so wonderful’, ‘You’re the best’, ‘You can be anything,’ that we begin to praise them for things they should be doing anyway.”

Brown said a culture of entitlement has built up over several generations. Since the late 1980’s, a move-ment dubbed “self-esteem improvement” has evolved. Instead of being at peace with their own sense of ac-complishment, children have become adept at looking for outside praise and approval.

“Everyone gives stick-ers and smiley faces. If you show up, you get a trophy, you get rewarded. Kids today are always looking for an external acknowledgement or praise,” she asserted. “We fi nd kids who are no longer able to stay on task because they’ve been trained that (praise) is the expectation. It’s a constant reporting back, when they should just be doing (tasks) for their own satisfaction … That should be the expectation.”

About a dozen parents,

seated at an executive, U-shaped conference table, shook their heads in agree-ment.

In an article, Randy Traeger, a head football coach in Oregon, cited a new study by San Diego State professor Jean Twenge, author of “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement,” that fi nds self-centeredness and narcissism in our youth has steadily increased over the last decade.

“We start to cut them slack with self-care maintenance, jobs around the house, and forget that all of that is about their character. We need to emphasize the importance of respecting hard work and value,” Brown stressed, “They aren’t seeing this being modeled daily in the popular culture.”

One approach to help children to be more respon-sible for their actions is to get them more involved in community service, Brown suggested. “This lets them know that they can impact the lives of others in a posi-tive way and gives their own life more meaning.”

“Not everyone is going to be the best and the brightest, not everyone is going to be the most talented,” she said.

But, with updated parent-ing tools and changing their environment, all children can grow to be confi dent, inde-pendent and accountable.

Commonwealth Parenting seminar: 'Too much praise breeds self entitlement'

OVER-HEARD

When we expect too little of our children and do too much for them, then we stand between them and their real-izing their full-est potential.

CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION

In last week's article "Midlothian authors add gift ideas for the holidays", the website for "Paper Routes and Lawn Mowing: The 10 Basic Skillsets for Boomers" was missing a letter. The correct website address is www.BoomersBook.biz. We regret the error.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH FARINAMidlothian High School student Liz Gomez, right, describes part of the process behind the wreath to Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell as fellow classmates Brandon Borsello, center, and Dylan Markham, far right, listen.

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Come the holiday season, the spirit of giving often extends to charitable donations. While it's understandable to assume charitable donations might diminish when the economy is struggling, according to a 2009 survey from the American Red Cross, such an assumption is not necessarily true.

For those who remember the 2009 holiday season, much of the talk concerned saving money. Forecasters predicted far less spending than in more robust economic years as headlines across the nation continued to inform readers of the nation's unemployment rate. In spite of that, 90 percent of Americans admitted in the Red Cross survey that they planned to donate to charity last holiday season, a quarter of which planned to donate more than $100. What's more, 39 percent of respondents indicated they were willing to forego another holiday gift and have that money donated to charity instead, while 80 percent said that, if asked, they would be happy to make a donation to charity instead of buying a gift for someone.

These statistics indicate that, even in diffi cult fi nancial times, the spirit of giving synonymous with the holiday season can still prevail. But giving isn't always easy, and those looking to make a donation this holiday season should be careful before making their next donation. Charity Naviga-tor, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of chari-ties, offers the following tips for prospective donors who hope to make the most of their donation this holiday season.

* Look at the leadership. A charity's success or failure often rests with its leadership. As a result, it pays to look into

a charity's leadership before making any donations. A leader who is passionate about his charity and who has experience and a longterm vision for success is likely running a charity that's going to make the most of its donations. Check to see if the charity has a committee that reviews the CEO's perfor-mance and pay and whether or not that CEO's compensa-tion is reasonable or outlandish. To learn more about charity CEO compensation, download Charity Navigator's annual CEO Compensation Study at www.charitynavigator.org.

* Investigate the charity's track record. A successful char-ity should have a successful track record. Peruse the charity's Web site to learn about the charity's past accomplishments, current projects and future goals. The Web site should paint an accurate picture of the charity's history as well as its future, including its chances at sustaining its success. Charity Navigator notes a charity's ability to bring about meaning-ful and longterm, positive change should be key factors in a prospective donor's decision about whether or not to make a fi nancial investment in that charity.

* Research the charity's reputation. The best charities are often transparent. Unfortunately, many charities are not, and some have even found themselves in legal hot water. Charities with a reputation for questionable ethics or ones under investigation should concern prospective donors. If a charity's Web site appears vague about its accomplishments or fi nancial records, investigate the charity further before

Charitable gift giving tips for the Holiday Season

CHARITY P6

The holidays and fruitcake have long been intertwined. Fruitcakes

are often mocked, detested and discarded. Few gifted foods create such strong derision. However, fruitcake is tradition. And as most people know, Christmas is all about tradition.

Fruitcake is an enduring tradition, most simply because the food, well, endures. Most fruitcakes will last 8 to 12 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. If frozen, their lifespan could be endless. Jokingly, many families have said fruitcake is the only food durable enough to become an heirloom.

While mocked, it may entice a few people to know just how fruit-cake has become a holiday treat.

The oldest references to fruitcake date back to Roman times. Ancient crusaders and hunters consumed fruitcake made with preserved fruits, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, raisins, and honey. Fruitcake was a durable commodity that could persevere on long trips. Because of its combination of ingredients, fruitcake was also a good source of energy, much the way a trail mix is good for today's hikers.

