COMMUNITY
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Local 6-year-old honored for saving mother’s life
Kindergarten enrollment for 20222023 now open PAGE
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Vol. 7 No. 33 | Richmond Suburban News | April 20, 2022
New Hanover Presbyterian hosts Ukrainian support fundraiser
By Jim Ridolphi For The Mechanicsville Local A plan revising Hanover’s school calendar for the 20232024 session that includes a pre-Labor Day starting date has evenly divided support among students and parents. A number of them favor retaining the traditional post-Labor Day start, while an equal portion of stakeholders support a first day two weeks earlier. That’s the message school officials received when they requested public input following the introduction of the revised calendar last year. The
By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
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ommunity and church members recently gathered at the New Hanover Presbyterian Church for an honorary feast and celebration of local support for Ukraine. With over 120 attendees and more drop-ins by community members, the event exceeded the church’s fundraising goals and revealed an inspiring display of the community’s generosity. The event was held on Saturday, April 9 by New Hanover Presbyterian Church and followed a Day of Prayer for Ukraine held earlier in the day. Attendees enjoyed Ukrainian food, listened to the moving stories of featured speakers and even rose for a presentation of the Ukrainian national anthem. “It was really meaningful,” said Katrina VanHuss, the event organizer. “Everyone stood and you could just feel the grief in the room about
Board seeks public input regarding early start for 2023-2024 school year
see INPUT, pg. 8 Photos courtesy of Janice Reagan
New Hanover Presbyterian Church held an honorary feast and celebration of local support for Ukraine. John Murphy, shown with his wife Iryna and their two children, shared the story of his family’s displacement due to the current war and their mission to provide support to displaced Ukrainians.
what’s happening.” VanHuss said the church began planning for the event on March 21 after Jeff Sigmon, a fellow church member, initiated the idea.
“He just sat back one day and said, ‘We have to do something,’ and the floodgates just opened,” VanHuss said. see UKRAINIAN, pg. 19
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Director of accreditation and accountability Nancy Disharoon summarized comments received on a plan to begin school prior to Labor Day for the 2023-2024 school year. Officials are seeking public feedback on the matter until May 27, and the board is expected to make a final decision at its June meeting. There is no change proposed for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.
Supervisors adopt FY2023 budget, discuss school minimum wage By Christina Amano Dolan Editor The Hanover Board of Supervisors voted unanimously
to adopt the presented fiscal year (FY) 2023 total budget of $615.5 million last week. While the budget has received praise by citizens see FY2023 pg. 7
APRIL 8 - MAY 15 Created by Larry Gallagher
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Local 6-year-old honored for saving mother’s life By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
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local 6-year-old recently received county recognition from the Hanover Board of Supervisors for her heroic actions in saving her mother’s life. Jordynn Etheridge stepped to the front of the board of supervisors meeting room accompanied by her mother, Deja, and younger sister, Peyton, on April 13 to receive a 9-1-1 Life Saving Award and recognition as an Honorary Communications Officer.
In addition to receiving county recognition, Jordynn was honored by Hanover County Sheriff Col. David Hines earlier this month. Hines gifted Jordynn with a Sheriff’s Challenge Coin and stuffed animal for her courageous efforts. In a press conference preceding the April 13 meeting, Deja Etheridge shared the inspiring story of her daughter, Jordynn, coming to her rescue. She was accompanied by both Jordynn and Peyton, who is 3 years old. Deja said she woke up the morning of March 14 feeling groggy but tried to shake it off
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in order to get her daughter to school. As soon as she tried to make it up the staircase, she said she collapsed to the ground and “everything just went black.” Jordynn, upon finding her mother unconscious, immediately jumped into action and dialed 911. She calmly told the dispatcher that her mother was unconscious, stepped outside to double-check her home address on the mailbox and met first responders outside on the road to guide them into the house. Deja’s mother also came rushing to the door after Jordynn contacted her. “I mean it was a crazy event,” Deja said. “But thanks to Jordan, she got everybody there in a quick manner. So I’m just really thankful.” Jordynn knew what to do in the face of an emergency due to her mother’s teachings. Deja said she taught her two daughters at a young age how to respond in emergency situations. After Deja had fallen ill from COVID-19 this past January, she revisited the plan with her girls on the specifics of what to do if she falls unconscious. In order to raise awareness to fellow parents, Deja posted a short clip of the incident on the popular social media app TikTok. Her video soon went viral and reached over 7 million views and 1.1 million likes by TikTok users, she said. “I just really wanted to get that message out to other parents because it’s just a small detail that we’re just going to happen, you know, to unintentionally overlook.” She said she created fun ways to familiarize her young daughters with the step-by-step process on how to respond in an emergency, using educational songs, pop quizzes and rewarding them with a small prize if they answered correctly. She also ensured they knew their home address and how to dial 911 in her phone.
