Ashland-Hanover Local – 02/15/17

ENTERTAINMENT

ASHLAND

Rehearsals continue for Ashland Musical Variety Show.

Council OKs construction project improvements.

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Vol. 2 No. 31 | Richmond Suburban News | February 15, 2017

County’s road funding issues: No easy answers

By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

H

ANOVER — After years of declining state road revenues allotted to localities for secondary road improvements, Hanover County officials are searching for ways to fund an expanded list of local road projects.

There are no easy answers, and Mike Flagg,

director of Public Works, said applying for and receiving those state funds is becoming more difficult Often, projects awarded through the Commonwealth Transportation Board are weighed on immediate impact the projects have on problem areas and amount of dollars required to complete that project.

For example, the U.S. 360 project ranked 34th on a list of priority projects compiled

by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Unfortunately, only the top 24 projects on the list received funding this year.

Flagg said the state focuses on “broken roads” and projects deemed critical to certain areas, and many approved projects are located in the state’s two main traffic areas, Tidewater and Northern Virginia.

He cited significant cuts in projects like the U.S. 33 widening at Ashland Road and U.S. 360

upgrades, and said local government is asked to do more and more when it comes to road maintenance and funding.

“We never envisioned at a staff level that the county would be responsible for the primary road needs within the county,” Flagg said.

For now, the prospect of a resumption of state funding seems remote, and Flagg presented a list of options for beginning the task of having see COUNTY pg. 4

New BOS leader: quality of life is priority

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

M

ECHANICSVILLE – When Angela KellyWiecek assumed the office of chair of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, she – in typical fashion – “hit the ground running.”

With any conversation, she’s always in planning mode and looking ahead when it comes to her county.

The Chickahominy District supervisor recently offered a glimpse into her upcoming year: “I know that development is on the minds of many people in Hanover. We are committed to remaining a largely rural county -- with roughly 80% of our county set to remain agricultural and rural conservation.

“My planning commissioner, school board representative and I are planning several more ‘Positive Vision for Hanover’ forums. These have been very well received and attended in the past and are specifically designed to discuss many of the quality of life issues that are important

ANGELA KELLY-WIECEK

to our citizens.”

With budget season well underway, Kelly-Wiecek also plans to host her annual Budget Town Meeting before the public hearing. In addition to budget talks, she is including a transportation/road funding discussion at the same time.

As recent headlines have shown, road improvements are on the minds of the

supervisors. The chair said, “Road funding is also a crucial topic for us this year.

Changes from the state level regarding proffer negotiations and a reduction in state funding for secondary roads have made it necessary for us to adjust our approach.”

On Jan.11, when Kelly-Wiecek accepted the gavel as leader of the seven-person body, she thanked her fellow board members for their support.

“It has been my experience that we can always learn from those around us and this past year has given us ample opportunities to work towards common goals and to do good work on our citizens’ behalf,” she said.

“It is my goal to continue that work in the coming year and to further our efforts at citizen engagement and communication, and transparency.”

Kelly-Wiecek referenced the recently created Citizen Engagement Committee, which was formed “to better understand what our citizens need and expect in terms of bike/pedestrian infrastructure.” see SUPERVISOR, pg. 12

Photo submitted by Edwin R. Hutchinson Jr.

The Kiwanis Club of Ashland inducted new members during its Feb. 6 dinner meeting. They are, from left, Suzanne DuBose, new member; Michele Herbert, new member; Dan DiCandilo, club president; Stephanie Valentino, new member; Marnie Triscari, new member; and PJ Edmonds, club president-elect.

Lions Club inducts new members Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Daniel DiCandilo, president of the Ashland Lions Club, and President-Elect PJ Edmonds inducted four new members during a Feb. 6 dinner meeting in Estes Hall on the campus of Randolph-Macon College.

The new Ashland Kiwanians are Suzanne

DuBose, Michele Herbert, Marnie Triscari and Stephanie Valentino, Hanover County residents and business professionals in Ashland.

To date, the Kiwanis Club has added six new members this year as it continues to seek individuals from the region who share its commitment to serving children and their communities. see LIONS, pg. 5

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The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

Council OKs construction project improvements

By Logan Barry for The Hanover Local ASHLAND — Authorization and funding for a construction project to add improvements on the Town of Ashland’s eastern side of Railroad Avenue were approved by Ashland Town Council last week.

The planned site of construction falls between Robinson Street and Myrtle Street.

Specific goals of the project aim to improve Ashland’s downtown aesthetics by replacing the deteriorating sidewalk, the downtown area’s nighttime visibility by updating to high-efficiency LED lighting, as well as improving the area through the elimination of overhead power lines on the affected block were discussed the regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Ashland Town Hall.

Also included in the project’s improvements for this section of downtown Ashland, along with the replacement of the block’s sidewalk, are to replace the curb and gutter with a brick accent, and to upgrade the storm water sewage system.

Mike Davis, the town’s director of public works, told council that Talley and Armstrong had been contracted for the excavation, as well as for the work that will need to be done on the curb, gutter and

sidewalk.

Davis also said that the town’s public works department will be working with Dominion Power to remove the existing overhead lights, noting it’s been their goal to complete this streetscape.

Explaining the process of how they will work with Dominion, Davis said the town has defined its goal to Dominion Power that they would like to be accomplished, as well as what’s currently preventing that goal from being accomplished, then Dominion examines what they’ve asked for and produces an estimated quote.

“They engineer it and tell us what it would take financially to do that,” Davis said.

Concerned how an intentional power outage could potentially affect local businesses in Ashland, Councilman Steve Trivett asked Davis about the impact it would have during the time period that the power is shutdown.

Davis said it wouldn’t be like a normal power outage. “They have systems in place to deal with these kinds of things.” He also said that local business owners have been made aware of the project.

Reconfirming how the town’s funding for the project “shall not exceed $250,000,” Councilman George Spagna made a motion to authorize the fund

to the Ashland public works department and to proceed with the project. Council unanimously approved the funding.

Davis said the improvements would “enhance public safety.”

Davis then appeared before council seeking about $86,000 in funding to build a Town Shop Complex.

He expressed the public works department’s need for the town to construct a climate-controlled garage that would be used to store a street-sweeper.

