Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/09/2022

FESTIVAL

INSIDE

The Ashland Strawberry Faire is happening!

Spring Inside Home Improvement

PAGE 7

Vol. 7 No. 27 | Richmond Suburban News | March 9, 2022

NJROTC cadets active in community, introducing new programs to unit By Christina Amano Dolan Editor The Mechanicsville High School and Hanover High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets have been keeping busy this academic year in school and community affairs following a lull in activity due to the pandemic. With the introduction of increased activity and new programs this year, including the start-up of its first marksmanship team and awardwinning CyberPatriot team, the cadets are reaching greater heights together. The NJROTC program located at Mechanicsville High School was established in 2000 and currently enrolls around 92 students in grades 9 through 12 from both Mechanicsville and Hanover High schools. Based on initial electiveseason course selections, the unit looks to expand to over 110 cadets next year. The program, which falls under

Photo courtesy of Mechanicsville/Hanover NJROTC

The Mechanicsville High School and Hanover High School NJROTC Color Guard Team are shown standing in formation before a Mechanicsville High School football game.

the Hanover County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Programs, is free to cadets that join and involves both classroom instruction and extra-curricular activities of community service, academic, athletics, drill and orienteering competitions, field meets, marksmanship sports training, physical fitness training and more. The Senior Naval Science Instructor, Commander Pete Greenwald, a retired United States Naval officer, said the unit is “like a family” and highlighted some of the benefits of joining the program. “I think it’s that connection here in NJROTC that makes the size of Mechanicsville High School much smaller,” Greenwald said. “They come in here and find a place to belong and they connect… With the values we impart to them and with the uniforms, you knock down a lot of these walls that get built up with differences.” The program teaches high school

Photo courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools

Local schools celebrate Read Across America Week Rural Point Elementary celebrated Read Across America Week with reading activities and students and teachers dressing up as Dr. Seuss characters.

Story & more photos on page 13

see NJROTC, pg. 2

Ashland Train Day is back this year on April 30

2018 File photo

Children take a ride on the train around the library on Ashland Train Day.

Downtown Ashland Association hosts the 18th annual event

ASHLAND – The perennial favorite street festival Ashland Train Day returns on April 30, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event hosted by Downtown Ashland Association invites you to enjoy freight and passenger trains, touch-a-truck, model trains, railroad history, live music, kiddie rides, festival food, dance music, gift shopping

and more. “We are thrilled to host Ashland Train Day on April 30, after postponing two years due to the pandemic,” said Maggie Longest, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association. “It’s a joy to showcase our town’s railroad attractions and local businesses with this family-friendly event.”

More than 12 fully-loaded CSX freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains will pass through the center of the event. The Kid Zone offers a world of fun with a bouncy house, obstacle course and games. The Touch-a-Truck area will thrill gear heads of all ages with a dissee TRAIN DAY pg. 5

Cadets of the Mechanicsville High School and Hanover High School NJROTC prepare for a ceremonial sword arch before Mechanicsville High School’s senior night.

Photos courtesy of Mechanicsville/Hanover NJROTC

Pictured above, the Mechanicsville and Hanover High School NJROTC Color Guard cadets are shown performing during a Mechanicsville High School football game. Pictured upper center: Chief Jay R. Kelley, pictured left, and Commander Pete Greenwald, pictured right, are shown with their NJROTC unit cadets during an athletics meet. Right, the NJROTC cadets attend a meet.

NJROTC Continued from pg. 1

students its core values of “honor, courage and commitment and empower(s) them to continue their education, achieve personal and team goals, and become productive American citizens,” according to the Mechanicsville NJROTC website. Kay Whitley, treasurer of the Mechanicsville/Hanover NJROTC Boosters, said the

program brought her son, Justin, “out of his shell.” Justin is a current cadet and junior at Mechanicsville High School who has been enrolled in the program for three years. “Just this year since September, he has just zoomed,” Whitley said. “He moved up in leadership position, he’s taken on more authority. He’s really opened up. And he really does have a sense of community with

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

2

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

his other cadets… So I think it’s an amazing program for these young men and women, whether they want to go into the armed forces or they don’t.” One of the leadership roles Justin recently assumed was within one of the unit’s newest programs this academic year. He was a member of the unit’s first ever CyberPatriot team, which earned first place in the January Gold Tier semi-finals National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. “The CyberPatriot program started in conjunction with Northrop-Grumman and the Air Force Association to teach these kids how to do cybersecurity, network security and finding viruses because that’s where the new threat lays,” said Chief Jay R. Kelley, the unit’s naval science instructor. The program’s National Youth Cyber Defense

Competition puts teams of high school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company. Through a series of rounds, participants are given a set of virtual operating systems and are given a certain amount of time to find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Justin, along with five other Mechanicsville NJROTC cadets, began competing in September 2021 and reached the semifinals in January 2022. The team ranked first in the nation in the Gold Tier All Service Division, which is comprised of Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force JROTC units across the country. “I love my cadets. They keep giving back,” Greenwald said proudly. In addition to its new CyberPatriot team, the unit introduced its first air rifle marksmanship team this year, with the Navy purchasing new air rifles for the unit last summer. Along with its new programs, the unit’s calendar this year is jam-packed with hosting and participating in drill meets. Cadets travel around the state throughout the academic year to compete with other NJROTC units, including in Norfolk and Loudon County, in the categories of athletics, academics, uniform and personal inspection and drills.

Greenwald said drill teams offer an important lesson to today’s youth in regard to teamwork. “It’s about ‘we over me,’” Greenwald said. “If you stand out in an unarmed standard or armed standard drill, there is something wrong. Because you’re supposed to be together, precise and very synchronized.” Greenwald said the unit has hosted the most meets of any of the 58 NJROTC units in Maryland and Virginia. Hosting the meets is a “great community effort,” with volunteers helping to support and appreciate the volunteer judges from the Virginia Army National Guard, Navy, Marines and more, he added. In addition to a number of programs provided during the academic year, selected cadets from the unit participate in various remote summer programs, including a Leadership Academy that begins on June 18. The Leadership Academy is located at Camp Pendleton, the Virginia Army National Guard base in Virginia Beach, and includes the top cadets out of the 58 regional units. Motivated instructors from JROTC programs across the state volunteer their time to help cadets build strong leadership skills with involved classroom instruction and hands-on activities throughout the week. The unit also works to emphasize the importance of

community service, with this year’s goal set to 20 hours of community service for each cadet. The unit has participated in a number of notable community programs this academic year, including helping the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #9808 provide care packages to deployed services members. The unit organized a 911 memorial in Mechanicsville this past September, planting over 2,977 flags in front of Mechanicsville High School in honor of the 2,977 victims of the attacks. The VFW donated the flags and banners for the memorial. In addition to community service, cadets remain involved in a number of school activities. The unit showcases its Color Guard Team before every Mechanicsville High School football game and even performs a ceremonial sword arch for the football team’s senior nights. Despite the unit’s recent resurgence in community and school activities and involvement, they are currently in need of community donations to help pay for the team’s equipment and other operating expenses. They are also looking for funding to help build a new facility located beside the Mechanicsville High School football field specifically to meet the growing demands of the NJROTC program. For more information on how to donate to the local MHS-HHS NJROTC program, contact Kay Whitley at kaywhitley30@gmail.com. For more information on the program, visit the website: https:// sites.google.com/navyjrotc.us/ hcpsnjrotc/home<https://sites. google.com/navyjrotc.us/hcpsnjrotc/home.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS

205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Falsely identifying self to law enforcement was reported in the 10200th block of Old Keeton Road, Ashland.

Feb. 10

Simple assault was reported in the 13000th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 8400th block of Stumpy Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 16500th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier. DWI: First offense was reported in the 8200th block of Stumpy Road/ Chamberlayne Road, Hanover. Coercing, intimidating or harassing person by computer was reported in the 200th block of Archie Cannon Drive, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 11400th block of Whitetail Drive, Doswell.

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 12400th block of Howards Mill Road, Montpelier.

Theft of firearms, regardless of value, not from a person was reported in the 10000th block of Ashcake Road, Ashland. Assault and battery on a family member was

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 16400th block of Goshen Road, Montpelier. Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 18500th block of Sledders Run Lane, Montpelier.

Grand larceny, parts was reported in the 12000th block of Harley Club Dr, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument -Value >=$1000 was reported in the 11400th block of Farrington Farm Lane, Ashland.

Grand larceny, auto theft was reported in the 13100th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen. Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 9200th block of Halifax Green Dr, Hanover.

Feb. 15

Vandalism was reported in the 14400th block of Washington Highway, Doswell. Theft of firearms, regardless of value, not from a person was reported in the 15300th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Feb. 16

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 12400th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Ashland. Lost firearm was reported in the 10100th block of Maple Leaf Court, Ashland.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 400th block of England Street, Ashland.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 13100th block of Overhill Dr, Glen Allen.

Feb. 17

Simple assault was reported in the 14000th block of Elletts Crossing Road, Ashland.

Feb. 14

Feb. 12

Feb. 13

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 11200th block of Egypt Road, Ashland.

Feb. 11

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 12400th block of Quailwood Lane, Ashland.

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 11300th block of Washington Highway/Vermeer Place, Ashland. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 11000th block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland.

Feb. 18

Grand larceny, parts was reported in the 15400th block of Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen.

Grand Larceny Building was reported in the 10500th block of Gould Hill Road, Hanover.

Obtaining money by false pretenses less than $200 was reported in the 16400th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Feb. 19

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 13000th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.. Assault: police and firerescue was reported in the 13200th block of Ashland Road/Grassy Creek Lane, Ashland.

Feb. 20

Feb. 21

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 10500th block of Atlee Station Road, Ashland..

Vandalism was reported in the 14400th block of Washington Highway, Doswell.

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 18100th block of Old Ridge Road, Montpelier.

Give us a call: (804) 401-7007

Simple assault was reported in the 12400th block of Cedar Lane, Ashland.

Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 11400th block of Haltonshire Way, Glen Allen.

The Batman

Upcoming Events:

reported in the 15100th block of Rockford Road, Montpelier.

Feb. 9

March 9th thru 11th at 7:00 pm March 12th at 11:00 am March 13th at 12:00 pm March 16th at 7:00 pm When the Riddler begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement.

