– Economy: Gas prices trending back downward, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Sports: Nevada knocks off VCU in BracketBusters, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Sports: JMU baseball drops pair in Myrtle Beach, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Sports: JMU softball improves to 9-1, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Sports: W&L falls to EMU in men’s basketball, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Sports: BC rallies to knock off W&L in women’s hoops, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Sports: UVa. women’s lax dominates Loyola, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Sports: JMU women’s lax upends Virginia Tech, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
– Virginia Politics: Moran proposes Virginia Homeowners’ Bill of Rights, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
– Virginia Politics: Shannon earns support for AG candidacy, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
– Virginia Politics: Speaker urges GA action on budget, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
– Local News: EMU professor writes book on change in church congregations, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
– Sports: Prince returns to UVa. football staff, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
– Sports: JMU baseball drops season opener, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
– Virginia Politics: McDonnell steps down as AG, Friday, 11:25 a.m.
– Virginia Politics: Bowerbank talks about the LG race, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
– Sports: JMU women fall to UNC-Wilmington, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
– Sports: VCU women hold on to beat Georgia State, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
– Sports: W&L baseball improves to 2-0, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
– Local News: Weekend Calendar of Events, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
***
Economy: Gas prices trending back downward, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
The week ended on falling gas prices, a change from a trend of rising prices at the pump. The national average price for regular grade gasoline began to see a decline on Monday, dropping 3 cents this week to $1.94 on Friday, a 32-cent increase since January 1, 2009.
Crude oil, trading at the lowest prices in five years, remained below the $40 mark for most of the week until the markets closed Friday, when crude closed at $40.03 per barrel, compared to $98 per barrel a year ago. Prices have dropped over 70 percent from the record $147.27 a barrel reached on July 11, 2008.
This week the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released data showing America’s trend of declining driving continued throughout 2008. From January to December, cumulative travel for 2008 dropped by 107.9 billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT) or 3.6% according to the FHWA’s latest report. The yearly decline for 2008 dwarfs the 49.9 billion VMT decline of the 1970’s, a decade characterized by high gas prices, fuel shortages and a recession.
“Drivers are seeing a slight decline in prices at the gas pump, but with the economic climate so unstable there’s no telling if this trend will continue,” said Martha M. Meade, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Typically, gas prices decline in February in advance of the spring and summer driving seasons, but the past few months have been anything but typical. Refineries are not making as much gasoline, making it almost impossible to accurately project gas prices in the days ahead.”
Sports: Nevada knocks off VCU in BracketBusters, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
Armon Johnson hit a short, go-ahead jumper with 28 seconds left to lift Nevada past Eric Maynor (Raeford, N.C.) and Virginia Commonwealth University Friday in an ESPNU BracketBusters match-up at Lawlor Events Center.
Johnson, who finished with 13 points, drove the right side of the lane before pulling up from point-blank range to give the Wolfpack (16-10) a 68-67 advantage. VCU had several chances down the stretch to tie the game or take the lead, but were unable to do so.
The Wolfpack connected on 3-of-4 free throws in the final 13 seconds to keep the Rams at bay.
Maynor led all scorers with 28 points and five assists for the Rams (19-9). He knocked down 14-of-15 free throws, tying a school record for makes in a single game. Freshman Bradford Burgess (Midlothian, Va.) added 10 points, while sophomore Larry Sanders contributed nine points and nine rebounds for VCU.
Luke Babbitt and Brandon Fields led the UN with 15 points, while Malik Cook and Joey Shaw added 13 and 11, respectively.
Nevada trailed by as many as 10 points in the game, and was looking up at a 64-56 deficit with 4:38 to play. However, Fields buried one of his three 3-pointers and Cook successfully converted a traditional three-point play to trim the VCU lead to 64-62 with 3:19 remaining.
A short time later, Maynor sliced through the lane for a layup to push the margin to 67-64 with 1:40 showing.
But Johnson drilled a pull-up jumper on Nevada’s next possession to bring the Wolfpack within a point, and the Rams went scoreless on their ensuing opportunity.
Nevada committed just nine turnovers and outrebounded VCU, 20-13, in the second half.
Sports: JMU baseball drops pair in Myrtle Beach, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
Third baseman Brett Henry went 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs to lead Troy to a 6-3 win over James Madison on Saturday evening in the Caravelle Resort Invitational at BB&T Coastal Field.
Troy improved to 2-1 overall while JMU dropped to 0-3.
Henry hit a three-run homer in the second inning to stake the Trojans to a quick lead. He added a solo shot in his next at bat in the fourth. Right fielder Michael Precise drove in the other two runs with a pair of RBI singles.
Travis Burge earned the victory on the hill for Troy, limiting the Dukes to two runs on four hits over six innings. Josh Storm entered a bases-loaded, two-out jam in the ninth and got redshirt sophomore Trevor Knight (Charlottesville, Va./St. Anne’s-Belfield) to fly out to earn the save.
Freshman Evan Scott (Haymarket, Va./Battlefield) took the loss for JMU. In his collegiate debut, he allowed six runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. Redshirt junior Jason Kuhn (Stafford, Va./Brooke Point) limited the Trojans to two hits with three strikeouts over the final 4 2/3 innings.
Sophomore short stop David Herbek (Haymarket, Va./Battlefield) extended his hitting streak to eight games, going 2-for-4 with an RBI, run scored, and a stolen base. Senior left fielder Matt Townsend (Lorton, Va./Hayfield) was 2-for-3 with a double, walk, and two runs scored.
Troy jumped out to the early lead with the Henry three-run blast in the second, but the Dukes fought back in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single by Herbek and a sacrifice fly by junior second baseman Mike Fabiaschi (Torrington, Conn./Torrington).
