Ashland-Hanover Local – 11/10/2021

COMMUNITY PHHS Memorial Brick Ceremony rescheduled PAGE

4

VETERANS DAY Veterans Day ceremony planned at Hanover Wayside Park PAGE 7

Vol. 7 No. 11 | Richmond Suburban News | November 10, 2021

Residents express concern, support for policy revisions Board wrestles with new guidelines regarding transgender students Jim Ridolphi / The Local

Hanover Election Day poll workers check in voters as poll watchers monitor the activity.

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

Candidates reflect on last week’s election

A

number of Hanover citizens showed up at last month’s School Board meeting to express their opinions on a policy revision regarding transgender students on county campuses.

Many of those attending did not have the opportunity to speak during a public comment period due to time restrictions, and others were forced to view the meeting remotely due to capacity in the meeting room.

With an expanding list of speakers already signed up for this week’s regular

Jim Ridolphi / The Local

An overflow crowd attended last weeks special meeting of the School Board to gather input on a proposed policy regarding the treatment of transgender students.

An evenly divided crowd filled the meeting room, forcing many to view the meeting remotely. At one point, there were more people in the parking lot than in the meeting room. School Board members will consider the revisions at their November meeting.

see POLICY, pg. 5

‘Light Up the Tracks’ begins in Downtown Ashland Starting Nov. 6, Downtown Ashland has transformed into a vintage Christmas village with Light Up the Tracks, presented by Dominion Energy — a light display and special events welcome visitors for a unique small town holiday experience.

“Light Up the Tracks invites visitors to enjoy the quaint set-

ting of our historic downtown,” said Maggie Longest, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “Customers will find excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment with friendly, small town charm.”

Downtown buildings are outlined in twinkling white lights, along with historic homes and

Randolph-Macon College. The whole of Ashland’s Center Street is illuminated, giving visitors a chance to step into a real-life holiday postcard. Plus, local merchants and community groups offer special events all season long.

“We are proud to be a part of this one-of-a-kind celebration,” said see LIGHT, pg. 7

Two incumbents will remain on Ashland Town Council

By Jim Ridolphi For Ashland-Hanover Local A change in Election Day scheduling mandated by state

code provided an unusual aura to this year’s Town Council elections in Ashland.

While candidates have traditionally run and campaigned for a May Election Day, this year marked the first time Town voters cast their ballots see ELECTION, pg. 2

Jim Ridolphi / The Local

Downtown Ashland and Dominion Energy kicked off the annual Light Up the Tracks program with a tree lighting held on the lawn of Town Hall.

Members of the Randolph-Macon Concert Choir sang Christmas carols as an excited crowd counted down the seconds until the Town’s tree was lit.

Council defers action on venue support plan Program would provide funds for affected businesses

By Jim Ridolphi Ashland-Hanover Local When Ashland Town Council members passed a spending plan at their last meeting, the list of proposed projects included an allocation of $200,000 to provide relief to businesses adversely affected by decreased attendance or ticket sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding is derived from $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding pro-

ELECTION Continued from pg. 1

for Council in November.

Three candidates ran for two open seats and the field included two incumbents, Daniel McGraw and John Hodges, and one newcomer, David Frisch. The final tally revealed a desire of Ashland voters to stick with the incumbents.

Hodges and McGraw prevailed in Tuesday’s vote by comfortable margins, each receiving about 36% of the vote, while Frisch received 25.7% of the total votes cast.

Ashland Town Council members are elected to staggered four-year terms. Hodges

vided to the town earlier this year. When a spending plan for those funds was approved at Council’s Oct. 19 meeting, details of the venue relief program were not finalized.

Last week, Town Manager Josh Farrar presented an outline for that program that targets busiFARRAR nesses in the entertainment or tourism industries that suffered the most significant impacts during the pandemic.

Amounts of the individual grants will depend on

was appointed in 2017, and both he and McGraw won elections in 2018.

McGraw, a Hanover County school teacher, said the change in scheduling gave this year’s campaign a different feeling.

“This year, due to the Town Elections joining the statewide polling in November, our community was split between two stations (half of the residents voted at the library, the other half voted at the fire station),” McGraw said. “In the previous years, everyone met on the Town lawn and as citizens arrived at the Town Hall, the candidates would share their perspectives. Typically, the voters

KELLEHER OIL HEAT Our family keeping your family comfy and cozy since 1968!

SINCE 1968

239712-01

KELLEHER 649-7501 — kelleherhvac.com

2

HEATING | COOLING | PLUMBING | ELECTRICAL GENERATORS | HEATING OIL

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

would listen to each candidate. This generated lively discussion and camaraderie. At the end of the elections, our community was stronger.”

McGraw said the two polling stations and new schedule made it difficult to experience those first person interactions that symbolize Ashland politics.

“Having two, separate, polling stations made it impossible to be available for every voter who wanted to speak to the candidates. My wife was at one location and I was at another. In the past, we were all together (making it more of a celebration, than a competition). Complicating things even more… Some citizens were not completely aware that the Town elections had been combined with state elections. Certainly, they had seen the signs and talked to candidates previously, but many people were waiting to vote in the spring (May), like usual. And, to make things more challenging, there were political party booths at the voting sites,” McGraw continued.

He said this year’s campaign had more of a partisan slant, and less grassroots issue-driven discussions took place.

“In the Town, we do not make decisions based on par-

the number of applications received. If more than 40 eligible grant requests are received, final recipients will be determined by a random draw.

Eligible funding for the grants includes a variety of relief including employee’s wages and benefits, rent and utilities for commercial space and working capital.

“Tonight, we bring you what we are calling a venue support program. We had a little bit of discussion about this regarding our ARPA spending plans discussion,” Farrar said.

That relief targeted businesses in the hospitality tourism and front line restaurants, but also provided

tisan politics. Our decisions are based on the needs of our community, the desires of neighbors, and the consensus of the general welfare of the Town. There are no affiliations attached to our names,” McGraw said. “Nevertheless, rhetoric seemed to play a much more prominent role than in the past. For example, when I ran in 2018, most residents wanted to know specifically why I was running, what knowledge I have, how active I was in the community, and how I could enhance the team (almost like a business interview).”

The questions were different this time, according to McGraw. “On Nov. 2, much of the dialogue was campaign speech and slogans because the residents were wanting to come in, vote and go to work.

In the past, it had been more like… greet friends, learn about the upcoming concerns in the Town, talk with each candidate, and leave feeling as if we are all one community.”

McGraw said the journey was still enjoyable, but different. “Campaigning is still enjoyable. But, it is much more difficult when other groups (e.g. governor, lt. Gov., delegates) are competing for attention.”

Former Hanover County Planning Director and Deputy

see COUNCIL, pg. 15

County Administrator John Hodges was also re-elected to Council, garnering 36% of the votes.

The current vice-mayor also expressed concerns regarding the new election schedule for town elections.

“Elections are always a challenging experience, and this one was especially so,” Hodges said. “Holding the election for Town Council in November instead of May, changes the focus of voters from nonpartisan local issues to partisan state and national issues.”

Hodges said it is essential for the public to have confidence in their local leaders and their ability to address the issues that directly affect them.

“One of our challenges on Council will be to assure everyone that we are truly focused on local issues and the best interests of the Town as a whole, not some other agenda. That puts the burden on us to engage the community and make them feel their voice is being heard in a nonpartisan way. I am committed to making that happen,” Hodges said.

Hodges and his wife spent most of the day at the polls talking to voters, and he said he was pleased with the results.

Veterans Day closings for county facilities Hanover County’s six solid waste convenience centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Hanover County government offices also will be closed that day in observance of Veterans Day. Branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library will be open on Thursday, Nov. 11.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer.

“I am very honored to be reelected to serve this wonderful community. I learned a lot from meeting with and hearing from the community on the campaign trail,” he said.

“The Town is a special place, and I will do my best to keep that ‘Center of the Universe’ feeling going forward. I would also like to congratulate Dan McGraw for his reelection and express my appreciation to David Frisch for his willingness to run and offer voters a choice.

The Town election process is made better by competition, Hodges concluded.

David Frisch also had no regrets about his decision to run and said the experience was positive and he was thankful for the opportunity.

“My wife and I are so appreciative of the wonderful new people we have met in Ashland during our campaigning. We are hopeful that we have made several interesting, intelligent, energetic new friends that are really doing amazing things--not just for Ashland, but the broader community, too,” he said. “We are certain the incumbents will continue to do their special work and do their best to keep Ashland, Ashland. Once again, thanks for all your support, Ashland.”

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com The Hanover Christmas Mother would like to thank the following for their generous contributions: Thelma Adkins; Atlee Ruritan Club; Pattie Bland; David W. and Deborah Brooks; Harold Brown; Brown Grove Baptist Church; W. A. Cauthorn; David Jay Chapin; Eloise Cobb; Glenn and Diana Crider; Verna and Leroy Crowder; Douglas Cumins; Iris K. DeFord; Tom and Ginny Foster; Eagle Point Farm; Friends Class of Walnut Grove Baptist Church; Ann M. Goebel; Brenda B. Gouldin; John and Nancy Hart; Dixie Heckel; Hutcheson & Company, Inc.; William and Pamela Hutton; Kroger Co.; Glenn S. Martin; Fredric McGhee; Betty and James Moore; Captain and Mrs. Milton A. Outten; Harvey Phillips; Gerald and Mary Ann Pugh; The Reco Foundation; Jean C. Rummel; T. E. and Leslie Shelton; Richard Shirey; Ruth Smith; Gary and Mary Spruill; James Starkey; Jackie Strickland; Studley Ruritan Club; William Suttles, In Honor of Lorraine B. Suttles; Robert and Julie Tate; Janice H. Tudor; Mary L. Vass; Wayne Waldrop; James H. Watts; Mary Wiblin; Angela M. Will; Mary Williams; Janet Willis; Susan Winters; Jeannine G. Yowell.

If you have not sent in a donation, send to THE HANOVER CHRISTMAS MOTHER, P. O. BOX 39, DOSWELL, VIRGINIA. Thank you for your help.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS Sept. 26

Simple assault was reported in the 7500th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

DWI: first offense was reported in the 3400th block of Creighton Road, Mechanicsville.

Breaking and entering of a house to commit larceny, assault was reported in the 8200th block of Tangle Oaks Drive, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 7500th block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 13100th block of Overhill Drive, Glen Allen.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 13300th block of Harris Farm Lane, Glen Allen.

Petit larceny, building was reported in the 13000th block of Winston Road, Ashland.

Simple assault or battery by mob was reported in the 12400th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 9900th block of Sunny Oak Drive, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery on a family member, third offense was reported in the 8100th block of North Mayfield Lane, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 11100th block of Washington Highway, Glen Allen.