After listening to Davis’ second presentation, council members approved funding to construct the garage, which will be located near the railroad tracks at the intersection of Vaughan Road.

This property is located at a storage space already being used by the town for other equipment and vehicles.

Davis said the street-sweeper is their largest piece of equipment they have, and a critical one, but they’ve never had a shelter to store in it in during the winter months.

In other news, Ashland Town Attorney Andrea Erard finalized the town manager contract, formally setting the date for Joshua Farrar, current finance director and interim town manager, to officially transition into his new position.

Farrar will officially move into the town manager’s role on Feb. 25.

Variety Show rehearsals continue Rehearsals continue for the Ashland Musical Variety Show, which will be presented at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31 and April 1, at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of RandolphMacon College in Ashland. This Nick Liberante for The Hanover Local year’s theme is “Ashland Loves a Parade.” Lorie Foley and Sue Watson, co-producers/directors, and Carter Flippo and Fred Horn, music directors, have planned musical numbers that will showcase many different kinds of music, talents, dancing, singing, comedy, and people.

Davis to speak at HRWC meeting GLEN ALLEN – Del. Glenn Davis of the 84th House District and candidate for lieutenant governor, will address the Hanover DAVIS Republican Women’s Club at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Debbie’s Kitchen at 13155 Mountain Rd. in Glen Allen.

For more information about the meeting, or becoming a member of the HRWC, contact Liza Bradford, president, at elizabeth.bradford@hrwomen. com or visit www.hrwomen. com.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 4200 block of Hermleigh Lane, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, value $1,000, was reported in the 9000 block of Atlee Station Road.

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 6300 block of Creekway Court, Pebblepath Park, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road.

Failure to stop for school bus flashing lights was reported in the 11200 block of Old Scotland Road/Caruthers Way.

Violation of protective order (violence), second within five years, was reported in the 7900 block of Elliott Drive, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 31

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 10300 block of Chamberlayne Road.

Obtaining money, etc., under false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 7400 block of Mountain Lily Lane.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 8200 block of Oak Street.

Violation of protective order, violence, second, within five years, was reported in the 7900 block of Elliott Drive.

ID theft obtaining ID to avoid arrest was reported in the 7200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 10300 block of Summer Grove Road.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7100 block of Bonniefield

Drive.

Carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Cadys Mill Road.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 6400 block of Gaines Mill Road.

reported in the 4100 block of Peppertown Road.

Feb. 4

Feb. 3

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7200 block of Jackson Avenue/Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Driver did not report accident with damages, $250, in the 9100 block of Old Oaklawn Drive.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7000 block Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Driver did not report accident with damages, $500, in the 9300 block of Atlee Road.

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was

Simple assault was reported in the 10000 block of Siding Hill Road.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 11000 block of Ridgebrook Drive.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 8100 block of Candleberry Drive.

Obtaining money by false pretenses, $200, was reported in the 7800 block of Compass Point Lane.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 13000 block of Janes Creek Way. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Cold Harbor Road/Cold Harbor Road to Mechanicsville Turnpike.

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Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Hanover Airpark Business Association invites members of the community to take part in the Hanover Clean-Up day from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.

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The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

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OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals RICHARD BLANKENSHIP SR. Richard L. Blankenship Sr., passed away February 3, 2017. He was 93 years old, a life-long Richmond resident and was retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Mary Bray Blankenship; his parents, Louis and May Blankenship; sister, Margaret Baughan; BLANKENSHIP and brother, Eugene Blankenship. He is survived by his daughter, Martha Sykes and husband, Donald; his son, Rick and wife, Gay; grandsons, Lee Sykes and wife, Dawn, and their children, Madison and Landon; Jay Sykes and wife, Carrilynn, and their children, Addie, James and William; Mat Blankenship and wife, Blair, and their daughter, Briar; Chase Blankenship and wife, Fallon, and their daughter, Taylor Reese. Other survivors include brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Iris Bray; sister-in-law, Clara Bray; and brother-inlaw, Earl King. Richard had been a recent resident of Hanover Manor, where he enjoyed receiving friendship, kindness and love. His family would like to thank First Baptist Church-Ashland, Mount Vernon Baptist Church, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, and Saint Martin’s Episcopal Church for the prayers and support they provided. They also are grateful to Bon Secours Hospice for the wonderful care he received during the last days of his life. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at the First Baptist Church of Ashland at 800 Thompson Street in Ashland. Interment was private.

CLIFFORD EMERSON Clifford E. “Eddie” Emerson, born September 15, 1936, passed peacefully with friends and family at home on February 3, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Marie Emerson. He is survived by his brother, EMERSON

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Walter Emerson Jr.; sisters, Alma Turner and Merle Holbert; and stepsister, Patsy Riggleman; children, Tassy and Eddie Thomas, Ronnie Emerson, Ben and Carrie Emerson; grandchildren, Travis and Sarah Thomas, Kristinia and Dennis Mitchell, Cody Emerson, Shea Emerson and Bailey Emerson; greatgrandchildren, Addison, Gabriel and Elijah Thomas and Anora Mitchell; many nieces and nephews and life-long friends. A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2017, at the Beaverdam Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Beaverdam Baptist Church.

NINA JONES Nina Vernell Hall Jones, 86, of Beaverdam, left this life on Monday, February 6, 2017. Vernell was born May 4, 1930, to Page and Viola Askew Hall.

She lived her entire life in Beaverdam, where she was very active in her community. She was a friendly lady who loved meeting people and spending time chatting with them. She retired from Southern States after 12 years there, and, of course, she made many friends there as well. Vernell was a long-time member of Rouzie’s Chapel United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Page Hall Jr.; and sister, Lois Tillack. She is survived by her husband of almost 69 years, John Renzer Jones; her three children, John R. Jones Jr. (Darnell), Jerry Jones and Joan Leber (Larry); four grandchildren, Erin Jones Berger (Marc), Courtney Jones (Jen), Rachel Leber and Chris Leber; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017, at Woodward Funeral Home. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rouzie’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 21089 Green Bay Rd., Beaverdam, VA 23015.

Online guestbook may be found at woodwardfuneral.com.

