TOY DRIVE
COMMUNITY
Toy drive to help kids cope with COVID-19 stresses
Ashland raises funds for food banks PAGE
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Vol. 5 No. 43 | Richmond Suburban News | July 8, 2020
CARES $$ will boost schools’ laptop purchases
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SHLAND -- Due to laptops during the 2020-2021 recent action taken school year as part of the previby the Hanover ously approved FY2021 budget. “We are grateful for the County Board of Supervisors, Hanover County continued support of the board of supervisors and Public Schools county administrareceived $4.1 million tion as we work to in the Coronavirus serve the complex Aid, Relief and needs of our stuEconomic Security dents, families, and (CARES) Act of staff during these 2020 funding. challenging times. The budget supplement covers qualNow more than ever, ifying and unexpectwe must be prepared ed expenses between to quickly pivot and GILL March 1 and Dec. 30 adapt to teaching due to the COVIDour students in a 19 public health crisis. rapidly changing environment. Purchasing laptops for all These additional funds will high school students and stu- allow us to better support students in grades three through dent learning, as well as provide five is a high priority. for the health and safety needs Middle school students are see LAPTOPS, pg. 10 already scheduled to receive
The center tent is always buzzing with activity at the Hanover Tomato Festival as was evident last year. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this year’s event, which would have been the 42nd, was canceled. To take a trip down memory lane, turn to page 13, Community, for file photos of one of the county’s biggest attractions.
COVID-19 can’t cancel memories By Melody Kinser Managing Editor MECHANICSVILLE – While 2020 will go down in history as one of the worst years in our nation, the pandemic that started the decline in the United States also struck Hanover County when the Hanover Tomato Festival was canceled. The festival, which was started in 1978 by the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department, fell victim to the coronavirus (COVID-19) when the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department faced the tough decision of canceling this year’s event. This was a first in the event’s 42-year history.
Organizers announced on May 28 that the safety of the community is their top priority. They also assured Hanoverians and our neighbors that they remain committed to doing their part to protect all those involved with all Parks and Rec activities, and that includes those attending, the vendors, volunteers and staff. Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, speaking on behalf of Director Greg Sager, said Parks and Rec said it was a “difficult decision to cancel the Hanover Tomato Festival, which was scheduled for July 10 and 11.” Thousands turn out every year for the festival, which has grown to include
Friday evening events and competitions, at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville. Saturday is easily the main attraction with vendors, games, contests, entertainment and, of course, the star: the Hanover Tomato. The center booth always hosts the fruit of the weekend. Let’s go back 42 years to an idea that sparked what has become Mechanicsville’s No. 1 event (the Mechanicsville Rotary/ Ruritan Christmas parade runs a close second). In need of funds for equipment and training, the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department sponsored a festival at the see TOMATO, pg. 16
Drive-Thru Food Drive set to help those hit by COVID-19 financial losses By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – In an effort to help local independent and Hanover County church food pantries, the Hanover County
Sheriff ’s Office is partnering with Green Top to sponsor a Drive-Thru Food Drive. The purpose of the event is to provide aid to residents who have been impacted by the coro-
navirus (COVID-19) from a financial standpoint. The food drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Green Top, located at 10150
Lakeridge Pkwy. in Ashland. Those wishing to support the food drive are encouraged to collect non-perishable food items and grocery store gift cards. Between noon and 5 p.m.
tomorrow contributions will be accepted simply by driving to Green Top and looking for the Drive-Thru signs. Donors may stay in their vehicles, while Green Top staff and some of
“Hanover County’s finest” take care of the unloading. The Sheriff ’s Office and Green Top joined in saying to the community, “We’re in this together!”
