The 2010 North American Open Pro Squash Tournament kicks off this Sunday, February 21 at University of Richmond’s Millhiser Gymnasium. Thirty-two of the world’s best squash players, including the top 12 in the world, return to Richmond to compete for a prize of nearly $100,000.  Tickets start at $10.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Sunday, February 21 12-9 PM First round matches

Monday, February 22 12-9 PM First round matches

Tuesday, February 23 5-9 PM Second round matches

Wednesday, February 24 5-9 PM Second round matches

Thursday, February 25 5-9 PM Quarterfinal matches

Friday, February 26 6-8 PM Semifinal matches

Saturday, February 27 3:30-4 PM  Boys Junior Exhibition

4-5 PM   Women’s Pro Exhibition 5-6 PM

The community is invited to hear motivational speaker Chris Skinner speak on how he transformed his life after an accident that caused him to become a quadriplegic.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18^th

7:00 p.m.

J. R. Tucker High School Auditorium

2910 N. Parham Road

Free to all members of our Henrico County Community

(a donation box will be available to support the J.R. Tucker PTSA who’s supporting this program.)

After hearing Chris’ incredible story of overcoming devastating disabilities, thousand of students and adults have been inspired to say,” Yes, I can!” Using a PowerPoint presentation of graphic images from his own personal struggle to survive and thrive, Chris shows us how much we can really do. As human beings we all possess the ability to reach deep down inside of ourselves to fulfill whatever dreams, ambitions, goals, and desires we have.

Chris delivers a profoundly motivating message. He talks about:

• The awesome privilege of life
• Making the most of one’s life
• Bringing your very best, and nothing less
• The power to chose success in your job and in your life

Chris describes his journey of returning to school after his accident with a pitiful .8 GPA, “earned” between parties. He finished his last four semesters on the Dean’s list and completed his Master’s Degree while adapting to his new life as a quadriplegic. Chris started his own successful corporation and foundation after leaving school. He is fast becoming one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country.

Chris leaves you with this message:  The Choice is Yours.

This morning I received a copy of this email in my in box. It is written by a Fox Elementary School Parent and was forwarded through a friend Mary Munford elementary school.  Read on, the Richmond City School Board is facing some tough decisions in this fiscal year with a tremendous budget short fall:

Subject: School Board Votes on Budget this TUESDAY

Dear Friends- Yesterday I attended the last budget work session for the Richmond School Board.

Here is the upshot:

* Richmond Public Schools are $17.8 million in the hole due to local revenue short falls.

* The Superintendent proposed a budget to the School Board which was unimaginative and balanced the books in two major ways: Furloughs of all employees for 3 days (i.e. do the same job for less pay) and increasing class sizes (most drastically in K-3 grades). This is tantamount to RPS balancing the budget on our kids backs.

* When it became apparent that the state might cut RPS funding by $11.2 million the Superintendent came back to the school board with another set of 11+ million dollars in cuts that less directly affect the classroom (and in most cases not at all).

* The budget that will be voted on (TUESDAY, February 16 at 6pm City Council Chambers) will be for the original $17.8 million using the Superintendents original cuts DESPITE the fact that there is easily $10 -11 million of cuts identified by the Superintendent that will less directly affect our kids.

* Please show up TUESDAY, February 16 at 6pm City Council Chambers to show the school board that you want them to honor their stated priorities: To put our students and their classrooms first. If you can only show up for 30 minutes that is fine. I will be there with muffins for kids if you need to bring them. Mine might be there too!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010 6PM – 8PM (hopefully no later) CITY HALL, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 2ND FLOOR IF YOU CAN NOT BE THERE BE SURE TO EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE. FIND ALL EMAILS ON RPS WEBSITE.

After receiving this email, I emailed Kim Bridges, my School Board Rep, and  Chair of the School Board and asked her if she thinks this is this an accurate portrayal of the situation and if she had a response.  As of yet, I have not received a reply to my email, but this afternoon I did receive a “robo-call” recording of Kim Bridges inviting me (and I can only assume the rest of the parents of Richmond City Schools) to meet her at Albert Hill Middle School on Thursday the 18th to further discuss our options.

Plus after visiting the RPS homepage, I can see that they have set up an email account to take comments on the subject. Although, I’m not sure that will have the same effect as turning out in full force with our kids at the School Board Meeting on Tuesday.

Actually, it looks like they’ve been looking for comments from the start. Superintendent, Dr. Yvonne Brandon sent a letter, back in September to “supporters of Richmond City Schools,” asking for their input.  And the Department of Budget and Financial Reporting has all the details of all the proposed cuts on line as well.

