Ashland-Hanover Local – 11/27/19

SPORTS Patriots make history winning fourth-straight state volleyball title

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INSIDE: Hanover Holiday Gift Guide

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Vol. 5 No. 11 | Richmond Suburban News | November 27, 2019

Olde Time Holiday Parade in Ashland

Photos submitted by Martha Miller

Joel Klein for The Ashland-Hanover Local

Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett, left, and Town Councilman Daniel McGraw wave to the crowd during the Olde Time Holiday Parade on Sunday in Ashland. The Patrick Henry NJROTC Unit marched in the parade.

Holiday Guided Walking and House Tour set for Dec. 8 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The Ashland Museum will host a Holiday Guided Walking and House Tour at 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. This will be the sixth annual tour through an historic Ashland neighborhood with a tour of one of an historic home.

Participants We will walk along James

The Town of Ashland will Light Up the Tracks as part of a month filled with holiday celebrations. Streets in the downtown area are filled with those enjoying Christmas tidings throughout December. Of course, what would Ashland be without a CSX train rolling through the town? Several events are planned, so get your calendars ready.

Light Up the Tracks will kick off month-long celebration Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

A Photos submitted by Betsy Hodges

The Macmurdo house will be a highlight of the Holiday Guided Walking and House Tour in Ashland. Shown are a black and white photo from about 1900 and a color version of the house as it appears today.

and Howard streets. Once a part of the Ashland Race Course, the RF&P Railroad began developing this area in the late 1880s. The group will look at the different architecture of the homes and hear some of the quirky Ashland stories relating to them. The tour will continue out to South

Center Street and stop at the Macmurdo house for a wine and cheese reception.

Built in 1858 on a 10-acre lot, the Macmurdo house at 713 S. Center St. is one the earliest homes along the railroad tracks. Four generations of the CW see TOUR, pg. 2

SHLAND – Every December, Downtown Ashland transforms into a vintage Christmas village with Light Up the Tracks, presented

by Dominion Energy — a milelong light display combined with three weeks of special events designed to welcome visitors for a unique small town holiday experience.

“Light Up the Tracks, a signature event of Downtown Ashland Association, is a truly charming experience

and quintessentially Ashland,” said Maggie Longest, executive director of the Downtown Ashland Association.

“It is a privilege to support this beloved holiday celebration,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “We love ringing in the holiday season with our neighbors in Ashland.”

Visit downtown Ashland throughout December for holiday sights, sounds, festive Christmas decorations, live music, photo stations, appearsee LIGHT, pg. 3

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R.E.B. awards for teaching excellence Finalists recognized with cash grants totaling $35,800 ASHLAND – The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation recognized three Hanover County Public Schools teachers -Amy Gregory, Chickahominy Middle School; Caroline Bare, Hanover High School; and Heather Leise, Atlee High School -- at the 2019 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. They will receive cash grants totaling $35,800 for professional development.

Twenty-eight public school teachers from across the region were selected as finalists out of 129 nominations submitted by students, parents, and colleagues. Considered among the best in their field, these exceptional educators demonstrate a sincere passion for teaching while also serving as mentors, coaches, and champions for their students.

Caroline Bare, Hanover High School: $11,900 -- To study the Transatlantic Slavery Triangle through the prisms of history, memory, and reconciliation in relation to Richmond, England, and Ghana.

Amy Gregor y, Chickahominy Middle School: $12,000 -- To discover and explore geographical features and biomes across the United States and Canada.

TOUR Continued from pg. 1

Journalism you can depend on.

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Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

Macmurdo family lived in the Greek Revival home. The family hosted some interesting visitors, including Stonewall Jackson. Confederate officers running the cavalry training camp at the Ashland Race Course were frequent dinner

Photo submitted by Chris R. Whitley

First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam is shown with Amy Gregory, Chickahominy Middle School; Caroline Bare, Hanover High School; Heather Leise, Atlee High School; and Mandy Baker, assistant superintendent of Human Resources; after Gregory, Bare and Leise were named recipients of the 2019 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Heather Leise, Atlee High School: $11,900 -- To compare and contrast benevolent dictators of the past and present by traveling to Singapore and the former states of Yugoslavia.

“I am grateful to work with so many talented and passionate educators who dedicate themselves to ensuring our students succeed. Our teachers are at the heart of our mission, and I applaud the remarkable efforts of those who were nominated for this prestigious

award. I am confident that the unique opportunities they will be afforded by these grants will result in even greater learning experiences for our students,” said Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Schools.

The awards program, which is a partnership between The Community Foundation serving Richmond and Central Virginia and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognizes excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to out-

standing public school teachers from the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover, and the Department of Correctional Education. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded nearly $4 million to more than 800 public school instructors as recognition for their outstanding classroom performance.

Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County Public Schools public information officer.

guests.

The house looks much like it did when first built with some unique 19th century features. Now owned by Beth and Bill Harrison, Bill’s oil paintings and those of other artists adorn the walls. After a short reception, the tour group will return to the Museum.

The 90-minute tour will be

offered at 2 and again at 4 p.m.

Each tour begins and ends at the Ashland Museum at 105 Hanover Ave. The walking tour portion will be about 60 minutes.

Tickets are $15 in advance for museum members, $25 in advance for non-members, and $30 at the door for all on Dec. 8.

Reservations are encouraged, as each tour has limited space.

Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Ashland Museum outreach programs.

For more information, or to purchase a ticket, visit www. ashlandmuseum.org., email ashlandmuseum@comcast. net, or call 804-368-7314.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue injury were reported by letter or electronic means were reported in the 11300 block of Rosemont Drive, Rockville.

Oct. 1

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 5400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 6800 block of Pimlico Drive, Mechanicsville.

Firearms, regardless of value, not from a person were reported in the 10000 block of Rinker Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 6400 block of Little Sorrel Drive, Mechanicsville.

Threats of death or bodily

LIGHT Continued from pg. 1

ances by Santa, and more.

Shoppers wanting to experience the charm of Ashland’s main street will find highquality local gifts and decorations at many of the local shops. Visitors also are invited to warm up with a glass of wine or hot chocolate and enjoy Downtown Ashland’s many restaurants.

“Whether it’s a family outing to see Santa and sing Christmas carols or a romantic dinner downtown followed by an arm-in-arm stroll trackside, Light Up the Tracks brings all things merry and bright to your weekends in December,” Longest said.

The 2019 Light Up the Tracks signature events include:

Saturday, Dec. 7

Gingerbread Trail Scavenger Hunt (3 to 7 p.m.): Go gingerbread house hunting on this festive scavenger hunt throughout downtown. Pick up a trail map at Origin Beer Lab, and find all the ginger-

DWI, 2nd conviction within 10 years, BAC .20, was reported in the 7900 block of Compass Point Lane/ Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Oct. 2

Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7100 block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 9100 block of Aaroe Drive,

bread houses, before returning your completed map to Origin for a treat and enter to win a $100 Ashland Gift Certificate.

No purchase necessary.

Various locations. Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Ave.

Celebration & Tree Lighting (5 p.m.): Official Light Up the Tracks kickoff event presented by Dominion Energy with a tree lighting and carols sung by a community chorus. Performance starts at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Hanover Arts & Activities Center, 500 S Center St. Ashland Street Party & Chili Cook-Off (6 to 11 p.m.): Second Annual Chili Cook-off and Light Up the Tracks Street Party with live music, food and drinks. Tickets ($10) can be purchased here. The Depot, 107 S. Railroad Ave.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (4 to 6 p.m.): Free children’s photos with jolly old St. Nick and friends. Free and open to the public. Ashland Theatre, 205 England St. Jolly Jaunt Bar Crawl (6 to10:30 p.m.): Drag out your Christmas pajamas and head into Downtown Ashland

Driving after forfeiture of license with BAC .02 was reported on Mechanicsville Turnpike/Old Hickory Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 7300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Sandy Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 10100 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

Coerce, intimidate or harass person by computer was reported in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 11000 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

Petit larceny building was reported in the 7200 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Oct. 4

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 6300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Shooting or throwing missiles at occupied vehicles was reported in the 5100 block of Pole Green

for the 3rd annual Jolly Jaunt.

Dress code: Your finest holiday sleepwear. Tickets ($20) go on sale at 4 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 27) and must be purchased in advance.

21+ Only. Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Ave.

Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 8200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

be entered to win a $100 Ashland Gift Certificate!

Plus, vote for your favorite design. Winning business takes home the Gingerbread Trophy. No purchase necessary. Multiple locations.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering

Light Up the Tracks, a signature event of Downtown Ashland Association, is made possible by presenting sponsor Dominion Energy, and is a collaboration with the Town of Ashland,

merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Forging was reported in the 11100 block of Rockville Road, Rockville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7400 block of Cold Harbor Road/East Boulevard, Mechanicsville.

Forging coin and bank notes was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 9100 block of Rutland Road, Mechanicsville.

Randolph-Macon College, Hanover Arts & Activities Center, residents and business owners.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit: lightupthetracks.com.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Vintage Carolers (5 to 7 p.m.): Join carolers as they begin with a sing-along at Ashland Town Hall or catch them as they roam Downtown with scheduled stops at Henry Clay Inn and Red Vein Escape.

Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson St.

All month

Holiday Blockbusters at Ashland Theatre: Don’t miss the biggest movies of the season. Showing Frozen II (Nov. 27 through Dec. 12) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Dec. 20 through Jan. 16). Ashland Theatre, 205 England St.

Gingerbread Trail Contest: Ten downtown businesses have created one-ofa-kind gingerbread houses for display during December.

