Jacki's Work - News

 Mark Pinney displays some of the kites that will be available this year on Kite Day in April.  Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer

By Jacqueline Raithel, Contributing Writer

It’s not often that hundreds of kites fly together. In Chesterfield that usually only happens once a year – on Kite Day.

The Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation will host the annual family event this year at the Clover Hill…

Prepping your home for resale

By Jacqueline Raithel, Contributing Writer

If you’re looking to sell your home, a few quick improvements can go a long way, and it might be easier than you think.

“Your house needs to shine,” said John Kendig, a Long & Foster real estate agent. “It needs to shine from the moment they drive up the driveway and when they walk in the front door. It should have a fresh aroma, be uncluttered, and the kitchen should sparkle.”

Read the full story here, in the Chesterfield Observer.

By Jacqueline Raithel, Contributing Writer

 The Stavna Ballet Company includes (from left) Lauren Gibson, Heather Bell, Mandy James and Shannon McConville.  Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer

There’s a new show in town, literally. The Stavna Ballet Company danced its way into existence in December 2010 and debuted at the Virginia Dance Festival in January.

Chesterfield’s newest nonprofit ballet company drew some attention at the…

Banking on the future

Financial institutions partner with schools

Michelle Mogel with Franklin Federal uses storytelling to impart a lesson about fiscal responsibility to Jenny Andrews’ second-grade class at Evergreen Elementary School last month. Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer

By Jacqueline Raithel, Contributing Writer

It’s never too early to start teaching children about financial responsibility, and with the help of Chesterfield County Public Schools and several local banks, the task has gotten easier.

Three local banks are working with county schools, offering financial literacy courses and encouraging students to develop the habit of saving.

Read the full story here, in the Chesterfield Observer.

 Sarah J. Gregory (left) and Audry M. Ross of the historical society’s African-American History Committe browse through the “Fourscore & More” exhibit at the Chesterfield Museum.  Ash Daniel/Chesterfield Observer

By Jacqueline Raithel, Contributing Writer

History is usually written by victors, and the oppressed are rarely given a voice, but a new project through the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia is honoring the lives of African-American elders by making sure their stories are heard.

 Chesterfield SAFE is cracking down on the sale of alcoholic energy drinks, believing the beverages are being marketed to underage drinkers.  Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer

By Jacqueline Raithel, Contributing Writer

Jan. 19, 2011

Alcoholic energy drinks have created quite a buzz in recent years. Unfortunately, their high alcohol content, sweet flavoring and colorful packaging have made them a favorite alcoholic drink for teens.

“The drinks are very sweet –…

GE will introduce a green refrigerator — hydrocarbons are more environmentally friendly

By Jacki Raithel

General Electric is ready to introduce a new environmentally friendly refrigerator to U.S. markets in June of this year. The green fridge will cost a pretty penny, but maybe the dramatically decreased carbon footprint would be worth it.

For the full article check out the CGE blog.

People volunteer even in bad times, but more help is needed

 CCHASM volunteer Susan Meredith fills a grocery bag from the food pantry at Chester Baptist Church.  Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer

By Jacqueline Raithel, Contributing Writer

Dec. 29, 2010 

As the holiday season wraps up, county residents have defied a national trend by donating their time for those who need it most. Some nonprofits throughout Chesterfield report that despite the current economy, the number of persons volunteering is actually increasing.

This goes against a UCLA study, indicating volunteering is down nationally due to the economy.

Read the full article here, in the Chesterfield Observer.

This fall’s developments for American wind energy have created quite a whirl – among other things, the Department of the Interior announced an initiative to speed the process of siting, leasing and constructing wind-energy projects along the Atlantic Coast, and Google announced an investment of…

By Jacki Raithel

At CGE we focus on green energy – like solar and wind energy – but we’re not forgetting that we can preserve energy and natural resources by going green in other ways too. With the holiday season upon us, there are some great ways to spread Christmas cheer without damaging the…

Kocher chosen as Richmond’s next chaplain; third overall


Craig T. Kocher

By Jacki Raithel, Collegian Staff

The University of Richmond’s two-year search for a chaplain ended this summer when the Rev. Craig Kocher was named the university’s third official chaplain.

Read the full article here.

Aug. 27, 2009

In interview, Kocher says he wants to cherish the past while imagining the future

By Jacki Raithel, Collegian Staff

The following is an interview with the Rev. Craig T. Kocher, the University of Richmond’s new chaplain, appointed in July from Duke University.

Q: How has your first week been?
A: It’s been great. I’ve loved my first week. I feel like a freshman … I’m trying to meet as many new people as I can. I love the energy. I love the beauty and the warmth of the people.

Read the full article here.

Aug. 27, 2009

Experience of past exclusion drives chaplain finalist’s desire for inclusive campus


Rev. Linda Morgan-Clement.

By Jacki Raithel & Stephanie Rice, Collegian Staff

The second finalist for university chaplain met with a full room of students, faculty and alumni Thursday afternoon and emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue, interdependency and inclusion at the University of Richmond.

Read the full story here.

July 10, 2009

In forum, finalist for chaplain says he would welcome, support all in community


Rev. Craig Kocher

By Jacki Raithel & Stephanie Rice, Collegian Staff

The first of two candidates for the university’s chaplain position spoke to about 60 students, faculty and alumni Tuesday afternoon, citing his vision for the chaplaincy as a place where all students would feel welcomed and supported.

Read the full article here.

July 8, 2009

Economists devote a day to all about Adam Smith, father of their field


By Jacki Raithel

June 22, 2009

Scholars at the Jepson Summer Institute for the Preservation the History of Economics finished their 2009 conference June 22 with a day dedicated to the study of Adam Smith, moral philosopher and the father of modern economics.

Read the full article here.