MARY LIPSCOMB Mary Josephine Lipscomb, 79, of Beaverdam, went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2017. She was preced-

The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

ed in death by her husband, Warner D. Lipscomb; and son-in-law, James Zicafoose. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Zicafoose; son, Warner D. Lipscomb Jr. (Debra); daughter, Kathy Brown (Douglas); daughter, Donna Gilley; five grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. Funeral services were held at noon Monday, February 6, 2017, at Bliley’s-Staples Mill Chapel. Interment followed in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

ALBERT WALINSKI Albert Stephen Walinski, 78, of Rockville and originally of Richmond, passed away on February 1, 2017. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Charlotte; and their daughter, Kristin; his sisters, Brenda Murray (Gene) and Ellen Endicott (Sam); his brother, Brian (Robin); his sister-in-law, Dorothy WALINSKI Spicer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He graduated from Hermitage High School in 1957 and served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1967. Albert had a knack for finding connections with people, and his ready smile left an indelible impression on everyone he met. His innate kindness had a profound impact on many, from the customers who faithfully visited his checkout line at Ukrop’s during his retirement to those who befriended him and his wife at their weekly dinners at Debbie’s Kitchen, Hickory Notch, and Vinny’s Italian Grill. He relished holding his wife’s hand, taking leisurely Sunday afternoon drives, watching talent-driven reality television and petting his spoiled lap cats. He loathed seafood (but loved fishing), craft beer and any team playing the Virginia Cavaliers. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Signal Hill Memorial Park a 12360 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or bestow an unexpected act of kindness upon a stranger. Bliley’s Funeral Home at 8510 Staples Mill Road in Richmond was in charge of arrangements.

Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

Mike Flagg, director of Public Works, told the Hanover County Board of Supervisors that Hanover County has more than $140 million in road projects in the pipeline, and more of that funding is coming from local sources. He outlined a tightening state method of awarding contracts and noted changes in proffer policies that are forcing localities to look for other road funding mechanisms.

COUNTY Continued from pg. 1

in place a road funding revenue stream to meet the growing needs.

There’s always the option of raising the county’s real estate assessment of 81 cents of $100 of assessed value, the lowest in the region. Or, the county could opt for a meals tax, a mechanism employed by more than 80 Virginia localities.

The most viable option involves a restoration of the county’s vehicle license fee, a $25 annual levy.

Wayne Hazzard, South Anna District supervisor, acknowledged the need for road funding, but indicated it might be too soon to give up state sources or other revenues.

“Our new administration in Washington [D.C.] has talked about infrastructure spending. I think it’s wise that we use every avenue we can to let them know the impact on us at the local level to see what we can do about bringing it back — at least to the level it was two or three years ago … before we go to local sources,” Hazzard said.

He also noted the disproportionate amount of project funds that flow to the Tidewater

and Northern Virginia areas.

“Because of the traffic in Northern Virginia and Tidewater, we’ve kind of been skipped over, and the funds we would normally get for our roads are now going to other jurisdictions,” he said.

Beaverdam representative Bucky Stanley pointed out the county is now tasked with the burden of taking care of stateowned roads.

“These are state roads but you are putting it right back on the counties to come up with additional money,” Stanley said. “That’s very disappointing to me.”

Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard said she agreed with those points, but noted the need is now for many road projects.

“We have to have a dedicated source for transportation funding, I’m uncomfortable with waiting for someone else to send it to us,” Prichard said.

Henry District representative Sean Davis, who heads the Community Development Committee where options are being studied, also favors prompt action to provide a steady revenue source for transportation needs. see COUNTY, pg. 5

New dates for Atlee Friends Book Sale MECHANICSVILLE -- The dates of the Atlee Friends Spring Book Sale had to be changed due to schedule conflicts with the rooms at the library used for the sale.

The previous dates were March 30, 31, and April 1.

The news dates are March 23, 24, and 25, 2017.

Donations of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, and VHS tapes are still needed for the Spring Book Sale.

However, Friends of the Atlee Library needs

LIONS Continued from pg. 1

The Kiwanis Club of Ashland was established in 1923 and has been providing community service to Ashland, Hanover and adjacent communities ever since.

The Kiwanis motto is “serving the children of the world.”

Kiwanis International includes 8,400 clubs with more than 270,000 members in 96 nations.

to have the books in bags or boxes.

If you have more than two bags or boxes, call the library at 804-559-0654 to make an appointment to drop off your books.

The organization needs to be assured that members can take care of moving all the books.

Those who donate may receive a receipt to acknowledge contributions for tax purposes from the staff.

The biggest need for the sale is for hardback and paperback fiction.

Last year, Kiwanis clubs donated more than $100 million and almost 6 million volunteer hours for community service projects.

The Ashland club actively sponsors Key Clubs at four area high schools, Glen Allen, Hanover, Lee-Davis and Patrick Henry; the CKI Club at Randolph-Macon College and the Ashland Aktion Club (for Hanover adults with disabilities).

It also has a Reading

Mentors program at Henry Clay Elementary School and a Perfect Attendance Program for students at four area elementary schools.

The club provides scholarships for qualifying, graduating Key Club seniors each year.

Club service activities include Ashland’s annual Olde Time Holiday Parade, volunteers for Train Day, and installation of playground equipment at Pufferbelly Park in Ashland.

COUNTY Continued from pg. 4

He noted his opinion on the probability of state funds being restored for local road funding. “I see nothing in speaking with our state legislators that there’s any chance of this coming back … the funding is cut; it’s not coming back,” Davis said.

“If we put this on hold, I just want people to know that we are putting some of these projects on hold because there is no money,” he added.

The committee meets Feb.20, and Davis invited anyone who has a plan to come forward.

“If we’ve got some plans, let’s get them on the table, and get them on the table quickly,” Davis said.

Mechanicsville representative Canova Peterson applauded the airing of this issue, a process that allows community input and feedback.

“I’d like to recognize the Development Committee for bringing this forward to the full

board today,” Peterson said. “The full board and the public can be part and parcel of this discussion of road projects going forward.”

Peterson also urged more pressure on state legislators to at “least come up with a plan.”

Hazzard warned against hasty action on this matter, citing the state’s Line of Duty Act which localities are now forced to fund.

“There’s nothing the state would like better than for us to take this over,” Hazzard said. “I think we need to be careful about rushing out and curing this problem.”

