HISTORY
OPINION
Early Hanover County railroads explored
An inspiring message of perseverance in the face of life’s challenges PAGE
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Vol. 7 No. 31 | Richmond Suburban News | April 13, 2022
Town manager’s recommended FY2023 seeks ‘historic’ investments By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
File Photo/Christina Amano Dolan)
Town manager Josh Farrar presented his recommended budget for FY2023 to council members and attendees last week.
Town manager Josh Farrar presented a recommended budget for fiscal year (FY) 2023 last week that aims to make historic investments in capital projects while maintaining a balanced budget. The overarching goals of his recommended budget include incorporating available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds into the budget in order to free up local dollars; strategic one-time use of the town’s Unassigned Fund balance to invest in major capital projects; retaining town staff in an increasingly competitive
market, and improving community connectivity in Ashland. “I am happy to say we will accomplish all of these goals,” Farrar said. The town manager presented an overview of the FY2023 recommended budget’s environment, including positive trends in local government revenue. The FY2023 recommended budget predicts meals tax collection by the end of the current year and FY2023 to display “record years for collections” and for lodging taxes to exceed prior year highs, which is partly due to COVID-19 restrictions lifting and a higher number of families see FY2023, pg. 4
Hanover Tavern Foundation
Shown is a collection of 18th and 19th century silver, ceramics, art and accessories from Mark Gaines Antiques.
Hanover Tavern’s annual ‘Antiques at the Tavern’ show returns By Christina Amano Dolan Editor The Hanover Tavern Foundation’s fourth annual Antiques at the Tavern event this month will fea-
ture an assortment of original, expertly-crafted period pieces for antique enthusiasts and newcomers to enjoy. see ANTIQUES, pg. 7
Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates opening of Hanover County’s new airport terminal Contributed Report news@mechocal.com County Administrator John A. Budesky, members of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and the Virginia Department of Aviation held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday to celebrate the opening of a new terminal building on the east side of the Hanover County Airport. “This terminal is not only going to be a draw for additional corporate investment, but we are very proud of the existing partners we have and only look for further success as see TERMINAL, pg. 5
Photos courtesy of Hanover County
A ribbon cutting for the new terminal building on the east side of the Hanover County Airport is officiated by Airport Advisory Committee members; Delegate Scott Wyatt; Greg Campbell, director of the Virginia Department of Aviation; Delegate Buddy Fowler; John (Jackie) Dankos, chair of the Hanover County Airport Committee; the Hanover Board of Supervisors, and county administrator John Budesky.
Early Hanover County railroads explored at Ashland library A capacity audience was treated to a glimpse at the early days of Hanover County’s railroads March 31 at the Ashland Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library. Sponsored by the Ashland Museum, the presentation by Hanover County Historical Society President Art Taylor was especially timely as Ashland’s pandemic-postponed Train Day will take place Saturday, April 30 and the Mid-Atlantic Railway Park will be unveiled in Ashland in the near future. Although the Town of Ashland is closely associated with the CSX and Amtrak trains that run through it daily, two of the three railroads that Taylor discussed predated the establishment of the town by more than two decades. The first railroads in the United States were built in the mid-1820s, and Virginia’s railroads followed soon after, Taylor said. The first was the 1828 Midlothian Coal Mine Railroad, a “gravity railroad” that ran downhill from the coal fields to the Port of Richmond. Next came the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
Photos courtesy of Ashland Museum
Shown above are Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad tracks headed north from England and Thompson streets. Speaker Art Taylor, right, chats with audience member David Broda after his HistoryTalks presentation on the history of Hanover County’s railroads.
Railroad (RF&P) that was chartered in 1834 and initially contracted for 27 miles from Richmond to the North Anna River. That first section of track opened in 1836 and eventually spread to the Potomac River. The first informational meeting for the Louisa Railroad was held in 1835 and those rails initially linked Hanover Junction in present-day Doswell to Richmond and later ran to the towns of Louisa and Gordonsville and beyond to Buckingham. Those early railroads and the
trains that ran on them were a far cry from those of today. The first wood-burning locomotives were imported from England and the early tracks were handhewed wooden beams with thin strips of metal attached to them, Taylor noted. At first, the RF&P locomotives traveled at a relatively sedate 10 miles an hour, he added. Wooden rails were replaced by iron and steel and the wood burning locomotives eventually switched to coal in the late 1800s and in the 1930s to diesel-electric power.
Chickahominy District offers community health services Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The Chickahominy Health District wants to remind the public that, in addition to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, it offers a variety of community health services to prevent disease, promote health and protect the community from environmental and other hazards. “One of our priorities is to provide clinical services to keep our community healthy,” stated the Chickahominy Health District’s nurse manager Karen Stalzer. “Now that we are seeing a decline in COVID-19, it’s important to follow up on other health concerns and schedule preventive screenings.”
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Services offered by the Chickahominy Health District include: immunizations for children and adults, Sexually Transmitted Infections evaluations and management, tuberculosis evaluation and treatment, family planning services, maternity care, Every Woman’s Life (EWL) breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services, supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, and vital records (certificates of birth, death, marriage and divorce). For addition information on services or to schedule an appointment, contact the local Hanover health department: 804-365-4313. For those who need a free COVID-19 vaccine, contact the call center at 804-365-3240.
Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022
Hanover County’s third railroad, Taylor said, was the shortlived Richmond-Rappahannock railroad, chartered in 1912. It linked Richmond and the Pamunkey River. Taylor said this was originally planned to continue to the Rappahannock River, but World War I and the Great Depression intervened and the line was never completed. It did however serve to bring produce from Hanover’s truck farms to port. It ceased operation in 1939. Taylor added that the electrified Trolley Line that ran from Ashland to Richmond in the first
third ird of the 20th century could be considered a fourth railroad in the county. Taylor displayed several examples of rails and spikes that were used in Hanover County’s nearly two centuries of railroad history. These included some of the original wooden rails that
were repurposed for structural beams in local barns and houses, artifacts that members of the audience were able to examine after the talk. Submitted by Ashland Museum, written by Greg Glassner, for the Ashland Museum.