No BS! Brass March 12th at 7:30 pm No BS! Brass is a powerful brass band that brings the spirit of New Orleans into their original East Coast modern funk.

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

ashlandtheatre.org

see REPORTS, pg. 9

KEEPING TEENS SAFE THURS. MARCH 10, 2022

VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM This community conversation will help families understand the importance of talking about teen emotional health. Panelists will address depression, suicide risk, self-care strategies, resilience and resources.

7PM9PM

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/HANOVERKTS Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 3

Town prepared to issue compensation for eight venues affected by pandemic Sidewalk project approved for Louisiana, College avenues By Jim Ridolphi For The Local When Ashland Town Council members devised and approved a plan last year to distribute funds the Town received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), they indicated that some of the money would be used to assist venues that experienced serious declines in attendance during the pandemic. Businesses like the Ashland Museum, the Ashland Theatre and even some private businesses like Red Vein experienced a decrease in visitors during the months when COVID-19 forced businesses to close or greatly reduce hours of operation. Last week, town clerk and ARPA administrator Doug Goodman presented the results of that plan designed to provide some relief to those affected businesses. In December 2021, the council approved a set of guidelines to distribute the $200,000 allotted for the program, a system that gauged awards on the amount of loss incurred by the venues. Revenue receipts from 2019 were

compiled and compared to revenue collected in 2020 or 2021. The amount of those losses were categorized in four groups, each established with %ages of loss. Businesses who applied for the assistance were grouped in to four categories, the lowest representing a 25% decline in revenue and the largest reserved for businesses who lost more than 90% of venue admittance receipts. “Council passed a policy for staff to follow in order to allocate those funds to the proper venues based on a sliding scale of who was hurt the most proportionally based on their revenue streams and how much they lost either in 2020 or 2021,” Goodman said. Council asked for businesses that might be eligible to complete applications by Jan. 24, but that was extended to Feb. 7 “to make sure we were capturing as many eligible businesses and organizations as possible.” Nine applications were received for funding. “Eight applications were found to be eligible for funding under this program,” Goodman said. Only one qualified for the 90% % loss category. Homemades by Suzanne substantiated losses by its catering business that did qualify for more than $12,000 in assistance. “They were hit pretty hard with a 91% loss compared to 2020 or 2021,”

Goodman said. Council placed a $20,000 cap on the requests for each business and required that compensation did not exceed 45% of 2019 revenues or $20,000, whichever was lower. Remaining funds from the $200,000 allotment will be returned to the Town’s ARPA contingency fund and can be used for other projects that qualify under the federal guidelines. Ashland Theatre, The Depot and the Hanover Arts and Activities Center qualified for the second level of funding for businesses that experienced losses in the 75% range and will receive $15,000 each. “They were all at about 80% in that second priority level,” he said. Redvein was included in the 50% level of loss and received $10,000, and Skateland, The Hanover Black Heritage Society and the Ashland Museum qualified for the fourth level of priority. Skateland and the museum are slotted to receive $5,000 each, while the Black Heritage Society will get $2,254 in venue compensation. The Ashland Strawberry Faire applied for assistance due to the cancellation of their event for the past two years, but did not meet strict federal guidelines to qualify for the program. While agricultural fairs are included in the

ARPA guidelines, it only covers events where admission is collected for activities like concerts contained within the venue. “I know they were disappointed, but maybe there are other programs for them out there,” Goodman said. He said ARPA guidelines have changed frequently and it’s difficult to keep up with all the fine print. Goodman had hoped to distribute checks to the qualified businesses this week, but additional federal filing requirements will delay their issuance. “The guidance is rapidly changing from the ARPA perspective, so we ask for a little patience as we try to digest these federal rules,” Goodman said. In other matters, the council approved a project that will provide sidewalks on the east side of Louisiana Avenue to the south side of College Avenue, where it will extend to Route 1. The project will complete a portion of sidewalk on Louisiana constructed in association with the WaWa project. Director of public works Michael Jennings said the project had been included on the town’s to do list for the past 20 years and would also allow upgrades to comply with Americans see COMPENSATION, pg. 5

JOB FAIR Wednesday, March 16 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Atlee Branch Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Drive in Mechanicsville Recruiting for Transportation, Custodians, Food Service, Instructional Assistants, and Substitute Teachers

4

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

COMPENSATION

Jim Ridolphi / The Local

Venues like the Ashland Theatre and Ashland Arts and Activities are two of eight businesses or associations that will be receiving venue compensation funding from the town. The money was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and targeted to venues that saw significant reductions in revenue due to decreased admission during the pandemic.

Continued from pg. 4

with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Jennings said the sidewalk will be 5 feet in width and drainage issues in the area will also be addressed during the construction, which should begin shortly and take about two months to complete. Council approved $140,000 for the project that includes a 25% contingency to cover any unexpected expenses incurred during the construction. “The project will provide safety, walkability and allow people to get to those commercial businesses and other locations,” Jennings said. He said this project represents the last item on the priority list regarding sidewalks. “As you may recall, parks and rec is going to use a sidewalk evaluation tool to evaluate projects that were brought to you toward the beginning of last year, and now that we’ve knocked this project off our list, we are going to start giving them a list we have already and they’ll come up with requests,” Jennings said.

The final list depends on funding available but will include projects suggested by

TRAIN DAY Continued from pg. 1

play of heavy equipment, a fire truck and an ambulance, dump trucks and tractors. Two kiddie train rides invite families to tour the festivities. All aboard! Model trains of every size and scale will be on display, including LEGO and racing trains. There will also be vintage railroad equipment and a red caboose. The event brings Virginia’s railroad history to life with two museums, three storytellers and a 10-stop scavenger hunt. Railfans of all ages will enjoy Ashland Train Day! “Ashland is proud to host Train Day and welcome visitors from across our region and around the world to celebrate with us,” said Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett. “Come see why we consider Ashland the Center of the Universe!” Mark your calendar and gather your friends for Ashland Train Day on April

town officials, ones submitted through parks and recs and suggestions from the public.

That initial list is expected to be released at the May parks and rec meeting. Public input is welcomed and encouraged during the upcoming evaluation of sidewalk needs in the town. Council member Daniel McGraw asked if conduit will be included in the project. Assistant town manager Matt Reynal said if that need arises, providers would likely choose the alley way to install conduit, so no conduit was included with this project. “I’m a fan of conduit as much as possible because I really think eventually we are all going to need that fiber,” McGraw said.

30! In the meantime, visit ashlandtrainday. com for event info. To have your business featured with our 10,000 expected participants, join online. Retail and food vendors can apply with the link: https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/vendors. Sign-up online to join the fun as a volunteer. About Downtown Ashland Association Downtown Ashland Association is a community non-profit organization that works toward a strong and vibrant future for Ashland, Virginia. Through marketing initiatives, special events, business engagement, historic preservation and more, Downtown Ashland Association contributes to the town’s vitality by deploying our time, funding, and voice on behalf of the community. Information submitted by Ashland Train Day publicist Pam Howland.

Hanover Democrats college scholarship applications open Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The 2022 Melissa J. Dopp/Bobby Ostergren Scholarship is awarded yearly by the Hanover Democratic Committee (HDC) to gradu-

ating Hanover County seniors with the highest level of participation and involvement in Democratic campaigns and activities. Last year, Abigail Dotson of see SCHOLARSHIP, pg. 20

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

the

Locals h ice

C

VOTING STARTS March 23 and will run through April 8, 2022.

2018 File photo

Cinder and Tinder, the official mascots of Train Day, make the rounds throughout downtown Ashland.

VOTE ONLINE! Go.Richmond.com/Locals-Choice Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 5

OPINION | The Local Views

Sharing the road: Are we a nation going too fast? By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I

think the combination of advanced age and frayed nerves has contributed to my hesitancy to drive with the ease I once did. In recent months, however, that naturally progressing tendency has been magnified by the amount of crazy drivers on the roads. When I made this complaint to my friends or colleagues, they told me it’s a matter of perception, and I’m just noticing reckless drivers more than I did in the past. I contend that’s because there are more people driving more akin to professional race drivers than responsible human beings. So, I wondered if there was any data available that would bolster my position that Americans are becoming increasingly negligent on the highways. It seems I’m not the only one who has noticed a rash of red light runners, lane changers and disengaged drivers. My theory is bolstered by the fact there were more traffic deaths in 2020

despite the reduced volumes of traffic on the roads due to the pandemic. While Americans drove less in 2020, an estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes—the largest projected number of fatalities since 2007. This represents a about a 7.2% in fatalities over 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some experts have surmised that after being cooped up at home for extended months, Americans took to the road with a vengeance once restrictions ended. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm resulted in more accidents and an increased number of road rage incidents. Now, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed drivers ignoring stop lights or speed limits in past months. Last week, I heard the roar of a car engine hitting passing gear as a vehicle raced by on the right shoulder of the road. Although the fear has not prevented me from performing my daily routine, I do have concerns for young drivers gaining experience on roads that often look like a

scene from the “Fast and Furious” franchise. With two teenaged and inexperienced drivers in my household, the thought of that person racing through a fully red signal worries me even more. I’ve reaffirmed my demands that they follow all the rules, keep their eyes on the road and drive defensively. I’m not sure of the connection between the pandemic and our current situation on American roads. Sadly, personalities change when one turns an ignition key and aggressive driving is one of those things differently defined by a nation with millions of drivers. On some days, America’s roadways seem like a blurred combination of maniacs or morons with few landing in the middle zone of reasonable behavior. My research revealed one interesting reason that might explain a nation in a hurry. That opinion stated that going faster on the roads is a natural reaction to such a long period of lost time, wasted in the minds of some. This anxiousness to make up for lost time was blamed for the

increase in speeds. Experts, however, contend the speeding and reckless driving began during the pandemic when drivers faced little traffic and traveled road that seemed eerily vacant. That sense of open air allowed drivers to press harder on the gas pedal. My neighbor thinks the current trend of maniac motorists is simply explained. “There are too many selfish (expletive deleted) on the road. They don’t care about anybody else just as long as they get to where they are going,” he said in an unapologetic tone. I must admit I’m even less prepared to offer an explanation after doing my research, but it did acknowledge that it’s not just me expressing concern regarding an increased insanity on our byways. Hopefully, things will return to normal in time and we’ll only witness one car running a yellow light instead of three racing through a fully red signal. Until we get there, watch your butt!

