By Bill Brown Last night’s (May 24th) meeting of the Chesterfield County School Board did not get off to an auspicious start. First, although documents being used during meetings (work sessions and regular meetings) are routinely made available online at http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/chesterfield/Board.nsf/Public, the process is not without flaws. This morning an addendum to Memo 51, “Recommended Personnel Action,” was posted to this web site but ordinary citizens were blocked from accessing that addendum. In what would seem to be a praiseworthy action, Robert W. Thompson, school board member from the Matoaca Magisterial District, asked this item be moved from the consent…
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In 1931, Ruth Puckett Williams unknowingly began a family trend when she graduated from Chester High School, presently known as Thomas Dale. Although the school and the surrounding Chester area have changed over the past 80 years, her family’s presence at Thomas Dale has notably remained unchanged. Today, ten of Williams’ descendants, spanning three generations, also identify Thomas Dale as their alma mater. Thelma Williams Hevener, Williams’ daughter, followed in her mother’s footsteps, graduating from Thomas Dale in 1956. Thelma’s sons, too, pursued the same path for their high school diploma, Raymond Jr. graduating in 1977, Stephen in 1981, and…
The Chesterfield County Department of Youth Planning and Development is seeking adults to serve on the Youth Services Citizen Board for the 2016-17 year. The board is composed of two adults from each magisterial district. Board members attend monthly meetings and help plan programs throughout the year. They serve a three-year term and can reapply for a second term. The board calendar year runs from Sept. 2016 through June 2017. The following positions are available: Bermuda District, two adults; Clover Hill District, one adult; Matoaca District, two adults; and, Midlothian District, two adults. To download an application, visit www.chesterfield.gov/YSCB. Mail…
Each year, Special Olympics Virginia recognizes one school or school district in the state that has embraced the philosophy of a unified community and the Special Olympics mission and that has demonstrated a superior commitment to inclusion, acceptance, respect and dignity for all. This year’s honoree is Gates Elementary School. Here is how Val Reinford, who is vice president of local program services for Special Olympics Virginia, describes Gates Elementary School: “Gates Elementary has embraced Unified Strategies for Schools at all grade levels and in every classroom. [Unified Strategies for Schools uses sports to develop school communities where youth are…
MEGA Mentors held their 2016 Excellence Awards and Recognition Celebration Thursday May 26 at the Thomas Fulghum Center. With educational headliners as retiring School Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome, School Board Vice Chair Carrie Conyers, and Foundation Executive Director Jean Cauble in supporting roles, the event was quite rewarding for over 200 students, parents, and guests. Judge Cressondra Brown Conyers of the the 9th Judicial District was the guest speaking. She strongly stressed to the students to stay in school, avoid drugs, and not show up in her courtroom. As she closed, she encouraged the students not only to leave a…
CHESTER, Va. – Thomas Dale will be hosting their second annual Alumni Game this Saturday, June 4 at 5 p.m. This game is sponsored by the Fatboys and The Soccer Post, and it is a fundraiser for the charity work the Fatboys carry out. Thus far the Fatboys have raised over $25,000 for local worthy causes such as scholarships and for people in need. Last year this game raised approximately $4000 to help Roger Bothe with medical expenses incurred by Lyme disease, and he will again be in thoughts of everyone in attendance this year. Thomas Dale coach Mark Fowler…
CHESTERFIELD, Va – After a five-year drought for conference titles dating back to 2010, Matoaca boys’ soccer broke through last year. Now, it has come back and turned the trick again. The Warriors repeated as Conference 12 champions with a thrilling 1-0 victory over L.C. Bird. “My teammate Justin Dyke made a selfless pass to me,” said Mason Beltrami, who booted the game-winning goal in the net. “I just kicked it through.” The goal happened in extra time or the approximate final two minutes of the game. (Video of the goal can be found @RVAGameBreak on Twitter). While Beltrami’s goal…
CHESTER, Va – Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. This is Sunday, and hopefully I will make it under the wire to get this in the Memorial Day issue. Wow! End of May is just around the corner. Anyway, please do take time out from your holiday activities to honor those who have died to protect not only our freedom but the freedom of millions around the world [Note: Veterans Day is to honor all who have proudly served]. Originally this was called “Decoration Day,” a day to place flowers on the graves of those…
Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces protecting our country. Including all wars through today, over 1.3 million service members have lost their lives. The Civil War accounted for the most deaths (623,026), followed by World War II (407,300). Folks remember Memorial Day each year by visiting national memorials and decorating cemeteries; remembering takes on different emotions for each individual. Many families will schedule picnics, and swimming pools will open. Local resident Lee Holland, a retired army officer with 28 years of active and reserve duty as an…
The revitalization of Jefferson Davis Highway continues with one of the most unique projects to date, Moore’s Lake Apartments LLC. Moore’s Lake has submitted some changes to its original site plan (the way buildings are laid out on a property) approved last year. The company is applying for minimal changes to its original zoning plan submitted and passed in 2007. The amendment to the zoning case is related to the number of dwelling units per floor, parking setbacks from buildings and recreational areas. The property of about 58 acres, where the proposed complex could be built would have a two…