However, the Trojans went on to add an RBI single from Precise in the third, Henry’s solo shot in the fourth, and another RBI single from Precise in the fifth.
The Dukes tried to mount a comeback in the ninth. Townsend and Herbek singled to put two on and junior center fielder Alex Foltz (Matthias, W.Va./East Hardy) was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs. Freshman catcher Jake Lowery (Midlothian, Va./Cosby) walked to drive in a run before Storm came on to induce Knight’s two-ball, two-strike flyout to end the game.
Earlier in the day, Kentucky jumped out to a 3-0 lead before an out was recorded and cruised to an 8-3 triumph over JMU in a game played at Watson Stadium/Vrooman Field at Coastal Carolina.
Sean Bouthilette was the winner in his collegiate debut for the Wildcats, limiting the Dukes to two hits in five innings with three strikeouts.
Sophomore Alex Valadja (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Catholic) took the loss after surrendering five runs, four earned, on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. He was hurt by six walks and five JMU errors.
Cory Farris was 2-for-4 for Kentucky with four RBIs. Chris Wade was 2-for-3 with ana RBI and two runs scored. Keenan Wiley and Chris McClendon each had a hit, a walk, and scored twice.
Sophomore McKinnon Langston (Tallahassee, Fla./North Florida Christian), Herbek, and Fabiaschi each had two of JMU’s eight hits.
Sports: JMU softball improves to 9-1, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
The James Madison softball team got a three RBIs from senior third baseman Amber Kirk (Hamilton, Va./Loudoun County) and a three-hitter from senior right-hander Jenny Clohan (Ashburn, Va./Broad Run) as the beat the University North Florida 4-1 in day two of the Gamecock Invitational on Saturday.
JMU ran its winning streak to eight games and improved to 9-3 with the win, while UNF fell to 4-12 in the loss.
The Dukes jumped on UNF starter Devyn Findley early picking up a lead-off double from junior first baseman Shannon Moxey (Church Road, Va./Mills Godwin). Moxey scored two batters later as on a triple Kirk. Madison loaded the bases on a pair of walks but Findley escaped any further damage with a strikeout.
Kirk extended the JMU lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the third inning as she crushed a Findley offering deep over the left-field fence for her second home run of the season. The blast scored junior left fielder Chel’sea Ryan (Sandston, Va./Henrico) who led off the inning with a infield single.
Kirk finished the game 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, a run scored and three RBIs.
Clohan would take care of the rest for Madison, shutting down the Osprey attack through seven innings. The Ashburn, Va. native threw her fourth complete game of the season, allowing three hits, one unearned run, walking three and striking out six. She ran her season record to 7-1.
JMU capped off its scoring in the bottom of the sixth inning as Clohan looped a single over the third baseman’s head with two outs. Junior right fielder Kendra Johnson (Virginia Beach, Va./Green Run) pinch ran for Clohan and scored on Moxey’s second double of the day.
Moxey finished the game 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI.
The Ospreys broke through in the top of the seventh inning as they capitalized on a JMU error to push across a run. Second baseman Amanda Moseley laced a two-out double, just the second UNF hit of the game, before moving to third on a single by left fielder Laura Williams that was kicked around in the outfield, allowing Moseley to score.
The run broke a streak of 21 scoreless innings by the Madison pitching staff.
Senior catcher Julia Dominguez (Sterling, Va./Park View) finished the game with no official at bats as she walked in all three of her plate appearances.
Sports: W&L falls to EMU in men’s basketball, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
The Washington and Lee men’s basketball team fell to Eastern Mennonite, 85-73, in its regular-season finale on Saturday afternoon at the Warner Center.
The Royals (15-10, 9-7) forced W&L (13-12, 6-10) into 24 turnovers on the day, including 16 in the first half, as they built a nine-point advantage at the break, 43-34. EMU had four players score in double figures and it shot 55.4 percent (31-56) from the floor, including 53.8 percent from beyond the arc in posting the 12-point win.
W&L jumped out to a 10-2 lead at the 16:28 mark of the first half, but the Royals responded with a 21-4 run to take a 23-14 lead at the 8:44 mark. Senior forward Ben Heller (Houston, Texas/Lamar) hit a jumper on W&L’s next possession to pull the Generals within seven points (23-16), but that would be as close as they would get the rest of the game.
Junior forward Ben Goetsch (Timonium, Md./Gilman) led the Generals with 14 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night. Senior guard Craig Sauers (Columbia, Md./Atholton) added a career-high 10 points, while senior forward Kirk Jones (Maple Glenn, Pa./Germantown Academy) chipped in nine points and a team-high six rebounds.
Sophomore guard D.J. Hinson (Newport News, Va./Menchville) led the Royals with a game-high 18 points and six rebounds. Senior guard LeRoger Parrish (Danville, Va./Tunstall) added 13 points, sophomore forwards Devon McRae (Altavista, Va./Altavista) and Orie Pancione (Augusta, W. Va./ Hampshire) chipped in 12 points apiece, and sophomore guard George Johnson (Richmond, Va./Miller School) tallied 11 markers.
Sports: BC rallies to knock off W&L in women’s hoops, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
Bridgewater College closed the game with a 7-0 run over the final 1:50 to walk away with a 76-72 victory over Washington and Lee in ODAC women’s basketball action on Saturday evening at the Warner Center.
The Generals (14-11, 13-7) had trailed 68-60 with 3:37 left in the game, but used a 12-1 run over the next 1:47 to take a 72-69 lead with 1:50 left in the game. However, the Eagles (15-10, 13-7) reassumed the lead at 73-72 on a layup by sophomore forward Jennifer Saunders (Richmond, Va./Monacan) with 49 seconds remaining and made 3-of-4 free throws in the final 34 seconds to put the game away.