Filing a false report to police or falsely summoning police was reported in the 8100th block of North Mayfield Lane, Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 10200th block of Ibis Drive, Ashland.

Larceny: Obtaining money, etc., by false pretenses, $200 Conspiracy was reported in the 10200th block of Timber Ridge Drive, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 8300th block of Springset Lane, Mechanicsville.

Signing a false certificate for business was reported in the 12000th block of Farrington Road, Ashland.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 9600th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Grand larceny, $500 or more, not from person was reported in the 9000th block of Airwell Court, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 13100th block of Overhill Drive, Glen Allen.

Assault on law enforcement, court, corrections, fire or medical personnel was reported in the 8200th block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Sept. 28

Driver not reporting accident with damage greater than $250 was reported in the 12200th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, building was reported in the 8100th block of North Mayfield Lane, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 8300th block of Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI: first offense was reported in the 12200th block of Farrington Road/Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

Stalking: Type not clear from record was reported in the 14000th block of Taylors Overlook Court, Montpelier.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 15500th block of Robert Terrell Road, Montpelier.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 14000th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Doswell.

block of Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.

Forging was reported in the 12600th block of Old Ridge Road, Beaverdam.

Petit larceny, building was reported in the 6000th

Breaking and entering of a house to commit larceny, assault was reported in the 17100th block of Dunns Chapel Road, Montpelier.

DWI: Drugs, second offense withing 5 to 10 years was reported in the 7100th block of Brandy Hill Terrace, Mechanicsville.

Sept. 30

Sept. 29

Threatening a school employee was reported in the 9400th block of Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from person was reported in the 7100th block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7000th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Carrying a concealed weapon, first offense was reported in the 7100th block of Stonewall Parkway/Overlook Drive, Mechanicsville.

Sept. 27

Larceny of firearms, regardless of value, not from person was reported in the 14000th block of Verdon Road, Ruther Glen.

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 8300th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 7000th

block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 8000th block of Kenmore Drive, Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 7000th block of Claybird Lane, Mechanicsville.

Violation of emergency protective orders was reported in the 15500th block of Robert Terrell Road, see SHERIFF’S, pg. 8

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER 205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005 Give us a call: (804) 401-7007

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN November 11th at 6:30 pm

This Week:

Christmas Mother thankful for donations

This Veterans Day, join us for a showing of the classic drama in which Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) takes his men behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.

OUR TOWN

Whistle Stop Theatre

November 12th at 7:00 pm November 13th at 3:00 pm Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic - Our Town - takes center stage in the center of the universe.

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at: ashlandtheatre.org

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021 3

CALENDAR

MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

| News, Updates & Listings

The services and facilities you deserve at a price that makes sense.

REMOTE ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Complete Traditional Funeral Service with Basic Casket

3,995

$

Starting at

* *Plus Tax

Cremation Packages

Memorial Service & Cremation Package

Starting at $1,295

Starting at $1,995

Serving the Richmond Metro Area and Surrounding Counties From Two Convenient Locations 2720 Enterprise Parkway Richmond, VA 8074 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville VA 804-477-3136 • www.affinityfuneralservice.com 4

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

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.

Wednesday, Nov. 10 and Thursday, Nov. 11 The Harmony at Hanover is proud to honor all of our Veterans and their families all month with a display table featuring our Veterans’ pictures and other items they have saved from their time in service. To honor these veterans, The Freedom Flag Foundation will have a presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m., and a Veterans Day Program is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in the Independent Living Dining Room featuring

the Mechanicsville High School ROTC and the American Legion Post 175 Honor Guard followed by a catered lunch and desserts. Make reservations by Nov. 5 at the Concierge Desk or call 804-551-2242.

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 2 p.m. at the Hanover Veterans Memorial Wayside Park.

Thursday, Nov. 11 Saturday, Nov. 13 The Mechanicsville Theatre Company will present “Matilda the Musical” on Stage on Nov. 11 and 12 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. in the Mechanicsville High School auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://mhsva.booktix.com/.

All seats are reserved.

Friday, Nov. 12 A Christmas Market will see CALENDAR pg. 6

Make the holidays bright for someone in need Are you looking for ways to make the holidays brighter for others? The Hanover County Department of Community Resources has a list of organizations seeking holiday assistance for those they serve.

In-person volunteering needs may be limited, but this year’s “wish list” is still full of opportunities to show compassion and bring joy to others.

The “Making Holidays Bright” holiday wish list provides individuals, businesses and community groups with opportunities and contact information of local agencies that are in need of community support as they serve others during the Holiday season. The document is available online at www.HanoverVolunteers.org.

The list includes ways in which you can: Make a monetary donation; Share your time;

Collect or contribute items in need; Shop for a specific child, family or elder; Create an item or a gift.

The list also includes information on community Thanksgiving dinner “Pick Up” offerings and the Hanover Christmas Mother.

Finally, don’t forget that with the new year, we will again be accepting nominations for Hanover’s Spirit of Volunteerism Awards.

Start creating your own “wish list” of “unsung heroes” who volunteer their time throughout the year to make a positive impact.

Nomination details will be available January 2022.

For more information, call the Department of Community Resources at (804) 365-4300 or e-mail volunteer@hanovercounty.gov.

Submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer.

PHHS Memorial Brick Ceremony rescheduled A Patrick Henry High School Memorial Brick Ceremony has been rescheduled to 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 3. Unforeseen issues resulted in the bricks not being ready.

Patrick Henry High School is continuing a fundraising effort for the Hanover Education Foundation by selling bricks that are placed in memory of deceased alumni

and faculty. Forty bricks were placed in April with 85 friends and family attending.

The annual brick dedication program has contributed close to $20,000 to Hanover Education Foundation (HEF) since it was started in 2012. Contact HEF: Phone: 804-365-4500; address, 200 Berkley Street, Ashland, VA 23005, Attention Beth Godbolt.

POLICY Continued from pg. 1

meeting to address the same issue, board members opted for an additional meeting to allow all speakers to have a turn at the podium.

That meeting held last week also experienced overflow crowds and many were forced to remain outside during the meeting as more than 50 speakers made their opinions known.

An evenly divided and mostly civil group watched patiently as speakers addressed the issue. Supporters wore pink shirts that displayed the message “You are Loved,” while those with opposing views held signs that read “Protect Every Kid.” Hanover School Board members are facing a difficult decision at their upcoming meeting regarding whether or not to approve policy revisions that offer additional protections for transgender students and validates certain rights that some parents find offensive.

When the General Assembly passed legislation that requires school systems to initiate policies that clarify how transgender students are treated, including a provision that guarantees rights to use the bathroom or locker room of their preferred identity and allowing confidentiality regarding student records, Hanover is still considering the revisions.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued guidelines this summer requiring school divisions to adopt policy that are consistent with or exceed those regulations. The directive ensures transgender students the right to use the bathroom of their choice and be addressed by their preferred pronouns.

Arthur Brill read a letter from Gavin Grimm, the transgender student from Gloucester County who successfully sued the local school

Jim Ridolphi / The Local

Jennifer Balut is a parent and educator in Hanover County and spoke at last week’s meeting in opposition to the proposed changes. She said making changes that only affect the entire student body to accommodate the needs of a very few is unacceptable and urged board members to not endorse the revisions to policy.

board regarding its decision to ban him from using the boys bathroom because he identified as transgender.

He received a $1.3 million settlement as a result of the Supreme Court decision in his favor.

“Transgender students deserve the same rights and access as students who are non transgender students,” Grimm’s letter said. “On a final note, regardless of personal feelings, the law is the law.”

The VDOE guidelines required all schools to have policies in place by the beginning of the school year to address the issues raised by the new regulations. While many school districts across the state have enacted revised policies that fall in line with the new guidelines, a few have refused to install the new policy.

Hanover first approached the issue at its October workshop and conducted more review at its meeting later that month. With the current policy that does not meet the minimum requirements some speakers said the county was “already breaking the law.”

Several parents spoke on their children’s behalf, or read

letters from students affected by the policy currently in place.

John Quillen read a letter from his child. “I would like to praise you for your efforts to introduce a policy to protect transgender students,” he read.

“Unfortunately I still have some concerns regarding the treatment of transgender students,” the student said referring to the parental consent portion of the new policy.

“The parents’ consent being required is an issue.

Transphobia runs rampant throughout Hanover and some trans students may not be safe coming out to their parents. We need to protect these students. There should be policies to protect these students without parental involvement.”

An equal number of speakers expressed concerns regarding the proposed policy, specifically the requirement that students be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice.

“If this passes, you are undermining my rights as a parent… and you are not protecting my child,” said Lauren Mast. “I should not have to worry about my daughter being assaulted with her face bashed against a wall by a trans or a male dressing in a skirt. That’s the last thing I want to worry about as a mother,” she added.

Hunter Young of Mechanicsville said he removed his daughter from Hanover schools after she was asked to refer to a student with her requested pronoun.

As an 8-year-old, Young said she didn’t understand and was confused.

“As an 8-year-old little girl, she didn’t understand why he was dressed like a girl and wanted people to not call him by his name anymore and call him by a girl’s name,” Young said. “I want to stand up for the families who do not have the option to take their child

ABOVE AND ABOVE

BEYOND BEYOND R YOU FO

REC members will enjoy super-fast connections once broadband internet is in place.

The cooperative is facilitating local broadband partnerships that will energize progress in education and healthcare. This innovation will boost economic growth for large and small businesses.

In addition, REC members have seen bill reductions in 2020 & 2021, the return of $23 million in Capital Credits since 2020 and $4.8 million in electric bill assistance to co-op families and businesses affected

by COVID-19.

REC. Going above and beyond to improve the lives of the people this co-op serves.

see POLICY, pg. 16

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021 5

OPINION

CALENDAR | The Local Views

Short life produced lasting message

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I

t was a passing comment ignored by most listeners as a team of sports announcers prepped for the opening game of this year’s American League playoff series.

“Ernie Johnson has the night off,” one mentioned.

No one replied.

That seemingly insignificant comment immediately grabbed my attention, and I felt a cold chill in my spine. I had no reason to believe that Johnson’s absence was somehow associated with his son, but something in my gut told me that it was.

I’m sure most of you have never heard of Ernie Johnson, but for sports aficionados nationwide, Johnson is a gem of a play-by-play guy, known for his vast knowledge of basketball and baseball. He’s an award-winning announcer who has a style that appeals to almost everyone, a nonthreatening everyman’s approach to the games and players he covers.

While I am not an NBA fan, and baseball appeals to me only at this time of year, I am an Ernie Johnson fan. A set of circumstances placed Johnson and I in similar situations, kindred spirits of a sort.

