Thanks to the Townsend Center

April 28, 2006

By Mike Bennett, Richmond Paladium Item Sports Editor

It was a time for thanks.

It was a time for hugs and heart-felt cheers.

And it was a time for some happy tears.

Dominic and Germayne James came home to speak Thursday night on the same gym floor at Townsend Center where they learned many lessons about basketball, more about life.

They spoke to a crowd of 200 at the annual Townsend Community Center Dinner.

They choked up a bit at times while saying their basketball successes have a lot to do with the good influences they had while growing up in Richmond.

"We have positive places around this community," Dominic James said. "One of them is Townsend Center."

Along with a caring corps of family, friends and mentors, the center helped him learn to keep his priorities in order.

"It wasn't just a place to pick up a basketball; it was a place to pick up books," he said. "Nothing matters to me more than what I do in the classroom."

He proved that by having team-best grades in his first semester at Marquette -- at the same time he was starting a season in which he was named the top rookie in the Big East Conference.

Germayne James, too, found honors in basketball. He was player of the year in the Lake Michigan Conference while playing as a senior point guard at Lakeland College (Wis.).

He has a year of studies left for his a degree in non-profit management.

The Townsend Center and its mission helped point him in that career direction.

"I can give back like they gave back to me," he said.

The center exudes a culture of caring.

"This is the place where kids came to stay off the streets," he said. "I wouldn't be the person I am today without the positive influences."

Mayor Sally Hutton issued a long proclamation of appreciation that cited the many ways the Jameses brought positive attention to Richmond.

Richmond High School boys basketball coach Chad Bolser introduced the brothers by telling poignant stories that highlighted their selfless personalities.

About Germayne: He has persevered through loneliness and self-doubts to forge a path to success in college. "You want an education story, look at Germayne James," Bolser said.

About Dominic: He touches people of all ages with uncommon empathy and with encouragement. "One of the greatest people I've been around is Dominic James."

Bolser told of a unique brotherly bond: Both of their college coaches say the same things about their effects as point guards.

"They make every player around them better," Bolser said. "What more can you say about a person."

The brothers were touched by the outpouring of affection from the event.

"It was more special because my brother is getting the recognition he deserves," Dominic said of Germayne, his father figure despite only a four-year age difference.

The two arrived at the center about 7:45 p.m. after a flight from Milwaukee to Indianapolis. They headed back in the wee hours of this morning to make it back to classes today.

Germayne admitted he was nervous about the event.

"It far exceeded my expectations. It just felt like home," he said. "I feel like people really cared about what's going on down here."

Thursday's event also recognized many others whose caring shows in the work they do at the center.

Among them was Kate Deloney, who was given the President's Award for her volunteer work of nearly 2,300 hours.

"I grew up here. From those roots, I'm giving it back," she said.

"If we don't give back, our children are lost. If you have a little time, that's all we ask."

Emcee Avis Stewart said Richmond should be proud of the center and its role.

"Let's make sure we back Townsend Center with our actions," he said.