No new tricks for this old dog, just plenty of cuddles By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News Like most things, he takes it in stride. Buddy is a Labrador retriever, which makes him a member of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. And while he does have a birthday, of course—we just don’t know when it is—he also has the air of a being that has been on this Earth a very long time. Regardless of the situation, he typically remains calm and unruffled. There were some tense

negotiations with an Amazon delivery driver early on, but they quickly came to an agreement: packages are now delivered with a side of bone-shaped treats, and the pleasantries are kept to a minimum. “Thank you for coming, now please get off my porch.” As I mentioned last week, I have always been terribly fond of handed-down things and those inherited from people I love, and that category includes Buddy. He belonged to my father-in-law first, and the two enjoyed the kind of unfettered, carefree bachelor life that seemed to suit them both just fine. Even the one

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Editor – (804) 212-6266 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 Online: richmond.com/community/mechanicsville-local Publisher

Joy Monopoli .........................................jmonopoli@RSNVA.com

Managing Editor

Laura McFarland ....................lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

Editor

Christina Amano Dolan........................ cdolan@mechlocal.com

Production Manager

Denine D’Angelo .................................ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Sports Editor

David Lawrence .................................dlawrence@mechlocal.com

Sales Representative

Tom Haynie ............................................thaynie@mechlocal.com

Classifieds

Cindy Adams ...........................................cadams@mechlocal.com

6

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

disagreement they had—about Buddy breaking the “Stay Off The New Sofa Rule”—was solved in short order: Buddy would only lounge on the sofa when my father-in-law was at work, and my father-in-law would pretend he didn’t know about it. After my father-in-law passed away, there wasn’t any question in our minds that Buddy would come and live with us. He was perhaps a little less sure about the arrangement. We already had a dog, after all, one that is short and round and moves through the world like a cannonball. He is as rowdy as Buddy is placid

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 © 2022 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.

and does not understand personal space or boundaries. I wouldn’t say it was a perfect fit from the start, but Buddy, as is his nature, has made the best of things. As the years have gone by, Buddy has acquired a list of nicknames, the most oft-used one lately being Old Buzz. I’m not sure why we started calling him that, but these days, with the gray beginning to show on his face and his pace slowing down, it just seems to fit. Like most older dogs, Buddy is pretty clear about his likes (treats, long naps) and dislikes (loud noises, getting his feet wet) but he is also both intuitive and sweet. While I would not describe him as overly affectionate, he has an uncanny knack for knowing when someone has had a tough day. On those occasions he has been known to sidle up and simply sit quietly next to you, a gentle presence offering comfort and the occasional paw on your arm. Someone asked me recently how old Buddy was, and I was forced to admit see BUDDY, pg. 7

Schools promote ‘culture of reading literacy’ during week-long celebration By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Last week, a number of Hanover County elementary schools celebrated Read Across America Week in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2. The week was filled with fun classroom activities and themed dressup days in order to promote a love of reading for students. The National Education Association established March 2 as Read Across America Day in 1998 to celebrate the joy of reading for schoolchildren across the country. Over time, the day has grown into Read Across America Week, shifting to a week-long celebration of other authors and books in order to promote a positive reading environment in elementary schools. Among the schools joining in on the week’s festivities were Mechanicsville Elementary and Rural Point Elementary schools. Along with participating in a series of reading activities, students and teachers dressed up as popular Dr. Seuss characters on March 2. Pole Green Elementary School held a Spirit Day titled “Read Across My Shirt,” with staff and students wearing T-shirts that displayed writing for the children to read. They additionally honored Dr. Seuss during the day’s morning announcements by reading an excerpt from his book, “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!” Classes throughout the day watched video links of other people reading the picture book in order to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. With March designated

BUDDY Continued from pg. 6

that I wasn’t exactly sure. I do know that he’s not a young dog anymore, and that our time with him will probably be over before too long. When the time comes to say goodbye, our hearts will

surely break. Like so many senior dogs, Buddy brings us daily comfort as well as the reminder that life is short and one should never turn down a treat. He may not have a birthday, as I mentioned, but he’s worth celebrating every day.

! N O S R E IN-P

r e m sum ps c am

Photos courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools

Top row: Rural Point Elementary celebrated Read Across America Week with reading activities and students and teachers dressing up as Dr. Seuss characters. Bottom: Pole Green Elementary celebrated with a “Read Across My Shirt” Spirit Day, with students and teachers wearing shirts that featured writing for the children to read.

as National Reading Month, many schools have initiated a series of reading activities surrounding Read Across America Week throughout the month. Among these schools is Pole Green Elementary School, which has dedicated the month to honoring the work of Jan Brett, the author and illustrator of over 40 children’s picture books. Julie Dauksys, the school’s library specialist, said they wanted to dedicate this year’s National Reading Month to studying a specific author. “Jan Brett is originally an illustrator but started writing children’s books because she was fascinated with different folktales from different countries,” Dauksys said. “So for us, it’s been a really neat experience to expose the kids to all of her different books.” Dauksys said this year they selected 16 of Brett’s books and created a tournament

AGES 5 & 6

bracket. For each week beginning in February, classes read four of the selected books and voted on their favorite at the end of the week. Last Friday, they determined the four book winners and students, upon returning to school on Tuesday, voted on their favor-

ite Jan Brett book out of the final selection. On Thursday, special guest Andrew Freiden from NBC12 will announce the book winner via Zoom. Dauksys said their focus on a single author for the month has “created excitement” in the building for reading. “I have heard kids in the hallway waiting for the busses talking about which book was going to win this week,” Dauksys said. “So there’s definitely a buzz. And I think

DRAMATIC ADVENTURES August 22 - 26; 9am - 12pm

GRADES 1-6

STAGE EXPLORERS

1 and 2 Week Options, extended day available June 20 - 24; June 27 - July 1; 9am - 4pm July 25 - August 5; 9am - 4pm GRADES 5-12 SUMMER SHOWTIME

TRAINING INTENSIVE

August 8 - 19; 9am - 4pm; Auditions required GRADES 7-12

YOUNG PERFORMERS INSTITUTE July 11 - 22; 9am - 4pm

VIRGINIAREP.ORG 804-282-2620

see READING, pg. 19

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 7

The Ashland Strawberry Faire is happening! Contributed Report news@mechocal.com

A

SHLAND -The Board of the Ashland Strawberry Faire, Inc. is excited to announce that the Ashland Strawberry Faire is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2022. “It’s been a long two years, and we really miss the comradery of planning and preparing the Faire with our board members, vendors and volunteers,” said President

Sharon Chidsey. “We really miss our visitors who come from all over the greater Richmond metropolitan area to the campus of Randolph-Macon College to celebrate strawberries with us,” added Director Dani Stockwell. The Faire committee is grateful for the continued backing of its hometown sponsors, Randolph-Macon College, the Mechanicsville Local, the Ashland-Hanover Local and the Town of Ashland. In recent years, the

Faire committee has grown stronger with the involvement of the Kiwanis Club of Ashland and appreciates the additional board members and volunteer support. Since 1982, folks of all ages have come to play, enjoy strawberries, visit friends, listen to music, pet animals and shop for unique items and special treats rain or shine. This year is no different. Park your car, then hop on a trolley to Henry Street to enjoy all that the Faire has to offer.

New for this year: Listen, watch or, even better, join the parade of the “Ashland Strawberry Kids” as they stroll down Henry Street to kickoff the Faire. Young, old and in-between are invited to participate! The 2022 “Spirit of the Faire” will be awarded to a parade participant exhibiting the most enthusiasm for the Faire, with flair encouraged! The Faire is accepting applications for vendor spaces now. Arts and crafts vendors, Hanover County businesses, government services, animal

groups and non-profit groups are encouraged to join the fun and market their goods and services to the thousands who come to the Faire. Visit www.Ashland StrawberryFaire.com for more information. The Faire is a non-profit organization working in

partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Ashland. Proceeds from the Faire go back to the community in the form nonprofit support and scholarships for Hanover County public schools, the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology and RandolphMacon College.

Faire donated $12,000 in scholarships to HCPS Where Clients and Employees Connect. Grow. Thrive.

NOW SEEKING

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES CASE MANAGER To provide case management services to support children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Developmental Disabilities. Bachelor’s degree in human services and experience with ID/DD population is required. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 pm on Friday, March 18th, 2022

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) Positions available at Monacan Services Day Support. Hourly DSP position working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Mon –Fri 8am- 4pm

IN HOME SUPPORT SPECIALIST Part time afternoon/evening & weekend work in your own community working with people with intellectual disabilities in their homes and in the community. Experience working with individuals with disabilities a plus. Multiple positions available in Hanover, Goochland, and Powhatan counties.

Photos courtesy of Ashland Strawberry Faire

VAN TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS Part-time. 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

Above, board members and volunteers sold strawberry buckets to raise funds for the 2021 Scholarship Drive. Right, members of the Ashland Kiwanis Club and other volunteers organized ‘PJ’s Kiwanis Grill.’ Burgers from the Ashland Meat Co. at Cross Bros were grilled up and offered for free at Carter Park. Donations to the 2021 Scholarship Drive were gratefully accepted and folks were very generous.

background check required. $13/hour.

All positions are open until filled unless specified otherwise.

For full job descriptions and to apply visit

www.gpcsb.org EOE

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue. 8

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

The Faire committee distributed $12,000 in scholarships to Hanover County Public Schools in 2020 and 2021, despite not holding a Faire both

years, and all without dipping into general funds. The committee achieved this through old fashioned fundrais-

ing efforts, such as the Restaurant Competition, strawberry sales, yard sales and PJ’s Kiwanis Grill.

A big thank you also goes out to the following vendors, groups, individuals, Faire committee members and other sponsors who donated funds directly to the Scholarship Drive:

committee members Boy Scout Troop #793 Hanover Democratic Committee Hanover Farm Bureau Keep Virginia Beautiful Kiwanis Club of Ashland Loving Haiti One Child at a Time Mechanicsville AARP Chapter 5407 Meme’s Posy Plates

Nelson Funeral Home PJ Edmonds Scuffletown Sweets St. Peter’s Methodist Church Suz Morrison Town of Ashland Village Bank Whitley’s Virginia Peanuts

Ashland Meat Company at Cross Bros Ashland Physical Therapy Ashland Strawberry Faire Board and

Montpelier Park Recreation Center and Library community meeting Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Hanover County Department of Parks and Recreation will host a meeting offering citizens the opportunity to provide comments and feedback concerning the Montpelier Recreation Center and Library Conditional Use Permit. The meeting will be held on Monday, March 21, at 7 p.m. located at Montpelier Center for

Arts and Education, 17205 Mountain Road, Montpelier, VA 23192. County staff from Parks and Recreation, Pamunkey Regional Library, Planning and County Administration will be in attendance to respond to citizen questions, ahead of this CUP presentation to the Planning Commission. If you have any questions, please contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation at (804) 365-7150 or email at parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov.

