see FINANCE

Continued from pg. 1 categories,” Null said. Local tax revenues increased by $7.1 million bolstered by better than expected sales tax receipts.

“Total year transfers and expenditures are also favorable to budget,” Null said. “They total approximately $257.7 million or 93.6 percent of the appropriated budget.”

The county saved $2.7 million in personnel costs and operating savings are estimated at $6.3 million, while the Hanover County Public Schools are expected to return $8.5 million.

“The total projected operating balance for the General Fund is derived from revenues collected beyond the budget and maintaining any expenditures below appropriations,” Null said. “With revenues $13.4 million above budget, personnel saving of $2.7 million, operating savings…. and a return from the school…. the General Fund operating balance is approximately $30.9 million.”

Null explained how those additional funds are traditionally used.

The total projected budget variance is primarily planned for use in the FY22 county and school budgets and the fiveyear Capital Plan.

The General Fund is expected to end the year with an $88.4 million fund balance, the bulk of that ($48.5 million) assigned to projects that include $13.1 million for the upcoming budget, $14.7 million for capital projects, $9.4 million for education, $1.4 million for Public Works storm water projects and $4 million for economic development.

Public Utilities numbers were also promising with year to date revenues of $35 million or $3.2 million more than appropriated. Those savings arrived in the form of higher charges for services and lower than expected expenditures.

Expenses totaled $20.4 million or about $2 million below appropriations and personnel costs were $205,000 less than anticipated.

Personnel savings from the schools are estimated at $4.2 million with an additional $5 million in operations savings. Year to date operating fund revenues total $193.3 million or 96.9 percent of the appropriated budget.

The School Division anticipates a $8.5 million return to the county for use in upcoming school and county budgets and the Capital Plan.

In other matters, Cold Harbor resident and Hanover NAACP President Pat HunterJordan addressed the board during public comment regarding recent actions taken by the Hanover School Board.

I’m here today to call upon you to consider the way you choose members for our school board,” Hunter-Jordan. “Most recently, we’ve seen examples of appointees who do not represent all of the children of Hanover County.”

“I don’t know if you were present at our last school board meeting, but there were some things that were said there that were very disturbing,” she continued. “

Hunter-Jordan said the community expects quality appointments based on the applicant’s ability to serve and protect Hanover students.

“We want to make certain that these appointments are non-partisan and they are not made for political groups, but are made on the fact that they are qualified to represent or children and do what is in the best interest of our children.”

She said several incidents at the August meeting of the school board raised concerns.

“Most recently, we heard from these school board members appointed by this board…. that wearing masks caused facial deformities for our children,” Hunter-Jordan said. “That same member went around to our schools and inquired if they had any transgender children in the schools. That is data that cannot be provided and nor should that question be asked.”

She also took issue with another member who stated stated that if only .003 percent of the kids get sick so masks were not necessary.

“That would have been ok with that school board member,” Hunter-Jordan said. “It’s not ok with us that any child could get sick going to our schools here in Hanover.”

Hunter-Jordan said she was referred to as a colored person by one of those members. “This is 2021 and he used that terminology.”

Hunter-Jordan said the offensive language occurred in a meeting with a parent who was upset that her daughter had not been admitted to the Maggie Walker Governors School. “We also heard from that board member that there is no reason to have additional people of color in our schools as teachers because they felt like anybody can teach a student,” she said.

The combination of recent events left her dismayed.

“These things are disturbing from members who are supposed to represent all students.”

Jim Ridolphi / The Local

Pat Hunter-Jordan, president of Hanover NAACP, as she spoke to Board of Supervisors earlier this month.

see FINANCE pg. 12

Sports

09 10

2021 Prep football: Patrick Henry at Glen Allen 7:00 p.m.

09 11

2021 Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway 7:30 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Patrick Henry clips Eagles in season opener

By Rob Witham for Th e Local

ASHLAND – It was a threehour opening night smorgasbord of a football game Friday night as the Patrick Henry Patriots played their first home game against a non-Hanover County opponent since the 2019 Region 4B Championship some 647 days earlier.

Flags filled the air, players fought to stay hydrated, and, when the dust, and the evening dew, settled across the field, the home team celebrated a 47-20 victory over the Mills Godwin Eagles.

“There’s a lot to work on,” said Patriots head coach Ken Wakefield. “Some good things, some bad, a lot of penalties, a lot of things we need to clean up.”

Indeed, 16 flags flew against the Patriots once offsetting and declined penalties were factored out. The Eagles fared little better with 15 penalties of their own.

It was, however, a clean start for Patrick Henry, who returned the opening kickoff into Godwin territory and marched down for the opening score on a 2-yard Jordan Allen run just over two minutes into the game. The extra point hit the right goalpost, keeping the score at 6-0.

Three minutes later, after a Patrick Henry penalty gave the Eagles a first down, Godwin quarterback Marcus Orpiano fumbled a snap, and Shamar Williams scooped up the football, scoring on a 43-yard return. A two-point conversion put the Patriots up 14-0.

The Eagles settled down late in the first quarter, and, on the first play of the second, starting quarterback Luke Calveric fired a dart to Justin Harris for a 15-yard score to cut the Patriot lead in half. But Patrick Henry answered in a way that underlined their veteran leadership.

After a timeout on fourthand-7 at the Godwin 37, Wakefield dialed up the long ball, and Allen found a wide open Jayden Mines, who blew past the Godwin secondary for the touchdown. The Eagles had firepower in the air as well, as Calveric launched a perfectly thrown bomb to Nick Clark, who caught the ball in stride for a 75-yard score with 3:34 left in the half. A missed extra point kept the Patrick Henry advantage at eight points at 21-13.

Early miscues by the Patriots were more penalties of emotion. Getting them in check at the half, they then struggled with penalties of execution, especially on the lines. Mines began the second half in relief of a banged-up Allen, who did stay in defensively. Mines’ 67-yard run with 9:16 left in the third period extended Patrick Henry’s lead.

When Allen, pressed into duty late in the quarter after Mines suffered a severe cramp, floated a pass to Gracyn Ross, who caught the ball on the left sideline and dove to the pylon, the score was 33-13, and it looked like the rout was on.

Mills Godwin’s last gasp came on a 2-yard touchdown run from Calveric to end the third period. The Patriot defense locked down the rest of the way, the Eagles having to resort to the air attack in a comeback attempt, and Patrick Henry finished the scoring with a 9-yard run from freshman Corenzo Green and a 7-yard score from Williams with 1:47 left.

Mines rushed for 122 yards, while Allen added 79 and Green had 55 in an impressive debut performance, which included several carries in the fourth quarter drive that chewed up clock and resulted in his score.