Chair Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Chickahominy District, said the county is attempting to deal with a problem; one not entirely of its own making. “If, on one hand, we’re not going to get the money we used to, and you’re not going to let us go to other sources to fix it – quite frankly, I’m talking about recent changes in the proffer legislation, the fact Richmond was not allowed to participate (in the formation of transportation districts), we are simply doing our best. We have this set of cards and we are doing our best to play them on our citizens’ behalf.”

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OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

Can a country be both safe and merciful?

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News “It’s not doing what is right that’s hard for a President. It’s knowing what is right.”

— Lyndon Johnson Though polls suggest that nearly half of all Americans agree with — or at least support — President Donald Trump’s recent executive order concerning, among other things, refugees from war-ravaged Syria, outcry over his action has been difficult to ignore.

It should probably surprise no one at this point that President Trump is not one to check which way the political winds are blowing before making decisions. So it also shouldn’t have come as much of a shock that his latest move flies in the face of both tradition and the advice of those who have made diplomacy their lives’ work.

But while many voices on both sides of the aisle — and internationally — have been decrying Trump’s ban on Syrian refugees, I will not lend my voice to that chorus.

Instead, as someone who has worked with refugees in the past, I will simply offer a few words on their behalf.

I would assume that President Trump has at least a rudimentary understanding of just what the people of Syria are fleeing, the desperate lengths to which they are willing to go to get out, and the future that awaits them if they are not permitted a safe haven.

I would hope that he has had the chance to meet some of these families, to see that they love their own children as much as he loves his, that many of them are as educated, intelligent and industrious as he is, and that they are asking nothing more than for an opportunity to raise their families in a country that isn’t collapsing all around them.

If the system, as House Speaker Paul Ryan said, is broken, then do what needs to be done to fix it.

No one is asking for a less safe country. But also please remember that so much of what has made our country great over that past 100 years — and indeed long before that — has been the dedication, sweat, ingenuity and patriotism of those who came here from somewhere else, many seeking the same protection that citizens of Syria are begging for now.

I’m going to give our President the benefit of the doubt on this one. He is keeping a promise to those who elected him, and his efforts, misguided as they may seem to some of us, are not without precedent.

I simply hope that, in our quest to remain watchful, we have not forgotten what it means to be merciful.

Roslyn Ryan is editor of The Goochland Gazette.

Mass transit: Giving credit where credit is due

By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local Itreasure the vivid memories I have as a child catching the street car at the District Line in Washington and taking the streetcar to Griffith Stadium to watch the Senators.

It was an era of the streetcar’s last gasp, and I distinctly remember riding my final time on my first trip to RFK Stadium, then called DC Stadium.

As a teenager, I remember dodging the annoying streetcar rails on

Monument Avenue coupled with centuries-old bricks that made the drive hazardous at best.

I’m not sure how much is left of Richmond’s Electric Trolley system, but the story of how the city landed the first motorized commercial streetcar system in the United States is one seldom associated with the city’s colorful and abundant history.

Frank Julian Sprague was a Naval Academy graduate from Connecticut who friends described as a man who

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The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

couldn’t sit still.

After completing a commission in the Navy, Sprague began working with Thomas Edison, designing motors to power his nationally emerging electrical power system.

Edison’s assistant quickly outgrew the mentor when it came to electrical motors. Sprague had a new design that strengthened and increased power, opening a myriad of possible industrial uses for the new technology.

But, Sprague had a vision of using

his invention to power a bustling horsedrawn streetcar business in major American cities.

The young inventor feared that Edison would claim his latest innovations as his own, but worked secretly on his unique electric motor.

In 1884, Sprague resigned from his $2,500 a year job with Edison and launched his trolley car venture, with little success at the beginning.

Early prototypes evoked more see TRANSIT pg. 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Hanover Local.

Send letters to: The Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2017 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

Resident unhappy with road work on Atlee, U.S. 301 The Road work on Atlee Road from U.S. 301 is the worst piece of work I have seen done. They took front yards away and put a dead zone in the middle of the road. Try to get into either of the strip malls off Atlee Road there. You are taking your life in your own hands.

Drivers leave 301 and by the time they get where the road goes back into two lanes they are running about 55 to 60 miles per hour. There are children playing in front yards. Someone is going to get killed or hurt.

The road work is bad as well. It is not smooth at all. The county sure did throw the taxpayers’ money away on this project.

Also, up at 301 people don’t know how to read road signs. They turn when they should go straight when they are supposed to turn south onto 301.

Our Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office deputies can’t be there 24/7.

Warren Timberlake Mechanicsville

Resident: leaders OK development at any cost Those of us who have been opposing the helter skelter development here in Hanover County over the last few years were not surprised by the headline in the Richmond Times Dispatch today (Jan. 27, 2017).

I have been at numerous Hanover County Board of Supervisors meetings and heard people from the Virginia Department of Transportation tell our BOS that the state had no money for road improvements in Hanover County.

I have heard many citizens object to a new development on the grounds that the roads could not handle the see LETTERS pg. 7

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

increase in traffic.

Our planning commission and our BOS totally ignored all objections. Facts did not matter to our out of control BOS. The obsession to develop at any cost was very difficult to understand.

Now we see the predictable results of years of bad judgment and rash action by our BOS. The cost of helter skelter development will be passed along to taxpayers. It will start with a decal tax on vehicles. This will only bring in about $6 million.

Six million dollars will only be a small drop in a very big bucket.

Expect to pay over $100 million.

They are going to tax everything you have. Every member of our BOS

knew this at least two years ago and they took no action to stop it.

Larnie Allgood Vice president Mechanicsville Tea Party

Participant explains why she marched At the March on Washington on Jan. 21, I wore a suffragette-like sash that read “Still Marching 18482017� because I wanted to honor my mother, grandmothers and all the women who sacrificed for equality for women. I also wanted to acknowledge that we are not there yet and add my voice to the clamor for change.

The U.S. is one of only nine countries in the world that do not provide paid maternity leave.

Affordable childcare and universal pre-K are still dreams for most.

The U.S. ranks 65th in wage equality worldwide with American women earning at most 80 cents for every dollar men earn, with women of color earning significantly less.

This wage disparity results in twice as many women retiring in poverty.

About 84 percent of the world constitutions codify gender equality, but the U.S. Constitution does not.

I marched for equality.

