see HOURS

Discussion continues regarding RC zoning amendment changes

By Jim Ridolphi Ashland-Hanover Local

More than 20 years ago, Hanover County created a Rural Conservation (RC) designated zoning district in an effort to preserve the rural nature of the county while allowing some residential opportunities in those areas. The current RC ordinance allows landowners or developers to apply for the designation on lots of 25 acres or larger, but there are restrictions. First, 70% of the tract deemed the conservation area must be preserved with at least 20% classified as common space, and one preservation lot is allowed that could contain a residence or single family building site. The remainder of the property can be used for cluster home developments

In 2019, the Community Development Committee (CDC) recommended changes to the ordinances in an effort to make RC more desirable and preserve more rural acreage. Board of Supervisors chair Sean Davis also heads the CDC and said the recommendations are needed.

“I’m trying to save RC .If these measures go away, RC becomes more undesirable,” Davis said. “These new ordinances are density neutral. We are not trying to change RC zoning. The only thing that we are doing is proposing that the preserved land has an ability to be on two GPINs,” he concluded.

The proposed changes to the current ordinance are intended to clarify existing guidelines and better clarify expectations. The Planning Commission is expected to consider the proposal at next month’s meeting.

“The CDC sent this to us for the sole purpose of establishing or creating a conservation lot,” Planning Commission chair Larry Leadbetter said. “The ordinance as it stands right now is very confusing… and we are trying to make it more understandable and reasonable so everybody has a clear picture

see ZONING, pg. 9 Continued from pg. 6 are either. One need not look hard to find actual examples of true injustice or heartbreaking cruelty. Children are forced into sweatshops in some parts of the world, while in other places famine or war are omnipresent threats. Ask yourself this: Would you be willing to look a Holocaust survivor in the eye and draw a comparison between what they suffered at the hands of the Nazi regime and a school division doing what it determines is best for the students it has been tasked with protecting? Masks are annoying and make for awkward social interactions and often fogged-up glasses. They are certainly not fun to wear. But “torture”? It seems perhaps we need to take a step back.

As a school board member in a neighboring county quietly pointed out during a public meeting after a particularly ferocious response to that school division’s mask decision, “Your children are watching all of this.” Is this really the behavior we want to model for them?

It shouldn’t be.

So, by all means, let’s keep on describing bad haircuts as “tragedies” and awkward first dates as “train wrecks.” Let’s not hold back when it comes to explaining how last night’s dinner was “a disaster of epic proportions.”

When it comes to the mask debate, however, we could all probably use a dose of that one thing that is so badly needed but also so often hard to come by: a little perspective.

HOURS

Continued from pg. 1

and the hours of this building,” Farrar said at last week’s meeting as he presented a plan for Council’s consideration.

The pilot program was prompted by COVID concerns, but also allowed customers extended hours of service for those unable to get to Town Hall during normal business hours.

Last May, Farrar presented a plan to make the four-day week permanent, but Council members were not ready to endorse the plan and asked Farrar to gather more input from the public regarding the schedule.

“We thought the pilot program was successful and asked council members what do you think about making it permanent,” Farrar said.

In response to Council’s request for more information, Farrar initiated a survey available electronically and at the Town Hall’s front desk to gauge public comment regarding the hours. That survey garnered 43 responses with 73 percent favoring the alternative hours.

In addition, the county established and manned a voicemail response system for customers needing service on Fridays when the facility is closed. That service is manned and every call receives a response that day.

“Everyone gets a call back,” Farrar said after describing the call volume on that line as “very small.”

The survey also revealed a preference to make a clear decision on the hours and make it permanent. Some council members expressed a belief that many in the community think the shortened hours are still COVID related.

But Farrar said the fourday schedule offers customers more hours of service due to the extended hours and message center, up to 50 hours weekly with the voicemail call back.

“You can see first and foremost from this survey that there is a community preference for the alternative schedule,” Farrar said.

Among other benefits, Farrar said the 4-10 schedule increases productivity but cautioned his observations on this topic were anecdotal.