Visit four of the 10 and you’ll

Get Your Life Back Now open in Ashland Michael J. DePalma, MD President and Medical Director

vaispine.com | (804) 330-0303 100 Medical Drive, Ashland

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019 3

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals

LEIMBERGER

LEIMBERGER, Floyd Franklin "Frank", 80, of Mechanicsville, was called to his Heavenly home on November 17, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and

Dora Leimberger; and his brothers, Herman and Ralph "Mickey" Leimberger. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn; sons, Daniel (Chris) and Mark (Alyssa); four grandchildren, Cash and Cruz (Daniel) and Ben and Ellie (Mark); one cousin, Hazel Stewart; three nephews and two nieces. Growing up in Chester, Va., Frank learned to build race cars with his older brothers and loved the racing circuit in Central Virginia, where they experienced great success. Later, Frank and his brother, Mickey co-owned Leimberger's Auto Repair in Chester,

Va. for 32 years. He was a hard worker and always treated his customers with honesty and respect. Frank loved history and war memorabilia and enjoyed exploring Virginia's museums. As a founding member of Hanover Evangelical Friends Church, Frank was the first Sunday school superintendent and drove the church bus on Sundays to gather area kids and bring them to church. He was a man of great faith and kindness and was often described as a "gentle giant." He trusted Jesus every day of his life and often remarked how good the Lord had been to him. He

Obituary submissions: Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3. Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com.

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Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

believed in the power of prayer and never went a day without praying for his children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed woodworking as a hobby and personally made many of the large wooden crosses seen in the Mechanicsville area as a testimony to his savior. Frank's faith remained strong until the very end. He consistently acknowledged that God was able to heal his body and maintained his resolve to praise his God regardless of the outcome of his disease.

The family received friends Thursday, November 21, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300

Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville, Va. 23111. A funeral service was held Friday, November 22, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Hanover Evangelical Friends Church, 6420 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, with a reception to follow at the funeral home. A private interment will take place in Hanover Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 83, Sandston, Va. 23150.

School board takes no action on NAACP lawsuit

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-HanoverLocal

At a school board meeting earlier this month, board members issued a press release announcing a special meeting that occurred last Friday to ASHLAND -- There are only 13 schools discuss a possible settlement in the case. remaining in Virginia with names of Confederate The press release announced that the special leaders according to the Southern Poverty closed session meeting would “discuss a possible Law Center. That’s down from 21 in 2018 as resolution to the pending lawsuit filed by the Roanoke, Richmond and other communities Hanover County Unit of the NAACP.” have chosen to change the school names that When that meeting was have long been objectionable to gaveled to order on Friday, the African American commuthe school board immediately nity and others. entered closed session. Ninety Two of those remaining minutes later, they emerged schools are located in Hanover and began a public session that County, and the objections of included Action Items. the county’s NAACP and others Action Items on the board’s have been consistent and clear. agenda usually are accompaAn effort to change the nied by a vote or deferral, but names in 2018 fell short when in this case, board chair Roger the Hanover County School Bourassa addressed the agenda Board voted 5-2 to maintain item with a simple sentence. the current names and mascots “The board is not taking of Lee-Davis High School, the ROGER BOURASSA any action on this item tonight,” Confederates, and Stonewall Bourassa said.

Jackson Middle School, the Rebels.

Seconds later, John Axselle moved for Some board members in favor of keeping the adjournment. names said their votes partially relied on a public The no action was perceived by some as a survey where more than 13,000 county residents defeat for proponents of a name change. Others expressed a desire not to change the names. maintained it means a costly, and potentially The efforts to change the names and masdamaging, lawsuit continues without resolution cots were amplified earlier this year when as legal fees continue to mount with the discovthe NAACP filed a lawsuit against the school ery process proceeding ahead at full speed. board demanding the change, citing First and see NAACP, pg. 16 Fourteenth amendment violations.

The Universe from the Center: Final public viewing at Observatory set next week

By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College will conduct our final public viewing for the fall on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7:30 to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Access to the Observatory is from the northeast corner of the Copley Science Center, 2nd floor. Enter through the main lobby.

Watch our website (https://www.rmc. edu/keeble) or check the information line (804-752-3210) for public viewing times in January and spring.

A star like the Sun will end its life on what we call the Main Sequence by swelling up into a red giant, then ejecting its outer layers to leave behind a white dwarf. These have masses on the order of a solar mass, but in a dense sphere roughly the size of the Earth. Stars about 10 times the mass of the Sun will end in a Type II supernova, triggered by a core collapse that leaves behind a neutron star, roughly a solar mass in a sphere that would fit between Ashland and downtown Richmond.

through a potential differFor stars more than 20 ence of 1 volt.) Infrared solar masses, we expect and radio have less energy. the core collapse to lead to a black hole and a pair of Ultraviolet and x-rays oppositely directed relativhave more energy. The x-rays your dentist uses istic jets. We believe that may be a few thousand this collapse is the source Metro Creative Graphics electron volts. The gamma of what is called a “gamma ray burst.” As the jets moving at a small rays from these bursts are even more fraction of a percent less than the speed energetic.

A necessary aside: visible light slows of light interact with the shock wave of ejected material from the super- down when in a transparent medium nova they trigger an intense burst of like air or glass. In air it’s only a fracgamma rays. If the jet is pointed at tion of a percent; in glass it can be us, we observe the gamma ray burst. as much as 30-35%. A particle, say They are not rare – we detect several an electron, travelling in the medium hundred each year, many relying on faster than light can travel will prosatellite observatories. An automated duce what is called Cerenkov radiasystem will then relay coordinates to a tion as the particle slows down. An network of observatories which will try energetic gamma ray can ionize the air to find a visible counterpart. They are and produce electrons travelling faster seen in distant galaxies, though their than the allowed speed. An array of actual occurrence in any one galaxy ground-based telescopes can observe these flashes of Cerenkov light and would be rare.

OK, but what is a gamma ray? The determine the energy of the gamma ray short answer: light. Very energetic which produced them.

Back to our main story. Some light. Visible light photons have energies of a few electron volts. (1 eV is recently reported observations from a the energy an electron gains passing team led by Rozmik Mirzoyan of the

Max Planck Institute for Physics identified the most energetic gamma ray bursts yet detected. One burst, from 2018 July 20 included gamma rays of .1 - .44 TeV! (A “terra electron volt” is a thousand billion electron volts.)

The previous record was .094 TeV. On 2019 January 1 the same team reported another burst of .2 – 1 TeV! If one of these were to occur in our Galaxy with the jet pointed at Earth, the radiation would destroy the ozone layer and might lead to a mass extinction of life. Some researchers speculate that the mass extinction which occurred 440 million years ago was caused by just such an event.

Lunar phases for November: First Quarter on the 4th, at 1:58 a.m.; Full Moon on the 12th, at 12:12 a.m.; Last Quarter on the 18th, at 11:57 p.m.; New Moon on the 26th, at 12:13 a.m. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Mercury is visible to the southeast before dawn through mid-month.

Saturn and Venus sets in the southwest around 7 p.m. Jupiter will be low on the horizon at evening twilight early in the month. Mars rises around 4 a.m. and

should be high to the south southeast at dawn.

Looking overhead at mid-month, about three hours after sunset, finds the constellation Andromeda at zenith.

It’s not an impressive or terribly bright asterism, but is noted for the presence of the Andromeda Galaxy. Two million years ago the light you see from this relatively nearby galaxy, much like our own, left to come to Earth. We see our own galaxy in cross section as the faintly luminous Milky Way, stretching from east to west, with a distinct bow towards the north. The stars making up this band are typically hundreds to thousands of light years away – a factor of over a thousand smaller than the distance to Andromeda.

The constellation Cassiopeia is to the north, in the plane of the Milky Way. It looks like a crooked M. To the west-northwest, Cygnus the Swan now looks like its other namesake, the Northern Cross. Deneb is the bright star at the top of the cross, about 40 degrees from the horizon. To the northsee UNIVERSE, pg. 8

Monday, December 2 3-6 PM

Ashland Library, 201 South Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005 1025912-01

Recruiting for Substitute Bus & Car Drivers, Bus Attendants, Food Service Assistants, Cafeteria Monitors, Custodians, Classroom Teachers, and Instructional Assistants

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019 5

OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

Sheriff thanks community for support

Resident saddened to learn about Harris’ retirement

(Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Col. David R. Hines, sheriff of Hanover County.)

Dear citizens of Hanover County, It is with much gratitude that I thank you, both personally and on behalf of the men and women of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, for the privilege to serve you, our Hanover community.

The outpouring of support we receive every day is humbling.

The success of our agency is a direct result of the cooperation and partnerships we share with those we serve.

For many years, the Sheriff ’s Office has partnered with our community through a variety of programs. Participation in our Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch and Worship Watch programs has allowed the Sheriff ’s Office and members of the community to work together to solve problems and be proactive against crime.

More recently, the Sheriff Office established the

HCSO SHIELD program. This program encompasses all of our watch programs under one platform, connected to a national network, to keep citizens informed about what is occurring in our community and abroad.

The program is designed with an understanding that crime and terrorism events, regardless of where they occur, can have an impact on our Hanover community.

Thousands of citizens have participated in Citizens Police Academies, Active Shooter Event seminars and many other crime prevention programs. These partnerships with our community promote transparency, open lines of communication and develop trust.

In 2018, the crime rate in Hanover County was the lowest it has been since 1975. Our overall crime clearance rate in 2018 was 73%, which is a historical high. This is a great accomplishment that we share with you, our community. It demonstrates the powerful effectiveness of trusted community

relationships and excellent investigative techniques.

I look forward to partnering with you as we continue to work together as a community. I encourage you to visit our website and follow us on social media. There you will learn more about the many opportunities available to partner with your Sheriff ’s Office. It is through this mutual commitment and effort put forth as a community that we continue to create an environment where crime cannot flourish and Hanover County continues to be the community we are all so fortunate to enjoy.

As your sheriff, I truly believe that strong partnerships create safe communities. I am committed to continuing these partnerships and developing new ones to ensure Hanover County continues to be a safe community in which to live, work, and raise a family.

I would like to thank you for your vote of confidence and support in re-electing me as your sheriff. I look forward to serving you for the next four years.

