The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 1

WorthMentioning

By Baxter ennis

Happy New Year! I hope you are off and running and haven’t broken all your New Years’ resolutions yet. I don’t know about you but I’m kind of glad to get back into a routine. This month’s paper is chock full of stories about the incredible people of Chesapeake and the amazing things they are achieving. You’ll be so proud to learn about the good works that individuals, clubs and businesses are doing here, across the nation and even in other countries. Projects like helping local kids get warm coats to wear this winter, helping with relief items for victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and doing an incredible good work with Orphan Helpers in Central America.

Chesapeake – A City of Beauty

Chesapeake Kicks off a Year of Celebration!City to highlight 50th Anniversary with 50 Events

By JOHn DOWns, sr.

Los Angeles is the City of Angels. Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love. New York is the Big Apple. And Chesapeake is …....? Judging from the number of talented and beautiful young ladies from Chesapeake who wow the judges in so many beauty pageants and competitions, Chesapeake should be known as the City of Beauty or at least the City of Beauty Queens.

No less than three current major title holders boast of Chesapeake as their hometown. Few Virginia cities, if any, can lay claim to so much home grown pulchritude. Chesapeake's talented and lovely ladies currently reign as Miss Virginia, Miss Outstanding Teen, and Miss Outstanding Preteen.

What's in the water in Chesapeake, you might ask. The Executive Director of the Miss Chesapeake Pageant has an answer. He is Jeff Bunn, a member of

October 1, 2012 Volume 1, Issue 1

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Of ChesapeakeJanuary 2013 Volume 2, Issue 1

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Above: L-R Miss Virginia Outstnding Teen Andolyn Medina, Miss Virginia Rosemary Willis, and Miss Virginia's Outstanding preteen Samariah Cordew

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By JOHn DOWns, sr.

Hold onto your hats, Chesapeake! This new year marks the beginning of a whirlwind, year long celebration of Chesapeake's 50th anniversary as a city. No less than 50 of Chesapeake's most popular signature events have been singled out to emphasize this important landmark in our city's rich and diverse history. City fathers (and mothers), the business community, civic and charitable organizations, and everyday citizens have banded together to offer a slate of activities and events that will please, educate, and entertain from now until December.

On January 2, 2013, the official kick-off was staged at Chesapeake's City Hall. Hundreds of community leaders jammed the City Council chambers to celebrate Chesapeake's past and present and to witness the historic beginning of the city's golden anniversary. An entertaining and informative program was offered by Master of Ceremonies Ray Conner,

Below: Mayor Alan Krasnoff

with 50th Anniversary cake. Photo by John

Downs, Sr.

Above: 50th Anniversary Opening L to R: Del. Matthew James, Del. Barry

Knight, Del. Lionell Spruill, Mayor Alan Krasnoff, Sen. Kenneth Alexander,

and Del. John Cosgrove during the presentation of the joint resolution from the Virginia General Assembly honoring

Chesapeake's 50th Anniversary. Photo by Chesapeake Public Communications

2 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

Local Businesses Support “Hearts in Jersey” to Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Hearts in Jersey volunteers at the Chesapeake Fraternal Order of Police where they had their first fundraiser. (L to R) Kathy Parker, Becky Hudson, Kathy Temple, Diane Perrot, Carey Kalvig, Kris Cates and Vickie Pettit

By BELINDA ELLIOTT

Two Chesapeake companies recently helped spearhead an effort to assist Jersey Shore residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. They accomplished their massive humanitarian endeavor in the span of only two weeks.

It all started in a local restaurant with a dinner conversation between Chesapeake resident Diane Perrot and her friend Carey Kalvig, of Virginia Beach. Perrot, a native of New Jersey, told Kalvig about the devastation her friends and family faced there in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. They were discussing ways they could possibly help when a stranger overheard their conversation and offered his assistance.

Dave Updegraff owns CD Hauling, Inc., in Chesapeake. He gave the women his card and said he could help transport any supplies they collected. When they followed up with him several days later, he made good on his promise and the grassroots humanitarian effort “Hearts in Jersey” launched.

Updegraff contacted his friend Buddy Cummings, owner of Graphic Concept Solutions (GCS) in Chesapeake, to help with the

logistics. Cummings wholeheartedly agreed and the two began planning the transportation aspects of the upcoming trip. Updegraff supplied a massive 18-wheeler with a 53-foot trailer to haul the donations to Belmar, N.J., a town located along the Jersey Shore. The two business owners also purchased and donated 900 cases of water and volunteered themselves and their staff to pick up donations as they came in at several drop-off points around Hampton Roads.

Meanwhile, Perrot and Kalvig organized the drive to collect donations. Perrot asked her friends in New Jersey what supplies were most needed and relayed that information to Kalvig who put out the word around town. They set up a Hearts in Jersey Facebook page and their message spread quickly. Soon local radio and television stations covered their efforts and donations came pouring in.

The Chesapeake Fraternal Order of Police donated the use of their building for the first Hearts in Jersey fundraiser. That initial fundraiser brought in enough donations to fill a large trailer. Organizers also had a chance encounter with a Hampton Roads resident who has family in New Jersey. She stopped by to donate after seeing their Facebook

page. In the car with her that day was her elderly father who had just evacuated from Belmar. When she learned Belmar was where the donations were headed, she wept. “It was very emotional for her,” Perrot shares. It was their first glimpse of the enormous gratitude they would receive from Belmar’s residents.

Perrot and Kalvig worked hard to ensure they collected supplies for people of all ages. They collected baby diapers, formula, bottles, water, and food as well as clothing in a wide array of sizes. Since both women work with seniors locally, Perrot as a patient care coordinator with FamilyCare Senior Solutions in Portsmouth and Kalvig as a consultant with Virginia’s Department of Social Services, they wanted to be sure they collected items for Belmar’s elderly residents as well. Kalvig called home health agencies and assisted-living facilities there to see what supplies were needed.

“When they said wheelchairs and

walkers were floating in the ocean after the storm, we put that word out,” Kalvig says. In response, they received numerous walkers, wheel chairs, and bedside commodes.

Donations came in from across the state. One large donation came from employees of a Wal-Mart distribution center in Williamsburg who heard about Hearts in Jersey and decided to start their own collection campaign.

Several Chesapeake companies donated as well including Sentara Homecare, Chesapeake Healthcare, and Personal Touch Home Health & Hospice. The rest of the donations came from residents and churches throughout Hampton Roads. Even Perrot’s friends who live in other states caught the vision and began their own fundraisers.

“It was just a random act of kindness that grew,” she says.

Two weeks after their initial conversation in the restaurant, Hearts in Jersey loaded the truck for the 10-hour trip. They were met by Belmar’s retired fire chief and a group of volunteers gathered by one of Perrot’s friends to help unload and sort the donations.

“When they opened that trailer they were in shock,” Cumming recalls. The gigantic truck was packed from floor to ceiling, and it took three hours to unload. The donation was the largest they had received in that area. Officials

told them it would be enough to serve several of the neighboring townships.

“The people needed that stuff so bad that as fast as they could sort it somebody was picking it up,” Cummings recalls. It was an overwhelming experience for the group of four.

“It was emotional on the way home,” he says. More than the enormous

Continued on page 11

“The people needed that stuff

so bad that as fast as they could sort it somebody was picking it up,”

The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 3

Continued from page 1Chesapeake – A City of Beautythe Chesapeake School Board and a successful local businessman. Jeff's 30 year tenure with the Miss Chesapeake Pageant gives him special insight. “Why does Chesapeake produce so many talented and gorgeous young ladies?” he responds, “Chesapeake is simply a great place to raise a family, and I think you have to look at the fine, supportive family atmosphere these women come from. Their talents are strongly supported by their family and friends. They receive encouragement and love at every level. And Chesapeake gives these ladies another very important advantage. We have a series of local high school pageants where the contestants hone their skills. They learn to respond under pressure, perform in front of large audiences, and deal with the all the challenges these competitions generate. It definitely gives our contestants an edge.”

Brenda Johnson, community leader and former Chesapeake School Board member agrees, “The young ladies who represent our city are a reflection of the many positive values instilled at an early age. It says a great deal about our city to produce such quality individuals.” Johnson served the Miss Chesapeake organization for nearly two decades.

The current Miss Virginia, Rosemary Willis, is a 2009 graduate of Indian River High School. She is the daughter of Chesapeake Judge Larry Willis and former City Councilwoman Patty Willis. Although a Chesapeake native, Rosemary won the Miss Virginia crown competing as Miss Roanoke Valley. While the Miss Chesapeake pageant is open only to Chesapeake residents, other competitions throughout the state are open to everyone.

As an astute observer of numerous competitions, Bunn felt Rosemary was definitely going to win the Miss Virginia pageant. He adds, “I was right about that, and I also feel she is going to be our next Miss America.” If determination, talent, and beauty equals success, then Rosemary is a shoo-in as the next Miss America. Her competition resume includes titles as Miss Chesapeake, Miss Hampton Holly Days and Miss Roanoke Valley. She is working toward a Master's degree

in exercise science and would like one day to direct her own non-profit organization. Her singing talents at the Miss Virginia competition impressed both judges and audience alike. She sang a difficult piece entitled, “ I Who Have Nothing” and literally hit a musical home run.