“My personal experience has been to be able to get a lot more work done and actually sit down and block off big chunks of time in the 10-hour

day versus the eight-hour day,” Farrar said.

He also said the alternative schedule is a great benefit for employees. “We’re never going to be able to compete on salaries but it’s these kinds of things that make us a top workplace and able to try to compete and provide our employees benefits in a way that doesn’t increase the cost to the town, Farrar told council members. “Overwhelmingly, our staff would agree that this is something that they absolutely love and would love for us to continue.”

Farrar recommended Council make the 4-10 schedule permanent, but some council members were not convinced.

Hodges expressed sup-

port for the alternative hours as a temporary measure, but did not support a permanent change in operating hours.

“I have received negative comments…. at our community meetings asking what’s going on here,” Hodges said. “I’m going to need more evidence from the public that this is something they want.”

Hodges said he feared that an essential segment of the community had not been reached by the Town Hall survey.

He referenced that recently conducted survey and said

Town Hall Hours

Facility is open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday

the sample was too small. “Without a survey of the community at large, we’re not getting a true picture of what the community thinks.”

“I’m not prepared to support a four-day period tonight,” Hodges said.

But Kathy Abbott voiced her support for the proposal stating, “I certainly take this presentation to heart and I think there is a tremendous amount of benefit of 4-10,” she said. “I think if we really lost anything by not being here on Friday, we would have heard about it. If there was any blowback or concern from the community, we would have heard about it by now.”

Abbott said she believes people have adjusted to the fact that “we’re available (on Fridays) but the door is not open.”

Council member Anita Barnhart said she heard a different message from the community. “Over and over people told me that they didn’t care what they (the employees) do because they do a great job, but it’s a building that should be open because it is paid for by the taxpayers…. and they would like to see it open. That’s what I kept hearing over and over,” Barnhart said.

Daniel McGraw said he was undecided as initial discussion began, and admitted he’d been pressured by several friends in favor of five day schedule for the facility. But, he also noted the benefits of the 4-10 plan and said it represented a “perk” of sorts to employees and could be an important factor in retaining talent.

Mayor Steve Trivett said he’s gone back and forth on this issue, but noted the clear benefits to employee morale and productivity of the 4-10 plan. As for the uniqueness of the policy, Trivett said Ashland is often involved in “taking the lead on a lot of things.”

“I’m willing to take the knocks,” he added.

Hodges and Barnhart voted nay on a motion made by Abbott to accept the town manager’s recommendation and establish a 4-10 operating schedule for Town Hall. Trivett and McGraw joined Abbott in approving the plan.

Continued from pg. 8 of what the incidentals mean in the ordinance.”

The changes would allow one additional lot on RC zoned areas called a conservation lot and mandate only one single family home on each building site in the designated cluster area. The changes would also prohibit golf courses on preservation lots and allow the sale of agricultural products on lots less than 10 acres in size.

“There is a preservation lot that is already in the ordinance,” Maloney said. “There’s no size requirement but the proposed ordinance does create a minimum of 10 acres if the conservation lot is utilized.”

The conservation lot is not required and could be contained within the preservation lot. Planning director David Maloney said the plan would give developers options when considering RC zoning.

“A developer has a couple of choices when creating the conservation area,” Maloney said. “They have to create common open space owned by the Homeowners Association… but they can also create a preservation lot. There is no minimum lot size for the preservation lot. There’s no maximum area for the common open space so there is some design flexibility as to how the developer chooses to design and create a preservation lot and develop and create a common open space,” Maloney said.

He noted a change in the ordinance revisions since the Planning Commission met last month stating that conservation lots can only be used for agricultural activities per state code. “But we have put some limitations in here because the intent here is a conservation lot,” Maloney said.

The new ordinance states that “such activities be subject to a conservation plan approved by the Soil and Water Conservation District, and/or a plan prepared by a forest resource manager.”

There is no change in common space requirements in the proposed revisions.

Last month the Planning Commission deferred a decision on the revisions and scheduled a workshop session prior to last week’s regularly scheduled meeting designed to gather more information.