In the 1700s, Europeans baked a ceremonial fruitcake at the end of the nut harvest. It was saved and eaten the following year at the harvest, with the hopes it would spur another successful harvest. Fruitcake evolved to more of a delicacy in the 1800s, even being served with tea in high society. It is rumored that Queen Victoria waited a year to eat a gifted fruitcake as a show of restraint and moderation.

Fruitcake can be an integral part of a holiday celebration, and not because it's being used to block drafts from under a door. Instead of giving fruitcakes as gifts, they should be served as part of the holiday feast. In addition to the sugar cookies and pies on the Christmas table, celebrants can serve slices of fruitcake featuring their favorite ingredients.

Source: Metro Graphics

Devouring the Fruitcake facts

SOURCE: METRO GRAPHICS

Chances are, holiday revelers will fi nd themselves underneath the mistletoe at least once this holiday season. While they might know what to do when that time comes, they might not know the history of that plant above their heads.

Especially sacred to Celtic Druids, mistletoe was be-lieved to bestow life and fer-tility, while also protecting against poison and serving as an aphrodisiac.Mistletoe would later take on a more political meaning, as the ritual of cutting the mistle-toe came to symbolize the emasculation of the old king by his successor.

Nowadays, mistletoe is typically hung in door-ways or entryways from one room to another. This tradition can also trace itself back several centuries to the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. Throughout Europe,

mistletoe was placed over doorways in the house as well as the stables as a means to preventing the entrance of witches.

The tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe likely stems from the belief that mistletoe bestows fertil-ity and is often associated with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a period of merrymaking that pre-dated Christmas. In 18th cen-tury England, a young lady standing underneath the mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Once kissed, the kiss would signify deep romance or eternal friend-ship.

History also suggests that mistletoe was a symbol of peace. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace. When stand-ing underneath the mistle-toe, enemies could declare a truce and spouses could end any marital turmoil with a kiss.


Staple of holiday decor has a deep history

SOURCE: METRO GRAPHICS

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Defense Logistics Agency employees, military members and contractors at Defense Supply Center Richmond adopted 106 children as part of DLA Aviation's annual Angel Tree program, donat-ing almost 1,000 holiday gifts on Friday, Dec. 10.

The children came from DLA Aviation's four part-nership schools: Bensley, Bellwood and G.H. Reid Elementary Schools, and Meadowbrook High School. School offi cials, including guidance counselors and so-cial workers, chose students for the program based on a variety of factors, primarily fi nancial need.

Some of the students' par-ents or guardians are unem-ployed. Others earn slightly more than the poverty level, leaving them unable to qual-ify for social programs that offer aid. Some are suffering from illness and a few are incarcerated. In several in-stances, the program includes children who are living with their families in shelters.

"Our parents are very appreciative of any help with

Christmas," said Andrea Frayser, guidance counselor at G.H. Reid Elementary. "Many do not have jobs, or have lost jobs, or do not make enough to give their kids a big Christmas. They al-ways thank me profusely, and I pass that thanks on to DLA Aviation employees. Thanks for everything."

What the families share in common is that few among them can afford to purchase gifts this year. According to several school offi cials, many of their students would be facing a gift-less holiday sea-son without the Angel Tree program.

"You have no idea what a positive impact our partner-ship with DSCR and DLA Aviation has on our school," said Amy Bartilotti, Commu-nities in Schools Site Coordi-nator at Bellwood Elementa-ry. "Not only are our children provided with the things that help meet their needs, you provide them with a sense of security and stability because they know that the commu-nity at Bellwood can ensure that they will have what every

child needs and deserves."In addition to students

from the partnership schools, older and younger siblings were added to the program so that no children in a

participating home would be without gifts. This year's group of angels even includ-ed an expecting mother.

"I like helping when I can and this particular program

is for life's precious cargo," said Karen Barnes, an Equal Employment Opportunity technician at DLA Aviation's EEO offi ce. "The Angel Tree program is there to bless

those who need a helping hand regardless of how much or how little."

The collected gifts were loaded onto box trucks by

DLA employees brighten holidays for 106 needy Richmond students

GIFTS P6

COURTESY PHOTO BY JACKIE GIRARDLt. Col. Harold Demby from DLA Aviation's Army Customer Facing Division drops gifts off with Cheryl Meadows from DLA's Equal Employment Opportunity Offi ce in Richmond.

6 || DECEMBER 16, 2010 MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COMEXPLORE YOUR WORLD || TRAVEL

Stop by the Rockwood Nature Center for its annual Open House, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2-4 p.m. Have your picture taken with an old-world Santa Claus, create decorations for the wildlife tree, or make or purchase a natural gift for a friend or family member. Visitors can sample unique hot chocolates from across the globe while enjoying traditional acoustic holiday music.

For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (804)674-1629. Rockwood Park is located at 3401 Courthouse Road, Richmond.

- courtesy of Chesterfi eld County

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yard, talk with re-enactors, hear Christmas stories, listen to beautiful a cappella music, watch dancers and pup-pet shows, make Christmas cards, tour a beautiful house while peeking in on three dif-ferent Christmas venues, pick up some last minute special gifts, and have freshly made hot cider.

The cider proved welcome treat on this cold day, warm-ing all the way down to the toes. The inner courtyard also sported a covering for the fi rst time this year, which kept the rain off both visitors and participants while letting in just enough of the mois-ture and cool air to allow one to mentally, and thankfully only momentarily, relocate from Virginia to England at this time of year.

“Yuletides” provided sheer unadulterated entertainment with something for everyone. Visitors walked through time as they peered into the home. Characters inside presented England in 1640, the Victo-rian period, and Richmond in 1942 during the holiday season. A docent advised the guests that they could ask questions of the re-enactors, but if they asked of some-thing that occurred after the period they were represent-ing they would not be able to respond, for being in charac-ter, they didn’t know of those more recent events.