Taking photos from sidelines means five feet from disaster

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Everyone who follows football is well acquainted with the sideline. It’s a boundary that runs the length of the field signified by a large line that delineates the playing field and out of bounds.

But, most don’t know there’s another adjacent line located about five feet out of bounds, and that’s the line that means the most to the folks who stand on the sideline and photograph or cover games.

I call it the pay attention zone, because, when

you’re there, anything can happen, and during more than two decades of patrolling that line, I can tell you it usually does.

Even after all these years mostly successfully dodging hurling players coming at me at breakneck speed, it’s still a place that requires serious attention; and any lack of can result in injury.

As I watched the Auburn-Georgia game this weekend, the reality of the danger was clearly demonstrated when a player leveled a photographer as he was pushed out of bounds.

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Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

I suspect she never saw it coming as she held her camera in shooting position right up until the moment of impact. The collision knocked her unconscious and she was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The incident was eerily familiar for me, and, after not so many years on the sideline with camera in hand, I’ve learned if the shot looks too good through the lens, you’re seconds away from a broken leg. see DISASTER, 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 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 © 2019 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.

I saw in the Richmond TimesDispatch that Cecil “Rhu” Harris will be retiring. Needless to say, I was sorry to read that announcement. There are a number of reasons for my being sorry.

For more than three decades, Rhu was instrumental in seeing that Hanover County developed a financial system that has put Hanover County in an enviable position of having a Triple AAA Bond rating.

Based upon its population, there is only one other county in the United States that can make that claim.

When there were those who declared that the “Sky is falling” when one of our schools did not receive an accredited rating, Rhu was on top of things immediately. A quick call to then-superintendent Dr. Jamella Wilson asking, “What is it that you need?”

Always doing what was best for the county, Hanover County has become a “Dream Heaven” for thousands. A Dream Haven for parents to enroll their children in one of if not the best school systems in Virginia -- a school system that is envied across our nation.

A Dream Haven where the crime rate is so low that other law enforcement systems across the nation are calling to find out what the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is doing that they obviously are not.

I have gone to a number of Joint Committee meetings and was constantly amazed as how “on top” Rhu was regardless of the topic.

I would be remiss if I did not mention how many assistant county administrators were under Rhu’s care and guidance went on to become a county administrator in counties much larger in population than Hanover County.

It is just a testament to the expert leadership and guidance by Rhu Harris.

Yes, we will truly miss you. We will miss your bright smile, your care and love for Hanover County and every citizen that lives here. see LETTERS, pg. 8

CALENDAR

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ax submissions to calendar to 730-0476, email to mkinser@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.

| News, Updates & Listings Wednesday, Dec. 11 The Town of Ashland Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.

Thursday, Dec. 12 The Town of Ashland Parks and Recreation Committee will meet at 6 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.

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 Roy Minnix, senior pastor, and Nycholas Greig, associate pastor. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-

DISASTER Continued from pg. 6

I’ve learned the real badge of courage is earned by how fast you can back up and get out of the way. It’s something of which I’ve become acutely aware as my age progresses.

I’ve also learned the lessons of hard knocks through the years. I’ve had my knee destroyed by an errant player pushed out of bounds at full speed on a kickoff. And the bruises I’ve received during my career are too many to mention.

Now, photographers and reporters who work the sidelines often find themselves grouped together, and the location of the action on the field dictates where we stand on the sideline.

I always take a look at what is in front of me and, and, more importantly, what’s behind. “Make sure we have an escape route. They’re coming this way,� I said to my colleagues just last week. You can judge the reactions by the amount of time each had spent

270-9626.

746-4734.

Sundays

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.

Outside the Walls, a new Narcotics Anonymous group, has been organized and will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.

Tuesdays 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-

in that precarious position.

The younger ones pay no attention, while more experienced devotees take that special glance behind them. I’ve found a couple of inches can make a world of difference when you’re feet away from the Emergency Room.

Now, I suppose some photographers work a lifetime without incident covering sports, but I can’t think of a single genre I’ve covered where some injury didn’t find its way to me.

Let’s see. In addition to the aforementioned knee, there’s the permanent mark on my leg in the shape of a baseball that, if I live long enough, may eventually fade; or the time a errand tennis shot found its way too close to my unmentionables. And don’t even ask how it feels to take a no look basketball pass to the midsection. I’m thinking that only thing I haven’t been hit with is a Badminton birdie.

I learned early in my career (the hard way) that getting the

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.

perfect shot is not worth a broken bone, and colliding with grown men with pads is a nowin situation.

On a chilly night in Petersburg, a photographer constantly carried on conversations with others working the sideline. He asked me several questions regarding camera settings.

I finally warned him that his position required constant attention to the action on the field, but he continued his inquiries and inattention to the game.

It was a sweep that opened his eyes as a trio of players didn’t slow down one bit as they took him to the ground and slid across the damp ground, the small photographer barely visible under the mass of humanity.

Once revived and cleaned of some of the mud that covered his body, he rejoined the group of journalists following the action from the sideline. “Those guys rode me like I was a sled,� he said with a hint

Third Mondays The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

Second Tuesdays Hanover Family Support Group, a support group for family members of a loved one with a mental illness, meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday evening of each month at the Ashland office of Hanover Community Services located at 12300 Washington Highway in Ashland.

Attendees support one another, share experiences, challenges and resources and to advocate for their loved ones.

For more information, contact Kathy Redfearn, LCSW at 804-675-4230.

of surprise.

Yes, they did, I thought.

The outline of his camera

The Hanover County Historical Society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through December. The address is 13182 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. For more information, visit http://www.hanoverhistorical.org/index.html.

The Clay Spring Garden Club in Ashland meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (except for the month of July at the First Baptist Church in Ashland off of U.S. 54. Barbara Boor is the president.

Doors are open to anyone who would like to attend.

on his chest made an indelible impression that has lasted until this day. I think of it each and

every time I take the position, close to the action, but only five feet from disaster.

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Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019 7

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

I know you are already training our next county administrator and it will continue to be a Dream Haven.

Dan Johnson Montpelier

Parent speaks out on school name changes (Editor’s note: The following was addressed to Robert Hundley, Chickahominy District representative on the Hanover County School Board.)

Mr. Hundley: Thank you for your continued work as a school board member.

I wanted to share with you my thoughts on changing the names and mascots of the two schools. I understand that you all are critically looking at your options to respond to

the lawsuit brought about by the NAACP and have asked for input before Nov 22.

Not only am I a 13-year resident of Hanover County, but I have a student that attends Lee-Davis High School this year. I urge you to please work with the school board to change the names and mascots of the two schools as swiftly as possible.

We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible and not drag it out with an expensive lawsuit.

I understand that the school board had already decided not to change the names of the schools.

Hopefully this understanding of the fiscal impact of the lawsuit will help you all to move forward with the removal of these problematic names.

I encourage you to do the right thing for our county.

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions.

Becky Odor Mechanicsville

Arrival to U.S. no issue when serving nation I recently read a troubling letter in The Local. I am surprised that there is a need to write in support of our men and women in the U.S. military.

I am hopeful that it might help your readers to consider the story of my cousin David as they think about their feelings towards our American service people.

David and I share a set of grandparents. Our shared grandpa, himself of Irish descent, was born a Canadian citizen. Thus, with respect to that line of our family, David and I each had a parent who was of the first generation to be born an American citizen.

Like many in my family, David decided to enter the military. Unfortunately,

David was in the barracks that were blown up in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983. For anyone unfamiliar with that incident, please read up on it. It was terrible. Hundreds killed, many injured.

Can you imagine the horror as the dead and wounded were picked out of the debris?

In all that chaos, no one cared that David’s family had not come over on the Mayflower.

It didn’t matter.

Now, it is possible that the families of some victims did arrive on the Mayflower.

It also is possible that some victims were brought to this country as children, maybe even as 3-year-olds.

There were probably plenty, like David, who had grandparents who had not been American citizens. But none of that mattered.

When people enter the military, they understand that they might be hurt.

They know they may even be killed. and, yet, they sign

up. They do so to protect the country and to protect you and your loved ones.

David, by the way, survived the Beirut bombing.

Like his father before him, he became a career man and has been helping to keep you safe for decades. His commitment and loyalty to his country are proven by his service.

And, by the way, in order to keep us safe, American service people proudly perform a wide variety of very important specific functions.

There is a lovely lady in my church that suggested that our group members begin each day thinking of three things for which we are grateful. For me, this has been a delightful practice. I suggest that we all take some time to think about the people in our military and reflect on the appropriateness of feelings of gratitude for their service and sacrifices.

Janice Hopper Studley

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Learn more at Richmond.com/Thanksgiving Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

UNIVERSE Continued from pg. 5

west is Vega, at about 18 degrees, and Altair is a little lower and to the west. When these were high in the sky, we called them the Summer Triangle. Now we bid them adieu until late spring.

Rising to the east is Orion, which will dominate the winter starscape. Above Orion is the familiar cluster of the Pleiades, about 55 degrees from the horizon and climbing.

A special note, that the Geminid meteor shower should peak early in the morning of the 14th. For several days around that date, you can expect to see up to 75 “shooting stars” per hour.

For best viewing, get to a dark site away from city lights.

If readers have questions about astronomy or science in general that you would like to see covered in one of these columns, please feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS

11

29 2019

Prep football: Dinwiddie at Patrick Henry 4:00 p.m.

11

29 2019

Prep football: King William vs.

Thomas Jefferson at Huguenot, 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Patriots make history Patrick Henry boys win fourth state volleyball title in four years

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor RICHMOND – The problem with history is that it takes time to make it.

But that proved little problem for the Patrick Henry boys volleyball team.

The Patriots became the first boys team to win four straight Virginia High School League state championships, sweeping Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School 25-23.25-21, 25-11 in their Class 4 final at VCU’s Siegel Center Thursday.