Premium linen for 50% less than Aritzia. 4.7 / 5.0 | 19,000+ reviews

Senior Helpers holding free dementia care event Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Jeff and Cyrenne Fiebelkorn, the new owners of Senior Helpers, are partnering with Missy Harden, a certified Positive Approach to Care (Teepa Snow’s Program) Independent Consultant and Trainer to bring you an informative education program about dementia care. Harden has extensive knowledge and training, volunteers with the Greater

REPORTS

Richmond Alzheimer’s Association and is passionate about educating and equipping others with skills to better care for their family member with this disease. The event is a free community educational event titled “Engaging Brain Change and How to Care for Loved Ones with Dementia.” It will be held on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Senior Helpers Home Care will be hosting this program at Restoration Church

Continued from pg. 3

Entering property with intent to damage was reported in the 14400th block of Washington Highway, Doswell.

Feb. 22

Passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading was reported in the 14500th block of W Patrick Henry Road/Country Pines Ln, Montpelier.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 13200th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

11100th block of Old Ridge Road, Doswell.

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 12400th block of New Market Mill Road, Beaverdam.

Forging coin and bank notes was reported in the 10200th block of Cheroy Woods Court, Ashland.

Feb. 24

Feb. 23

Passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading was reported in the 11100th block of Washington Highway/Comanche Lane, Glen Allen.

located at 9161 Atlee Rd., Mechanicsville. Spend the morning gaining awareness, learning useful skills and getting resources to provide better care to a family member living with dementia. They will help attendees understand what is normal versus abnormal aging and what to do when one notices these changes. To RSVP, call Jeff Fiebelkorn at Senior Helpers at 804-277-2780 by Friday, April 1 with the number of people planning to attend.

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 10100th block of Washington Highway, Glen Allen. Failure to perform construction after advance was reported in the 13200th block of South Anna Ln, Montpelier.

Feb. 25

Forging coin and bank notes was reported in the

Feb. 26

Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 11300th block of Howards Mill Road, Glen Allen.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 10400th block of Kings Dominion BoulevaRoad/ Short Cut Road, Doswell.

Our 100% European Linen Shirt is only $34.90, for luxury you can wear every day. Breathable. Eco-friendly. 4 colors.

Free shipping & returns

onequince.com Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 9

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

03

11 2022

NCAA basketball: U. Mass-Dartmouth at Randolph-Macon 7:30 p.m.

03

12 2022

College softball: Gettysburg at Randolph-Macon noon/2:30 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Yellow Jackets reach NCAA Round of 16 By Rob Witham for The Local ASHLAND — When the Babson College Beavers hit a triple as time expired in the first half to draw within four points at 36-32, Randolph-Macon College fans knew there was an ace up the sleeve of the Yellow Jackets. All season long, the No. 1-ranked team in NCAA Division III has been a second half squad, capable of making the adjustments necessary to win. Saturday night at Crenshaw Gymnasium, they held Babson to just 19 secondhalf points for a 67-51 victory to advance to the Round of Sixteen in the Division III Tournament. “People think it’s easy when looking at the final score. It was anything but easy,” said Randolph-Macon head coach Josh Merkel. “There was a stretch there where we had to figure things out. They held us to 67.” The game unfolded as a battle of wills in the first half, with Randolph-Macon only playing like a team worthy of its seasonlong ranking after intermission. Four-time Old Dominion Athletic Conference Player of The Year Buzz Anthony was held to two points, and two fouls, by a Babson defense which used its height and length to successfully disrupt the Yellow Jackets’ outside shooting attack. So, on a night where Randolph-Macon made just four of 24 3-point tries, they

10

R-MC opens tournament by thrashing Mitchell By Rob Witham for The Local ASHLAND — They’ve waited two long years for this. After seeing their dreams of a national championship canceled in 2020 due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, followed by a truncated 2021 campaign with no NCAA tournament, Randolph-Macon men’s basketball began the release of controlled frustration on the opening tip of their firstround game against Mitchell Friday night at Crenshaw Gymnasium. Miles Mallory easily won the tip-off, directing the ball to Daniel Mbangue, who immediately fed Josh Talbert, who reached the basket and slammed the ball down. The Mariners weren’t able to stop Talbert or his Yellow Jacket teammates. They rolled to a 52-26 halftime lead en route Dave Lawrence/The Local to a 99-57 victory, RandolphRandolph-Macon’s Buzz Anthony (4) keeps his eyes on the basket despite the defense of Babson’s Mitchell Kirsch (44) in the Yellow Jackets’ 67-51 victory over the Beavers in an NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament second-round game Saturday. Macon’s fourth straight NCAA first-round victory dating back Tied at 29 with under two steal at midcourt. Miles Mallory, left, setting up the wild closing to 2015. For Mitchell, the New began to pound the paint. That’s where junior Josh Talbert minutes left, Talbert nailed his who registered his 15th double- sequence for Babson, capped by England Collegiate Conference shined, going 10-of-12 from the only 3-pointer of the game, double of the season with 15 Kieran Dorney’s 3-point prayer champions, it was their third floor en route to a 25-point then, 20 seconds later, slammed points and 10 rebounds, scored home a dunk after an Anthony off the glass with 38 seconds performance. see NCAA, pg. 12 see R-MC, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

Atlee girls finish in tie for second in Class 4 By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor LYNCHBURG — Neil Mathews knows what it’s like to be close to a state track championship. Of course, he’s won some. But more often, he’s been one or two points shy of the title. Tuesday, he added to that tally — now 11 — as his Atlee girls finished in a tie for second just a point out of first place. That doesn’t mean the former Lee-Davis and now Atlee head coach left disappointed. Several times, Mathews moved nearly as quickly as his muchyounger sprinters to congratulate runners beating their own personal bests. “You don’t see me running across too often,” Mathews said. “But the distance kids — Travis [Albon], Patrick [Allen], Courtney [Mudd], the 4x8 yesterday — have made me run over after their races because they just ran amazing, like well beyond where they thought they could go, but not beyond where we were training to get to. It all just kind of came together today.” It wasn’t just the distance contingent leading the Raiders. The girls were led by Jada Foreman, who finished first in the high jump, long jump and triple jump, and who finished third in the 55-meter hurdles. Kelsey Lee finished sixth in the high jump as well. Savannah Nash finished second in the shot put, and Josie Rempe fourth in the 300 dash. Courtney Mudd finished eighth in the 1,000 run. The girls 4x200 relay team of Zoey Artis, Foreman, Tori Goodson and Nash finished third. The Raider girls scored 58 points to tie for second with Jefferson Forest. They trailed champion Heritage-Newport News by a mere point. Hanover’s

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hanover’s Ethan Coleman (405) signals to “Put a ring on it!,” that is, a championship ring, as he closes in on a commanding victory in the boys 1,000-meter run in the Virginia High School League Class 4 indoor track and field championships at Liberty University Tuesday. He finished 2-1/2 seconds ahead of runner-up Jonathan Kumer of Western Albemarle in 2:27.25.

girls finished sixth and Patrick Henry’s girls in a tie for 24th. On the boys side, Atlee’s boys finished fifth with 39 points, just two points behind fourth-place Patrick Henry. Hanover finished 10th. All three Raider boys relay teams scored. They were led by the victorious 4x200 relay team of Cullen Carter, Keith Green, Luke Jasinski and Efe Obrimah. Their boys 4x400 team of Conner Zachariasen, Luke Jasinski, Obrimah and Carter finished fifth, and their 4x800 relay team of Albon, Allen, Andre Chavez and Jake Stanley finished sixth. Albon’s performance in the 3,200 run was one of the ones

that prompted Mathews to sprint to the finish line to greet one of his athletes. Albon, running in a tough field, kept pace with the front runners to finish fourth. Albon’s time of 9:22.76 beat his prior personal record by six seconds. “It was a competitive field. It’s what I like,” Albon said. “Serious competition, for the most part, does lead to PRs.” Albon kept pace with the leaders from the start, running near Patrick Henry’s Trevor Mason — who finished fifth — most of the way. “I felt relaxed the first mile and a quarter,” Albon said. “They I started to pick [the pace] up from about nine laps

out.” Albon said Mathews has been excited about his progress as a runner. “He’s been so proud of me because I’ve been putting in my work,” Albon said. Obrimah finished second for the Atlee boys in the 300 run. The Raiders had two qualify for all-state status in the pole vault: R.K. Gathje, who finished fourth, and Greg Durgin, who finished sixth. Patrick Henry’s boys were led by its relay teams. The 4x800 relay team of Alex Davis, Andrew Senfield, Luke Taylor and Mason finished second. The 4x200 relay team of Shamar Williams, Manny Jackson,

Edwin Henderson and Jordan Allen finished third. Mason finished second in the 1,600 run and Taylor second in the 3,200. Allen finished fourth in the 55 hurdles. On the girls side, Logan Nuckols finished fourth in the 1,000 run. “I feel pretty good. I think our kids were more critical of themselves than we as coaches were,” said Patrick Henry head track and field coach Scott Brown. “I felt like they thought they could have done a little bit more. … I felt like our kids gave it everything they had. You can never ask for more than that.” Hanover’s Ethan Coleman brought home the Hawks

first ever boys state title — in indoor or outdoor track or cross country. Coleman jumped out to a strong lead in the 1,000 run and, despite a moment of doubt down the stretch where he looked over his shoulder, was never threatened as he approached the finish line pointing to one of his fingers to signal, “Put a ring on it!” “I’m ecstatic right now,” said Coleman as he tried to catch his breath. With two laps to go, Coleman heard the crowd get louder as a Grafton runner tried to make a move on him. He found another gear and sustained it through the remaining 300 or so meters. “I had to. I thought he was on me the whole last 200 until I turned around. I went ‘Oh my God! I’m going to win this.’ ” Coleman’s teammate Todd Benhase finished second in the pole vault and Deonte Harris finished sixth in the high jump. Alli Crytser led the Hawk girls with a win in the 1,600 run and a second-place finish in the 3,200. Ellie Agustin finished seventh and eighth, respectively, in the two events. Rachael Turner won the shot put. The Hawk girls 4x800 relay team of Sibyl Harrel, Agustin, Adelynn Carpenter and Crytser finished fourth. The Mechanicsville boys 4x800 relay team of Josh Gray, Carter Smith, Jack Standridge and Chase Maters finished eighth. Now all thoughts turn to the outdoor season. Considering the near misses of the Atlee girls team, Mathews has a mission: field a girls 4x400 relay team. “Our glaring weakness is the lack of depth in our quartermile program,” Mathews said. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 11