At the workshop, Maloney told commissioners the county is engaged in the first stages of a Comprehensive Plan Review where rural zoning will a major topic of discussion. He said the proposed changes are designed to preserve what is already located in the proposed conservation lots.

“I think there are some landowners that have a significant interest in maintaining the land as open space and using it in the way it has historically been used, whether it’s just forest land or productive agriculture land, and this creates a mechanism to ensure that those uses continue for future generations,” Maloney said.

“To summarize the proposed amendments, we have created cluster lots….a preservation lot that we’ve made some changes to…. and we’ve added the conservation lot,” Maloney said.

“The proposed change in the ordinance is primarily to allow a conservation lot which would be restricted to agricultural and forestry uses. Currently, the ordinance only provides for clustered residential lots, and a larger preservation lot that may have a residence. The ordinance, as proposed, would permit both a preservation lot and a conservation lot,” he added.

Another change would be the elimination of golf courses as a permitted use on preservation lots.

While agricultural and forestry uses would be permitted on conservation lots under the new amendments, mass clearing of the property for pasture or crop production would be prohibited and no residential building site would be permitted. Allowable density in the RC district is set at one unit per 6.5 acres.

If a developer requested both a conservation and preservation lot, each would require a minimum of 10 acres, but if only a preservation lot is considered, there is no minimum lot size.

Jerry Bailey asked if the two lots were required to be contiguous. “the reason I ask is because I think there are certain things that can be done on a conservation lot from an agricultural standpoint,” Bailey said. “I want to make sure the developer can’t have his preservation lot over here and put the conservation over here with something on it that bothers neighbors over there,” he added using chicken farms as an example.

Maloney said the current ordinance prohibits chicken, hog or pig farms, but allows general farming, crop cultivation on preservation lots.

“But those exclusions on the preservation lots are still permitted on the conservation lot?” Bailey questioned.

“They would be,” Maloney answered, but noted there are distinct differences of what would be allowed in conservation lots as opposed to preservation lots. “Under the preservation lot unless there’s a specific proffer of exclusion… it can be timbered or converted to pasture land. That’s an important distinction between the preservation lot and the conservation lot,” he added.

Opponents to the proposed changes have expressed concerns regarding what uses could be permitted on a preservation lot and some have asserted an overabundance of permitted and conditional uses.

Maloney conceded that agricultural uses such as normal farm operations are allowed on both the conservation and preservation lots, but limitations are in place such as excluding mass clearing of the property or the construction of new agricultural themed buildings.

Sports

08 25

2021 Prep golf: Hanover quad at The Crossings 9:30 a.m.

08 26

2021 Prep football: Henrico at Atlee 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Despite weather, other hurdles, golf begins

Joel Klein for The Local

With raindrops falling and Hanover’s Adam Lankford watching, Patrick Henry No. 1 Dan Ailor just misses a birdie putt on the third hole at Hanover Country Club in an abbreviated match with Hanover and Highland Springs on Aug. 16.

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

MECHANICSVILLE – After a week of aborted debuts caused by weather and incomplete rosters, all four county high school golf teams have begun their regular season play.

Even though there was a full week of play in the official second week of the regular season, there were a few hitches, namely thunderstorms that forced a scaled-down match between Patrick Henry, Hanover and Highland Springs at Hanover Country Club on Aug. 16.

So far it appears that Patrick Henry, anchored by senior Dan Ailor, is leading the pack of county teams. In three matches last week, Ailor was consistently solid, at or near the top of the leaderboard after all three of the Patriots’ matches.

The Patriots were to start the week before, but one of their opponents had much of its team out on vacation. The other match couldn’t be played because of excessive heat.

“It’s just, you know, a little rocky start with incomplete teams and the weather, the heat,” said Patrick Henry head golf coach Dave Hudak. “But it turned out last week was pretty good.”

Ailor began the week with a five-stroke win on Aug. 16 in a match with Hanover and Highland Springs that was cut from nine holes to six because of thunderstorms in the area. He shot a 24, and was tied by the sole Highland Springs golfer, Brian McDonough.