Several years ago, I learned of Ernie’s dedication to his son Michael, a child with disabilities he and his wife adopted from Romania. The Johnsons have six chidden, two of their own and four adopted.

Michael suffered from a number of medical issues, the most significant being Muscular Dystrophy, a rare and degenerative muscle disease that affects mostly young males.

I followed the plight of Ernie and Michael as the disease progressed. It became more difficult to expose Michael to the things he loved like car shows, but Ernie persisted performing each tedious task with a smile. The amount of joy Ernie derived from just caring for his son was inspirational.

The story became even more important when I learned of my son’s diagnosis, and I immediately knew that Ernie

and Michael’s story also belonged to my son Jack and I. I must admit seeing the immense responsibility that lay ahead for our family was somewhat frightening but also inspiring.

In many ways Michael’s accomplishments became part of our journey, and Ernie’s dedication to his son became a personal inspiration for me. If a template could be provided for how to care for a child with MD, there was no better model than Ernie.

Last month, Michael lost his battle with MD at age 33.

That may seem young to most people, but to kids with Duchennes, it’s more than a lifetime. Ernie’s care and Michael’s tenacious spirit offered hope to all of us affected by this terrible and cruel disease, and his zest for life leaves a lasting legacy for a community that depends on inspiration and hope to meet the next challenge.

That doesn’t lessen the sorrow and pain now being experienced by the Johnson family, and I know Ernie is hurting. It’s way too soon for them to celebrate or recognize the enormous contribution Michael made to the MD community.

Michael’s refusal to give up and the love and support of Ernie and his family leaves a lasting impression on those who know all too well the challenges they endured. It’s a legacy that provides hope for a better future, one where kids will not suffer and die from a killer that has no conscience.

On a more personal note, I’d like to acknowledge Ernie and Michael for what they have provided to Jack and my family. Their example taught us important lessons that allow us to carry on. They showed us how not wallowing in despair is a far more effective approach to these challenges and living with hope beats the heck out of living in fear.

We all mourn the death of Michael Johnson and will never forget his contributions made in his limited time on earth. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ernie and the Johnson family as they grieve the loss of their son and sibling.

And we’ll never forget a kid from Romania who packed in a lot of life in 33 years.

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 Online: www.mechlocal.com

Publisher

Joy Monopoli

jmonopoli@rsnva.com

Managing Editor

Laura McFarland

lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

Production Manager

Denine D’Angelo

ddangelo@mechlocal.com

David Lawrence

dlawrence@mechlocal.com

Tom Haynie

thaynie@mechlocal.com

Cindy Adams

cadams@mechlocal.com

Sports Editor Sales Representative Classifieds

6

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

Continued from pg. 4

be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Covenant Woods located at 7090 Covenant Woods Drive in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-569-8000.

Friday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov 13 The Whistle Stop Theatre Company of Ashland will present its production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town” on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Ashland Theatre, 205 England Street in Ashland. The Nov. 12 performance begins at 7 p.m. with regular admission. A matinee performance is scheduled for Nov. 13 with a 3 p.m. curtain, doors open at 2:30 p.m.

Guests are required to present proof of vaccination at the door and remain masked unless consuming concessions, and may choose their own seats upon arrival and are encouraged to consider social distancing. Purchase tickets at https://whistlestoptheatre. weebly.com/purchase-tickets.html.

Saturday, Nov. 13 Hanover County will hold a recycling event from 8 a.m. until noon at the Mechanicsville Trash and Recycling Center, located at 7427 Verdi Lane. Hanover County residents can bring household hazardous waste for free recycling and personal information or documents to be shredded. Material being dropped off must be in the trunk, far rear of SUV/ Van or bed of pick-up truck (furthest point from resident).

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair will

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local.

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com

be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hanover Friends Church, located at 6420 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. Enjoy food and coffee trucks: The Local Cup & Hibachi Mobile when you shop.

The Hanover Book Expo will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the American Legion Post 175 Building, 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville.

This event is sponsored by the Hanover Writers Club (a chapter of the Virginia Writers Club), the American Legion Post 175, and the Crossroads Irish Dance Troupe. For the children, there will be face-painting and gift bags (as long as they last!) The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www. hanoverbookfestival.com.

Monday, Nov. 15 Members of the Pamunkey Woman’s Club will meet at 1 p.m. at Mechanicsville Baptist Church. The program will be presented by Peyton McCoy from Circles Ashland, which is an innovative, communitybased approach to solving poverty. For more information about the meeting or becoming a club member, contact Cindy Modzelewski, club membership chairman, at (804) 366-0864 or visit facebook.com/pamunkeywc.

Tuesday, Nov. 16 The Mechanicsville TEA see CALENDAR pg. 14

For information on circulation issues, call Michelle Wall at 804-775-2711 or email mwall@ timesdispatch.com. If you miss an edition of Ashland-Hanover Local, please contact her. She will assist you in ensuring you receive the weekly publication. We don’t want

© 2021 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

you to miss out on any news or sports in your community.

Veterans Day ceremony planned at Hanover Wayside Park All are invited to honor our military veterans by attending a Veterans Day memorial ceremony at Hanover Wayside Park on Thursday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m.

Veterans who served and are currently serving to ensure our freedom will be honored. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Kevin Glathar, U.S. Marine Corps Commander.

Ret. Mr. Joseph Clodfelter will lead the laying of the Memorial Wreath, escorted by the commanders of the American Legion Post 175 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9808.

Veterans of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Department will perform the Rifle Salute.

George Navas, Chairman of the Hanover County Veterans Memorial Committee, will

Tom Harris/Hanover County

serve as master of ceremonies, and Kelly Schips of American Legion Post 175 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Memorial and honorary pavers will be available for purchase at a discounted cost of $75 if purchased at the event through Nov. 19.

Hanover Wayside Park is located at 8225

Hanover Wayside Road, Hanover, off of U.S. Route 301, approximately 1 mile north of Hanover High School. Parking will be available at Hanover Wayside Park.

Dedicated in 2007, the Hanover Veteran’s Memorial honors Hanover military veterans who were killed in hostile action from World War I to the present day and those who have or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.

For more information about this ceremony or about the Hanover Veteran’s Memorial, call Hanover County Parks and Recreation at (804) 365-7150 or email parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer.

Jim Ridolphi / The Local

Downtown Ashland and Dominion Energy kicked off Ashland’s annual holiday celebration, ‘Light Up the Tracks,’ on Nov. 6 with a tree lighting held on the lawn at Town Hall. Hundreds of residents turned out to see the lighting. A number of events are scheduled during the upcoming weeks to continue the annual celebration.

LIGHT Continued from pg. 1

Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “It’s a great opportunity to support community spirit and spread holiday cheer in Ashland.”

Visit Downtown Ashland throughout November and

December for holiday events and specials. In addition to last week’s tree lighting ceremony, the upcoming calendar includes: Ashland Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m.

Jolly Jaunt Bar Crawl on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Light the Way to 2022 on Friday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m.

The public is invited to stroll Ashland’s main street and enjoy an old fashioned holiday. Find handmade gifts and decor at local shops, and warm up with a glass of wine or hot chocolate at Downtown Ashland’s many restaurants.

“Whether it’s family fun

or a grown-up getaway, Light Up the Tracks brings all things merry and bright to your holiday season,” Longest said.

Find the special events calendar and visitor information at LightUptheTracks.com.

Information submitted by the Downtown Ashland Association.

Upcoming programs at Ashland area libraries All Pamunkey Regional Library branches will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26.

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library IN-PERSON PROGRAMS Afternoon Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library.

Monday, Nov. 15, 1 to 2 p.m.

Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library.

Tuesdays, Nov. 16, 23, & 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye?

Join us for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing on each of this month. For November, we're spotlighting National Novel Writing Month! Due to group resources email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings.

Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.lib-

cal.com/.

Ashland Evening Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 to 8 p.m. Join the Ashland Branch Library Afternoon Book Club by reading the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about the book. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library.

Friday, Nov. 19, 10 to 11 a.m.

Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

Ashland Afternoon Bridge Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, Nov. 19, 1 to 4 p.m. Join us for Bridge! Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. For more informationcall 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. Submitted by Carolyn Garner, Librarian cgarner@ pamunkeylibrary.org

Clogged sewer or drain?

Water heater issues?

Plumbing jobs big or small, Snappy does them all!

Let Snappy make Mention this ad You happy today!

for a free service call with repair!

(Class A Plumbing Contractor License #2703001335)

1-877-SNAPPY4U or 1-877-762-7794

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021 7

Ashland Museum History Trivia Night set Nov. 18 Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics Join the Ashland Museum on Thursday, Nov. 18, 6 news, time travel, and history. DJ Brent has the cool job celebrate 15 years of service p.m., for a round of general trivia. of picking tunes. Lots of fun! Just show up. Email the Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Ave., will host. Dust off those dormant brain cells because MC Woody is thinking up some questions about entertainment, sports,

museum at ashlandmuseum@ comcast.net or call 804368-7314 if you have questions.

Information submitted by the Ashland Museum.

Contributed photo

A grand opening event was held on Friday, Nov. 5 including a ribbon cutting ceremony.

MegaWash and Mega RV Storage open in Ashland Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com This new facility brings much needed RV & boat storage as well as automatic RV, commercial vehicle, and passenger vehicle wash services to Hanover County.

MegaWash and Mega RV Storage opened a new facility just south of the Town of Ashland. Located at 10500 Vermeer Place on Route 1, this new business concept brings much sought-after RV and boat storage and express wash services for vehicles large and small to the Hanover Community. The six-acre development brought investment of $6.5 million to the County.

“I would like to personally welcome and thank MegaWash and Mega RV Storage for their investment in Hanover County,” said Susan P. Dibble, Board of Supervisors member representing the South Anna district.

“MegaWash is meeting the need of both the RV and business communities for a fast, convenient, affordable, excellent quality wash for RVs and even full-length tractor trailers in our giant tunnel,” offers Miles Morin, managing partner of the business. “Our commitment to

Continued from pg. 3

8

Simple assault was reported

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from person was reported in the 10000th block

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

memberships coming in the future.

Adjacent to MegaWash and opened in August, Mega RV Storage provides 132 storage spaces for RV and boat owners, including covered and surface storage, pull-through spaces, and optional electrical service. This secure facility, with 24/7 customer-only access, offers paved drive aisles, free potable water and dump station, and extra-wide spaces up to 46’ in length. Storage customers can also take advantage of discounts at MegaWash for both RVs and passenger vehicles.

“Hanover County is delighted to welcome MegaWash and Mega RV Storage to our community,” said Brandon Turner, Deputy Director of Economic Development. “It was a pleasure working with Mr. Morin to move this project forward which will provide outstanding amenities to the RV, boating, and business communities throughout the Richmond region.”

