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Vol. 4 No. 15 | Richmond Suburban News | December 26, 2018
TOP 10 STORIES OF 2018 Government, education, public safety and growth dominated news By Melody Kinser Managing Editor Taxes, education, public safety, and development took center stage in Hanover County this year in a review of the stories that had the most influence on residents. No. 1 -- The 2019 Hanover County budget did not include a tax hike when County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. told the Hanover County Board of Supervisors in February that the 81 cents per $100 of assessed value for the real estate tax rate would continue. H e RHU HARRIS did note an increase in expenditures and demand for services. More funding was needed for the Community Services Board and Social Services due to a decrease in the state’s share, as well as increased educational demands for dollars in addition to smaller contributions from the Commonwealth. Harris’ budget proposal was $463.1 million, which represented an increase of $22.5 million or 5.1 percent from the previous cycle. Education received the biggest portion – about 41 percent – with the county providing $6.5 million more than the previous year to satisfy those needs. Harris also said that $3.9 million had been reserved for salary increases
T
and rising health insurance costs. Public safety also involved a large part of the budget, as the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office was approved to fund positions for six new employees. Five new firefighter positions enabled full-time staffing at the Black
1.......................No tax increases 2......................School tech plan 3...............................Comp Plan 4.......................Ashland council 5..............................MRMC at 20 6.................Bear Island reopens 7...............Tomato Festival at 40 8....................Atlee Station work 9........................U.S. 33 projects 10..................Theatre reopening
Creek Volunteer Fire Department. The proposal increased public safety funding by $1.9 million. There also were increases of nearly $2 million for Human Services, with significant dollars designated to comply with the Children’s Services Act, as well as providing off-site specialty education for identified students. The county administrator offered praise for the county’s employees in explaining why they merit a 2% pay raise. Salary increases upped the budget by $1.5 million. The county’s share for health insurance also went up by $500,000. Harris also presented his Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which was highlighted by funding for the new Atlee Library, the continuation of the school system’s fiveyear technology plan, and a proposed new see TOP 10, pg. 8
Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
The Patrick Henry High School boys’ volleyball team captured its third state title on Nov. 15 at the Kaplan Arena at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. The Patriots defeated Great Bridge in five sets: 25-2; 22-25; 25-20, 22-25 and 15-16. They ended the season with an 18-3 record. The PHHS team was recognized by Bob Hundley, left, chairman, and Michael Gill, right, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, during the Dec. 18 meeting of the Hanover County School Board. Members are: Jarrett Carrano, Jaxon Delgado, Link Hammerschmidt, Cal Inge, Hayden Lane, Ronny Maier, Timmy Matthews, CW McIIhenny, Cameron Miller, Ted Owen, Gage Pond, Adam Price, Ben Russell, Hill Sewell and Ethan Stiles. Michael Towsend is the head coach. His assistants are Jessica Jones, Neal Brigham, Hunter Taylor and Charles Sheppard. Matt Crowder serves as the school’s activities director.
Hanover enrollment follows state trends At the start of the 20182019 school year, 17,462 students were enrolled in ASHLAND -- Hanover Hanover County Public County student enrollment Schools, a decrease has been on the of about 200 students decline or remained from 2017-2018’s figlevel since 2005, and ures, equating to 1.2 this year’s projections percent. indicate more of the Stone said those same for the next five projections are based years. on the past three years Terry Stone, assisof enrollment figures tant superintendent and are formula-drivTERRY for Business and STONE en, accounting for a Operations, delivered prediction last year those projections last week based on Sept. 30 enroll- that forecast steady enrollment figures. Those numbers ment figures.
By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
actually declined. “So, when I stand here and say that I’m not an expert and I cannot see the future, this demonstrates that I cannot . . . because my projection was off by 182 students. We had predicted those numbers would remain level,” Stone said. Stone said that’s part of a trend that, for the first time, was reflected in the Commonwealth’s enrollment figures, which dropped for the first time in recent memory. “For the first time since 1984, the state overall had a see HANOVER, pg. 7
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Historic trunk from Hanover Tavern is shown in schools
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Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
Casa program seeking volunteers HANOVER -The Hanover Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is accepting applications for the next volunteer training, scheduled to begin on Feb. 26, 2019. The Hanover CASA program trains, recruits, and supervises volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court process. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. No special experience is required to become a CASA volunteer – just a desire to advocate for children in our community. Potential volunteers have see CASA, pg. 4
Pets of the week Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett
The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Puddles, 519047, is a 7-year-old neutered male hound. He has had his first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Puddles is a sweet boy who loves to lay next to you and just relax. He does really well around people. Puddles also is good around other dogs. He has been in a family environment, so there should not be much of an adjustment to a new living situation. Puddles will do really well with any new owner. Salem, 534276, is a 5-month-old neutered male domestic short-haired feline. He has had his first set of vaccines and is FELV/FIV test negative. Salem is a ball of silliness. He has a lot of playful energy, but he absolutely loves people. He will think nothing of snuggling up to you. Salem also has tons of fun running and playing with other cats and kittens. He will make a great indoor cat. For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http://hanovercounty. gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/.
SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 9800 block of Atlee Commons Drive, Ashland. Exploiting a mental person for money, $200, was reported in the 8200 block of Meadowlake Road, Mechanicsville. Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 7000 block of Covenant Woods Drive, Mechanicsville.
Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville. Failure to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover. Identity theft, financial loss, $200, was reported in the 6600 block of Rural Point Road, Mechanicsville. Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 14300 block of Three Oaks Lane, Montpelier. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Elm Drive/Sporting Lane, Mechanicsville. Embezzlement, $200, was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Willow Avenue/Peachtree Road, Mechanicsville. Grand larceny, auto theft, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Petit larceny building was reported in the 7100 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville. Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 9500 block of Kings Charter, Ashland.
Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Driver did not report an accident with damages, $500, in the 7200 block of Battle Hill Drive, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 4100 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 11500 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland. Under 21 illegally consuming alcohol was reported in the 7300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Driving under the influence of alcohol was reported in the 11300 block of Hanover Avenue, Ashland.
reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Nov. 22
Simple assault was reported in the 10100 block of Suzanne Drive, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 14100 block of Bethany Church Road, Montpelier. Concealment, price altering merchandise, $200, was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Nov. 23
Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Manufacture, sale and possession of a controlled substance, Schedule II and II, were reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland. Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 15000 block of Bethany Church Road, Montpelier.
Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Henrico County, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 3500 block of Interstate 295 North, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7800 block of Silktree Place, Mechanicsville.
Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7000 block of Marie Lane,
Possessing forged coin or bank notes, 10, was
Assault and battery of a family member, third offense, was reported in the 13000 block of Greenwood Road, Glen Allen. Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 8500 block of Chamberlayne Road/Henrico County, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8400 block of Colemanden Drive, Mechanicsville. Assault and battery of a family member was
reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 7400 block of Wistrom Way, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 4400 block of Sandy Valley Road, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Byway/ Elm Drive, Mechanicsville.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $500, in the 12300 block of Cheroy Road/Mount Hermon Road, Ashland.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $500, in the 8100 block of Virginia Manor Drive, Mechanicsville.
Drugs: Possessing Schedule III was reported in the 8900 block of Interstate 95 North, Ashland.
Identity fraud, financial loss, $200, was reported in the 10000 block of Buck Trail,
Mechanicsville.
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Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 9300 block of Atlee Road/Barnfield Lane, Mechanicsville. ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 8000 block of Elm Drive, Mechanicsville.
Nov. 24
Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 7300 block of Walnut Grove Road/Mary Esther Lane, Mechanicsville.
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Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
680471-01
Nov. 21
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OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING
HANOVER COUNTY Announces the
2019 CITIZENS’ PLANNING ACADEMY This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the planning process, the rules and regulations governing zoning and subdivisions, the legal bases for planning, planning for capital improvements, and ethics in the planning process. The course will include an opportunity for each participant to discuss the County’s future. The class will be limited to no more than thirty (30) participants and will meet on the following dates, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: January 29, 2019 February 11, 2019 February 25, 2019
February 4, 2019 February 21, 2019 March 27, 2019
Each participant selected must commit to attend all the sessions. There is a fee of $30 per adult participant, to cover the cost of materials and refreshments. In selecting participants for the class, an effort will be made to achieve a broad-based representation of the community. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019. Applicants selected to participate will be notified by the Hanover County Planning Office shortly thereafter. For additional information and to request an application form, contact: Tiffany M. Burton Hanover County Planning Office 7516 County Complex Road P.O. Box 470 Hanover Courthouse Hanover, Virginia 23069 (804) 365-6171 tmburton@hanovercounty.gov
JOSEPH JAMES DEFFELY JR.
MARY JOHNSON LEWIS
Joseph James Deffely Jr., 86, of Doswell, formerly of Colonial Heights, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018. He was born in Newton, Massachusetts, to the late Joseph and Edythe Deffely on July 29, 1932. Mr. Deffely was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Colonial Heights and Ashland, Virginia, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a retired insurance agent and retired as a Chief Navy Petty Officer from the United States Navy, having served in Vietnam. Mr. Deffely also served as a volunteer for the Chesapeake Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Deffely; and son, William J. Deffely. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Ann McKay of Hopewell; sons, James Joseph Deffely (Reginia) of Brookline, New Hampshire, Michael T. Deffely (Teresa) of Liberty Center, Ohio, Robert Charles Deffely of Hopewell and Paul Anthony Deffely (Iris) of Doswell; 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; sisters, Mary Elizabeth (Alfred Sullivan), Virginia Connors, Edythe Keaney, Marion Neville and Kathleen Deffely; brother, Paul Deffely (Sheila); and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 21, at 11 a.m., at Bermuda Memorial Park, 1901 Bermuda Hundred Road, Chester, Virginia 23836. Arrangements made by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.
CASA Continued from pg. 2
extensive preparation for their role through a 40-plus hour training program. CASA volunteers are appointed by the juvenile court judge and spend an
Mary Johnson Lewis passed peacefully on December 18, 2018, in the hospice unit of St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond after celebrating her 97th birthday on December 14, 2018. She was born in Western North Carolina in 1921. Mary Lewis was preceded in death by her husband, Paul G. Lewis, after a long and LEWIS loving marriage. Mary Lewis is survived by her children, Linda L. Fletcher (Wayne Fletcher) of Manakin-Sabot and Kenneth P. Lewis of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughters, Amy Hale (Chris) and Christy Fletcher (Casey Thomas, fiance); and great-grandsons, Graham-Michael Fletcher-Mintz and Conner Cummings. Mary Lewis worked in Elkton, Maryland, during World War II at an ammunition factory. This is where she met Paul Lewis. They were married in 1944 and moved to Virginia, settling in Richmond to start a successful landscaping business together. She took great pride in her years of working in the catalog department at SearsRoebuck. She was active in Berea Baptist Church in Hylas and in the Rockville community. Mary Lewis enjoyed traveling, sewing and gardening in her spare time. In her later years, Mary Lewis was a resident at Our Lady of Hope and Manor House Assisted Living in Richmond. While at these facilities, she enjoyed sponsored activities and being with her many friends and acquaintances. Some of her favorite activities were bingo, coloring, Bible study,
average of 10 to 15 hours a month working on a case. Support for all CASA volunteers is offered by program staff, as well as thorough ongoing training. The Hanover CASA Program serves the Juvenile
painting and outings on the bus. Her warm, endearing personality, her contagious smile and positive attitude will be missed by all. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home at 11020 West Broad Street. Interment was in Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Goochland County.