Ailor’s Patriot teammates, Dillan Baskind and Ryder Duncan shot a 26, and Linus Stasbury shot a 27.

Like Patrick Henry, Hanover’s golfers were pretty close to one another. The Hawks were led by Walker McLamb with a 28, followed by Adam Lankford and Trevor Yager at 29 and Paul McNally at 31.

The Patriots took on Mechanicsville, Varina and Henrico at Meadowbrook Country Club Wednesday. Ailor and Jackson Burr led Patrick Henry with a 41, followed by Stansbury at 45 and Duncan at 46. The Patriots won the match with a combined score of 173.

The Mustangs had the two best scores of the match with Madison Lehr shooting a 36 and Meg Lavender shooting a 40. The duo led Mechanicsville to a second-place finish with a score of 184.

Ailor led the Patriots in another match against Highland Springs at Brookwoods Thursday, shooting a 36. Keaton Winston shot a 42, followed by Burr at 49 and Stansbury at 50. McDonough again led Highland Springs with a 40.

The rotating roster of topfours among Patrick Henry’s ranks highlights one of the team’s key challenges.

“Ailor’s going to be the leader. He’s been either at par or around par in each of the matches,” Hudak said. “And then it’s just a matter of finding three consistent scorers. We’ve had different people shooting 40 or 41, but we just have to be more consistent.”

Ayer is a Cavalier

Courtesy of Arleen Ayer

Atlee softball player Kelly Ayer (seated, center) commits to continue her academic and athletic career at The University of Virginia in a signing ceremony at Sports Reality on Dec. 28. With her are (clockwise, from left): her father, Kenneth Ayer; her brother, Brett Ayer; and her mother, Arleen Ayer.

To Emory & Henry

Joel Klein for The Local

Patrick Henry’s Cole Mallory (seated) commits to continue his academic and baseball careers at Emory & Henry in a signing ceremony at Patrick Henry High School on June 8. With him are (from left): his sister, Ann Stewart; his mother, Beth Mallory; and his father, Hill Mallory.

Mardigian a Bear

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hanover softball player Julia Mardigian (seated, center) commits to continue her academic and athletic career at Lenoir-Rhyne University in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on May 26. With her are (clockwise, from left): her mother, Chris Mardigian; her brother, Jack Mardigian; and her father, John Mardigian.

Lewis the Spider

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville Mustangs’ runner Cole Lewis (seated, center) commits to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Richmond in a signing ceremony at Mechanicsville High School on June 11. With him are (clockwise, from left): his mother, Teri Lewis; Mechanicsville Principal Charles Stevens; Tommy Bonniville; Joe Washington; Mechanicsville Athletic Director Tripp Metzger; and Mechanicsville cross country coach Joey Wingo.

Plummer to VMI

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hanover athlete Caden Plummer (seated, center) commits to continue his academic and baseball career at Virginia Military Institute in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on May 26. With him are (clockwise, from left): his father, John Plummer; Hanover head baseball coach Tyler Kane; Hanover assistant baseball coach Hunter Hoy; his brother, Garret Plummer; and his mother, Alisha Plummer.

Clark joins Patriots

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville Mustangs’ athlete Grayson Clark (seated, center) commits to continue his academic and running career at George Mason University in a signing ceremony at Mechanicsville High School on June 11. With him are (clockwise, from left): his father, Chris Clark; Mechanicsville Principal Charles Stevens; Kassidy Owens; Susan Zielinski; Mackenzie Clark; Mechanicsville cross country coach Joey Wingo; Mechanicsville Athletic Director Tripp Metzger; and his mother, Sandy Pascucci.

Luckey a Panther

Rob Witham for The Local

Atlee football player Jordan Luckey (seated, second from right) commits to continue his academic and athletic career at Ferrum College in a signing ceremony at Atlee High School on July 10. He is joined by (clockwise, from left): his mother, Amanda Luckey; his brother Eli Luckey; Atlee head football coach Matt Gray; his sister, Alivia Luckey; his brother Ray Luckey; and his father, Raymond Luckey. , mother Amanda, father Raymond, Atlee head football coach Matt Gray, sister Alivia and brother Ray.