Hanover Democratic Committee’s New Moon Bash to celebrate potential for future The Hanover Democratic Committee’s 11th Bash will be held on Thursday, April 28 at Oakdale, a beautiful new venue at 13497 Ashland Road. This year’s event, The New Moon Bash, will be more exciting than ever with speakers, entertainment by The Premiere Trio with John Creger, Jeanette Creger and Bob Saydlowski, and a cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m. A special cocktail drink, dubbed the Moonlight Kiss, will be featured. Dinner will be provided by EAT Catering with a choice of entrees. One of the stars of the Virginia legislature, Sen. Louise Lucas, will be the keynote speaker. Sen. Lucas is the first woman and first African American to hold the position as the Senate presi-
dent pro tempore and majority leader. She represents the 18th District and was first elected to the Senate in 1991. She has served on a majority of the Senate’s Standing Committees. Prior to serving in the Virginia General Assembly, Sen. Lucas was the first African American woman to be elected to serve on the Portsmouth City Council. In addition to Sen. Lucas, the New Moon Bash will feature two other exciting speakers, former commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections Chris Piper and Pat Hunter-Jordan, president of the Hanover County Branch of the NAACP. Piper will talk about keeping Virginia’s elections see BASH pg. 7
CALENDAR Sunday, April 17 Hanover County’s solid waste convenience centers will be closed on Easter Sunday. The New Highland Baptist Church, located at 9200 New Ashcake Road, will host two worship services at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The services will be held outdoors, weather permitting, and a light breakfast will be included after the early service. Rev. Larry Frakes is officiating. For more information, visit newhighland.org or call (804) 550-9601.
Tuesday, April 19 The Hanover Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at Anna’s Italian Kitchen, 7009 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. The guest speaker will be Congressman Rob Wittman, 1st District. For additional information about the meeting or becoming a member of the HRWC, contact Nancy Russell, president at nsrussell29@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.
hrwomen.com. The Mechanicsville TEA Party will be meeting on April 19 at 6701 Cold Harbor Road in Mechanicsville beginning at 7 p.m. It is near the Cold Harbor Road and Creighton Road traffic circle and directly across from Dollar General. The guest speaker this month will be Anne Craft Taydus. She is the co-founder and vicepresident of Virginians for Children First. Ms. Taydus will be discussing how she exposed the cultural indoctrination being pushed onto children by global agencies, government bureaucrats and the teachers’ unions. The meeting is open to everyone. Contact Glenn Baker at 804-752-8389 with any questions and leave a message if he does not answer
Saturday, April 23 The Ashland Garden Club will be participating in the 2022 Garden Week tour and will feature properties on Old Ridge Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased
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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. online and no in-person tickets will be sold. Tickets for the Ashland tour are $30 per person and are available at vagardenweek.org. In conjunction with Ashland’s Historic Garden Week tour, the Ashland Museum will have limited quantities of heirloom Cowslip Primrose, Poet’s Laurel and Dwarf Crested Iris for sale at the Ashland Museum, 105 Hanover Avenue, Ashland. Show your tour ticket to take advantage of the sale. Plants will be available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. or they are all sold. Proceeds benefit the Ashland Museum. Celebrate Secretariat’s birthday, the 50th anniversary of Riva Ridge’s Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes wins, and the first lady of thoroughbred racing Penny Chenery’s 100th
birthday. Join the authors of “Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend” Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery and Leanne Meadows Ladin along with special guests for a reception, video presentation and book signing. Special memorabilia will be on display with Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar including wine, beer and a special Meadow Farm Mint Julep. Tickets and information are at ashlandmuseum.org. Proceeds benefit the Ashland Museum
Thursday, April 28 The Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron is hosting an open house from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Rd, Mechanicsville. Learn what CAP has to offer for youths, see CALENDAR, pg. 7
Upcoming April Programs at Hanover Area Libraries Ashland Branch Library
program if it is canceled due to weather.
In-Person Programs
Must Love Words, Wednesday, April 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join the library for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.
Outdoor Family Storytimes, Tuesdays, April 12 and April 26, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Join the library for an outdoor, all ages storytime at the Carter Park pavilion located in Ashland. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Carter Park is located at 1112 Maple Street, Ashland. Storytime will be held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/ to be notified prior to the
Teens Save the World, Thursday, April 14, 6 to 7 p.m. For ages 12 to 18. Teens
have an enormous power to change the world. Learn some easy ways to make a difference every day and take something home that can easily be used. Morning Book Club, Friday, April 15, 10 to 11 a.m. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Afternoon Book Club, Monday, April 18, 1 to 2 p.m. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discus-
sion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Evening Book Club, Tuesday, April 19, 7 to 8 p.m. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. The African-American Experience on the Railroad, Wednesday, April 27, 7 to 8 p.m.
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022
Christina Amano Dolan/The Local
Ashland Town Council members review Josh Farrar’s recommended budget for FY2023 during their regularly scheduled meeting. The portion of the meeting served as a presentation and no action was taken.
FY2023 Continued from pg. 1
seeking to travel. While current sales tax trends predict a steady rate of growth, Farrar noted how these predictions may be affected pending the General Assembly’s decision on local government sales tax cuts. He said staff is monitoring the decision and hopes that a compromise will be reached or reimbursement will be administered to local governments. He added he has several contingency plans that will be presented if local revenue is affected. Farrar also took note of the current rate of inflation, saying staff will work to best incorporate the inflation factor when planning projects. “We’re not simply going to spend because we can and inflation forces us to,” Farrar said. “We’re going to make sure we live within our budget well.” Farrar’s FY2023 budget recommends an All Funds total budget of a little over $25.2 million, which is split between $12.6 million in the General Fund; $5.1 million in the Capital Projects Fund; $845,047 in the Special Revenue Fund for Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA), and $6.6 million in the Special Revenue
Fund to manage ARPA funds. The General Fund is up 12.9% from the FY2022 Amended Budget, primarily due to a growth in local revenues and a $2 million transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund for a substantial investment in capital projects. The total budget relies on a $1.8 million transfer from the Unreserved Fund Balance and leaves the reserve at $4.2 million, which is within the Town Council Fund Balance Reserve policy. “I’m proud to say this year, every bit of our Unreserved Fund Balance transfer goes into capital projects,” Farrar said. Due to a healthy Unassigned Fund Balance and available ARPA funds, the town can make record-breaking investments in capital projects in FY2023. He clarified that his recommended use of ARPA money and funds for FY2023 capital projects is an investment and will be spent over the next few years. Significant capital projects that will utilize available funding from the town’s Capital Projects Fund and ARPA savings include a sizable investment in park maintenance and park equipment in order to offset future maintenance requests. Other target proj-