Being a part of the largest march in history was exhilarating.

Although we were packed like sardines, I am not the only one to observe the overwhelming sentiment of the marchers was kindness.

I regret that some felt excluded from the march, particularly since it felt so loving.

I know, though, that not all women ask for equality.

Many traditional women and men fought against women’s suffrage, women’s access to education, and even today fight against protecting women from the violence directed at them. I march for them too, because, in the end, we all benefit when this half of the population is safe, educated and able to voice their concerns.

I was heartened to see so many energized young women and men in D.C. When it is time for me to pass my baton, I now know it will go into dedicated, capable hands.

Mary Anne Pugh Montpelier

TRANSIT Continued from pg. 6

doubt than confidence in the new emerging technology, and Sprague’s fledgling company was on its last leg when a contract arrived from an unlikely source, the City of Richmond, Virginia.

The agreement posed little risk for local investors whose confidence was backed by an almost money-back guarantee. Sprague received no money for the project until its completion and successful demonstration.

The beleaguered Yankee spent $75,000 of his money to complete the project, a 23mile line with four electric-powered cars, called trolleys because they were linked to overhead lines called trollers.

The challenging terrain and numerous inclines of Richmond tested the newly constructed electric cars and Sprague tweaked his design to increase power. see TRANSIT, pg. 8

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The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

7

CALENDAR

F

ax submissions to calendar to 730-0476, email to events@mechlocal. com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116.

Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Hanover Local.

| News, Updates & Listings Friday, Feb. 17

Monday, Feb. 20

Friday, Feb. 24

Winn’s Baptist Church at 12320 Winns Church Rd. in Glen Allen will host a gospel music concert at 7 p.m., with Smokey Wilson. A love offering will be taken or more information, call 804798-5512, 804-798-6179 or Carlton at 804-651-4544.

RSVPs are due for the first student-run Hanover County Model Congress, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, at Atlee High School. Students may serve as delegates or committee chairs. Parent volunteers are appreciated. Cost is $20 per student (lunch included). Email hanovercongress@gmail.com for more details.

A Hanover Community Cleanup will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19 Join Queen Victoria and other members of the royal family at an elegant afternoon tea at 2 p.m. at the E. J. Wade Coach House at the Hanover Tavern. The lavish three-course service will be one of the most elegant of the four teas to be presented at the Hanover Tavern in 2017. Tiaras, gloves, fans and Victorian gowns are appropriate. Booking early is advised.

Tickets are $30.

Thursday, Feb. 23 The Hanover Democratic Women’s Coffee will be held at 7 p.m. at Sonya Arrington’s home at 7110 Kella Way in Mechanicsville. For more information or to RSVP, contact Diane Neergaard at daneergaard@comcast.net or 804-299-2399.

Wednesday, March 8 At Home In Ashland Educational Series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Richard S. Gillis Jr./Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland.

The program includes: Ashland “Village” Meeting with Beth Harrison, chair, At Home in Ashland. Cara Jennings, M.D., Bon Secours Palliative Medicine, will be the keynote speaker. She will discuss “Acupuncture.”

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served.

The meeting is open to the public and is free of charge.

To register, call 804-3991844 or email jrshalf@gmail. com.

Saturday, March 18 PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

Airpark 5K Run will be held at the Center of the University at the Airpark in Ashland. The event will feature music, beer and food trucks.

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Office hours 8:30 – 5:00 • Monday – Friday Questions? Call 804-746-1235 ext. 0 / 804-775-4610 or email mwall@mechlocal.com The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

PAYMENT INFORMATION Mail Check to: The Hanover Local, Attn: Subscription 8460 Times Dispatch Boulevard Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Cash and Check accepted at the above address.

Friday, May 19

Registration is now open for the Hanover Airpark Business Association’s 3rd annual golf tournament in support of Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN). The tournament will be held at the Hollows. Those who may not wish to golf are invited to sponsor the event or only attend the dinner. The golf package is $400 per team.

The day includes: 18 holes of golf; lunch; shotgun start at noon; dinner and prizes presentation at 4:30 p.m.; and a chance to win a golf trip on Par 5 hole – world long drive golf professional will hit 400yard drive for each group that participates, any group that makes a donation and holds out his shot from the fairway wins a $5,000 golf trip for two. Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11 a.m.

HABA is seeking hole sponsors, donations and prizes.

Dinner only is $25.

Ongoing Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at

TRANSIT Continued from pg. 7

On a warm July night somewhere around 18th Street, Sprague lined up 22 trolleys and powered them up the steep hill all at once.

The demonstration was enough to convince Henry Whitney, the nation’s most powerful mass transit owner, that Sprague’s plan would work in large cities like Boston.

From those humble beginnings, mass transit became the order of the day in large cities across America. Whitney took Sprague’s trolleys back

the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville.

The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-7304812 or email sandy.leigh@ verizon.net.

at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804789-0536.

Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m., at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-9645 or email kjfaith1@ gmail.com.

General cancer support group meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Cancer Resource Center in Medical Office Building 1 on the hallway leading to VCU Massey Radiation Oncology. The group is co-facilitated by an oncology social work navigator, registered nurse navigator and survivorship nurse practitioner.

Thursdays

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through midDecember, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center

The Rotary Club of Ashland meets at noon for lunch at the Henry Clay Inn at 114 N. Railroad Ave. in Ashland. For more information, contact Jennifer Fox at 804-314-2834 or jfox@barnesfamilylaw.com.

to Boston and constructed a major system of motorized mass transit.

For Sprague, it was only the beginning of a long career of numerous inventions, most involving his electric motor. He proceeded to modernize the elevator industry with his powerful motors and is credited with starting the Otis Elevator Company.

His fear of Edison’s ego proved correct, and Edison Electric Company bought Sprague’s Trolley Car Company, and quickly replaced Sprague’s name with Edison on most of

the streetcar motors.

But, history got it right, and Sprague is credited with changing the face of mass transit in the United States. His motor became the worldwide standard for trolleys and streetcars.

Sprague’s system served the city well until the last streetcar made its way to Highland Park in December 1949.

His legacy lives on in the numerous inventions created, and his electric motor changed the way our nation developed and prospered.

And it all started right here in Richmond.

Tuesdays

UPCOMING EVENTS

02

15 2017

Men’s basketball: Bridgewater at Randolph-Macon 7:00 p.m.