The Godwin High School Madrigals, directed by Sherri Matthews, presented a treat

for the ears with their sea-sonal a cappella music. The range of their voices coupled with youthful enthusiasm provided a pleasing and inspirational experience for visitors. As the director noted in her remarks, they sang “some songs you may not have heard of and also some carols.” Visitors joined in on some of the familiar Christ-mas carols, such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” or just sat and listened attentively to others like “Old Britain Carols”.

In another part of the hall, with armor hang-ing overhead, children crowded around tables as their parents watched them prepare Christmas cards. Certainly, some of them will be showing up on Christmas morning for those parents. As Lelia Koplin, who has been with the hall for about 17 years put it, “They (i.e. the children) just love to do it.” With crayons sporting every known color, the children fi nished their cards and tucked them away for safe keeping until later.

The center of activity was the covered inner courtyard. Attired in green, Father Christmas, portrayed by Robert Boos, talked with the children and adults. Boos, who has been doing this for three years, said, “I enjoy every minute of it, and enjoy planning for it all year.” The ever-present smile on his face gave that fact away.

Charles Dickens, por-trayed by local re-enactor John Pagano, also joined

the party. Dressed in the 19th century trapping of an English gentleman, complete with top hat, Pagano read Dickens’ works aloud to those nearby. Pam Bomboy, a Chesterfi eld school librar-ian, mesmerized the children with her stories and, aided by an autoharp carried almost lovingly in her arms, played and was joined in singing fa-miliar carols by the children.

According to Moxley, “This is our annual gift to the Richmond community – our Christmas gift. We’ve done it for over 23 years. It gets bigger and bigger every year.” He also noted that they have “more to do” and that he believes “people stay longer.”

Certainly, people do “stay longer,” and on this day, when they departed from Agecroft, they were bid a fond adieu from Moxley, the smile never having left his face for a moment during his numerous hours outside in the weather.

This is an annual event and if you were not one of the 700 or so who participat-ed in its joyful message this past Sunday, you have missed a signifi cant Richmond area treat. It was fun, free and uplifting. To avoid missing it again, you may desire to go ahead and write “Visit Agec-roft” on your December 2011 calendar with a reminder to check out the website (http://www.agecrofthall.com/) for specifi c details of this festive occasion – an occasion for all of Richmond, young or old.

AGECROFT from P1

making any donations. Scan through media archives, be it online or at the local library, to see if the charity has run into legal trouble in the past or is currently under investiga-tion. Even if the fi nancial records appear sound, the charity's reputation might reveal otherwise.

* Consider donating to human services charities. According to Charity Naviga-tor, human services charities have suffered greatly during the recession. That's troubling to many, as such charities are the ones that experience the largest increase in the demand for their services when the economy starts to struggle. Human services charities are those that provide direct services to people in need, be it feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless or caring for the elderly, among other services. Prospective donors might be

tempted to make a donation to charities with a more nationwide impact, but it's important for donors to remember the less fortunate in their own communities as well. A donation to a local human services charity could very well go a long way, helping them to avoid cutting services that members of a donor's own community desperately need.

* Let the charity decide what to do with donations. Charity Navigator notes that a charity that's been well vetted and still prov-en worthy of an informed donor's money has earned the right to do what it wants with that donation. Avoid donating money for specifi c activities, as that can actually make it more diffi cult for a charity to accomplish its overall mission. Unrestricted gifts give a charity more fl exibility and the room to allocate funds wherever those funds are most needed.


CHARITY from P4

DLA Installation Support employees, who delivered the gifts to the schools for parents to pick up before the holiday break.

"I really want to thank everyone who volunteered

with Angel Tree this year," said Booker Chambers, DLA Aviation public affairs specialist and Angel Tree program coordinator. "Be-cause of the generosity from our work force, 106 children will get a little more to go

along with the love of their parents, helping to make Christmas a special one this year."

Courtesy of Stephen Baker, DLA Public Affairs

GIFTS from page 5

Each year, shoppers are greeted by the sights of the holiday season at area stores, including strung garland, lights and masses of bright red poinsettia plants. However, it's an ap-pearance by the man in red that really signifi es the ar-rival of Christmas. Depart-ment stores count on Santa Claus to attract customers to pose for pictures and shop the day away. His-tory suggests the depart-ment store Santa made his debut in 1841, when J.W. Parkinson, a Phila-delphia merchant, hired a man to dress up in a "Kris Kringle" outfi t and climb the chimney of his store. It wasn't until forty years

later that a Boston merchant repeated the idea, hiring a Scottish immigrant named Edgar, who happened to be tall and a little round around

the middle and who boasted a white beard, a warm voice and a hearty laugh.

source Metro Graphics

Santa Claus debuted at stores in 1841

DECEMBER 16, 2010 || 7MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM SPORTS || FITNESSEXERCISE

PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELLCosby's Matt Metzger (left) tries to escape a hold by Atlee's Dillon Knight during the 130-pound fi nal at the Titan Classic on Saturday.

BY JIM [email protected]

Wrestling has been a part of Matt Metzger’s life for as long as he can remember.

How could it have been any other way? His father was a high school wrestling coach and his older brother wrestled, so it seemed only natural when Matt began rolling around on the mat not long after he learned to walk.

But after all these years, Metzger remains something of an anomaly; while success in wrestling is most frequently achieved through total, all-consuming passion, the Cosby High School senior has managed to maintain a rewarding relationship with the sport on his own terms.

