The shows are scheduled for Friday, February 3, at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library’s main branch (free), 101 E Franklin St, and Saturday, February 4, at 2 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia (free with museum admission). The Friday show is being presented as part of First Fridays Artwalk. The Saturday performance is presented in conjunction with the Science Museum’s exhibit, Race: Are We So Different?
Generation Dream 2012 features talented youth performers from throughout the Richmond metropolitan area. Performers include Minds in Motion Team XXL; Taaluma African dance; Indian dance and music from Apsaras Arts Dance Group and Gandharva North America. dance from Rave’ Williams and the Noelle Connect Dancers; instrumental music from Pranay Vissa and Seth Vickers; songs from Krista Olson and Nyenda Diamond Anderson; rock and roll from the Firehawks Band; and spoken word by Angelica De Jesus and Vibha Patel. The young performers will be supported by local professionals Ezibu Muntu (Saturday only); Theresa G and– as always–Drums No Guns.

The Richmond Youth Peace Project (RYPP) is a program of the Richmond Peace Education Center, along with Drums No Guns.

For more information on Generation Dream 2012, or any other RYPP program, contact The Richmond Peace Education Center 3500 Patterson Ave, Richmond 23221
804-232-1002
rypp@rpec.org
www.rpec.org

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia presents the complex experiences of the peoples of Africa and the African Diaspora, with an emphasis on Virginians, by collecting, preserving, and interpreting historical and cultural artifacts.

The Museum is open daily, Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/students, and $3 for children 12 and under; members are free.

For more information, call 804-780-9093 or fax to 804-780-9107.
www.blackhistorymuseum.org

Stephanie lives in Richmond’s East End surrounded by the highest concentration of poverty in our city and south of New York City. In Stephanie’s neighborhood 39% of families live below the poverty line while statewide only 7% of families experience poverty at that level. Close to 50% of these families are headed by a single parent. Many of them live within one of our city’s four largest public housing communities which sit within a one mile radius in the East End. Those who reside in Fairfield, Mosby, Creighton and Whitcomb have an average annual income level of $8,068.

Stephanie is at high risk of experiencing teen pregnancy, STDs, criminal activity and psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. Often these outcomes have connection to the high level of domestic, child and sexual abuse present in the East End. Drug and gang activity in the neighborhood add another level of risk.

Getting an education in Stephanie’s neighborhood has its own complexity. More than 45% of those living in the East End over the age of 25 do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

In the East End, there are 3,500 school-aged children who contend with the same challenges that Stephanie does.

Despite all these alarming facts, the East End is not without the glimmer of hope. Peter Paul Development Center (PPDC) is one source. After only 2 years attending the Center, Stephanie’s math and reading skills are now at or above grade level. More importantly, she has bigger dreams for her life. She wants to finish high school, attend college and become a nurse.

Christopher Moore learned about the difficult realities of people living in the East End in 2005. He was invited to attend one of Peter Paul Development Center’s “windshield tours,” through which people learn about PPDC and the neighborhood it serves by taking a bus tour. “I was blown away by what I learned, “says Moore. “Most alarming of all was how ‘invisible’ this part of town was to the wider Richmond community. It’s one thing to cite statistics—and there are many sobering ones that point to the deep challenges in this community—but it is another thing altogether to see it with your own two eyes.”

Moore began volunteering with the organization and today he serves as chairperson for PPDC’s board of directors. He says the organization is unique in that it was “born in the neighborhood, of the neighborhood, through the vision and faith of a man who lived, worked, and worshipped in the East End.”

We do school, after-school,”

Ingrid de Roo, Lead Teacher at PPDC

Founded in 1979 by East End resident John Coleman, PPDC’s mission is to build a community of learners by engaging and challenging children, families, and seniors in Richmond’s East End through programs that enhance academic achievement, provide cultural enrichment, and promote self-esteem and lifelong self-sufficiency. In their work with youth, the Center’s goals are to help children perform academically on grade level, increase the social and communication skills of youth and provide enriching experiential opportunities.

“We do school, after-school,” says Ingrid de Roo, Lead Teacher at PPDC. She and others at PPDC set and communicate high expectations for the young people who attend. Ms. de Roo believes it is one of their keys to success. Additionally, the PPDC model includes pre- and post- instructional assessments, individualized education plans, and small classroom settings. Every young person at PPDC is expected to participate in two experiential activities each week. These activities have included African dance, athletics, drum lines, museums, music, foreign languages and creative writing.