Rosemary Willis shatters the stereotypical image of a one dimensional beauty queen. In addition to poise, grace, and charm coupled with an extraordinary singing talent, she has chosen as her platform issue one that is vitally

important to the well-being of our country. “I suffered a debilitating brain injury in high school and had to sit out many of the athletic activities I cherished,” she recalls, “I learned the negative aspects of a sedentary life style, including weight gain and poor self-image. For that reason, I developed a passion for educating others about the benefits of an active lifestyle, and I will use my position as Miss Virginia and, hopefully, Miss America to promote

healthy exercise for students and adults alike resulting in better self esteem, healthier bodies, and renewed energy to be an active and productive member of the community. It is my goal one day to establish a non profit organization to help disadvantaged people develop healthy lifestyles. Help for a better and healthier life should be available to everyone.”

To help the young ladies who compete in various competitions achieve their life's goals, scholarship money is usually offered as one of the prizes. The current Miss Virginia took home

$3,000 in scholarship money from the Miss Roanoke Valley organization and $17,000 for winning the Miss Virginia prize. Last year's Miss America left with over $50,000 in scholarship assistance.

On December 30th and coincidentally Rosemary's birthday, she was feted at the Chesapeake Conference Center with a gala send-off party replete with a string

quartet, teary-eyed tributes, a sumptuous buffet, and scores of community leaders wishing Rosemary success in Las Vegas. She will leave for the national Miss America competition on January 2, 2013. The site will be the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be broadcast nationally January 12 on ABC from 9 pm to 11 pm. This year everyone can vote now for Rosemary by going to www.

missamerica.org.In attendance at

the send-off were the two “ladies in waiting” for future Miss Virginia titles. Andolyn Medina, Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen, is a Chesapeake resident and a 12th grade honor student at Hickory High School. Andolyn has received scores of academic and community service honors and has performed at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama. She has been selected as an on-stage performer at the Miss America competition. Her platform

issue is encouraging volunteerism among her peers. Andolyn's ample vocal talent was displayed as she serenaded Rosemary during the festivities.

Samariah Cordew is Miss Virginia's Outstanding Preteen. Academic awards include perfect attendance citations and a continuous streak of honor roll achievement dating back to her second grade. She received a personal letter from President Obama with congratulations for

extraordinary academic achievements. Even at her early age, Samariah has chosen a meaningful and vital platform issue: Stop bullying now. Take a stand. Lend a hand. Samariah is co-founder/president of the first No Bullying Club at her school. She playfully led the crowd's heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Rosemary.

While the Miss Chesapeake organization has had extraordinary success, others with ties to Chesapeake have added to the city's legend of achievement. Darla Lacey, now a librarian at Deep Creek, was chosen Mrs. Virginia in 2007. “It was my fourth try,” she recalls with a grin, “Now I use it as an example for my students to

never give up. If you want something bad enough, you have to keep trying.”

Meg Mathias, another lifelong Chesapeake resident, just finished her reign as Miss National American Cover Model. “I have learned so much,” she shares, “I now have confidence in public speaking, and I also have had the opportunity to meet some exceptional people through my volunteer work. I'm very involved as a volunteer with Special Olympics and am looking forward to this year's Polar Plunge.”

Chesapeake's Pat Southall was Miss Virginia USA in 1993 and came in as first runner up in the national pageant. Along with her husband, Dallas Cowboy football legend Emmitt Smith, Ms. Southall is a philanthropist and donates to many worthwhile causes through her own organization Treasure You and the Pat and Emmitt Smith

Charities Foundation.Ironically, another

beauty title associated with Chesapeake is that of Mrs. Virginia Beach. Rae Pearson Benn is the current title holder, and she is a multi-talented personality who serves as a producer at Chesapeake's television station, WCTV. She also wears another hat as Public Information Officer for Chesapeake's Office of Economic Development. “I have been involved with a number of pageants,” Rae shares, “But mostly

as a judge. My friends and relatives know me as a passionate advocate of recognizing and dealing with the issue of domestic violence. They urged me to enter the Mrs. Virginia Beach competition and use the title as a platform for educating the community about domestic abuse and violence. I was fortunate enough to win, and I have spent the past year continuing to speak out to civic groups, churches and other organizations. It's been one of the most meaningful years of my life.”

Two consistent themes were shared frequently during Rosemary's send-off. One was the camaraderie, love, and respect shown throughout the hall. Andolyn Medina summed it up best, speaking for herself and Samariah, “We love Rosemary so much. She is our mentor, our big sister, and our friend. We couldn't have a better example to follow.” The other factor goes much deeper. Time and again, these young ladies openly and proudly displayed their deep spiritual commitment. Rosemary is a devout Christian. One of the songs she chose to sing was “How Great Thou Art” which was enthusiastically received by the hundreds of friends and supporters in attendance. As she prepares to leave for Las Vegas on January 2nd, Rosemary will represent Chesapeake and Virginia with her talent, charm, and stunning appearance. But she will have one other distinct advantage. Like Andolyn and Samariah, Rosemary's beauty is much more than skin deep.Mayor Alan Krasnoff

with Rosemary Willis, Miss Virginia.

Mrs. Virginia 2007, Darla Lacey

Mrs. Virginia Beach, Rae Pearson Benn

Meg Mathias, Miss National American Cover Model 2011/12

Rosemary Willis, Miss Virginia.

4 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

Chesapeake Kicks off a Year of Celebration!

Continued on page 10

Right: Front row, L to R: Del. John Cosgrove, Sue Cosgrove,

Sen. Kenneth Alexander, Del. Matthew James,

Del. Barry Knight, Del. Lionell Spruill. Back row,Chesapeake Vice Mayor,

John de Triquet. Photo by Chesapeake Public Communications

Above: Western Branch High School Chamber Choir performing a musical tribute.Photo by John Downs Sr.

Continued from page 1

Chesapeake's popular Commissioner of the Revenue. A talented and tiara-clad Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen, Andolyn Medina, opened the ceremonies with a stirring rendition of our National Anthem. She was then followed by the Western Branch High School Chamber Singers under the direction of Mr. Nick Nespoli, singing, appropriately, “In Song We Unite.”

Special presentations highlighted the affair. Former Chesapeake Circuit Court Judge E. Preston Grissom delivered an informative and insightful talk about the early years of Chesapeake complete with a number of amusing anecdotes that will probably not make it into the history books. Judge Grissom displayed an original copy of the consolidation agreement between Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk which officially formed Chesapeake. On the formation of our city fifty years ago, Judge Grissom commented, “No one thought then that forming a city was impossible but when you reflect and see how many things had to be done, how many things had to come together, it's amazing how such an almost impossible task was accomplished with such great success.”

Chesapeake's delegation to Virginia's General Assembly, led by Delegate John Cosgrove, presented Mayor Alan Krasnoff with a state joint resolution proclamation recognizing and honoring Chesapeake on its 50th anniversary. In presenting the honor to the mayor, Delegate Cosgrove said, “We are not presenting this resolution just to the City Council or the Mayor but to all the citizens of Chesapeake who it is our privilege to serve.”

Mayor Alan Krasnoff reflected on the city's growth and purpose. “After serving as a City Councilman and Mayor for nearly half the time we have been a city, I reflect upon our city motto: One Increasing Purpose. That motto captures the essence of a Chesapeake that welcomed me over 30 thirty years ago. That's the Chesapeake

I know and that's the Chesapeake I'm happy to call home.”

WCTV, Chesapeake's own television station, treated the audience with a thoroughly delightful mini-documentary about our city's history. Visual clips showed historical photos from the earliest era of Chesapeake. Well known community leaders such as former Sheriff John Newhart, Judge Russell Townsend, former Mayor William Ward, and Eleanor Cross added personal and memorable comments. If you weren't able to attend,

coverage of the event, including the entertaining documentary, can be accessed at WCTV's on-demand internet site.

Whitehurst is a well known and respected name in the annals of Chesapeake history. Marian Whitehurst was Chesapeake's first and only woman to serve as Mayor. Her son Colon, a former Chesapeake Judge, was on hand to present a long lost artifact to the city on behalf of his family. Judge Whitehurst unveiled the original metal casing of the Great Seal of Chesapeake and humorously shared that the casing was

apparently packed away in a janitor's closet in the original city hall building. He related its storied history: “My grandfather, Colon Hall, was Chesapeake's first mayor and in 1963 he was presented with the seal by Navy Rear Admiral Davis Knowle. Years later, when the city government moved to a new building, my mother, who was mayor at the time, rescued it and asked me and my sister to take good care of it..” Mayor Krasnoff gratefully accepted this generous donation by the Whitehurst family and promised it would be displayed in a place of honor for residents to see.

A special guest at the festivities was N. Duval Flora, former City Treasurer. Mr. Flora's extensive career of public involvement extends 40 years and includes service to both the old city of South Norfolk and the current city of Chesapeake.

A classy after-event reception included pleasant chamber music aptly provided by the Oscar Smith High School Strolling Strings under the direction of Deanna Kringel. Between the light buffet, custom decorated cupcakes, and refreshing beverages, the talk soon turned to the 50 signature events up and coming.

Roland Davis, President of the Chesapeake Rotary Club is serving as the Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Executive Committee. His group has worked tirelessly to emphasize a year-long calendar of exciting, informative, and diverse activities and events. “We're not really here to create new events or compete with established ones,” Davis explains, “The 50th Anniversary Committee has three basic purposes: Invigorate, Illuminate, and Include. I call it the three i's. We view our role as dotting those i's. We have so many wonderful activities in our city, most of them raising money for worthy charities, and we want to help and promote them. Because this is our 50th year as a city, our goal is to make the signature events as successful as possible. We want 2013 to be a banner year.”