“I’m not as good as I should be for wrestling most of my life, but I’d rather have fun instead of being really good and completely loathing it,” Metzger said during Saturday’s Titan Classic at Cosby.

Led by Greg Delano (champion at 145

pounds) and Metzger (runner-up at 130), the host Titans fi nished second to Stafford in the team standings. Eight other Titans -- Ellis Cooksey (112), Andy Dinh (125), Evin Johnson (130), Blake Cooksey (140), Mark Belcher (152), Connor Smith (160), Jared Netto (215) and Ryan Taylor (285) -- also placed in the top four in their respective weight classes.

Metzger’s unique perspective is the product of experience. Having grown up around the sport and competed in many high-level junior tournaments, he got to know more than a few elite wrestlers who were miserable because their parents were pushing them to ridiculous extremes.

As the son of a coach, Metzger acknowl-edged he felt pressure -- not from his parents, but from within -- to fulfi ll expectations he imagined others held for him. That translated into bouts of nervousness prior to matches; victories were more often a cause for relief than satisfaction.

At some point, he decided it wasn’t working for him, that the feeling of having the referee raise his arm after a match wasn’t worth all the angst.

Metzger shared his feelings with his parents, who said it was up to him to decide how much he wanted to put into wrestling.

“There are times they need a kick in the butt, but if it’s not really what they want to do, you can’t push them,” said his father, Ed. “It’s too hard a sport to be forced to do it.”

Cosby coach Mike Stefanko said one of the biggest challenges in coaching wrestlers is understanding that some kids want to train “24-7-365” and others “need some time away to recharge their batteries.”

Stefanko, who has coached with Ed Metzger for 13 years, has known Matt for most of his life. He wasn’t surprised to discover that the younger Metzger belonged in the latter

PHOTO COURTESY OF WENDY'SAbby Badura delivers a speech after winning the Wendy's High School Heisman last Friday in New York City.

Badura stunned by selection for national awardBY JIM [email protected]

Abby Badura was so certain she wasn’t going to win the Wendy’s High School Heis-man, she didn’t bother to prepare a speech or pack more than one dress for the trip to New York City last Thursday.

For whatever reason, her mom Chris also strongly suspected one of the other fi ve female fi nalists -- specifi cally, Maddie Treasure of Knoxville, Tenn. -- would claim the honor.

So when Friday evening rolled around and the time came for the presentation, a sense of relaxed calm settled over the Badura clan as they made their way to the Best Buy Theater in Times Square.

That lasted only until Wendy’s Interna-tional president David Karam walked to the podium and announced that Abby, a

senior at Clover Hill High School, had been selected as the 2010 national female High School Heisman winner.

“When he said ‘Abby Badura,’ I had to repeat it a couple times to make sure I had heard it right,” Chris Badura said. “It just completely knocked us off our feet.”

For Abby, the rest of the night -- even her acceptance speech, which she delivered extemporaneously -- was “like a huge blur.”

“I was just in shock,” she added. “I didn’t even remember what I said until I watched the ceremony on TV when we got home Sunday.”

The fact that Abby was the most surprised person in the building speaks volumes about her character; only someone with a fully developed sense of humility would

Kickers' Sowers honored by USL

Ex-Midlothian football player now an unlikely marathoner

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOKyle Tucker runs during the SunTrust Richmond Marathon.

2010 TITAN CLASSIC

Metzger's last standCosby wrestler determined to enjoy senior season

HEISMAN P8

WRESTLING P8

BY JIM [email protected]

Kyle Tucker sees plenty of people on his 26.2-mile journeys across city pave-ment and gently rolling countryside, but not many who look like him.

Then again, that’s not surprising.There simply aren’t that many 6-

foot-5, 250-pound ex-football players whose plan to stay in shape includes lacing up a pair of running shoes and participating in marathons.

“I am defi nitely not a Kenyan,” Tucker said with a laugh. “If they had a sumo at the end of the race, I could win that.”

Tucker, a Midlothian High and Uni-versity of Richmond alumnus, knew running would be a good way to keep the extra pounds off as the calendar inched further and further from his playing days.

He also knew that he absolutely

despised running.So what did Tucker do? Naturally, he

registered for a marathon.“It’s just too easy to make excuses.

I knew I wouldn’t run if I didn’t have that guillotine hanging over my head,” he added.

Tucker registered for his fi rst mara-thon in 2003 and didn't run another until 2007, but seems to have been bit-ten by the marathon bug at some point along the way.

He's run four this year, including the SunTrust Richmond Marathon on Nov. 13 -- when a couple balky knees left him wondering if he was going to be able to complete the course.

He not only fi nished, but established a new personal-best of 4 hours, 15 minutes.

It was a birthday present to himself; he turned 48 the next day.

"I'm getting around OK," he said

then. "Going up stairs I can feel it. Go-ing down stairs I can feel it.

"The sport makes no sense whatso-ever, but it is addictive. I should go to Marathoners Anonymous."

Tucker shares the "addiction" with a friend he made when he lived in Charlottesville.

Casey Opitz has been running mar-athons for about 10 years. At 5-7 and 130 pounds, he has the ideal frame for distance running and is usually done with his cool-down long before his buddy has the fi nish line in his sights.

To make things interesting, they came up with a little friendly handicap system for the Richmond race a few years ago.

To be declared the winner, Opitz has to fi nish the 26.2 miles, then get in his car and make it back home to

The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that General Manager Shelley Sowers earned USL Second Division Executive of the Year honors at the United Soccer Leagues recent Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner during the 2010 USL Annual Gen-eral Meeting in Tampa, Fla.