Bridgewater shot 64.0 percent (16-25) in the first half en route to posting a 41-34 lead at the break. The Generals took the lead back at 47-45 with a 13-4 surge in the opening 4:33 of the second stanza and led by as many as five points (54-49) with 12:06 left in the game. However, Bridgewater then went on a 18-2 run over the next 6:26 to take an 11-point advantage (57-56) with 5:40 to play.
First-year forward Rebecca Bolton (Pittsboro, N.C./Chatham Central) led the Generals with 20 points, a career-high 15 rebounds, a career-high eight steals and six assists. First-year guard Meghan Ingram (Greensboro, N.C./Ragsdale) tallied 18 points, while senior guard Bethany Ridenhour (Westwood, N.J./Holy Angels) notched 16 markers.
Bridgewater, which shot 59.6 percent (28-47) for the game but committed 27 turnovers, was paced by junior forward Kristin Bosserman’s (Staunton, Va./Riverheads) 16 points. Senior center Rebecca Henderson (Roanoke, Va./Cave Spring) logged 15 points and 11 boards, while Saunders chipped in 14 points and five rebounds.
Washington and Lee will return to action on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the ODAC Tournament in Salem, Va. The Generals will be the No. 5 seed and will play fourth-seeded Bridgewater at 3 pm.
Sports: UVa. women’s lax dominates Loyola, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
The No. 4 Virginia women’s lacrosse team continued its offensive dominance Saturday afternoon, defeating Loyola College, 19-8, at Diane Geppi-Aikens Field in Baltimore, Md.
Senior All-Americans Ashley McCulloch and Blair Weymouth led the way again. McCulloch tallied four goals and three assists, while Weymouth had four goals and two assists. Junior Kaitlin Duff had three goals and two assists, while winning a career-high six draw controls. Freshman Julie Gardner contributed three goals, while classmates Josie Owen and Caroline Cochran, redshirt freshman Ainsley Baker, and juniors Marye Kellermann and Caity Whiteley each added one score. Freshman Bailey Fogarty contributed an assist.
McCulloch backed a wide Cavalier shot and dished it ahead to Gardner who found the back of the net just 24 seconds into play to open scoring. Loyola responded with a goal from Abby Rehfuss at 24:07 to even the score at 1-1.
Duff then sparked a four-goal run for Virginia with a score at 23:40. McCulloch notched her first goal of the game at 23:14, and then dished a pass to Weymouth, whose score at 22:03 forced the Greyhounds to call a timeout. Whiteley capped off the run, finishing a feed from Duff, at 19:35 to push the Cavaliers ahead 5-1.
A goal from Loyola’s Grace Gavin at 18:14 halted the streak, but Weymouth fired off back-to-back goals for Virginia, giving the Cavaliers a 7-2 advantage. Owen and Fogarty teamed for the Cavaliers next score, but Loyola would find the net for two-consecutive goals within a minute of each other to force the Cavaliers to call a timeout, at 8-4.
Gardner, Weymouth and McCulloch each tallied scores out of the break and senior goalkeeper Sara Hairfield stopped a shot in the final seconds of the opening half to keep the score at 11-4 heading into the intermission.
Out of the break, McCulloch and Duff each contributed two of the first five goals scored and redshirt junior Lauren Benner, in goal for the Cavaliers, blocked a wide open Greyhound shot to maintain Virginia’s 15-5 lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Gardner tallied another score for Virginia, while Baker and Cochran each tallied their first collegiate goals in that remaining time.
Defensively, Duff caused a game-high four turnovers, while sophomore Liz Downs, Gardner and Weymouth each collected three ground balls. Senior Katie Shannon won three draw controls.
In the cage, Benner stopped six shots, while Hairfield collected two saves.
Up next for Virginia (2-0, 1-0 ACC) is a home game against Richmond. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. on Wednesday in Klöckner Stadium.
Sports: JMU women’s lax upends Virginia Tech, Sunday, 12:40 p.m.
Four Dukes’ players scored three or more goals as #18/19 (Inside Lacrosse/IWLCA) James Madison beat Virginia Tech 14-9 in women’s lacrosse Saturday afternoon at Tech’s Thompson Field.
It was the season-opening game for the Dukes, now 1-0. Tech has an 0-3 record.
Freshman Casey Ancarrow (Jarrettsville, Md./John Carroll) led JMU with four goals. The Dukes also got three goals apiece from sophomore Mary Kate Lomady (Abington, Pa./Abington), senior Jaime Dardine (Broomall, Pa./Marple Newtown) and redshirt junior Kim Griffin (Jarrettsville, Md./North Harford).
Ancarrow scored three times in the opening 15 minutes as the Dukes jumped out to a 5-1 lead with 13:57 remaining in the first half. Dardine and Griffin contributed the other two scores.
Virginia Tech then outscored JMU 3-2 over the final nine minutes of the half to cut the Dukes’ lead to three, 7-4, at intermission.
Tech’s Rachel Culp scored just 39 seconds into the second half to get the Hokies within two, 7-5.
JMU responded by scoring three times in a span of 2:26, getting two free-position goals from Lomady and another score from freshman Ashley Kimener (Oakton, Va./Oakton). That put the Dukes up 10-5 with 20:25 to play.
Tech got a goal on a free-position shot by Jessica Noon at 18:19 before JMU ran off another string of goals. The Dukes scored four times in seven minutes to build a 14-6 advantage with 9:14 on the clock. Ancarrow, Griffin, Dardine and Lomady were JMU’s scorers in the run.
Tech was able to close within six by netting the final three goals of the match.