WILLIS “BILLY” LEE OLIVER Willis "Billy" Lee Oliver, 89, of Hardyville, Va., passed away on Saturday, December 15, at home, surrounded by family. A devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Billy is survived by his wife of 69 years, Bettie; brother, Tommy Oliver; four daughters, Brenda Swain, Beverley Lewis (Dail), Beth Taylor (Robert) and Billie Jo Brooks (Mark); grandchildren, Sheila, Artie, Maggie, Payton, Amanda, Lindsey, Justin, Racheal; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was an electrical and general contractor in Richmond for 35 years prior to retiring to Deltaville, Va. Billy was always willing to lend a hand to his family and friends. Billy, with his wife, Bettie, built their family homes throughout the years together. He never met a stranger and loved spending time on the river. The family will receive friends at Zoar Baptist in Deltaville, Va., on Thursday, December 20, at 10 a.m., where his memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at 2 p.m., at Hopeful Baptist in Montpelier, Va., following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Zoar Baptist Church, 17097 General Puller Hwy., Deltaville, Va. 23043. Arrangements by Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda.
and Domestic Relations Courts in both Hanover and Caroline counties. If you are interested in becoming a CASA Volunteer or in having us speak to your church, group or civic organization, contact Melanie
Baker at 804-365-4296 or at mdbaker@hanovercounty. gov. The application deadline is Feb. 15, 2019. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.
Got a news tip? Call Melody Kinser at 804-775-4622 If it’s important to you, it’s important to us! 4
Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
Continued from pg. 1
park site in the Cold Harbor District.
DR. MICHAEL GILL No. 2 — Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, received support from citizens and leaders of professional organizations when he presented his $203 million budget proposal in January. Even though the school district was dealing with some funding challenges, Gill recommended improved technology and expanded opportunities in the county’s schools. The fact that the state budget at that time did not include a pay hike for teachers, the superintendent proposed a 2% increase for all school employees. Continued funding for an adopted five-year technology plan also was included. Middle school teachers received laptops in October 2017 and elementary and high school teachers are scheduled to obtain their devices next year. Under the plan, the distribution of student laptops will get underway in 2022. No. 3 — Amendments to the Hanover County Comprehensive Plan were approved by the supervisors earlier this month. Receiving the board’s support were the Lewistown Commerce Center’s request to rezone a portion of its Winding Book properties that would allow the construction of 85 townhomes on the commercially designated land,
as well as the Carter Heights neighborhood. No. 4 — Ashland Mayor James Foley announced in April that he would not seek re-election when his term ended in June. He chose to leave public office in order to focus on his job as director of FOLEY pricing at a Richmond law firm. In May, John H. Hodges and Daniel McGraw were elected to four-year terms on Ashland HODGES T o w n Council. Hodges had been appointed in August 2017 to fill the seat vacated by James Murray. Hodges and McGraw fill out council with Steve Trivett, G e o r g e Spagna and McGRAW Kathy Abbott. Action in July found council approving moving forward with plans, funds and designs for a new Ashland Town Hall and renovating the town pool. Financing for the $8.75 million projects came through from a direct bank loan from BB&T. No. 5 — Bon Secours Memorial Regional Center is celebrating a milestone this year, with SEWELL the state-ofthe-art hospital being part of the Mechanicsville community for 20 years.
In addition to the anniversary, Leigh Sewell came on board as CEO, a move she described like coming home. Her grandparents lived on Meadowbridge Road for 45 years, and her mother graduated from Lee-Davis High School. In September, Sewell also became CEO of Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital and Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing. No. 6 – Bear Island Paper Mill reopened its Hanover plant after a shutdown in May 2017 that left about 165 employees without jobs. Canadian-based manufacturing company Cascades Inc., which specializes in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and paper tissue products, paid $34.2 million for the property. Cascades plans to invest $275 million toward transforming the former White Birch Mill into a lightweight recycled container board operation. Hanover County Economic Development director Linwood Thomas said, “From the moment our department heard White Birch was shutting down in May of 2017, our office has worked tirelessly with numerous potential prospects globally who were interested in the facility.” No. 7 — The Hanover Tomato Festival, which started at the old Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department station and has become the biggest event of the year in Mechanicsville, celebrated 40 years of spotlighting the county’s favorite fruit, the Hanover Tomato. In an attempt to raise funds, the BCVFD launched the Tomato Festival. President Larry Sutton and Fire Chief Oscar Watson spearheaded the project in 1978. No. 8 — A major construction project that extended Atlee Road from Rutland about ½-mile to Atlee Station
Road was completed earlier this month. The project, a joint endeavor between Hanover County and the Virginia Department of Transportation, cost $20 million. Included were the construction of a bridge over the Buckingham Branch railroad, closure of the previous rail crossing and a modification of the alignment of Cool Spring Road and Atlee Station Road to connect with the extension of Atlee Road. A traffic signal was installed at the intersection of Atlee Station Road and the new Atlee Road extension. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes also were built as part of this project. No. 9 — Earlier this month, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors agreed to defer a request for a Special Exemption Permit of the Zoning Ordinance that would allow light poles taller than permitted. The location is on the east line of Mountain Road (U.S. 33) at the Henrico County line in the South A n n a District. Planning diMALONEY rector David Maloney had said that Marchetti Properties III LLC, the applicant, requested a deferral. In addition to taller light poles, Marchetti was seeking to create a 2,200 residential unit mixed-use community in an area known as the Lake District along U.S. 33 near the Henrico County line. Located on 320 acres along the U.S. 33 corridor near the Henrico County line, Marchetti and Boyd Homes envisioned a “work, live and play” community that featured office space, residential, retail space and recreational opporsee TOP 10 pg. 7
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Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
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OPINION | The Local Views From the managing editor
Hanover Cares needs your input on teen issues By Melody Kinser Managing Editor Parents and/or grandparents throughout Hanover County have an opportunity to express themselves in a survey to address concerns affecting teens, including substance abuse, parental expectations, and parental engagement. Executive director Octavia Marsh, in a press release in last week’s edition, is seeking input as her organization works to learn and define perceptions surrounding those issues mentioned above. She emphasized that responses will be handled with complete anonymity, as she and her staff “assess community prevention needs from an adult/parent perspective.” The goal of the survey is help Hanover Cares Coalition fulfill its mission “of raising substance-free youth through development of healthy opportunities for both youth and parents.” Success will certainly be determined by the involvement of
family members in discussing these important issues. It’s been a long time since I was a teenager, and there is no question that today’s teens face hurdles we never imagined. Granted, I became a teenager in 1969, when marijuana and hallucinogenics drugs were gaining in popularity among teens and twentysomethings. In the spirit of full disclosure, we had access to marijuana, as well as various prescription drugs in the early 1970s. As drug problems increased across the country, I always wondered: Why does anyone feel the need to become numb? Am I innocent? No, but there was never any desire -- and still isn’t -- to snort a powdery substance up my nose or inject a possibly lethal liquid into my veins. In the last few years, I’ve had two friends to lose their adult children to opioids and heroin. Both had so much to live for, and, yet, the mystery remains about the battles they fought to get and stay clean. They apparently could not overcome the addiction.