The Center’s efforts have had transformative results. According to Moore, PPDC’s most recent assessments revealed that their students “progressed academically 50% more than their national peer groups.”

“Never have I had a job where at the end of the day my heart is so full, than I have working as a teacher at Peter Paul,” says de Roo. “It’s full because I see learning happening on a daily basis. And not simply seeing that ‘light-bulb go off’ moment, as when a student masters a concept, but true learning where self-confidence is gained.”

Peter Paul is currently serving 72 children ages 7 to 18. They’d like to serve more but they cannot do it alone. “People can support PPDC by giving of their time, talent and treasure. As a non-profit we depend on all three of these components to continue the great work that PPDC is doing and desires to continue to do in the future,” says de Roo.

Moore invites those interested in learning more about the PPDC to attend a windshield tour. The one hour tours are held on the second and fourth Wednesday each month. The tours leave at 12 pm and include lunch.

OUR PROGRAMS

The Youth Program has two primary components: Our flagship After School Learning Immersion Program and the Summer Institute. Both components of the Program have been intentionally designed not as drop-in programs, but ones with clear expectations of regular attendance, academic performance and good behavior in school, at the Center, and in their community. We also provide a Bridging the Gap Program, Enrichment Activities, and Senior Citizens Activities.

After School Learning Immersion Program:
Of the more than 100 youth programs in the metro Richmond area, Peter Paul’s is distinctive because it administers academic testing using nationally standardized instruments and provides the children with individual academic achievement plans that are carried out using experienced certified teachers. To achieve this level of intensive service, the Center serves children from seven public schools in the East End: Fairfield Elementary, Woodville Elementary, Bellevue Elementary, George Mason Elementary, Chimborazo Elementary, Martin Luther King Middle School, and Armstrong High School. In addition, Peter Paul serves a few students who live in the East End who attend private schools in Richmond.

Goals:
Our primary goal is to find academic baselines through testing and create an individual achievement plan for each youth in the program. In so doing, Peter Paul works to serve as completely as possible the academic needs of each youth in our charge, ensuring that they have the tools and resources to perform at the highest academic standards.

Transportation:
Because of the senseless violence that occurs in this area, transportation is a vital feature of the program. The Center keeps the children safe by picking up each child at school and delivering them home during the school year and picking them up at home and returning them home during the Summer Institute.

Meals:
Peter Paul also supplies a healthy meal for each child because the majority of our youth are eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Summer Institute:
The Center’s Summer Institute contains an academic component each morning, and each afternoon is filled with arts and crafts, field trips to various locations around the metro area, sports and recreation, and independent reading time. The most current Best Practices (as determined by the After School Alliance) call for a strong summer program to follow and complement a strong after school program. Academic progress cannot take the summer off and must be offered throughout the year.

Bridging the Gap:
All Bridging the Gap participants are in high school and many participate in extra-curricular activities. Currently, all have aspirations to attend college. Participation in the program provides the students volunteer opportunities in the community, homework and school project assistance, guidelines for safe social interactions, as well as aids the students to identify areas of academic and career interests.

Enrichment Activities:
In addition to our academic programs, Peter Paul offers many social and physical enrichment opportunities for our students. These opportunities allow students exposure to many types of activities including visual and performing arts, gardening, athletics, and robotics. Our students also take educational field trips in the metro Richmond area.

Senior Activities:
In order to encourage continued socialization for persons over the age of 50 in our neighborhood, we offer senior citizen activities on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Read more about PPDC at http://peterpauldevcenter.org/. Volunteer and donation needs are listed monthly in their newsletters.

The Ministry on the Ground conference will equip church leaders for faithfulness in tough economic times and offer practical ways to use technology in the church. Featuring outstanding leaders, wonderful fellowship, inspiring worship and a panel discussion with church leaders and students, participants will be enriched and empowered to strengthen their ministry. For registration visit: www.regonline.com/ministryontheground.

The Trailblazers Award Ceremony and Banquet will honor alums Allix B. James, Leontine T.C. Kelly, and Gloria Taylor for their outstanding contributions to the Church. The keynote speaker will be President Brian K. Blount. Tickets are $50 per person. Registration for the banquet only can be found at: www.regonline.com/upsemawardbanquet.