While Patrick Henry has a way to go to catch up with the Loudon County girls, who won their eighth straight state title Friday, the Patriots have set a high bar for other boys teams.

Still, establishing such a legacy wasn’t easy, at least at first.

“At the beginning it was a little shaky,” said Patrick Henry head coach Michael Townsend.

“Maggie Walker was doing a really good job at getting every ball up, at least of returning it back to us, and we just started to make errors. Basically, during all the timeouts it was like, ‘Please, just minimize errors.

Please, do not make errors.”

The Patriots trailed much of the first set and looked flatfooted at times. But as the first set wore on, the defense stirred and they jumped ahead of the Green Dragons at the end.

“Gradually, through the match, our defense started to get better,’ Townsend said.

“We started to get more digs.

We started to get a lot more blocks, and I think in the end …

Maggie Walker saw that we’re not going to let any ball hit the ground.”

As the Patrick Henry defense stiffened, the Patriot offense got in rhythm. While the second set was still close, Patrick Henry dominated. By the third set, there was no question which was the best team on the court.

“Our defense was on fire,” Townsend said. “Hill [Sewell] was doing a great job. I think he was a little nervous in that first set with a few [double-touches] and not getting his feet quite there, but the boys persevered and they rocked it out at the end.” see HISTORY, pg. 12

Dave Lawrence/The Local

As the referee (left) signals that Maggie Walker’s shot on match point was out of bounds, Patrick Henry head boys volleyball coach Michael Townsend dives to the floor to start the celebratory dogpile after the Patriots won their fourth straight state championship with their 25-23, 25-21, 25-11 victory over the Green Dragons in the VHSL Class 4 boys volleyball championship game Thursday.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

9

Sikkar, Dorsey lead Patriots to upset win And Dorsey delivered.

“Will Dorsey missed that field goal against Deep Run – he missed the field goal; this time, he keeps our season alive,” Wakefield. “Just an outstanding job by that kid – clutch and down the stretch.”

In the third quarter, Sikkar converted on third down five times.

“We talk all year long – we do little things, we work hard, we grind – our practices are tough. … Every day we get a little bit better, and that third quarter showed it,” Wakefield said. “Just an outstanding football game.”

On one particular thirddown conversion in the third, Sikkar looked like he’d only rush for a couple yards – short of the marker – but his linemen swarmed around him and pushed him several yards forward to the Lions’ 15 to ensure the first down.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Sikkar said. “I’m about to go down – my offensive line just grabbing me and pulling me for the first down and I fall down, they’re looking at me right in the eyes ready to cry – I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Sikkar, playing both ways, thwarted a Louisa pass attempt to force a change of possessions in the first half and intercepted a Louisa pass in the second.

Nick Vandeloecht is sports editor of Powhatan Today and Goochland Gazette. He can be reached at nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com.

By Nick Vandeloecht Richmond Suburban News MINERAL – They braved the jungle.

Their offense never relinquished the ball in the third quarter, their kicker Will Dorsey never faltered on the way to booting the ball 33 yards through the uprights for the goahead field goal and the Patriots (9-3) never showed quit in their narrow 16-15 triumph over previously unbeaten Louisa to advance to the Class 4, Region B final against Dinwiddie.

“We learned from earlier in the year – from our mistakes,” said Patrick Henry coach Ken Wakefield. “And boy did a group of kids show up and play 48 minutes of football. Just proud of our guys in general – just absolutely proud of our guys.”

The Patriots trailed three times, and every time, they responded.

“Our back was against the wall,” said Patriots quarterback Alex Sikkar, who scored two rushing touchdowns. “We had each other though. … This is all we got, but this is all we need.”

After a tackle for loss by Kevin Gholson and Owen Arruza held the Lions to a firstquarter field goal, Patriot quarterback Alex Sikkar led his team on the ground before darting 20 yards past stonewalling blocks from his offensive linemen and into the end zone to help his team grab a 7-3 lead.

After Louisa’s Jarett Hunter dialed up the passing game on the way to finding Noah Robinson on a 14-yard touchdown pass, the Patriots kept their offense on the field for the entire third quarter, with Sikkar punching in a goal-line score with 11:11 left in the fourth.

Then, after the Lions’ run game picked up steam again

10

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Patrick Henry’s Alex Sikkar wraps up Louisa County quarterback Hunter Jarrett in the Patriots’ 16-15 win over the host Lions in their Region 4B semifinal Friday. Sikkar finished with an interception and, as quarterback, scored two rushing touchdowns.

and saw Hunter score on a short up short – Sikkar threw timely Mines and Nick Sikkar. Alex ball near the Lions’ 15, helprun – but the 2-point conver- strikes to his teammates includ- also knifed his way through a ing put his kicker in field goal sion try to make it 17-13 came ing Cameron Toliver, Jayden pair of defenders to carry the range.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

Patrick Henry 0 7 0 9 — 16 Louisa County 3 6 0 6 — 15 LC — Williamson FG PH — A. Sikkar 20 run (Dorsey kick) LC — Robinson 17 pass from Hunter (kick failed) PH — A. Sikkar 1 run (run failed) LC —Hunter 3 run (run failed) PH —Dorsey FG 33

Yellow Jacket seniors leave historic legacy Randolph-Macon defeats Apprentice in first Neptune Bowl for record ninth win of season

By Rob Witham For the Mechanicsville Local VIRGINIA BEACH – Thirty-three seniors donned their Randolph-Macon football uniforms one final time Saturday at the Virginia Beach SportsPlex in the inaugural Neptune Bowl. Over their previous four years, they had earned 33 victories, already a program record. But their goal was 34.

And, with a dominant if uneven 35-3 triumph over the Apprentice School on a chilly, rainy afternoon, the Yellow Jacket Class of 2020 left the field victors for the 34th time, extending their record as the most successful class in program history. Randolph-Macon also tied the program record for most wins in a season with nine, a feat now accomplished three times in the last four years, after only being met five times in the first 135 years of the program.

The game, created earlier this year to pit the Builders (6-4) against an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) representative, was an opportunity for the Yellow Jackets to end a successful, yet disappointing, season on a positive note, while also allowing head coach Pedro Arruza and his staff the chance to continue to lay the foundation for 2020 and beyond.

A senior-laden defense, who held arch rival HampdenSydney to three points a week earlier, begrudgingly kept Apprentice out of the end zone, allowing only a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter. On offense, senior quarterback Burke Estes led the way, going 11-of-15 for 147 yards and three touchdowns.

the game’s opening drive on a 28-yard play where Owens shook a defender after the catch and raced down the Randolph-Macon sideline to the end zone. After the Builders’ field goal, the Yellow Jackets struck again, Estes finding a wide open Marcus Bazala, the senior fullback from Hanover High School, who rumbled untouched into the end zone from 8 yards out for a 14-3 lead late in the opening stanza.

The Yellow Jackets missed two opportunities in the second quarter to score while in Builders territory, but capitalized on a final chance just before halftime, Estes again finding Owens, who caught the ball and fought a defender draped over him to find the front pylon for a 6-yard scoring reception. The score was set up by a 50-yard completion from Estes to DeAndre Gill, yet another senior.

Fittingly, Frederick’s final carry, his 959th, an ODAC record, was a 12-yard touchdown run to up the lead to 28-3 in the third quarter. Frederick handed the football to the official, and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Yellow Jackets ever. His 93 yards of rushing on the day gave him 5,240 yards for his career, second all-time in the history of college football in Virginia, regardless of level, only trailing VMI’s Thomas Haskins, who amassed 5,349 yards in the mid1990s.

Frederick’s heir apparent, Jordan Hall, beset by injuries Rachel Witham for The Local much of the season, gained 63 Randolph-Macon senior wide receiver Trey Owens races to the end zone on a 28-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive yards in the second half, and of the Yellow Jackets’ 35-3 win over The Apprentice School Saturday in the first Neptune Bowl at the Virginia Beach SportsPlex.

Presley Egbers, who started “He’s a winner. He’s a char- happy locker room following has been a pleasure. I’m really Two of Estes’ three scor- six games at quarterback as a acter kid. I love him and appre- the victory. “He’s been a plea- happy with how these seniors ing strikes went to fellow ciate him,” Arruza said in a sure to coach, Tre (Frederick) have done.” senior Trey Owens, the first on see LEGACY, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

11

R-MC women 2nd, men 3rd at invitational RICHMOND – Sophomore Maggie Cooke, with five topfive finishes over the weekend, led the Randolph-Macon women’s swim team to a second-place finish at the Yellow Jacket Invitational at SwimRVA Sunday.

Junior Victor Kontapanos, with wins in the 100-yard and 200 butterfly, led the R-MC men to a third-place finish.

Cooke, with Becca Lazerson, Emma Kate Russell and Lacey Kramer, was part of the Yellow Jacket women’s winning 200 medley relay team. Cooke was third in the 50 freestyle, fourth in the 100 backstroke, and was part of the third-place 200 freestyle relay team (with Lazerson, Kelsey Craighead and Kacey Pool) and part of the fifth-place 400 medley relay team (with Russell, Emily Fritz and Abbey Crank).

“I was really happy with

[Saturday] and pretty happy with today,” Cooke said of her performance after the meet wrapped up Sunday. “My teammates did really well.”

Cooke said she would have liked to have done better in the 100 freestyle, but she dropped her time 1.81 seconds – so any quibbles with that performance were minor.

Emily Fritz won the 200 breaststroke in 2:25.99 for the Yellow Jacket women.

Kontopanos won the 100 butterfly in 52.51 and the 200 in 1:54.05.

“I’m pretty happy with how this weekend has gone,” Kontopanos said. “I swam faster than I did at this time last year, which is really encouraging for the season.

“I felt a lot of endurance and push in the back half of my races, which is really partially because of my teammates, especially in the 200 fly, were screaming their heads off – which really helped me.”