One parent blamed everyone but his child who had to be held accountable for the choices he made. The other has shared her story many times, hoping to help those fighting drugs and their families. And I still ask: What is missing in someone’s life that the risks of death don’t get attention? So sad and tragic. As for the work of Marsh and Hanover Cares, we appreciate what you are doing and hope you will receive an outpouring of responses. We encourage families to take the time to participate in the survey. You can find it at www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCaresAdult. If you need more information about Hanover Cares, go to http://www.hanover-cares.org/. You also can find updates at https://www.facebook.com/ HanoverCares. Please -- take part in the survey. Lives really do depend on the answers.
Home for the holidays can have many different meanings By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist I try to avoid the Christmas rush as much as possible, but, inevitably, I find myself stuck in some line I’d tried my best to avoid. As I waited at a popular clothing store to purchase some traditional products for my daughters, I couldn’t help but notice the frazzled looks on the folks surrounding me. The line moved at a snail’s pace,
and the lady beside me turned and said, “Christmas gets harder each year.” I simply nodded not really considering the comment, and it didn’t really strike me until I reached my car many minutes later. My car engine had only been on for seconds when I heard a huge bang behind me. Turns out, one of those stressed out shoppers had pulled out of a parking spot without looking and banged into a passing SUV.
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Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
The whole incident was none of my business, but the location of the accident blocked me from pulling out of my parking spot. It was then I really started to wonder if Christmas is getting harder. Making the perfect Christmas isn’t easy by any estimate, but can the expectations of the season actually deflect from the joy and happiness associated with the holiday season? I thought of the many friends I have who begin their preparations
months in advance for the biggest holiday of the year. They make sure each stocking is perfectly stuffed, or everyone gets that most wanted gift. That’s not our style around here, and a little last-minute shopping is part of our holiday traditions. I would somehow feel like I’d missed a sure sign of the season if I didn’t end up in a mall surrounded by a horde of frantic last-minute shoppers. There’s certainly no doubt that once those gift lists have been sub-
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 Ashland-Hanover Local. Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2018 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.
mitted, I feel a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of finding those items. As the years have passed, I’ve learned a real appreciation for detail when it comes to shopping and the necessity of getting just the right thing, especially when it comes to teenagers. I’ve learned that my choices sometimes don’t resemble theirs, and what I thought of as cool doesn’t come close in their minds. Even with those complications, I still try to keep it all in perspective, and, maybe too often, I find myself reminding my children that giving is more important than receiving and the true spirit of the season begins with charity. Does any of this mean making sure your home has the perfect Christmas is getting next to impossible? Probably not. I think back to my Christmas as a child, and how the gifts I received always seemed like someone read my mind and delivered just the present I see HOLIDAYS, pg. 7
CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Saturday, Jan. 5 A Salt Fish Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Enon United Methodist Church at 6156 Studley Rd., Mechanicsville. The menu includes: salt fish, eggs, bacon, sausage gravy, biscuits, hash browns, grits, apples, corn cakes, waffles and beverage. The cost is $8; children under the age of 6 eat free of charge. Bob Gibson is the president of the United Methodist Men.
Monday, Jan. 7 Grieving the loss of your spouse? The Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. will present
HANOVER Continued from pg. 1
decline in enrollment,” Stone said. “We are in good company because we also had a decline in enrollment.” Hanover’s numbers are minimal, but Stone said that information will be considered during budget planning. The projections are the result of past enrollment numbers and future forecasts regarding development and projects approved that could influence school capacity. Stone also considers live birth figures to estimate the impact on county schools in the future. “We do a five-year projection that does look at live births,” Stone said. “We had seen a decrease in live births until 2014 and encountered our first increase. That will be our kindergarten class of 2019, so we do see a little bit of growth starting with that class.” That process included a meeting with county planners and public utilities officials to determine where growth
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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 Ashland-Hanover Local.
a GriefShare Loss of Spouse seminar at 6:30 p.m. The program will include practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and others who have experienced the unique pain of losing a spouse. Topics discussed include what to expect in the weeks and months after a spouse’s loss, what to do with surprising emotions, how to handle changing relationships, how to handle the loneliness, what to do with your spouse’s belongings, and how to find the strength to go on. For more information or to sign up, email griefsupport@shadygroveumc.org or call the church office at 804746-9073.