Below: Ray Conner, Commissioner of the Revenue and Chairman of the Opening Ceremony Event and Carolyn Benard,

Principal of Grassfield High School visit during the reception following the ceremony.

Photo by John Downs Sr.

Left: L to R: Donn Irby, Larry Zoeller, Sheree Best, and Steve Best enjoyed the ceremony. Photo by Chesapeake Public Communications

Above: L to R: STANDING: Brianna Peterson, Andy Zheng, Janae Griffin, Pierre Galloway, Kamryn Holmes, Cinque Carter, Amaya Odgers, Kiah Green,

Mayor Alan Krasnoff, Seth Kinsey, Casey Horton, Giovanni Knight, Ryan Kinsey, Jay Do

SITTING: Kimara Cheney, Mark Evans, Cierra Hutcheson, Ben Powell

NOT PICTURED: Wesley Potts

The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 5

Constitutional Corner

By nancy parr

I am Nancy Parr, and I am your Commonwealth’s Attorney.

This is how I introduce myself when I speak to various groups, clubs and students throughout the City of Chesapeake. The follow-up question is, “Does anyone know what I do?” After a few guesses, I say that I am the Chief Prosecutor in Chesapeake. More guesses. Then, I ask, “Does anyone watch “Law and Order?” Hands are raised and I respond, “I’m the D.A.” Everyone

knows that the D.A. prosecutes people who are charged with felony crimes.

However, as your Commonwealth’s Attorney, my office does much more than prosecute felons. Therefore, I appreciate this opportunity to write about my office.

I am the elected prosecutor for the City of Chesapeake and have been since 2005. There are 120 elected Commonwealth’s Attorneys in Virginia. I am called the Commonwealth’s Attorney because Virginia is a Commonwealth, and I represent the people of this great Commonwealth and City. I am a constitutional officer because this position is defined and established in the Constitution of Virginia. The broad powers of this elected office are defined in the Code of Virginia, as amended.

If you were to research all of the duties, responsibilities

and privileges of the Commonwealth’s Attorney as described in the Code, it would take 70 pages to print what you found. It is important to note that these 70 pages would not even include the 948 pages of the Code that are entitled “Crimes and Offenses Generally.”

There are 23 prosecutors in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. According to the staffing standards which are based on the number of felony cases this Office prosecutes, I need 26 prosecutors

to prosecute just the felony offenses. However, even though I have three fewer attorneys than are recommended, not only does my Office prosecute over 3,000 felony charges a year, but we also prosecute the misdemeanor cases involving driving under the influence, domestic violence, offenses on school property, animal abuse, and other offenses upon request. Unlike “Law and Order” and the other made for television crime dramas, these cases cannot be investigated and prosecuted in a short period of time. Also, those forensic tests on the “CSI” shows are either fake or on a time warp. DNA tests results are not available in an instant or even in an hour. Sometimes it can be three months before we get a test result.

In addition to prosecuting criminal cases, my Office reviews the requests for concealed weapon permits, pursues the forfeiture of assets used in and profits of illegal narcotic cases, and enforces election laws (including cases when a citizen’s registration to vote is denied by the Voter Registrar). Also, I provide a copy of the mandated “State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act” to all City Council appointees. Contained in that Act is the statute which provides that an appointee or an elected official may request an opinion from me as to whether a conflict of interests exists or may exist.

Since I became Commonwealth’s Attorney on March 1, 2005, this Office has become involved in the community to prevent crime, to reduce crime, and to establish relationships with citizens so they will be more likely to cooperate with

law enforcement and my prosecutors. In 2006, with the support and assistance of the city, I opened a satellite office in South Norfolk for my Community Prosecution Program. Through this program, my Office has sponsored programs and initiatives (for example, Boys’ Leadership Conferences, Girls’ Empowerment Conferences, Traveling the Road to Success series, Graffiti Be Gone) and participated in City and community events. The programs and initiatives sponsored by my Office have been funded by federal grants and local businesses.

My role as Commonwealth’s Attorney is not merely to convict people charged with criminal offenses. My role is to seek justice for the community. Sometimes justice requires that the unpopular not be charged because, even though the behavior is immoral and/or unethical, it is not criminal. Sometimes justice requires that the popular, well-liked be charged because criminal laws have been violated, victims need closure, others must be deterred from committing the same acts, and funds and property must be restored. As the Commonwealth’s Attorney, my client is society.

It is my privilege and honor to serve the citizens of the City of Chesapeake as your Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Forbes is Keynote Speaker at 47th Annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast

Congressman J. Randy Forbes of Chesapeake was the keynote speaker for the 47th Annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast in Richmond, on Jan. 9. The event, which is held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, serves as the kickoff for the General Assembly session. Gov. Bob McDonnell, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Honorable William J. Howell, Speaker, Va. House of Delegates, and a number of other high-ranking officials in state government also participated in the event. More than 1,000 people attended the Prayer Breakfast

Photo credit: BlessingByPictures

6 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

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From Capitol HillBy cOngressman J. ranDy FOrBes

It was 10:57 pm on New Year's Day. And I punched my vote card on the floor of the House of Representatives. At that moment there was nothing I would have rather been doing than voting yes. Voting yes on a deal that made serious headway on reducing out-of-control spending, voting yes to a deal to stop looming slashes to national defense, voting yes to solve the fiscal cliff.

But I couldn't.The reality of the fiscal cliff deal that the

President signed into law this week is that is does nothing to stop feeding the insatiable appetite of massive government spending. Nor does it do anything substantial to stop the dismantling of our military. It does not strengthen small businesses. Or address the debt ceiling. In fact, it punts all of those issues. Punting that America cannot afford. In addition to raising taxes, the fiscal cliff deal included billions of dollars in special interest giveaways like H o l l y w o o d tax breaks or S o l y n d r a - l i k e green energy tax credits. This is no way to get America's finances in order.

As I was sworn in as a Member of the 113th Congress I was reminded what a privilege it is to serve you. I thought despite the turmoil, despite the great challenges we face, it is a fresh start.

This term, as in the past, we will work to listen. We will work to build bridges towards

effective and f i n a n c i a l l y s o l v e n t g o v e r n m e n t . I want your voice and your i n v o l v e m e n t this year. Share your thoughts on my blog at forbes .house .

gov or join the discussion on Facebook at www.facebook.com/randyforbes. I look forward to partnering with you for a better Chesapeake and a better America.

...There was nothing I would have rather

been doing than voting yes.

The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 7

Romance Builders: A Great Investment for 2013

Dr. Martin Luther KingCourageous Citizen, Clergyman and Civil Rights Champion

By paUL VanVaLin

Elizabeth Taylor was a famous actress who lived from 1932 to 2011. She married 8 times and was observed to gain weight in between romances. She said that she would fall in love and feel that she was pretty and desirable and then would fall out of love and have no motivation to take care of herself. Romantic love is a powerful, compelling force in our lives. It

is the very foundation of a loving, lasting marriage and is considered the first stage or phase of a long term relationship. Romance is a time when we are compulsively looking for ways to please another person. We give gifts, offer to serve, work hard to appear attractive, and to make the other person happy. In return, we receive an abundance of love and care. Love seems effortless, yet we are really devoting much time and effort to be experienced as a loveable person. We are at our very best during Romance.

Unfortunately, the positive intensity of Romance is short-lived. The normal cares of life such as work, relocation, getting married and raising children make it impossible to sustain the focus of the Romance phase. Researchers tell us that 18 months is the average length of the Romance phase of relationship. Romance can be longer in a situation where daily contact is not possible. This may be true in long distance relationships or extra-marital affairs. Elizabeth Taylor disengaged when relationships moved beyond the Romance phase. She would then fall in love with someone new in order to experience the joy of Romance again. She married Richard Burton twice, the first time for 10 years and the second time for 9 months.

In order to have a life-long love affair with one person Romance must become intentional. We have to put daily effort into being a loving, caring person. I give the Romance Builders exercise to every couple who comes in for marriage counseling. At the top of a page write, “I feel loved and cared for when you…” Then list 12 positive things that your spouse can do or say that you experience as loving. You exchange lists and agree to do two Romance Builders each day. We have to boost the positive interactions in order to have the relationship capital to handle the stress of solving problems and making changes to repair broken or distressed marriages.

Romance is for every day, not just weekends or holidays and is refreshed with a minimum of two intentional expressions of love and care per day for the rest of your life. Your marriage is worth the effort. A great resolution for 2013 is to invest your time and energy in building a relationship that is loving and fun.

Paul VanValin, PhD, is founder and President of Eden Counseling Center and Eden Family Institute. He and Becky have lived in Chesapeake since 1997. www.edencouseling.com

Worth mentioningContinued from page 1

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast in Richmond. Our 4th district congressman, J. Randy Forbes gave the keynote address. He outlined the rich spiritual heritage of our nation and gave examples beginning with the First Continental Congress of how our nation’s leaders have called the people to pray and seek divine protection and intervention in times of crisis. He told about President Franklin Delano Roosevelt leading the nation in a 6 ½ minute prayer in World War II. Forbes posed the question, “would it have made a difference if all those prayers had not been offered?” Forbes also mentioned the growing coalition of anti-faith groups that want not merely separation of church and state but are seeking to “silence the subject of faith entirely.” Governor Bob McDonnell spoke of his favorite painting depicting George Washington on his knees praying at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777-1778. He recounted Washington’s prayer for the ragged, hungry, ill-equipped, outnumbered and outgunned band of colonists who were facing the mightiest army in the world. That painting reminds him of the power of prayer. They survived that winter—and three years later, the mighty British army surrendered at Yorktown.