“How about that?” Wakefield said. “To give the ball to a freshman, in that situation, and he played a lot of cornerback for us.”

The Patriots now become road warriors, spending the next four Fridays on the bus, beginning with a trip to a suddenly desperate 0-2 Glen Allen this Friday, followed by journeys to Deep Run, Atlee and Henrico before returning home on Oct. 8 to face No. 1 Highland Springs.

They will need much cleaner performances, and must stay away from the injury bug. If they can, the Patriots have the tools to again have a big say in what happens in a rugged Region 4B.

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

Joel Klein for The Local

Above, Patrick Henry’s Shamar Williams sprints past his bench and sideline after scooping up a Mills Godwin fumble and returning it 43 yards for touchdown in the Patriots’ 47-20 victory over the visiting Eagles Friday night.

Yellow Jackets cool off Red Devils

By Rob Witham for Th e Local

CARLISLE, Penn. – The backdrop contained the most unusual of tactical circumstances on a gorgeous summer Saturday in central Pennsylvania as the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets opened their 134th season of football.

Would you rather be the team who got to play a five-game schedule, concluded just five months ago, offering game film to your opponent, or be like Dickinson College, a member of the Centennial Conference, who did not play in 2020-21, but offers little clue of the identity they’re about to reveal?

In the end, the answer to that question was the ability to experience, as

see COOL, pg. 11

Yellow Jackets open volleyball season with victory

By Rob Witham for Th e Local

ASHLAND – Expectations were held close to the vest as Randolph-Macon women’s volleyball team began its 2021 season in Crenshaw Gymnasium hosting Mary Washington Wednesday morning. For good reason.

The Yellow Jackets managed to complete a 13-game season in the early spring, finishing sixth in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and placing runner-up in the conference tournament to Washington and Lee. Meanwhile, the Eagles took the court for their first competitive match in nearly 22 months.

It would be RandolphMacon who picked up where they left off, storming through the first two sets with offensive precision at midseason form as the Yellow Jackets swept the Eagles 25-15, 25-13, 25-22.

Madison Warlick and Sydney Koch, two seniors, each registered nine kills as Randolph-Macon hit .500 in the first set with 13 total kills.

The second set was highlighted by a service run from Warlick, turning a 2-2 tie into a blistering 10-2 advantage, as Koch and company turned in a .400 kill percentage.

“Our biggest thing was staying consistent,” Koch said. “There were a lot of nerves. We have five new freshmen, so we looked to stay calm and build on that.”

The Eagles, who played several freshmen during the match, began to find their stride in set three, matching the Yellow Jackets point for point, leading 15-14 before an attack error by Caitlyn Burch gave Yellow Jacket freshman Laura Walton a chance to use an impressive service to score the next four points, prompting a Mary Washington timeout and giving Randolph-Macon the lead for good.

“I think our defense, our serve-receive is top notch,” noted Macguire Gubba, who had 33 assists for the Yellow Jackets. “If I can give the hitters just a decent ball, they can find the floor.”

Randolph-Macon committed just two attack errors in the first two sets, committing six in the third, but offsetting that with a 15-kill performance. Danielle LaRosa had eight kills, while Ashlynn Knott added four and Gubba three.

Olivia Casey led Mary Washington, and all players, with 11 kills while Jordan Lyons added eight.

As usual, head coach Bill Rogers has created a challenging schedule for his team as they attempt to return to the top of the conference. The last time the Yellow Jackets won the ODAC Tournament championship was 2017, but earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Championship in their last full season of 2019 after winning the conference’s regular season crown.

The Yellow Jackets hit the road to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, to face Juniata, Franklin and Marshall, and Arcadia at the ASICS Invitational this Friday and Saturday before beginning conference play at Hollins on Wednesday, Sept. 15. They’ll return to Crenshaw a week later to welcome Shenandoah.

“It’s going to be a long three weeks, but having the upperclassmen stay positive, and let that feed down to the underclassmen. I have full confidence in them,” Gubba said.

Dave Lawrence/ The Local

RandolphMacon outside hitter Ashlynn Knott (23) ties up Mary Washington’s Kaylan Browne (25) and Aidan Finegan with a shot past the pair in the Yellow Jackets’ 25-15, 25-13, 25-22 win over the visting Eagles Wednesday.

COOL

Continued from pg. 10

Randolph-Macon survived a very sluggish start to register a quality final two-plus quarters for a 31-21 victory over the Red Devils at Biddle Field.

After stopping RandolphMacon on an opening drive that began at the Dickinson 42, forcing a 41-yard field goal from Chris Vidal, the Red Devils unleashed an aerial attack led by senior signal caller Tim Graham, completing passes of 34, 16 and 8 yards and setting up a 6-yard scoring strike to Johnny Knight for a 7-3 lead.

On the second play of the ensuing Randolph-Macon drive, Joey Hunt caught a pass near midfield, then fumbled the football. The Red Devils recovered, and drove 47 yards in three plays, capped by a 14-yard touchdown run by freshman Princeton Douglass. At the end of a first quarter dominated by the Red Devils, especially at the line of scrimmage, the home team led 14-3.

It stayed that way until the Yellow Jackets found their footing, first defensively, then, with 4:16 left in the half, the offense got in gear. A 10-play, 63-yard drive kick started by a 30-yard pitch-and-catch from Presley Egbers to Holden Hodge ended when, with time running out, Egbers calmly waited out the Dickinson rush, giving Hunt time to position himself at the front pylon of the end zone and catch a 5-yard pass to cut the deficit to 14-10 with nine seconds remaining.

“What it came down to was better execution,” said Yellow Jacket head coach Pedro Arruza when asked about the gradual improvement of the offensive line. “The kids played hard. They were dialed in and wanted to do well.”

Having won the coin toss and deferring to the second half, a perfect storm arose against Dickinson, as the Yellow Jackets began to wear down the less-experienced Red Devils, opening the third quarter with a 12-play drive covering 84 yards and taking 6:38 off the clock, capped by a 3-yard touchdown run from Hodge to retake the lead at 17-14.

The defense forced a threeand-out to a suddenly stalled Red Devil offense, putting Egbers and company back to work. On nine consecutive running plays, the Yellow Jackets drove 74 yards as another five and a half minutes elapsed. Nick Hale had the last four carries of the drive, including an 18-yard touchdown run for a 24-14 advantage. The Yellow Jackets possessed the football for 12:14 in the third quarter.

The Red Devils turned to Robert Geiss, a tight end who set up in wildcat formation on multiple drives, to finally find the end zone again, his 5-yard scoring rush making it 24-21 with 11:56 remaining. But Dickinson’s defense was out of fuel, and Randolph-Macon ran seven more times, setting up a Egbers to Hunt 20-yard pass down to the Red Devil 1. Hale scored on the next play to seal the victory.