Sunday, Jan. 20 The Spring GriefShare Grief Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. in Room G111 at Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Anyone grieving the loss of a loved one (spouse, child, parent, friend) is invited to attend. The program provides an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling, to learn valuable information on facing life situations, and to gain renewed hope for the future. If you’re interested or would like more information, call the church office at 804-746-9073 or email griefsupport@shadygroveumc.org
Ongoing
might occur and what schools could be affected by those statistics. “We’ll continue to look at this every year and, as needed, make those adjustments and, of course, that could be affected by new development also,” Stone said. Among elementary schools, Laurel Meadow declined by 41 students, while South Anna saw a 30-student decline over last year. Battlefield Park was down 22 students. Rural Point gained 18 students. Regarding middle schools, Chickahominy was down 71students, while Stonewall Jackson lost 33 students. Lee-Davis High School’s enrollment was down by 29 students and Hanover gained 26 students. Patrick Henry’s enrollment was down by 20 students. Other schools saw less than an 18-student change. Stone noted that the numbers continue to indicate a smaller kindergarten class versus the number of students graduating from Hanover
schools. The projection forecast cites level numbers for Hanover schools during the next five years with slight increases during that period. “Over the next five years, we are predicting it to be generally level with a slight decline next year,” Stone said. Once the projections are compiled, Stone compares those figures with school capacity. System-wide, schools should remain at 80 percent capacity over the next five years, but schools like Hanover and Atlee could see increases. “At every level, we are well within capacity over the next five years,” Stone said. Kersey Creek Elementary does reach 100 percent capacity at the end of that five-year period, but Stone said there is additional classroom space at that campus should adjustments be necessary. “We still have some capacity there,” Stone said. “We still have the opportunity to move additional programs if we need to.”
All middle schools are expected to remain under capacity during the next five years, with Chickahominy experiencing the most growth. Stone said those recent projections will factor in when the budget process begins this month. “We will consider that when we develop the budget for next year,” Stone said. Individual school staffing adjustments will be made as necessary to reflect that change in enrollment.” An additional official count of Hanover students will be published in March. In other matters, the board begins its formal budget process next month with three scheduled meetings. The regular business meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 8, a budget presentation is scheduled for Jan. 15 and a budget public hearing is slated for Jan. 22. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Hanover County School Board office at 200 Berkley St. in Ashland.
Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and famsee CALENDAR, pg. 12
HOLIDAYS Continued from pg. 6
wanted. Whether it was a shiny red bike, football helmet or that perplexing chemistry set, it all seemed almost ordained as the most exciting day of the year progressed. My last Christmas with my father stands out in my mind. During the weeks leading up to the big day, my parents had asked me a dozen times what I wanted, but I couldn’t decide and only hinted at a few items. Somehow, without the aid of big box stores or internet shopping, my parents came up with a selection of gifts that made believing in Santa Claus easy. We spent most of that last Christmas together playing a gift he’d selected for me: an electric football game. I was too young to appreciate his perfect selection of gifts, but it was the hit of my holiday season. Was it really as easy as my parents made it look? I suspect not. Is Christmas really getting harder? I suppose it depends
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on what you’re looking for when it comes to holiday cheer. Somehow, the real joys of the season don’t require a trip to the mall or a long line of irritated shoppers. The warmth of home, the glow of a Christmas tree in a candlelit room and the company of good friends and family remains the same today as it did on those modest yuletides of the past. Here’s hoping your holidays aren’t too busy, and you and your family enjoy the joy and love that comes alive during Christmas. And the peace and joy that may seem a little harder to attain do not dim the magic of your season. Remember, it’s the little things that make those lifelong memories. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
TOP 10 Continued from pg. 5
tunities. No. 10 — Today is the big day for the Ashland Theatre when it reopens after about two years of renovations and a $2.1 million Capital Campaign. The opening day celebration includes the start of a three-week run of “Mary Poppins Returns.” “We wanted to brand the theatre right out of the gate with a first run blockbuster film the entire family can enjoy together,” Douglas Love, president and CEO of Ashland Theatre Foundation, said. The Foundation operates the theatre. Long a part of the town’s history, the new Ashland Theatre has a state-of-the-art 4K Sony projection system and
ASHLAND THEATRE reopening today 7.1 surround sound system, as well as plush seating, expanded concession stands, and a VIP lounge with box seats. The theatre will accommodate up to 300 patrons
Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Girls basketball: Patrick Henry vs. Powhatan at Freeman, 3:00 p.m.
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Men’s basketball: Carroll at Randolph-Macon 7:00 p.m.
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
PH girls learn hard lesson at Glen Allen By Rob Witham For the Mechanicsville Local GLEN ALLEN – As with a young, growing team, there will be nights where adversity hits, and lessons will be learned. Such was the case for Patrick Henry girls basketball last Monday, seemingly cruising at Glen Allen. Building a 16-point halftime lead, the Patriots were not ready for the Jaguars’ halftime adjustments and aggressive play on the boards. In the second half, Glen Allen slowly chipped away at the lead, eventually forcing overtime before taking victory away from the Patriots 66-62 at Glen Allen High School. It seemed the final result would be impossible when the Patriots (6-2) built a 25-6 lead by scoring 10 points in 91 seconds to start the second quarter. A 3-point play inside by sophomore Ava Smith made it 31-12 midway through the second quarter. But Glen Allen’s leading scorer, Carmen Betts, provided a glimpse into second-half action with a drive and score before the horn, getting the Jaguars within 16 at 36-20. Glen Allen came out a different team in the second half. Couple that with a sudden chill swirling over Patrick Henry’s outside shooting game, and the comeback was on. The Jaguars began the third
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Hawks schooled in TDIT By Rob Witham For the Local
Joel Klein for The Local
Patrick Henry freshman Logan Nuckols drives past Douglas Freeman’s Gracie Dixon in the Patriots’ 60-20 win over the Rebels.