On a personal note I want to remind everyone to always pay attention to safety—at work, at home and while driving. I witnessed an accident recently that really got my attention. An employee in a local business was as happy as a lark one second—then tripped and fell backwards and hit her head on a metal object. She went from happiness-- to anguish and pain in three seconds. She was carried to the hospital in an emergency vehicle but thankfully she didn’t have a concussion and is now back at work. Just remember to be careful. Things can change in the blink of an eye.

Two very significant events took place here in the city in the past few weeks. On December 17, the long-awaited groundbreaking for Dominion Boulevard took place. While nobody wants tolls, most of us agree that something had to improve. The traffic on Dominion is among the worst in the state. Thankfully, now the process to make things better has begun.

And finally, on Jan. 2, 2013 we in the City of Chesapeake began a yearlong celebration of our 50th Anniversary. I hope you’ll enjoy the story and photos from the very impressive kickoff event. We all are looking to a great year while we celebrate our 50th Anniversary with 50 fantastic events.

We hope you enjoy The Citizen of Chesapeake. Please tell others about it. If they don’t receive it in the mail, it is available at more than 30 stores and restaurants throughout the City—and also online at www.thecitizenofchesapeake.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Send your story ideas, photos or comments to: info@thecitizenofchesapeake.com

By gLenDa ennis

Students and most workers across America happily receive a day off from school and work to celebrate MLK Day. But as we rush to enjoy a long weekend, perhaps we can consider for a moment the who and why behind this Federal holiday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. The second child, though the first son, he was born into a family whose heritage was deeply rooted in Christian faith. His father was a pastor as was his grandfather, the Reverend Adam Daniel Williams, second pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. When he married Coretta Scott on the lawn of her parents’ home, his father performed the ceremony and his brother, the Reverend A.D. King, was his best man.

King graduated from Morehouse College, where he took his first steps toward political activism; in a letter to the editor of the Atlanta Constitution he wrote that African Americans were “entitled to the basic rights and opportunities of American citizens”. After leaving Morehouse, King continued his theological education and in 1951 began his doctoral studies at Boston University’s School of Theology. He flourished as a student and honed his oratory skills while preaching at Boston area churches and at Ebenezer during school breaks.

King became pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, and during his time there he led the group formed to protest the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Using his gift of leadership combined with his religious background and academic training, Dr. King constructed an effective strategy to mobilize black churches and garner support from the white community for the civil rights movement. He studied Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent protest, and after a trip to India wrote: “I left India more convinced than ever before that nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom”.

Dr. King endured violence against himself and his family, arrest and time in jail and an assassination attempt as he led the struggle for the equal treatment of all Americans and to shine the light of day on injustice. His dedication and perseverance helped to bring about major civil rights legislation.

He is most remembered for the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which was delivered on August 28, 1963 on the Washington Mall to a crowd of nearly 200,000. The entire speech is powerful, but the closing remarks are an echo of the words of Jesus “you ought always to pray and not lose hope” and should inspire all Americans.

Dr. King passionately declared:“I say to you today, my friends, even

though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream… that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” “…when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last’”.

April 3, 1968, he spoke, again with a biblical reference: “I’ve been to the mountaintop [and] I’ve seen the Promised Land.” He continued, “I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land” (a reference to Moses whom God allowed to see the Promised Land, though he never entered it). The following evening, as he stood on a balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

He lived a life of courage and left a legacy of hope.

8 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

By REBECCA BRITTINGHAM

On April 7, 2012, the air was clear without a cloud in the sky. Dawn had just broken. A cool breeze tickled the leaves as over 200 people gathered at the Dismal Swamp Trail to participate in the Bataan Death March Memorial Walk organized by Sgt. Major Matthew Schweers. What started out as a small family idea, evolved into a large community event when Carl Dozier encouraged them to open the event to the public. The event included the Chesapeake mayor, civilians, military men and women, and both the sheriff and fire departments and has impacted the entire Chesapeake community.

Schweers stood in awe as he watched the crowd of participants including Capt. Erik Ross and crew members of the USS Bataan wave their banners enthusiastically. The USS Bataan, LHD-5, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, was commissioned in 1997 to honor the defense of the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines during the early days of US involvement in World War II.

In the background you could hear TAPS played by Retired Fire Chief Steve Best, while representatives from the McArthur Museum educated students about World War II. When participants finished their 17-mile; 5-mile or 1-mile walk, they all gathered around an honored guest, Bataan survivor Mr. John Sims from Aberdeen, NC as he shared his story.

The Schweers family was overwhelmed by the love and support they received from the people of Chesapeake. Schweers’ vision to organize a Memorial March was inspired several years ago after attending a similar event in New Mexico as well as visiting the location of the original Death March in the Philippines. Upon returning to Chesapeake, Schweers searched for an organization that commemorated those soldiers, but he could not find one.

Therefore, he decided to create an event that would pay tribute to them. “I wanted to make it a Chesapeake specific event,” Schweers said.

For the past 28 years, Sgt. Major Matthew Schweers has served this country valiantly as a member of the USS Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The Special Operations Forces are the elite commandoes in the U.S. military who are called upon to perform some of the most difficult tasks in the armed forces.

During his service in the military, Schweers says that he has lost several friends, witnessed many unpleasant sights, and experienced heart ache that he would never wish upon anyone, but none of these experiences and painful memories compare to the pain that the World War II veterans at Bataan endured. For this reason, Schweers and his wife Grace have made it their mission to create an event that commemorates their sacrifice.

The Bataan Death March of 1942 followed the end of the three-month Battle of Bataan when the Japanese transferred 60,000 Filipino and 15,000 American POWs to Camp O’Donnell. Unfortunately, during the transfer thousands of soldiers perished, unable to withstand the harsh traveling conditions and the severe physical and emotional harassment. Schweers, understanding the pain of war through his own personal journey, organized the Bataan Death March Memorial Walk to honor those who had fallen during World War II and their families. Schweers says, “I want kids my kids’ age to appreciate what families were going through during World War II, and this is just one event that we can use as a rally cry.”

Schweers resides in the heart of Chesapeake with his wife, Grace, of 22 years and two of their four children; Stefan a sophomore at Grassfield High school and Sean who is an 8th grader at Great Bridge Middle School. Schweers has two other children, Mary who is a junior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and Megan who resides in San Antonio, Texas with her husband.

We want to spotlight your veteran. email your nomination to info@thecitizenOfchesapeake.com

Veteran Spotlight

Great Bridge Baptist Church

Sunday:9:00 am Sunday School

10:30 am Worship Service(Children’s Worship Service & Nursery Available)

6:00 pm Children & Preschool Classes, Adult Classes

6:30 pm Student Ministry

Tuesday:9:30 am Ladies’ Bible Study

Mom to Mom

Wednesday:5:30 pm Family Night Supper6:30 pm Missions for all ages

Handbells & Orchestra7:30 pm Adult Choir

640 Battlefield Blvd. S Chesapeake 23322757-482-2111 www.GreatBridgeBaptist.org

Exciting Opportunities

in Biblical Training for the Entire

Family!

Paid For and authorized By Friends oF Jim o’sullivan

Focused on KeepingChesapeake Safe

Investing in our ChildrenCaring for our Seniors

Although the Schweers family has only been in Chesapeake for two years, Chesapeake is their home and they have made a point to be involved. In addition to serving with the Special Forces, Schweers is also actively involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), which is a fraternal organization for veterans. Grace, in addition to serving with her husband, is also involved with the Women’s Republican Club of Chesapeake. Meanwhile, Sean plays soccer with the Chesapeake United team and Stefan competes with the Grassfield Wrestling Team.

After serving 28 years in the military, this summer, Sgt. Major Schweers will retire here in Chesapeake to devote more time to his family and other military organizations. Schweers is a certified free fall jump master and a true military hero who puts others ahead of himself and willingly risks his life to protect others. Over the course of his military career, Schweers has been awarded a Bronze Star, five Meritorious Service Medals (MSM) which are awarded to members of the Armed Forces for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or services, and the Combat Infantry Badge. As he retires, he has a vision to continue the legacy of

the World War II veterans, especially those involved in the Bataan Death March of 1942. “It is important that we don’t forget them,” Schweers said.

The great success of April 7th has encouraged the Schweers family to make it an annual event. This year, the Bataan Death March Memorial Walk will be held on April 27th at the Dismal Swamp Trail, Chesapeake. It is an event commemorating the 71st Anniversary of the Bataan Death March of World War II. This is event is open to everyone.

Participation is free, but there will be an opportunity to donate to Mountain Eagles a non-profit organization which sponsors wounded soldiers in Virginia and West Virginia and Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP), a nonprofit charity that helps families in need. Register online at: walk.chesapeake@gmail.com or on Facebook @ Bataan Death March.

Sgt. Major Schweers – The Citizen of Chesapeake salutes you and thanks you for your service to our nation.

Sgt. Major Matthew Schweers

The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 9

Atlantic Shores Christian School-Dual enrollment

Ambitious high school students at Atlantic Shores Christian School (ASCS) in the Kempsville area have a new option to challenge themselves and enhance their college preparations. In addition to the popular Advanced Placement (AP) option available at most schools, ASCS now also offers dual enrollment classes. “It was kind of an instant success with our students and parents,” says Dr. Max Lyons, Director of Guidance. From just two classes (English and math) when dual enrollment began in 2009, the program has already expanded to include nine. About 55% of the student body now takes dual high school/college courses.

