EDUCATION SOL scores mean full accreditation for Hanover County schools
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IN REMEMBRANCE R-MC graduate Taylor Anderson proves one life can make a difference PAGE
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Vol. 2 No. 12 | Richmond Suburban News | September 21, 2016
Road closing dismays residents By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
H
ANOVER -- While construction on the courthouse moves closer and closer to completion, some neighbors in the area are not pleased with other changes taking place in the courthouse area. A small connector road that joins St. Paul’s Church Road and U.S. 301 near the Hanover Tavern was closed during construction, but neighbors thought the inconvenience was only temporary. Their beliefs were bolstered by the lack of information provided by the county regarding the project that includes plans to permanently close the road and provide a paved walkway across U.S. 301. Resident Frank Delano said the connector road provided good sight distance for drivers entering U.S. 301, and the alternative offers a lesser degree of safety for area residents. “This will ultimately lead to more accidents,” Delano said. “Why did you keep this a secret? Why did you want to hide this from us,” he asked members during a public comment period at last Wednesday’s meeting of the Hanover
Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
An errant stop sign is all that’s left of a short extender road that once connected St. Paul’s Church Road and U.S. 301. Some neighbors are not happy with the closing.
County Board of Supervisors. Delano said he did receive some letters but none outlined the permanent closure of the connector road. He said the failure to be transparent has resulted in a lack of trust in his local government. “Is this your idea of public notice and open government?” Delano questioned. He conceded that little can be done at this point to rectify the error and reopen the road, but he did promise to “inspect every inch” of the new sidewalk to ensure it meets each and every ADA (Americans
with Disabilities Act) requirement. Mabel Nelson lives next to Delano and expressed similar concerns regarding safety. “You invaded our world and made changes that are unsafe and ugly.” “You have treated us with contempt by messing up our everyday lives,” she added. Delano suggested the county form a committee to study pedestrian safety in the courthouse area. Chairman Aubrey M. “Bucky” Stanley, Beaverdam District, took the somewhat unusual move of responding to Nelson and Delano’s questions. “I will apologize for myself and the county for what has gone on,” Stanley said. “I didn’t realize the road was being closed either.” He also addressed the pedestrian safety concerns raised by Delano and Nelson. “ I will take you up on that offer to see if we can make things safer in that area.” In other matters, Director of Public Utilities Mike Flagg provided an update on activities at the Hanover Airport and current improvements that are underway. Tree trimming in the area has increased see ROAD, pg. 2
Ashland Main Street Association’s Chalk Walk brings color to life in town By Logan Barry for The Hanover Local ASHLAND – The streets of Ashland’s historic downtown district came alive with colors Saturday as the Ashland Main Street Association hosted its 7th annual Chalk Walk. Artists of all ages displayed their talents on the streets and sidewalks throughout that area of the town. This year’s theme was “Yellow Brick Road,” paying tribute to the classic movie, “The Wizard of Oz.” Once completed, the Yellow Brick Road will serve as a new pathway the Main Street Association is planning for artists and families to explore throughout the historic district streets. The Chalk Walk event has flourished and continued to
Logan Barry for The Hanover Local
The Ashland Main Street Association’s annual Chalk Walk featured a “Yellow Brick Road” theme this year, with artists connecting the path. At right, a flying monkey kept with the tie to “The Wizard of Oz.” This was the seventh year the association hosted the event in the town.
grow. According to the Main Street Association’s website, this is due to the “desire by their board of directors and Ashland-area artists to raise see CHALK, pg. 3
Naturalization ceremony welcomes new citizens By Rachel Lindsey for The Hanover Local BEAVERDAM – Patrick Henry’s home, Scotchtown, was the scene last week of the 12th annual Naturalization Ceremony in which over 50 people became United States citizens after taking an Oath of Allegiance. They represented more than 30 coun-
tries, including India, Egypt, Vietnam and Guatemala. On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the ceremony took place at the Beaverdam home of the “Orator of the Revolution,” just two days shy of Constitution Day, which recognizes the U.S. Constitution and those who have become naturalized U.S. citizens. Convening the proceedings was the
Honorable Roderk C. Young, United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. After administering the oath of allegiance, Judge Young was the first to formally address the group: “Congratulations and welcome to the United States as American see CEREMONY, pg. 7
As they become United States citizens, the group takes the Oath of Allegiance. Rachel Lindsey for The Hanover Local