ects include a recommended $200,000 investment in trails and an additional $40,000 for the extension of the Trolley Line Trail. Funding has also become available to target the town’s Downtown Streetscape project, with Farrar recommending a $911,012 investment to begin phase one. The FY2023 recommended budget aims to boost physical community connectivity through investments in sidewalks and trails. The current FY2022 balance of sidewalk and trail funding is $153,214 and ARPA allocation is $155,000. The FY2023 budget aims to allocate an addition $465,000, which will total $773,214 in available funding. “We’re meeting our commitment we made,” Farrar said. “We heard citizens. Sidewalks connectivity showed up in every plan we talked about for the last five years.” The FY2023 budget additionally aims to promote community connectivity by improving community engagement efforts, which will be led by the town’s new community engagement manager, Martha Miller. Miller will lead several initiatives including conducting a Town of Ashland website audit and reorganization, reestabsee FY2023, pg. 5
FY2023 Continued from pg. 4
lishing the Ashland app, and conducting an annual report to share the stories of what the town has accomplished over the years. Resident hospitality initiatives such as offering a form of daycare, translation services, refreshments and more will be targeted in order to eliminate any barriers for citizen participation in town meetings and connect with new residents. Another highlight of the budget aims to invest in the quality of life in Ashland through investments in parks and community partnerships. Farrar said they were able to offer some extent of funding to every community organization that submitted a request. “I’m very proud of the fact that we’re able to help those partners who help make Ashland, Ashland,” Farrar said. The recommended budget also seeks to improve the town’s employee compensation plan to address work-
place compression, keep up with regional competitors and reward exceptional staff. The budget recommends adjusting the current compensation plan to move all pay “bands” between 4.48% and 4.5% due to regional competitors raising salaries 5% “across the board.” “In a year where everyone’s going big, this ended up a little higher than I would have expected in a given year,” Farrar said. “But it keeps us close to our competitors.” The budget additionally recommends a “merit pool” of $75,000, which uniquely rewards the town’s highest performers through individual evaluations and ultimately helps the town keep up with surrounding locality merit increases. Another highlight for town employees includes adding a 15-year benefit to the existing Longevity Program. The town’s current program rewards a 4% raise to 25 years of service and a 3.5% raise to 20 years of service. The budget
aims to add an additional 3% raise to those employed for 15 years in order to further reward employees and prevent future workplace compression. Farrar said he is able to reach a 10-year goal of presenting a structurally balanced budget that will pave the way for future developments for Ashland. “This bodes very well for us in the future and really kind of pivots the conversation we get to have in the future from what we can afford to do versus what we want to do,” Farrar said. A public hearing for the recommended FY2023 budget will be held on May 17 and will incorporate a hearing on the Real Estate Tax Rate. The proposed budget does not include any tax increases, but the state requires the town to advertise a real estate tax increase due to assessments increasing more than 1% from the previous year. A vote for the FY2023 budget is scheduled to be held on June 7. In other matters, the coun-
cil voted unanimously to temporarily close a section of Lee Street located from the intersection with Center Street to the rear of the Ashland Library building, which was requested by Trackside Grill in order to build an outdoor patio. In addition to survey results revealing community support of the street closure, several residents spoke in favor of the closure during the meeting. “As someone who has grown up in this town my whole life, closing Lee Street to vehicular traffic would definitely help to bolster the downtown and will make for an even better restaurant scene,” said Ethan Lynne, a Patrick Henry High School student. Other speakers said the closure would attract more local students and families to the town and boost participation in local events. The council voted to close the section of Lee Street unanimously until further notice contingent upon Trackside Grill staying up to date on all taxes.
Hanover Arts and Activities Center hosts annual Ashland Railroad Run Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The Hanover Arts and Activities Center (HAAC) will host its 43rd annual Ashland Railroad Run on May 14. All proceeds benefit HAAC. For this year’s event, HAAC has partnered with Arsenal Events and will have in-person and virtual options. Race the rail at one of Central Virginia’s longest established road races. This 10K race is a favorite spring ritual for runners near and far. Start and finish “on the tracks” in Ashland’s
picturesque railroad town known as the “Center of the Universe.” Events include a 5K walk/run, one mile Kids Fun Run and the COTU Challenge of racing both the 5K and 10K run. Stay after the race and enjoy all that Ashland has to offer. Packet pickup is in person at HAAC on May 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. and May 14 beginning at 7 a.m., located at 500 South Center Street, Ashland. To register for any of the in-person or virtual runs, visit the website: https://runsignup. com/Race/VA/Ashland/ AshlandRailroadRun.
205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005
Photo courtesy of Hanover County
A new airport terminal building has been added to the east side of the Hanover County Airport.
TERMINAL Continued from pg. 1
time moves on,” Budesky said. The new 7,000-square-foot terminal includes a spacious lobby for air travelers, conference room facilities, pilot lounge and flight planning facilities. The new terminal building has been primarily funded through federal and state sources, including a more than $2 million grant provided
by the Virginia Department of Aviation. The Hanover County Airport is a General Aviation Reliever Airport for Richmond International. Just over 100 aircraft are based in Hanover County. In addition to serving a variety of smaller aircraft, the Hanover County Airport is designed for mid-size corporate jets. Jackie Dankos, chairman of the Hanover County Airport Committee, told the crowd the potential for the good
of the county is unlimited. “It will serve as a jewel in our portfolio in attracting new industry and this means more jobs for our people,” he said. Hanover County Airport Committee of Virginia Aviation is the fixed-base operator of the Hanover County Airport, offering charter services, maintenance and management. Information and photos courtesy of Hanover County.
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OPINION | The Local Views From the editor
An inspiring message of perseverance in the face of life’s challenges By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
I
nspiration, both small and large, has come to me throughout my life in sometimes the most unexpected ways. Most recently, I have found a powerful source of inspiration in my oldest sibling. My brother recently tackled the challenge of running a 50-mile marathon. With over 100 runners at the start of the race, he was one of only 22 runners to reach the finish line. While my family couldn’t watch the race in person, as it took place in Sacramento, California, we monitored his progress throughout the day on our phones. Our amazement grew with each passing hour of the day, as we watched my brother rise through the ranks as the number of runners gradually shrank. After over nine hours of nonstop running, he finally reached the finish line. My family rejoiced in his incredible achievement and immediately called him to offer congratulations and talk about the experience. The idea that anyone could run for longer than eight hours baffles me, as I’ve never been much of a runner myself. While his triumph of finishing the race was inspiring alone, I found a powerful message in his journey to the finish line.