quarter with a 9-0 run ended the Patrick Henry lead was a only by a free throw thanks to mere two at 44-42 with a period a Glen Allen technical foul. A left. Logan Nuckols and JaBryah 13-5 Jaguar run followed, and
Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
Haverkamp hit rare back-to- game at 55. Patrick Henry had back shots to retake the Patriot the ball in the final seconds but lead at 51-47 with 4:14 left, but Glen Allen rose again to tie the see LESSON, pg. 9
RICHMOND – Once upon a time, in the land of girls basketball, the Hanover Hawks were a footnote, usually the latest casualty of another team’s good fortune. But over the past three seasons, Hanover’s fortunes have turned, and in a big way. Winning 16 games a season ago, they caught the attention of tournament organizers at the TimesDispatch Invitational Tournament. A few months ago, Hanover was invited to the area’s biggest regular season high school basketball party, and gladly accepted. And while their first pairing, against defending TDIT champion Trinity Episcopal on the road, was a difficult one, it was a challenge gladly taken see SCHOOLED, pg. 9
Depth, experience may challenge some track teams By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – the 2018-19 indoor track season began with the usual sources of turnover for each of the four Hanover County schools, but some have fared better than others in the changeover from one year (and season) to another. Some county schools begin the season with an abundance of strengths, but others are left with gaps – either in experience or events or both – if they are to compete across the board come postseason. Of the four teams, both Atlee and Hanover – the latter greatly increasing all-event competitiveness the past three years – are the strongest. LeeDavis faces some gaps, particularly among its girls team, as does Patrick Henry. No matter what, all four teams have athletes who will be in the mix for at least all-region and all-state honors – if not outright state championships – by the time the indoor season wraps up in February. Hanover is coming off an
LESSON Continued from pg. 8
the Jaguar defense prevented a good look at the basket for a possible win and forced overtime. There, Glen Allen opened on a 5-0 run and never yielded the lead. Betts finished with 25 points, while Erin Pulliam scored nine points and grabbed 10 big rebounds for the Jaguars (4-2). Haverkamp led Patrick Henry with 25 points, while Nuckols scored 18. The very next night, head coach Phillip Cobb hoped learned lessons would be
Mary Ann Magnant for The Local
Hanover’s Joey Badalamenti cleared 14 feet, 6 inches to win the boys pole vault at the Gloucester Pre-Holiday Invitational at Boo Williams Sportsplex on Dec. 14-15.
outdoor season last year in which its girls team won the Region 4B championship. “We have most of our key competitors back from that team,” said Hanover head coach Rich Firth. He noted that the team is still young. “Combined, the boys and girls have three seniors total out of 76 or 78 kids.” Among the Hawks leaders are boys pole vaulter Joey Badalamenti, who won at the Gloucester Pre-Holiday Invitational at Boo Williams Sportsplex on Dec. 14-15 with a vault of 14 feet, 6 inches; and girls runner Rachel Crytser,
applied at Douglas Freeman, their final game before Winter Break. There were gaps of defense early, but the sheer talent of Patrick Henry overwhelmed the Rebels for a 60-20 victory. “We’ve missed practice time, and it showed,” Cobb said, noting Monday’s collapse and even Tuesday’s concerns. “Our defense needs to be better. We pride ourselves on playing great defense, and had a couple of breakdowns [Monday]. Tonight we emphasized it, and it wasn’t to our expectations.” Fans looking at the final score wouldn’t understand Cobb’s concern, having held
more points at the state level,” wrote Atlee head coach Tyler Busch. “If everything goes right we could double the points we scored last year at the state meet (last year 22). If that happens, we could be in the top threefour teams in the state.” Among the top returners for Raider boys are Kameron Helmlinger and Ian Sellors in middle- to long-distance events; among the top girls are Rachel Mudd and Cabell Franklin in distance events and Emma Moore in the pole vault. Lee-Davis is lacking a bit on either experience or numbers, or both, in some key events – primarily sprints – on both the boys and girls teams. The drop in numbers affects the girls team, which has experienced a dip from historical levels for a few years now, the most. “Again, our girls, participa-
tion and the number of girls coming out for the team is still down,” said Lee-Davis head coach Neil Mathews. “We didn’t really have an increase of new kids from last year to match graduation, I guess. Two or three out, two or three in.” But that doesn’t mean the Confederates don’t pack a punch. “The group that’s been there has been consistent,” Mathews said. “Our girls group is small in number, but I think they’re very good in quality.” They return two Region 5B champions, Megan Mann in shot put and Alyssa Rice in pole vault, as well as solid runners in Sierra Puleo – and All State performer in the VHSL Class 5 championships in November – and Desirae Horsley. Avery Witherow, another All State cross country finisher, will
anchor a solid boys squad that includes hurdler and sprinter Jack Rice, pole vaulter Isaac Grubbs and shot putter Adam Soliman. Patrick Henry’s team – particularly its girls team – will be building around a solid core, including All Stater Emmy Joyce. But the Patriots need more than middle- and longdistance runners to be competitive as a team. “We have a strong core group of student-athletes returning this year which should provide us with good depth in most areas,” wrote Patrick Henry head coach Scott Brown. “We need to work to develop more hurdlers and [jumpers] to try and gain some ground with the rest of the region.” On the girls side, Brown said the Patriots need to develop depth in field events.