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Randolph-Macon junior Victor Kontopanos swims to victory in the men’s 200-yard butterfly in 1:54.05 in the Yellow Jacket Invitational at Collegiate School Aquatic Center Sunday. Kontopanos, with two win, helped lead the men to a third-place finish.

LEGACY Continued from pg. 11

freshman, finished the scoring with a 21-yard run in the fourth period. The defense held the Builders’ offense to just 191

HISTORY Continued from pg. 9

Sewell finished with 28 assists, six digs and four kills.

Townsend said the Patriots had a small blip in focus at the start.

“I think they were thinking too much about the actual moment they were in instead of executing what we needed to do,” he said. “As the match wore on, they got more comfortable.

12

total yards, only 36 through the air.

Despite the victory, the locker room’s celebratory mood was mixed with thoughts of what could have been. The only touchdown allowed by Randolph-Macon in their final

10 quarters was one that sealed the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship for Bridgewater in a 28-21 loss.

Two wins to conclude the season help vault the program into an offseason where there are major voids to fill, and some

questions to answer.

“I’ve already been thinking about it, meeting with my staff about it. We’ve just got to keep recruiting guys who really love to play the game of football,” Arruza noted. “It’s not hard to find out if they fit in from a tal-

ent standpoint. It’s all the other things. Are they dedicated in the offseason? Are they going to do the right things off the field?

We all want to win games, but we’re in the business of education, trying to help these guys become better men.”

A program that recognizes the disappointment, as well as the positives, of a 9-2 season, is a program with a firm foundation as a new decade dawns at Day Field.

Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

The defense started to improve, we started passing better and our offense started lighting up.”

One point in the second set laid the framework for the ultimate sweep.

“There was one point that turned everything around,” Townsend said. “It was a point where we got, like, five blocks – and one point. Basically, Maggie Walker wasn’t able to put the ball on our side at all.”

For the Patriots, the significance of their achievement may

not have had time to sink in.

“It takes a couple of days,” said senior Cal Inge, whose high school career features only championship seasons.

Ju n i o r Link Hammerschmidt agreed.

“It’s got to settle in a little bit,” he said.

To get back to the Siegel Center, the Patriots first had to deal with Warwick, the Eastern Section runner-up, in a Class 4 state semifinal Tuesday in Ashland. For Townsend, the

biggest challenge was to keep his team in focus, as they were the heavy favorites.

Indeed, the Patriots came out a bit flat, and not as dominant at the net as they could be. But after outlasting the Raiders 25-19 in the opening set, Patrick Henry used both starters and the bench through the next two sets.

What Warwick did not have in talent, they had in heart, and hustle. The Raiders flew around the court in set two, and

led early at 6-4. Patrick Henry didn’t get a comfortable lead until late in the set, finishing on a 9-4 run to win 25-18.

With the energy of Warwick fading, the Patriots handled the final set easily as a Timmy Matthews ace wrapped up the semifinal, Patrick Henry taking set three 25-16. Inge led the Patriots with 11 kills, while Hammerschmidt added eight, both a sign of things to come two days later in the championship.

In the championship, Hammerschmidt finished with 10 kills and 12 digs for the Patriots. Inge had five kills and five digs, and Matthews finished with 17 digs.

Maggie Walker was led by Eli Benesh with 12 digs and Charlie Unice with 15 assists.

Grant Collier also had 11 digs, and Matteo Deluca finished with five kills.

Mechanicsville Local correspondent Rob Witham contributed to this report.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

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Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS C-3-19(c), PRUITT PROPERTIES, INC. AND NORTH GAYTON COMPANY Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, B-3, General Business District, and M-2, Light Industrial District, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, and M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7788-15-2041, 7788-15-2118, 7788-15-1221, 7788-04-8723, 7788-04-7819, 7788-04-4309 and 7788-04-6230, consisting of approximately 19.79 acres, and located on the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1) and Lewistown Road (State Route 783). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit a convenience store with fuel sales on the B-3 zoned property and speculative industrial development on the proposed M-2 property. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2019-00025, TAB OF VIRGINIA, L.C. Request(s) to rezone from B-3, General Business District, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7788-12-8054, 7788-02-6199, 7788-01-9897, and 7788-11-0531, consisting of approximately 50.0 acres, and located on the west line of Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1) approximately 400’ north of its intersection with Knotty Pine Lane (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business-Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for an industrial park. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2019-00026, PATSY M. AND CHARLES C. SMITH Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8737-00-7672, consisting of approximately 21.5 acres, and located on the west line of Williamsville Road (State Route 615) approximately 1,450 feet south of its intersection with Studley Road (State Route 606). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural.

The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one (1) additional building lot for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 10.75 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2019-00027, CD RESTAURANTS, INC. Request(s) to rezone from B-2, Community Business District, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, on GPIN 8714-77-2796, consisting of approximately 2.0 acres, and located on the south line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) approximately 500 feet east of its intersection with Meadow Drive (State Route 1120). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit tire sales and service. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2019-00008, SPYGLASS PROPERTIES, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-130.12 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a self-storage facility for vehicles on GPINs 8704-93-0604 and 8704-93-1422, consisting of approximately 4.86 acres, zoned B-3, General Business District, and located on the east line of Zip Drive (State Route 1498) approximately 300’ north of its intersection with Elm Drive (State Route 1108). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS SE2019-00005, GOOD FARMS HOLDINGS, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.18 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a contractor’s equipment storage yard on GPINs 7830-66-4095 and 7830-65-4695, consisting of approximately 34.94 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Mountain Road (U.S. Route 33) across from its intersection with Rhyne Lane (private road). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna SE2019-00010, GADSEN GUNS, INC. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-131.5 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a dwelling for use by the proprietor of a business on GPIN 7826-67-8651, consisting of approximately 0.86 acres, zoned B-3, General Business District, and located on the north line of Beaver Dam Road (State Route 715) at its intersection with Beaverdam School Road (State Route 739. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam SE2019-00011, CHARLES N. KIRBY, JR., Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.18 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a contractor’s equipment storage yard on GPIN 8707-57-3758, consisting of approximately 10.09 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the west line of Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301) approximately 325 feet north of its intersection with Pine Ridge Road (State Route 1930). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam

1031542-01

ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

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ORDINANCE 19-08, MULTIPLE PRESERVATION LOTS IN THE RC, RURAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT An Ordinance to amend the Hanover County Code, Chapter 26, Zoning Ordinance, Section 26-51, to provide that more than one preservation lot may be permitted in the RC, Rural Conservation District, under certain specified conditions. (PUBLIC HEARING) Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF

HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

SUPERVISORS

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, December 11, 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 resolution being proposed for adoption:

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, December 11, 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,

RESOLUTION

on the intention to approve the following agreement:

A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION BY CONDEMNATION OF FEE SIMPLE RIGHT OF WAY AND CERTAIN SPECIFIED TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT PROPERTY INTERESTS ON PORTIONS OF GPINs 871468-5186, 8714-77-6692, 8714-78-5898, 8714-77-5817, 8714-776981, 8714-87-1919, 8714-88-7108, 8714-88-8199, 8714-98-0151, 8714-98-2634, 8714-98-3872, 8714-98-0248, 8714-98-4067, 8714-97-2458, 8714-99-3538, 8714-98-9458 and 8724-08-2044 FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING ROAD AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S SIX-YEAR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND HANOVER COUNTY’S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND MAJOR THOROUGHFARE PLAN, AND TO ENTER UPON THE PROPERTY TO BE ACQUIRED AND INITIATE CONSTRUCTION BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTIONS 15.2-1904 AND 15.2-1905(C) AND CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 25.1 (SECTIONS 25.1-300 ET SEQ.)

BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF HANOVER AND THE COUNTY OF LOUISA THE COUNTY OF HANOVER AND THE COUNTY OF LOUISA INTEND TO ENTER INTO A BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT AGREEMENT TO MOVE THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN THE CONTIGUOUS COUNTIES SO THAT THE CENSUS BOUNDARY COINCIDES WITH THE TAXING BOUNDARY THAT HAS BEEN AGREED UPON

BY THE COUNTIES. A complete copy of the Boundary Line Adjustment Agreement between the County of Hanover and the County of Louisa 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.

A complete copy of the proposed resolution 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.

All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place.

All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator 1029422-01

1029413-01

at the stated time and place.

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019 15

NAACP

Continued from pg. 4

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, December 12, 2019, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS REZ2019-00023, HOMETOWN REALTY SERVICES, INC. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, and R-1, Single-Family District, to RS(c), Single- Family Residential District with conditions on GPIN 8706-62-5060, consisting of approximately 12.98 acres, and located on the east line of Shady Grove Road (State Route 640) at its intersection with Old Oaklawn Drive (State Route 1201). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 – 3 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the use of the dwelling as office. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2019-00024, CALDWELL PARTNERS, L.L.C. AND HHHUNT CALDWELL, L.L.C., Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan and proffers approved with rezoning request C-14-14(c), Mary Lynne McDougle, et al. (Scotchtown Partners, L.L.C.), on GPINs 8706-58-5695, 8706-49-5063, 8706-58-3434, 8706-58-6162, 8706-48-8991, 8706-59-0093, 8706-58-8910, 8706-69-3782, 8707-60-1621, 8707-61-2365, 8707-51-3243, 8707-51-3841, and 8707-61-6614, consisting of approximately 107.56 acres, zoned RS(c) Single Family Residential District with conditions, RM(c) Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, and B-3(c), General Business District with conditions.