He is senior coordinator at the Eastern Henrico County Recreation Center (EHRC), 1440 N. Laburnum Avenue. The center opened in October, 2011 and launched a full slate of fitness classes and activities this week.

Archie made a few stops between his days of hanging out at his hometown’s rec center and directing this 25,773 square foot center.

He said his memories of his neighborhood center influenced his career choice. And the time he spent on the basketball courts there came in handy later.

Archie played basketball at Daytona Beach Community College before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996.

He recalls that his two years playing as a power forward on the VCU team were good ones. He started every game in his basketball career at VCU.

“I loved playing for Coach [Sonny] Smith. He treated us like we were his own kids.” Archie said.

Archie also said he enjoyed meeting teammates who came from all over the country to attend the university. He also met, Seatra, the woman who would become his wife.

In fact, the couple married shortly after he graduated from VCU in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism.

Less than two months after they married, Archie left Richmond to pursue a dream of playing professional basketball.

His new wife supported his decision. Archie lived and played semiprofessional basketball in Sweden for two years.

I was looking for a gym and heard about it
from my co-workers. It’s 10 bucks a month
that’s why I chose it.”
– David Armstrong

Back in the U.S., it would be a few more years before Archie found a job that called on him to use his recreation degree. He joined the Henrico County Recreation and Parks division about four years ago.

Archie said that when he heard the county was building the center in eastern Henrico, he thought working at the center would be his dream job.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “It’s a blessing for me because this is what I love to do. I love to work with the community.”

Archie and the staff at the center are on a mission to help residents get in better shape while taking advantage of all the center has to offer.

About 37 percent of Richmond area residents exercise on a regular basis, according to the Richmond City Health District.

The center has a lot to entice you to get off the couch. Zumba, weight training, and yoga are some of the classes offered.

Many of the classes are open to anyone, even those who don’t live in Henrico County. Participants pay fees to enroll.

One unique feature at the recreation center is the fully-equipped fitness center. It’s the first of its kind at Henrico County rec centers.
The fitness center has 11 pieces of equipment for a cardiovascular workout such as exercise bikes, treadmills and ellipticals, 12 pieces of weight equipment, and four large screen televisions to watch while you work out.

Archie and Rueridh McNicol, the center’s fitness coordinator, said they want everyone to feel comfortable using the fitness center even if they have never picked up a dumbbell.

“All of our staff have personal trainer certifications, degrees, or group exercise certifications,” said McNicol, in a Scottish accent that’s hard to miss. “We staff the center with a fitness instructor at all times. Everyone goes through orientation to help them feel comfortable with the exercise machines.”

Archie said four or five senior citizens were among the first members to join the fitness center.

“The ‘young ladies’ hang pretty tough,” Archie said. “They have a good time. They walk the track first and then come [to the fitness center] for a good workout.”

The fitness center, open only to county residents, also is popular among residents who come before and after work.

Sylvia Paige used to walk at Virginia Commons Center but now comes to the center in the mornings before she goes to work.

“I think it’s wonderful. I love it,” said Paige as she walked on a treadmill shortly after the center opened at 8 a.m. recently.

David Armstrong drives from west Henrico to use the fitness center.

“I was looking for a gym and heard about it from my co-workers. It’s 10 bucks a month that’s why I chose it,” he said.
The fitness center draws those who are looking for a structured personal workout. Now that classes have started, participants can register for group activities.

On Saturdays, a youth basketball league fills the rec center with parents and eager kids running across the gleaming gym floors. Archie should feel right at home.

Go to urbanviewsweekly.com to see a video of the Eastern Henrico County Recreation Center.

More about Eastern Henrico County Recreation Center

The EHRC houses fitness spaces, a gymnasium, small and large classrooms, activity spaces, and administration offices. Outdoor recreation facilities include a walking trail, football field, track, multi-purpose field, concession building, large shelter, and restroom buildings. – Henrico County website

Fitness Class Offered

Get Fit Boot Camp mixes cardio, calisthenics and body weight exercise with interval and strength training.

20/20/20 is a fusion workout that includes 20 minutes of low impact aerobics, 20 minutes of basic strength training and 20 minutes focused on stretching and balancing.

Zumba mixes Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves.

Women on Weights introduces women to the benefits of strength training with free weights, giving confidence to use weights safely and effectively.

Intro to Yoga helps you improve balance, flexibility, posture and circulation and will enhance your ability to relax.