MegaWash is in the final stages of developing a monthly membership app that will offer customers major discounts on polishing and washing services.

For more information, visit MegaWashVA.com and MegaStorageVA.com.

of Meadow Pond Drive, Mechanicsville.

in the 4400th block of Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.

SHERIFF’S Montpelier.

premium quality extends from our cutting-edge equipment to our customer service. We designed our 24/7 touchless car wash tunnel to accommodate vehicles that don’t normally fit in an express car wash, like lifted trucks and duallys, and our 20-minute wash and polish service yields truly impressive results. On the RV & boat storage facility side, having reached 40% occupancy in the first two months testifies to the pressing need for safe, high-quality RV and boat storage in Central Virginia.”

Opened in September, Megawash features both a 75’ touchless car wash tunnel and 100’ large vehicle wash tunnel, ensuring that even the largest vehicles can be quickly and efficiently cleaned. The facility also features three self-serve bays with 11’ clearance and can easily accommodate boats, motorcycles, utility trailers, or any passenger vehicle. For the ultimate paint polish and protection treatment, an express Gloss Polish service is available, along with free vacuums with every wash to make sure your vehicle is as clean on the inside as outside. The automatic touchless car wash and self-serve bays are open 24/7 to serve customers regardless of their schedule.

Be sure to check out monthly club

Driver not reporting accident with damage greater than $250 was reported in the

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Fifteen years ago a small group of parishioners from St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Ashland realized a vision to provide free medical and dental care to Hanover County residents who were uninsured and lived below the federal poverty guidelines. The hope was to bring a little light into the lives of our fellow citizens who were unable afford care.

The logo showed an opened door of the church with a bright light streaming out to welcome all. Thanks to the generosity of almost 200 volunteers who donated over 4,800 hours, the clinic was created in the church basement; protocols, procedures and best practices to ensure quality patient care were established, and providers and administrative volunteers were recruited.

On Oct. 25, 2006, the doors of St. James the Less Free Clinic were opened. As demand increased, satellite clinics were established at Shiloh Baptist Free Eye Clinic, Ashland Christian Disciples of Christ Free Podiatry Clinic, Mechanicsville Christian Free Dental Clinic and Cheryl H. Watson Memorial Free

Get ready for Ashland Museum Holiday Guided Walking Tour The Ashland Museum holiday guided walking tour will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. We will share some history and architecture about part of the Race Course Addition around Howard Street. Each tour will end with a reception at 205 Howard St., the 1904 home belonging to the Eks. Details and registration on

8000th block of Lee Avenue, Mechanicsville.

Medical Clinic. Ultimately, the name was changed to Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics to reflect the multiple churches working together and the community involvement.

Each clinic has evening hours and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

In the 15 years of service, patients have received free medical care and prescriptions, dental exams, restorations, extractions, dentures, hygiene, eye exams and prescription glasses, mental health consultations and podiatry care. In that time, over 11,000 patients have been treated for over 15,000 visits.

The monetary value of care is over $5 million thanks to the 95,000 volunteer hours from the community of Hanover.

The mission of the Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics is “to offer a faith-based healing ministry to our qualified Hanover neighbors by providing free medical and dental health care with compassion, dignity and respect.”

Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, contact (804) 798-8890 or info@ hanoverfreeclinics.com or visit www. hanoverfreeclinics.com.

Damage to vehicle, boat or aircraft was reported in the 11500th block of Sun Shade

our website, ashlandmuseum.org.

Email the museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804368-7314 if you have questions.

Join us this holiday season where horses thundered around an oval track and sounds of gambling once filled the air.

Information submitted by the Ashland Museum.

Lane, Ashland.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 9100th block of Chamberlayne

Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI: BAC >.20, first offense was reported in the 9300th block of Brentwood Drive, Mechanicsville.

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

11

12 2021

Region 4B football: Patrick Henry at Matoaca 7:00 p.m.

11

13 2021

College football: The Game at Randolph-Macon 1:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Patriots dominant in Tomato Bowl win

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Patrick Henry continued its dominance of late over Mechanicsville in Hanover County’s longest high school football rivalry, the Tomato Bowl.

The Patriots amassed 262 yards total offense as they roped the Mustangs 38-14 Friday night. They finished seeded fifth in Region 4B and will travel to fourth-seeded Matoaca for the first round of the Region 4B playoffs. Game time for the playoff was not available as of the time this edition went to press.

“The kids played hard.

They played all four quarters.

We played a lot of guys,” said Patrick Henry head coach Ken Wakefield. “So, yeah, it was a good win.”

Quarterback Jordan Allen led the Patriots offensively, completing 8-of-14 passes for 114 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also carried the ball seven times for 27 yards. His favorite aerial targets were Gracyn Ross (one reception for 40 yards), Christian Berry (2 receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown, and Jayden Mines (2 receptions for 27 yards and a TD).

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Patrick Henry’s Camden Byrd (14) fends off Mechanicsville’s Shomarie Turkvan (20) in the visiting Patriots’ 38-14 Tomato Bowl victory over the host Mustangs Friday night.

Allen appreciates the number of weapons at his command when he takes the field.

“It’s great as the quarterback.

As you saw tonight, four people scored — and me included. You can’t ask for much more than that,” Allen said. He named everyone who scored offensive touchdowns, including himself: Berry, Ross, Mines and Dashawn Green. “It’s all great and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for this team.”

The Patriots have fielded a dynamic offense that has many weapons with which to strike all season.

“We can run, we can pass.

It’s a lot,” Berry said. “Especially this week, I only played offense, which was nice. I felt like I was able to focus a lot more throughout the week just on offense to get everything executed right.”

Patrick Henry’s special teams got the ball rolling for the Patriots when Ross scooped up a blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown with 8:12 left in the first quarter. Patrick Henry placekicker Richard Crabbe began a solid night by kicking the first of his five point-afters to make it 7-0.

Ross added another touchdown with 2:10 left in the opening frame on a 2-yard run.

The Patriots wasted little time getting on the scoreboard again on a 9-yard pass from Allen to Berry with 8:40 left in the half. Finally, just before see PATRIOTS, pg. 11

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021 9

County teams reign supreme at Pole Green

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Hanover County schools have always been mainstays of Region 4B cross country. But they have rarely been as dominant as they were Wednesday in the regional championships at Pole Green Park.

County runners filled most of the slots of the All-Region ranks. And five of the six teams the region will be sending to the Virginia High School League Class 4 state championships Saturday are from the county.

“Prior to the year, all the coaches when we’d see each other, we were, like, ‘Man, it’s going to be really, really tight,’ ” said Atlee head coach Neil Mathews, whose boys team won the region title and whose girls team finished second to Hanover. “I think it’s just a preview of what the state meet’s going to be like, because the other regions all have really, really fast kids. It’s one of the deepest region (meets) and one of the deepest states just in sheer talent that I’ve seen in years.”

In the boys race, all four Hanover County teams made the top five. Behind Atlee with 44 points were Patrick Henry (53 points), Hanover (66), King George (122) and Mechanicsville 141.

Hanover’s girls won their championship race with an incredible score of 30. Atlee was second with 74 points, followed

by Eastern View (86), Monacan (109) and Patrick Henry (158).

Mechanicsville finished ninth with 217 points.

“It’s been a really good day.

I’m really happy,” said Hanover head coach Rich Firth. “The boys would have liked to have finished second, but they ran ond time in school history that more proud of them. well. Patrick Henry just ran a our boys cross country goes to “The girls ran great. The little bit better. It’s only the sec- states as a unit. I couldn’t be kids in the sub-varsity race ran

10

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Above, Hanover’s Alli Crytser comes in to the finish line well ahead of runner-up Logan Nuckols of Patrick Henry (just rounding the corner in the background) in the Region 4B cross country championships at Pole Green Park Wednesday. Crytser finished in 18:00.6, 37 seconds ahead of Nuckols. Nuckols finished nearly a minute ahead of third-place finisher Evelyn Anderson of Eastern View. Left, Patrick Henry’s Trevor Mason crosses the finish line first ahead of teammate Luke Taylor and Atlee’s Travis Albon in the boys championship race.

great. It’s a great day to be a Hawk.”

The Hanover girls placed four runners in the top 10: region champion Alli Krytser (18:00.6); Ellie Agustin (19:47.2) and Hannah Clarke (19:56.6), who finished fourth and fifth, respectively; and

Adelynn Carpenter, who finished eighth in 20:25.7. Erika Osborn wrapped up the scoring for Hanover with a 12th-place finish in 20:47.3.

Krytser finished 36 seconds ahead of second-place Logan Nuckols of Patrick Henry. “[I felt] really good,” she

said. “The weather was really perfect for racing.”

Krytser said she and Nuckols — the latter in her first year running cross country — had been running well all season.

“I think we both had a really great season so far,” Krytser said. “I think we’re ready to go to states and run fast.”

For Nuckols, this year has been fun. She had wanted to run cross country, but because of conflicts with her primary sport — basketball — could not until this, her senior, year.

“My whole focus was to try to just keep Alli in my sight, try to keep her visible,” Nuckols said. “I knew that it was just going to be us two, kind of, up front. She’s really fast, so I just tried to keep her in my sight.”

The remaining top 10 runners — all awarded All Region honors — in the girls race were Eastern View’s Evelyn Anderson in third (19:31.6), Monacan’s Reagan Canada in sixth (19:59.6), Powhatan’s Ellen Weimer in seventh (20:13.5, and Atlee’s Addison Crow (20:32.2) and Courtney Mudd (20:38.3) in ninth and tenth, respectively.

Patrick Henry head coach Jeremy Dobrinsky had, before the race, handicapped his boys finishing third in their race. But the Patriots, paced by a onetwo punch of Trevor Mason and Luke Taylor, one-upped the prognostication. Mason came in first with in 15:39.2, with Taylor on his heels in 15:46.2.

“I’m happy with it,” Mason said of his and Taylor’s finish. “I think we were trying to get that.

That was our goal and I’m glad we could execute.”

Mason said he and Taylor make a good team.

“It’s awesome to be able to be out there and run with somesee SUPREME, pg. 12

County field hockey teams earn state berths

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor HENRICO — For 60 minutes of regulation play Wednesday night, a pair of underdogs fought to a standstill in the Region 4B field hockey championship at Henrico High School.

For nearly 15 minutes of sudden death overtime, the underdogs again fought to a standstill.

But, on a corner with six seconds to go, Mechanicsville’s Carsyn Poppa threaded the ball through a narrow gap between the edge of the box and Patrick Henry’s goalkeeper, Ella Arruza, to earn the Mustangs a 1-0 win and the Region 4B championship.