R-MC Continued from pg. 10

tournament appearance in school history. “We like to get up and go, but [Randolph-Macon] is really, really physical,” said Mariners head coach Todd Peretz. “They don’t allow the simple things that a lot of other teams do. They don’t allow easy ball reversals. They don’t allow you to get where you want to go.” Though Randolph-Macon (28-1) clearly had a big offensive night, it was their defense that fueled everything. The Yellow Jackets held the Mariners to 37% shooting from the floor — less than head coach Josh Merkel’s goal each game to not allow opponents to shoot 40% or better. Mitchell committed 22 turnovers, many forced. “We’re going to play our pace, we’re going to impose our will,” Merkel explained. “We’re going to do the things we do. Whether it’s some slant, mixing and changing defenses, but also just making people guard us. We’re going to give up good for great shots and take care of the ball as best we can.” For Talbert, who struggled with turnovers at the recent Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship weekend, the opening play was like opening the floodgates for his game personally and for the Yellow Jackets in general. “It was great to go out and play someone we’ve never played before. They’ve never seen our plays, or what we do,” Talbert said. “Our film doesn’t tell everything. I had a chip on my shoulder to play better. This team deserves it.” Talbert had 12 of his 21 points in the second half, long after the game’s outcome was no longer in doubt. The headline from his performance was a new burst of confidence for the junior, which will be needed as the tournament continues. Mallory had 11 points and

12

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Above, Randolph-Macon’s Miles Mallory (10) doesn’t let a Mitchell defender keep him from the basket in the Yellow Jackets’ 99-57 victory over the Mariners in an NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament first-round game at Crenshaw Gymnasium Friday night. Right, Randolph-Macon’s Daniel Mbangue (23) pulls the trigger on a jump shot over the hand of Babson’s Mitchell Kirsch (44) in the Yellow Jackets’ 67-51 victory over the Beavers in a second-round game Saturday night.

NCAA Continued from pg. 10

being answered. The Yellow Jackets held the Beavers to just four points in the first eight and a half minutes of the second half as their offense found answers to Babson’s defense, continuing to pound down low. Babson (198) never drew closer than nine points in the final 15 minutes. “They did a good job taking us out of some things,” said Babson head coach Stephen

Brennan. “I thought the first eight minutes of the second half, they got a gap on us that we weren’t able to overcome.” Mitchell Kirsch led the Beavers with 13 points, while Nate Amado had a double-double with 12 points and a gamehigh 13 rebounds. With the win, RandolphMacon set a program record for most wins in a season with 29, breaking the former mark set by three different teams, the latest in 2019-20. That was the Yellow Jacket squad, which included eight

members of this year’s team, that was preparing to host Yeshiva on March 13, 2020. The day before the game, as the coronavirus pandemic seized the world, the tournament was canceled. Finally with the opportunity to do what no Yellow Jacket team has done before, win a national championship, Randolph-Macon next prepares for the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, which advanced with wins over Emerson and Nazareth, averaging 82 points per game in the

two victories. It will be another test for Talbert and a defense that held Babson to their lowest point total of the season. “He really wants to win, and it means a lot to him,” Merkel said of his junior guard, and by extension, of his team. “That’s how you win, with guys like that. We always said, we want to play as long as possible, we want to learn as much as possible, and we want to find a way to win the last game.” Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

eight rebounds in the first half and nine boards. Buzz Anthony handed out eight. guard Mikey Buscetto, who alone, finishing just shy of a scored 17 points and dished “They were 27-1 for a rea- with Alfonzo Stokes each scored double-double with 15 points seven assists while Talbert son,” noted Mitchell junior 13 points for the Mariners. “I

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

don’t think we played as hard as we could to start the game. You can’t go down 25 against a team like this. We hung with them for the first eight to 10 minutes.” Eleven different Yellow Jackets scored. Freshman Vincent Payne hit two critical 3-pointers in a two and a half minute stretch of the first half to take a nine-point lead to 19 at 37-18 with 5:07 left to intermission. Fittingly, the half ended with a DaQuan Morris layup after a laser pass from Mallory off a rebound as time expired for the 52-26 advantage. Even bigger news was the fact no Yellow Jacket played more than 27 minutes (Anthony), giving the players time to rest and be ready for their second-round affair against Babson, which eliminated DeSales in the first game of the first round played in Ashland. The victory broke the school record for most points scored in an NCAA tournament game and tied the program record for wins in a season with 28, which was also accomplished in 2002-03, 2014-15 and 201920, where they were denied the chance at win No. 29 due to circumstances beyond their control. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

CALENDAR Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 Knights fundraising for intellectually disabled people will be held from noon to 6 p.m., located outside the Mechanicsville ABC stores on Route 360 and Route 301, Church of the Redeemer Knights of Columbus will accept donations for KOVAR, a K of C charity established in 1971 to fund programs for people with intellectual disabilities, assisting with housing, transportation, job skills training and the Special Olympics and has raised over $17 million since inception.

Saturday, March 19 The Shady Grove United Methodist Women’s Annual Yard Sale is returning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 8209 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville. The Brunswick Stew will not be available this year. There will be furniture, clothes, electronics, toys, kitchen items and much more. Be sure to stop by the Bake Sale tables to pick up homemade fudge, pies, cakes and cookies. Breakfast and lunch items will also be available. There is always something for everyone at this event

Saturday, April 12, Senior Helpers Home Care hosting the program “Engaging Brain Change and How to Care for Loved Ones with Dementia.” from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at at Restoration Church located at 9161 Atlee Rd., Mechanicsville. Spend the morning gaining awareness, learning useful skills and getting resources to provide better care to a family member living with dementia. To RSVP, call Jeff Fiebelkorn at Senior Helpers at 804-277-

2780 by Friday, April 1 with the number of people planning to attend.

Sunday, April 10 The Ashland Church of God will hold its Spring Fest beginning at 10:30 a.m., located at 407 Myrtle Street, Ashland. There will be an Easter egg hunt, pig roast, hot dogs, bouncy house, games and hot air balloon rides (weather permitting).

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

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

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

soulsva.org. A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. For more information, call 804746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@ gmail.com. Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www. mcshin.org.

Tuesdays The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through midDecember, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536. The American Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville, holds a

| News, Updates & Listings “Meet and Greet, Coffee and Donut” event every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a. m for the Community and perspective members to meet members and learn what they do for the community.

Wednesdays Walnut Grove Baptist Church is conducting English and Citizenship classes with open enrollment through May 2022. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact the church office, located at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville. Contact 804-746-5081 or at wgbcinfo@comcast.net or 804-7464696. The classes are free but the students will need to purchase the books required for their class. Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma’s Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville. Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@ gmail.com for current meeting at Roma’s or Zoom connection information.

Thursdays The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804496-6093 or sandrdunham@ yahoo.com. Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church

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.

at 8116 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-3666524 or email mjfaith1@ gmail.com. Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Rd, in Mechanicsville. CAP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train America’s next generation of Leaders. You’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, Leadership Training, Model Rocketry, Earning Rank & Awards, and much more. For more information, visit hanover.vawg. cap.gov. You can also call or email Capt James Wright at 804-551-3354 or james. wright@vawg.cap.gov.

Fridays The Building Bridges group of Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The group’s mission is to bring a message of hope and recovery to those suffering from addiction issues. They meet on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, visit rvana.org.

Church at 6289 McClellan Rd. in Mechanicsville. It is one of several groups in the Richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the American Red Cross to distributed to those in need. Since its inception, the WEB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and globally. If you can make it, the WEB can use it. There are so many organizations in need of help. For more information, call Laurie Wagner at 804-7810338.

Third Mondays Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help and encourage those who have loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on Zoom. For more information, contact Jennifer Bean at 804-5592805 or the church office at 804-746-9073. The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

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

Second Mondays The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist

see CALENDAR, pg. 19

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 13

CLASSIFIEDS Homes for Sale Real Estate Policy All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Virginia Fair Housing Law, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all the dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. WATERFRONT For Sale - Waterfront Home 3Bd. 4Ba. plus a Private Guest Cottage, Pier, Dock, Boat Lift. Beautiful views to the Chesapeake Bay. Call Diane Bennett, Broker/Owner c 804-347-2235. Ownby & Associates, Inc. Mech. Va. View details and photos at www.ownbyinc.com

GENERAL

Recruitment GENERAL Town of Ashland Public Works Maintenance Operator The Town of Ashland is seeking qualified individuals to perform various duties in support of the Department of Public Works, Operations Division, such as the maintenance and repair of streets; drainage repair; and the maintenance of grounds, parks and other Town facilities. Typical assignments include brush and leaf collection, asphalt patching, right-of-way maintenance, and snow removal. Also includes manual work as directed. Must be able to operate dump truck, tractor, and light duty equipment. Equipment and vehicle maintenance experience desired but not required. Individual may be assigned as on-call. Hiring Range $36,312$38,000 per year + benefits, depending on qualifications and experience. Background check, driving record check and pre-employment drug screening required. Valid Commercial Driver’s license required within six months of start date, training provided. The Town offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, life insurance, paid retirement and other benefits. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with first review on 03/16/2022. EOE/Drug Free Workplace. Richmond Times Dispatch Top Workplace. Please see the Town website: www.ashlandva.gov for more information and to apply.