Deja said she feels a sense of reassurance given Jordynn’s receptiveness to her teachings and expressed how proud she was of her daughter’s bravery. “And it really makes me emotional. Because it's like no one wants to put your child in a situation like that, not that it's something that you can really control,” Deja said. “But as a mom, knowing that my kids are gonna look out for me even though I'm supposed to be their protector, you know, at such a young age, they can step in and be my protector. Christina Amano Dolan/The Local I mean, it's huge.” Deja and Jordynn Etheridge meet Shannon Scheibel, the 911 Cheryl Buchanan, direc- dispatcher who responded to Jordynn’s call, for the first time in tor of the Hanover County person on April 13.
Christina Amano Dolan/The Local
Deja and Peyton Etheridge are pictured with Shannon Scheibel and members of the Hanover County Fire-EMS and Sheriff’s Office after Jordynn received a 911 Life Saver Award and recognition as an Honorary Communications Officer by the Hanover Board of Supervisors.
Emergency Communications Department, recognized Jordynn’s admirable bravery and spotlighted the importance of setting an emergency plan with children as soon as possible. “I mean, now children are so technology savvy… so I don’t think it’s too soon to start basic instruction,” Buchanan said. “I would say as soon as an opportunity presents itself, to educate them on that.” She said families should also reach out to their local 911
center for additional advice on emergency preparedness. “Public outreach is important,” Buchanan said. “And we would love the opportunity to engage our community and help with those education plans to make sure that our citizens, whether they are 6 years old or 60 years old, know what to expect when they call 911.” She also called attention to the week marking National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and praised the county’s dispatchers
for their exceptional work. Later in the day, Jordynn had the opportunity of officially meet the 911 dispatcher who responded to her call, Shannon Scheibel. Scheibel hugged Jordynn and commended her for her great work. “It’s really amazing and something that she’ll always be able to look back on,” Deja said. “And she has always been a very shy child, so to know that she had that burst of personality shine through, I mean, it’s really rewarding.”
Arrest made in larceny case, suspect located Kristopher M. Williams, 38, of Henrico, has been located and arrested. He was charged with the following crimes: grand larceny, conspiracy to commit a felony, vandalism, trespassing and possession of burglary tools. These charges stem from his connection to the theft of numerous catalytic converters. Last month, investigators with the Hanover County
Sheriff ’s Office charged and arrested two other individuals believed to be responsible for these crimes. Herbert D. Jones Jr., 28, of Richmond and Christopher Meeks, 38, of Henrico have been charged with: grand larceny, conspiracy to commit a felony, vandalism, trespassing and possession of burglary tool. The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the com-
munity in locating Williams in connection with these crimes. The sheriff’s office would like to extend sincere appreciation to the community and law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case that ultimately led to Williams’ apprehension. Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, public information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
WILLIAMS
Midlothian man arrested for construction fraud Geoffrey Scott Cash, 34, of Midlothian, was located in Virginia Beach and arrested. Cash was arrested on an outstanding warrant for construction fraud. Even though Cash has been arrested, this investigation remains ongoing. Investigators are continuing to request than any Hanover County citizen who recognizes Cash and
believes they have been the victim of fraud to contact the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office at 804-365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers Methods are anonymous. The Hanover County
Kindergarten enrollment for 2022-2023 now open Hanover County Public Schools is now accepting kindergarten enrollments for the 2022-2023 school year. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to be eligible. Parents and guardians may locate the school their child will attend at http://bit.ly/AttendanceZone. Parents or legal guardians of new students may enroll their eligible children either via an online form or via a printed enrollment form. After completing either form, families are to contact the registrar of their child’s zoned school to set up an appointment to complete the enrollment process. Enrollment is not considered complete until the in-person appointment for enrollment takes place and the
school registrar receives all necessary documentation required, including, but not limited to, a photo ID, an original birth certificate and proof of residency. The online and printed enrollment forms, including the School Entrance Health Form, can be accessed by visiting the Student Enrollment webpage on the HCPS website: http:// hcps.us/parents_students/student_enrollment. Families of eligible kindergarten students are encouraged to enroll their child in kindergarten by June 1. Families with questions on the enrollment process should contact the school registrar. Information submitted by HCPS Assistant Superintendent Chris Whitley.