JMU held a 29-28 advantage on shots, and redshirt freshman goalkeeper Alex Menghetti (Media, Pa./Penncrest) made 11 saves in 58:21 of play. Junior goalkeeper Morgan Kelly (Annapolis, Md./St. Mary’s) played the final 1:39 but did not need to make a save.
Tech goalkeeper Kari Morrison also had 11 saves.
Virginia Politics: Moran proposes Virginia Homeowners’ Bill of Rights, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
Today, standing in the driveway of a foreclosed home in suburban Loudoun County, Brian Moran proposed a Homeowners’ Bill of Rights to help homeowners stay in their homes and out of foreclosure, stop deceptive loans, and protect neighborhood home values. Moran is the first candidate for governor to propose a plan to protect homeowners. There were 5,000 foreclosure fillings in Virginia last month alone. Moran’s proposal works in concert with the recent proposal from President Obama.
“Virginia’s families are getting squeezed. Our next governor needs to keep fighting for the family dinner table, not the corporate board room,” Moran said. “The Bush administration and politicians like them have spent all their time focused on Wall Street. I’m extending a lifeline to Main Street. This Homeowners’ Bill of Rights will help more Virginians live their American dream.”
Moran’s Homeowners’ Bill of Rights includes:
– Ban the worst practices of deceptive lenders. The proposal bans predatory mortgage lending, where lenders trick homeowners into refinancing; stops deceptive mortgages, which strip people of home equity; prevents mortgage brokers and lenders from taking advantage of homebuyers; and prohibits pushing families into bad mortgages when the borrower qualifies for one that is less expensive. Virginia will join 25 states that have banned negative amortizing mortgages.
– 90-day foreclosure delays. The plan expands default protection for delinquent homeowners to a 90-day period so people can catch up on payments. It will also freeze the foreclosure process for military families until 90 days after they return from deployment.
– Expand education for borrowers. The HOBR will ensure that people know the dangers of subprime loans before agreeing to them, require mortgage servicers to send notice and information on alternatives, educate senior citizens about financial scams, and strengthen penalties for those that prey on our most vulnerable citizens. We will deploy a foreclosure prevention program with a hotline, website and other information sources to reduce foreclosures.
– Protect neighbors and renters. Under this plan, Virginia would require that the owners of foreclosed homes (often banks) maintain properties to reduce blight and prevent other home values from declining unnecessarily. HOBR will also provide relief to renters by requiring 60-day notice upon the foreclosure of a rental building so renters can have adequate time to find new places to live.
“We can’t wait and expect the crisis homeowners are facing to go away,” Moran said. “Urgent action is needed now because the family dinner table is in jeopardy, literally. I’m going to fight hard to enact this Bill of Rights on day one as governor.”
Moran’s plan compliments the initiative announced by President Barack Obama this week. President Obama’s plan focuses on providing much-needed new funding to stabilize home ownership and loan modifications for those on the verge of foreclosure. Moran’s plan focuses on regulatory reform, homeowner protection and expanded education programs.
“Brian Moran is building a sustainable plan for Virginia’s homebuyers and homeowners that is so practical and comprehensive that it just may work,” Rev. C. Douglas Smith from the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy said. “We should all thank Brian for helping Virginia see some very practical ways of keeping our families stable and our neighborhoods together.”
Virginia Politics: Shannon earns support for AG candidacy, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
Del. Steve Shannon announced today that he has earned the support of the Washington Area Building Trades for his campaign to be Virginia’s next attorney general.
“The building trades represent thousands of working families throughout Northern Virginia,” Steve Shannon said. “I’m proud to have their support for this campaign, and I’ll work everyday to make sure we keep every Virginia family safe,” Shannon continued.
“Steve Shannon has fought for working families since his first day in the General Assembly, just as he did as a Virginia prosecutor,” said Vance Ayres, Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Washington D.C. Building Trades Council. “He will be a leader for Virginia families as our next attorney general,” Ayres continued.
“Steve has been a fighter protecting working families for years,” said Vance Ayres. “Over the years, Steve has fought to protect our children from predators, our families from criminals, and our retirement from fraud, and he’ll do the same as our attorney general. That’s why I’m proud to support Steve’s campaign,” Ayers concluded.
Virginia Politics: Speaker urges GA action on budget, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
In the latest effort by House Republicans to assist in the economic recovery of Virginia, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued a statement encouraging House and Senate budget negotiators to act expeditiously to complete their work on amendments to Virginia’s current 2008-2010 state budget. Speaker Howell appointed the six House budget conferees three weeks ago and the House fulfilled their duty to pass a budget on time last week.
“At a time when Virginia’s families and businesses are concerned about their jobs and economic future, elected officials now in Richmond must be vigilant and ready to produce a fiscally responsible balanced state budget that addresses those concerns,” said Speaker Howell. “To fulfill the General Assembly’s obligation to all Virginians during this economic recession, it is imperative that budget negotiators not delay the hard work necessary to craft a reasonable and responsible state spending plan. Despite these difficult circumstances, I am optimistic that the conferees will be able to forge a compromise that balances the budget without earmarks, creates jobs and restores economic prosperity to Virginians by the scheduled adjournment of this aession on Feb. 28.
“In a strong, bipartisan vote last week, the House passed amendments to the 2008-2010 budget that advanced a multitude of practical solutions to the challenges facing Virginians. I’m pleased that we were able to aggressively address the urgent care waiting list for the community-based MR Waiver program, encourage increased tourism and the clean jobs that sector creates, bolster the services provided to the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens with autism and autism spectrum disorder, and expedite capital projects at our public institutions of higher education to stimulate job creation and expand educational and economic opportunities. I regret that the budget amendments adopted by the State Senate did not make these critical issues a priority.