To Slippery Rock

Joel Klein for The Local

Patrick Henry baseball player Eoin Rossman (seated) commits to continue his academic and athletic careers at Slippery Rock University in a signing ceremony at Patrick Henry High School on June 8. With him are (from left): his grandmother, Lois Stock; his mother, Abbie Rossman; his grandfather, Jamie Stock; his father, Adam Rossman; and his sister Ava Rossman.

Lutton to Radford

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville Mustang girls lacrosse player Lilly Lutton (seated, center), commits to continue her academic and athletic career at Radford University in a signing ceremony at Mechanicsville High School on June 11. With her are (clockwise, from left): her father, Trey Lutton; Mechanicsville Principal Charles Stevens; her brother Christian Javins; teammate Madeline Hiles; her brother, Law Lutton; Mechanicsville Athletic Director Tripp Metzger; and her mother, Courtney Lutton.

McQueen to Cal U

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville Mustang athlete Kwadell McQueen (seated, center) commits to continue his academic and basketball career at California University of Pennsylvania in a signing ceremony at Mechanicsville High School on June 11. With him are (clockwise, from left): his father, Ed McQueen; Mechanicsville Principal Charles Stevens; Mechanicsville head boys basketball coach Gene Foley; Mechanicsville assistant boys basketball coaches Welton Needham and Michael Rozzell; Mechanicsville Athletic Director Tripp Metzger; and his mother, Jessica Howard.

Mesco a Maroon

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville Mustang wrestler Wyatt Mesco (seated, center) commits to continue his academic and athletic career at Roanoke College in a signing ceremony at Mechanicsville High School on June 11. With him are (clockwise, from left): his mother, Natalie Mesco; Mechanicsville Principal Charles Stevens; Mechanicsville head wrestling coach Tanner Tinsley; Mustang assistant wrestling coaches Fisher Evans, Tom Anderson and Andy Aldridge; Mechanicsville Athletic Director Tripp Metzger; Mechanicsville JV wrestling coach J.P. McGuire; and his father, Eric Mesco.

Lewis picks MBU

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville basketball player Eli Lewis (seated, center) commits to continue his academic and playing career at Mary Baldwin University in a signing ceremony at Mechanicsville High School on June 11. With him are (clockwise, from left): his father, Dominique Lewis; Mechanicsville Principal Charles Stevens; Mechanicsville head boys basketball coach Gene Foley; Mechanicsville assistant boys basketball coaches Michael Rozell and Welton Needham; Mechanicsville Athletic Director Tripp Metzger; and his mother, Candice Lewis.

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TOWNOFASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe8th dayofSeptember2021at7:00p.m.atthe AshlandTownHall,121ThompsonStreet,Ashland,VA,theAshlandPlanningCommission willconductapublichearingpursuanttoVirginiaCodesection15.2-2204forthepurpose ofreceivinginput,andmayprovidearecommendationonthefollowing:

CUP21-0706RANDOLPH-MACONCENTERSTREETRESIDENTIALHOUSING PaulDavies,theapplicantonbehalfofRandolph-MaconCollege(R-MC),isrequesting approvalofaconditionalusepermit(CUP)forpropertylocatedat312N.Center Street,Ashland,VA,GPIN:7870-73-2227,toallowfordormitoriesinaccordancewith Section21-128,UseRegulations,oftheTownCode.ThepropertyiszonedHE-Higher Education,is38.31acresinsize,andhasafuturelandusedesignationofHigherEducation.

Acopy of CUP21-0706 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Writtencommentsmaybesubmittedtoplanning@ashlandva.govorTownofAshland, P.O.Box1600,Ashland,VA23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendandexpresstheir views.Anypersonwithadisabilityrequiringassistanceinordertoparticipateinthispublic hearingisaskedtocontactTownHallinadvancesothatappropriatearrangementscan bemade.