Sheriff ’s Office would like to extend sincere appreciation to the community and law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case that ultimately led to his apprehension. Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, public information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office.
Guest Host: Simone Cuccurullo NBC Channel 12 News Anchor
CASH
Arrests made in vehicle larceny case During the overnight hours on April 6, deputies responded to multiple larcenies from unlocked vehicles in the Pebble Creek and Battlefield Green subdivisions. Citizens provided deputies with images from a Ring camera of two possible suspects walking around vehicles in the neighborhood. After a thorough investigation and with the assistance of the Essex County Sheriff ’s Office, the two suspects were positively identified and arrested. Brandon Tyler Duff, 24, of King & Queen County and Christopher Michael Skelton, 18, of Richmond County have both been arrested and charged with grand larceny and petit larceny. After the execution of a search warrant of one of the
DUFF
SKELTON
offender’s vehicle, additional items were recovered that indicated the possibility of additional victims. If you are missing property from your vehicle during the timeframe of April 6 to the morning of April 7 and have not reported this incident, contact the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office. As always, the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office encourages all citizens to lock their vehicles and remove all see VEHICLE, pg. 4
In Honor of National Volunteer Week WE THANK OUR COMMUNITY FOR VOLUNTEERING! The Hanover County Board of Supervisors invites YOU to Hanover’s
Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration & Awards S May 12, 2022 (Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program begins at 7:00 p.m.)
Hanover High School 10307 Chamberlayne Road Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116
Enjoy an Informal Evening with… Hanover Concert Band & Hanover High Strings as well as entertainment and light reception.
FREE Admission / RSVP to Hanover Community Resources volunteer@hanovercounty.gov or (804) 365-4300 Award Sponsors: Ashland ACE Hardware & Equipment, Copy Cat Printing, Inc., Covenant Woods, Grace Community Presbyterian Church, Virginia Credit Union, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Hanover Chamber of Commerce. Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022 3
A ‘Triple Treat’ celebration for Secretariat, MEMORIES ARE FOREVER Riva Ridge & Penny Chenery on April 23
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022
Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Celebrate Secretariat’s 52nd birthday, the 50th anniversary of Riva Ridge’s 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont wins, and the 100th birthday of Penny Chenery on April 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Depot in Downtown Ashland. Join award-winning authors Kate Chenery Tweedy and Leeanne Meadows Ladin for a party and program featuring special guests from Meadow Stable, Meadow memorabilia, a raffle and an exclusive screening of the film “Remembering Riva” by John Tweedy. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, birthday cake and a cash bar with wine, beer and a special Meadow Mint Julep. The occasion also marks the official launch of the 10th anniversary edition of the book “Riva Ridge – Penny’s First Champion,” which the authors will sign along with their best-
Contributed photo
Pictured is a painting by Lisa Palombo titled ‘Secretariat Preakness.’
selling “Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend.” Guests can also view a model of the heroic monument of Secretariat proposed for Virginia. Registration is $20 per person online and $25 at the door. See ashlandmuseum.org
for ticket info. Proceeds will benefit the Ashland Museum. The Depot is located at 107 South Railroad Avenue in Ashland. For more information on Secretariat, Riva Ridge and Penny Chenery, see secretariatsmeadow.com.
Hanover Master Gardener to hold Annual Plant Sale Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The Hanover Master Gardener Association is pleased to announce that its Annual Plant Sale is back. It will be held in the parking lot of the Hanover Evangelical Friends Church at 6420 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. There will be locallygrown tomato plants such as
Brandywine, Celebrities, Big Beef and Sweet 100 Cherry tomatoes, as well as perennial flowers and native plants for sale to attract valuable pollinators to your yard. Bags of compost will be for sale to refresh your vegetable garden. Browse gently used garden tools, books, pots and garden craft items. A new addition this year will be bamboo stakes, great to use as stakes, posts and decorative fencing. Hanover Master Gardeners
VEHICLE Continued from pg. 3
valuables. Anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the
will be hosting a Plant Clinic where you can ask questions and seek gardening advice. All proceeds earned at the plant sale will be benefit horticulture education in Hanover County. The sale will be held rain or shine. Visit the VCE Hanover website https://hanover.ext. vt.edu or Hanover Master Gardener Association’s website https://hanovermastergardeners.org for additional resources.
Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 7801000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, public information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
HCPS receives national recognition for music program for 10th consecutive year Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has named Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) as a “Best Community for Music Education” for the 10th year in a row. “Music education is essential to our students’ development, and I am grateful for our amazing group of accomplished and passionate educators who work to provide our students with a well-rounded education,” said Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of schools. “Earning this recognition for 10 consecutive years is a testament to their work and demonstrates that the arts are vital to cultivating minds while playing an important role in our community.” Hanover County is one of only 19 school divisions in Virginia to achieve the coveted status this year. There are 132 school divisions in the Commonwealth. The NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization, awards this designation to school divisions and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to offering comprehensive music education to all students. It further serves to recognize the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community
Courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools
Members of the Atlee High School marching band perform during a football game this fall. Hanover County Public Schools has been named as a ‘Best Community for Music Education’ for the 10th year in a row.
leaders who have made music education part of the curriculum. “Hanover County Performing Arts is among many of the finest music and arts education programs in the country, and it is wonderful to be recognized,” said Keith Matthews, performing arts curriculum specialist. “I would like to express my appreciation for the continued support from our school leaders, administrators, teachers, friends and families in this community.” Matthews credited Hanover’s dedicated performing arts teachers for the sustained excellence, which continues to be recognized each year.
“We have tremendous performing arts teachers who create so many life-changing opportunities for our students every day. The endurance of our performing arts programs through such challenging times is testament to their hard work and dedication,” Matthews said. “This is the 10th consecutive year to receive this award, and I look forward to many more.” For more information about the “Best Community for Music Education” program, visit https://www.nammfoundation. org/what-we-do/best-communities-musiceducation.
The Ashland Garden Club participates in Historic Garden Week Staff Report news@mechlocal.com After a two-year pause, the Ashland Garden Club will be participating in the 2022 Historic Garden Week tour in conjunction with the Garden Club of Virginia. Historic Garden Week is the Garden Club of Virginia’s biggest fundraising event of the year and features a series of tours of private landscapes, public gardens and historic sites across Virginia. This year’s statewide event will be held from April 23 to 30 and will include 28 unique tours organized and hosted by 48 member clubs.
The Ashland Garden Club’s tour will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature five properties on Old Ridge Road. The five properties are: The Fork Church, 12566 Old Ridge Road; Church Quarter, 12432 Old Ridge Road; Hanover Academy, 12184 Old Ridge Road; Janeway, 11538 Old Ridge Road; and 15143 Locust Level Drive. The last three listed properties are homes. Tickets for the Ashland Garden Club tour are $30 per Photo courtesy of The Ashland Garden Club person and can be purchased Church Quarter, above, will be one of the five properties online at vagardenweek.org. featured in this year’s Ashland Garden Club tour for the Garden No in-person ticket will be Club of Virginia’s annual Historic Garden Week Tour. sold.
Electronic waste recycling event set for April 23 Hanover County will host an e-waste collection event at the Verdi Lane center on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Flat screen monitors will cost $6 per unit to recycle and flat screen televisions will cost $14 per unit. CRT (old convex style) monitors or televisions will not be accepted. For a fee of $5, citizens can have their computer hard drives and cell phones shredded. If not shredded, these items may have their memory cleaned and resold by the contractor.
Printers under 25 pounds will cost $2 per unit to recycle and those over 25 pounds will cost $5 per unit. Citizens will be able to pay with checks, cash and credit/debit cards. All other electrical items including microwaves will be accepted without charge. All items with plugs will be recycled excluding appliances that contain Freon. This event is for Hanover County residents only. Information submitted by Tom Harris, information officer for the Hanover County Administrator’s Office.
