By Ameesha Felton
Saquoia Freeman
MASC 642 Online Journalism I

RICHMOND, Va- Grocery stores are common in the Short Pump area, just within a two-mile radius sits a Wal-Mart, Martins, Food Lion, World Market, Whole Foods Market, and a Trader Joes so to hear that the another chain food store is moving into town may not seem like a big deal. However by just taking a glance into the parking lot it’s evident that the community is impressed. Shoppers circled around the block waiting for spaces in the jam-packed parking lot, while Richmond residents poured into Kroger by the dozens. Kroger team members were lined up in front of the stores, smiling and greeting customers as they walked in.

“I have been nothing but happy since I started working here, I enjoy getting up and coming to work,” said Donna Johnson, Kroger front-end cashier.”

Terry Reynolds, the front-end coordinator says that despite the surrounding competition customer reaction has been great.

Click for audio slideshow of Kroger grand opening

Click to see a soundslides show of Kroger’s grand opening

“They love that there is a lot more selection, everything is more fresh looking, the store is big, yes but it’s not overwhelming.”

This Kroger is currently the largest chain store in Virginia measuring in at 86,000 square feet.

“Nobody can beat Wal-Mart prices, their marketing strategy is just the best, but they have a limited selection, they don’t have everything, a store like this you can get… well they have special wines, and you know just a better selection,” said Kroger shopper Carl York.

This new Kroger has not only brought on many new shoppers to the area but also jobs.

“ We have hired more than 200 employees in the Richmond, area and the way that the economy is doing now people are not hiring so to be able to bring jobs to the community is another way that we are giving back, said Kroger district coordinator,” Erin Haithcock.

Regardless of the recent success in business Kroger employers still believe customer service is what makes “the cream rise to the top.”

“Number one is always customer service and we got the crew here to tackle customer service, and make sure that our customers want to come back and shop with us some of the other things that we have is gelato, winebar, seafood, and a prepared foods area,” said Haithcock.

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Additional Links

Kroger

http://www.kroger.com/Pages/default.aspx

Richmond Bargains

http://www.richmondbargains.com/blog/2010/07/28/short-pump-kroger-grand-opening-tomorrow/

Richmond Magazine

http://www.richmag.com/dine/blogs.php

Largest Kroger in Virginia

http://www.vahomeownersalliance.com/stories/largest-east-coast-kroger-coming-former-cloverleaf-mall

Kroger History

http://www.groceteria.com/store/national-chains/kroger/

Listen to a newly converted Kroger customer talking about why he has chosen Kroger as his ideal grocery store to shop.

Chickahominy Tribal Center

By Saquoia Freeman
MASC 642 Online Journalism I

Chickahominy Tribe Powwow

Powwow

The Chickahominy Tribe in Charles City County, Virginia will have their 59th annual powwow September 25 to September 26, 2010.

By: Saquoia Freeman

freemansd2@vcu.edu

CHARLES CITY,Va.–– If you are looking for a great event to dance, eat and have safe family fun, then come hear the beat and rhythm of the drums at the 59th annual Chickahominy Tribe powwow.  The drumbeats will pound again in Charles City on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 2010.  The powwows are sacred, traditional, cultural and a homecoming for tribal members that live outside the state. Pauwau or pauau were original Algonquin terms that conveyed an assembly of spiritual leaders and medicine men.  For religious ceremonies, the term pauwauing was used.  The word powwow came from English settlers mispronouncing the original words.

“We have the powwows to carry on our tradition and unite the Chickahominy family”, said Keith Wynn.

Keith Wynn has been the coordinator of the Chickahominy Tribe powwows since 2004.  His goal is to keep these powwows going and going strong.

“We have the longest running and largest traditional powwows in the state”, said Wynn.

To keep tradition, an Eagle Staff, the American Flag and Canadian Flag is carried by the Flag Bearers.  There is a time for dancing before the flags are carried in. After all the events in the Grand Entry, there is a prayer.

Wynn knows first hand about the heavy planning that goes into this large event.  There are five people in the powwow planning committee.  They go over the set up and the plans.  Planning includes drums, budget and knowing who is going to cook the food.  The tribe holds these powwows with no outside help.

“The powwow is sponsored by the tribe”, said Second Assistant Chief Wayne Adkins.

The powwow is also where the new Miss, Junior Miss and Little Miss Chickahominy are crowned.

Ashton Whitefeather Montez has been crowned Miss, Junior Miss and Little Miss Chickahominy in the past.

Click on the photo to see a photo and audio slide show about Ashton Whitefeather Montez

“I don’t know if I’m going to run again”, said Montez.

Montez not only participates by being crowned, she also dances in powwows.  She has been dancing in the Chickahominy Tribe powwows since she was a child.

The powwows are open to the public and everyone is welcome.  Many people who are not tribal members come out to the powwows.  Nontribal member Matthews Whitehead has attended a few of Chickahominy’s Powwows and has enjoyed them.

“The powwows are nice and really big.  A lot of people come.  It is really fun and exciting”, said Whitehead.  “You feel welcome and they welcome other races and cultures to come.”

“We have jewelry and food like Indian tacos, chicken, fish, hamburgers and hot dogs.  It’s just a really fun time.  Everyone should come out”, said Montez.

The powwow will be held at the Chickahominy Tribal Center at 8200 Lott Cary Rd. in Providence Forge, Virginia.  Gates open at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.  The Grand Entry is at 12 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.  Alcohol, drugs, smoking and profanity are not allowed at the powwows.

If you want to attend this event or get more information, contact the Chickahominy Tribal Center at (804) 829-2027.

For more information about the Chickahominy Tribe and powwows, click on the links.

Chickahominy Tribe Information

http://www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture/chickahominy.htm

Charles City County Virginia

http://www.charlescity.org/chickahominy-tribe.shtml

Powwow Information

http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrid=40215

National Powwows

http://www.powwows.com/

Chickahominy Tribe History

http://www.wm.edu/as/anthropology/research/airc/vaindians/tribes/chickahominy/index.php

Virginia’s First People

http://virginiaindians.pwnet.org/today/pow_wows.php

The Chickahominy Tribe is a Christian tribe. Hear Second Assistant Chief Wayne Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe discuss the religious aspect of the tribe.

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