Additionally, the club received the Marketing Excel-lence Award and was rec-ognized as one of the Super Y-League “First 11” Clubs.

"We are thrilled that Shel-ley was recognized as the 2010 USL Second Division Executive of the Year,” com-ments Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers President, Board of Directors. “It is a well-de-served honor for Shelley, and supports our belief that we have the best leadership team in American soccer.

"Shelley creates a won-derful work environment providing our dedicated staff with support, enthusiasm, and knowledge. Her passion for the Kickers is unmatched, while her attention to detail and people skills provides the perfect balance for our orga-nization as we continue serv-ing the Richmond region."

A native of Richmond and a James River High School alumnus, Sowers graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Tech in 2002 with a degree in marketing manage-ment.

Sowers joined the Kickers in November 2002 as a Sales & Marketing Associate. In December 2003, she assumed the role of Director of Public Relations and was promoted to Vice President, Commu-nications prior to the 2007 season.

Following the acquisi-tion of the pro team by the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club in 2009, Sowers was named General Manager. Overseeing the fi nance, sales, marketing, public relations, and operations departments, she is tasked with provid-ing leadership and creative vision, while fulfi lling the overall mission of the club.

“I am honored and accept this award on behalf of the entire staff of the Richmond Kickers organization,” added Sowers. “The success that our organization experienced in 2010 is unprecedented in franchise history and I look forward to building on that success as we continue to ful-fi ll our mission and to serve the community.”

Richmond fi nished as the runner-up to Charleston in USL-2 last season.

– Content provided by theRichmond Kickers

MARATHON P8

James River grad is top executive

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WENDY'SAbby Badura gets an autograph from two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffi n.

PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELLCosby's Blake Cooksey uses a headlock to subdue his opponent en route to a pin in the consolation semifi nals. Cooksey fi nished third at 140 pounds.

Team scoresStafford 239, Cosby 180,Cape Henry 155, Atlee 140.5, Green Run 139.5,

Dinwiddie 129, Powhatan 118.5, RE Lee 109, Colonial Forge B 82, William Fleming 65, Cumberland 39, Freedom 37.5, Cosby B 34

Championship Finals103 – Law CH dec Crone GR 5-4

112 – Calley CH dec Adelson WF 7-2

119 – Mason CH pin Lee ST 0:52

125 – Roes REL md Bowers POW 17-3

130 – Knight AT dec Metzger COS 3-1

135 – Wilkerson REL pin Brown ST 1:37

140 – Hays AT pin Desper REL 4:47

145 – Delano COS pin Goon AT 4:46

152 – Noordanus CH pin Basnight GR 2:27

160 – Spyres GR inj def Winslow CMB

171 – Daniel STF pin Green Pow 2:49

189 – Jackson STF tf Clifton REL 4:00

215 – Bopp STF dec Compton DIN 5-2

285 – Davis GR md Vaughn DIN 11-3

Consolation Finals103 – Huntziker CF pin Brodie CF 4:37

112 – Bearon STF pin E. Cooksey 2:30

119 – Harris CF pin Wilborn DIN 0:59

125 – Dinh COS tie William AT

130 – Henderson STF pin Johnson COS 3:35

135 – Kelly FR pin Farrow GR 3:00

140 – B. Cooksey COS pin Johnson DIN 4:55

145 – Hoctor STF pin Parker POW 0:47

152 – Belcher COS pin Bornschien STF 2:18

160 – Smith COS tie Fomenko CH

171 – Kinsey CF dec Mackey AT 3-0

189 – Lopez DIN pin Ramser AT 2:32

215 – Netto COS dec Conner POW 12-6

285 Monguain STF dec Taylor COS 9-2

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOMidlothian High alum Kyle Tucker, who played football at the University of Richmond, has run four marathons in 2010.

"When he sets out to do something, he does it," Opitz said. "I fi nd that very admirable. I wish I was as dedicated as he is."

Opitz believes Tucker's story should serve as inspira-tion to others who have told themselves they could never tackle something as daunting as running 26.2 miles.

In his typical self-depre-cating fashion, Tucker agreed with that point.

"If I can run a marathon," he said with a laugh, "anyone can."

Advertise in Midlothian Exchange!Call Anne Gibb at (804) 366-4691 for details.

WRESTLING from P7

toys and shoes for a school-wide charity drive.

Marks found her working and took her to the school auditorium, where the faculty had assembled for a staff meeting. They promptly gave Abby a standing ovation.

“I was hiding from Dr. Marks because I knew she was going to make a big deal about it and I didn’t want that,” Abby said.

Oh, it’s a big deal, all right. Abby already had made his-tory by becoming the fi rst Chesterfi eld County Public Schools student to be named the state representative, but she didn’t stop there.

“When they announced that she was the state win-ner, I thought that was the crème de la crème,” Chris said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would go beyond that.”

category.“Matt is one of the most happy-

go-lucky kids you’ll ever see,” Stefanko said. “I’m not saying he doesn’t try hard. There’s no doubt when he’s in the practice room that he goes hard for the whole 2½ hours. But wrestling doesn’t neces-sarily defi ne his life.”

Sometimes, that’s a good thing.It certainly was last February,

when he lost a heartbreaking over-time decision to Hanover’s Kevin Keck in the consolation semifi nals at the Central Region tournament.

Instead of joining teammates Blake Cooksey and Austin Coburn at the Group AAA meet the follow-ing week, Metzger settled for fi fth in the region and missed out on his fi rst trip to states by one spot.

“I know it had to have hurt him. It hurt me,” Ed Metzger said with a wry smile. “I was sick for two weeks after that match.”