“It is important that budget conferees begin to address these and other important budgetary matters without delay and as soon as possible. Although House budget conferees have indicated that they are ready to begin meeting today, anytime tomorrow or Sunday afternoon, Senate budget conferees do not want to begin meeting for the first time until Sunday at 6 p.m.
“Because I, like all Virginians, want to see the people’s business done not only thoughtfully but on time, I am hopeful that the Senate conferees will avoid any further delays and meet with their House counterparts to help resolve Virginia’s serious fiscal challenges before the end of next week.”
Local News: EMU professor writes book on change in church congregations, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
A new book by a faculty member in the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University provides understanding and techniques for dealing with change and conflict in a setting one might least expect – the local congregation.
David R. Brubaker, associate professor of organizational studies at EMU, draws on more than 20 years experience in workplace mediation and organizational and congregational consulting in “”Promise and Peril: Understanding and Managing Change and Conflict in Congregations,” published by The Alban Institute, Atlanta, Ga.
“Every successful congregation deals with change,” Dr. Brubaker said. “If it doesn’t, it’s not likely to survive.”
In writing the book, Brubaker said he “wanted to learn what kinds of change correlate with conflict and what kinds don’t.” He also “wanted to know how congregational leaders, lay and clergy, could introduce change in ways that would be less likely to precipitate destructive conflict.
“The results surprised me,” he said, “but offer hopeful lessons for congregational leaders who know their congregations must change and would personally like to survive the process.”
Brubaker hopes his book “will help congregations avoid the pitfalls of poorly managed change and the resulting conflict and outline steps toward building healthy interpersonal relationships and congregational systems.”
Church conflict hurts. Conflict can be mean-spirited and devastating. But it doesn’t have to be,” notes reviewer Rick Lemberg, pastor of Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, Oakhurst, Calif. “David Brubaker demonstrates that conflict can be redeemed and even bring positive growth. He gives insight into understanding the nature of conflict, explains how to manage it and provides strategies for preventing it from becoming destructive. All church leaders should read this book.”
David earned a BS in business administration from Messiah College, Grantham, Pa., an MBA from Eastern University, St. Davids, Pa., and a PhD from the University of Arizona, where he specialized in the study of religious and organizational conflicts. He has trained or consulted with over 100 organizations, including in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
The 160-page paperback is available at the EMU bookstore and can be ordered online at www.alban.org or from amazon.com.
Sports: Prince returns to UVa. football staff, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
Virginia football coach Al Groh announced today the hiring of Ron Prince to coordinate the Cavaliers special teams. A 17-year coaching veteran on the collegiate level, Prince is one of three Virginia assistant coaches who have been a head coach at the collegiate or professional level.
“Ron Prince did an outstanding job for Virginia football for five years,” Groh said. “Ron cares about the kids, makes a strong connection with them and is interested in their success. While the head coach at Kansas State, his teams led the country in punt returns (2007), kick off returns (2006) and kicks blocked (2008), and Ron was very involved with the special teams. We look forward to a big upgrade in special teams production. Ron knows our values and team culture, as well as our blind spots. We are extremely pleased to have Ron back as part of our team.”
Prince rejoins the UVa staff after serving as the head coach at Kansas State for the last three seasons. His first stint at Virginia started in 2001 when he was named the team¹s offensive line coach. In 2003 he took over as offensive coordinator for three seasons before moving on to head up the Wildcats’ program.
While at Virginia, he coached 11 players who earned All-ACC honors, including the league¹s 2003 Player of the Year, Matt Schaub, and three-time all-conference picks Elton Brown and Heath Miller, who were also tabbed as first-team All-Americans. There were nine Virginia offensive players who he helped tutor that were selected in the NFL draft.
“The University of Virginia and Al Groh have meant a lot to me and my family, and we are thrilled to rejoin the Cavalier Family,” Prince said. “My experiences the last three seasons in the Big 12 have added to my appreciation of the quality of the Virginia program, the unique set of skills that Coach Groh has, and the ambition and energy of the players. I am very excited for the challenge Coach has given me to significantly upgrade special teams performance.”
At Kansas State, Prince became the first coach in Wildcats¹ history to lead his team to a bowl game in year one and also recorded the second-most wins, 12, by a coach in school history after the first two years on the job. He saw 19 of his players earn all-Big 12 honors over three years, directed Kansas State to its first-ever road win over a top-10 team (41-21 at Texas in 2007) and coached the team¹s first-ever offensive consensus All-American (WR Jordy Nelson). He had players earn Academic Big 12 honors 21 times overthree seasons.
Sports: JMU baseball drops season opener, Friday, 4:50 p.m.
Southern Illinois scored eight runs in the sixth inning and all of its runs in the last five innings in a 19-4 romp over James Madison in the 2009 baseball season opener for both teams in the Caravelle Resort Invitational hosted by Coastal Carolina.
SIU was held hitless for the first four innings before pounding 19 runs on 21 hits. The Salukis struck for two runs in the fifth before breaking the game open with eight runs on seven hits in the sixth. They went on to add two in the seventh, three in the eighth, and four in the ninth.
Senior Adam Curynski was the winner on the mound for SIU after allowing three JMU runs on five hits over six innings. He struck out four and walked two. Three relievers finished the game, combining to limit the Dukes to six hits.
Senior lefthander Justin Wood (Dayton, Va./Turner Ashby) took the loss for JMU after allowing seven runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. He matched his career high with six strikeouts.
Sophomore short stop David Herbek (Haymarket, Va./Battlefield) was the only Duke with multiple hits, collecting a double and his first career triple while also walking and stealing a base. He entered the season with the team’s longest active hitting streak and extended it to six games.
Junior third baseman Matt Browning (Mystic, Conn./Fitch), senior leftfielder Matt Townsend (Lorton, Va./Hayfield), and freshman designated hitter Jake Lowery (Midlothian, Va./Cosby) each singled and drove in a run for JMU.