So, If you want to have input about next year’s budget cuts, now is your chance.  In addition to the 3 days of furlough and increases in class size as described above, additional cuts include: eliminating the Spanish emersion program at Fox and Southampton Elementary Schools, reducing pay for long term substitute teachers, cutting in half teacher reimbursement for continuing education, reducing support for Minds in Motion and more.

Richmond Public School officials have announced that Feb. 15 will now serve as a make-up day for students and staff. Originally, schools were to be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day.  For those who missed the earlier announcement, Henrico will also use Presidents’ day as a make up day.

Richmond City Schools will open 2 hours late on Thursday, February 11.  Henrico County Schools are also 2 hours late on Thursday.

UPDATED 8:03 am

Richmond Public Schools are now CLOSED for today, Wednesday, Feb. 10th.

Henrico County Schools are CLOSED today,Wednesday, February 10th. They are bringing elementary kids home if they are on the bus, or will hold them until they reach a parent.

The report from drivers in the Near West End is that roads are incredibly slick due to ice under the snow. DO NOT go out if you don’t have to.

I just got this from Henrico County Schools.

Due to the number of school days missed during the last couple of weeks, Monday, February 15, 2010 will be a make-up day for Henrico County Public Schools students and staff. The day will not be a student holiday as previously scheduled. Also, HCPS will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9, 2010, and will start at regular time. We will not be using closing systems to make this announcement.

I haven’t heard anything from Richmond about the holiday, but I’ll keep you posted.

To celebrate 7 years in Richmond, Qdoba restaurant will be giving away free chicken or vegetarian burritos from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10th, 17th & 24th at Willow Lawn and all other Richmond-area locations. You can also find Richmond Qdoba on Twitter, or RSVP to their Free Burrito Day on Facebook.

Limitations may apply, see store for details.

Local Near West End elementary school, Mary Munford, is hosting their annual auction. If you’d like to attend or donate an item, please read on for details.

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday March 27, 7-10:30pm

Jewish Community Center

Mary Munford’s Annual Auction fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 27th, from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center on Monument Avenue.  As usual, this is an adult only event, so please mark your calendars now for a night out with fellow Munford parents and staff. Food will be provided by one of Munford’s very own, Linda Marcuse, owner of A Movable Feast. The funds raised at this event will help us obtain the additional programs and materials we need to provide many excellent services to our students.

With all schools facing tighter budgets, financial support from the PTA is essential to keeping the quality of education we are used to at Mary Munford. This year we are raising funds for our World Language Program, which supplements our Spanish language classes. We have also recently completed a much needed renovation to our school playground. These efforts, and many others, are funded almost exclusively by the PTA, so please consider how you can help support our children! For questions, donations and sponsorships, please contact our Auction Chair, Lori Sanzone Martin, Lori.Martin(at)Capitalone[dot]com .

DONATE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Graciously, we are accepting donations and would love additional bid items. We already have some exciting products and services and are thankful for each one. With your generosity, we are looking forward to adding more bid items to round out our inventory. All items should be submitted by March 5 and may be dropped off in the school office. All donations are tax deductible. Tap your network. Think about your friends and family members… Does anyone have a seasonal home or timeshare who is willing to donate a long weekend or possibly a week? Year after year, these get-a-ways are very popular! •Is there a season ticket holder in your network? Maybe someone is not able to make it to every event, will you consider donating tickets to one game? Maybe you have season tickets for the theatre or symphony? We would appreciate any event tickets you are willing to give! Who owns a business? Please ask your network to donate products or services for the auction. BE A SPONSOR This year, we are offering a sponsor program for our auction. If you are not able to donate items or volunteer your time, show your support by being a sponsor. Also, this is a great opportunity to promote your business!

Here are the package details.

$50 Level Recognition in Auction Program

$100 Level 2 Admission Tickets Recognition in Auction Program

$250 Level 2 Admission Tickets/4 Drink Tickets Recognition in Auction Program Recognition on Sponsor Board at Auction

$500 Level 4 Admission Tickets/8 Drink Tickets Recognition in Auction Program Recognition on Sponsor Board at Auction Recognition in Monarch Message Newsletter – April

$1000 Level 6 Admission Tickets/12 Drink Tickets Recognition in Auction Program Recognition on Sponsor Board at Auction Recognition in Monarch Message Newsletter – April Company Logo on Mary Munford Website – March and April