02

18 2017

Group 5A wrestling championship finals at O.C. Smith 3:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Freeman gymnasts repeat as region champs For both the Confederates and Patriots, the end of the season for most of their gymnasts is bittersweet.

“I feel like we’re in good spirits,” said Patrick Henry head coach Kylie Foster. “We have a super awesome positive team.

We’re losing one of our super awesome gymasts – Jennifer [Flores]. This year is her last year, and we’re sad about that.

“But all around, I feel like we did a fairly good job. We had some stumbles and falls like normal, but I feel like we overcame those and bumped

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor VIRGINIA BEACH – The competition was tough, but Douglas Freeman gymnast Kameryn Shears was determined to bring home a second straight region title for the Rebels.

While Salem’s Jazmine Belmar had more wins in individual events, Shears claimed one event win of her own as well as the all-around championship as she led Douglas Freeman to its second straight Region 5A South gymnastics championship at Salem High School Saturday.

The Rebels scored 144.125 points in their win. Salem was second with 142.975 points and earned the region’s other team berth in the VHSL Group 5A championships Friday at Patriot High School in Nokesville.

Kempsville was third, while Lee-Davis and Patrick Henry finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

With the team and allaround titles, Shears accomplished both of her goals for the day. To get there, though, she had to pull off something she had not attempted in competition all season: a Yurchenko pike on the vault.

“My vault, I hadn’t done in two years. I just got it back recently,” Shears said. “So that was a little scary to compete

our way up.”

Lee-Davis head coach Cy Witherow was likewise happy with the Confederates’ performance – despite the fact that the team was missing several starters at the regional.

“We scored more with a backup lineup today than we did last week with everybody at conference,” Witherow said.

“So I was pleased that the kids stepped up and filled in for the kids that we were missing.”

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

Play ball!

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Patrick Henry’s Sierra Baxter competes in the vault in the Region 5A South gymnastics championships at Salem High School Saturday. Baxter qualified for the Virginia High School League Group 5A individual championships in the vault, parallel bars and floor performance.

today, but I did it. … I felt really accomplished when I landed it.”

The vault netted her a score of 9.500, good enough for third place in the event behind Belmar and Kempsville’s Cemone Moore, who both tied for first with a 9.525.

Shears close out the day (literally as the last athlete performing) by winning the balance beam – an event causing no end of trouble for many of the gymnasts – with a 9.750.

She was second by a tenth of a point to teammate Erin Hayes on the parallel bars (Hayes

scored 9.475) and finished in a tie for fifth in the floor performance with Princess Anne’s Nicole Ebrea with a score of 9.300.

Belmar won the floor performance with a 9.575 score.

It was the first regional victory for the Rebels’ first-year head coach, Miggen Carlson.

She had little idea of what to expect at the regional level.

“I honestly did not know the level competition in the [Virginia] Beach area,” Carlson said. “I knew that Freeman came down here last year and that they won. So my ultimate

goal was to get them to states.

I feel like I have achieved my goal, but these girls have far exceeded my expectations.”

Patrick Henry’s Sierra Baxter and Lee-Davis’ Britney Blowers both advanced to the state individual tournament in three events: the vault, parallel bars and floor performance.

Glen Allen’s Savannah Hughes will advance in the parallel bars, and Hanover’s Sophie Vota will advance in the balance beam.

The Group 5A individual tournament will be held Saturday at Patriot High School in Nokesville.

Nick Liberante for The Local

The Randolph-Macon baseball team opened its season with a pair of wins against St. Mary’s. Sophomore Colin Selby pitched three scoreless innings of relief in the Yellow Jackets 8-1 win in the opener. The Yellow Jackets closed out the day with a 9-3 victory over the Seahawks.

The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

9

Buzzer-beater lifts Yellow Jackets over Lynchburg

By Andrew Spencer for The Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND – RandolphMacon was clearly the underdog when its women’s basketball team hosted Old Dominion Athletic Conference leader Lynchburg at Crenshaw Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

But the Yellow Jackets were not willing to accept the underdog role. They fought back from an early 10-point deficit to make it a see-saw contest throughout regulation. Despite trailing 7572 with 12 seconds remaining in overtime, they scored five points in the final six seconds – a jumper by Michal Ross and a 3-pointer by Marisha Berry – to earn a 77-72 win.

While it was senior day for Randolph-Macon, the underclassmen really lit up the court.

Freshman Kelly Williams led all scorers with 29 points and 19 rebounds, and former Atlee standout Ashley Weaver added

Nick Liberante for The Local

Randolph-Macon women’s basketball head coach Carroll LaHaye watches as Michal Ross goes for a loose Lynchburg ball. The Yellow Jackets beat the Hornets 77-75 in overtime Saturday.

13 points.

But there were no bigger points on the night than the trey scored by Berry as time was running out in overtime.

“When I got the ball and

saw that I had the open shot, I knew I had to take it,” Berry said. “I was just praying that it would go in when I let it go.

And I didn’t know it was going in until it bounced off the back-

board and fell through the net.”

Randolph-Macon head coach Carroll LaHaye was proud of her team’s performance.

“I thought we showed great

poise in that last possession,” said LaHaye. “We hustled after the ball and came up with the shot. If there’s somebody that I would want to take that shot, Marisha is certainly somebody I would want taking it.”

After trailing for most of the game, the Jackets battled back in the fourth quarter. They took the lead with 58 seconds to play when Weaver was fouled on a jump shot. She got the basket and made the follow-up free throw to complete the threepoint play to put the Yellow Jackets (12-10, 7-7 ODAC) ahead 65-62.

But with 31 seconds left on the clock, Lynchburg’s Olivia DeFrancesco nailed a 3-pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime.

The teams battled backand-forth in overtime, which featured multiple ties and three lead changes.

With just under six seconds left to play in the extra period, the Jackets cut the Lynchburg

lead to 1. On the ensuing inbounds pass for Lynchburg (18-5, 12-2), it was Hanover County versus Hanover County, as Weaver broke up a pass intended for former Lee-Davis and St. Catherine’s standout and current Lynchburg junior Caroline Naumann.

The ball richoted off Naumann and went out of bounds, giving the Jackets the ball with 5.9 seconds.