The Yellow Jackets had just 66 rushing yards in the first half, but 186 after intermission, led by Justin DeLeon’s 123 yards. Hale added 73. Egbers was 14-of-21 for 163 yards, the key second period touchdown and an interception.

While the lineup is filled with returning players, Arruza is quick to note that being an upperclassman doesn’t necessarily means tons of experience.

“We do have a couple of guys on the offensive line who’ve played a lot of football for us,” Arruza explained. “Look at Egbers. He’s a junior, but he’s not a junior experience-wise. I think, yes, we’re a veteran team, and no, we’re not, at the same time.”

The experience in Carlisle will help the Yellow Jackets, who saw safety Cade Jones leave the game with an injury in the first half. Saturday’s home opener against Catholic University brings in a Cardinal squad whose quarterback, Madden Lowe, passed for 455 yards and five touchdowns in a 40-7 win over McDaniel Saturday.

“I’m going to enjoy this win, then look at the film,” Arruza said. “We’ve got to get better.”

It was the 105th career victory for Arruza, tying him with the late Ted Keller for most victories by a coach in the history of Randolph-Macon football.

Continued from pg. 9

She also referenced a course now being offered by the Virginia Department of Education to all school districts “but Hanover is refusing to offer that online course as a choice because it is on African-American history.”

She challenged the current criteria used to select appointees and urged supervisors to be more inclusive when selecting representatives.

“Why are we appointing people who have no understanding about our children — all of our children,” she questioned. “That is who this board and that board are supposed to represent.”

“We ask that you consider the way you look at people who come before this board to be presented to represent,” Hunter-Jordan said. “We have no equity director here in Hanover because any time the word is brought up we’re almost pummeled. The word means fairness - fairness for all.”

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 6

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.

Sunday, Sept. 12

The Grand Opening of Restoration Church in the former Atlee Library space at 9161 Atlee Road (intersection of Rt. 301 and Atlee Road in the Atlee Square Shopping Center) Restoration invites the community to morning services to be held at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sept. 12.(Normal service time is at 10 a.m.) To reintroduce ourselves to the Atlee Community, the church will also have an outdoor carnival from noon - 2:30 p.m. with games, bouncy house, activities for kids and youth, local restaurant food, a food truck with carnival sweets, and tours of our newly remodeled space. More information is available at Restorationrva. org.

Friday, Sept. 17 & Saturday, Sept. 18

Catholic Church of the Redeemer is expanding it’s annual giant indoor “Yard Sale for Haiti” to 2 days this year. The sale will be held Fri., 9/17 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Sat., 9/18 from 7 a.m. to 12 noon at 8275 Meadowbridge Rd. in Mechanicsville. All proceeds fund their ministry with Haiti. Accepting donations Mon., Sept. 13 to Wed., Sept. 15. Visit their website for more information https:// www.churchredeemer.org/ Haiti-Ministry.

Saturday, Sept. 18

A book signing will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Books Beads & More, at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. Melissa Seeley Face, 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

Thursday, Sept. 23

As part of Hanover County’s 300th Birthday celebration, County Administrator John A. Budesky and former Planning

see CALENDAR, pg. 13

PUBLICNOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday,September16,2021,at6:00P.M., intheBoardRoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernment BuildingatHanoverCourthouse,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time,andplaceforapublichearing toconsiderthefollowingcases,atwhichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:

REZ2021-00009,DIAMONDGROUP,INC.

Request(s)torezonefromRC(c),RuralConservationDistrictwithconditionstoA-1,Agricultural District,onGPIN8742-55-3529,consistingofapproximately159.5acres,andlocatedonthesouthline ofFoxHunterLane(StateRoute613)approximately128feetwestofitsintersectionwithMcClellan Road(StateRoute628).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapas Agricultural.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:ColdHarbor

REZ2021-00007,CAROLINEANDSCOTTMECHLING

Request(s)toremoveGPIN7812-83-8088fromtheMontpelier-Dr.Stanley’sOfficeHistoricPreservation OverlayDistrict,approvedwithrezoningC-14-98(c).Thepropertyconsistsof2.0acesandiscurrently zonedA-1/HPO(c),AgriculturalDistrict/HistoricPreservationOverlayDistrictwithconditions,andis locatedontheeastlineofMountainRoad(U.S.Route33)approximately600feetsouthofitsintersection withWoodmanHallRoad(StateRoute674).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLand UsePlanMapasRuralVillage.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

CUP2021-00010,CAROLINEANDSCOTTMECHLING

Request(s)aConditionalUsePermitinaccordancewithSection26-20.14oftheHanoverCounty ZoningOrdinancetopermitaneventvenueonGPIN7812-83-8088,consistingofapproximately2.0 acres,zonedA-1/HPO(c),AgriculturalDistrict/HistoricPreservationOverlayDistrictwithconditions, andlocatedontheeastlineofMountainRoad(U.S.Route33)approximately650feetsouthofits intersectionwithWoodmanHallRoad(StateRoute674).Thesubjectpropertyisdesignatedonthe GeneralLandUsePlanMapasRuralVillage.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

REZ2021-00011,SCANNELLPROPERTIES,#400,L.L.C.,ETAL.

Request(s)anamendmenttotheproffersapprovedwithrezoningrequestC-15-15(c),RichardE.Holland, Jr.Properties,L.L.C.,onGPINs7787-08-9698(part), 7787-17-9892,and7787-17-2488(part),consistingof approximately60.39acres,zonedM-2(c),LightIndustrialDistrictwithconditions.Thepropertyislocated onthewestlineofWashingtonHighway(U.S.Route1),approximately900feetnorthofitsintersection withOldTelegraphRoad(StateRoute661).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUse PlanMapasPlannedBusiness.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna

ORDINANCE21-06,RC,RURALCONSERVATIONDISTRICTAMENDMENTS

An Ordinance to amend the Hanover County Code, Chapter 26, Zoning Ordinance, Sections 26-42through26-46,Sections26-49through26-51,andSection26-54,toallowforthecreationof oneconservationlotintheRCRuralConservationDistrictundercertainspecifiedconditions,andto providefortheusesallowedaspermitteduses,conditionaluses,andwithaspecialexception,onthe residentiallots,thepreservationlot,andtheconservationlot,ifany,withinanRCRuralConservation District.(PUBLICHEARING) CopiesoftheabovecasesmaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,MondaythroughFriday,between thehoursof 8:30a.m.and5:00p.m.pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogoto https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archiveformoreinformation

Continued from pg. 12 Director (and current Ashland Town Council member) John H. Hodges will participate in a moderated community conversation about the changes in Hanover County. This event will begin 7 p.m. at Hanover Tavern and will be replayed on a recurring basis in the Hanover Museum of History & Culture.