“Patrick Henry played an amazing game,” said Mechanicsville head coach Merridee Gibson. “Their goalkeeper was out of her mind.

They played so hard and so well. It was just a great game, a great final.”

But both teams got to that great final the hard way.

Mechanicsville and Patrick Henry went into the six-team regional playoffs seeded third and fifth, respectively. Both had to play a first-round game on Saturday, Oct. 30, while the top two seeds sat out. Each had to face a higher-seeded team,

PATRIOTS Continued from pg. 9

time expired in the half, Crabbe nailed a 30-yard field goal to increase Patrick Henry’s lead to 24-10.

Patrick Henry’s final two scores came in the third quarter, the first on an 8-yard run

by Green with 9:05 left, and the second on a 16-yard pass from

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville’s Carsyn Poppa (5) controls the ball while Patrick Henry’s Maddie Just (12) rushes up to defend in the Mustangs’ 1-0 overtime victory over the Patriots in the Region 4B field hockey championship game at Henrico High School on Wednesday.

No. 2 Atlee in the Mustangs’ case and No. 1 Powhatan in the Patriots’ case, in the regional semifinals on Nov. 1 to get to what became a classic championship match Wednesday.

The Patriots knocked off fourth-seeded Monacan 2-1 at

River City Sportsplex in their first-round game. They jumped to a 2-0 lead and had to keep the Chiefs at bay in the final quarter.

“We controlled the pace and play of the game, but we were both scoreless in the first

ing her Patriots could upset Powhatan but didn’t want her team to know that going into the game. Whether or not the psychology worked, it was clear something did. Patrick Henry won 2-1 in overtime.

Maddie Just and Ava Rossman

each scored a goal, and Arruza finished with seven saves.

Mechanicsville edged Atlee 1-0 in the other semifinal.

The wins in the semifinals earned both the Mustangs and Patriots a berth in the Virginia High School League Class 4

Allen to Mines with 5:58 left.

The Mustangs played hard.

Their defense was aggressive.

Max Bidou led with 8.5 tackles, with Dajuan Washington adding five and Shomarie Turkvan and Aaron Maxie adding 3.5 apiece. But the versatile Patriot offense was too tough to contain for long.

Mechanicsville’s two scores came after Wakefield began widespread substitutions. With

starting quarterback Jordan Callahan lining up as wide receiver, substitute quarterback Logan Harris found him open down the left sideline for a 29-yard score with 5:55 left in the game. Harris closed out the scoring with a 9-yard run with 1:19 left.

The experience the younger Patrick Henry players gained may prove pivotal in the playoffs.

“A lot of guys have good, a lot of, playing experience tonight,” He said. “That’s great for our young guys, especially moving forward. You never know when your number is going to be called — next man up. The younger guys came in and played well.”

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

Patrick Henry 14 10 14 0 — 38 Mechanicsville 0 0 0 14 — 14 PH — Ross blocked punt return (Crabbe kick) PH — Ross 2 run (Crabbe) PH — Berry 9 pass from Allen (Crabbe kick) PH — Crabbe FG 30 PH — Green 8 run (Crabbe kick) PH — Mines 15 pass from Allen (Crabbe kick) MECH — Callahan 29 pass from Harris (Richman kick) MECH — Harris 9 run (Richman kick)

state tournament. The only question remaining was which team would claim the championship and start the tournament at home, and which team would go on the road.

Both teams fought tooth and claw. Arruza did her best in goal for Patrick Henry, finishing with 10 saves. Eventually, the difference in corners proved pivotal. Mechanicsville had seven throughout the game — two in overtime — to just three for the Patriots. The second overtime corner for the Mustangs came immediately on the heels of the first, and Poppa found the box to end the game.

“I am immensely proud of this team who has been considered the underdog in every game. In the spring, in March and April, we didn’t win a game. All we could score were three goals,” Rossman said. “To come back from such a low point and to reach this high point and have another game . . . I thought they did brilliantly.”

The state tournament began Tuesday after this edition went to press. The Patriots traveled to Great Bridge while Mechanicsville hosted Jamestown in the state quarterfinals.

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

RUSHING PH: Green 11-99, Allen 7-27, Mines 3-19, Williams 5-3, Ross 1-2, Brown 2-(minus 2). MECH: Messe 18-65, Harris 8-58, Callahan 8-8.

PASSING PH: Allen 8-14-114-0. MECH: Callahan 6-8-31-0. Harris 2-4-34-0.

RECEIVING PH: Ross 1-40, Berry 2-33, Mines 2-27, Henderson 1-7, Green 1-6, Byrd 1-1. MECH: Callahan 1-29, Maxie 2-19, Morris 4-17, Harris 1-0.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021 11

Yellow Jackets outsted in ODAC semifinals

By Rob Witham for The Local ASHLAND — One late September night, with a 6-4 record, Randolph-Macon women’s volleyball found themselves down by two sets at Bridgewater.

A three-set comeback gave the Yellow Jackets not just a thrilling win, but the impetus for an eight-game winning streak.

Friday night, on their home floor facing Virginia Wesleyan in the 2021 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Championship semifinals, the narrative worked in reverse, and, after taking a 2-0 lead over

SUPREME Continued from pg. 10

one, run with someone that you run with every single day, that you work hard with every single day,” Mason said. “You kind of know the levels that you two are on, which helps us push each other even harder.”

Taylor agreed that their work together paid off.

“Coming into the race we were hoping we’d do well,” Taylor said. “We just, kind of, put our training out there on the field.”

Atlee’s Travis Albon was third in 15:48.6, followed by Hanover’s Ethan Coleman (16:08.3), King George’s Alexander Dachos (16:13.3), Atlee’s Patrick Allen (16:16.8), Mechanicsville’s Carter Smith (16:19.0), Atlee’s Andre Chavez (16:30.3), King George’s Gavin Mccraw (16:31.1) and Atlee’s Josh Leonard (16:33.9).

The top three teams and top five individuals not on one of those teams qualify for the state championships. Qualifying as individuals for the girls state championship race are Nuckols, Canada, Weimer, Monacan’s

12

Joel Klein for The Local

RandolphMacon’s Madison Warlick returns ball between Roanoke defenders Peyton Kirchner and Kayleigh Eason Wednesday.

a Marlin team they had swept in Norfolk just nine nights before, saw their title hopes swept away as Virginia Wesleyan took a five-set victory to send Randolph-Macon to 18-10.

After a pair of 25-22 wins

for a 2-0 advantage, the Yellow Jackets were down 22-19 in the third set, climbing back with three straight points to tie it. But despite multiple match point opportunities, the Marlins survived, winning by a 31-29

Madeline Montgomery and Varina’s Jillian Sisk. The girls championship race is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Qualifying as individuals for the boys championship race are Dachos, Smith, McCraw, Courtland’s Christian Reid and Chancellor’s Tyler Evans. Their championship race will begin at 1:45 p.m.

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

(EV) 20:50.5, 14. Madeline Montgomery (MON) 20:51.7, 15.

Sarah Bland (ATL) 21:01.5, 16.

Jillian Sisk (VAR) 21:01.6, 17. Erika Economou (ATL) 21:02.1, 18. Mary Mansfield (MAT) 21:03.7, 19. Ella Green (POW) 21:18.6, 20. Kellie Williams (KG) 21:23.8, 21. Sibyl Harrell (HAN) 21:35.8, 22. Abby Hughes (MECH) 21:43.4, 23. Isabella Godard (HAN) 21:52.9, 24. Ashley Bedford (ATL) 21:58.0, 25. Audrey Shepley (MON) 22:02.6, 26. Sylvia Hardy (COU) 22:09.0, 27. Rebecca Schoenberger (CHA) 22:12.5, 28. Caitlyn Wingeart (KG) 22:28.7, 29. Avril Castro (EV) 22:42.5, 30. Natalie Cooley (PH) 22:44.3, 31. Maggie Brown (MON) 22:47.3, 32. Darby Ashley (EV) 22:55.1, 33.

Michelle Walker (EV) 23:03.6, 34.

Kathleen Papiernik (MAT) 23:12.4, 35. Emma Filkoski (KG) 23:26.2, 36. Avery Swenson (MON) 23:28.7, 37. Sarah Hoburg (COU) 23:30.5, 38. Reagan Sauer (PH) 23:32.2, 39.

Hailey Woods (ATL) 23:34.1, 40.

Sara Hale (MECH) 23:34.8, 41. Isabella Perkins (KG) 23:37.4, 42. Alexa Hewson (COU) 23:40.8, 43. Jenna Estes (PH) 23:54.1, 44.

Andie Darko (MECH) 23:57.9, 45.

Adeline Sappenfield (COU) 23:58.3, 46. Megan Davis (MON) 23:58.6, 47. Chelsea Saguid (KG) 24:14.7, 48.

Hannah Al-Hamdy (CHA) 24:18.0, 49. Bella Dileo (PH) 24:23.1, 50.

Brianna Bartlebaugh (EV) 24:30.9, 51. Mackenzie Toler (COU) 24:36.0, 52. Enya Cea-Lavin (CHA) 24:37.1, 53. Kaitlyn Rissmeyer (POW) 24:38.7, 54. Madison Early (COU) 24:45.5, 55. Anna Weiderhold (SPO) 24:53.4, 56. Rebecca Stevens (POW) 24:53.5, 57. Lily Andrews (MECH)

VHSL Region 4B XC Championships (At Pole Green Park) Girls Team scores: 1. Hanover 30, 2. Atlee 73, 3. Eastern View 86, 4.

Monacan 109, 5. Patrick Henry 158, 6. King George 166, 7. Powhatan 191, 8. Courtland 196, 9. Mechanicsville 217, 10. Matoaca 235, 11. Chancellor 267, 12. Spotsylvania 339, 13.

Dinwiddie 376.

Individual results: 1. Ally Krytser (HAN) 18:00.6, 2. Logan Nuckols (PH) 18:37.1, 3. Evelyn Anderson (EV) 19:31.6, 4. Ellie Agustin (HAN) 19:47.2, 5. Hannah Clarke (HAN) 19:56.6, 6. Reagan Canada (MON) 19:59.6, 7. Ellen Weimer (POW) 20:13.5, 8. Adelynn Carpenter (HAN) 20:25.7, 9. Addison Crow (ATL) 20:32.2, 10. Courtney Mudd (ATL) 20:38.3, 11. Holly Anderson (EV) 20:43.4, 12. Erika Osborn (HAN) 20:47.3, 13. Claire Anderson

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

count, then taking the fourth set 25-19 and the tiebreaker by a 15-6 score, thanks in part to a 6-0 run to begin the final frame.