INSTALLATION & REPAIR

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is seeking Full-Time Distribution Supervisors. 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. Please contact Teresa Brandon 804-8017653 tbrandon@timesdispatch.com or Gregory Whitlow 804-640-3360 gwhitl ow@timesdispatch.com

RECREATION & SPORTS Town of Ashland Carter Park Pool The Town of Ashland is seeking to fill several lifeguard positions for the 2022 summer season. The Town offers competitive pay for all positions, based on experience.

L & L Cleaning Services - We create FREE TIME for busy people! wkly, bi-wkly, monthly, one-time clean Put down that mop! Call today to schedule! Bonded & Insured. Accredited A+ Rating BBB! 804-305-4068 LLCleans.com

Minimum duties for positions: Performs rescue duties; educates swimmers on safety guidelines; enforces water safety policies; performs routine pool area inspections to detect safety hazards; performs basic pool maintenance; administers emergency medical care. Lifeguards must have current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training. Must be available to work through the month of August. Application forms are available at the Ashland Municipal Building, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, or on the Town website: www.ashlandva.gov

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235

to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

Business & Service Directory CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING

14

Hill Electrical, Inc is hiring Electricians & Helpers. Drivers License & own Transportation Required. Call 804-746-3122

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

(804) 746-1235 ext. 2

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

GENERAL

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 $1,800 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE 22-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING HANOVER COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FEES PURSUANT TO TITLE 15.2, CHAPTER 9 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA AND INCLUDING SPECIFICALLY VA. CODE 15.2-928(A)(vi), PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2022 Fees applicable to users at Route 301 Transfer Station: FEES EXISTING PROPOSED Tipping Fee, per ton $55.00 $60.00 Tires: Tire diameter no larger than 32” $2.25 each $2.50 each + tipping fee + tipping fee Tire diameter larger than 32” but not exceeding 44” $9.00 each $15.00 each + tipping fee + tipping fee (no tires (no tires over 44”) over 44”) Bulk – per ton $140.00 $300.00 Refrigerant-containing appliances from non-residential sources $15.00 each (no change) + tipping fee Mattresses or inner coil spring mattresses from non-residential sources $15.00 each $10.00 each + tipping fee + tipping fee Box springs from non-residential sources n/a $10.00 each + tipping fee E-waste: CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor or television $28.00 each $30.00 each Projection television $23.00 each $30.00 each LCD (liquid-crystal display) monitor or television $14.00 each $20.00 each Electronic printers $5.00 each $15.00 each Oversized logs (4” to 12”) $55.00 per ton $60.00 per ton Commercial solid waste and yard waste $55.00 per ton $60.00 per ton Construction and demolition waste $55.00 per ton $60.00 per ton (residential and commercial) Residential solid waste and yard waste (self-hauled) no charge (no change) A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available online and at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The options available for providing written or oral statements are posted on the County website: www.hanovercounty.gov. John A. Budesky, County Administrator

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the Board’s consideration of the administrative agenda permits, in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: SE2022-00004, UNILOCK NEW YORK, INC. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-336 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a structure taller than permitted on GPIN 7884-22-5294, consisting of approximately 48.99 acres, zoned M-3(c), Heavy Industrial District with conditions, and located on the east line of Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1) approximately 1,200 feet north of its intersection with Verdon Road (State Route 684). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam SE2021-00024, JENNIFER FELTS Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.3 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a commercial dog kennel on GPIN 8725-54-3081, consisting of approximately 16.7 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Westhaven Drive (State Route 737) approximately 130 feet east of its intersection with Lake Point Drive (private road). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcomingand-Archiv for more information.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 15

HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FISCAL YEAR 2023 PROPOSED BUDGET Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2506, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the County Administrator’s FY23 Proposed Budget, Five-Year Capital Improvements Program, and FiveYear General Fund Financial Plan and associated ordinances being proposed for adoption. This public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia. At that time, all interested persons may present written or oral statements and ask questions regarding the entire budget including proposed revenue sources. Copies of the entire FY23 Proposed Budget and the related documents listed above are available for public inspection online and any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the Office of the County Administrator, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, phone number (804) 365-6005. The options available for providing written or oral statements are posted on the County website: www.hanovercounty.gov. John A. Budesky, County Administrator The following is a summary of the Proposed Budget, Five-Year Capital Improvements Program and Five-Year General Fund Financial Plan: County of Hanover, Virginia FISCAL YEAR 2023 PROPOSED BUDGET Revenue

FY23 Budget

Airport CIP Fund

368,800

Airport Fund

505,193

Bell Creek CDA Fund County Improvements Fund Debt Service Fund Economic Development Authority General Fund Lewistown CDA Fund

160,000 17,993,452 663,900 84,610 321,026,745 950,000

Public Utilities Fund

55,945,987

School Improvements Fund

48,241,004

School Nutrition Services Fund Schools Operating Fund Self-Insurance Fund Grand Total

16

8,910,670 112,889,835 47,528,000 615,268,196

Hanover County, Virginia Proposed Capital Improvements Program Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027

County of Hanover, Virginia FISCAL YEAR 2023 PROPOSED BUDGET Expenditures Airport CIP Fund Airport Fund Bell Creek CDA Fund

FY23 Budget 449,000 553,493 160,000

County Improvements Fund

43,152,452

Debt Service Fund

18,410,820

Economic Development Authority General Fund

84,610 169,753,325

FY23 Budget Airport CIP Fund

County Improvements Fund General Government

Animal Control

1,293,888

Human Services

Assessor

1,469,046

Nondepartmental

FY24 Budget

Total 5-Year Budget

FY25 Budget FY26 Budget FY27 Budget

449,000

781,325

318,924

736,999

6,950,120

9,236,368

43,152,452

33,403,500

1,935,000

1,830,000

40,541,582 53,384,247 2,950,000

3,000,000

33,929,136

204,410,917

3,025,000

-

-

-

-

-

12,740,000 -

700,000

700,000

700,000

700,000

700,000

3,500,000

Board of Supervisors

668,661

-

730,000

60,000

2,645,000

-

3,435,000

Building Inspections

1,787,494

Public Safety

18,851,000

3,693,000

3,849,000

2,763,000

3,208,000

32,364,000

Children's Services Act

8,195,000

Public Works

21,666,452

26,450,500

32,982,582 44,276,247

26,996,136

152,371,917

Public Utilities CIP Fund

30,306,945

14,436,891

9,800,989 12,772,217

13,147,904

80,464,946

School Improvements Fund

51,403,004

3,000,000

64,340,865

175,270,119

51,621,716 100,876,495 73,204,713 118,368,025

469,382,350

Circuit Court

355,525

Clerk of the Circuit Court

1,751,936

Commissioner of the Revenue

2,250,111

Commonwealth's Attorney

2,620,367

Community Corrections Community Resources Community Services Board

665,618 13,704,877 1,736,027

County Administrator

1,574,294

County Attorney

1,211,945

Court Services

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

50,215,000

6,311,250

1,379,856

Community Support

Economic Development Emergency Communications Finance & Management Services Fire-EMS General District Court General Services Human Resources Information Technology Internal Audit Juve & Domestic Relations Crt Juvenile Court Services Magistrate Nondepartmental Pamunkey Regional Jail Pamunkey Regional Library Parks & Recreation Planning Public Works Public Works Operations Registrar Sheriff Social Services Soil & Water Conservation Dist Tax Relief Treasurer Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Department of Health Lewistown CDA Fund Public Utilities CIP Fund Public Utilities Fund School Improvements Fund School Nutrition Services Fund Schools Operating Fund Self-Insurance Fund Grand Total

Parks, Recreation & Cultural

Hanover County, Virginia Proposed Five-Year General Fund Financial Plan Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027

3,442,797 1,228,357 6,645,411 2,373,261 28,439,103 155,258 5,149,119 1,987,723 5,573,213 420,254 27,350 620,365 3,870 4,249,983 6,182,623 3,525,795 3,877,767 2,456,692 2,324,875 5,528,216 908,200 31,658,213 6,935,491 112,445 2,480,000 1,925,087 133,161 724,051 1,657,000 30,306,945 25,639,042 51,403,004 8,910,670 217,259,835 47,528,000 615,268,196

125,311,401

Grand Total

FY23

FY24

FY25

FY26

FY27

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Revenues Ongoing Revenues

306,590,095

318,245,640

329,492,740

341,265,110

353,579,420

206,892,000

215,819,360

224,230,130

232,975,840

242,070,020

Other Local Taxes

44,370,000

45,979,510

47,663,190

49,459,510

51,339,750

Intergovernmental

37,364,173

38,208,460

39,052,210

39,871,580

40,776,060

Charges for Services

8,353,367

8,383,840

8,415,050

8,536,990

8,662,320

Recovered Costs

4,545,705

4,660,060

4,809,000

4,963,890

5,134,160

Permits, Fees and Licenses

2,423,000

2,523,090

2,621,740

2,725,130

2,833,530

Miscellaneous

1,114,850

1,114,920

1,114,990

1,115,060

1,115,130

Use of Money & Property

650,000

663,150

676,570

690,270

704,250

Fines and Forfeitures

877,000

893,250

909,860

926,840

944,200

14,436,650

6,837,610

11,108,740

6,200,050

7,256,550

Use of Planned Surplus - Schools

3,162,000

3,000,000

6,565,000

3,150,000

3,200,000

Use of Planned Surplus - County

11,274,650

3,837,610

4,543,740

3,050,050

4,056,550

321,026,745

325,083,250

340,601,480

347,465,160

360,835,970

112,694,352

120,115,100

126,131,650

132,271,620

138,183,240

47,643,665

50,879,750

53,928,470

55,662,770

58,233,570

3,232,685

3,074,420

3,132,610

3,567,230

3,214,100

25,159,000

13,133,000

12,389,850

8,011,600

9,321,600

104,370,000

109,375,000

112,678,000

116,073,000

119,576,000

General Property Taxes

Use of Planned Surpluses

Revenues Total Expenditures Salaries & Fringe Benefits Operating Capital Outlay County CIP School Operating School CIP Debt Service Fund Pamunkey Regional Jail