The request is also to rezone approximately 15.89 acres from A-1, Agricultural District and RM(c) Multi-Family Residential District with conditions to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions. The property is located on the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301) and New Ashcake Road (State Route 643). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Use. The proposed zoning amendment would permit reconfiguration of the overall commercial and residential development, reduces the number of apartments from 286 to 232 units, and increases the number of townhomes from 131 to 185 units. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2019-00028, NANCY ROBERTSON COMBS, Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8706-06-6722, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, and located on the north line of Combs Drive (State Route 2181) at its intersection with Cool Spring Road (State Route 652). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 25 building lots for a gross density of 2.5 units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2019-00006, WOODSIDE FARMS OF VA, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreation facility/events venue on GPIN 7787-06-9949, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Cedar Lane (State Route 623) at its intersection with Woodside Farms Drive (State Route number pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 – 3 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2019-00007, HOMETOWN REALTY SERVICES, INC., Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Sections 26-59.6 and 26-59.10 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit use as an office and a recreational facility on GPIN 8706-62-5060, consisting of approximately 12.98 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and R-1, SingleFamily Residential District (pending rezoning request, REZ2019-00023, to rezone to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions), and located on the east line of Shady Grove Road (State Route 640) at its intersection with Old Oaklawn Drive (State Route 1201). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 – 3 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy CUP2019-00009, MARK T. MOTLEY Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 and 26-130.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreation facility/event venue on GPIN 7787-37-3848(part), consisting of approximately 1.57 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and B-3, General Business District, and located on the east line of Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1) approximately 925 feet north of its intersection with Old Telegraph Road (State Route 661). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

16

Ashland-Hanover Local November 27, 2019

“Members of Together Hanover are deeply disappointed that Hanover County Public Schools chose to make poor use of potentially millions of citizens’ tax dollars to continue with the lawsuit and to continue with venerating the Confederate and segregationist causes in our schools,” said Rachel Levy, speaking for Together Hanover, a community citizens group that has actively campaigned for the name changes.

“We urge the school board to come to their senses and do the right thing: settle the lawsuit and change the names,” Levy added.

“I’m glad they didn’t give in,” said Grayson Jennings, the only member of the public that attended the meeting and waited for the result. He said school board members should reflect the views of their community and said the issue involves heritage and history.

Jennings proudly displayed a Lee-Davis t-shirt at Friday’s meeting.

Others took to Facebook to express their support of the non-action that appeared to signal a non-settlement position.

“Finally a governing body who pays attention to the will of its citizenry. Thank you for not caving to the blackmail and bullying tactics of the naacp (sic),” one poster wrote.

NAACP president Robert Barnette said, “I am disappointed that the school board decided not to take action to resolve the lawsuit” following Friday’s decision.

Shortly after the board’s action, the local NAACP announced a meeting scheduled for this week in Ashland that would address the current status of their suit with attorneys representing the local Unit present.

Updates from that meeting will be provided via our website.

Hanover

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Special Supplement of ~ The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local ~ November 27, 2019

Hanover’s Holiday Gift Guide

Hearty lasagna can feed holiday crowds

M

illions of people take to the roads, rails and skies to make it home for the holidays. Plenty of hosts and hostesses open their homes to well-traveled relatives and close friends during the holiday season, sometimes providing accommodations for several days.

During this season of entertaining, it is helpful to have several go-to recipes that can feed a houseful of guests on hand.

The recipe for ‘Lasagna With Broccoli and Three Cheeses’ from ‘Real Simple: Dinner Tonight, Done!’ (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple is sure to stick to guests’ ribs on wintry nights. With only 15 minutes of preparation time, this dish gets popped in the oven and can be enjoyed an hour later.

Lasagna With Broccoli and Three Cheeses Serves 4

Ingredients 1 15-ounce container - ricotta 1 pound - frozen broccoli florets-thawed, patted dry & chopped 2 1/4 cups - grated mozzarella 1/2 cup -grated Parmesan Kosher salt and black pepper 1 16-ounce- jar marinara sauce 1/2 cup - heavy cream 8 -no-boil lasagna noodles 2 tablespoons- olive oil, plus more for the foil 4 cups-mixed greens 1 tablespoon-fresh lemon juice Heat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, broccoli, 2 cups of the mozzarella, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a small bowl, combine the marinara sauce and cream.

Spoon a thin layer of the sauce into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish. Top with 2 Metro Creative Connection

Broccoli Lasagna is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

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noodles, a quarter of the remaining sauce, and a third of the broccoli mixture; repeat twice.

Top with the remaining 2 noodles and sauce.

Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan.

Cover the lasagna tightly with an oiled piece

of foil and bake until the noodles are tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Toss the greens with the oil, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve with the lasagna.— Metro Creative Connection

Keep safe during a season of holiday ‘spirits’

T

he weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are some of the most festive times of the year. Family and friends socialize and exchange gifts while many people take inventory of their good fortunes. Many things are enjoyed in abundance during the holiday season, and that unfortunately can include alcoholic beverages.

A 2018 survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the supplement company Morning Recovery revealed that, among 2,000 American respondents, the average person consumes twice as many alcoholic drinks over the holidays than any other

time of year. That uptick in drinking likely has something to do with the holiday social scene. In normal, non-holiday weeks, Americans attend just one social event, but that number climbs to three when the holidays arrive.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a division of the National Institutes of Health, warns that the holidays can be a time when some people are more likely to drink to excess in the name of merrymaking. Despite the known dangers of excessive consumption of alcohol, many people still overindulge.

— Metro

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

Hanover’s Holiday Gift Guide New ride program for senior or those with a disability n December 12, Hanover County will be launching a new service for residents of Hanover who are 60+ years of age or who have a

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disability.

Hanover DASH is a new specialized transportation program to help eligible residents travel to medical appointments, shopping, banking, and formal social activities. This pilot program is funded by a grant from the Department of Rail and Public Transit to help expand access and increase independence for older adults and persons with a disability.

Riders can call 365-DASH (3274) to apply for the program. Once enrolled, the rides, which will be a door to door service, will be coordinated by the county’s vendor, Roundtrip.

Riders will be able to book rides online, use the Roundtrip Call Center, or an app and have a driver pick them up.

For a cost of $6 one-way or $12 round-trip, the driver will take the resident to an appointment, grocery store or other allowable destination anywhere in Hanover or within 7 miles of the county. A 10% discount is available if you

book the ride online. The vendor, Roundtrip, does not take cash, only credit, pre-paid or debit cards.

Rides will be available between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Advance notice will not be required, except for those needing a specialized vehicle such as a wheelchair van. Ambulatory riders will be served through non-shared passenger vehicles.

This service is available to all income levels. Application forms are available at www.HanovereDash.org. The Department of Community Resources will manage the Hanover DASH program and will review your application and verify your eligibility. “We believe that this new specialized transportation program will make a big difference for many of our residents, and we are grateful to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the Board of Supervisors for making this possible,� said Deputy County Administrator Jim Taylor. “Hanover County has identified the need for specialized transportation for some time, and it’s exciting to see a new service taking shape.�

Keep safety in mind when decorating for the holidays ecorations help make the holiday season a magical time of year.

Stores are awash in color and twinkling lights, and similar imagery is on display in private homes.

Designing holiday displays can be a great way for families to spend time together and kick off the celebration. In fact, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International, around 90 percent of Americans decorate their homes for the holidays.

When trimming the tree and decorating this holiday season, families must keep

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safety in mind. A little planning and some precautionary measures can ensure displays are enjoyed all season long.

Travelers Insurance offers the

following holiday decorating safety tips.

Do not overload outlets.

Plan displays according to the see SAFETY, pg. 5

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

November 27, 2019

3B

Hanover’s Holiday Gift Guide

Live Christmas tree tips and tricks hristmas trees are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether they are personal trees nestled in the corner of a living room for families to enjoy or towering evergreens serving as the focal point of a town square, Christmas trees are a wonder to behold.

Many people have fond memories of time spent around the Christmas tree sharing gifts and family traditions. Live trees and their pine-like aroma can be especially nostalgic trees to include in holiday plans. The National Christmas Tree Association says that approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. North American trees hail from all 50 states and areas of Canada.

While freshly cut trees can be particularly beautiful and aromatic additions to the season, they require a bit more work than artificial trees in order to remain beautiful and thrive throughout the holiday season. Maintenance can help keep Christmas trees as perfect as possible.

Even though it is tempting to buy a real tree as early as possible, their shelf life is limited even with the best care. Dural Christmas Tree Farm advises that, under the best conditions, a real tree should last up to four weeks before drying out.

Consider the needles when looking for a real tree. Pull your hand toward your body along the branches.

If many needles fall off, the tree is past its peak.

Think about the room in which the tree will be located. Leave at least 6 inches between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, accounting for the height of the tree stand as well.

If needle retention is a goal, the Scotch pine variety has the best needle retention and a high survival rate, lending to its popularity, offers Precision Tree and Landscape.

Douglas fir and balsam fir are other

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November 27, 2019

durable trees.

If possible, buy a freshly cut tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm, advises The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Many pre-cut trees sold elsewhere were likely cut weeks before and may not be fresh.

Cut the bottom of the tree trunk before bringing it home to facilitate the uptake of fresh water daily. Trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water in a day, so make sure the tree gets fresh water every day.

Keep trees away from as many heat sources as possible and away from direct sunlight to prolong longevity.

According to Karabin Farms in Connecticut, to make a Christmas tree last longer, boil a gallon of water and then dissolve one cup of sugar in the water. Allow to cool. After freshly cutting the trunk, pour in the warm sugar water. Continue to add fresh, cool, plain water to the tree stand afterward.

Once needles begin to fall off with frequency, the tree is reaching Metro Creative Connections its prime. Remove it so it does not Freshly cut Christmas trees are farmed specifically for the holiday season and support local economies. They also tend to last a bit longer than pre-cut trees available elsewhere. become a fire hazard.

— Metro Creative Connection

Christmas tree recycling hen choosing a real Christmas tree for holiday celebrations, consumers should think about the many ways that trees can be repurposed after the holiday season. Some towns collect discarded trees to use them for various purposes.

However, homeowners can get in on the action as well. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers these great ideas for post-holiday tree use.

Prop up the tree near a bird feeder to provide another perch and shelter to birds that stick close to home in winter, such as chickadees and finches.