This story is part of a series, Virginia Tapestry: Reflecting Our Rich Diversity produced by In Your Shoes Media.

Dr. Marcus Newsome, Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent, has identified the need for mentors in the school system. Mega Mentors was formed in response. The committee recruits mentors and has them trained by the Virginia Mentoring Partnership. Working that evening to meet their commitment to being youth role models were, Delesia Watson – Miss Chesterfield 2012, Olivia Fletcher – Miss Chesterfield’s Outstanding Teen, and Princesses Angelina Anderson, Peyton Plummer & Abigail Powell.

Many people, at one time or another, have thought about running their own business. Being your own boss, setting your own hours and making all of the decisions sounds enticing, but it’s also one of the biggest challenges you will face in your career if you do decide to take the entrepreneurial path.

But how do you know if you have what it takes to start and run your own business? That answer will be different for everybody, but there are a few things everyone needs to get in order before you make a drastic career change and take the plunge into becoming an entrepreneur. For instance, Christine Clifford, author of “You, Inc. The Art of Selling Yourself,” said you first have to ask yourself a few questions.

“Can I offer something unique that no one has done before?” she said. “Is there any area in my industry or field that is untapped or unfulfilled? Do I have much competition? Can I put a new twist on my product, service or cause that will appeal to a broad range of people? If you can answer these questions, fill a need and take a risk, you’re in business.”

Sound advice for any fledgling entrepreneur, but how does someone make the transition from thinking like an employee to thinking like an entrepreneur? Here are five tips to get yourself in the mindset of being a business owner and problem solver.

Arifah and Frederick Rogers, Owners 23:1 Bistro 133E North Sycamore Street Petersburg, VA 804.733.6998

GET TO KNOW OTHER ENTREPRENEURS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Having a mentor or two is crucial when starting any new venture, whether its business, learning to play an instrument or trying to earn a college degree. You need to surround yourself with “big picture” people so you can start thinking more clearly about how to see the “big picture” in your own field. Manhattan Life Coach Julie Melillo said that as an entrepreneur if your business fails the blame rests squarely with you, so it’s important to learn from seasoned veterans in your field.

“You’ll need to learn approaches for boosting your confidence, and realize that a failure or mistake doesn’t mean that you are a failure or a mistake,” Melillo said. “All entrepreneurs will fail at times. It comes with the territory.”

You need to surround yourself with “big picture” people

READ, READ, READ

Just because you don’t have a business degree doesn’t mean you can’t learn the principles of how to run a successful business. There are thousands of books with tips, advice and formulas for being a successful entrepreneur. A good place to start is subscribing to magazines like Fast Company and Entrepreneur – both easy reads that will help you get into the mindset of owning your own business.

Daniel Alarik, a former infantry drill sergeant and current owner of Georgia-based Grunt Style LLC, which sells premium gear and apparel to the military, said his biggest challenge was learning how to think like a business owner after spending most of his career in the military.

“I started with reading three to four business books a month, which I still do, and I got a business mentor or two,” he said. “But this is the entrepreneurial thinking that sets us apart. It’s not your products that will start your business. It’s sales. I’ve seen a lot of great ideas and products that never make it into business because the owner doesn’t want to or is afraid (to learn how to sell). You’ll never be in business that way.”

Ronnie Walker, Owner Ronnie’s Automotive Service 3219G South Crater Road Petersburg, VA 804.861.3141

THINK IN TERMS OF FILLING NEEDS

You have to get to know who your competition is and what needs exist in the marketplace, so that when you are starting out you’re not offering a product or service that already has significant barriers to entry. John Paul Engel, founder of Knowledge Capital, an Iowa-based firm dedicated to helping companies achieve profitable growth, said finding an existing need in your target market is all you really need to start a business.

“You have to pull together resources by partnering, bartering, or whatever ways you can think of to solve the needs of other people,” Engel said. “The best way to start thinking like an entrepreneur is to start a small business, even if it’s simply converting a hobby into something more. I believe business is about service. The more you serve other people the better your life becomes. It’s not about money but about helping people.”

BE WILLING TO TAKE RISKS

Portland, Ore.-based marketing consultant Simon Tam said it’s best to use the Harvard Business School definition of entrepreneurship: the pursuit of opportunity without regard to resources currently controlled. In other words, if you really want to venture out on your own and become an entrepreneur you have to enter this new phase of your career with complete confidence, and not be afraid to fall on your face at times.