SCHOOLED
The Titans shut down passing lanes constantly, forcing turnover after turnover by Hanover. The Hawks’ first points came on a Madison Miller jumper, in transition, with two seconds left in the first period. But the Hawks defense worked hard to limit Trinity Episcopal from turning turnovers into easy points. It was only 10-2 after a period, 27-7 at the half. It could have been much worse. “We were lucky we were doing such a good job from that angle (defensively), otherwise it could have gotten away from us much sooner,” Rohr said, also complimenting the effort of his team. “We didn’t stop playing, I thought we played hard all night.” Indeed, there was no stop in Hanover, which got its offense in gear in the third period and equaled Trinity’s 16 points with 16 of their own, holding the deficit to 43-23. The Titans finished the win early in the
fourth, however. Julia Mardigian led Hanover with seven points, while Burgos paced the Titans with 19. The loss meant a quick turnaround for a 9 a.m. game Thursday morning in the consolation semifinal, but also – an advantage for Rohr’s Hawks – a chance to play at home, as Hanover hosted all semifinal and championship round games of the Times-Dispatch Invitational this season for the first time. A gritty Hawk team rose to the challenge, getting past Hermitage for its first tournament win, 61-39, to improve to 4-2. Sarah Johnson used height and quickness to lead the Hawks with 18 points, while Jordan Davis scored nine of her 11 points in the second half as the Hawks built on a 31-18 halftime advantage. Miller also added 11, fueled by three 3-pointers, and Mardigian had nine points.
who turned in an All-State performance at the Virginia High School League Class 4 state championships at Great Meadow Park in November. While Atlee’s boys graduated two state champions – Cason Gardner and William Chapman – last year, they bring back a lot of experience and may in the best position of any county team to contend for a state championship. The Raiders girls are in even Continued from pg. 8 better shape. “We have all of our scorers from the state meet back this to heart. While the scoreboard year and we are adding a few Wednesday evening showed in that may be able to score the Titans a 66-27 winner in first round action, the lessons learned during the game should Douglas Freeman to 20 points. be long remembered, and for But, in the first half, it was good reasons. “Their length was realmuch more of a byproduct of a Rebel team struggling to make ly bothersome for us,” said shots, sometimes good ones, Hanover head coach Michael when the Patriot defense left an Rohr. “That’s the first time we’ve seen that kind of length, and we unexpected gap available. But the Patriot offense didn’t do a good job early on more than made good for it, getting into the right spots to as Haverkamp hit a pair of start our offense.” The Titans feature two downtown 3’s in the second quarter to build a 37-13 lead commits to the University of with 3:30 in the half. The senior Richmond in Angel Burgos finished with 19 points and 10 and Elaina Chapman, plus Elaina’s younger sister Alyssa. rebounds. Nuckols drove and popped The Chapman sisters provide from outside to the tune of 17 the length, with height coupled points, while Smith and fresh- with arm span which creates man Jessica Osuanah each had nightmares in double-team traps at the top of the offense. nine.
Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
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FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD PUZZLE
12/26-12/27
FIREPLACE WORD SEARCH
HOROSCOPES
10
48. Atomic #21 (abbr.) 50. European tax 52. Bleated 54. Capital of Norway 56. Pa’s partner 57. Stephen King’s clown tale 59. Atomic #50 60. Military policeman 61. One quintillion bytes 62. Where impulses manifest 63. Offers as a candidate 66. Spielberg film 67. Great job! 70. Live in 71. Cares for CLUES DOWN 1. Form a whole 2. Indicates position 3. Moves in water 4. Diminutive 5. Old English letter 6. ‘Save the Last Dance’ actress 7. Dab 8. Digits 9. Female cattle’s mammary gland 10. Yes 11. Improves 12. We all have one
13. Book of Esther antagonist 14. Invests in little enterprises 15. Organs that produce gametes 25. Mediterranean city 26. Peter’s last name 27. Unhappy 29. Swollen area within tissue 31. ‘No __!’ 33. Soap 36. Chop or cut 38. ‘Atonement’ author McEwan 39. Bullfighter 41. Of the universe 42. Founder of Babism 43. Not good 46. Large, flightless bird 47. Punitive 49. Makes less messy 51. Belts out a tune 53. Aboriginal people of Japan 54. An eye protein 55. Broad sashes 58. Actress Spelling 60. Distribute 64. Unpleased 65. Body art 68. Midway between north and east 69. Overdose
Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, couch your ego for a little while and let a loved one get his or her way. Concede control in this and you’ll find it benefits you in many different ways. GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21 This is a time for working smart and hard, Gemini. Your hard work will come to fruition and get you where you need to be quickly. Ask for help if the going gets too tough.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, expect to reconnect with a long-lost activity or hobby you used to love. Find things that give you pleasure and enjoy some time focusing on fun.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23 You have a renewed determination to improve your finances right now, Libra. Use any extra money you receive to invest in a portfolio that can keep you earning.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, be a true friend to someone who can use a little extra love and support. Whether you lend a helping hand or just sit and listen, your efforts will be appreciated.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23 Retreating to the privacy and coziness of home may be tempting, Leo. However, you may have to step up and play leader or host or hostess in the days ahead.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22 Trust the process of working through your feelings this week, Scorpio. Many things have been going on and you need to absorb and file things away in your mind.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you need to push past fear and pursue your desires. Only then can you get ahead at work or in other areas of your life. Stop making excuses and be courageous.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, even though you may not be a full-fledged clairvoyant, you certainly can tap into people’s thoughts to give them a start. You may need to buffer some insights.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21 You may have more on your mind than you are willing to admit, Sagittarius. But showing vulnerability may make you seem more approachable to others.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, if you are in a relationship, use this week to untangle some knots. These can be differences of opinion or financial concerns.
THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS
CLUES ACROSS 1. Class 6. Husband or wife 12. All the same 16. Exclamation of surprise 17. Lived in 18. Hawaiian entertainer 19. Of I 20. Belonging to me 21. One thousandth of an inch 22. Midway between south and east 23. Article 24. Pitchers have them 26. Steps 28. Mars crater 30. __ route: on the way 31. Diego, Francisco, Anselmo 32. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 34. These three follow A 35. Frail 37. Platforms 39. Level 40. Computers 41. Where spiders live 43. An enemy to Batman 44. Mineral 45. Body part 47. Give
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, even though you are not prone to worrying, this week some things have you feeling a bit on edge. Concentrate on what you have going right instead of what can go wrong.
CLASSIFIEDS
FAX: (804) 730-0476 or classifieds@mechlocal.com
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The Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption:
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ORDINANCE NO. 18-11 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 10-01, WHICH ESTABLISHED THE HANOVER COUNTY RECYCLING SERVICE DISTRICT PURSUANT TO VA. CODE SECTION 15.2-2400 AND FOLLOWING SECTIONS, BY THE ADDITION OF THE FALLING CREEK ESTATES SUBDIVISION. THE DISTRICT IS ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE FOR AN ASSESSMENT FOR FUNDING OF SOLID WASTE COLLECTION IN THE NATURE OF RECYCLING SERVICE. THE ANNUAL TAX ASSESSMENT IS THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO FUND THE SERVICE, TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IN THE SAME MANNER AS OTHER TAX LEVIES, PAYABLE BY EACH PROPERTY OWNER WITHIN THE DISTRICT, AND CONSTITUTING A LIEN ON EACH PROPERTY IN THE DISTRICT.
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A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 871147-01
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PLACE YOUR AD TODAY
All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place.
Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
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CALENDAR Continued from pg. 7
ily members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy.leigh@ verizon.net.
p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. For more information, call 804-7465081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.
Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christcentered 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 804-366-9645 or email kjfaith1@gmail.com.
Tuesdays
Civil War re-enactors are wanted for the 12th Va. Inf. Reg’t, Co B. Members said they are “a familyoriented unit dedicated to providing a high degree of authenticity while honoring our ancestors. The group does small and large re-enactments, living history, and have a period dance group. For more information, call 804-512-2621.
The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center 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.
Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Nycholas Greig. For more information, visit www. trinityrichmond.net or call 804-2709626.
Sundays All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. For more information, visit www.allsoulsva.org. A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6
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A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about 11 a.m. at the Beaverdam Post at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam. Members discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. Eugene Truitt is the Post commander. He can be contacted at 804-746-4734.
Thursdays 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. Overcomers Outreach, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families, meets at 7 .pm. at 7446 Adams Farm Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@gmail.com.
Second Mondays The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Monday of each month (Nov. 13 and Dec. 11) at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Road in Mechanicsville.
Ashland-Hanover Local December 26, 2018
Hanover County’s first responders recognized for their years of service Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE – American Legion Post 175 has recognized Hanover County’s first responders for a number of years. These organizations are essential to maintaining the safety and well-being the community and its citizens. The work of a first responder can be dangerous, as was evidenced by the tragic death in the line of duty of firefighter Lt. Brad Clark. AL members noted that “These men and women go on about their duties, fully aware of the risks.” Deputy Ryan Payne has been with the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office for some three years and is currently assigned to the Safe Streets Unit. He had an exemplary year, being nominated six times and selected three times as Officer of the Month. In addition to Safe Streets, Payne is one of two members in the Patrol Division that holds an ARIDE certification related to drug-impaired driving. Payne follows the Sheriff ’s Office goals of not to seek to issue multiple tickets but rather to identify and neutralize criminal elements that threaten our community. He uses his extensive knowledge of case law to conduct through investigations during each traffic stop. He always practices good officer safety and his overall demeanor has resulted in a positive outcome when dealing with suspects and testifying in court. This past year, Payne conducted nearly 1,800 traffic stops, encountered 450 suspended drivers, made 1,060 criminal/traffic arrests, obtained 230 warrants and conducted 400 park, walk and talks in addition to numerous other citizen contacts. Of his arrests, 120 were for drug offenses and 13 for weapons violations.
Submitted photo
Members of American Legion Post 175 in Mechanicsville recently honored three first responders for their commitment to the community and the people they serve. Deputy Ryan Payne was named Deputy of the Year, along with EMS Provider of the Year Chris Hagler and Firefighter of the Year Nick Pasker.
Post 175 recognized Payne as Deputy of the Year. EMS Provider Chris Hagler is a rising star among the county’s EMS providers. Those who know him best speak highly of his productivity, learning and diligence in pursuing growth, education and improvements. He is a proactive Paramedic who cares for his patient’s best interest. He can be easily integrated into any crew, either as a daily transfer or on an emergency call. He recently was instrumental in helping another paramedic earn clearance in the county EMS system. With both firefighter and EMS experience, Hagler has been a welcome addition to Station 8-B Shift. He is an important team member and genuinely wants to do his best for his crew, the department and, most importantly, the citizens who rely on his help. As a released Advanced Life Support Provider, he mentors newer members and junior providers. Post 175 recognized Hagler as EMS Provider of the Year.
Assistant Chief Nick Pasker grew up in Mechanicsville and has been an active and essential volunteer for over 16 years. He has served tirelessly in many capacities, including EMS Provider at the Ashcake and East Hanover Rescue Squads, Firefighter and Officer at East Hanover Station 3 and Henry Fire Company 6. He has been instrumental in scheduling EMS and fire level training for many years, participates on the rescue squad vehicle crash response team and is the station level liaison to the department’s logistics division. He also is active in the recruitment of new members, as well as their training and mentoring. For many years Pasker has held a leadership role at Henry Company 6 and he typically receives station honors for the most hours served, most training hour recorded and most emergency calls for service attended. Post 175 recognized him as Firefighter of the Year for Hanover County.