The most obvious question that came to my family’s minds was how he kept pushing forward, standing apart from the roughly 80% of runners who, understandably, gave up for one reason or another. We assumed that his months of vigorous training gave him an upper hand, as his hours spent running every day certainly prepared him for the strenuous task. While this may be true, he told us that the race was anything but easy. We were surprised when he told us that he spent the majority of the race either in complete discomfort or utter pain. After finishing the first mile before the sun even rose, his mind was initially consumed by the intimidating reality that he had 49 miles to go. Once he hit the second mile mark, he thought of the 48 miles ahead of him. But that kind of thinking isn’t sustainable. That kind of running timer would have driven any runner to madness, and he came to the necessary realization that he had to completely transform his perspective to have any chance at reaching the finish line. Channeling the inspiring message of his greatest role model, ultramarathon runner Courtney Dauwalter, he considered her concept of a “pain cave,” which he described as one of the greatest challenges that any marathon runner faces. He said every runner inevitably sinks into a “pain cave,” or point of time when
the run feels utterly unbearable, but the true triumph is learning how to embrace and ultimately overcome this debilitating state of mind. Even in the moments when the finish line feels unreachable, he has learned to put his head down, focus on the task of the moment and force his mind away from the distance that lies ahead of him. When asked the simple question of why he enjoys running, he said it is rooted in this transformative mindset that has ultimately shaped the way he addresses any challenges in his everyday life. Rather than shy away from the daunting responsibilities of his demanding work schedule or everyday worries, he has learned to embrace each challenge with the comforting thought that he will, inevitably, reach the finish line. I believe this simple message can spark inspiration in anyone, regardless of what life trials and tribulations may try to sink us into our own pain caves. People must learn to navigate unchartered territories throughout their lives that may seem inhibiting in the moment, so it is important to find inspiration that can drive us forward and remind us what we can truly accomplish. The journey of perseverance, as my brother powerfully reminded me, is what truly enriches the experience of reaching any finish line.
Faking it until you make it: a story many think is best forgotten By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist You live somewhere long enough, and you think that you’ve seen everything. It’s certainly the case when considering Richmond’s history and a series of scandals that reflect a part of the city’s past that many find forgettable.
Every city has that sort of past – a collection of swindlers, thieves and others who brought disgrace to themselves and the city and left the remainder of us with a dicy story that still arouses attention decades later. One of those infamous names in Richmond history that you don’t often hear about is Clyde
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022
Pitchford, a flamboyant broker who arrived in Richmond in the early 1980s. Now, any long-time resident will tell you that the city loves its blue bloods, and a Gant shirt and accompanying Weejun loafers had a stronger pull here than most places. Then, and even now, the city revolved around
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the remnants of a Southern class system that placed undue importance on the smallest of things; and pedigree meant more than accomplishment. Appearances always mattered, and who you were seen with or where you lived often determined your career and social status. This town loved a success story, especially the sort that targeted that elite group of FFVs and the throngs who lived only to one day be a part of that group. Clyde Pitchford entered that world with a bang, and his resume of prestigious private schools and a privileged background seemed real enough. Investors were impressed with his luxurious condo and his chauffeur-driven car, and Richmond’s man about town was known for his generous tips. The bawdiness and greed of the see FAKING, pg. 7
CALENDAR
ANTIQUES
Continued from pg. 3
Continued from pg. 1
The foundation’s executive director, David Deal, said the annual event, which will be held April 29 to May 1, offers a uniquely authentic antique show that stands apart from others, as many antique shows feature collectables or vintage items rather than period pieces. “The issue for people who are truly antique aficionados, or really period collectors, is that a lot of these places don’t have real antiques in them. They just have old stuff,” Deal said. Many antique dealers define an antique as a piece that was made during a period when the original design was created, he said. Common periods of design that will be featured include the Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton and Victorian periods. The foundation aims to provide a more traditional antique show to guests by hand selecting dealers based on the quality of their merchandise. This year’s show will feature period furniture, ceramics, silver, pottery, jewelry, art, books, folk art and more from over 20 dealers. The dealers that will be in attendance will feature the collections of Brian Murphy Antiques and Art, Broad Rock House Antiques, Jackson’s Antiques, Peg Lockwood Antiques, Southern Traditions, Sparrow’s Next Antiques, Windsor House Antiques, Brill’s Antiques, John L. Knight Antiques, Justin Westbrook Antiques, Laurel Meadow Antiques, Mark M. Gaines Antiques, Northumberland Antiques, Simpler Times Antiques and the Antique & Art Market. “So it’s a true antique show in that degree, which makes it completely different and special,” Deal said. He said he also aims to
ages 12 to 21, in the cadet program and for adults who want to serve in training the next generation of leaders. They will be accepting tattered or worn U.S. flags. For more information, contact Capt. James Wright at james.wright@vawg. cap.gov or visit https://vawg. cap.gov/units/hanover.
Contributed photo
Shown is a collection of period jewelry and accessories from Windsor House Antiques at a previous Tavern show.
offer visitors an exciting educational experience with the show and requests that dealers offer informative and interactive conversations with guests. The weekend’s events will feature a special presentation by industry expert Sumpter Priddy III after the show closes Saturday. Priddy is a recognized expert in antique furnishings, artifacts and architecture and will offer a lecture on “Inlaid Furniture of the Southern Backcountry” in the Bradley Theater. “We’re trying to get new people who maybe don’t know about true antiques interested in what the real things are and maybe get interested in collecting,” Deal said. The foundation has worked to establish Antiques at the Tavern as an annual event even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Deal said, pointed out that previous shows had drawn a crowd of around 800 guests but attendance fell to 400 during the pandemic. “I’ve had people tell me that they’re so appreciative of the fact that we’re focused on a true period antique show,” Deal said. “They’ve told me ‘This is the best antique show in the south.’” All proceeds from the
show will directly benefit the Hanover Tavern Foundation and support its mission of preserving the tavern as an educational, historical and cultural resource center for the community. The weekend-long program will be held from April 29 to May 1 at the Historic Hanover Tavern. The show opens Friday, April 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. with a reception for guests to enjoy early antique shopping in a relaxed setting with music, an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Saturday will feature another early shopping event from 9 to 10 a.m. The show will open again Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature the special presentation by Priddy at 5:30 p.m. Guests can join Priddy for dinner in the tavern following the lecture. The final day for tours and shopping will be on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who are interested in attending can choose to purchase tickets for a single date, program or select from a variety of offered packages. Discounts are offered to those who purchase tickets prior to the event through the website, Hanovertavern. org, or by calling the tavern at 804-537-5050. Standard tickets will be available at the door.
BASH Continued from pg. 2
open and fair. Hunter-Jordan will talk about a year of challenges and successes for minorities in Hanover. “We are excited about the entire program, venue and dinner. But this year, more than anything else, we are excited about getting together with other area Democrats. Because of the pandemic, it will be the first time in three years that we have had this chance to celebrate,” said John
FAKING Continued from pg. 6
generation contributed to an environment where few questioned Pitchford’s credentials, even the numerous banks that were issuing loans to the broker and his companies; or how he accumulated the wealth to support such an expensive lifestyle. All of those questions were rudely answered in early 1986, when Pitchford left town with about $1 million worth of investors’ money. Eventually captured, Pitchford became the focus of conversation in the city, and many were happy to boast of their association with the once respected broker. Many others hoped they’d never hear his name again. Officials auctioned off Pitchford’s expensive furnishings that included pricey art
Friday, April 29 & Saturday, April 30 The St. Paul Lutheran Church is holding an “Everything for $1 Yard Sale.” The yard sale will be held rain or shine, inside and outside from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be located at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8100 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville. The sale will feature linens, kitchenware, home décor, clothes, books, toys, lawn and gardening items,
furniture and much more. Hot dogs, drinks and baked goods will be for sale. Proceeds will benefit the church’s missionary family, MCEF, and other community ministries that the church supports. Call 804-4277500.