For many wrestlers, the auto-

matic response to such a crushing disappointment would be to get right back in the practice room and train tirelessly to prevent it from happening again.

Metzger understands himself well enough to know that such an approach would’ve been counter-productive. Instead, he stayed busy over the summer working -- he’s an apprentice auto technician at Lexus of Richmond -- and spending time with friends.

Wrestling was nowhere to be found on his agenda.

“When I wrestle all summer, I peak in the middle of the season and I get burned out,” Metzger said. “When I get some time off, I come into the season excited and ready to go.”

Metzger certainly appeared at the top of his game Saturday. He needed only about three minutes to defeat his fi rst three opponents and cruise into the fi nals in the 130-pound weight class, where he faced Atlee’s

the collegiate Heisman Tro-phy ceremony last Saturday night and $10,000 donations to their respective schools.

Abby’s favorite aspect of the whole weekend was the opportunity to get to know teenagers from other parts of the country who share the same passion for helping oth-ers and the drive to make the world a better place.

Exhausted from an emotional weekend and two straight days of 20-hour Heisman schedule commit-ments, Abby pretty much crashed when her family returned from New York on Sunday afternoon.

She could’ve slept in Monday morning, too. As a senior who has A’s in all of her classes, Abby was exempt from exams this week, but that didn’t stop her from coming in early to organize

Dillon Knight.Metzger held a 1-0 lead over

Knight, a regional champion at 125 last season, until the last 15 seconds of the match. Knight rallied to tie with an escape, then picked up a late takedown to claim a 3-1 victory.

It was another disappointing near-miss for Metzger against a qual-ity wrestler. What it wasn’t was the end of the world.

“This is the last year I’m going to wrestle," Metzger said, "and I’d like to enjoy it.”

PHOTO BY JIM MCCONNELLCosby's Ryan Taylor placed in the top four at 285 pounds.

even attempt to downplay a resume that includes a 4.9 grade-point average, success in cross country and the shepherding of enough com-munity-service projects to make her a walking, talking nonprofi t corporation.

When Clover Hill prin-cipal Dr. Deborah Marks learned of Abby’s selection via text message Saturday morning, she wasn’t sur-prised at all.

“She’s such a good person … I just love this child,” Marks said.

So did the judges, who chose Abby and male winner Rex Woodbury of Tucson, Ariz., from a nationwide pool of nearly 55,000 entrants. The two national winners each received a crystal trophy, special recognition during

HEISMAN from P7

TITAN CLASSIC RESULTS

Charlottesville before Tucker reaches the fi nish line and calls him on his cell.

"I've never quite pulled it off," Opitz said with a laugh, noting the closest he ever got was fi ve miles from home. "A real bad toll booth and traffi c helps him, too."

Perhaps the most remark-able aspect of Tucker's new hobby is the good-natured attitude with which he ap-proaches an activity that can make even the most seasoned competitors grumpy.

Instead of taking the process too seriously, he frequently aims one-lin-ers at himself and seems genuinely bemused to enjoy doing something he never imagined.

"I know I'm never going to be a good marathon runner, but that's not why I'm doing it," he added. "I'm competing against me."

Tucker took that quite lit-erally during the most recent Richmond marathon. He accidentally threw away the timing chip race offi cials use to track fi nishers, so his name and time won't be found on the offi cial results.

But he has the self-satis-faction of knowing he fi n-ished the race -- and besides, he's got pictures that prove he was there.

MARATHON from P7

DECEMBER 16, 2010 || 9MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM SPORTS || FITNESSEXERCISE

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Parney the Elf, Santa Claus, the United States Marine Corps and the Richmond Flying Squirrels collected nearly 17 bins full of new, unwrapped toys dur-ing the 2nd Annual Holiday Party at The Diamond on Saturday. Many gracious fans braved the elements as the team collected more than double the amount of toys (eight bins) that the Inau-gural Holiday Party netted in 2009.

“We have a phenomenal base of fans and community supporters,” said Parney the Elf. “We are continually

amazed at their generosity and are grateful that we are able to stage events like this that allow them to par-ticipate and get involved in a fun way.”

During the event, party-goers visited Santa Claus and had their pictures taken by Real Life Studios, enjoyed Christmas crafts, warmed up with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and enjoyed a baseball-themed raffl e.

The holiday shopping season was also in full swing at the Squirrels Nest Mer-chandise Store.

FLW sets College Fishing schedulefor 2011

FLW Outdoors has an-nounced the 2011 National Guard FLW College Fishing schedule along with pay-backs, rules and entry infor-mation. Collegiate anglers began registering Monday at CollegeFishing.com.

College Fishing consists of fi ve divisions – Central, Northern, Southeast, Texas and Western. Each division will consist of four one-day qualifying tournaments and a regional championship. The regional championship locations will be announced in the near future.

Virginia's Smith Mountain Lake will host the fi rst North-ern Division event on March 27, 2011.

The format for 2011 was adapted to accommodate College Fishing’s continuing growth. College clubs will now receive a larger por-tion of a competing team’s payout, with 75 percent going to the club and 25 percent to its respective school in the club’s name.

The payout for qualifying tournaments will be $10,000 for fi rst place down to $2,000 for fi fth place. At the regional championships, fi rst place will earn $50,000 and fi fth place will win $5,000. The national champions will win $100,000 for fi rst place, while the fi fth-place team will win $10,000.

The winning teams’ prizes at the regional champion-ships and national champi-onship constitute cash and a new Ranger 177TR with a 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard.