Saturday, Sept 25

Hanover Tavern and Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown are special partners in the 300th birthday celebration. The Hanover AutumnFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hanover tavern. Preceding the AutumnFest, Hanover County Parks and Recreation will be hosting the History 5K Run at 9 a.m. at the Hanover Courthouse, hosted by Hanover Tavern. See hanovertavern.org or call (804) 5375050 for more details.

A book signing will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Books Beads & More, at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. Steven K Smith, author of 15 books, including “The Virginia Mysteries”, “Brother Wars”, and “Final Kingdom” series for middle grade readers. His titles have sold over 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”, released on Aug. 17th and follows Sam, Derek, and Caitlin as they search Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay for Blackbeard’s treasure.

Saturday, Oct. 2

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown will hold its “300th Anniversary and Fall Festival” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, a selection of beverage options and continuous tours of Scotchtown. And more! See preservationvirginia.org/ historic-sites/patrick-henrys/

Fall Event will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at New Hanover Presbyterian Church, 10058 Chamberlayne Road. Free Petting Zoo with miniature horse and donkey, Kona Ice Truck on premises. Also collecting for Caritas 10 a.m. -2 p.m., mops, buckets, cleaning supplies. Free donuts and coffee at drive-thru collection site. No donation needed for petting zoo. Call 804-730-9700 or 540-455-4186 for more

Saturday, Oct. 9

The Lee-Davis High School Class of 1961 is planning to hold its 60th reunion at Anna’s Italian Restaurant, in Mechanicsville. Details will be included in the invitation/ registration forms that will be mailed soon. If you are a member of this class and need to update your contact information, contact Helen Zagos Blackwell at 804-356-9351 or email: HelenZBlackwell@aol. com.

LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING ASHLANDTOWNCOUNCIL

PleasetakenoticethatonSeptember21,2021,at7:00p.m.ata meetingoftheAshlandTownCouncilapublichearingwillbeconductedat 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland,Virginia23005toreceivepubliccomment onaproposedamendmenttotheFY2021-2022budget. Theproposed amendmentadds$245,000inexpendituresandrevenuestotheGeneral Fund.TheamendmentalsocreatesaSpecialRevenueFundformanagement ofAmericanRescuePlanAct(ARPA)fundsintheamountof$8,170,444,and aSpecialRevenueFundformanagementofCentralVirginiaTransportation Authority(CVTA)fundsintheamountof$545,047thatwillbetransferred fromtheCapitalProjectsFund.ThetotalamountofthecurrentFY2021-2022 budgetis$14,121,386.Iftheproposedbudgetamendmentisapproved,the totalbudgetforFY2021-2022wouldbe$22,555,877.Allinterestedpersons mayattendandexpresstheirviews.Communitymembersareencouraged toparticipateelectronicallysubmittingwrittencommentstoAssistantTown ManagerMattReynalatmreynal@ashlandva.gov,throughregularmailto ClerkofCouncil,TownofAshland,P.O.Box1600,Ashland,VA23005,orby calling(804)798-9219.

AcompletecopyoftheproposedamendmenttotheFY2021-2022 budgetmaybeobtainedbycontactingTownHallat(804)798-9219, 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland,Virginia23005.Anypersonwithadisability seekingassistanceisaskedtocontactTownHallinadvanceofthemeeting fornecessaryarrangements.Followingthepublichearing,theCouncilmay takeactiontoapprovethebudgetamendmentandappropriation. BYORDEROFTHEASHLANDTOWNCOUNCIL

LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS

TOWNOFASHLAND PUBLICNOTICE

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe21stdayofSeptember,2021 at7:00p.m.attheregularmonthlymeetingoftheAshlandTown Council,atAshlandTownHall,121ThompsonStreet,Ashland, VA23005,apublichearingwillbeconductedon: ORDINANCENO.2021-13

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-13 AMENDS THE ASHLAND

TOWN CODE, CHAPTER 10, “MOTOR VEHICLES &

TRAFFIC,” ARTICLE I, “IN GENERAL,” SEC. 10-7,

“SPECIALSPEEDLIMITSONCERTAINSTREETSAND

INCERTAINAREAS”TOCORRECTSEVERALSTREET

NAMES.ORDINANCENO.2021-10ISCONSIDERED

PURSUANTTOTHEGRANTOFAUTHORITYCONTAINED

INVA.CODE§46.2-1300(A)(1).

AcopyofOrdinanceNo.2021-13maybeobtainedby contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-9219, Monday through Thursday,7:30a.m.to6:00p.m.Writtencommentsmaybe submittedtoMattReynalviae-mailatmreynal@ashlandva.gov orthroughregularmailtoClerkofCouncil,TownofAshland, POBox1600,Ashland,VA23005.Anypersonwithadisability requiringassistanceinordertoparticipateinthispublichearing isaskedtocontactTownHallinadvanceofthepublichearing sothatappropriatearrangementsmaybemade.Followingthe publichearing,theAshlandTownCouncilmaytakeactionon OrdinanceNo.2021-13.

ByOrderoftheAshlandTownCouncil

LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS

TOWNOFASHLAND PUBLICNOTICE

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe21stdayofSeptember,2021 at7:00p.m.attheregularmonthlymeetingoftheAshlandTown Council,atAshlandTownHall,121ThompsonStreet,Ashland, VA23005,apublichearingwillbeconductedon: ORDINANCENO.2021-11

OORDINANCENO.2021-11GRANTSANON-EXCLUSIVE

CABLEVISION FRANCHISE TO SHENTEL CABLE

TELEVISIONLLCINTHETOWNOFASHLAND;THE

FRANCHISEINCLUDESTHENON-EXCLUSIVEPRIVILEGE

TOINSTALL,MAINTAINANDOPERATEUNDERGROUND

WIRES,ANDUNDERGROUNDCIRCUITSNECESSARY

TOSUPPLYCABLETELEVISIONSERVICES.