What is the difference between the more familiar AP high school class and a dual enrollment class? For AP, students take college-like courses in high school. The classes use college texts, and students are expected to perform at a college level. However, they are only eligible to earn college credits through the AP exam, which is offered once per year. Scores must meet a certain threshold to qualify for college credit. Student who miss the exam due to illness or who have an “off” day during the test receive no credit—no matter how stellar their work during the year. And a college may, at its discretion, not award credits for some or all AP exams, no matter the score.

Victoria Tull, Atlantic Shores Senior, will graduate with 21 college credits.

AtlAntic ShoreS chriStiAn SchoolAtlantic Shores is the #1 Selected Christian School in

Chesapeake and Virginia Beach!Open HOuse Jan 25, 9-2pm, Feb 21, 6-8pm and marcH 22, 9-2pm.

www.shoreschristian.orgelementary: 1861 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, 479-1125 • secOndary: 1217 N. Centerville Turnpike, Chesapeake, 479-9598

Dual enrollment courses alleviate the pressures of a one-time test. All work contributes toward the final grade, and a passing grade confers credits from the affiliated college. Lyons says that since these are basic freshman-level courses, transferring the credits to most other colleges is not a problem.

ASCS partners with Regent University, John Brown University and Bryan College. Teachers undergo a thorough selection process. The participating colleges train them and certify them as adjunct professors, so they are eligible to teach dual enrollment courses. Each class uses the same textbooks, syllabus, and assignments as the comparable class on the college campus. “It is the same course taught at a different location,” says Lyon. New dual enrollment teachers can expect particular scrutiny from college department heads. The universities may monitor grading to verify teachers adhere to their standards.

Just like courses at the colleges’ main campuses, most dual enrollment classes finish in a semester. However, John Brown University requires their more difficult subjects, such as math and science, be taught over an entire year, so students have the opportunity to learn the material at a slower pace. Classes average about fifteen students, with the most popular subjects

being English composition, English literature, American history, and science. Other course offerings include Spanish, statistics, calculus and public

speaking.For students’ grade point averages,

ASCS counts dual enrollment classes like AP classes, with an A being worth a 5.0 and a B earning a 4.0—the equivalent of an A in a less intensive class. Students get two (or more) transcripts, one from ASCS and one from each dual enrollment college. ASCS displays dual enrollment grades on transcripts like those of other classes. However, students must also produce an official transcript from Regent, John Brown or Bryan for any credits they wish to transfer to another college.

Lyons sees multiple advantages with the addition of dual enrollment to the ASCS campus. For one thing, teachers frequently ratchet up instruction in their non-dual enrollment classes, making the entire curricula more rigorous. According to history teacher Leslie Ribeiro, of the Kempsville area in Chesapeake, “It has made me a far better teacher.” This is Ribeiro’s second year teaching dual enrollment U.S history. She especially enjoys how the curriculum encourages her students to think critically and write on a college level. “It gives kids the experience of learning and challenging their minds.” ASCS parent Robin Tull of the Greenbrier area, who served as chairman of the board when the school first implemented dual enrollment, agrees. “It just raised the academic level at Atlantic Shores.”

For students, taking the classes at their high school makes scheduling

easier since they don’t have to drive to local colleges for night courses. And the price is right since dual enrollment courses cost less per credit hour. Tull cited the cost savings of an entire semester of college. His daughter Victoria will graduate this spring with 21 college credits already in hand.

Victoria, who has applied to four different colleges, says the classes have been a big challenge, but she sees another benefit beyond the credits themselves. “Lots of students have trouble when they get to college. I feel a lot more prepared in those areas where I took classes.”

ASCS alumnae Arielle Lyons (class of 2012) graduated with one AP class and four dual enrollment courses. “I wanted more of a challenge in my classes,” she explains. In addition to the extra challenge, she found her dual enrollment work more interesting and engaging. And she discovered another advantage. “When I graduated, I had fifteen credit hours that all transferred to Liberty. It gave me flexibility, so I could take a semester off.”

Arielle used the break to partake in a three-month mission trip to Columbia where she worked for a foundation that helps children. She credits that experience with helping her know herself better and develop spiritually. This semester she leaves for Liberty University, to major in either nursing or English. And she’ll start right on track with her peers who entered in the fall.

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Email Baxter Ennis for details. baxterennis@cox.net Joy Farrington has taken Dual

Enrollment English I and is currently enrolled in Dual Enrollment Spanish.

This combination gives her 6 transferable college credits.

10 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

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Davis continues, “I would definitely like to emphasize that the 50th Anniversary Committee is NOT a city agency and receives no public funds or tax dollars. The hundred or so members are all community spirited volunteers. We do have some amazing and generous sponsors who have given so much to help promote our 50th anniversary. The many colorful banners around the city proclaiming our 50th anniversary were all installed courtesy of Cox Communications and Dominion Virginia Power. There are nearly 300 of the panels, and it was quite a gesture on the part of those two companies to come forward and help us.”

As President of the Rotary Club, Davis is particularly proud of one special signature event this year. “The Rotary Club is honored to designate Chesapeake's First Citizen each year,” he shares, “This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary, our First Citizen banquet in September will honor all 50 previous First Citizen honorees. It's going to be quite an affair.” Davis and the Rotary Club are also sponsors of another popular signature event, the Chesapeake Wine Festival.

The Chesapeake Sports Club has joined in the spirit of the 50th anniversary and will have a genuine superstar and sports legend at its signature event, the Sports Club Jamboree. Former Notre Dame standout and Washington Redskin legend Joe Theismann will be the keynote speaker at the March 21st banquet.

Another special event will be the honoring of Chesapeake's Woman of the Year. The 50th anniversary honor goes to our own Clerk of the Circuit Court Faye Mitchell. The award

Chesapeake Kicks off a Year of Celebration! Continued from page 4

is presented by the Women's Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Mitchell will be feted at the Chesapeake Marriott on February 2nd.

Other exciting events being promoted by the 50th Anniversary Committee include the NAACP Jubilee Service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. city-wide celebration, the Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation's gala: A Night Among Superheroes, the Emancipation Proclamation exhibit at the Greenbrier Library through February 9th, Mayor's Youth Day on February 28th, Chesapeake's Teacher of the Year banquet on March 21st, Paint Your Heart Out on April 20th, the National Day of Prayer on May 2nd, and scores of others. A specific calendar of events and other detailed information can be found at the 50th Anniversary web site: www.chesapeake50.com.

Chesapeake has an historic past and exciting future. We have been visited by our nation's first President, George Washington,

when he surveyed the Great Dismal Swamp. The first battle of our American Revolution in Virginia took place in Great Bridge. Our local former Sheriff, John Newhart, was selected as the National Sheriff of the Year. We've been designated as one of the safest communities in the entire United States. Our

population continues to grow and our business community continues to prosper. Our school system ranks among the best in Virginia. The previous 50 years in Chesapeake have produced a vibrant, caring city and a great place to raise a family or start a business. The 50th Anniversary will serve to “invigorate and

illuminate” all that is good in Chesapeake. The clarion call now throughout our city is: “Let The Celebration Begin!”

Above: Members of the Joint Public Safety Honor Guard present the colors at the start of the ceremony. Photo from Chesapeake Public Communications. Photos from Chesapeake Public

Above: L to R: LaVonne Ellis, Steve Best, 50th Anniversary Committe Chairman Roland Davis and Buddy Bagley visit prior to the ceremony. Picture by Chesapeake Public Communnications

Right: A near capacity crowd attended the opening ceremony.

Picture by Chesapeake Public Communnications

Below: L to R Fire Chief Ed Elliott, Retired Fire Chief Steve Best, Retired Fire Chief and Former City Council Member Robert "Buddy" Bagley share memories of Chesapeake's 50 year history. Photo from Chesapeake Public Communications

Below: Dawn Eakins, owner of Carolina Cupcakery, provided sweet customized treats for the reception. Photo by Chesapeake Public Communications

Below: L to R: Chesapeake Fire Chief Ed Elliott, Chief of Police Kelvin Wright,

Sheriff Jim O'Sullivan Photo by John Downs Sr.

Right: L to R: Former City Councilman Cliff Hayes, Tracey Holland, Former Major William Ward, and Kismet Nettles. Photo by John Downs Sr.

The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 11

From The Pulpitmemories for another year, it is time to start thinking about what lies ahead in 2013. Should you set a few goals for the next year or make some resolutions that will bring about the “new you” that you deserve to be? The Huffington Post reports the country’s top five New Year’s resolutions are:

• Get in shape • Eat right • Save money • Quit smoking • Volunteer

But will setting goals really help make these next twelve months the best year ever? I have set personal, family and work goals every year since 1984, and I have found that making resolutions actually does help provide direction and a sense of accomplishment throughout the year. Yes, the power of “focus” is a great motivator. However, I’ve discovered something even more important than asking myself questions about what I am going to do better. I take time at the beginning of each year to ask God what He would re-create in me in the coming year.

This isn’t a “what can I do better for God proposition.” It’s the complete opposite. Since the Bible says that “whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above” (James 1:17, NLT) that surely means He has something good in store for us. Notice, the emphasis is not on what you can do to improve but on what God wants to give to you!

Here are “Four Ways to a Better You” - four simple steps that will help you recover and re-ignite your relationship with God

this year. 1. A Better You ~ Inside and Out

The first step toward a better you is to accept God’s love (John 3:16-17) and to realize that God will make you brand new. You have a purpose and a destiny that will come alive when God breathes His love into your heart. When God changes you on the inside, something incredible happens with your sense of identity and reason for living. You become a brand new person inside and out (2 Corinthians 5:17).