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING ASHLANDTOWNCOUNCIL

PleasetakenoticethatonTuesday,September7,2021at7:00PM,theAshland TownCouncilwillconductapublichearingatAshlandTownHall,121Thompson Street,Ashland,Virginiaonaproposedagreementwhichwouldleaselandtothe GreenSpotJC,LLCfortheinstallationofelectricvehiclechargingstationsasfollows: Uptofivestationsatthe109HanoverAvenueParkingLot Uptothreestationsatthe121ThompsonStreetParkingLot Uptothreestationsatthe105RobinsonStreetParkingLot Uptothreestationsatthe1112MapleStreetParkingLot UptotwostationsattheHanoverAvenueparallelparkingadjacentto 121ThompsonStreet Uptothreestationsatthe601EnglandStreetParkingLot/Kiwanis PufferbellyPark

Acopyoftheproposeddeedandanyassociateddocumentsmaybeobtained bycontactingTownHallat(804)798-9219,MondaythroughThursday,7:30a.m. to6:00p.m.WrittencommentsmaybesubmittedtoMattReynalviae-mailat mreynal@ashlandva.gov,orthroughregularmailtoClerkofCouncil,Townof Ashland,POBox1600,Ashland,VA23005.Communitymembersmayobserve virtuallyatwww.ashlandva.gov.Anypersonwithadisabilityrequiringassistancein ordertoparticipateinthispublichearingisaskedtocontactTownHallinadvance ofthepublichearingsothatappropriatearrangementsmaybemade.Followingthe publichearing,theAshlandTownCouncilmaytakeactiononthismatter. ByOrderoftheAshlandTownCouncil

Library programs through August

HANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner has released the list of virtual activities for the month of August through the Pamunkey Regional Library.

For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

Virtual Zoom Programs CoderDojo

Saturday, August 28, 2 to 4 p.m. for grades 3 to 12. Learn how to develop logic-based coding skills and use creative problem-solving with Scratch. Registration required- sign up online or see a staff member to register. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7687562 to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord.

On Demand Videos Storytime for Grownups

For ages 18 and up. Storytime is not just for kids! If you like to be read to, join us for a monthly short story for adults. Go to YouTube channel (https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary), our Adults page (https://tinyurl.com/prladults), or Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/PamunkeyLibrary) to see the video.

DIY Pet Toys

Make some fun for your fur babies! Join us during the dog days of summer as we create pet toys from repurposed materials. This video premiered on August 17 on our website (https://tinyurl.com/ prladults), YouTube channel (https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary), and Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/PamunkeyLibrary/).

Kitchen Close Ups: Strawberry Tacos

For grades K to 5. Want a different way to enjoy juicy strawberries? Follow along to make this cool, refreshing strawberry snack. Go to their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary), our Children’s page (https:// tinyurl.com/prlchildrens), or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ PamunkeyLibrary) to see the video.

Global Feast: Tales and Tails

For grades 6-12. The Global Feast series continues with Japanese and Chinese folktales about turtles. Learn how to make steamed buns turtle shaped and colored w/ matcha green tea and filled w/red beans. Go to YouTube channel (https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary), our Teens page (https://tinyurl.com/prlteens), or Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/PamunkeyLibrary) to see the video.

Poetry Break

For ages 18 and up. Take a break and join us for monthly poems to uplift and inspire you! August’s theme is “Travel.” Go to their YouTube channel (https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary), our Adults page (https://tinyurl.com/prladults), or Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/PamunkeyLibrary) to see the video.

Animal Tales with The Story Lady

For grades Pre K to 5. Join The Story Lady, Ali Pfautz, as she entertains with animal tales, songs, and imaginative play. You might even see library staff acting silly! Go to YouTube channel (https://www.youtube. com/user/pamunkeylibrary), our Children’s page (https://tinyurl.com/prlchildrens), or Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/PamunkeyLibrary) to see the video.