String the tree with various treats for birds and put it in a sheltered location. Ideas include homemade suet, cranberries and millet.

W

Mulch the tree and use it in the garden in the spring.

Use boughs to insulate perennials in the garden.

Keep some branches to use as kindling in a wood stove or fireplace, or as aromatic logs for next year’s yule fire.

Sink an old tree in a personal pond. Fish and tadpoles will live and lay eggs around this sheltered area.

Collect some pine needles and sew them into fabric packets to make scented sachets for closets or drawers.

There are many imaginative ways to come up with handy uses for Christmas trees once the holiday season ends. — Metro Creative Connection

Metro Creative Connections

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

Hanover’s Holiday Gift Guide

How to create a durable gingerbread house ingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale ‘Hansel and Gretel’ helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work - especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.

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Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

Get the right icing texture.

Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred ‘glue’ to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall says icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny.

SAFETY Continued from pg. 3

number and location of available outlets.

Never exceed the maximum number of light strands that can be attached together.

Use lights and products that have been tested for safety. Certification marks like UL, ETL and CSA are from nationally recognized laboratories.

LED lights should be used whenever possible. Such lights consume less energy and run cooler than other bulbs.

The ESFI says candles start almost 50 percent of all decoration fires. Minimize the risk by using candles only when they can be monitored.

Artificial candles can be used

in place of real candles.

Check for freshness in live trees. A fresh tree will last longer and is less of a fire hazard than an old tree.

Place Christmas trees at least three feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces and heaters.

Use decorations that are non-combustible or made from flame-resistant materials.

Pay attention to the age recommendations of decorations to see if they can be used in homes with young children. Some items, however common, are choking or strangulation hazards.

Avoid putting small, Òmouth-sizedÓ decorations near the ground or on lower limbs of trees, where young

Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.

Kids likely will need help Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on.

Metro

Children can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids.

Mind the dough Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build.

children can easily reach them.

Exercise caution when hanging decorations at high heights. Make sure the ladder is secured and have a spotter who can hold the ladder and pass items up safely.

Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs. Exercise caution when decorating near power lines that extend to the house.

Keep hung stockings far away from open flames so they do not catch any errant embers.

These are just a few suggestions for decorating a safely for the holiday season.

— Metro Creative Connection

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

Utilize a template Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

— Metro Creative Connection

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Body & Paint Shop Paul Dorn Located In Downtown Mechanicsville

746-2590

Happy Holidays

Where you ALWAYS get a BETTER BUY and SERVICE Too!

CHARLES W. HARRILL, O.D.

Family Eye Care Since 1976 Hours Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 24-Hour Emergency Care

746-1950

7290 Hanover Green Drive Mechanicsville, VA 23111

GARY CHAPMAN’S AUTO REPAIR

Now carrying exclusively.

Factory Trained Technicians Trained Sales Associates Relaxed Atmosphere • Since 1964

Home of the Real Limeade and Homemade Shakes

8082 Mechanicsville Turnpike

Mechanicsville Drugstore

804-746-4470

Located In Downtown Mechanicsville

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8044 MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE 730-1009

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IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE - THE MECHANICSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 27, 2019

Sunday December 8, 2019 beginning at 2 p.m. in Downtown Mechanicsville A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

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Hair Sh

Mary’s Hours Monday 9-6

Come in and find out why we were voted

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-1 Gift Certificates Available 559-6151 • 8096 Mechanicsville Tpke. • Mechanicsville

1024970-01

Prompt, Professional Service, Quality Car Care & Service, Imports & Domestic ALIGNMENT

8077 Mechanicsville Pike In the Heart of Mechanicsville 746-5168 fax 746-7046

20 years Same Original Place Same Original Price

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COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SERVICE

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e e s o t e p o h We ! e d a r a p e you at th

www.Lipscombeappliance.com

#1 Hanover Local Choice Pharmacy

2019 The Mechanicsville Local Ashland-Hanover Local

the

Locals ice

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WINNER

Come to The Parade and Plan to eat Lunch All along the Parade Route The Mechanicsville Ruritans in Golf carts will be serving BBQ, Hotdogs, Drinks, Chips and Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies!

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE HANOVER CHRISTMAS MOTHER!

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

November 27, 2019

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Hanover’s Holiday Gift Guide Prepare the fireplace for holiday decorating jolly holiday season can be made even more merry with a roaring fire. Homeowners often build holiday tableaus around the fireplace to serve as festive backdrops. The mantle and the fireplace itself also may be a prime spot to dedicate to decorating this time of year.

Even though Christmas tree fires are rare, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, when they do occur they’re likely to be serious. That is why trees and other flammable decorations need to be kept clear of gas and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. In addition, many other guidelines should be heeded to ensure fireplaces and holiday decor safely coexist this season.

Read labels on decorative items carefully before decorating. Be sure to only select items that are flame-resistant or retardent. Cherished collectibles and other items should always be kept far away from open flames and heat.

It pays to have a fireplace inspected and cleaned for use prior to operation, advises Doherty Insurance Agency. Rely on a trained

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chimney sweep, and have the fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once per year.

Even though it may be picturesque, do not place wrapped packages or gift boxes near the fireplace, as they tend to be highly combustible. Keep presents and other flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace.

Do not be tempted to dispose of wrapping paper, boxes or even a Christmas tree in the fireplace. Wrapping paper contains additives that make it burn at high temperatures. A Christmas tree hasn’t been properly seasoned and could be a fire hazard and potentially contribute to excessive smoke and creosote.

Keep decorations that kids will be tempted to touch away from the fireplace so kids do not hang out near the heat and open flames.

Fireplaces are often a focal point of holiday decorating and entertaining. Homeowners who want to incorporate their fireplaces into their holiday decor must emphasize safety when doing so.

— Metro Creative Connection

Make the holidays a little sweeter hat would the holidays be without platters full of homemade cookies? It’s that time of year for pulling out favorite recipes and filling the house with delicious aromas and delectable treats.

This recipe for ‘Stareos’ from ‘Classic Stars Desserts’ (Chronicle Books) by Emily mily Luchetti adds a gourmet spin to a popular chocolate sandwich h cookie.

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Metro

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE HUNTER IN YOUR LIFE We’re conveniently located just off RT-360 (The Richmond-Tappahannock Highway) in King William located next to Ripley’s Restaurant and behind Sona Bank and Dollar General, between Mechanicsville and Tappahannock. 694 Sharon Drive, Suite Q.

Stareos Makes 18 cookies okies

Chocolate Shortbread h tb d 11/2 cups-all-purpose flour Pinch of kosher salt 1/2 cup -unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 8 ounces (16 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup - granulated sugar Flour for dusting

Filling

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November 27, 2019

1 cup mascarpone cheese 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract To make the chocolate shortbread: In a bowl, stir together the flour, salt and cocoa powder and set aside. Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on low speed until the butter and sugar begin to incorporate, about 15 seconds. Add the dry ingredients and continue to mix until the dough comes together, about 3 minutes. It will look dry just before it comes together.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough 1/4 inch thick. Using a 2-inch star cutter, cut out as many cookies as possible. Gather together the scraps, reroll, and continue cutting out cookies until you have 36 cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Bake the shortbread until firm, about 35 minutes. At the midway point, switch the baking sheets between the racks and rotate them 180 degrees to ensure even baking. Let cool on the baking sheets to room temperature.

To make the filling: In a small bowl, stir together the mascarpone, sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Turn 18 of the cookies bottom-side up on a work surface. Using a table knife or a small icing spatula, spread about 1 tablespoon of the filling on the bottom of each cookie. Top with the remaining cookies, bottom-side down.

— Metro Creative Connection

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

Hanover’s Holiday Gift Guide How to make holiday wreaths the easy way

Tips for baking better Christmas cookies

Metro Creative Connection

Chilling, the dough becomes more malleable for rolling and even slicing.

ookies and other baked treats are everywhere come the holiday season. It’s not uncommon to give cookies as gifts or arrive at holiday gatherings with cakes and other decadent desserts.

Cookies are a classic holiday treat, and some families even build entire traditions around baking Christmas cookies.

Novice bakers making cookies for the first time may be a little overwhelmed when perusing recipes. Baking is a science, and sometimes it takes practice to get the results just right. However, there are some tips that can help yield better, buttery bounties.

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Handle butter with care Butter can make or break a cookie recipe, as butter is often the glue that holds the cookie together. Therefore, it is key to follow the directions carefully regarding how to handle butter.

Smithsonian.com says to leave butter at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to properly soften it. This takes patience,

but fiddling with butter too much can damage its delectable integrity. While purists may say butter is best, margarine may be acceptable if it has a high fat content; otherwise, cookies may spread out and flatten.

When it comes time to cream the butter with sugar, be sure to do so thoroughly to incorporate air into the butter and remove the grainy texture of the sugar.

in the butter. Adding eggs en masse may cause the emulsification to fail.

Chill out Follow recipes that call for chilling cookie dough carefully. This process is important for making sliced and shaped cookies. By chilling, the dough becomes more malleable for rolling and even slicing.

Measure flour properly

Use a bottom rack

Measuring flour the right way can ensure cookies come out right. The Cooking Channel says to spoon the flour lightly into a dry measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Do not dip the measuring cup into the flour or tap the knife against the cup. This will pack too much flour into the measuring cup and result in dry, tough cookies.

Too much heat may compromise cookie integrity. The food experts at Delish say to try moving cookies onto a lower rack in the oven if they aren’t retaining their shape when baked. Put an empty cookie sheet on the top rack.

That will block the cookies from the most intense heat that rises to the top of the oven.

Mastering cookies takes a little patience and some trial and error. Once bakers get their feet wet, Christmascookie-baking becomes even more special. — Metro Creative Connection

Slow down the eggs Add eggs one at a time to make sure each will emulsify properly with the fat

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

There are many different ways to decorate homes and businesses for the holidays. Tall evergreen trees are among the most visible symbols of the holiday season.

