Page 4 - January 31, 2018

YOUR LIFE Calling all past

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The language Chester Cotillion members!

Do you remember learning the
of flowers foxtrot to the sounds of a piano
playing on the top floor of the
Chester Fire Station? Do you
remember when Chester Cotillion
During the Victorian Era, was held at the Chester Community
flowers were used as ways to Center? Hard to believe, but this
send subtle messages to others. beloved Chester tradition started in
Spend Valentine’s Day with the 1958 and after 60 years of teaching
backpack storyteller Deborah the youth of Chester to dance,
Alsko as she describes the Mr. Phillips is retiring!
romantic form of communication To honor him at this year's
known as floriography. formal, we would love to hear your
Alsko is a former stories and memories of Chester
Chesterfield County elementary MR. AND MRS. PHILLIPS Cotillion throughout the years! Do
school teacher with a background you remember Mrs. Phillips spinning the records or
in both education and recreation. when they played 8-track tapes? We want to hear from you! Please share a
Her unique style and the magic of memory or picture or both with us. Did you and your group of friends meet for
storytelling engage her audience. dinner before or after cotillion? Did Mr. Phillips like fancy socks and crazy ties
The backpack storyteller has back in the day? Let us know if you are 2nd- or 3rd-generation families.
presented programs for public All Cotillion Alumni please join us for a reception to honor Mr. Phillips. We
libraries and schools in the City PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BACKPACK STORYTELLER.COM will gather after the formal at 9:00 pm. The formal is Saturday, February 24 at
of Richmond and Chesterfield L. C. Bird High School. For questions e-mail chestercotillion@yahoo.com.
County, for the Dogwood Dell
Festival of the Arts, and for Please mail or e-mail us your fondest Chester Cotillion memories or
various area preschools and pictures by Feb. 17, 2018 to: Chester Cotillion P.O. Box 2307 Chester,
retirement homes. She is active in
the storytelling community and VA 23831 or chestercotillion@yahoo.com
currently serves as president of BACKPACK STORYTELLER DEBORAH ALSKO
the Richmond Story League. Chester Cotillion sponsored by the Junior Federated Women’s Club of Chester
Alsko’s program will take place
Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at
Chesterfield County Museum, 6813
Mimms Loop, Chesterfield. This is an
Active Lifestyles program for seniors
age 50-plus. Seating will be limited for
this program, to register by calling the
county museum at 768-7311. While the
event is free, donations are welcome.
For details, call 768-7311, or visit http://
chesterfieldhistory.com.

CERT Course begins Feb. 21

Chesterfield County’s popular
Community Emergency Response Team
training is scheduled to begin Feb. 21.
The initial training course teaches
basic emergency response skills that are
essential in the critical moments after a
disaster before first responders arrive.
Classes are held each Wednesday evening
over eight consecutive weeks, except for
week five, which will be held on a Monday.
Topics include light duty search and rescue, *
fire safety and suppression, basic medical Four Legged Friendly
care, terrorism awareness, emergency
communications and disaster psychology.
Graduates receive certificates and CERT
emergency gear. You no longer have to choose between
There is no charge for the course,
which is open to persons aged 18 and older retirement living and living with your best friend!
who apply. Space is limited, so enroll early.
The deadline to enroll is Feb. 16.
Online registration is available at *restrictions apply
www.chesterfield.gov/CERT/, by e-mailing
CERT@chesterfield.gov, or by calling 804- 6701 Ironbridge Parkway | Chester, VA 23831 | 804.748.7000 | thecrossingsatironbridge.com
751-CERT (2378).
04 JANUARY 31, 2018 news@villagenewsonline.com