Take and Makes

Craft Stick Designs

Pickup started Monday, August 23 at the Mechanicsville Branch Library for grades Pre K to 3. Stop by the Mechanicsville Branch Library to pick up a kit of supplies and educational materials to make colorful craft stick designs at home.

In-Person

Outdoor Family Storytime

Wednesday, August 25, 10 to 10:30 a.m., register at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/7935405 to attend an all ages Storytime outdoors at the Montpelier Branch Library. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books! Weather make-up date set for August 28 at 11 a.m.

Submitted by: Carolyn Garner, Librarian cgarner@pamunkeylibrary.org 804-3656214

Series of book signings scheduled in September at Mechanicsville shop

Staff Report Th e Mechanicsville local

MECHANICSVILLE -- Erin Schilling of Books Beads & More located at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville is hosting a series of book signings with Virginia authors.

The schedule is as follows: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sept. 11 -- Libby McCarty McNamee

An author, speaker and lawyer, McNamee loves exploring America’s many historical sites. When a descendant told her about Susanna Bolling’s heroism, Libby was determined to share Susanna’s story with the world. “Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War” is her first published novel. The 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards (“IPPY AWARDS) named it #1 in Juvenile Fiction. In addition, the 2020 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards also named it #1 in Juvenile Fiction.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept.

18 -- Melissa Seeley Face

Face is the author of “I Love You More Than Coffee”, an essay collection for parents who love coffee a lot and their kids … a little more. Her essays and articles have appeared in Richmond Family Magazine, Tidewater Family Magazine, Scary Mommy, and 24 volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul. She lives in Prince George and teaches world literature at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept.

25 -- Steven K Smith

Smith is the author of 15 books, including “The Virginia Mysteries”, “Brother Wars”, and “Final Kingdom” series for middle grade readers. His titles have sold over

see BOOK, pg. 15

BUSINESS& PROFESSIONALDIRECTORY Roofing

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746-5110 Hotline837-7240

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FREEEstimates Licensed/Insured

Pets of the Week

Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett

The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Nola, ID# 579532, is a 5-year-old spayed female. She has had her fi rst set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Nola is a very sweet dog. She has been with us for over a month now. Nola has a laid back personality. She does really well around people. Nola also likes to go on long leash walks. She seems to be well house trained. Nola should do well with other dogs in the house. Zak, ID# 579106, is a 6-month-old male domestic short-haired feline. He has had his fi rst set of vaccines and is FELV/FIV test negative. Zak is your typical young cat. He has tons of playful energy. Zak is very sweet and loves to interact with people. He also plays well with other kittens. Zak seems to be well litter-trained. Zak will probably be best suited living indoors, but he is also familiar with outside living. He will make a great companion!

For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http://hanovercounty.gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/. NOLA

ZAK

Continued from pg. 7 50-year reunion and, due to COVID-19, Sandy Robbins said, “We are celebrating this reunion with the Class of 1971.” If you are a 1970 graduate or know of a 1970 graduate, contact Sandy Robbins at 804221-2974 (sprobbins57@gmail. com) or on Facebook at LeeDavis Class of 1970. Leave a name, mailing address or email address and a planning committee member will follow up. There also is a Lee-Davis Class of 1970 website you can access.

Thursday, Nov. 11

As part of Hanover County’s 300th Birthday celebration, Hanover County Parks & Recreation will observe Veterans Day with an in person ceremony at 11 am at the Hanover Veterans Memorial Wayside Park.

Saturday, Nov. 20

Members of the Patrick Henry High School Class of 1971 will gather from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Depot at Cross Bros. on Railroad Avenue in Ashland for their 50th Reunion. According to Patricia Leonard Higgins, “Our Reunion Planning Committee is already working hard and we really need to hear from you so that you can get more information and updates! Please email either of the following classmates and we’ll get you on our group contact list and will be back in touch soon. Hoping to hear from you!” Contact: Anne Nelson Harris Morck at annenelsonmorck@gmail.com or Patricia Leonard Higgins at phiggins773@gmail.com.