Teams, which consist of two students, will be allowed to bring a total of fi ve fi sh to weigh-in, regardless of which team angler caught them. Teams will now be required to designate who would fi sh the Forrest Wood Cup as a pro and a co-angler, should they qualify, prior to takeoff at their fi rst qualifying event.

Flying Squirrels collect toys for local children

Banner Christian School captured the Virginia Christian Athletic Association boys' soccer tournament title 3-1 over Spirit Home School on October 29 at Lowe's Field in Chester.

MVP Diego Diaz scored twice for the Bearcats, once on an assist from Eddie Black-well via a thunderous goal kick. Forward Eric Freemon covered both ends of the fi eld to keep the right fl ank of the attack going, while making well-timed tackles to help Blackwell and goalie Kevin Moreland thwart Spirit's offense for most of the contest.

Jackson added an insurance goal and the entire team swarmed the fi eld when the whistle indicated the 80-minute struggle concluded.

Freemon and Moreland (0.50 goals against average in the tournament) also achieved spots on the all conference team, and Diaz and Blackwell were both listed on

CBS Sports' Max Preps site as being among the top 50 high school scorers in the state for all private schools.

This was the second consecutive appear-ance in the title game for Banner, and it marked the fi rst varsity playoff title in any sport in the school's brief history.

Last year perennial VCAA power Spirit edged out the Bearcats, but in 2010 coaches Paul Ivill and Stephen Wolf crafted a team designed around strong passing and a sturdy defense.

The players responded by grinding out tough, hard-fought victories in the semis (Grove Avenue) and fi nals. In addition to the title, Banner has not lost an in-conference regular season soccer match since 2008.

With Moreland and scorers like Hunter Bogert and Jordan Blanton scheduled to re-turn in 2011, the Bearcats hope to continue the tradition.

Banner Christian wins fi rst VCAA soccer title

PHOTO BY PATRICK DOBBS

Three's a crowdJames River's Shaun Copening looks to pass the ball out of a double team by Midlothian's Colin Joyce (left) and Kegan Sowers during a recent Dominion District game. The Rapids rolled to a 59-34 victory.

10 || DECEMBER 16, 2010 MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COMCELEBRATIONS || LIFEEXTRA

If you would like to compete for the title of Miss Chesterfi eld 2011, Miss Chesterfi eld's Outstanding Teen 2011, Miss Chesterfi eld Preteen, Little Miss or Mini Miss, please visit the Miss Chesterfi eld website at www.misschesterfi eld.com. Return the application, your pcture and any ads sold (ads sales are not a requirement for participation) no later than Dec. 20. Remember you must have met your Children’s Miracle Network goal of fundraising of $100 prior to participation in the pageant.

Please understand that contestants are accepted on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis, and there is a limit to the

number of contestants due to time constraints.

Rehearsals will be held on Jan. 7, 2011 and the pageant will be held at Cosby High School auditorium, located at 14300 Fox Club Parkway in Midlothian, on Jan. 8, 2011.

If you have any ques-tions, please do not hesitate to contact Alice Gordon at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from and hopefully seeing you at the 2011 Miss Chesterfi eld Pageant.

- courtesy of Alice Gordon, Executive Director

Miss Chesterfi eld Pageant/Miss Virginia

As the Christmas season grows near, it is important to remember the elderly in our community. The Shepherd's Center of Chesterfi eld is in urgent need of volunteer drivers to drive seniors to their critical doctors, pharmaceutical pick-up and grocery shopping, so they can maintain an indepen-dent lifestyle.

Currently, the Shepherd's Center is placing new clients on a waiting list because the center does not have enough volun-teer drivers to serve the growing need in the community.

Please volunteer today and change a senior's life in need.Please call (804) 706-9198 for more information to serve

our seniors. "The Shepherd's Center of Chesterfi eld's mission is to enrich the lives of adults 50 and over by offering oppor-tunities for interfaith community service, lifelong learning, and assistance in maintaining an independent lifestyle".

-courtesy of Shepherd's Center of Chesterfi eld

Deadline approaches for 2011 Miss Chesterfi eld

Volunteer drivers needed at Shepherd's Center

Advertise in Midlothian Exchange!Call Anne Gibb at (804) 366-4691 or Sara Carter at (804) 201-6071 for details.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH FARINAMidlothian High School seniors Shanon Ropelewski, Parker Bartlett, center, and Jake Therianos wrap presents during the annual Gift Wrap celebration organized by the school's Spirit Club.

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Santa is always in need of helpers. This year the Spirit Club at Midlothian High School is providing some of that help. Club President Bria Alford, a junior, thanked the students gathered at the organization’s an-nual Gift Wrap party held after school on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

“We really have a lot of fun. We get all the kids and parents from the community involved,” Alford said. “We help elementary school kids, middle school kids – one of the kids is 11 years old – it’s always good to have a Christmas. If we didn’t do this, they wouldn’t have a Christmas,” she said.

The club also sponsored a Candy Cane Gram to help raise funds for utilities and rent. “It’s not just for stuff that goes under the tree,” Alford added.

The annual event had over 500 students this year from several of the Midlothian High School clubs such as Latin Club, Robotics,

French, Spanish, Forensics and Interact par-ticipate in different ways in fi lling the holiday wish list for local families. “They’re bringing in wrap, and they’re bringing in food,” said English teacher Sharon Austin, who serves with the club in community service outreach.

Austin explained that the project has been going on for several years. The Spirit Club serves as the organizer. “We try to get everything on the wish lists and try to spice it up with something fun and try to provide the holiday meal,” she said.