Saturday, April 30 Friendly Care Day School will be celebrating 50 years of caring, loving, teaching and see CALENDAR, pg. 10
Suddarth, chair of the Bash Committee. Hanover Democratic Committee chair Daniel McGraw explained that this year’s celebration marks an exciting push for Democrats who are looking forward to a new political upturn in 2022. “That’s why we are calling this year’s celebration the New Moon Bash,” said McGraw. “For the first several years that we held this event, we called it the Blue Moon Bash because it seemed that Democrats won an election once in a Blue Moon.
Then as our political fortunes changed and there was a wave of Democrats elected statewide and nationally, we changed the name to Blue Wave Bash. Now, we’re calling it the New Moon Bash as we once again look forward to an upturn in Democratic victories.” Reservations can be made online at HVADems.com or by check through the Hanover Democratic Committee, P.O. Box 22, Ashland, VA 23005. Go to HVADems.com for a registration form and more information.
pieces and valuable antiques. True to his nature to the end, Pitchford requested that some of his expensive suits and ties be spared from the humiliation of a public auction. After the captured broker was returned and convicted, he served about six years of a 25-year sentence and settled near Franklin, Virginia. In 2011, he was found in that home the victim of an apparent suicide. A friend in Franklin told me years later that Pitchford was a respected member of the Southhampton County community and enjoyed an anonymity that protected him from curious onlookers or industrious reporters. Many in the area were unaware of his sordid past. He kept a low profile and, to my knowledge, never discussed
the scandal publicly. As years passed the story faded in to the semi-closed past of a city that knows how to forget the bad times. It wasn’t the first time that Richmonders had been duped by unsubstantiated heroes who rode in on white horses and left in handcuffs. Nor would it be the last. Pitchford’s bizarre tale is rarely shared, especially by those who were victims of his fraud. It’s reasonable to assume that those who lost the most are willing to say the least. But,the lost money wasn’t the only thing that made Richmonders want to forget the story. It was a much deeper wound to the fabric of a community that so wholeheartedly accepted the brokers’ promises and fell prey to guarantees backed by pedigree only.
Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022 7
Sports
UPCOMING EVENTS
04
15 2022
Baseball/Softball: Hanover at Mechanicsville 6:00 p.m./6:00 p.m.
04
15 2022
Baseball/Softball: Patrick Henry at Atlee 6:00 p.m./6:00 p.m.
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Joel Klein for The Local
Mechanicsville catcher Grayson Moore holds the tag as St. Christopher’s Bryce Neely is nailed at the plate by left fielder Cam Lamb’s throw to end the third inning in the Saints’ 5-2 win Wednesday.
Baseball teams tested during spring break By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Two county high school baseball teams used their spring break week to take a lot of tests. On diamonds. Not on diamonds of the sparkly variety, though there were at times plenty of sparks. Instead, their tests came on baseball diamonds. Hanover traveled to USA Baseball’s National Baseball Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, for the National High School Invitational Tournament in which they
8
faced three teams ranked among the top 20 nationally in Baseball America’s Top 25 poll. Mechanicsville stayed local, playing in Deep Run’s Spring Break Tournament. Neither team was perfect, but both learned valuable lessons as they head into the heart of their regular season schedules. The Hawks went 1-of-3 in the National High School Invitational, losing to No. 3 Orange (California) Lutheran 6-3 Wednesday, beating No. 18 First Academy of Orlando, Florida, 9-2 in 10 innings Thursday, and falling to No.
Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022
8 Yucaipa (California) 13-4 in eight innings Saturday. “It was a really good test for us and get challenged, you know, even though we lost two of three,” said Hanover head coach Tyler Kane. “We feel like it was still worth it going down there to see that level of talent.” Kane said the quality of the hitters the Hawks faced was consistently high. “Starting in game one, and obviously working all the way through, the one through nine hitters in the lineup for all three teams we faced were really good players,” Kane said. “Scrappy, and they hit mistakes. Even
though our pitchers have higher velocity — all low-to-mid 90s — anytime we left something over the middle of the plate, they made us pay, hit balls hard. “So, walking away from it, I think it really helps our pitchers realize that they not only have to throw hard, but hit spots and mix pitches well.” Mechanicsville reached the championship game of the Deep Run tournament but fell to St. Christopher’s 5-2 after taking a lead into the sixth inning in the championship game Wednesday. The final result may have been disappointing, but Mechanicsville head coach
Tyler Johnson was happy with how his team battled all the way through. The Mustangs started the tournament with an 8-2 win over Caroline on April 2. They ended up in quite a battle on April 4 against Midlothian, eventually winning 15-12 in a contest which depleted Mechanicsville’s pitching corps. The Mustangs caught a break with the weather the next day — their championship faceoff with St. Christopher’s was postponed for a day, allowing their arms to recover somewhat — and took a lead into the sixth inning thanks to a stellar performance
by pitcher Sam Owens, who had started against Caroline. Mechanicsville couldn’t hold the lead after Owens left in the sixth, however. “We beat Midlo on Monday. It was a wild game,” Johnson said. “We went through a lot of pitching. Luckily we got the day off so we could bring back a couple of guys against St. Chris on Wednesday. So we brought back Sam Owens who threw on Saturday, and he came back and started. “He threw really well. He threw, you know, five scoreless see TESTED, pg. 9
R-MC sweeps Quakers in ODAC twinbill By Rob Witham for The Local ASHLAND — This weekend’s performance by Randolph-Macon softball, ranked sixth in Division III by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, reflected a team with a unique chemistry — a team that continues to build an impressive resume as the postseason looms. Sunday’s Senior Day doubleheader netted the Yellow Jackets a pair of 7-0 victories over Guilford in Old Dominion Athletic Conference action. The offense was powered by junior Rilee Baughan, who slammed a pair of home runs and drove in five RBIs — and pitched a complete-game shutout — in game two. On the day, Baughan had three homers and eight total RBIs. The perfection was spun by the arm of freshman Gracie Ellis, who struck out 14 Quakers while pitching a perfect game in game one. No Guilford batter reached a three-ball count during the contest, characterizing just how dominant Ellis was in the circle. Head coach Kevin Proffitt said he’d need to take a trip into the record books to see if there had been a pitching performance in program history quite like Ellis’ gem, which makes her 14-2 this season with 145 strikeouts in 18 total appearances. “We knew there was the potential for us to be pretty good,” Proffitt said when asked to look back at his roster before the season began. “It depended upon how fast they developed, and maturity … it’s been fun to watch.” The sweep of the Quakers completed a weekend which saw Randolph-Macon (245, 9-3 ODAC) win three of four conference games, split-
Joel Klein for The Local
ting a pair on Saturday against Bridgewater. After Sunday’s league action, the Yellow Jackets and Eagles sit atop the conference, tied at 9-3, with surprising Ferrum just behind at 7-3, and perennial powers Virginia Wesleyan and Lynchburg tied for fourth at 8-4. Both Bridgewater games were blowouts, as the Yellow Jackets took the first game 9-1, while the Eagles won 12-1 in the nightcap. After a ceremony to honor seniors Sami Davidson and Kellie Ferguson on Sunday, Randolph-Macon went to work. Baughan launched a three-run home run in the third inning to give Ellis more than enough run support. She finished with four round-trippers during the weekend homestand. Olivia Owens had a solo homer an inning later, and Davidson plated Owens and Naomi Sadler with a double in the sixth. Proffitt was mighty proud of his two seniors for their bodies of work in addition to their
Left, Randolph-Macon freshman third baseman Kayla Davis sends a ground ball toward Bridgewater third baseman Kaitlyn Tirona. Davis would reach base on a fielder’s choice in the Yellow Jackets’ 9-1 victory in the opener of a doubleheader at Randolph-Macon Saturday. Bottom left, RandolphMacon center fielder Olivia Owens steals second base as Bridgewater’s Hannah Mahan fields the throw. Above, Randolph-Macon first baseman Rilee Baughan leads off a four-run third inning with a single as she would go 3 for 3 with a two-run homer.