2. A Better You ~ with Money Just as God has good plans for you,

He also has great plans for your money. The Bible says that God is the one who gives you the power to create wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) and that His priority plan for your life is to prosper you, not to harm you but to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

The second step toward a better you begins with transferring the ownership of what you have now into the hands of God who wants to give you the ability to live an abundant and blessed life (John 10:10). Yes, God wants to grant you the practical wisdom to have enough money left over so that you can abundantly bless others with your generosity (2 Corinthians 9:11).

3. A Better You ~ on Mondays Your relationship with God isn't reserved

for religious holidays, church services or special spiritual moments. God wants to be invited (Revelation 3:20) to go through every part of your life with you. He made you to light up every room with His goodness (Matthew 5:14) and to be filled with

Eric Watt is the Senior Pastor of Greenbrier Church in Chesapeake. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and Yale Divinity School.

2013 Could be the Best Year of

Your Life

supernatural wisdom and revelation that will help you solve problems at work – not be the problem (Ephesians 1:16-18).

The third step toward a better you begins with you inviting God to be with you each and every day in every way (Philippians 2:13).

4. A Better You ~ with Others

Your ability to get along with others can bring a healthy dose of energy to you; but, at the same time strained relationships that are filled with missed expectations and unresolved conflict can drain the life out of even the best person. God's best for you begins with a heart filled with His presence and extends to a life filled with rich and life-giving relationships!

The fourth way to a better you begins with putting Jesus in the middle of every relationship! Did you know that you were designed to be filled to overflowing with God's overflowing love (1 John 4:7) that creates peace (Hebrews 12:14), has the power to forgive wrongs (Matthew 6:14) and that helps people become whole again in their relationships (James 5:16)?

God is good and filled with never-ending love for you. He made you unique and created you for a purpose that will bring lasting meaning to your life. Re-kindling your relationship with God this year will only make your life better. Just imagine what could happen this year – in your life, with your family and friends – if you not only make (and keep) resolutions but also invite God into your relationships. Without a doubt, it could be an amazing 2013!

By eric Watt

I can still hear the joyful melodies that filled our office hallways, homes and hearts over the holidays. Christmas really is “the most wonderful time of the year” – filled with good cheer, parties, a few extra treats and a holiday feast. As we take down the Christmas decorations and store lots of

Local Businesses Support “Hearts in Jersey” to Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy Continued from page 2

Below: Volunteers sort donations in Belmar, N.J.

Left: R - L:Dave Updegraff, Carey Kalvig, Diane Perrot, and Buddy Cummings

destruction there, he says it was seeing the people and the devastation in their eyes that moved him the most.

Perrot agrees. “You count your blessings. You see what you take for granted,” she says. “You see how precious life is and how quickly it’s gone in a heartbeat. It was very profound. It was one of those life-changing, humbling things you’ll never forget.”

She says she hopes the group’s efforts will remind people that the suffering in New Jersey continues. She fears the presidential election and the holidays diverted attention away from the needs that still exist along the Jersey Shore.

“People are still living in tents there,” she explains. “People are still without electricity. People’s houses are still flooded. People are still in need. As they began to clean up it snowed. They had two nor’easters. I don’t want people to forget what’s going on there. This is still an acute crisis.”

Currently, the biggest need is cleaning supplies because of the water damage and mold. Anyone wanting to provide assistance to the residents of New Jersey should contact each town directly, Kalvig says. Each city has set up its own fund to aid residents.

As the group reflects on their journey they have been amazed at how it all transpired through people who had never met. “For us to be having a conversation among girlfriends and Dave just happened to be listening,” Perrot explains, “that was not a coincidence. I call those God-incidents.”

“It all just worked,” Kalvig adds. “Everything that we asked for we got. Everything happened exactly the way it was supposed to.”

The two are quick to thank Chesapeake business owners Updegraff and Cummings for their role in bringing it all together. “We couldn’t have done it without the two of them. We would not have had the ability to pick up the volume of donations,” Perrot says. “Hearts in Jersey just united so many people on so many levels.”

12 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

It’s better to give than to receive is more than a cliché to Tom Dana.

WORDS FROM WOODS

“Hello. My name is Bob Woods. And I’ll be taking care of you. Today’s special is Retirement. What can I bring you for starters? May I suggest the “nest egg” soup and the “income” sandwich combination?”

Ok, I’m not a waiter. I am a financial planner who specializes in income plan-ning and asset preservation. I’ve been doing this for 38 years and to be honest with you, of the thousands of folks that I’ve spoken with over those years, I’ve never started an interview like that. But I have learned that getting someone’s attention is important. Recently, some-thing got mine.

I had just seen a short film by David Eckenrode. It was about a man, Daniel Suelo, who had been written about by author Mark Sundeen in his book “The Man Who Quit Money.” It chronicled

Mr. Suelo’s choice of giving up money and living, successfully by some folks standards, in a cave “off the grid and off the land” for the last 12 years. The film could have been viewed as soulful, even a triumph of sorts. But what the film said to me in my capacity as a financial planner was “Is this a choice that some may have to make someday? Is this what retirement might be about?”

For the majority of us that answer is a resounding, “I sure hope not!” But it should raise a few questions. Like how important is money to my future hap-piness? What will I need money for? What’s truly important to me?

What I have learned over my career (mostly from my retired clients) is that retirement is about the genuine qual-ity of your life…the really important things like traveling with and spending more time with family, smiles over din-ner with friends or, perhaps, doing some gardening or a loved hobby or sport. It’s about enjoying what you’ve worked hard to achieve and not worrying every-day about having enough money to do it. It’s about putting your visions, goals and dreams into a financial plan and then finding a proficient, experienced, retirement income planner who sees it like you do and knows how to safely help you make it happen - worry free.

Of course, you could be like Daniel Suelo, “quit money” and find a cave. But that wouldn’t be my professional recommendation.

I wish you good fortune.

By Jayne tHUrBer-smitH

“Trying to help those in need gives you such a warm feeling,” he says, his face lighting up in agreement. “I get much more out of it than I put into it. I feel so fortunate to be able to work with groups who help others.”

Dana, Vice President with Thalhimer Real Estate, lives in the Kemp Woods area of Chesapeake, but has so much on the go he spends little time sitting around his house. He has been an active member of the Chesapeake Rotary Club for twenty-three years, and through his club he discovered Orphan Helpers.

Since 2005 Dana has been working closely with founders Greg Garrett and wife Libby Garrett out of Newport News. Their organization assists with fourteen various orphanages and detention centers in both El Salvador and Honduras. This year Orphan Helpers will be giving $50,000 to the orphanages in San Salvador.

“We plan to buy a van to transport kids and volunteers, and set up two computer labs in San Salvador,” he says. “Our Chesapeake Rotary is the sponsoring club and the host club we partner with is in San Salvador. We also partner with the Great Bridge

and Newport News Rotary clubs here. Within a year we all got a certain amount of donations together, Greg made a personal contribution, and we donated it to the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary District also contributed money and then the Foundation matched that to give us the grand total of $50,000.”

Remember that soggy Saturday the end of October that announced the arrival of Hurricane Sandy? Sandy couldn’t keep the more than 7,000 loyal attendees from contributing to the Chesapeake Virginia Wine Festival, the largest fund raising activity held by the Chesapeake Rotary Club. This was their third year and they raised a total of $150,000. The monies went to various charities including Orphan Helpers.

“All the Rotarians come together for that,” says Dana. “The community is so supportive and a lot of local businesses contributed. I just play a small part. The great thing about Rotary is we have over 90 members and everyone pitches in. It’s a great team effort.”

Charity begins at home and Dana is very passionate about Chesapeake Rotary’s local efforts like "Paint Your Heart Out," which offers painting services to the homes of the elderly who don’t have the money to upkeep their exteriors. He’s also been on the board of the Greenbrier YMCA since 1993 and serves as Vice President on the board of Chesapeake Service

Systems.“Chesapeake Service is doing a

tremendous job assisting the mentally disabled,” Dana comments, his face lighting up. “When I saw how excited these adults were about having a job, being gainfully employed to wash and fold laundry, or to pick up trash along the highways, I was happy to be a part of that. We’ve seen people get out there who don't even speak… once they start working, the transition is amazing. They feel useful doing various jobs. You see how positively their work affects their lives.”

Dana is looking forward to his next trip to San Salvador within the next two months and seeing the positive effect Orphan Helpers’ generous donation will be able to make for the orphans. This will be his ninth visit to Central America, and Dana encourages anyone who has the opportunity to take a mission trip or vision trip to an underprivileged country to do so. That’s all it takes to make you want to do whatever you can to make a difference.

“The moment I picked up one of those little orphans I was hooked,” he says. “Greg had visited our club in 2004 and talked about Orphan Helpers, saying if we wanted to get involved we should go see what they do. So we went and toured the facilities. These little kids just want a hug, some attention. You see their living conditions and you just need to do something about it. Orphan Helpers is definitely making improvements for them. We’ve also been able to put a few teachers in place. Seeing how much the kids appreciate it makes it all worthwhile."

Donations can be made at www.orphanhelpers.org and they thank you for whatever support you can offer!

Congratulations Tom Dana on being named Citizen of the Month. We appreciate your dedication to public service. The city of Chesapeake is incredibly fortunate to have you as a leader in our community.

The Citizen welcomes your recommendations for Citizen of the Month. Help us recognize and honor outstanding community leaders who are making a difference in our city—and the world. Email your nominations to : info@thecitizenofchesapeake.com.