However, wreaths hung on doors, windows or fences also are ubiquitous this time of year.

Wreaths adorn homes primarily during the holidays of Easter and Christmas.

Wreaths have also been worn around the head or neck in ceremonial events around the globe for centuries. It is believed the first wreaths date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Members of the Greco-Roman society were known to hand-make ring-shaped items using fresh tree leaves, small fruits, flowers, and twigs.

Oftentimes these headdresses symbolized a person’s social status.

Others suggest wreaths evolved to become a Christian symbol of immortality.

Regardless of how wreaths are viewed, many people like to display wreaths for the holidays. Wreaths can be purchased premade, but making a wreath on your own can make the holidays even more fun.

One of the easiest ways to make a wreath is to design it around a circular floral foam form. Gather supplies to make the wreath.

For traditional wreaths, supplies will include sprigs of evergreen (real or artificial), ribbon, floral wire, bows, and artificial berries.

Working around the foam form, arrange the boughs of evergreen, using the floral wire to wrap or pin into the foam itself. Keep the layers coming until you get the desired coverage. Embellish with a ribbon or place a bow.

The blog A Piece of Rainbow says that creating a wreath jig is an easy way to make a wreath. Cut a dollar-store laundry basket bottom from the top ring to make a template, on which you can place wreath-making materials so they keep their circular form.

Use floral wire or natural jute string to tie the materials together.

Experiment with fresh evergreen, twigs, holly branches, or whatever materials you choose.

Thick card stock also can serve as the wreath template. Attach artificial flowers or leaves, spray snow, ornaments, or other items to the card stock ring with a firm adhesive.

Many craft stores sell wreath forms made of natural vines that have been strung in a ring. These can be decorated in their entirety or left a little sparse to let the natural twine show through.

Wreaths may seem like complicated creations. But a little imagination and the right materials is all it takes to create a homemade wreath. — Metro Creative Connection

November 27, 2019

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Hanover’s Holiday Gift Guide Holiday hosting friends and family in small spaces atherings of family and friends are a big part of the holiday season.

Hosting such gatherings can be a great way to show loved ones how much you appreciate them, and hosting also saves hosts the trouble of traveling during one of the most hectic travel seasons of the year.

When hosting a large crowd at home, space can be a difficult hurdle to clear. However, a few helpful strategies can help space-starved hosts pull off a holiday soiree where everyone is comfortable.

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Pare down the menu Holiday feasts don’t have to resemble medieval banquets with excessive amounts of food and drink. Hosts with small kitchens and tiny dining quarters can pare down the menu, limiting offerings to just a single entree and a few simple side dishes, so everyone feels

comfortable at the table and has ample room to eat. A small menu also gives hosts more time to spend with their loved ones during the festivities.

Don’t overdo it on drinks When planning the drinks menu, avoid offering cocktails, which take time to prepare and often require guests to visit the kitchen for refrigerated ingredients. Limit drinks to wine, beer, water, and soft drinks, storing cold beverages in a cooler kept outside on a front or back porch or in an area outside the kitchen so cooks can work without interruption.

Move some furniture If your main living space is small, consider moving some bulky furniture into a bedroom or office where guests won’t be spending time. Then make better use of the open living

space by placing folding chairs or other accommodations to ensure there’s ample seating for everyone. A single recliner can only be enjoyed by one person, but removing it from a room may create enough space for as many as three folding chairs.

Go small on decorations If you know you’ll be hosting in advance of the holiday season, decorate with guests in mind. That might mean skipping a six-foot Christmas tree in favor of one that takes up less space. Avoid leaving any fragile decorations out, as adults or overexcited kids may knock them over as they try to navigate a cramped space.

Holiday hosting can be fun, even in small spaces. A few simple tricks can make even the smallest spaces accommodating.

— Metro Creative Connection

Metro Creative Connection

Consider moving some bulky furniture into a bedroom or office where guests won’t be spending time.

Commemorate the 12 days of Christmas n the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.’

The familiar lyrics of this tune are sung as part of Christmas caroling and holiday celebrations, reaching a crescendo each time singers belt out ‘five golden rings.’ The song is an English Christmas carol that was written in 1720. While it references plenty of giftgiving, it’s easy to assume the song is about giving Christmas gifts. However, the 12 days in the song actually refer to the birth of Jesus Christ.

The 12 days of Christmas, also known as the Twelvetide, refers to the festive Christian season that celebrates the Nativity of Jesus. In fact, the start of these days occurs on December 25 and extends until the evening of January 5th,

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the day before the Epiphany, known as Twelfth Night. Each day corresponds to a remembrance of different religious events or people.

Christmas celebrants can celebrate well into the new year. Commemorating the 12 days of Christmas can include small festivities from December 25 to January 5. On Twelfth Night, historically known for parties, modern-day fanfare can mark the culmination of the Christmas season - with the last of gift-giving occurring on the Epiphany.

Gifting, hosting friends and family, attending religious services, participating in charitable events, or opening one’s home to neighbors and those who can use some companionship are all ways to make the 12 days of Christmas more special. — Metro Creative Connection

Metro Creative Connections

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November 27, 2019

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local

anicsville h c e M ROTARY - RURITAN Christmas Parade List of Participants

Parade Information

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Date: Sunday, December 8, 2019 Time: 2 pm Location: Strain Ave., Hillis Way, Atlee Road & Mechanicsville Tnpk.

Participant Line Up: NOON

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Santa will appear BEFORE the parade around the Judges Platform (Mechanicsville Drug Store) for pictures and conversation with children.

And, Santa will appear again magically atop the huge fire truck at the very end of the parade.

There will be Food Carts manned

by Mechanicsville Ruritans and Rotary Members selling Food and Drinks, all Profits from these sales go to the Christmas Mother!

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More info: MechanicsvilleRotary.org

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WINDSOR LANE

WINDSOR SUBDIVISION

MECHANICSVILLE ELEMENTARY

ATLEE RD.

STRAIN AVENUE

Parade Map Route

HILLIS WAY

WINDSOR SUBDIVISION

Start POST OFFICE

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EVB BANK

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MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE Reviewing Stand

Staging Area

HANOVER GREEN DR.

Finish

ELM DR.

MECHANICSVILLE REC. CENTER

SIGNAL HILL RD.

ROUTE 360

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VFW Battlefield Post 9808 Hanover County Sheriff - Colonel David Hines Hanover County Fire-EMS (Fire Chief Jethro H. Piland, III) Mechanicsville Rotary & Mechanicsville Ruritan Presidents Congressman Rob Wittman Senator Ryan McDouble Sean Davis, Henry District Supervisor Grand Marshall (Rotary Past District Governor Karlis Graubics) Scott Wyatt, Cold Harbor Disctrict Supervisor Miss Hanover Abilities / Hanover Community Support Services Atlee Marching Raiders Band American Legion Post 175 Hanover Christmas Mother - Carolyn Bowles Richmond Twisters Cub Scout Pack 503 (Church of the Redeemer) Hanover Chamber of Commerce Bruce Paulus Lowry Motorsports The Dance Lab LLC Phillip Downey Eastern Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad National Street Rod Association - Pat Patrick Atlee High School Junior ROTC Highland Springs High School Band Highland Springs High School Cheer Richmond Raceway Ashcake Volunteer Rescue Squad Station 13 Cub Scout Pack 502 Glen Allen Towing Richmond Flying Squirrels Virginia Traffic Control Girl Scout Troop 4289 Sandra & James 5 Dollar Jewelry Cub Scout Pack 553 Lifehouse Church Bill Talley Ford Mechanicsville Rebels Football & Cheering Cub Scout Pack 544 Mechanicsville Little League Pups n Sudz Spotlight Acro & Cheer The Zehringer Family Warriors Way Martial Arts Institute Industrial Taphouse Village Bank

46 Texas Roadhouse 47 Mechanicsville Vol. Fire Department Station 7 Rescue 407 48 Girls Scout Troop 920 & Senior Troop 5274 49 Colonial Truck Sales 50 Kickin’ Country Line Dancin’ 51 Richmond Towing 52 Moments of Hope Outreach 53 Lee Davis NJROTC 54 Atkinson Insurance LLC 55 Capital City Collision and Frame 56 Little Bean Coffee Company 57 Cub Scout Pack 555 58 Steve Lacombe 59 Truckz N Old Skoolz & Ladies of TNOS 60 Central Virginia Mustang Club 61 Rocky Ridge Riders 4H Club 62 Smoking Aces Car Club 63 Silver Stirrups 64 Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club (RMACC) 65 Tuckaway Child Care Centers 66 RVA Jeep Wave 67 Mechanicsville Mudders 68 Robinson’s Towing & Recovery 69 Hanover Historic Machinery Club 70 Mechanicsville Vol. Fire Department Station 7 Engine 407 71 Dalton Realty - Susan Compton 72 Junkluggers of Central Virginia 73 Lee Davis Stonewall Jackson FFA 74 ACCA Shrine 75 Hanover High School Marching Band 76 Boy Scouts of America Troop 503 77 Exit Realty - Parade of Homes 78 Hanover High School FFA 79 M.W. Butler Electrical, LLC 80 Affordable Spa Services 81 Cpt. William Latane’ Camp #1690, Sons of Confederate Veterans 82 Virginia Flaggers 83 W.C. Wickham Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #2250 84 The Hanover Dragoons 85 Henry Volunteer Fire Company 86 C&W Hanover Septic 87 Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Unit 606 88 Lee Davis High School Cheerleaders 89 Lee Davis HS Marching Band 90 SANTA! Mechanicsville Vol. Fire Department Station 7 91 End of Parade Sheriff Dept Car

Grand Marshall: Rotary Past District Governor, Karlis Graubics

This ad is sponsored by: November 27, 2019

A Special Supplement to The Mechanicsville Local & Ashland-Hanover Local