where from the top seed to the sixth seed when the 2022 ODAC Championship begins in Salem on April 29. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.
TESTED Continued from pg. 8
weekend performance. “Sami has grown so much as a person. It was so good to see Kellie have such a good game today,” Proffitt noted. “Even though she hasn’t been in the lineup regularly, she is always the No. 1 supporter of whoever is at second base.” In game two, Baughan’s two homers landed almost exactly in the same position just over the right field wall, a solo shot
in the first and a two-run blast in the sixth. Sandwiched in between was a two-run double in the fourth inning. With just two games separating the ODAC’s top six teams with two weeks left in the regular season, the schedule makers did no favors for the Yellow Jackets, as their final three conference doubleheaders are all on the road, beginning with Wednesday’s key matchup
against Virginia Wesleyan. This Saturday sees the Yellow Jackets head to Eastern Mennonite, followed by a trip to Winchester on April 23 to face Shenandoah to end regular-season play. Depending on both how this team — unique with its combination of veteran leadership, infectious energy, and first-year contributors across the board, performs under pressure — they could be any-
innings for us and was, you know, pretty dominant. I think he only gave up one or two hits throughout his outing. When he left, we were up 2-0.” The Saints scored all five of their runs after Owens left the game. “I don’t think we were tired,” Johnson said. “It was just a bad outing and, you know, that happens. “It just happened at the wrong time.”
Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022 9
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 7
growing children. Celebrate with the school on April 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Hanover Evangelical Friends Church. They will be celebrating with desserts and punch. They will also celebrate past and present directors along with past and present assistant directors. They are requesting community submissions of favorite memories of the school or favorite teacher at fcdsdirector@gmail. com or mail Nicole Langston at 6420 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA, 23111.
Thursday, May 5 and Thursday, May 12 The Ashland Museum will offer two guided walking tours of Woodland Cemetery in May. Join Susan Tucker, Woodland Cemetery Administrator, for the look at history and stories found at Woodland. Members are free and non-members are $15. Reservations and information are available at ashlandmuseum.org.
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 804270-9626.
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, April 27, 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: 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 SE2022-00001, ANN-CAROL M. AND CLIFT P. HOUSTON Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.25 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to allow an accessory family housing unit on GPIN 7778-31-7949, consisting of approximately 8.65 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Cedar Lane (State Route 623) approximately 340 feet west of its intersection with Elmont Road (State Route 626). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna 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 SE2022-00007, LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Sections 26-199 and 26-206 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit loading spaces in the front yard on GPIN 7788-49-9246, consisting of approximately 12.5 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, and located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Northlake Park Drive (State Route 2028) and Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland 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-Upcoming-and-Archiv for more information.
see CALENDAR, pg. 16
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, April 21, 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: REZ2021-00024, C FALLS II, L.L.C., ET AL. Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan and proffers approved with rezoning requests, REZ2020-00043, Betty F. Giragosian, et al., and REZ2021-00001, Chickahominy Falls Association, Inc., to add GPINS 7787-154095, 7787-15-1275, and 7787-16-9031(part), consisting of 8.52 acres, to the Chickahominy Falls Subdivision, and amend the conceptual plan for GPINS 7787-15-2466(part), 7787-15-4510, and 7787-15-4401, consisting of approximately 0.72 acres, for a total of 9.24 acres. The proposal is to rezone the additional 8.52 acres from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, and to amend the conceptual plan; the total acreage of the Chickahominy Falls Subdivision would increase to 188.33 acres. The property being added to Chickahominy Falls Subdivision is located at the terminus of Chickahominy Falls Lane (route number pending) 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 16 lots to a 452-unit subdivision for a total of 468 dwelling units; this represents a decrease in the overall density from 2.52 dwelling units per gross acre to 2.49 dwelling units per gross acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2021-00017, CHARLES HENRY KING Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to M-1(c), Limited Industrial District with conditions, on GPIN 7787-58-4811, consisting of approximately 5.0 acres, and located on the west line of Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782) approximately 850 feet south of its intersection with Timber Ridge Drive (State Route 1311). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Limited Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a warehouse with office space. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2022-00002, ISKCON OF RICHMOND Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a place of worship on GPIN 7842-22-0261, consisting of approximately 20.0 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the west line of Scotchtown Road (State Route 671) approximately 665 feet north of its intersection with Three Oaks Lane (State Route 1030). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CPA2021-00002, STEIN INVESTMENT COMPANY, L.L.C. Request(s) to amend the Comprehensive Plan for Hanover County, Virginia, adopted February 14, 2018, pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2223 through 15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. The proposed amendment will be a change to the adopted Comprehensive Plan as follows: General Land Use Plan Map: An amendment to change the land use designation from Suburban General (1.5 – 3 dwelling units per acre) and Suburban High (3 – 7 dwelling units per acre) to Commercial for areas generally located on the north line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) near its intersection with Compass Point Lane (State Route 1075) and Woodbridge Road (State Route 1184). (PUBLIC HEARING) MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Henry CUP2021-00017, HANOVER EVANGELICAL FRIENDS CHURCH Request(s) to amend CUP-14-05, in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, to amend the Conditional Use Permit to reduce the area of the CUP on GPINs 8725-20-7131 and 8725-30-0083, from 11.67 acres to 5.78 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) at its intersection with Compass Point Lane (State Route 1075). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 to 3 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2021-00025, HANOVER EVANGELICAL FRIENDS CHURCH Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, on GPINs 8725-20-7131 (part) and 8725-30-0083, consisting of approximately 5.90 acres, and located on the north line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) at its intersection with Compass Point Lane (State Route 1075). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 to 3 dwelling units per acre) (pending concurrent request CPA2021-00002 to change the General Land Use Plan Map to Commercial). The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a self-storage facility. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry CUP2021-00018, STEIN INVESTMENT COMPANY, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-130.12 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a self-storage warehouse facility, on GPINs 8725-20-7131(part) and 8725-30-0083, consisting of approximately 5.90 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District (pending concurrent request REZ2021-00025 to rezone to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions) and located on the north line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) at its intersection with Compass Point Lane (State Route 1075). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 to 3 dwelling units per acre) (pending concurrent request CPA2021-00002 to change the General Land Use Plan Map to Commercial). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry CUP2022-00003, HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (PARKS & RECREATION) Request(s) an amendment to the sketch plan of CUP-27-88, Am. 1-10, in accordance with Section 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit governmental buildings, parks, and its related uses on GPINs 7812-52-3457, 7812-63-6314, and 7812-74-6165, consisting of approximately 67.33 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Clazemont Road (State Route 715) approximately 375 feet west of its intersection with Mountain Road (U.S. Route 33). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Rural Village and Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2021-00018, RADNEY ROAD PARTNERS L.L.C., ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential District and B-3, General Business District, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, on GPINs 8724-50-7890 and 8724-50-9712, consisting of approximately 2.64 acres, and located on the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Creighton Road (State Route 615) and Cold Harbor Road (State Route 156). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a convenience store with fuel pumps. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor REZ2022-00002, THE WILTON COMPANIES, INC. Request(s) to rezone from B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions to RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions on GPIN 8706-65-7535, consisting of approximately 6.28 acres, and located on the north line of Hanover Crossing Drive (private road) approximately 675 feet east of its intersection with Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban High (3-7 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 30 condominium units for a gross density of 4.78 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2021-00013, WILLSON FAMILY, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions on GPINs 7768-32-5430, 7768-31-1504 (part), and 7767-39-7416 (part), consisting of approximately 155.1 acres, and located on the south line of Winns Church Road (State Route 660) approximately 1,500 feet west of its intersection with Greenwood Road (State Route 625). 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 261 building lots for a gross density of 1.7 dwelling units per 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
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LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ASHLAND TOWN COUNCIL Please take notice that on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 7:00 PM, the Ashland Town Council will conduct public hearings at Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, Virginia on the following:
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Town of Ashland, Virginia proposes to increase property tax levies. 1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 4.88%. 2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.095 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.” 3. Effective Rate Increase: The Town of Ashland proposes to adopt a tax rate of $0.10 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.005 per $100, or 5.26 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage. 4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the Town of Ashland will increase by 12.9 percent. The real estate tax rate is not changing. This public hearing is required by state law because the real estate assessments result in an effective tax rate increase. Community members are encouraged to participate electronically. Comments may be submitted to Matt Reynal, Deputy Town Manager, via email at MReynal@ashlandva.gov, by phone at (804) 798-9219 or through regular mail to Clerk of Council, Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in the public hearings is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements may be made.
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LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 27, 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 resolution being proposed for adoption: RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION BY CONDEMNATION OF FEE SIMPLE RIGHT OF WAY AND TEMPORARY PROPERTY INTERESTS ON PORTIONS OF GPIN 7787-97-8083, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING ROAD AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S SIX-YEAR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND HANOVER COUNTY’S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND MAJOR THOROUGHFARE PLAN, AND TO ENTER UPON THE PROPERTY TO BE ACQUIRED AND INITIATE CONSTRUCTION BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTIONS 15.2-1904 AND 15.2-1905(C) AND CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 25.1 (SECTIONS 25.1-300 ET SEQ.) A complete copy of the proposed resolution 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
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
Public Notice
Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, April 27, 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. LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 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 public hearing on the appointment of school board members for the Beaverdam District, in accordance with Section 22.1-29.1 of the Code of Virginia. All persons desiring to nominate or support candidates for this position may appear at the above time and place. LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 19th day of April at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input, and may make a recommendation on the following application: Ordinance No. 2022-03 The Town of Ashland is requesting approval of Ordinance No. 202203 which would amend Town Code by modifying Article II, “General Procedures, Plat and Platting” Division 2, “Preliminary Plat Procedures”, Sec. 17-21 “Preliminary Plat” and Division 3, “Final Plat Procedures”, Sec. 17- 24 “Final Subdivision Plats.” Copies of ORD2022-03 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Voting continues through Friday, April 15 at 5 p.m./ Pick your Local’s Choices today!
LIBRARY Continued from pg. 3
Hear and listen through song and true stories about the African-American Experience on the Railroad. Born into a hard-working lineage of family railroad workers, Donald Coles will demonstrate how the railroad and music impacted his life. Encounter and discover how he integrates and blends the stories of railroad days and music to convey this generational chronicle. Minority Health Panel, Thursday, April 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn from the library’s panel of experts about the special health needs and concerns of community members who are different from the majority. The panel will be facilitated by Lauren Pagac, a nurse from the Chickahominy Health District. VIRTUAL PROGRAMS HomeFit Workshop. Wednesday, April 27, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. “Modify Your Home for Safety and Comfort.” The AARP HomeFit Workshop provides information, ideas and inspiration to help attendees decide what type of home modifications are needed to stay in their homes as they age. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/8944283. This
program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If a reminder email is not received, contact the library. *Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Avenue for more information.
Hanover Branch Library TAKE & MAKE PROGRAMS Environmental Health. Pickup starts Tuesday, April 12. Find out the connection between the environment and the health of individuals and communities with an informative take and make kit while supplies last. *Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive for more information.