Citizenof the Month:

Tom Dana

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The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 13

Opinions . . .

America's Coming Gun War

If Demography Is Destiny, Good News for Texas, D.C.

By MICHAEL BARONE

Demographics buffs get a special Christmas present every year courtesy of the Census Bureau: its annual estimates of the populations of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

This gives demographers a chance to see where the nation is growing and where it is not, and to get an idea of the destination of immigrants and of the flow of people into

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN

Eight days after the massacre of 20 first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary, where each child was shot with a Bushmaster .223, The Nation's Gun Show, the biggest east of the Mississippi, opened.

"A line already snaked around the building shortly after the three-day event began at 3 p.m., and the parking lot was jammed" at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va., wrote Justin Jouvenal of The Washington Post:

"With an AK-47 slung over one shoulder,

one set of states and out of another. Nationally, the Census Bureau estimates

that the United States has grown from 308 million people when the Census was conducted in April 2010 to almost 313 million in July 2012, a rate of 1.7 percent. If that continues through the decade, the nation's population will rise at a lower rate but by a larger number in this decade than it did in 2000-2010.

The fastest growth in the last two years has been in two small enclaves -- in the District of Columbia (5.1 percent), thanks to the federal government and gentrification, and in North Dakota (4 percent), thanks to the Bakken shale oil boom.

Neither is up to 700,000 people yet, though North Dakota, after nearly a century in the 600,000s, is almost there.

The next-fastest growth rate is in the giant state of Texas. Its population rose 3.6 percent, to 26 million. This single state accounts for 18 percent of total U.S. population growth.

Two other states grew more than 3 percent, Utah and Colorado, thanks to high birth rates and newcomers eager to live near ski areas. And Florida, where growth stagnated after the housing bust, grew at 2.7 percent.

The two biggest growth states of the last two decades, Nevada and Arizona, are growing again, but at a pace behind Washington state and at about the same rate of the South Atlantic states of

Marco Hernandez offered one word when asked why he was in the overflow crowd at the gun show."

"Obama," he said. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the possible gun ban."

And this is the story across America since Sandy Hook.

The weapon most in demand at Chantilly?

The AR-15 black rifle, a version of which was used to slaughter the innocents in Newtown. At Chantilly, their price doubled in hours to $1,800. Gun stores have sold out their inventory.

Yet for weeks after Sandy Hook, journalists and politicians from the president to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who were making the case for a new assault weapons ban, dominated the airwaves. Those calling for reinstatement of the ban that was in effect from 1994 to 2004 had the national audience almost entirely to themselves.

The National Rifle Association was largely silent. Not until nine days after Newtown did the NRA's Wayne LaPierre appear on "Meet the Press" to be subjected to hostile interrogation.

Yet, from the record gun sales in December, and 2012 -- there were 16.8 million calls to the FBI for background checks for gun purchases last year -- the elites have lost the argument with the audience that counts. They have failed to convince those who buy guns.

Just as East Berliners, before the Wall was built, voted with their feet, fleeing west, Americans are voting with

Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

The two states that lost population in the last two years are economically beleaguered Rhode Island and Michigan. But Michigan seems to be rebounding, growing enough in the last year that its 2010-12 estimated population loss was only 275 people.

Immigration is sharply down from the levels of 1982-2007. International migration, as the Census Bureau calls it, was only 0.6 percent of 2010 population in the last two years. It topped the 1 percent level only in New Jersey, New York and Florida.

To judge from the statewide figures, immigrants have stopped heading in large numbers to the heartland and have mostly been going to a few metro areas -- New York, Boston, Washington, Miami and Orlando.

Immigration is only slightly above the national average now in California and Nevada and below it in Arizona, with its immigration enforcement laws. Net Mexican immigration has halted. California is likely getting more Asians than Hispanics.

Movement within the country has been at low levels; people tend to stay put when economic times are bad, as they did in the 1930s.

But New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Illinois did see an outflow of more than 1 percent of their 2010 populations. People evidently aren't enamored of their high (and in Connecticut and Illinois, increased ) tax rates.

their checkbooks, paying hundreds and thousands of dollars to buy the guns liberals loathe.

The reflexive response of the gun controllers is to blame this on that malevolent force, the gun lobby, at whose apex is the NRA.

But those crowds coming to gun shows in droves and buying semi-automatics are not there because the NRA issued some order.

Today, we Americans are a far more heavily armed people than half a century ago. Forty-seven percent of adult males own a firearm. There are 270 million rifles, shotguns and pistols in private hands.

Are they for hunting? Not according to the Financial Times.

"The number of hunters fell from 16.6 million in 1975 to 12.5 million in 2006, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service." That number will continue to shrink as America's suburbs further encroach on rural areas, limiting hunting grounds and reducing game.

The FT notes that Freedom Group, owner of Bushmaster, has estimated that while "total sales of long guns to U.S. consumers rose at an annual rate of just 3 percent during 2007-2011, modern sporting rifles grew at an annual rate of 27 percent." Last year, sporting rifle sales doubled.

The number of rifles like the AR-15 in private hands has probably tripled since the assault weapons ban expired. The NRA's David Keene estimates the number now at above 3 million.

Who owns these weapons? Half are owned by veterans and cops.

Writes Keene: "Nearly 90 percent of those who own an AR-15 use it for recreational

And there was significant outflow from the auto states of Michigan and Ohio, as well. But outflow from California was much lower than in the past and amounted to less than half of the immigrants who moved in.

The biggest domestic inflow in percentage terms, though the numbers aren't huge, was to booming North Dakota and the District of Columbia, 2.6 and 2.4 percent of their 2010 populations. That's big in just two years.

After that, the biggest inflows in percentage terms were in the second-largest and soon to be third-largest states, Texas and Florida, and in Colorado. Tampa, Orlando, Houston, Austin, Dallas and Denver are drawing people in.

Nationally, natural increase -- the excess of births (8.9 million) over deaths (5.6 million) -- was almost double the number of immigrants (1.8 million).

The highest rates of natural increase were in majority-Mormon Utah and then, well behind, in California and Texas, both 38 percent Hispanic in 2010. Babies seem to come disproportionately to opposite ends of the political spectrum.

The big stories: the Bakken shale, big government, the Texas boom and the continued slide down I-95 from the Northeast to the South Atlantic from Washington, D.C., to Florida.

target shooting; 51 percent of AR owners are members of shooting clubs and visit the range regularly; the typical AR owner is not a crazed teenage psychopath, but a 35-plus-year-old, married and has some college education."

These figures suggest that a successful effort to restrict the sale and transfer of "assault rifles" will, as did the Volstead Act and Prohibition, drive the market underground, create lawbreakers out of folks who are law-abiding and send the AR-15 price further skyward.

Many gun controllers not only do not understand what motivates those who disagree with them, they do not like them, reflexively calling them gun nuts, a reaction as foolish as it is arrogant and bigoted.

For given the loosening of gun laws at the state level in recent years, the gun controllers no longer have the numbers to impose their will on the folks who have a love for, or feel a need for, guns.

To most Americans, an armed guard in a school is a good idea in our too-violent nation. Most Americans realize that when shooting breaks out in a gun-free zone -- a school, movie theater, mall -- the first call goes to 911 to get cops with Glocks and a SWAT team with black rifles there as soon as possible.

Most folks understand why air marshals on planes might have to be armed. Most folks know that the people running up the death toll in murder capitals like Chicago are not using AR-15s. And many Americans yet accept that in the last analysis it is a man's duty to be the defender and protector of his wife and children.

Human nature will ultimately triumph over ideology.

Michael Barone, senior political analyst for The Washington Examiner (www.washingtonexaminer.com), is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a Fox News Channel contributor and a co-author of The Almanac of American Politics. To find out more about Michael Barone, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of "Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025?" To find out more about Patrick Buchanan and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

14 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

By stepHanie iaQUintO

It’s not always where you travel, but how you travel that’s important. In a helicopter 300 feet up, Virginia is a far more wild and rural state than it appears at highway level. In Harvey, our RV, family time becomes more exciting as we play cards and make sandwiches at 60 miles an hour. Transportation can change your perspective.

That’s how it was with our pre-Christmas getaway. Minutes after reading about Amtrak’s new Norfolk-to-DC service, I was selling my husband on the idea. He wouldn’t fight traffic; plus, it was cheap; plus – here’s where I sounded like a kid at a carnival – we’d get to ride a train! Since my only recent railway excursion was from Festa Italia to New France in Busch Gardens, the train wouldn’t just be part of the experience.

It would be the experience. Blame “The Polar Express,” but

a Christmastime train trip seemed particularly magical. However, the weeks between booking the seats and boarding the train were anything but. National tragedies, then one more personal, dampened our celebrations. We were weary as we crowded into the station before dawn that Saturday.

The train seemed to be filled with newbies like us, and we were all lemmings. When one couple bypassed the station for the platform, we all filed out, then spent 15 frozen minutes grousing. When the train finally roared in on the unguarded tracks, and I loosened my death grip on the boys, we staked out our position. Doors to our left, then doors to our right, opened for boarding. Ours stayed stubbornly

shut. Through a window, a woman gestured for us to move up a car, so naturally, we lemmings complied. Turns out, she didn’t want all of us to follow her – just her friend behind us. We trudged back, eventually found an entrance, and located seats, though not together.