“Someone who is willing to take risks and has initiative has the right kind of mentality,” Tam said. “There are ways to cultivate the skills and attitude — a lot of great books, life coaches, and seminars on the subject — but it all begins with choice: choosing the right attitude and taking that first step.”

PRACTICE PATIENCE AND LONG-TERM THINKING

Ian Aronovich, CEO of GovernmentAuctions.org, a website that compiles and provides information about government auctions of seized and merchandise from all over the U.S., said the easiest way to break the mold is to realize that whatever someone else did, you can also do as long as you are willing to be disciplined enough to execute your plans and have the confidence to live with a less-perceived certainty.

“Being an entrepreneur is not an overnight experience,” he said. “Having success on your own terms takes time, tremendous effort, and a burning desire to be self-sustaining. Not everybody fits the mold. If you have always been a business savvy individual, you are surely destined for the entrepreneur lifestyle. Will you succeed in your endeavors? You will never know until you take the plunge, but it definitely helps to think positively.”

For most of us, income tax calculations don’t change much from year to year. But thanks to the roller coaster economy of the past few years, many people have undergone major life changes that can have a significant impact – good or bad – on their taxable income and how they should file taxes.

Even though April 17 (this year’s tax-filing deadline) is a ways off, it’s never too soon to start planning your strategy, particularly if you experienced financial hardships in 2011 that could affect your taxes. The IRS has a handy guide called “The What Ifs of an Economic Downturn” (search www.irs.gov) that reviews the tax impacts of different scenarios such as job loss, debt forgiveness or tapping a retirement fund.

Here’s a roundup of common economic challenges you may be facing and their possible tax implications:

You lost your job. Remember that unemployment benefits, severance pay and payout of accumulated vacation or sick leave are all considered taxable income, so if you didn’t have taxes withheld from these payments, be prepared for a potentially nasty tax bill.

If you withdrew money from your regular IRA or 401(k) account to cover expenses, you’ll owe income tax on the amount, plus an additional 10 percent penalty unless you’re over age 59 ½ or meet special circumstances. Also, outstanding 401(k) loans must be repaid (usually within 60 to 90 days of termination) or they’ll be counted taxable income – plus be subject to the same 10 percent penalty.

The good news is that many public assistance benefits such as welfare, food stamps and disaster relief payments don’t count toward taxable income. Read the IRS’s “Tax Impact of Job Loss” for details (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4128.pdf).

Lowered income. If you took a big pay cut or lost your job in 2011, it might lower your adjusted gross income (AGI) enough to qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a “refundable” tax credit, which means that if you owe less in income tax than your eligible credit, you’ll not only pay no tax, but actually get a refund for the difference. To learn more, search EITC at www.irs.gov.

Forgiven debt. Many people don’t realize that when you borrow money from a bank or other commercial lender and the lender “forgives” the debt, you generally must count the forgiven amount as taxable income.

There are several exceptions to the rule, however: For example, the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers to exclude up to $2 million in forgiven mortgage debt ($1 million if married filing separately) on their principal residence if it came through mortgage restructuring, foreclosure or a short sale. The mortgage exclusion is set to expire at the end of 2012 unless Congress intervenes.

Other exceptions include: Debts discharged through bankruptcy; or, if you are insolvent when the debt is cancelled, some or all of it may not be taxable. (Insolvency means your total debts are greater than the fair market value of your total assets.) For more information, search for Mortgage Debt Forgiveness at www.irs.gov.

Taxes are the last thing you want to worry about when facing financial hardships. Just be sure you’re prepared for the possible tax implications if your income or debt situation has changed in the past year.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

Two Virginia State University student athletes were selected as the finalists for the fourth annual CIAA Division of the highly recognized Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award program. Women’s basketball senior guard, Marquilla Evans (Portsmouth, VA) and men’s basketball senior forward, James Shambley (Norfolk, VA) were chosen to represent VSU in the 2012 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award as the CIAA’s top senior men’s and women’s basketball players. This award program focuses on the total student athlete and encourages those leaders to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact on their circle of influence.