Randolph-Macon’s hitting percentage steadily declined as the match wore on, from a first set high of .257 to a low of .043 in the tiebreaker, with just six kills, but seven attack errors. Sydney Koch had 22 kills in her final appearance on the Crenshaw Gymnasium floor, while Grace Parker added 18 and fellow senior Danielle LaRosa 13.

It was better attack play at the net, led by Parker, that gave the second-seeded Yellow

Jackets a 3-1 quarterfinal win on Wednesday night at Crenshaw over No. 7 Roanoke. After a close first set that RandolphMacon seized late for a 25-16 win, Parker dominated the action in set two. The junior had ten of her game-high 25 kills in that frame, including a late run where she registered kills on the last five points of a 25-11 win.

The Maroons stole the third set 25-22, but the offensive touch returned for RandolphMacon in the fourth, committing just three errors to 11 kills for a .364 average and a 25-15 win.

On Sunday, Koch and Parker were named First Team All-ODAC, while LaRosa earned second team honors. Sophomore Leslie Currie (Hanover High) and senior Macguire Gubba were named to the Third Team. Koch’s honor gives her three First Team awards in her Yellow Jacket career.

Randolph-Macon, ranked fifth in their region prior to the ODAC tournament, did not earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.

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

24:59.5, 58. Madeline Law (MAT) 25:00.6, 59. Emily Willard (MECH) 25:03.0, 60. Raquel Iga (POW) 25:08.9, 61. Mackenzie Murphy (KG) 25:12.6, 62. Ashley Dunn (MON) 25:20.3, 63. Shannon Seay (POW) 25:29.4, 64. Sophie Blake (MAT) 25:29.5, 65. Veronica Dumbuya (CHA) 25:36.0, 66. Violet Sowers (MAT) 25:41.5, 67. Jordane Donfack (SPO) 25:46.8, 68. Aleah Burnett (POW) 25:51.4, 69. Charlotte Lee (MAT) 26:11.4, 70. Miracle Batman (DIN) 26:26.8, 71. Julianne Tate (SPO) 26:33.9, 72. emily Law (MAT) 26:57.9, 73. Summer Wadford (DIN) 27:08.7, 74. Samantha Lyman (MECH) 27:14.8, 75. Megan Hildebrandt (SPO) 27:21.2, 76.

Yahaira Perez-Solis (SPO) 27:37.6, 77. Iyanna Preston (SPO) 27:50.8, 78. Sara Deines (DIN) 28:21.0, 79.

Breanna Joyner (DIN) 29:11.7, 80.

Gracie Marie Dent (CHA) 29:25.3, 81. Kaylin Hunnel (DIN) 47:18.3.

16:31.1, 10. Josh Leonard (ATL) 16:33.9, 11. Alex Davis (PH) 16:34.4, 12. Nicholas Ligday (HAN) 16:44.7, 13. Christian Reid (COU) 16:50.0, 14. Seth Miller (HAN) 17:00.4, 15.

Tristin Lemens (HAN) 17:09.0, 16.

Tyler Evans (CHA) 17:16.9, 17. Jake Stanley (ATL) 17:24.1, 18. Sean Seibel (POW) 17:24.4, 19. Bernard Luitjohan (PH) 17:29.0, 20. Andrew Senfield (PH) 17:31.5, 21. Deacon Macdonald (HAN) 17:33.0, 22. Charles Aiken (COU) 17:33.8, 23. Carson Echard (ATL) 17:34.4, 24. Alexander Blair (CHA) 17:37.0, 25. Josh Gray (MECH) 17:38.6, 26. Max Clements (EV) 17:47.2, 27. Ian Timmons (POW) 17:50.1, 28. River Leynes (POW) 17:51.2, 29. Jack Standridge (MECH) 17:52.5, 30. Thomas Leff (PH) 17:58.9, 31. Graham Paterson (KG) 18:03.7, 32. Hunter Lutz (EV) 18:07.3, 33. Chase Maters (MECH) 18:13.4, 34. Daniel Mudd (ATL) 18:17.3, 35. Brendan Nave (COU) 18:20.7, 36. Gabe Lantz (COU) 18:21.8, 37. Benjamin Tidwell (KG) 18:21.9, 38. Braden Palczynski (MON) 18:22.5, 39. Jameson Tobin (PH) 18:29.5, 40. Brayden Rash (KG) 18:34.0, 41. Markus Luckinbill (EV) 18:34.9, 42. Jin Lee (SPO) 18:35.5, 43. Ryan Kwon (CHA) 18:36.5, 44.

Jeremiah Monts (MAT) 18:43.7, 45.

Morgan Lehocky (COU) 18:45.6, 46.

Thomas Menting (POW) 18:47.9, 47. Tyler Hill (MECH) 18:50.1, 48.

Ethan Church (EV) 18:51.1, 49.

Jackson White (KG) 18:51.7, 50.

Zach Trimble (MAT) 18:53.7, 51.

Garv Airi (EV) 18:57.5, 52. William Brooks (COU) 18:58.4, 53. Lloyd Jewell (HAN) 19:05.1, 54. Rylan

Powers (POW) 19:15.5, 55. Min Lee (SPO) 19:16.6, 56. Aidan Bair (SPO) 19:24.1, 57. Robert Martin (KG) 19:32.5, 58. Gabriel Law (EV) 19:35.9, 59. Jackson Williams (MAT) 19:39.3, 60. Alip Nury (SPO) 19:39.5, 61. Wyatt Jimenez (CHA) 19:39.8, 62. Eli Timmons (POW) 19:39.9, 63. Adam Lucas (MON) 19:42.3, 64. Taiki Okuda (EV) 19:45.8, 65. Clay Waddy (SPO) 19:49.7, 66.

Demarco Victoria (GW) 19:51.5, 67.

Will Buccafuscco (MON) 20:00.6, 68. Austin Daniel (MAT) 20:01.7, 69. Colin Hezel (MAT) 20:01.8, 70.

Isaac Greeson (MAT) 20:03.5, 71.

Carter Davis (MON) 20:04.9, 72.

Andrew Bledsoe (HAN) 20:09.3, 73.

Jack Hensley (MON) 20:14.0, 74.

Jonah Volles (MECH) 20:17.2, 75.

Walker Berndt (COU) 20:19.8, 76.

Shawn Ladhani (HEN) 20:23.2, 77.

Tane Jeffs (POW) 20:31.8, 78. Luke Lamoree (MON) 20:35.0, 79. Carlos Osegueda (CHA) 20:47.4, 80. wayne Clue (VAR) 21:02.9, 81. Sterling Brummer (MON) 21:21.4, 82. Keegan O’Gorman (CHA) 21:36.7, 83. Barlowe Branch III (DIN) 21:39.3, 84. Dante Chevalier (SPO) 21:40.4, 85. John Webner (SPO) 21:48.6, 86. Daniel Washington (MECH) 22:30.6, 87.

Harrison Murray (DIN) 22:39.0, 88. Brian Kerns (CHA) 23:11.4, 89.

Niles Winfield (DIN) 24:08.3, 90.

Austin Snowdon (MAT) 24:08.9, 91.

Martique Blakey (VAR) 24:12.7, 92.

Joseph Beekwilder (DIN) 25:04.6, 93. Travis Brockwell (DIN) 25:29.4, 94. Nathaniel Harvey (VAR) 27:04.7, 95. Chase Cousins (DIN) 27:18.1, 96. Xavier Pescini (DIN) 28:37.3, 97.

Joseph Simmons III (VAR) 32:55.5.

Boys Team scores: 1. Atlee 44, 2.

Patrick Henry 53, 3. Hanover 66, 4.

King George 122, 5. Mechanicsville 141, 6. Courtland 151, 7. Powhatan 173, 8. Eastern View 198, 9.

Chancellor 221, 10. Spotsylvania 278, 11. Matoaca 288, 12. Monacan 309, 13. Dinwiddie 427.

Individual results: 1. Trevor Mason (PH) 15:39.5, 2. Luke Taylor (PH) 15:46.2, 3. Travis Albon (ATL) 15:48.6, 4. Ethan Coleman (HAN) 16:08.3, 5. Alexander Dachos (KG) 16:13.3, 6. Patrick Allen (ATL) 16:16.8, 7. Carter Smith (MECH) 16:19.0, 8. Andre Chavez (ATL) 16:30.3, 9. Gavin Mccraw (KG)

CLASSIFIEDS Announcements AUCTION SALES

Business & Service Directory

Announcements AUCTION SALES

KELLEY AUCTIONS presents

ADULT CARE

Merchandise

(Rain Date – Saturday, November 20, 2021) (** Preview @ 9:00 a.m.**)

MISC. ITEMS WANTED

Including: ATV trailer, regulation pool table, silver coins, arcade games (Pac Man), old church pews, vintage fishing lures, large quantity of walnut lumber, household furniture, outdoor furniture, advertising items, old tools, kitchen items, Nascar collectibles, Christmas collectibles, and much more.

GENERAL

Recruitment CONSTRUCTION & TRADES

FLAGGERS

From Estate of Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hughes Saturday, November 13, 2021 – 10:00 A.M.

Traffic Plan seeks Flaggers to set up & control traffic around construction sites. A valid drivers license is a must, good pay, and benefits. If interested please fill out an application online at www.trafficplan.com

Coins/Precious Metals Need extra cash for Christmas?

I buy coin/currency collections small or large. I also buy gold and silver bullion and jewelry, as well as some costume jewelry. Fair prices paid. Appraisals of coins @$40/hour.

Call or text Kurt Butler T/A LettingItgollc 804-338-4705

Check www.AuctionZip.com for updated listings and pictures AUCTIONEER’S NOTES: ABSENTEE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO SALE. 6% VA SALES TAX. NO BUYERS’ PREMIUM.

CARPENTRY

Cell 804-683-4612

Carpentry Repair, Painting, Staining, Powerwashing & MORE! Call or Text, Bernal at 804-988-9866 or 804-874-9184

VA License # 2907002934

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is seeking Full-Time Distribution Supervisors in the northside, southside and surrounding area. Job Responsibilities: To recruit, motivate and train carrier force to provide good service while increasing/ maintaining circulation volumes and meeting service goals. Assist in maintaining overall distribution center operations. All Distribution Supervisors are responsible for achieving consistent, proper and on-time delivery to subscribers.

Handle customer’s problems and service requests to the customer’s satisfaction. Work with carriers to meet retail collection goals and resolve problems with retail outlets.

Collect all open routes and collect payments from carriers. As a Distribution Supervisor, you are responsible for the successful overall performance of your assigned area within the distribution center. Starting salary is $40,000 plus commission. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Valid Drivers’ License and proof of insurance required, the ability to work well with others in a team environment and the ability to follow all Company policies and procedures including but not limited to attendance standards. Education and Experience: High School diploma or equivalent.