3,162,000

3,000,000

6,565,000

3,150,000

3,200,000

17,746,920

18,219,690

18,318,250

21,044,500

20,968,350

6,182,623

6,368,100

6,559,140

6,755,910

6,958,590

Lewistown CDA

707,000

739,490

771,900

806,040

841,710

Airport Fund

128,500

178,700

126,610

122,490

338,810

321,026,745

325,083,250

340,601,480

347,465,160

360,835,970

Expenditures Total

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE 22-05 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 20 AND 23 OF THE HANOVER COUNTY CODE TO INCREASE WATER AND SEWER CAPACITY AND USER FEES PURSUANT TO TITLE 15.2, CHAPTER 21 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, AND INCLUDING SPECIFICALLY VA. CODE §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119 AND 15.2-2122, PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR THE FIRST FULL BILLING CYCLE OF THE FISCAL YEAR, AND TO MAKE VARIOUS OTHER CHANGES PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2022. SEWER CODE PROVISIONS SEC. 20-23 Service fees and capacity fees—Residential EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Service Charge - Residential Customers Bimonthly Base Charge $23.45 $24.15 Consumption Charge: 0 to 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $6.29 $6.48 Above 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $7.93 $8.17 Residential customers – sewer only $109.52 $112.81 (b) Capacity Fees - Residential Customers $6,778.00 $7,116 SEC. 20-24 Service fees and capacity fees -- Commercial I, Commercial II. EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Service Charge - Commercial I Customers Bimonthly Base Charge: 1 ½” or less meter $23.45 $24.15 Greater than 1 ½” meter $117.24 $120.76 Volume Charge: 0 to 50,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $7.33 $7.55 Above 50,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.88 $6.06 (b) Service Charge - Commercial II Customers Base Charge $1,465.75 $1,509.72 Consumption Charge All usage, per 1,000 gallons $4.83 $4.97 Peak use fee per 1,000 gallons $1.44 $1.48 (c) Capacity Fees for Commercial I and II Customers Meter Size 5/8” $6,778 $7,116 1” $16,945 $17,792 1 ½” $33,895 $35,589 2” $54,230 $56,941 3” $108,463 $113,886

WATER CODE PROVISIONS SEC. 23-47 Capacity Fees

EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Residential Customers 5/8” meter $6,595 $6,924 Greater than 5/8” meter in accordance with 23-47(b) (b) Capacity Fees for Commercial I and II Customers Meter Size 5/8” $6,595 $6,924 1” $14,581 $15,310 1 ½” $29,161 $30,619 2” $46,659 $48,991 3” $93,318 $97,983 SEC. 23-62 Service Fees EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Residential Customers Bimonthly Base Charge $10.94 $11.27 Consumption Charge 0 to 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $1.74 $1.79 4,001 to 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.29 $5.45 Over 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $6.88 $7.09 (b) Commercial I customers Bimonthly Base Charge EXISTING PROPOSED Meter Size 5/8” $10.94 $11.27 ¾” $10.94 $11.27 1” $27.38 $28.20 1 ½” $54.59 $56.23 2” $87.32 $89.94 3” $174.67 $179.91 4” $272.89 $281.08 6” $545.78 $562.15 Consumption Charge 0 to 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $4.70 $4.84 15,001 to 1,000,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.29 $5.45 Over 1,000,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $2.95 $3.04 (c) Commercial II customers connected to county-owned water systems: EXISTING PROPOSED Base charge per month $167.95 $172.99 Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons $2.72 $2.80 Peak use fee $1.69 $1.74 per 1,000 gallons (d) Water meters for irrigation only: Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons $6.51 $6.71 A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set March 23, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing concerning the quitclaim of a drainage easement on the property designated as GPIN 8725-20-7131 and 8725-20-9771 in the Henry Magisterial District. All persons desiring to be heard above may appear at the stated time and place. Copies of the subject quitclaim are available for inspection at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, March 23, 2022 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a Regular Board Meeting.

John A. Budesky, County Administrator

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 17

CONCRETE & BRICK

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZ2022-00001, HELEN S. AND SAMUEL E. HOUCHINS Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7798-95-3915, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, and located on the south line of Peaks Road (State Route 657) at its intersection with Creek Wood Trail (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.0 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland REZ2022-00003, RODNEY CHENAULT Request(s) to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential District to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7796-92-1630, consisting of approximately 0.91 acres, and located on the south line of Craney Island Road (State Route 1208) approximately 300 feet east of its intersection with Thomas Avenue (State Route 1209). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 to 3 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional lot for a gross density of 2.2 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2021-00023, MORSE CODE, L.L.C., ET AL. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers approved with rezoning request, C-5-13(c), Am. 1-19, on GPINs 7788-24-0799, 7788-25-4072, 7788-35-0330, and 7788-34-3970, consisting of approximately 13.73 acres, currently zoned M-3(c), Heavy Industrial District with conditions. This amendment also includes a request to rezone GPIN 7788-14-9733, consisting of approximately 1.2 acres, from B-3, General Business District, to M-3(c), Heavy Industrial District with conditions. The property is located on the east line of Old Telegraph Road (State Route 661) at its intersection with Morse Code Drive (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2021-00016, SHELLY J. AND RAYMOND B. SHELTON, ET AL. Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan and proffers approved with rezoning request REZ2020-00015, Eddie A. Blunt, et al., on GPIN 7778-55-9634, consisting of approximately 16.47 acres. This amendment includes a request to rezone additional acreage from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 7778-55-5906 and 7778-55-4553, consisting of approximately 8.73 acres. The total acreage for this request would increase to approximately 25.2 acres. The property is located on the north line of Cobbs Road (State Route 801) approximately 1,500 feet east of its intersection with Elmont Road (State Route 626) and is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3 Dwelling Units Per Acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the addition of 7 lots to a 42-lot subdivision for a total of 49 lots. This represents a decrease in the overall density from 2.88 dwelling units per gross acre to 1.94 dwelling units per gross acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archive for more information. 18

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

TREE SERVICE

Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair. Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured. References. Call or Text 804-874-9184

DRIVEWAYS RVA PAVING Commercial & Residential Asphalt Paving. Seal Coating, Repair, Crack Filling, & Restriping. Class A. Lic & Ins. Call or Text, 804-840-9993, for Free Est.

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

LAWN CARE Short Cuts Landscape LLC All your Landscaping & bush hogging needs! Driveway Grading Available Licensed / Insured Free Estimates Call 804-218-8780

PLUMBING 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 & Shrub Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding. Health/Risk Assessments. Insured. Free Estimates. 804-779-2170 Certified Arborist and MD LTE

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

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

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Roofing

Standard Roofing Co. 746-5110 Hotline 837-7240 No job too small - all types of roofing FREE Estimates

Licensed/Insured

TO PROMOTE YOUR SERVICES IN THIS DIRECTORY, CALL 746-1235 X2 OR EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MECHLOCAL.COM

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 13

Second Tuesdays The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and Aug.) at 10:30 a.m. in Room G110 of Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Bring a covered dish and join in with a group celebrating faith, fellowship, friends and fun. Meetings are cancelled if Hanover County Public Schools are two hours late or cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, call the church at 804-746-9073. For more information, call Janet Lewis at 804-398-8947.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

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

Third Tuesdays The Hanover Ruritan Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with dinner at 6.30 p.m. Ruritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communi-

ties and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill and community service. The first Ruritan Club was chartered May 21, 1928, in Holland, Virginia. Ruritan has grown throughout the United States of America, and in doing so has become. “America’s Leading Community Service Organization”. Membership in Ruritan is an honor and privilege. To learn more about Ruritan, how to become a member, request a membership application or with questions, please call, 746-5728 or by letter to, Hanover Ruritan, P. O. Box 625, Mechanicsville, Virginia, 23111. To be a guest of the club, please call

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 15th day of March 2022, at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct public hearings pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-2204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide a recommendation on the following: CUP21-1216 HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS – ARCHIE CANNON Ed Buzzelli, the applicant on behalf of Hanover County Public Schools, is requesting approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for property located at 201 Archie Cannon Drive, Ashland, VA, GPINs: 7870-95-6838, 7870-95-7617, 7880-95-8692, 7880-05-3544, 7880-05-2312, 7870-95-8388, 7870-95-6472, 7870-95-4466, 7870-95-3637, 7870-95-4102, 787095-3133, 7870-95-2156, 7870-95-1310, and 7870-95-10057870-73-2227, to allow for construction of a new elementary school pursuant to Sections 21-24(p) and 21-40(o) which permits schools within the RR-1 and R-2 districts with issuance of a CUP. The future land use designation is Government. REZ21-1215 & ORD2021-17, Jamestown Road - Tuggle Gregory S. Tuggle, on behalf of the applicant and property owner Greg Tuttle Design Build LLC, is requesting to rezone the property located along the northern line of Jamestown Road (GPIN 7880-47-7929), approximately 2,000 feet west of its intersection with Woodside Lane, from Rural Residential RR-1 to Residential Limited R-2. The applicant intends to develop one (1) single-family home. As currently zoned in the RR-1 District, the lot is unbuildable to due to lot dimensional standards. The property is approximately 0.605 acres in size. The comprehensive plan future land use designates this property as Town Edge (1-2 units/acre). Copies of CUP21-1216, REZ21-1215 & ORD 2021-17 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.

the numbers listed above. Hanover Ruritan welcomes both men and women.

Second Wednesday Hanover Community Services Board says if you are a family member or friend of someone who has a mental illness, you are not alone. There is support. Hanover Community Services Board offers a family support group on the second Wednesday of every month from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bell Creek location, 8475 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville. Facilitators Rebecca Strader and Heidi Brown invite you to attend this group that follows NAMI principles of confidentiality, respect, empathy and support to one another. No sign up or registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca at 804-365-6746 or Heidi at 804-365-6769.