Lois Wickham Jones/ Montpelier Branch Library IN-PERSON PROGRAMS Outdoor Family Story Time at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursdays, April 14 and 28, 4 to 4:30 p.m. see LIBRARY, pg. 16
Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022 13
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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
Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022
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Sunday morning musings about superheroes Laura McFarland Managing Editor The sound of cat food clinking against a metal bowl a few feet from my head inspired this column. Over the weekend, I made a quick foray into North Carolina to see a pregnant friend who is now more than ready for the new baby – the placeholder name for the little girl is Asparagus – to arrive. As there is no guest room, I slept on the couch, which I knew going in, so there was no surprise there. The wild card with sleeping on the couch in the living room of a house with children is usually how you are going to be woken up in the morning. But for me, it is actually how I am going to choose to accept the FINAL wake up. For some of you, this column will be the farthest from reality you can imagine simply because your morning routine is more predictable than a cat getting excited playing with a laser pointer. (That was last night’s activity before conking out on the couch.) You set your alarm, you have a rooster’s crow or you have some kind of magical internal clock that has been waking you up at the same time every day since mornings were invented. I am the opposite of that. Not only am I a night owl by nature, but the nature of life not being predictable combined with a propensity for not going to sleep at a set (or sometimes even reasonable) time means mornings can at times feel like a chore. Oh, and I have more pre-programmed snooze alarms than Hanover has churches. Back to this morning, as I am writing this column mostly in real time. I love my friend’s children, but a few of them are a little more rambunctious in the morning than my sleep-deprived brain can handle. Two in particular, a 9-year-old girl named Aurelia and an 8-year-old boy named William, like me as much as I adore them and want to hang out in the morning seconds after I open my eyes. That means I am very deliberate about when said opening of
the eyes happens. It did not happen at 7 a.m. when William fed the cat in the aforementioned cat bowl a few feet from the couch, which I am informed happens like clockwork at 7 every morning. “But one time when we noticed the time it was 7:05,” William tells me while balancing on his pregnant mother’s birthing ball. Why is this thing in the living room? Nor did it happen when I heard the plastic cacophony of what sounded like a million Legos being poured onto the floor upstairs or when I heard the sizzle of sausage in the nearby kitchen (my nose was stopped up so it wasn’t the smell). But I was becoming conscious at that time, which is what got me thinking about the art of waking up at my friend’s house through the years. I am sure many of you can relate. There is the cat on your head wake-up; the baby cry wake-up; the “who is pounding on the wall” wake-up; the “he hit me” wake-up,” and my personal favorite – the “Miss Laura” whispered with an angelic smile wake-up. So I decided to grab my laptop and write down a few musings. And then William and Aurelia joined me and it all became too precious not to share. By the way, Aurelia just admired my pajamas, which have “Is it Friday yet?” written on the top. Less than 30 seconds later, for some completely unknown reason the brother and sister were alternating lines of the “Fuzzy Wuzzy” rhyme. Now they are reciting it together. Am I in “The Shining” right now? “We are very awake in the morning, unlike other people,” William informed me sagely. Like I didn’t know that. One time, when these two were toddlers and we slept in a little too long, the amount of destruction they wreaked on the house, including some of my stuff, was epic. Seriously, it was Category 5 tornado level toddler destruction. Currently, Aurelia is getting her hair ready for church, so William is bored and rolling listlessly on the birthing ball and listing all the things he doesn’t have time to do before church. “I can’t take the dog for a walk because I am too young to go
outside by myself. Also we don’t have a dog,” he says, rolling back and forth, with his stomach on the ball. He is contemplating what he can pull out and play before it is time to go to church. There isn’t enough time for the train tracks, he is musing. Abruptly – “no it’s not Laura. It’s not Friday.” Apparently this is no longer a column about the art of waking up because William and I have been distracted by an ecstatic cat playing with an avocado-shaped toy with catnip in it. I thought it would be interesting to see if I could write this column based on my early morning musings without once saying to anyone, “I am trying to concentrate, can you give me a little quiet.” The results have been fascinating and it is hard to keep a straight face. Aurelia is back from getting her hair done by her mom and then getting dressed for church. She is showing off her red sequined coin purse, which looks lovely with her beautiful hairstyle and dress. Meanwhile, William is in the kitchen reading corny jokes from a magazine to one of the adults. What is the most dangerous vegetable to have on a ship? A leek! Before I know it, the adults are involved, and a messed up (as in told wrong, not inappropriate) joke about who would win in a fight – Batman or Darth Vader – has turned into an actual debate about who would win in a fight –Batman or Darth Vader. “Darth Vader has a laser,” William argues. “Do you know how much money Bruce Wayne has? He has enough money to build a laser,” I retort. “Who is Bruce Wayne?” Aurelia, who is sitting on another couch trying to read a book I gave her for Christmas, chimes in. And the ultimate answer to the question of who would win in a fight – Batman or Darth Vader – that I am sure you have been waiting on pins and needles to hear? Chuck Norris. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ Hanovertoday.com.
Preschool applications open for 2022-2023 school year
Photo courtesy of HCPS
Alivia Grace Burton swings outside during recess.
Hanover Preschool is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. The Hanover Preschool program supports children in a language-based environment with an emphasis on cognitive (pre-academic), motor, communication, socialemotional and adaptive skill development. The Hanover Preschool program is changing in the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. Division staff have been working together to establish an even stronger collaboration between the Hanover Preschool Initiative program and the Early Childhood Special Education reverse inclusion program. By joining both programs, they can better serve all students who are part of the Hanover County Public Schools
Preschool Program. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2022, and applicants must be a resident of Hanover County. All Hanover children can apply for HCPS Preschool. Some qualifications for acceptance include income and identified at-risk factors or strong peer models; however, the screening process is open to students from all backgrounds. Information about the program and application is available on the HCPS website: http://hcps.us/parents_students/programs/hanover_preschool_programs. Information submitted by HCPS Assistant Superintendent Chris Whitley.
Hanover Solid Waste centers will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 17 Hanover County’s solid waste convenience centers will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 17. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer. Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022 15
LIBRARY Continued from pg. 13
Join the library in the Rose Garden to sing songs, learn rhymes and listen to stories. Each session will have an engaging craft to take home. Feel free to bring a chair, towel and sunscreen. Storytime is held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather. The Upcycle Life: Tin Can Wind Chimes, Thursday, April 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The library will give dis-
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 13, 2022
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 10
Sundays All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. For more information, visit www.allsoulsva.org.
carded tin cans new life as Cottage Core-friendly wind chimes using just a little paint and decoupage. Monopoly Anyone? Game Night, Thursday, April 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m. For ages 12 to 18. Join the library for a fun and competitive night of playing board games. They have a variety of games to choose from, so grab a friend and visit the library. *Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information. 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, midJanuary through mid-December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a nonstring instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.
A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. For more information, call 804-746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.
Wednesdays
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
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 informa-
The American Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville, holds a “Meet and Greet, Coffee and Donut” event every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what they do for the community.
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library TAKE & MAKE PROGRAMS Take & Make: Spring Carrot Magnet at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Pickup starts Friday, April 1 Ages 14 and up. Stop by the Rockville branch and pick up this cute springtime magnet kit while supplies last. *Call 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. tion, contact the church office, located at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville. Contact 804-746-5081 or at wgbcinfo@ comcast.net or 804-746-4696. 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 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo. com. Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove Road Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@gmail.com.