Friday, Nov. 26

Hanover’s County’s Birthday which happens to be Black Friday this year and the day before Small Business Saturday. Be on the lookout for announcements!

Ongoing

Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions One Stop Shop (MCEF OSS) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

Saturdays

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Nycholas Greig. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.

Sundays

All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. For more information, visit www.allsoulsva.org.

A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. For more information, call 804-746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.

Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets 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 to 11 a.m. at American Legion Post 90 at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam to discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. For more information, call Post Commander Eugene Truitt at 804-746-4734.

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, midJanuary 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 nonstring instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

Wednesdays

Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma's Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville. Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at Roma's or Zoom connection information.

BOOK

Continued from pg. 14 300,000 copies, and he is a regular speaker at regional industry and literacy events and over 200 elementary and middle schools. Steven lives in Midlothian with his wife, three sons, and a golden retriever. “Pirates on the Bay”, Book 10 in “The Virginia Mysteries”, releases on Aug. 17th and follows Sam, Derek, and Caitlin as they search Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay for Blackbeard’s treasure.

Thursdays

The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo. com.

Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-6524 or email mjfaith1@ gmail.com.

Second Mondays

The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Rd. in Mechanicsville. It is one of several groups in the Richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the American Red Cross to distributed to those in need. Since its inception, the WEB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and globally. If you can make it, the WEB can use it. There are so many organizations in need of help. For more information, call Laurie Wagner at 804-781-0338.

Third Mondays

Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help and encourage those who have loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in Room E106 at Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, contact Jennifer Bean at 804-559-2805, Mark Elliott at 804-746-8288 or the church office at 804-746-9073.

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

Fourth Mondays

The FeedMore Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing food from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First Shiloh Baptist Church at 8150 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, contact Heather at hshaheen96@gmail.com.

Second Tuesdays

The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and Aug.) at 10:30 a.m. in Room G110 of Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Bring a covered dish and join in with a group celebrating faith, fellowship, friends and fun. Meetings are cancelled if Hanover County Public Schools are two hours late or cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, call the church at 804-7469073. For more information, call Janet Lewis at 804-3988947.

Cold Harbor Road Church of Christ will meet at noon on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning Jan. 14. There is no cost for the luncheon. This is a time for those that have lost their spouses, or now find themselves alone, to meet, socialize, and encourage once another. For more information, call 863-381-1867.

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.

Third Tuesdays

The Hanover Ruritan Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with dinner at 6.30 p.m. Ruritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill and community service. The first Ruritan Club was chartered May 21, 1928, in Holland, Virginia. Ruritan has grown throughout the United States of America, and in doing so has become. “America’s Leading Community Service Organization”. Membership in Ruritan is an honor and privilege. To learn more about Ruritan, how to become a member, request a membership application or with questions, please call, 746-5728 or by letter to, Hanover Ruritan, P. O. Box 625, Mechanicsville, Virginia, 23111. To be a guest of the club, please call the numbers listed above. Hanover Ruritan welcomes both men and women.

Fax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to events@mechlocal.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to Ashland-Hanover Local.

Inn demolished, plans for new business

The Town of Ashland and the Economic Development Authority of the Town of Ashland partnered to purchase the Apple Garden Inn in January 2021 with a plan to demolish the structure and ready the site for a new restaurant or hotel. After securing a grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to offset costs to abate asbestos the structure has now been demolished. The Economic Development Authority will be interviewing brokers in the near future to help fi nd the perfect user that will provide new tax revenue for the community while also improving the image of the gateway to the Center of the Universe. If you have questions reach out to Town Manager Joshua Farrar at (804) 798-9219 or Jfarrar@ashlandva.gov.

Photos Town of Ashland

Drains painted for children’s art expo

Jim Ridolphi/The Local

Wendy Hales, an art teacher at John Gandy Elementary School, organized a group of Girl Scouts and other volunteers to paint environmentally themed art atop storm drains that surround Ashland’s Center for Arts and Activities. Speaking of art, a Youth Creative Arts Expo is scheduled for this Friday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Center as part of Ashland’s continuing Fourth Fridays series.