AcopyofOrdinanceNo.2021-11maybeobtainedby contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-9219, Monday through Thursday,7:30a.m.to6:00p.m.Writtencommentsmaybe submittedtoMattReynalviae-mailatmreynal@ashlandva.gov orthroughregularmailtoClerkofCouncil,TownofAshland, POBox1600,Ashland,VA23005.Anypersonwithadisability requiringassistanceinordertoparticipateinthispublichearing isaskedtocontactTownHallinadvanceofthepublichearing sothatappropriatearrangementsmaybemade.Followingthe publichearing,theAshlandTownCouncilmaytakeactionon OrdinanceNo.2021-11. ByOrderoftheAshlandTownCouncil

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INSTALLATION&REPAIR

ElectricalApprenticeneededforalocal companyinbusinessformorethan30 years.Atleast1yearexperiencewith residentialwiringrequired. Candidatemusthavevaliddriver’slicenseandbeabletopassabackgroundcheck.Tuitionassistancefor ElectricalSchoolisavailable.Immediate hire for qualified candidate. Compensation based on experience. Pleasesubmitaresumeandinclude acontactphonenumberto

MMAYO@SmartWire360.com

HOMEIMPROVEMENTSPECIALISTS

CARPENTRY

CarpentryRepair,Painting,Staining, Powerwashing&MORE! CallorText,Bernalat 804-988-9866or804-874-9184

Bernard’sConcreteServices Concrete,RetainingWalls,Pavers, Brick,Sidewalks.Install&repair. FreeEstimates.Licensed&Insured. References.Pleasecall804-874-9184

Phil’sFloorSanding&Repair,LLC UpfrontCustomerService,DustContainmentSanding&Finishing.Earth friendlygreenchoices.FreeEstimates. OfferingFREEStandardOaktrimwith allnewsandingjobsfor2021! Call804-201-8283

ShortCutsLandscapeLLC AllyourLandscaping&bushhogging needs!DrivewayGradingAvailable Licensed/Insured FreeEstimates Call218-8780

PaulBrownPlumbing-inBusiness Since1983.NewResidential,Light Commercial,Renovations,Additions& Service.Wedoitall!SeniorCitizen Discounts.Forfreeestimate,746-5030

Bernard’sTreeService TreeRemoval,StumpGrinding,Landscaping,Cleanout,Mulching,Planting &More!FreeEst.Licensed&Insured References.PleaseCall804-874-9184

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Tree&ShrubPruning,Removals, StumpGrinding.Health/RiskAssessments.Insured.FreeEstimates. 804-779-2170 CertifiedArboristandMDLTE

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HANOVERCOUNTY CITIZENINFORMATIONMEETING POLEGREENROADWIDENING

HanoverCountyisholdinganinformationmeetingonMonday,September 13,2021,beginningat7:00p.m.intheBoardmeetingroominthe HanoverCountyAdministrationBuilding,7516CountyComplexRoad, Hanover,Virginia,topresentrevisedpreliminaryplansfortheproposed wideningofPoleGreenRdbetweenBellCreekRdandRuralPointRd.The meetingwillbelive-streamedandcanbeviewedatthefollowinglink: https://hanovercova.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=615&key=1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0 Thepurposeofthismeetingistopresenttherevisedpreliminary designincludingtheroadalignment,stormwatermanagement, intersectionlayoutsandbicycleandpedestrianaccommodations earlyinthedevelopmentoftheprojecttoallowthepublicto haveearlyinputinthedesignprocess.Followingapresentation, questionswillbeacceptedfromtheaudienceviacommentcards distributedatthemeeting. Questionsandcommentscanalsobesubmittedinwritingthrough September23tojevidunas@hanovercounty.govormailedtotheDept. ofPublicWorks,P.O.Box470,Hanover,VA23069.Pleasereference“Pole GreenRdWidening”inallcorrespondence. Onlineparticipationisencouraged.Individualattendanceseatingis limited;therefore,seatingmustbereservedinadvance.Seatingwill beassignedonaprioritybasistopropertyownersabuttingtheproject, onafirstcomebasisforthosewishingtoattend.DuetoCOVID-19,itis recommendedthatin-personattendeeswearamaskatalltimes. (Pleasenote,COVID-19policiesaresubjecttochange.)Toreserveaseat, pleasecall(804)365-6176. Anyonewhoisunabletoviewthemeetingon-lineorattendin-personand wouldliketodiscusstheprojectfurthercancontacttheDept.ofPublic Worksatthenumberabovetomakearrangementstomeetvirtuallyor inperson. TherevisedpreliminaryplanwillbeavailableSeptember7ontheDept.of PublicWorkswebpageunder“QuickLinks”atthefollowinglink: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/816/Roads-and-Transportation

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING ASHLANDTOWNCOUNCIL

Please take notice that on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 7:00PM,theAshlandTownCouncilwillconductapublichearing atAshlandTownHall,121ThompsonStreet,Ashland,Virginiaona proposeddonationandtransferoftwoparcelsoflandtotheVirginia DepartmentofTransportationforroadimprovementsonRoute1. Thelandisdescribedasfollows: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT or parcel of real estate, consistingofastripoflandthatisapproximately20’wide and232.59’longadjoiningParcelAasshownonthe platentitled“PlatofPropertiesSituatedontheEastern LineofU.S.RouteNo.1,SouthofRouteNo.54,ToBe DedicatedtotheVirginiaDepartmentofTransportation” preparedbyEngineeringDesignAssociates,Inc.dated January30,1995;and ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT or parcel of real estate, consistingofastripoflandthatisapproximately20’wide and299.58’longadjoiningParcelBasshownonthe platentitled“PlatofPropertiesSituatedontheEastern LineofU.S.RouteNo.1,SouthofRouteNo.54,ToBe DedicatedtotheVirginiaDepartmentofTransportation” preparedbyEngineeringDesignAssociates,Inc.dated January30,1995. Acopyoftheproposeddeedandanyassociateddocuments maybeobtainedbycontactingTownHallat(804)798-9219,Monday throughThursday,7:30a.m.to6:00p.m.Writtencommentsmaybe submittedtoMattReynalviae-mailatmreynal@ashlandva.govor throughregularmailtoClerkofCouncil,TownofAshland,POBox1600, Ashland,VA23005.Anypersonwithadisabilityrequiringassistance inordertoparticipateinthispublichearingisaskedtocontactTown Hallinadvanceofthepublichearingsothatappropriatearrangements maybemade.Followingthepublichearing,theAshlandTownCouncil maytakeactiononthismatter. ByOrderoftheAshlandTownCouncil

PUBLICNOTICE

NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanoverCountyBoardofSupervisorshasset Wednesday,September22,2021at6:00P.M., orassoonthereafterastheBoard’sconsideration oftheadministrativeagendapermits,intheBoardRoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuildingatHanoverCourthouse,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time,and placeforapublichearingtoconsiderthefollowingcases,atwhichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:

CUP2021-00011,SHALOMBAPTISTCHURCH

Request(s)toamendCUP-3-16,inaccordancewithSection26-20.21oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinance,toamendthesketchplanonGPIN8735-11-1743,consisting ofapproximately29.81acres,zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,andlocatedontheeastlineofWalnutGroveRoad(StateRoute615)atitsintersectionwithNorthfallCreek Parkway(StateRoute2139).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasAgricultural.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:ColdHarbor

CUP2021-00009,SUZANNEWHITMANSCALONE

Request(s)aConditionalUsePermitinaccordancewithSection26-20.14oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermitaneventvenueonGPIN7871-77-5718, consistingofapproximately60.28acres(CUParealimitedto4.87acres),zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,andlocatedonthenorthlineofCrossCornerRoad(StateRoute 641)approximately1,950feetwestofitsintersectionwithWashingtonHighway(U.S.Route1).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapas Agricultural.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

SE2021-00020,TRUSTEESOFMECHANICSVILLECHURCHOFCHRIST

Request(s)aSpecialExceptionPermitinaccordancewithSection3.6.1(i)oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinance(RepealedR-1District)topermittwo(2)temporarymodular classroomtrailersonGPIN8705-50-5896,consistingofapproximately9.57acres,zonedR-1,SingleFamilyResidentialDistrict,andlocatedonthesouthlineofAtleeRoad (StateRoute638)atitsintersectionwithCarterLane(StateRoute1419).(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Mechanicsville

OOV2021-00002,GILESFARM,SECTION2B

RequestsanOrdinanceofVacationinaccordancewithSection15.2-2272,CodeofVirginia,1950,asamended,tovacateaportionofa20-footdrainageeasement,inthe GilesFarmsubdivision,Section2B,asshownontheplatpreparedbyBalzerandAssociates,recordedJanuary31,2020,inPlatBook45,Page211,intheofficeoftheClerk oftheHanoverCountyCircuitCourt,ontheparcelsdesignatedasGPINs7796-73-3737and7796-73-4729.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Chickahominy

OOV2021-00003,GILESFARM,SECTION8

RequestsanOrdinanceofVacationinaccordancewithSection15.2-2272,CodeofVirginia,1950,asamended,tovacateaportionofa12-footanda20-footdrainage easement,intheGilesFarmsubdivision,Section8,asshownontheplatpreparedbyBalzerandAssociates,recordedDecember1,2020,inPlatBook45,Page476,inthe officeoftheClerkoftheHanoverCountyCircuitCourt,ontheparcelsdesignatedasGPINs7796-63-2431,7796-63-3406,7796-63-3570,7796-63-4552,7796-63-5535and 7796-63-6517.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Chickahominy

ORDINANCE21-10,AGRICULTURALANDFORESTALDISTRICTAMENDMENTANDRENEWAL

AnOrdinancetoamendAFD-2-80,Summerhill,toaddtwocontiguousparcels,GPIN8748-50-3797,consistingof56.7acres,andGPIN8748-31-8190,consistingof 40.0acres;andtocontinuethefollowingAgriculturalandForestalDistricts,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofChapters43and44ofTitle15.2oftheCodeofVirginia (PUBLICHEARING):

REZ2020-00024,ROXANNES.ANDLAZAROG.PERDOMO,ETAL.

Request(s)torezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,toRS(c),SingleFamilyResidentialDistrictwithconditions,andM-1(c),LimitedIndustrialDistrictwithconditions,onGPINs 7787-39-1265,7788-40-0089,7788-40-1355,7788-40-0566,and7788-40-0850,consistingofapproximately35.65acres,andlocatedonthenorthlineofOldKeetonRoad (StateRoute719)atitsintersectionwithWashingtonHighway(U.S.Route1).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasSuburbanGeneral (1.5-3DwellingUnitsPerAcre)andBusiness-Industrial.Theproposedzoningamendmentwouldpermitthecreationof76single-familylotsforagrossdensityof2.4dwelling unitsperacreon32.03acres.Variouslightindustrialuseswouldbepermittedontheremaining3.62-acreportionofthepropertythatfrontsonU.S.Route1.(PUBLICHEARING)

MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna

CopiesoftheabovecasemaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,MondaythroughFriday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m.,pleasecontactthePlanningOffice oryoumayalsogotohttps://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcoming-and-Archivformoreinformation.

MAGISTERIALDISTRICT

AFD-1-78 MACDONALD BEAVERDAM

AFD-2-78 STANLEY BEAVERDAM

AFD-3-78 WICKHAM BEAVERDAM

AFD-1-85 AFD-4-78 AFD-1-79 AFD-1-80 AFD-2-80 PEARSON’SCORNER OLDCHURCH(A) OLDCHURCH(B) OLDCHURCH(C) SUMMERHILL HENRY HENRY/COLDHARBOR COLDHARBOR HENRY HENRY

INDOOR FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Popular renovation trends in the year ahead

Home renovation trends are ever-changing. Renovations that might have been de rigueur 20 years ago may seem dated now. Recognizing the potentially popular trends of tomorrow is a great way for homeowners to give their homes a fresh new look and put themselves in position to capitalize on popular trends when they put their homes on the market. That’s especially so after 2020, a year when millions of people spent more time at home than ever before. All that time working from home and relaxing at home gave millions of homeowners ideas about what they like about their homes and what they hope to change. The following are some renovation trends that various experts suspect could emerge in 2021.

Eco-friendly living

Climate change, and how to combat it, was a hot button issue during the 2020 presidential election in the United States. So it should come as no surprise that urdesignmag.com, a web magazine that showcases creative trends in design, architecture, art, technology, and fashion, predicts that eco-friendly living solutions figure to be hot commodities in 2021. Eco-friendly appliances, furniture and designs can help to conserve energy and reduce waste, which environmentalists and government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency note are two critical components in the fight against climate change.

Large windows

Large windows can provide stunning views of the outdoors and allow ample natural light into a home. It may not be a coincidence if large windows prove to be a hot trend in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic that dominated much of 2020 forced many people to spend considerably more time at home. Darker homes without much natural light can adversely affect mood, especially when people are spending more time at home. HGTV predicts that homeowners will seek ways to bring more natural light into their homes in 2021, and large windows naturally brighten homes while making rooms appear bigger, helping people feel less cramped. That’s an especially beneficial characteristic when spending more time indoors at home.

Metro Creative Connection

Minimalism

The anticipated popularity of minimalism in 2021 may also be connected to the pandemic. As professionals were forced to work from home and many families spent more time together inside their homes then ever before, they may have recognized a need to cut back on clutter, including extra furniture. A minimalist approach is both simple and clean, which can make homes feel less claustrophobic.