Must successfully pass Criminal Background Investigation and Drug Screen.

Please contact Teresa Brandon 804-8017653 or tbrandon@timesdispatch.com

GENERAL SHORT ON CASH? Become an independent contractor, delivery carrier. QUALIFY FOR A $1,500. SIGNING BONUS Benefits of this part-time, contract opportunity with the Richmond Times Dispatch team: •Manage your own schedule and free up most of your day; work only 3–4 hours between 1-6 a.m. daily •Excellent supplemental income – Earn up to $1,400 per month All you need is a dependable vehicle and a valid Virginia driver’s license for consideration. Signing bonus is for a limited time, so don’t miss out. Contact us NOW at Richmond.com/Carriers or (804) 649-6872 to learn more.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS

TERMS: CASH, OR VALID CHECK. AUCTIONEER ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF PROPERTY OR INJURIES. ALL SALES FINAL. PAYMENT MADE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. ALL ITEMS WILL BE SOLD AS IS WHERE IS.

Hunter “Dee” Kelley, Auctioneer,

(804) 746-1235 ext. 2

FAX: (804) 344-8746 or classifieds@mechlocal.com

Are you looking for a loving caregiver with great references and 32 years of experience? Great Rates!

Please call 804-901-1132

ESTATE AUCTION

9110 New Ashcake Road Mechanicsville, VA 23116 This is one you don’t want to miss!

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

CHIMNEY CLEANING LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A+ Chimney Sweeps & Masonry 21 point inspection with cleaning.

Chimney Cleaning Special $99.95!

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Owner/Operated. Call 804-405-3925

CONCRETE & BRICK

th

Please take notice that on the 16 day of November at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct public hearings for the purpose of receiving input, and may take action on the following: REZ21-0907 & ORD2021-15, Corker - Virginia Street and New Street Ricky S. Corker Builder Inc. requests to rezone the property located at the southwest corner of the intersection of New Street and Virginia Street (GPIN 7779-79-3013) from R-1, Residential Restricted, to R-2, Residential Limited. The property is +/- .95 acres and is currently vacant.

The applicant proposes single-family homes for sale. The R-2, Residential Limited, District allows a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet. The future land use designation is Traditional Neighborhood (1 - 4 units/acre).

Copies of REZ21-0907 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

By Order of the Ashland Town Council

Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair.

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured.

References. Please call 804-874-9184

DRIVEWAYS -SEASON SPECIALLoad of Driveway Stone, delivered & tailgate spread, $295. Screened Top Soil $295/ per load. Also available driveway grading & bushogging.

Call 804-400-9957

LAWN CARE

TREE SERVICE

Overstreet Enterprise & Landscape LLC Landscaping, Irrigation, Concrete, Patio, Brickwork, Tree Work, Grading, Top Soil, Drainage & Gravel.

Call 804-337-1281 for free est Short Cuts Landscape LLC All your Landscaping & bush hogging needs! Driveway Grading Available Licensed / Insured Free Estimates Call 218-8780

PLUMBING

Full Service Tree Company.

(Removal, trimming, topping, stump grinding & firewood delivery) Offering free estimates and providing fully insured work.

Paul Brown Plumbing - in Business Since 1983. New Residential, Light Commercial, Renovations, Additions & Service. We do it all! Senior Citizen Discounts. For free estimate, 746-5030

TREE SERVICE Bernard’s Tree Service Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Landscaping, Cleanout, Mulching, Planting & More! Free Est. Licensed & Insured References. Please Call 804-874-9184

Tree & Shrub Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding. Health/Risk Assessments. Insured. Free Estimates.

804-779-2170 Certified Arborist and MD LTE

FLOORS Phil’s Floor Sanding & Repair, LLC Upfront Customer Service, Dust Containment Sanding & Finishing. Earth friendly green choices. Free Estimates.

Builder incentives available!

25 yrs exp. Call 804-201-8283

Trimming & Take Downs. Stump Grinding. If it’s tree work we do it! Insured. Free Est. BBB THANK YOU!!!

MC/VISA/Discover.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021 13

GENERAL

GENERAL

Saturday, Nov. 20

CALENDAR

GENERAL

Continued from pg. 6

Short on Cash?

Become an independent contractor, delivery carrier QUALIFY FOR A

$1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Benefits of this part-time, contract opportunity with the Richmond Times-Dispatch team: • Manage your own schedule and free up most of your day; work only 3-4 hours between 1-6 a.m. daily • Excellent supplemental income – Earn up to $1,800 per month All you need is a dependable vehicle and a valid Virginia driver’s license for consideration.

Signing bonus is for a limited time, so don’t miss out.

Contact us NOW at Richmond.com/Carriers or (804) 649-6872 to learn more.

Party will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Freedom Services and Training, 8162 Elm Drive in Mechanicsville. Guest speaker will be Yael Levin from No Left Turn, a grassroots organization consisting of common-sense parents trying to keep K-12 education free from indoctrination. www.noleftturn.us. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call Glenn Baker at 804-752-8389. If he does not answer, leave a message.

Thursday, Nov. 18 to Sunday, Nov. 21 Hanover High School’s theater group will present its fall production of “Beauty and the Beast” from Nov. 18 to 21 in the high school auditorium, located at 10307 Chamberlayne Road. Mechanicsville. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 and 19; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 20, and 2 p.m. on Nov. 21. Admission is $8 per person. Advance tickets available at https://htcboosters.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=13639.

Tickets will also be sold at the door. The 11 a.m.

Nov. 20 performance is intended for younger guests and guests with sensory sensitivities. This performance will be shorter, house lights left on and contain kid-friendly content.

Friday, Nov. 19

CONSTRUCTION & TRADES

SOCIAL SERV. & NON-PROFIT

SOCIAL SERV. & NON-PROFIT

Goochland-Powhatan Community Services is now seeking the following professionals:

BRICKLAYERS $30/HR LABORERS $20/HR

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CLINICIAN (2) Full time , 40 hrs/wk with one Monday evening until 7 pm, Will provide evidence-based counseling techniques to consumers that have substance use and mental health disorders.

Master’s degree in a human services field and license eligible status required; license preferred.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) PRN and part time. Will work with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Part Time DSPs are needed for in home support programs; PRN DSPs are needed in day support programs.

Historic Polegreen Church is having their annual Holiday Illumination at 4:30 p.m. and Santa will be on site from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Historic Polegreen Church located at 6411 Heatherwood Drive in Mechanicsville. A few local vendors will be on site including the Local Cup and Funcakes food trucks. Enjoy music, a revolutionary war encampment, and free gently used first responder toys while supplies last. A perfect time to see a beautiful sight and maybe even find a Christmas gift or two! For more information call 804-730-3837.

The Doswell Ruritan Salt Fish Breakfast will be held from 6 to 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Doswell Ruritan Club, located at 16433 N. Washington Highway. The all-you-care-toeat Salt Fish Breakfast will include scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrown potatoes, spiced apples, biscuits, cornbread, coffee and juice. Take-outs available. Cost is $10 for adults and $4 for ages 4-10. Proceeds support the Doswell Community Center.

Church of the Redeemer 40th Annual Craft Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville (across from Memorial Regional Medical Center). $1 donation/door prize, and raffle including a TV, Nintendo Switch, gift card tree, quilt, and more.

Bring a can of non-perishable food for a bonus door prize ticket.Also serving breakfast and lunch.For more information call 804-746-4911.

Hanover Animal Control Rabies drive-through vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at the Administration Building located at 7516 County Complex Road at Hanover Courthouse. Vaccines will be administered at a cost of $10 per dog or cat.

Pay by cash or check only. For more information call Animal Control at (804) 365-6485.

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.

TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS

NEEDED IN RICHMOND FOR IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT

Part-time. To transport individuals to and from facilities in Goochland and Powhatan Counties. Qualified applicants must be 25 yrs. or older. Must be able to work morning hours and late afternoon hours. A valid VA Driver’s License w/good driving record, pre-employment drug screening, and criminal background check required. $13/hour.

Large government project in Richmond, VA. Must E-Verify. EOE All hiring will be done on site.

Call 1-800-495-5664 for details.

Full Time to provide clerical services. High school diploma and experience with payment processing, and standard office software required. Experience with electronic health records and knowledge in insurance billing is a plus. Starting Salary $30,000. Closing date: 11/19/21.

All positions are open until filled unless specified otherwise. For full job descriptions and to apply visit

see CALENDAR, pg. 16

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ASSISTANT

www.gpcsb.org

EOE

Roofing Standard Roofing Co. 746-5110 Hotline 837-7240

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

14

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

No job too small - all types of roofing FREE Estimates

Licensed/Insured

Next rabies MADD Mid Atlantic Region recognizes officers vaccination clinic set for Nov. 20 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

All dogs and cats (including so-called ‘barn cats’) are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months of age. For dogs, you also must have tags and a valid license proving the vaccination.

Hanover Animal Control will make it easy for people to get their pets vaccinated by holding a rabies drive-through vaccination clinic.

Vaccines will be administered at a cost of $10 per dog or cat. Dates and locations could change. Pay by cash or check only.

The clinic will be held: Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Hanover County Administration Building from 9 a.m. to noon. The Administration Building is located at 7516 County Complex Road at Hanover Courthouse. Dr. Olga Van Beek is the vet.

At the clinic, the veterinarian will administer the shots to the pet at your vehicle; do not bring pets into the building! You will complete your registration inside the facility and return to your vehicle.

Drive to the area designated for vaccination. You will be expected to leave the vaccination area as soon as you are done.

Only healthy, non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated. No wolf hybrids or animals other than domestic dogs or cats will be vaccinated.

The vaccination is good for up to three years unless the pet has never had a rabies vaccination before, in which case it is good for one year. Put the rabies tag on the dog’s collar and keep certificates for proof of vaccination.

For more information about rabies or the upcoming rabies vaccination clinics in Hanover County, call Animal Control at (804) 365-6485.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Mid Atlantic) hosted its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the Double Tree Hotel Midlothian in Richmond.

This year’s awards ceremony, held statewide, recognized more than 100 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, agencies and community groups for their dedication to impaired driving enforcement and prosecution. While the event was hosted in-person, it was also live streamed for those unable to attend.

“This is an event that I look forward to each year that gives us the chance to honor Law Enforcement

COUNCIL Continued from pg. 2

relief for venue-dependent businesses where attendance is vital to success.

Council allotted $200,000 for a venue support program when they approved the spending plan, but details of the program were still being researched.

“It would be an opportunity for the Ashland Theatre, the Ashland Museum….to come in and show us…. that revenue went down or our attendance went down and tell us that story that were hurt to such an extent that they would be eligible for this particular funding,” Farrar said.

While Council reached consensus on providing the relief, how to distribute the funds was the sticking point.