Cleanup hitter Mark Kelly was 4-for-6 at the plate for the Salukis with three runs and five RBIs, including a double and a home run. Leftfielder Jordan Sivertsen was 4-for 6 with three runs and three RBIs, including two doubles and a home run. Aaron Roberts was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs. Centerfielder Chris Murphy was 2-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs. Short stop Michael Shalter also had two hits, including a double, with an RBI and two runs.
Wood cruised through four innings with the only base runner allowed on a JMU error. SIU finally put together a rally in the fifth on back-to-back RBI singles by Wade Dutton and Roberts.
The Salukis then essentially put the game away in the sixth, opening with a double, a single, and a three-run homer by Kelly. Kelly later made it five RBIs in the inning with a two-run single to cap the outburst.
The Dukes earned three runs back in the bottom of the frame when junior centerfielder Alex Foltz (Mathias, W.Va./East Hardy) singled and senior catcher Brett Garner (Burke, Va./Lake Braddock) walked to open the inning. Browning and Townsend then followed with consecutive RBI singles. Lowery scored the third run on an RBI fielder’s choice.
However, SIU continued to tack on runs with nine more over the final three innings for the 19-4 win. JMU’s other run came in the seventh when junior second baseman Mike Fabiaschi (Torrington, Conn./Torrington) reached on an error to score Herbek.
Virginia Politics: McDonnell steps down as AG, Friday, 11:25 a.m.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell is officially stepping down today as the 44th attorney general of Virginia to focus his time on his gubernatorial campaign.
The attorney general’s office sent out a news release this morning with quotes from state and national leaders praising McDonnell for his service.
William (Bill) H. Leighty, Former Chief of Staff to Governor Mark Warner and Governor Tim Kaine: “It has been a distinct pleasure to have served at a time that Bob McDonnell was Attorney General. As a career state employee, I have worked with a number of Attorneys General. General McDonnell distinguished himself in his treatment of the professionals at the Attorney General’s Office and with his attention to the improvement of management efficiencies in the operation of the office.”
Congressman Eric Cantor: “For three years Bob has run the Commonwealth’s law firm with intelligence, efficiency and skill. He has been a partner in Richmond that our Congressional delegation could always depend upon for honest legal analysis. Bob McDonnell has served Virginia’s citizens well as our Attorney General.”
Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.: “I appreciate Bob McDonnell’s leadership in working with me and the Cal Ripken Sr., Foundation to bring our ‘Badges for Baseball’ program to young people throughout Virginia. Badges for Baseball, which brings together law enforcement mentors and coaches with young people at Boys & Girls Clubs, is entering its third year in the Commonwealth, and Bob and his staff at the Attorney General’s Office have been wonderful partners. Bob has not only been instrumental in the success of Badges for Baseball in Virginia, he has been a strong advocate for the program on a national level. He has spoken with fellow Attorneys General about the value of the program that combines baseball and the ‘Ripken Way’ with life lessons about character, responsibility and sportsmanship. I thank Bob McDonnell for his public service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and his unwavering interest in providing children with the tools to make good choices in life.”
City of Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring: “We often talk about the goal of bipartisan collaboration on important public safety issues, such as gangs. As Attorney General, Bob McDonnell actually did it by partnering with us in the City of Richmond.”
Steve Rosenthal, Former Attorney General of Virginia: “The Office of the Attorney General is the Commonwealth’s law firm. The Office is consulted on nearly every significant issue facing Virginia, and it is relied upon to provide accurate and timely legal advice and direction. Bob has ensured this has been the case during his time in Office, and his leadership has greatly benefited the government and the people of Virginia. Bob was an effective Attorney General and he will be missed.”
Chuck Rosenberg, Former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia: “Bob was a great partner, a great leader, and a great friend to law enforcement throughout Virginia.”
Leslie Van Horn, Executive Director, Federation of Virginia Food Banks: “Thousands of Virginians have benefited from the leadership and vision of Attorney General Bob McDonnell as chair of the statewide Legal Food Frenzy – a campaign involving law firms through the state. This campaign has provided over 2 million pounds of food and grocery products in its first two years to the seven Food Banks in the Virginia/DC area and as a result, has put food on the table of many individuals in need. Attorney General McDonnell has been a strong advocate on behalf of Food Banks throughout the state and we are extremely grateful for the support and leadership of Attorney General Bob McDonnell and his staff.”
Chuck Curran, Chief Counsel, AOL: “Bob McDonnell has been an innovator in cybercrime investigation and prosecution. He was one of the first Attorneys General in the country to work closely with the tech community to help combat many of the challenges facing the Internet. As a result, General McDonnell’s programs have done a great deal to protect children online, promote general computer safety and stop the proliferation of spam. It has been a pleasure to work with him.”
Virginia Politics: Bowerbank talks about the LG race, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jon Bowerbank spoke on Thursday to members of the Mount Vernon District Democratic Committee about his candidacy and the change he will bring to Richmond as lieutenant governor.
During his remarks, Jon highlighted his success in business and experience in local government, promising to use his skills to get Virginia’s economy back on track.
“As the owner of a Virginia business and a member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, I know the problems facing local communities in the Commonwealth. And the problems facing Lebanon are not that different from the problems facing Mount Vernon. All of our communities are struggling with budget problems, we need better education systems, better transportation systems and we need to kick-start this economy. As lieutenant governor I will use my experience in local government and background in business to address these issues. I am committed to investing in innovative energy solutions, I have experience creating high paying jobs throughout the Commonwealth, and my company has spent a decade contributing to educational improvements in public schools. These are commitments that all regions of Virginia can get behind,” Bowerbank said.