Multi-functional spaces

Homeowners asked a lot of their homes in 2020, as rooms were transformed into multi-functional spaces seemingly overnight. HGTV notes that spending more time at home showed homeowners that it may not make sense to dedicate entire rooms of a home to a single purpose. Renovations that can help homeowners transform rooms into multi-functional spaces figure to be hot commodities in the years ahead. -Metro Creative Connection

INDOOR FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Must-have features in your home bathroom remodel

Metro Creative Connection

Veteran homeowners recognize the value of remodeling their kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens and baths tend to appear dated more quickly than other spaces, such as living rooms and bedrooms, which can always be revamped with some fresh paint and new furnishings.

The home improvement pricing resource Home Guide indicates an average bathroom remodel costs anywhere from $5,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and scope of the renovation. However, a bath redo can increase a home’s resale value and can return as much as 68 percent of homeowners’ investments. As homeowners plan their bathroom renovations, it’s a good time to consider improvements that will improve function and add design appeal for years to come.

Floating vanity

Add an airy feeling to the room by creating space between the vanity and the floor. A floating vanity can be a counter with a vessel sink or even have cabinets, as long as the vanity doesn’t extend to the floor.

Freestanding traditional sink or tub

There’s something elegant about a freestanding tub or pedestal sink. Such features can lend a classic vibe to a space. However, freestanding fixtures also come in modern or eclectic forms, so there are options for any design style.

Frameless showers

Switch to a walk-in shower option, which improves aesthetics and makes it easier to ‘age in place’ in a home. Pair that frameless shower with clear glass shower doors so sightline in the space remains unencumbered.

Natural textures

Create a calm and serene sanctuary in the bathroom with light, natural hues and materials. Nature-inspired colors on tiles, walls and vanities can add to the spa vibe.

Dual sinks and vanities

With a double vanity, two people can share the space and easily use the bathroom without getting in each other’s way. One vanity with two sinks works, but homeowners can create even more personal space by dividing vanities and mirrors.

Small textured tile on shower fl oors

Small textures are appealing and add safety. The added texture and grouting will keep feet from slipping on wet floors. Also, opt for moldresistant grout to make cleanup even easier.

Special shower heads

Invest in shower heads that can run the gamut from creating steam showers to rainfall effects. Some showers will have multiple shower jets to offer an invigorating experience.

Improve drainage

Increase the diameter of the drain pipe in the bathroom from the standard to a two-inch drain pipe. This will reduce the risk of clogs and overflow leaks.

Install a window

Natural light and air flow can reduce the risk for mold and mildew growth, and windows add some aesthetic appeal to a space. Just be sure to choose frosted privacy glass.

Additional considerations for a bath remodel include heated floors, well-placed and attractive storage options and a toilet enclosure (water closet) for added privacy. These and other bathroom renovation ideas can add value and improve the appeal of the room.

-Metro Creative Connection

Common causes of house fi res

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, roughly 25,000 home fires causing more than 300 deaths occur in the United States each year. Homeowners can keep themselves and their families safe by being aware of the dangers around a home that can contribute to house fires and the preventive measures that can reduce the risk for such fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the following are the most common factors that can lead to fires around the house. Cooking accidents: It can take mere seconds for grease splatters or an overheated pan or pot to cause a fire. Stay in the kitchen at all times when cooking. Heaters: Have furnaces and other heating appliances regularly inspected. Keep portable heaters away from anything that can burn, including curtains and furniture. Do not leave portable heaters running while you are sleeping or out of the home. Smoking: Smoking inside a home can lead to fires. Some people forget to extinguish the smoke or embers may fall, while butts may smoulder for hours before causing flames to form. Washers and dryers: Between 2010 and 2014, American

fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. Mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines. Failure to clean dryers also can cause fires to ignite. Candles: Candles can add ambiance to a room and are commonly used in decorations, but they also can be a fire hazard. Candles easily can be knocked over by children, pets and others. Do not leave candles lit and unattended. -Metro Creative Connection A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local September 8, 2021 3B

INDOOR FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT How to maintain hardwood fl oors

Hardwood floors have long been sought after by home buyers. In its 2019 ‘Remodeling Impact Report,’ the National Association of Realtors¨ revealed that new wood flooring was the fourth most popular project to attract buyers.

Of course, hardwood floors aren’t just for buyers. Homeowners who already have hardwood floors know just how impressive these floors can be, especially when they’re well maintained. Maintaining wood floors is not necessarily as straightforward as it may seem, and homeowners may benefit from a tutorial on how too keep the floors under their feet looking good.

What fi nish is on the fl oor?

The Hardwood Distributor’s Association recommends a simple way for homeowners to determine which type of finish is on their hardwood floors. Homeowners are advised to rub a finger across the floor. If no smudge appears, then the floor is surface sealed. If a smudge is created, then the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal. The HDA also notes that recently installed wood floors are likely surface sealed.

How often should fl oors be polished or waxed?

Wood flooring professionals recommend polishing floors that can be polished once every few months. Waxing wood floors does not need to be done as frequently, and most can benefit from a fresh coat of wax every 12 to 18 months.

To polish or not to polish?

Polishing floors is an inexpensive way to keep them looking good. But the home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that not all floors can be polished, and determining which ones can depends on the finish. Floors with waterproof barriers such as urethane will benefit from routine polishing. However, floors with penetrating finishes like tung oil will need to be waxed rather than polished.

What can I do on a daily basis?

Some simple tricks and daily maintenance can help wood floors maintain their impressive look.

Utilize floor mats. The HDA notes that floor mats near entryways can reduce the time it takes to clean hardwood floors and reduce the wear and tear they endure. For example, tiny particles like dirt can scratch the floor and contribute to the kind of minor damage that adds up to significant scarring over time. Floor mats near entryways ensures that most of that dirt never makes it to the wood floors. Vacuum without a beater bar. Some vacuums contain beater bars, which are designed to pick up human hair, dog hair and other things that conventional vacuums may not be able to pick up. The HDA advises vacuuming without the beater bar, as it can contribute to small scratches in the floor. Sweeping with a high-quality broom or microfiber cloth is another way to pick up dirt without damaging floors. Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Local home improvement stores sell a host of hardwood floor cleaning products, but the HDA notes that many flooring manufacturers now sell their own hardwood floor cleaners designed specifically for their floors. These products are likely homeowners’ best bets. Homeowners who can’t find them can seek recommendations from a local flooring retailer.

Hardwood floors are attractive for many reasons. And they look even more stunning, and last much longer, when homeowners make an effort to maintain them.

Metro Creative Connection

-Metro Creative Connection

INDOOR FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Let caution reign when kids are in the kitchen

Parents go to great lengths to keep their kids safe. From the moment a woman first learns she’s pregnant to the day teenagers head off to college, parents make myriad decisions in the name of keeping their children safe.