“I didn’t want to foul her, so I tried to let her go,” Weaver said, “When the ball came in, I got my hands up and she ended up hitting it out.”

This game showed how much the Yellow Jackets – with just one senior and four juniors – have matured.

“We’ve been slowly growing throughout the year,” LaHaye said. “And I’m just really proud of this team. Today was a great confidence builder for us.”

Andrew Spencer can be reached at sports@mechlocal. com.

R-MC men hold on for win over Shenandoah

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – RandolphMacon’s men have one big task to master in the final days of the regular season: finishing off opponents.

The Yellow Jackets repeatedly built up double-digit leads, then lost them, against visiting Shenandoah Wednesday night.

It took a pair of free throws by Michael Taylor with 18 seconds left to ensure an 80-73 victory over the Hornets in Crenshaw Gymnasium.

In the final nail-biting moments for the RandolphMacon faithful, the Yellow Jackets watched a 12-point lead with 58 seconds left in the game shrink to a 3-point lead with 23

10

seconds left.

Taylor was fouled on a drive to the basket. Part of the reason why Shenandoah had stayed at Randolph-Macon’s heels had been somewhat shaky Yellow Jacket free-throw shooting down the stretch, but Taylor wasn’t feeling any extra pressure when he stepped up to the line.

“I’ve been in that situation quite a bit and I want the ball in that situation,” he said. “It’s something I’ve trained for my whole life, so I don’t feel any pressure. I have confidence in my ability to make those free throws.”

His confidence was well placed. He sank both free throws to make it at least a twopossession game and all-but put an upset victory out of reach for

The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

the Hornets.

While Randolph-Macon (16-6, 12-1 Old Dominion Athletic Conference) avoided the loss, Shenandoah (8-14, 49) exposed a weakness that may prove fatal to the Yellow Jackets’ hope of returning to the NCAA Division III tournament – the ability to close out games.

“We got a little comfortable, a little too comfortable, coming out in the second half,” Taylor said. “We let them feel that they almost had a chance because we weren’t attacking as we normally were. In the future we need to come out with more intensity.”

He said the Yellow Jackets were relying too much on the clock to do their work for them.

“It was like we were playing scared,” Taylor said. “When we would do that – let’s say we ran 30 seconds off the clock but didn’t get a shot up – that’s feeding them momentum, giving them energy. So they were attacking. We were more just trying to take care of the ball.”

Randolph-Macon head coach Josh Merkel said the Yellow Jackets will work to do a better job of finishing games.

“It’s good to – as all coaches will say – learn from those experiences in a win,” Merkel said. “We’ve actually been pretty good in those situations, so it’s disappointing that we did not finish strong. That’s a mental thing. That’s just losing mental focus down the stretch.”

Taylor led a quartet of Yellow

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Randolph-Macon’s Daniel Noe (3) drives past Shenandoah’s Kwa McDonald (20) for 2 of his 16 points in the Yellow Jackets’ 80-73 win over the visiting Hornets Wednesday.

Jacket double-figure scorers with 19 points. Daniel Noe added 16 points, Jamie Wilson contributed 12 and Jermaine Johnson scored 11 off the bench for Randolph-Macon.

Shenandoah’s Malcolm

Clark led all scorers with 31 points. Dalon McHugh scored 14 points and Kwa McDonald 12 for the Hornets.

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

CLASSIFIEDS Homes for Sale Real Estate Policy All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Virginia Fair Housing Law, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap.”

We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law.

All persons are hereby informed that all the dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Business & Service Directory HAULING A & N Hauling, LLC Gravel, Mulch, Top Soil & Sand Call 804-876-2887

GENERAL

Recruitment GENERAL Hanover-Caroline Soil & Water Conservation District is accepting applications for the position of Administrative and Education Specialist. The qualified candidate will perform office administrative /bookkeeping duties and coordinate K-12 Education Outreach opportunities. Applicants must be able to work independently and have strong computer, math, and financial skills.

QuickBooks, public relations, media and K-12 Education experience are a plus. Valid driver’s license and criminal background check required. A minimum of 40 hours per week is required including occasional night and weekend travel. Starting salary is a Virginia state pay band 3 with benefits and is commensurate with experience. Applications must include a Commonwealth of Virginia Application for Employment and two letters of recommendation.

Resumes are optional. A fillable application form is available at https://www .trs.virginia.gov/Documents/Gm/state app.doc. A copy of the full job description can be downloaded at http://www. hanovercounty.gov/Soil-andWater/3077/. Applications must be received or post-marked by March 3, 2017 to the Hanover-Caroline SWCD, P.O. Box 446, Hanover, VA 23069. An Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information call 804-537-3014.

Pearson & Company, PC is looking for a seasonal tax preparer January through April 2017. The candidate should have experience with prior CPA firm and preparing business and individual income tax returns.

Ultratax experience preferred, but not necessary. Telecommuting is a possibility. Please email Lisa White @ lisaw hite@cpas4u.net for further details.

Pet Boarding Facility looking for PT Kennel Assistant Pet experience helpful.

Early Mornings & Afternoons.

Includes weekends & some holidays. Call 730-4616

HEALTHCARE Healthcare service looking for an experienced companion to sit with a elderly woman at least once a month, Friday Sunday evenings, for family members to have time off. Respite hours can be used as well. Must be pet friendly for two dogs to let outside when needed.

Very little cooking, housekeeping, or supervision is required. Must have a current cpr/first aid certificate. Back ground check is required. PCG is involved with the state for payroll. If interested contact, Sandy at 804-9805576. If no answer, leave message and telephone number.

OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS Driver - Local Richmond Area Delivery of Portable Storage Units Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5:00pm Flatbed wrecker experience or CDL is Required. Please send Resume to: Applicant, 10487 Washington Hwy. Glen Allen, Va. 23059 Or email to hubblec@hotmail.com

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Paul Brown Plumbing - in Business Since 1983. New Residential, Light Commercial, Renovations, Additions & Service. We do it all! Senior Citizen Discounts. For free estimate, 746-5030

ROOFING Davidson Roofing Co. Residential Roofing & Repair Specialists. Lic/Insured GAF Master Elite Contractor BBB /Free Estimates 804-672-0540 www.davidsonroofing.com

LAWN CARE R. J. Davis Lawncare, Inc. Complete Lawn Care Services & Turf Care Packages 798-0492 www.RJDavisLawnCare.com Short Cuts Landscape, LLC Grass Cutting, Pruning, Trimming, Mulching & Leaf Removal 804-218-8780

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Hardscape Services: Patio Installs/ Designs, Sidewalks, Retaining Walls, Repairs. For free estimates call, 804-779-3464. Fully Insured. hanoverpruningandhardscapeinc.com

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Merchandise MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Mattress Truck Load Sale - Twin $89; Full $99; Queen $129; King $189. Delivery/Lay -A-Way. Call 804-218-0680.