“I’m excited about this campaign. People are responding to our message, they want someone with the experience to modify the way Richmond does business, and as more and more people get on board and our momentum continues to increase, I have no doubt that we can beat Bill Bolling and bring that change,” Bowerbank told the audience.
Bowerbank is the owner of a successful energy services company that employs hundreds of people in Virginia and throughout the country. He has also served as an operations manager in a Fortune 10 company in numerous states, and has both a business and technical background. He currently serves as the at-large member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, and he is a member of the Virginia Association of Counties Transportation Committee.
Sports: JMU women fall to UNC-Wilmington, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
North Carolina-Wilmington ran its winning streak to three games with a 68-63 victory over James Madison in Colonial Athletic Association women’s basketball Thursday evening at the JMU Convocation Center.
UNC-W improved its overall record to 13-12 and is now 7-7 in CAA play. JMU, which saw a four-game home winning streak end, now has a 17-8 record and a 10-4 league mark.
Seahawk junior guard Greta Luksyte (Vilnius Lithuania/Walsingham Academy) led UNC-W with 19 points. She was 12-for-14 at the foul line and had a key steal with 7.2 seconds left when JMU had cut the UNC-W lead to four.
Sophomore center Martha White (Jacksonville, N.C./Jacksonville) added 14 points, and sophomore guard/forward Brittany Blackwell (Raleigh N.C./Cary Academy) contributed 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
JMU was led by redshirt junior guard Sarah Williams (Wilmington, Del./Ursuline Academy) with a career-high 27 points, which included a career-high six three-pointers. Sophomore forward/center Jalissa Taylor (Chesterfield, Va./L.C. Bird) had a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, and freshman guard/forward Kiara Francisco (Lakeland, Fla./Winter Haven) added 10 points.
Williams scored five and Francisco four points in the opening minutes as the Dukes opened up a 9-4 lead at 14:07. However, UNC-W outscored JMU 19-6 over the next eight and a half minutes to build an eight-point (23-15) advantage with 5:14 to go. The Dukes committed seven turnovers during the Seahawks’ run, in which six UNC-W players scored points.
UNC-W led 30-24 at the break and was still up six (32-26) when JMU used a 9-2 scoring spurt to pull ahead 35-34 on a Williams three-pointer at 16:24.
Then a three-pointer by Blackwell started a 7-1 Seahawk run. In the spurt White scored from close range and then hit a 15-foot jumper at 13:54 to give UNC-W a 41-36 advantage.
JMU responded with a three-pointer by sophomore guard Courtney Hamner (Manassas, Va./Osbourn Park) and two foul shots by Taylor to tie the game at 41-41 at 12:53.
But UNC-W roared back with 12 unanswered points, with the first 11 of those all coming off Dukes’ turnovers, to push ahead to a 53-41 lead at 10:23. Luksyte led the run with seven points, including five at the foul line where she was five-for-six.
JMU kept within striking distance and was able to get within five points on four occasions, the last time with 37 seconds left when a long Williams three-pointer cut the margin to 65-60.
Then, following a foul shot by UNC-W sophomore guard/forward Treasure Johnson (Columbus, Ga./Shaw), Williams nailed another trey from the right corner with 19 seconds to go, getting the Dukes within three, 66-63.
With JMU unable to come up with a steal and forced to foul, junior guard Whitney Simmons (Greenville, S.C./Berea) gave the Seahawks a 67-63 cushion when she hit the second of a two-shot foul with 17.2 seconds remaining.
On JMU’s ensuing possession, Luksyte came up with a steal with 7.2 seconds left to clinch the win.
Sports: VCU women hold on to beat Georgia State, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
Sometimes a team wins by being good. Sometimes it wins by being tough. The Virginia Commonwealth University women’s team took the latter route at the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center on Thursday night en route to a rugged 63-60 victory over a determined Georgia State squad.
VCU improved to 12-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association and 22-4 overall. It remains in a tie with Drexel for first place. Georgia State falls to 3-11, 11-14. VCU plays three of its final four regular season games on the road, starting with a 2 p.m. contest on Sunday at Hofstra.
The game wasn’t decided until the final moments. Senior Radoslava Bachvarova (Varna, Bulgaria) hit a pair of foul shots with 10 seconds left for the game’s final points. The Rams played stout defense as the clock wound down to prevent the Panthers from getting a reasonable shot at a tie.
“Every game the rest of the season is going to be who is willing to get dirty and win ugly,” VCU Coach Beth Cunningham said. “I think our kids showed a lot of toughness, a lot of poise. It is a great win here at home and I’m certainly proud of the way they stepped up and responded in a couple of key situations tonight.”
The Rams got a very strong performance from senior Quanitra Hollingsworth (Chesapeake, Va.), who had her 49th double-double of her career. “Q” finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Bachvarova had 10 points, including the decisive foul shots and a key 3-pointer late in the game. Junior Kita Waller (Gainesville, Ga.) added 11 points.
VCU was up six at the half and never trailed in the second half. But the Panthers rallied from five down with 2:28 to play to force a tie at 60-60 with 46 seconds to play, thanks to a 3-pointer from Brittany Hollins.
Junior La’Tavia Rorie (Charlotte, N.C.) hit one foul shot for the Rams to restore VCU to the lead. Bachvarova was fouled after the Rams’ defense forced a turnover.
“Give Georgia State credit. They hit a couple of threes late,” Cunningham said. “They stayed right with us the entire game. I think every time our team had to respond, they did. That’s the sign of a good team. When you have to respond, what are you going to do? I think our kids really stepped up. They did a great job finding a way to win the game.”
Hollingsworth had 15 of her points in the second half, many of them despite being bumped and pushed in what was a very physical contest in the lane.