READING Continued from pg. 7

because of that, it does create that schoolwide culture of, you know, ‘reading is cool’ and ‘reading is fun.’” Dauksys said the school created a fun environment surrounding the students’ study of the author in the weeks leading up to the tournament. The school’s art teacher began incorporating Brett’s books into her art lessons in order to familiarize the students with her work, with students composing artwork that incorporated some of the same artistic styles as Brett’s illustrations. In addition, the school

AARP fraud alert: National Consumer Protection Week Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Last week was National Consumer Protection Week. While AARP is focused on protecting consumers yearround, this is a good time to highlight some key consumer protection tips. Giving out personal or financial information to someone who contacts you is a high-risk proposition, whether through phone, email, text or online. Rather than clicking links from texts and emails from your bank or from businesses you have accounts with, go to your app if you have one or to a web browser and type the address in yourself in order to know you are visiting a legitimate website. Lastly, engage your

inner skeptic when a communication produces a strong emotional response, as scammers want people “under the ether” of emotion in order to believe their lies. Check out the AARP Fraud Resource Center at www.aarp. org/frc for more insights and tips to stay safe from scams and fraud. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp. org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360. To learn more about AARP Virginia, like them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/aarpvirginia and follow @AARPVa on Twitter at www. twitter.com/aarpva.

received a grant last year to compose an outdoor gallery of storybooks titled “Literacy Lane,” which was originally created to provide students a literacy opportunity outside the school building during the pandemic. The gallery features a panel of laminated and deconstructed storybooks, with this month’s featured storybook by Jan Brett. While this is the first year the school has held a book tournament, Dauksys said they plan on continuing the fun tradition. She said for next year’s National Reading Month, they plan on creating a tournament bracket for each individual grade level and may feature a series of selected

Caldecott books instead. In addition, Dauksys said they are currently working with students to put together a care package for Jan Brett in order to showcase the children’s appreciation for her work. “I think the overall purpose for Reading Month is to create a schoolwide culture of literacy,” Dauksys said. “A lot of the times we have teachers working in their classroom hard to get kids excited about books… But when we can all get excited about the same thing or the same book, it creates this culture of reading literacy throughout the building and reading excitement.”

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

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022 19

Virginia Richmond Regents’ Club celebrates George Washington’s birthday

H G U O , N E RE! A BIG SERVTE C O TO GH

NOU E L L SMA

O R P

E N PA

)5 4 0 (8

23 3 4 5

5

Special Offer!

$25 OFF YOUR FIRST PROPANE DELIVERY* * Minimum of 150 gallons; Not valid with any other offer or on previous purchases.

Contributed photo

Virginia Regents’ Club of Richmond members are pictured attending their annual George Washington Birthday Luncheon.

Contributed Report news@mechocal.com On Saturday, Feb. 19, the Regents’ Club of Richmond hosted the annual George Washington Birthday Luncheon after a oneyear hiatus due to the pandemic. Over 175 Virginia Daughters and guests gathered at the Meadowbrook Country Club in Richmond to celebrate the 290th anniversary of the birthday of George Washington, commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the country’s beloved first president. Virginia State Regent LeAnn Fetherolf Turbyfill was the honored guest and speaker at the luncheon.

SCHOLARSHIP CHECK OUT ANY ONE OF OUR 1000s OF ONLINE REVIEWS! O CONNECT:

VISIT:

WWW.ASKWOODFIN.COM/propane 20

Ashland-Hanover Local March 9, 2022

Continued from pg. 5

Atlee High School and Henry Lavinder of Mechanicsville High School each won $500 awards. The scholarship was established to honor the late Bobby Ostergren, the former Hanover County registrar for many years, and the late Melissa Dopp, a long-

Regents’ Club officers are President Christy Campos of the Chancellor Wythe Chapter, Vice President Heather Theakston of the Old Dominion Chapter, Chaplain Marcia Wyatt of the Chesterfield Courthouse Chapter, Recording Secretary Lydia Ballentine of the Nathaniel Bacon Chapter, Corresponding Secretary Jenny Daniel of the William Byrd Chapter, Treasurer Darcy Mathes of the Commonwealth Chapter, Historian Anita McConnell of the Scotchtown Chapter, and Flag Custodian Jan Lazenby of the Bermuda Hundred Chapter. For more information on the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, visit https://www.dar.org.

time activist in the Hanover Democratic Committee. This is not a needs-based scholarship but rather a scholarship to recognize a high degree of involvement in democratic campaigns and activities. Scholarship applications are due by April 30. Applications and more information are available on the Hanover County Public

Schools’ scholarship website. “We are proud to offer these scholarships to students who have been dedicated to supporting democratic candidates and causes,” said Daniel McGraw, chair of the Hanover Democratic Committee. “We also thank our members for supporting and donating to the scholarship fund.”

inside

Home Improvement A Special Supplement to

March 9, 2022

2022 Spring Home Improvement SHANNON PROSSER-WALL ®

TRIMMING • TOPPING TREE AND STUMP REMOVAL LOT CLEAR • GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS FIREWOOD • CUSTOM LANDSCAPING DANGEROUS/DEAD TREE REMOVAL

REALTOR

Chickahominy 3991 E. Williamsburg Road Sandston, VA. 23150 Office: 804-328-5500 Fax: 804-328-6694 Cell: 804-339-4480 Toll Free: 1-877-236-0300 shannon.wall@longandfoster.com

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERICAL FREE ESTIMATES

804-937-3671

2020

The Staff of Shady Tree Service would like to thank all of our loyal customers for making our business what it is today. Shady Tree Service has been serving the Richmond Metro Area for over twenty-five years. It has been our pleasure working for you and providing you with excellent service. We look forward to servicing the Richmond Metro Area for many more years to come!!

The Mechanicsville Local Ashland-Hanover Local

the

Call us today for Spring Specials!

804-539-9682 www.mpadrichmond.com Serving Mechanicsville Since 2001

Mark Church, Owner Class A Contractor Phone or Text: (804) 840-9993 Email: rvapaving@outlook.com

RVA PAVING, LLC C Commercial & Residential Asphalt Paving and Repair Asphalt Sealcoating and Striping

2B

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 9, 2022

Locals h ice

C

Sincerely, William A. Silva, Jr., President

Honorable Mention

WINNER Family Owned and Operated Since 1974

H H

H H

Now You’re Thinking Smart 804-784-4354

hh-heatingcooling.com

SPRING SPECIAL

15

% ANY SERVICE CALL OFF

Purcell Construction Don’t Move…Improve! Historical Additions • Custom Renovations & Homes • Additions • Barns • Church Renovations • Siding & Replacement Windows • Roofing • Termite Damage Rehab • Kitchen & Bath Remodels • Handicap Ramps • Decks • Porches • Inter/ Exter Renovations • Sunrooms • Stamped Concrete • Commercial Renovating & MORE! • Insurance Claims Welcome • Lic/Ins Res/Comm • 38 yrs exp • A+ Rating with the BBB & Angie’s List

Call Hunter Purcell 972-2215 www PurcellCo www.PurcellConstruction.biz

NORMAN’S TREE SERVICE NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL SMALL Tree Removal Topping/Trimming Topping/Trimming Dead Wood Dead WoodRemoval Removal Storm Damage Damage Removal Storm Removal Full Lawn Lawn Care Care Service Full Service

Hauling Hauling Firewood Firewood Tractor TractorWork Work Brush BrushChipping Chipping Stump StumpGrinding Grinding

Reasonable Prices

Office

(804) 769-7197

Bucket Truck Bucket Truck

FREE ESTIMATES • LICENSED • INSURED

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 9, 2022 3B

Spring home improvement

Inside

Signs it is time to overhaul your kitchen emodeling a kitchen adds value to a home. Remodeling Magazine’s ‘Cost vs. Value Report’ indicates mid-range kitchen remodels cost about $66,000, and homeowners can expect to recover about 60 to 80 % of that cost at resale. Homeowners may wonder if remodeling their kitchens is worth the investment. But homeowners should not just consider cost, but also the current conditions of their kitchens when deciding if a renovation project is the right move to make. These signs indicate it may be time to renovate a kitchen.

R

Metro Creative Connection

Breakers are triggered If the lights go dark from a tripped circuit breaker every time you try to microwave and run the toaster oven at the same time, your wiring is likely not up to the task of handling the workload and could be out of date. A kitchen remodel will assess wiring load needs and an electric overhaul may be necessary. Lack of storage One of the biggest hassles homeowners encounter in their kitchens is a lack of storage space.

If making a meal involves a Jenga-like stacking and rearranging of kitchen tools, or if an avalanche occurs whenever you search for an item, you might need more storage. A carefully planned redesign can achieve this, even in a smaller kitchen. Outdated appliances Even if your appliances are not avocado green or mustard yellow relics of the 1970s, they might still need to be replaced. According to CRD Design, appliances are only expected to last around 10 to 15 years. If appliances

have become unsafe or energy hogs, it could be time for a remodel. Family is expanding (or shrinking) Kitchens often are the heart of a home. They need to meet the needs of the family that resides in that home. A remodel can add space as needed. On the flip side, when a couple becomes empty nesters, kitchens can be redesigned and downsized to reflect their new needs and desires, such as the addition of a wine chiller or espresso station.

Poor lighting Task lighting is essential in a kitchen, but older homes may not be equipped with lighting where it’s most needed. A carefully designed remodel can improve lighting with under-cabinet lights, pendants, overhead lighting, and even natural light to make the space attractive and more functional. Frequent run-ins The notion that you can have too many cooks in the kitchen refers to having too many people trying to pitch in or offer their opinions. However,

it also can apply to when too many people are gathering in a small space. Redesigning a kitchen can improve the efficiency of a space and make the room feel larger. Aesthetic appeal Many kitchen remodels have been inspired by unsightly kitchens. Cosmetic changes can lead to big improvements. Kitchen renovations can add instant appeal and help address issues that tend to plague outdated rooms. - Metro Creative

Did you know? Facts about recycled items Many of today’s adults grew up recycling bottles, cans and paper products. That’s made it easy to take the benefits of recycling for granted. Recycle Across America¨, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expediting environmental progress, notes that there’s much to learn about the many products that find their way into recycling bins and recycling centers every day. Residents of the United States discard 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. Recycling just one ton of plastic bottles saves the same

4B

amount of energy as a single two-person household consumes in an entire year. Despite that, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only around three million tons of plastics were recycled in 2018. Recycle Across America¨ notes that every three months enough aluminum is deposited in landfills to build the entire commercial air fleet of the United States. Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 9, 2022

According to Recycle Across America¨, the amount of office paper discarded each year in the United States is enough to build a 12-foot-high wall from Seattle to New York. Recycling paper is highly effective, as more than 37 % of the fiber used to make new paper products in the United States comes from recycled sources. The Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan is one of the tallest buildings in the United States. Two Empire State Buildings could be filled every three weeks with the glass

bottles and jars that end up in American landfills every year. The Steel Recycling Institute reports that recycling steel saves enough energy to provide electricity to 18 million homes for a year. Recycle Across America¨ reports that one ton of recycled cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil. Waste Management notes that 70 % of commercially shipped cardboard boxes are recovered for recycling. Increasing that %age could conserve even more oil. - Metro Creative