“We have a cap of $200,000,” Farrar said. “We can have a discussion about if you want to allocate the entire amount or determine how much you want to allocate based on the number of businesses that apply. We would treat it very much like the nonprofit grant we did with the CARES Act funding,” he said.

Or the allotments could be allocated according to the number of applications received. Farrar estimated that from seven to 10 businesses or organizations might apply for the funding.

“These are the businesses and venues that were most hurt by the pandemic.”

Farrar said he would rather establish maximums and minimum allotments before the program is announced to avoid confusion about the amounts.

because I know how important it is to keep our roads safe and the hard work they do to end this senseless crime of drunk driving," said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent.

One local law enforcement officer was honored at the event: Virginia State Police Trooper W.L. Gunn Area 1 (Hanover/Henrico counties).

MADD holds the event along with several sponsors: State Farm; Allen, Allen, Allen and Allen; Richmond Ford; News 6; Walmart; The Hill and Chambers Family, and Swartz, Taliaferro, Swartz and Goodove.

Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit

He also suggested an open enrollment period that extends from Nov. 4 to Dec. 7. “If you get your paperwork in early, that’s probably better.”

Council member Daniel McGraw noted the importance of making sure the program is well advertised so all eligible groups can apply and suggested installing a $5,000 minimum and $12,000 maximum on the allotments.

Kathy Abbott agreed but suggested the maximum amount could go higher from $15,000 to $20,000.

Since the number of applicants is not known, Council members found it difficult to devise a final plan regarding the amounts.

John Hodges noted the impact could be widely different from business to business, so uniform payouts might not be the most efficient and equitable way to distribute the funding.

“Will we have another opportunity to look at this or are we setting the rules and you go and administer it,” Hodges asked. “Is there any way we could see the money and who you are planning to spend it on?”

Farrar said that list would not come back to Council, but said members could consider options for another two weeks before taking action to gauge who and how many might apply.

Hodges said he’d like to see who actually applied and how much they are receiving.

“I think we are going to get into issues if we start trying to quantify whose more in need than others. I kind of like the flat across the board

working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.

MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50% and promote designating a non-drinking driver.

MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.

because it’s easy to justify from a documentation and paperwork standpoint - either you qualify or you don’t,” Farrar said.

Hodges suggested establishing percentage guidelines as opposed to flat figures due to the large disparity in impacts on different applicants.

“I don’t think they are going to request an amount,” Farrar said. “They just have to show us a certain amount of loss and then you qualify.”

“I get the simplicity,” Hodges said.

“I just wonder if it might have an unequal impact,” he added while noting his support for the program and his desire not to slow it down. “There’s a step there and I would like to see who is applying and how much you all are recommending.”

Hodges said there could only be three applicants and dividing the entire allotment among them might not be appropriate or Council could be over-appropriating the funds. “Maybe we could take that money and use it for something else.”

McGraw emphasized the importance of confidentiality. “What I don’t want to do is vote on who gets funded and who doesn’t,” he said. “I’m not comfortable in just making a blanket public document of these are the people who are in need. I really don’t want to see businesses put against businesses,” McGraw added.

Farrar said he could return to Council on Dec. 21 with the actual number of businesses who applied and how much was planned for each, or defer and revise the program to better

fit Council’s desires.

While Abbott said she supported establishing a maximum amount and dividing the entire allotment evenly, she also suggesting taking more time to study and ensure the proposed program was acceptable.

Farrar asked Council members to provide what that actual maximum amount might be so he could further research options. He said the $12,000 to $20,000 maximum amount would make a huge impact on the businesses who qualified and received the money.

“No one is going to put their nose up at $5,000, but $10,000 can be business changing for some people,” Farrar said.

In the end, Council decided to take no action on the proposed plan, and the town manager will re-introduce the program at the next meeting.

“We’ll bring it back to you and figure something out,” Farrar concluded.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices @timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Advertise in Ashland- Hanover Local Call 746-1235 for details.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021 15

Atkinson wins 2021 Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence

POLICY Continued from pg. 5

out of school. I don’t believe that one child’s rights are more important that another. My daughter does not have to be forced to call a known boy a girl.”

Cynthia Rosier has a 9-year-old daughter who she said is not afraid to use the bathroom at her school and described the proposed policy as “not protecting female students.”

Ashland resident and attorney Sarah Bridges said the proposed revisions would eliminate inequities in the system.

“The failure of the Hanover County School Board to adopt a policy to protect children… is not only a violation of law but is a clear message from the Hanover County School Board that certain children in our schools do not matter,” Bridges said. “The description of your equity policy on your website provides that every child deserves an education based on fundamental principles of equity. You have committed to take deliberate action to eliminate inequities and adopt policies to ensure that every child’s education is based on fundamental principles of equity. Every child means every trans child. We cannot go back to the days of separate but equal,” she added.

It is unclear what enforcement measure, if any, would be employed by the Commonwealth to force school districts to comply with the new regulations, but the threat of lawsuits seems more distinct, and several speakers referenced that real possibility.

But Jennifer Balut, a parent and educator in Hanover County, said the proposed policy is not fair and equitable for all students.

“The only reason this policy is being considered is because Hanover County is afraid of litigation, and that is not the right way to make decisions for our children,”

16

W Jim Ridolphi / The Local

An Atlee High School senior was one of more than 50 speakers who took advantage of a special meeting conducted by the Hanover School Board to gather input on a pending decision regarding the treatment of transgender students in county schools

she said. “No decision for our students should be made out of fear. We have to stand up for what is the best interest of all of our students and not give in to threats of lawsuits or litigation. It is time we stand up and draw a line in the sand and say this is not right for our children and not right for Hanover County.”

One of the final speakers identified as a transgender male who is a senior at Atlee High School. He described a high school experience of bullying and harassment with kids shouting “what is that” when he walked the halls.

“I have been assaulted for who I am,” he said. “There will be more transgender people coming to this school… and I am afraid for them. I know that Hanover County has what it takes to allow all students to walk the halls as equals. I know it has what it takes to accommodate trans people,” he concluded.

The school board is expected to consider the revised policy at its meeting scheduled this week, but some speakers suggested delaying that ruling until January, when a new governor takes office.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 10, 2021

endy Atkinson, who works at the Wings of Hope Ranch with children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum or have other challenges, is the 2021 winner of the Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence. The Jean C. Harris Award excellence is the top annual award given out by the Hanover County Community Services Board (CSB).

Atkinson’s course with the Wings of Hope Ranch is called CHILD 101 and prepares the organization’s volunteers on how to work effectively with children with special needs.

“The children we serve are often children with Autism Spectrum Diagnosis, intellectual disabilities, family addiction issues, trauma and related results of the stress/trauma, past abuse, anxiety, depression, ODD, ADHD, foster children and children with attachment challenges,” said Alison Boyd of Wings of Hope, a nonprofit horse ministry that reaches out to children facing difficult emotional and/or physical challenges. “Many times these challenges result in behavioral issues at home, school and more. Understanding the behaviors and how they relate to the child’s trauma/ sensory brain, has given us a whole new perspective on how to recognize the needs and help these children learn and grow.”

“Since Wendy started volunteering with us, under her consultation, we have added a sensory classroom, and “sensory emergency” take along bag to use with our clients,” Boyd added. “For the children that find it very difficult to pay attention during a lesson or get antsy to move on to the next activity before the group is ready, our sensory area/tools/bags that Wendy has trained us to use, and the volunteers that

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 14

Hanover Book Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A workshop will be he held from noon - 3 p.m. (register at hanoverbookfestival.com) and an Authors’ Workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. at The American Legion Hall, located at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville.

Free admission.

Tom Harris, Hanover County

Wendy Atkinson is the 2021 winner of the Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence.

work with them and our horses find her training it very successful. Wendy supervises sessions with the volunteers, horses and children once a week. She brings her ‘little sister’ from the Little Sisters Big Sisters program, and they volunteer together.”

Boyd noted that many times, “it is Wendy who is able to teach the children to communicate for the very first time. When that happens it is a MIRACLE. Wendy is the closest thing we have to a miracle worker here on Earth!”

Atkinson is an occupational specialist by profession. “This is just a touch of what she does,” Boyd said, who noted that Atkinson has also spent years consulting with churches and helping them be inclusive for families with children with challenges. “I don’t know how she fits all of this in. We’re just very grateful. When you get to Heaven,” she told Atkinson, “there is going to be a grand party far and wide to

Friday, Nov. 26 Hanover County’s Birthday happens to be Black Friday this year and the day before Small Business Saturday. Be on the lookout for announcements!

Friday, Dec. 3 The Hanover County Historical Society will host its annual Holiday Dinner Meeting.

The Society invites members and the public to attend this event to be held at the Hanover Tavern

show you how far your love has reached.”

Melissa Young of the Hanover County CSB presented the award to Atkinson.

In an emotional speech held in the board of supervisors meeting room, Atkinson urged all to participate in community service.

“Anyone can do it but not everybody does it,” she said. “There are so many ways you can serve. I knew nothing about horses, but it made me grow….If everyone did do community service of some kind, wow, what a community we would have. Find a place that you’re passionate about or a thing that you are passionate about, and that way it just becomes a part of your life.”

“I really hope I’m serving until I’m 90,” Atkinson added. “You really need to create time. Otherwise, you won’t make the time.

You need to find what fits in your life.

Community service makes us see others in a different light. It decreases our sense of judgement of other people, and it gives us a diverse love for all kinds of people. It also gives us a greater sense of the needs around us and how we can use our skills and talents to meet those needs.”

The CSB presents the Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence to Hanover-based individuals, families or groups that demonstrate outstanding contribution in the areas of intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health, and/or substance use. The late Mrs. Harris was a long-time board member, community volunteer and advocate who was a founding member of the CSB. For more information about this award, contact the Hanover County Community Services Board at 804-365-4222.

Submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer.

Coach House. Registration is required per Covid restrictions.

The evening program will feature Suzanne Munson, author of a new biography about Founding Father, George Wythe.

Munson is a well-known guest speaker and lecturer at various colleges and universities. She is a guest columnist for the Times Dispatch. Her presentation will be accompanied by a slide program, and her new biography, Jefferson’s Godfather, will be available for purchase. Enjoy

a dinner buffet with choice of salad, entrees, sides and dessert.

The event opens at 6 p.m. Preregistration required by Nov. 18.

See “Events” at the Society Web Site: www.hanovercountyhistoricalsociety.org for details. Tickets may be reserved also by visiting hanoverhistorical.org to pay by credit card. Checks may be mailed to HCHS, Inc., P.O. box 91, Hanover, Va., 23069. Cost $30 per person. Registration must be completed and paid by Nov. 18.