Homes are safe havens for families, but dangers still lurk around every corner and inside every cabinet. That’s especially true in the kitchen. Real estate professionals often note the importance of kitchens. According to Realtor.com, kitchen remains the most mentioned room in home listings. Nearly 70 percent of listings on the home buying and selling website mentioned kitchens, while less than 50 percent mentioned bedrooms.

Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, so it’s no surprise these gathering spaces routinely attract curious kids. Kitchen safety is essential in every home, but it’s especially important in homes with young children. The following are some areas of the kitchen where parents can direct their focus as they try to keep their children safe.

Beneath the sink

Many families store cleaning products beneath their kitchen sinks. But that can prove hazardous if parents cannot prevent kids from accessing this area. According to the National Capital Poison Center, a disproportionate percentage of the millions of poison exposures in the United States each year affect children younger than six. It might be convenient to store cleaning products beneath the kitchen sink, but such products should be kept higher up in cabinets kids cannot reach until they’re old enough to know it’s not safe to ingest these cleaners.

Stoves

Stoves pose a significant safety risk to youngsters, even when they’re not in use. When the stove is being used, make sure kids do not go near electric or gas burners, where curious hands may reach up and get burned. Kids also should be taught to steer clear when their parents are cooking on the stove top, as hot oil from pans can spray out and harm youngsters who aren’t paying attention. Parents also can install knob covers that prevent curious kids from turning burners on when no one is looking.

Metro Creative Connection

Dishwasher

Dishwashers may not seem threatening, but they can pose a safety risk to youngsters. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children should not be allowed to load and unload dishwashers until they are between the ages of seven and nine. Knives and forks in dishwashers can be sharp, posing a safety risk to curious youngsters. When loading the dishwasher, make sure the blades and prongs of knives and forks are facing downward, and never preload detergent, which can be harmful to kids if ingested. Always make sure the dishwasher is securely closed when in use so kids cannot open the door and potentially suffer burns from hot water.

Countertops

Cutlery sets kept in blocks on countertops should be stored away from the edge of the counter, ideally along a back wall that kids cannot reach. In addition, countertop appliances like coffee machines, toasters, blenders, and slow cookers should be kept beyond the reach of young children.

Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, where curious kids can easily find trouble. Parents can reduce kids’ risk for kitchen accidents and injuries with some simple safety strategies. -Metro Creative Connection

Know if it is ime to replace old wiring in your home

Old homes can be charming and contain architectural elements not often seen in many modern housing developments. But what older homes may have in design appeal, they may lack in updated features.

While cosmetic changes are not necessarily difficult, one area of concern in historic homes and sometimes even in houses built 40 or 50 years ago Ñ is archaic wiring. Wiring provides power to every room of the home. In today’s electronics-driven society, electricity that works is an essential component of daily life. Over time, wiring can be compromised through simple aging, pest infiltration, weather, or other conditions. Deteriorated wiring can present a shock hazard and also a serious fire hazard, warn the home renovation experts at The Spruce. Furthermore, the home improvement site This Old House advises that the amperage of old wiring may not be able to meet the needs of the devices used in homes overpowering the circuits. This can cause breaker blowouts and other problems, such as overheated wires that may spark and cause fires from within the wall.

Wiring often falls into the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ category. Homeowners may make allowances for inadequate electrical systems, such as running extension cords or using multiplug connectors to increase their wiring capacity. However, they may not be diligently keeping on top of upgrades needed to stay safe. Confirming that a home’s electrical system is safe is a necessary part of home maintenance.

For those who haven’t already done so, schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician to go over the home’s wiring. He or she can determine if any areas pose a safety risk and/or do not conform to local code requirements and the National Electrical Code. Failure to meet code can lead to difficulty obtaining permits to make other home renovations, or difficulty selling a home later on.

The electrician can also go over improvements that can improve safety and function. Additional outlets, including GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, may be part of the plan, as well as rewiring a fuse box or circuit panel to allow for better flow of power around the house. Frayed wiring or underinsulated wiring also may need to be replaced.

Owners of old homes should recognize possible electrical system dangers that require attention. Plus, considering electrical codes change quite frequently, it is always in a homeowner’s best interest to work with a qualified electrician to keep wiring inspected and up to date. -Metro Creative Connection

INDOOR FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Signs it is time to overhaul your kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen adds value to a home. Remodeling Magazine’s ‘Cost vs. Value Report’ indicates mid-range kitchen remodels cost about $66,000, and homeowners can expect to recover about 60 to 80 percent of that cost at resale.

Homeowners may wonder if remodeling their kitchens is worth the investment. But homeowners should not just consider cost, but also the current conditions of their kitchens when deciding if a renovation project is the right move to make. These signs indicate it may be time to renovate a kitchen.

Breakers are triggered

If the lights go dark from a tripped circuit breaker every time you try to microwave and run the toaster oven at the same time, your wiring is likely not up to the task of handling the workload and could be out of date. A kitchen remodel will assess wiring load needs and an electric overhaul may be necessary.

Lack of storage

One of the biggest hassles homeowners encounter in their kitchens is a lack of storage space. If making a meal involves a Jenga-like stacking and rearranging of kitchen tools, or if an avalanche occurs whenever you search for an item, you might need more storage. A carefully planned redesign can achieve this, even in a smaller kitchen.

Outdated appliances

Even if your appliances are not avocado green or mustard yellow relics of the 1970s, they might still need to be replaced. According to CRD Design, appliances are only expected to last around 10 to 15 years. If appliances have become unsafe or energy hogs, it could be time for a remodel.

Family is expanding (or shrinking)

Kitchens often are the heart of a home. They need to meet the needs of the family that resides in that home. A remodel can add space as needed. On the flip side, when a couple becomes empty nesters, kitchens can be redesigned and downsized to reflect their new needs and desires, such as the addition of a wine chiller or espresso station.

Poor lighting

Task lighting is essential in a kitchen, but older homes may not be equipped with lighting where it’s most needed. A carefully designed remodel can improve lighting with under-cabinet lights, pendants, overhead lighting, and even natural light to make the space attractive and more functional.

Frequent run-ins

The notion that you can have too many cooks in the kitchen refers to having too many people trying to pitch in or offer their opinions. However, it also can apply to when too many people are gathering in a small space. Redesigning a kitchen can improve the efficiency of a space and make the room feel larger.

Metro Creative Connection

Aesthetic appeal

Many kitchen remodels have been inspired by unsightly kitchens. Cosmetic changes can lead to big improvements.

Kitchen renovations can add instant appeal and help address issues that tend to plague outdated rooms. -Metro Creative Connection