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Vol. 2 No. 10 | Richmond Suburban News | September 7, 2016
One man’s vision becomes a reality Gill credits students, Train mural in Ashland is tribute to Art McKinney By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
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SHLAND -- From a small second floor office nestled along the railroad tracks in Ashland, Art McKinney reached out to
the world. The company he founded and headed has achieved worldwide recognition for completed projects, and McKinney and Company is a well-respected world-class engineering firm. The work continues in that small office without the stalwart who created the vision and traveled the world displaying his engineering prowess. But the Virginia Tech graduate’s heart was never far from the place he called home, and the familiar roar of a passing train and a picture that existed only in his mind. McKinney often spoke about a vision he had for the block he knew so well, and expressed a desire to add a decorative and historical mural to the side of his building. “Art McKinney was a very prominent man in this town,” said Dan Dicandilo, one of the organizers who is trying to make the vision a reality. “He ran an internationally known engineering firm from the office above the Iron Horse. McKinney passed away earlier this year, but his imprint on the town left a lasting impression. “He was a Virginia Tech graduate and supporter, and was a key donor to the YMCA here in Ashland.” “One of his dreams was to put a mural on his building depicting the history of some of the trains coming through Ashland,” Dicandilo said. “When he would come in to talk, he’d show me pictures and
tell me his idea of what he wanted to do… but he never got to finish it.” Thanks to some concerned citizens, that project is moving forward. Friends of Art (FOA) is a community-based committee formed to make Art’s dream a reality. Ashland Street Parties is the nonprofit that is sponsoring the mural effort.
The group commissioned local artist Ed Trask to complete the project. “We sat down with him and came to an agreement as to what we were going to do,” Dicandilo said. “In a short period of time, we put together the most beautiful train mural you have ever seen.” The committee, dubbed Friends of Art (FOA), is focused on raising funds to
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Art McKinney, a prominent Ashland businessman, had a love for trains. Since his passing, an organization formed that led to the creation of a mural in his honor.
“Art’s vision was to celebrate the trainscape which is ingrained in the daily life of all Ashland residents and visitors,” said FOA committee member Hank Lowry. Dicandilo, Art’s wife and partner Jerry McKinney, and McKinney and Company president Nancy Walker join him on the committee. Dicandilo said finishing the project became a priority for him after McKinney’s courageous battle with cancer ended earlier this year. “I was very fond of him. I thought it would be a nice idea if I picked up the project,” Dicandilo said. “I spoke with his wife, Hank and Nancy and we formed a committee under the umbrella of ASP.”
complete the project and contributors will be invited to take part in the actual painting of the project. Their names also will be included on the train. Persons wishing to donate are offered three levels of contribution. Bronze level donations are $100, while silver and gold level categories are $500 and $1,000. “Not only is this something that will memorialize Art, but it will also beautify Ashland,” Dicandilo said. The mural will greet northbound travelers on the many trains that pass through the town daily. McKinney’s wife, Jerry, provided pictures and notes for the project, and one of see MURAL, pg. 2
staff with successes By Melody Kinser Managing Editor MECHANICSVILLE – When Dr. Michael accepted the position of superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools he was well aware of the division’s successes because he was already part of the division. He was named the 13th superintendent last fall while serving as the assistant superintendent of Instructional Leadership since 2014. In a recent interview with The Local, he was humble and modest, giving the credit for the district’s statewide acclaim to the students and staff. “We are extremely proud of the efforts of our staff and our students, first and foremost,” Gill said, “and the scores reflect a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication on behalf of our staff and certainly the efforts of
our students.” He also praised the administration and the central office support staff. “It’s their hard work that is deserving of all praise. That being said, our belief — and it’s my belief — but I hope if you talk to any Hanover educator and, quite probably any educator period, is that no single score on paper should define the worth of a child, should define the worth of a teacher, a school, a school division.” Gill’s comments came following the release of Standards of Learning assessments from the Virginia Department of Education, which reported that improvements in the commonwealth’s schools are being made in reading, math and science. Those results stem from the 2015-2016 school year. “While we want to celebrate our successes, we also want to do so with the mindset that this is one measure of success but it see GILL, pg. 12 File photo/Kenny Moore
Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, addressed the 2016 class at the VCU Siegel Center in June.