COMMUNITY
HANOVER Hanover Tomato Festival vendor registration is open.
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Bryce Reeves to speak at Republican Women’s Club
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Vol. 2 No. 27 | Richmond Suburban News | January 11, 2017
‘Century Farms’ owners: Keep rail out of history By Rachel Moore for The Hanover Local
H
anover County is known for its rich history and historical properties. To date, 34 farms in Hanover County are designated as “Century Farms.” “The Virginia Century Farm Program recognizes and honors those farms that have been in operation for at least 100 consecutive years,” according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Several adjoining farms
in western Hanover recently attained “Century Farms” status, including Willow Spring Farm, Little Bethel Farm, Stillhouse Spring Farm, and White Oak Farm. “We just thought that was kind of unusual,” said Anne Marie Samuel, co-owner of Willow Spring Farm, who noted that typically these historical farms are scattered throughout towns, rather than side-by-side. When talking with property owners, it is obvious these farms have been a significant part of Hanover’s history and culture for far more than just The farm house at Willow Springs is shown after being remodeled.
the past century. These are the farms that once solely supplied the town with local produce, goods, and services. These are the descendants of local store owners, pharmacists, pilots, mail carriers, local registrars, and Civil War doctors. On these properties are hand-built homes, passed down through the generations, some of which still boast original hardwood floors and doors, original chimneys, and ornate, hand-carved carpentry. When you visit, family Bibles dating back to the 1700s chronicle the
Rachel Moore for The Local
see CENTURY, pg. 5
APD conducts traffic safety survey on Ashcake Road Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Officer Chip Watts, spokesman for Police Chief Doug Goodman, said the Ashland Police Department recently conducted a survey of traffic, specifically speeding, on Ashcake Road. “Based on input from our community regarding speeding on Ashcake Road, Ashland PD Traffic Safety officers conducted a survey of traffic using our A.C.U.T.E. (Addressing Complaints Using Technology and Enforcement) traffic safety program throughout the last three months of 2016,” Watts said. .He said that data collected during the traffic safety survey indicated that there is a speeding
problem on Ashcake Road, with a substantial number of vehicles exceeding 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit of 35 mph. According to Watts, officers will be conducting ongoing speed enforcement action in that area to insure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Motorists are reminded that the speed limit throughout Ashcake Road in town is 35 miles per hour. “The Ashland Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors alike and asks that you drive safely at all times,” Watts added. “Residents with traffic safety concerns may call 804-412-0600 or make a report on our website at www. ashlandpolice.us.”
A Snowy day in Ashland Nick Liberante for The Local
Passengers board a northbound train at the Ashland station. photos on page 3.