WE CARE! WE CARE! Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor Every Week Every Week Email us at: mkinser@mechlocal.com

This is YOUR Newspaper The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

11

Student news: Dean’s List and honors HARRISONBURG — James Madison University is pleased to announce that the following students made the dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester: Savannah Evans of Mechanicsville, who is scheduled to graduate in 2018 and is majoring in accounting.

Alyssa Smith of Ashland, who is scheduled to graduate in 2017 and is majoring in biology.

Austin Spencer of Montpelier, who is scheduled to graduate in 2020 and is majoring in finance.

Chelsea Thomas of Montpelier, who is scheduled to graduate in 2018 and is majoring in justice studies.

Makenzie Gittman of Beaverdam, who is scheduled to graduate in 2017 and is majoring in kinesiology.

Sarah Puckett of Montpelier, who is scheduled to graduate in 2017 and is majoring in marketing.

——HARRISONBURG — James Madison University is pleased to announce that the following students made the president’s list for the fall 2016 semester: Isabella Lassiter of Beaverdam, who is majoring in graphic design and is scheduled to graduate in 2019.

J

John Edelman of Ashland, who is majoring in marketing and is scheduled to graduate in 2020.

Melanie Lyons of Ashland, who is majoring in nursing and is scheduled to graduate in 2018.

David Boyd of Montpelier, who is majoring in psychology and is scheduled to graduate in 2017.

Catherine Burch of Ashland, who is majoring in studio art and is scheduled to graduate in 2020.

Joanna Pottle of Glen Allen, who is majoring in studio art and is scheduled to graduate in 2018.

Taylor Webb of Ruther Glen, who is majoring in health sciences and is scheduled to graduate in 2017, ——BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — Sarah Toney of Rockville recently was initiated at Virginia Commonwealth University into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

——KINGSTON, Rhode Island – Sydney Anne Wall of Ruther Glen, who is majoring in nursing, qualified for the Fall 2016 Dean’s List at the University of Rhode Island.

SUPERVISOR Continued from pg. 1

She also said, “I wish to continue our efforts to leverage new technologies and media options so that citizens know exactly what we are doing on their behalf, but more importantly so that they will know about the many ways in which they can participate and have their voice heard.”

“This year,” she continued, “we will begin our Comprehensive Plan Review with our Planning Commission. It is essential that our citizens understand what this plan is, how we use it, and, most importantly, have input on it!

“It is, after all, the plan for how we want our county to look in 20 to 30 years, and it has a profound impact not just on the lifestyles of our citizens but on the health and expansion of our economic development efforts,” Kelly-Wiecek said.

She said a preliminary

Ad Reps e ! u c s e R e h To T

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We’ll save you from the EVIL VILLIAN of bad marketing!

J..R. Hammond

Tom Haynie

471448-01

Advertising Representative Advertising Representative 338-3449 775-4627 jhammond@mechlocal.com thaynie@mechlocal.com

12

The Hanover Local February 15, 2017

Sarah Suttles

Advertising Representative 775-4620 ssuttles@mechlocal.com

schedule had been established with a base number of meetings. “I want our citizens to know that this is, in fact, a preliminary schedule and we can certainly expand the number of informational sessions if necessary.”

County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr., Kelly-Wiecek said, “will be bringing a set of board initiatives for the year” in the next few months.

“I would like to take this opportunity to share with Mr. Harris and my colleagues my desire for one of those initiatives. Over the last few years we have improved our IT infrastructure and, in particular, our financial management software.

With those improvements and the features they provide, I believe we are ready and the time is right for us to put our county checkbook online. It is my hope to provide not just access to our citizens but also meaningful information on the nature of the expenditures we make on their behalf.”

Kelly-Wiecek said, “We hear a great deal these days about what is wrong with government. I think that, here in Hanover, we are the example of what is right. We have outstanding, conservative, financial management, and a dedicated and qualified staff. People want to live here because of our sense of community and because together with our Sheriff ’s Office and our school system, we offer a very attractive way of life.

“For some that’s a more rural life, and for others it’s a more suburban life, but, either way, we have much to offer.”

The new chair emphasized the supervisors’ commitment “to serving our citizens -- and not just this board’s commitment, but the commitment of Mr. Harris and Mr. [Sterling] Rives and their top-notch staff. We could not do our job without them. I want to thank you both and your respective departments for your hard work.” Rives is the county

attorney.

Kelly-Wiecek extended what she described as a personal and public thank you to Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, “for the outstanding work he and his office do to keep us safe in these often disturbing and worrisome times. I want to thank Chief [Jethro] Piland and his staff for their perseverance in the face of challenge.”

Piland serves as the chief of Hanover Fire-EMS. “Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the [Hanover County] School Board and Dr. [Michael] Gill for their tireless work to provide equity and an outstanding education for each and every Hanover student.” Gill is superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.

“As we enter into the FY 18 budget process, we pledge to working with each department to understand your needs and to provide funding for meeting our core responsibilities and mutual goals in the service of Hanover citizens,” Kelly-Wiecek said.

When she announced her re-election bid in 2015, Kelly-Wiecek said that she had “enjoyed advocating for commonsense decisions on school and public safety funding.

Further, I take very seriously our ongoing commitment to smart growth to preserve our sense of community and most importantly Hanover’s truly rural areas.”

As she announced her campaign bid, she also said, “Good government is no accident.

Fiscal responsibility, return on investment for our citizens, and open communication will continue to be my focus for all efforts we undertake. We must continue to make our decisions not just based on short term gain, but on long term feasibility and impact. I have approached each decision in the last three years with this philosophy in mind.”

She has been representing the Chickahominy District since 2012.