Fort Lee Army Band to go inactive
0Saxophonist Paul Saunders attracted children’s attention. It was 91 degrees, and visitors to the Chester Village Green on June 6 were treated to some hot jazz from Fort Lee’s “First Class Jazz Band.” The seven-member group performed at the 17th annual event sponsored by the Chester Kiwanis Club and the Village News. However, it might be the last time a band from Fort Lee performs in Chester anytime soon. Staff Sgt. Michael Kiese, a Hawaii native, plays electric guitar for the jazz band. He noted that Fort Lee’s entire band, which also includes rock and marching bands and a brass…
Matoaca High School graduates 429
0Alexander Repak and Shane Hendricks were co-valedictorians of Matoaca High’s 2019 graduating class in which 429 received diplomas at the Virginia State University Multi-Purpose Center. “Shane and I have been friends since we were 2 years old, and honestly we never imagined we’d be standing side by side on this stage today,” Repak said, referring to Hendricks. “Since we’ve known each other for so long, we thought it would be best to end our high school career the same way it started: together.” The co-valedictorians thanked God for giving them strength the last four years, their parents for pushing them…
Meadowbrook High School graduates 381
0Meadowbrook High School held its 55th graduation ceremony on June 6 at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center. A “thank you” message that salutatorian Huy Hoang made to his parents in Vietnamese resulted in cheers and clapping from the audience. Hoang encouraged his classmates to “reach out and meet others. You never know how a mystery person might impact your life … Nothing comes without risk. It might lead to a brighter future or self development. Get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.” He cited Jesus’ words as recorded in Luke 17:21: “The kingdom of God is within…
Thomas Dale High School graduates 545
0Goodbyes were part of Thomas Dale High School’s graduation June 5 at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center. Bermuda District county supervisor Dorothy Jaeckle noted that, since she is retiring soon, this is her last year speaking at high school commencement ceremonies. Jaeckle said goodbye and thanked Mark Fowler, whom she called a “great teacher, coach and assistant principal.” Jaeckle said that the 2005 boys soccer team coached by Fowler won the school’s first state championship. They followed that up with another title in 2006. The team made it to state again this year before bowing out in the quarterfinal. “You…
Carver College and Career Academy graduates 118
0Marissa Mansfield Carver College and Career Academy became the first school to kick off graduation season last week when 118 graduates received their diplomas June 3 at the Virginia State University’s Multi-Purpose Center. Superintendent Mervin Daugherty presented valedictorian Marissa Mansfield and salutatorian Khadyjah Dennis with the Superintendent’s Excellence Awards, which are $1,000 each. Carrie Coyner, Bermuda District school board representative, joked that the students would miss their youthful bodies one day and told them to make time for their health today or it would take time from them later. Chesterfield County supervisor Dorothy Jaeckle echoed Coyner’s statements and thanked principal Kenneth…
An old firehouse staple
0It has been quite a while since I shared an old recipe from my firehouse days. I say “old” because in November I will have been retired from the fire service for nine years. There were some meals that were easy to prepare, but quite tasty. This meal was called “turkey melts and tater tots.” I will let you determine the amount that you buy based upon the number of people that you will be serving. You can add to or take away from this meal. Grocery list English muffins Shaved turkey breast Sliced provolone cheese Green peppers Vidalia onions…
Father’s Day
0Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. Lest I forget, I want to give a big shout-out to all the fathers, stepdads and grandpas out there. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16, and we at the Dogpound want to thank you for all your hard work, leadership and sacrifices that you have made and will make for your family and loved ones. This is not to slight the better half, but they had their day, and now it is your day. I know dads are supposed to be all uptight about the day. You know what…
TDHS loses quarterfinal at state
0The Thomas Dale High School boys soccer team lost a Class 6 state quarterfinal match against First Colonial of Virginia Beach on Tuesday, June 4, 11-1. Thomas Dale finishes the year with a record of 16-4-1. In other Chesterfield County sports news, Cosby defeated Landstown of Virginia Beach 10-9 on penalty kicks to advance against South Lakes High of Reston.