We traveled with only the faintest sense of location, first shrouded in darkness, then by woods. Eventually, trees gave way to towns, but only their backsides. We were intruders in private spaces: backyards with empty

swings, overturned patio furniture, piles of firewood. One resident had heaved appliances and furniture over a ledge and into a ditch. Out of his sight, but not out of ours. We passed empty lots, warehouses, gravel piles, and industrial equipment. Not Virginia’s company best, to be sure.

Three hours into our trip with three more to go. Seat cushions kept slipping forward. The wireless service failed. Angry Birds squawked nosily around me. I confiscated phones. One son built a fort using his tray table and coat, oblivious to the woman napping in the seat ahead. I gave him the look. Another son expressed a capital-A Attitude in a very public way. I shared an insightful critique of his behavior - also very publicly. He glowered.

This wasn’t “The Polar Express.” In fact, it was coming dangerously close to “Throw Momma from the Train.” I was starting to miss Harvey, in which, I calculated, we would have been there by now.

We needed a diversion. I’d heard about a café car and seen evidentiary coffee cups. I herded the kids through packed cars and into an empty booth. Next to us, a frazzled father had the same

idea: snacks for sanity. Lifesavers were a bargain, even at $3 a pop.

Sipping coffee and simmering in frustration, I stared out the window. The scenery had changed. Buildings turned their faces toward us. A dainty Victorian, festooned with wreaths, greeted us warmly. A stately Colonial glowed in the morning sun. At the station, storefronts along Railroad Avenue beckoned. The sign marking Ashland Coffee & Tea announced our location. Later, I learned that Ashland had been built by the railroad, and the town seemed to be thanking its creator still. Its perception of the railroad – a source of strength, rather than an annoyance – made for a charming scene.

That’s when my perspective – fortunately – shifted.

Sure, RVing has advantages. Harvey’s refrigerator stays stocked with enough snacks for a scout troop. We travel on our own schedule, sleep on a cushy mattress, and shower in a

private bathroom. RVs offer freedom, convenience, and exploration…“more in the American Way of Life than any other product,” boasted one early advertisement.

But if RVs are the automotive tribute to America’s independent streak, trains embody our sense of community. The itinerary isn’t always convenient, and the view isn’t always pretty. You can’t go your own way, or have a lot of room to spread out. You might get misdirected.

But on a train, we’re all on a journey together.

Autonomy and community. Americans rightly value both. Given recent events, perhaps we need an extra dose of the latter. Togetherness can be a messy thing, but all in all, a blessing.

I hope you’ll keep that in mind if we’re ever on the train together and my son builds a fort behind your seat. Also, don’t follow us. We don’t know where we’re going.

Travels with HarveyGetting on Board with a Fresh Perspective

We left our house at 5:00 am for the 6:05 departure, with the kids bundled so thoroughly they waddled to the platform.

Left: The sun peeked from behind hazy clouds to reveal woods, then open fields, and eventually, towns as we headed to our first stop in Petersburg.

Above: The boys were so fascinated by Union Station in Washington, D.C. that our entire weekend could have been spent there, watching the trains come and go.

The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 15

Chesapeake Rotary Club Provides Coats for KidsThe holidays were made a little

brighter and the winter will certainly be a lot warmer for several hundred Chesapeake school kids. Due to the generosity and hard work of a number of civic-minded citizens and a couple of generous businesses nearly $35,000 worth of coats were delivered to three Chesapeake schools just before the holidays. The schools receiving the coats were Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Portlock Primary and Truitt Intermediate. Chesapeake Rotary Club Coats for Kids Chairman Gardner King and his committee worked with school guidance counselors who identified kids who most needed coats. The coats were distributed privately through the guidance counselors.

This fantastic accomplishment was made possible by the community

spirit and altruism of Cavalier Ford and Kohl’s of Chesapeake. Cavalier Ford donated $1,000 to the project, and Kohl’s of Chesapeake provided deeply discounted new coats (and Kohl’s bucks for additional accessories like underwear and socks). More than 250 new coats were provided to kids. It should be noted that Gene Shum, Kohl’s General Manager, went above the call of duty by going to stores throughout the region to ensure a variety of needed sizes were available. The Chesapeake Rotary Club provided nearly $8,000, and a Rotary District 7600 grant provided another $3,000 for the project. According to King, this is the 18th year the club has provided Coats for Kids.

The Citizen salutes this fine example of civic and corporate citizenship.

Below: Steve Klimkiewicz, President of Cavalier Auto Group with Brenda Kuntz. Cavalier Auto Group donated $1000 to the Chesa-

peake Rotary Club in support of their Coats for Kids program.

Left: Loading the first SUV with coats L to R: Chip Wirth & Chip Chappell Right: Pick up from

Kohl's L-R: Sabrena Williams,

Barry Mathias, Chip Wirth,

Gardner King, Gene Shum(General Manager of Kohl's)

Chip Chappell,Roland Davis,

Laura Hanson, David Hanson,

Teresa Davis, Steve Best,

Linda Doland.

Below: An SUV loaded with coats for kids.

Right: Delivering coats to Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. L-R

Teresa Davis, Chip Chappell, Patrick Wirth, Steve Best, Gardner King, ChipWirth, David Hanson, Laura Hanson,

Barry Mathias, Sabrena Williams.

Inside Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Sabrena Williams,Teresa Davis, Patrick Wirth, Chip Wirth, Laura Hanson, Steve Best, Gardner King, David Hanson, Avelyn Chambers and Kelvin Lawrence of Thurgood Marshall, Chip Chappell, Barry Mathais.

Below: John Riddick of Truitt Intermediate surveys coats.

Right: Tonya Brothers, Guidance Counselor at Truitt Intermediate happily receives Coats for Kids.

Right: L to R: Coats for Kids Vice Chairman, Barry

Mathias and Chairman Gardner King enjoy the completion of the 2012

delivery of 253 new coats to Portlock Primary, Thurgood

Marshal Elementary, and Truitt Intermediate schools.

All are title one schools of Chesapeake.

Below: Principal Regina Ratcliff of Truitt Intermediate receives coats from

David Hanson and Chip Chappell of the Chesapeake Rotary Club.

16 The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013

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The Citizen of Chesapeake - January 2013 17

INSIDE:Local businesses Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy ........... 2 Cong. Forbes is Keynote Speaker at Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast ................ 5 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr .. 7

Veteran Spotlight ............... 8

Atlantic Shores Christian High School –Dual Enrollment Program .......... 9 From the Pulpit: 2013 Could be the Best Year of your Life ........ 11

Citizen of the Month ........ 12 Opinions .......................... 13

Travels with Harvey ......... 14

Coats for Kids ................. 15

WorthMentioning

By Baxter ennis

Happy New Year! I hope you are off and running and haven’t broken all your New Years’ resolutions yet. I don’t know about you but I’m kind of glad to get back into a routine. This month’s paper is chock full of stories about the incredible people of Chesapeake and the amazing things they are achieving. You’ll be so proud to learn about the good works that individuals, clubs and businesses are doing here, across the nation and even in other countries. Projects like helping local kids get warm coats to wear this winter, helping with relief items for victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and doing an incredible good work with Orphan Helpers in Central America.

Chesapeake – A City of Beauty

Chesapeake Kicks off a Year of Celebration!City to highlight 50th Anniversary with 50 Events

By JOHn DOWns, sr.

Los Angeles is the City of Angels. Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love. New York is the Big Apple. And Chesapeake is …....? Judging from the number of talented and beautiful young ladies from Chesapeake who wow the judges in so many beauty pageants and competitions, Chesapeake should be known as the City of Beauty or at least the City of Beauty Queens.

No less than three current major title holders boast of Chesapeake as their hometown. Few Virginia cities, if any, can lay claim to so much home grown pulchritude. Chesapeake's talented and lovely ladies currently reign as Miss Virginia, Miss Outstanding Teen, and Miss Outstanding Preteen.

What's in the water in Chesapeake, you might ask. The Executive Director of the Miss Chesapeake Pageant has an answer. He is Jeff Bunn, a member of

October 1, 2012 Volume 1, Issue 1

Ci t i zenThe

Of ChesapeakeJanuary 2013 Volume 2, Issue 1

Continued on page 7

Above: L-R Miss Virginia Outstnding Teen Andolyn Medina, Miss Virginia Rosemary Willis, and Miss Virginia's Outstanding preteen Samariah Cordew

Continued on page 4

Continued on page 3

By JOHn DOWns, sr.

Hold onto your hats, Chesapeake! This new year marks the beginning of a whirlwind, year long celebration of Chesapeake's 50th anniversary as a city. No less than 50 of Chesapeake's most popular signature events have been singled out to emphasize this important landmark in our city's rich and diverse history. City fathers (and mothers), the business community, civic and charitable organizations, and everyday citizens have banded together to offer a slate of activities and events that will please, educate, and entertain from now until December.

On January 2, 2013, the official kick-off was staged at Chesapeake's City Hall. Hundreds of community leaders jammed the City Council chambers to celebrate Chesapeake's past and present and to witness the historic beginning of the city's golden anniversary. An entertaining and informative program was offered by Master of Ceremonies Ray Conner,

Below: Mayor Alan Krasnoff

with 50th Anniversary cake. Photo by John

Downs, Sr.

Above: 50th Anniversary Opening L to R: Del. Matthew James, Del. Barry Knight,

Del. Lionell Spruill, Mayor Alan Krasnoff, Sen. Kenneth Alexander, and Del. John

Cosgrove during the presentation of the joint resolution from the Virginia General

Assembly honoring Chesapeake's 50th Anniversary. Photo by Chesapeake Public

Communications