Evans earned 2010-11 All-CIAA Academic Honors and was on the 2010-11 Dean’s List. She helped her team achieve the highest team GPA award. Evans serves as the captain of the 2011-12 Lady Trojans basketball team. Evans contributes to her community by attending an afterschool program, located in Petersburg, VA, to help children with their school work. She participated in the building of a house, through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, in 2011. Evans is also a member of VSU’s SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee). In 2010 and 2011, she joined other student athletes at VSU and walked for breast cancer research. This year, she has volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor. She helped at an ABA professional basketball game by getting kids to participate in a halftime show in 2011. Evans was named CIAA Newcomer of the Week during the 2010-11 basketball season. She played in 25 games during the 2010-11 season, averaging 6.8 points per game.

Shambley is a senior leader, on and off the court, for the Trojan basketball team. His teammates look up to him as a “big brother” figure. He has a work hard mindset that the team follows. He was a member of the 2010-11 All-CIAA Academic Honors list and the 2010-11 Dean’s List. Shambley has been an active leader for community efforts throughout his two years at Virginia State. He participated in the building of a house, through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, in 2011. He is a member of VSU’s SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee). In 2010 and 2011, he joined other student athletes at VSU and walked for breast cancer research. This year, he has volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor. He also does community service on the campus of VSU with the Facility Management Service. Shambley played in 32 games during the 2010-11 season, averaging 3.2 points per game.

PLEASE VOTE FOR MARQUILLA EVANS AND JAMES SHAMBLEY
@ http://www.seniorclassaward.com/ciaa/vote/

Several Trojans Post Personal Records at Doug Raymond Invite

The Virginia State men’s and women’s track teams had several athletes finish with personal records at the Doug Raymond Invitational held at the Kent State Field House on Saturday, Jan. 14 in Kent, OH.

Leading the way for the Lady Trojans was Samantha Edwards (senior/Elmont, NY) winning the women’s 400 meter dash event in a time of 54.67. Sierra Clayton (senior/Chesapeake, VA) recorded a personal best (2:18.77) in the women’s 800 meter dash, arriving in third place. Taylor-Ashley Bean (freshman/Sandy’s, Bermuda) competed in the women’s 1 mile run and placed ninth with a time of 5:10.53, also a personal record.

In the field events, Millicent Barber (freshman/Virginia Beach, VA) and Chelsey Fuller (freshman/Norfolk, VA) provided solid personal records in the women’s shot put event. Barber fired the shot put 10.93 meters, placing twenty-sixth, and Fuller placed thirty-second with a toss of 10.19 meters.

For the men, the team of Daniel Ross (junior/Baltimore, MD), Jonathan McMillon (junior/Alexandria, VA), Eric Thomas (sophomore/Hampton, VA), and Jarius Reed (sophomore/Natchez, MS) won the men’s 4×400 meter relay event with a time of 3:18.30.

Individually, four Trojans recorded personal records at the Doug Raymond Invite. Kenja Hanniford (junior/Woodbridge, VA) won the preliminary round in the men’s 60 meter hurdles in a time of 8.45. Justin Pittman (freshman/Dale City, VA) placed fifth in the men’s 800 meter run (1:56.68)

In the men’s 400 meter dash, Jonathan McMillon had a personal best time of 50.63 as he placed ninth overall and teammate Daniel Ross placed fourth with a time of 49.92 in the same event.

VSU Announces Lorraine D. Cone as Athletic Academic Advisor

Mrs. Lorraine D. Cone joined the Virginia State University Athletics Department staff in October of 2011. She recently retired after teaching in the Chesterfield County Public Schools, at Thomas Dale High School, for 40 years. She taught Business and Career Education. She is the new Athletic Academic Advisor for all student athletes at Virginia State University.

Mrs. Cone is a Virginia State graduate. She graduated with a B.S. and M.S. Ed. in Business Education. She loves teaching and working with children. Academic excellence has always been a major goal in her life. While attending school at Virginia State as an undergraduate, she was “Big Sister” to the football team; therefore , she feels right at home as the new, and first time ever, Athletic Academic Advisor.

She is a Suffolk, Virginia native, but has made Petersburg her home since her graduation from VSU, then Virginia State College. Tabernacle Baptist Church is her church home. She serves on the Trustee Board and is a greeter at the 11:00 a.m. service. Mrs. Cone is a long time member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Omega Chapter. She has a daughter, Devon, also VSU alumnus; and a 2-year old grandson, Michael. They reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mrs. Cone has eagerly and energetically been at work to see to it that our athletes are “academically fit.” She emphasizes the use of good character, strong ethics, and core values as she advises our athletes.