“She was physical for us, certainly was a presence for us offensively, defensively and on the boards. It was a physical game. She did a great job staying in her game and now allowing herself to be taken out of it. She really stepped forward for us as a senior and is a big reason why we won,” Cunningham said.
Hollingsworth said the Rams can expect more of these types of games as they battle to finish at the top of the standings. The Rams have a return engagement at Georgia State on March 4 to close the regular season.
“From the first possession, it was rough,” Hollingsworth said. “We were taking a lot of shots that were in our offense but they weren’t falling. We had to keep doing what we know we can do, tough it out. No one’s going to give it to us. They weren’t going to roll over.
“Teams know our team is definitely strong, so they want to be physical and they want to try and get into our heads mentally. It was great that we came together, great that we pulled out a win. It’s not going to get any easier.”
Sports: W&L baseball improves to 2-0, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
The Washington and Lee baseball team continued its strong offensive showing in the season’s early going with a 16-5 win over Hastings at the Peoria Sports Complex on Thursday afternoon.
W&L (2-0) secured its second 16-5 victory of the day as the Generals pounded out 21 hits against the Broncos (0-5) after banging out 22 hits in a 16-5 win over Whitworth earlier in the day.
The Generals jumped up early on Hastings, scoring seven runs in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run homerun by junior first baseman Hunter Serenbetz (Stamford, Conn./Taft School). Serenbetz was 2-for-5 on the game and added a double.
Sophomore outfielder Anthony Cardona (Lower Gwynedd, Pa./Chestnut Hill) was 4-for-5 with two triples and four RBI and senior centerfielder Terrence McKelvey (East Islip, N.Y./East Islip) added three hits in six at-bats with a double and three runs driven in.
Senior pitcher Brendan Clark (Rockville, Md./Richard Montgomery) earned his first win of the season allowing two runs on four hits with three walks and eight strikeouts over six innings.
Local News: Weekend Calendar of Events, Friday, 7:50 a.m.
Friday, Feb. 20
– Women’s Head USA Clinic, Wintergreen Resort, Feb. 20-22 event. Info: www.wintergreenresort.com.
– Aroma Senses, Augusta Expoland, Fishersville, Feb. 20-22 event. Info: www.augustaexpo.com.
– Fundraiser for Organization for Youth Empowerment, You Made It!, 163 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, 4-8 p.m. The business will donate 20 percent of sales. Info: www.youmadeit.net.
– Buddy Thomas live at Stone Soup Books and Cafe, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 6 p.m. Info: www.stonesoupbooks.net.
– “The River City Radio Hour” presents The Return of The Maltese Falcon by Peter Coy, Blue Ridge Christan Fellowship Hall, 329 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
– ShenanArts presents Children’s Letters to God, Stage 4 Theatre, Verona, 7:30 p.m. Info: www.shenanarts.org.
– The Playhouse, Harrisonburg’s community theater, presents Stephen Crane’s The Blue Hotel, a world-premiere stage adaptation of the classic short story, featuring original music by The Shakes, at Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, or $8 each for groups of ten or more. Info: www.courtsquaretheater.com.
Saturday, Feb. 21
– Grand Caverns, Grottoes, open for tours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 540.249.5729.
– Storytime in the Village. Free. Middlebrook Library Station, 10:30 a.m. Info: 540.885.1008.
– Barnes & Noble-Charlottesville will hold a special Black History Month Storytime, 11 a.m. Guest readers include Dr. Rick Turner, the executive director of the Charlottesville NAACP.
– Bowl for Kids Sake, a Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge fundraiser, Wayne Lanes, Waynesboro, Feb. 21-22 event. Info: [email protected] or www.bbbsocbr.com.
– Redeemer Classical School Winterfest, 1688 Indian Trail Road, Keezletown, 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. Info: www.redeemerclassical.org.
– The Staunton Performing Arts Center is holding a Mardi Gras Gala, Stonewall Jackson Hotel, Staunton, 7 p.m. to midnight. Info: 540.885.3211.
– ShenanArts presents Children’s Letters to God, Stage 4 Theatre, Verona, 7:30 p.m. Info: www.shenanarts.org.
– The Playhouse, Harrisonburg’s community theater, presents Stephen Crane’s The Blue Hotel, a world-premiere stage adaptation of the classic short story, featuring original music by The Shakes, at Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, or $8 each for groups of ten or more. Info: www.courtsquaretheater.com.
Sunday, Feb. 22
– Grand Caverns, Grottoes, open for tours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 540.249.5729.
– Wintergreen Slopestyle, Wintergreen Resort. Info: www.wintergreenresort.com.
– The Staunton Augusta Art Center, R.R. Smith Center for History and Art, 20 S. New St., Staunton, presents the annual Youth Art Exhibit Feb. 22-March 29 featuring the best works of area aspiring artists in grades K-12. The opening reception to celebrate the artists is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22, from 1-3 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free. Info: www.saartcenter.org
– The D.R. Hostetter Museum of Natural History, Suter Science Center, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, is open 2-5 p.m. Featuring more than 6,000 items on display, including mounted American and African game mammals, bears, butterflies, dinosaur bones and fossils, bird nests and eggs, flourescent rocks and minerals and a “hands-on” Discovery Room. Admission is $3 for adults and $1.50 for children ages 3-12. Info: 540.432.4400.
– ShenanArts presents Children’s Letters to God, Stage 4 Theatre, Verona, 3 p.m. Info: www.shenanarts.org.
– The Playhouse, Harrisonburg’s community theater, presents Stephen Crane’s The Blue Hotel, a world-premiere stage adaptation of the classic short story, featuring original music by The Shakes, at Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, or $8 each for groups of ten or more. Info: www.courtsquaretheater.com.
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