The holiday meal consists of the main course as well as corn bread stuffi ng, rolls, pies, and all of the fi xings. “We try to do a complete meal – soup to nuts,” Austin added.

The Spirit Club has helped as many as 17 families in one year. This year, the gift-wrap-ping event will serve fi ve families. “This is kind of controlled chaos, that’s our project,” Austin said. “Controlled chaos with a good heart.”

It’s a wrap for Christmas gifts

James River High School junior Ben Weisiger has been named to the 2010 All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble, earning one of four trombone spots available in the prestigious band.

Weisiger, 17, is a member of the James River Regiment, the James River Symphonic Band and the James River Jazz Band. He is also a member of the VCU Greater Richmond High School Jazz Band.

The audition in October called for students to play major and chromatic scales, a 32-measure etude, a 32-mea-sure improvisation and a sight reading that only allowed a 30-second review of the music prior to playing. Many students from high schools throughout Virginia competed for the trombone positions.

As a result of this selection, Weisiger and fellow members of the All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble were invited to perform at the Virginia Music Educators As-sociation Conference at the Roper The-atre in Norfolk, Va., in November. The ensemble worked under the direction of Joe Eckert, a professor of music at Texas Christian University, who was a member of the United States Air Force “Airmen of Note” in Washington, D.C. The 23 students from throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia rehearsed together for 2 days and performed a

concert at the fi nale. Ben is the third James River student who has

been named to the All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble. Previous members included his brother, John Weisiger, and Aaron Williams. He studies trombone under Reggie Pace and Bryan Hoo-ten. The James River High School band pro-gram is under the direction of Keith Cottrill.

courtesy of Sharon Dunkum

Weisiger named to All Virginia Jazz Ensemble

COURTESY PHOTO Ben Weisiger

The Chesterfi eld Historical Society of Vir-ginia (CHSV) will present its fourth annual “Winter Lecture Series” in Chesterfi eld start-ing on Jan. 14 and continuing every second Friday evening through March 25.

The fi rst lecture on Friday, Jan. 14, will be presented by Civil War historian Michael Gorman, who will speak on “Civil War Pho-tographs: Richmond in 3-D.” Many promi-

nent photographers came to Richmond at the end of the Civil War and there are more photos of the Confederate capital than any other site of that era. Modern technology has enabled viewers to appreciate these im-ages in new ways.

For reservations, call (804) 796-7003. For more information please visit www.chester-fi eldhistory.com

Chesterfi eld Historical Society of Virginia to Present 4th annual “Winter Lectures Series”

DECEMBER 16, 2010 || 11MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM LAST WORDEXPECT

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The team, coached by Brad Chambers (head coach), Steve Walden, Lenny Addams, Frank Banes, Jr., and Chris Curtis, fi nished their regular season with a 7 - 1 record. They met the Clover Hill Bull Dogs, their one loss in the season, in the Northern Conference Champion-ships on Nov. 13. The Patriots went on to win the championship game 19 - 0. The Gordon Patriots Minors faced the Wells Warriors, the Southern Conference Champions in the Minors' Division Super Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 20 on the old Clover Hill High School fi eld.

-submitted by Patty Haskins

Way to go Gordon Patriots Minors

PHOTOS BY JIM HASKINSPhoto: (front row) Christian Chambers, Jake Moore, Taylor Carroll, DJ McCullough, Andrew Worthington, Juan Branch, Charles Haskins, Hayden Moore, Michael Banes, Zachary Maldonado, Frank Banes, III, (2nd row) Blake Wolf, Andrew Harvell, Brayden Staib, Richard D'Abreu, Tristen Mann, Jackson Colly, Tanner Addams, Cameron Goode, Stevie Walden, Jack Murphy, Coaches: Steve Walden, Frank Banes, Jr., Brad Chambers, Lenny Addams and Chris Curtis

12 || DECEMBER 16, 2010 MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM

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KAWASAKI CARES: Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger.Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain.Kawasaki ATVs with engines over 90cc are recommended for use only by persons 16 years of age or older. Kawasaki also recommends that all ATV riders take a trainingcourse. For more information, see your dealer, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-8987-2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org. 2010 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

8321 Midlothian Tpk • RICHMOND, VA 23235 • Tel 804.330.4800 • www.UltimateCycle.NET

749cc V-TWIN ENGINE WITHDIGITAL FUEL INJECTION

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8321 Midlothian Tpk • RICHMOND, VA 23235 • Tel 804.330.4800 • www.UltimateCycle.NET*Example1: On a purchase where the Amount Financed is $2,099, your Down Payment is $0 with 36 monthly payments of $63.76 each. ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE 3.9% (Effective APR 5.90%). **Example2: On a purchase made 3/1/2010 where the Amount Financed is $2,099, your Down Payment is $0; no FINANCE CHARGE FOR 6months and no payments FOR 7 MONTHS. Thereafter, 48 consecutive monthly payments of $57.30 each. ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE 12.95%. [Effective APR 11.15%] ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE subject to increase after promotional period. Note: The above financing programs are offered by Sheffield Financial, a Division of BB&TFinancial, FSB. Subject to credit approval. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers available See your local dealer for details. A promotion fee of $50 will be added to the Amount Financed. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Offer effective on all new and unregistered2009 and prior year KYMCO ATVs, Motorcycles and Scooters purchased from a participating KYMCO dealer between 3/1/10 and 4/30/10. Offer subject to change without notice.

©KYMCO USA 2010 KYMCO vehicles meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and EPA standards. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Avoid excessive speed. Never engage in stunt riding. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Take a riding skills course. For the course nearest you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227

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12/16/2010

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