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OPINION | The Local Views From the editor
The enriching company of fellow writers By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
G
etting to know a community can happen in many ways, and recently the Ashland Branch of Pamunkey Regional Library offered me the chance to connect with local residents who share a similar passion for writing. While looking through the library listings we publish every week in The Mechanicsville Local, I stumbled across a free monthly workshop on creative writing that caught my eye a few weeks ago. As someone who writes for a living, you might think I would get tired of it — and sometimes that can be true. But I do have an abiding love of writing, whether it is stories for the newspaper or more personal endeavors such as poetry or prose, and saw an opportunity in this workshop to have a little fun and enjoy getting back to a different side of the craft I love. But on my drive to the library for my very first class, I
began to realize a deeper reason for why the workshop caught my eye. Without knowing what to expect, I began to worry about what writing of mine I could confidently share with strangers. Funnily enough, I even began to worry if I would be able to write if the moment came. Wondering at this feeling of suddenly shying away from something I do every day, I realized that I hit a creative road block recently when it came to personal writings. I was racking my brain trying to think back to the last time I just picked up a pen and wrote, without rhyme or reason, and let my thoughts and emotions spill onto the page. When was the last time I really created poetry or prose or even read poetry or prose? Have I abandoned this different side of the craft I love completely? So I set off in the hopes that this workshop would again give me some sense of creative spirit, which I’m sure many of us may run short of from time to time. Despite some initial anxieties, I was immediately put at ease when sitting my things down at the table. As the modest
group of people exchanged friendly greetings before the workshop began, all of the worries and insecurities seemed to float away. This is when I discovered an even greater appreciation for the setting itself. It reminded me of the intimate classroom atmosphere that I miss most from college – something it is easy to take for granted as a student. Thinking about the most enjoyable classes I took – the kind of classes that fueled my passion for writing – the ones that stand out are the ones that got the students absorbed in dynamic conversation. There’s a unique energy with this kind of setting, as we read the works of our peers together, bounced ideas and observations off of one another and learned from the feedback. It’s almost like looking at an abstract painting with a friend. You may see your own image and feel another emotion entirely different from the person next to you, but it can be enjoyable and enlightening to see through someone else’s eyes as well. While my peers in the workshop were virtual strangers see WRITERS, pg. 15
Wreck of the Titanic: Night to remember still intrigues By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Every year near this time in April, the world stops for a second to remember the anniversary of the wreck of the Titanic and the hundreds who perished in one of the most horrific maritime disasters in recorded history.
More than a century after the world’s most luxurious ocean liners met its watery fate, the tale of the Titanic still intrigues and mystifies. The ensuing decades have yielded a multitude of studies, books, movies and documentaries seeking to provide answers to questions that are most likely unanswerable. Even today, professional investigators and
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research experts spend lifetimes studying new aspects of the sinking, poring over ancient manuscripts of survivor accounts. Our family had its own Titanic story. My grandfather returned to Corsica and Italy in 1911 to visit relatives. At the time of his scheduled return in 1912, he’d settled in Montgomery, Alabama, started
his own small lunch counter in the business district, and was married with four small children. As a child, I have no memory of my grandfather discussing his experience with the famous ship, but I did often hear aunts and uncles and my grandmother retelling the story after his death. My cousins even claim to have seen the unused ticket
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purchased by my grandfather. He was delayed on his journey by train from southern France to Cherbourg, where he was scheduled to board the Titanic, so he missed the departure date. Devastated at the time, the stroke of luck more than likely saved his life. I’ve tried to research the story, but have only discovered bits and pieces that don’t equate to any level of authenticity. There are records of his return on another liner in late April 1912, so the timing does correlate with the story. That family connection began a lifelong fascination with the tragedy. Like many of my generation, the discovery of the wreck deep below the Atlantic was big news. What we had pictured in our minds sitting on the bottom of the dark, deep Atlantic was transformed to reality. The discovery was followed by numersee TITANIC, pg. 7
FY2023 Continued from pg. 1
and supervisors for its sizable investment in the county workforce, supervisors called for greater investment in minimum wage increases for school employees. County administrator John Budesky proposed his recommended budget on Feb. 16 and outlined a five-year planning horizon that would make significant investments in the county workforce, school infrastructure, public safety and others. He clarified that while the FY2023 budget is an almost 20% increase from the current fiscal year’s adopted budget, the county’s real estate tax rate will remain unchanged at $0.81 per $100 of assessed value. This maintains Hanover County’s position of realizing the lowest tax rate in the region, he said. The budget instead aims to utilize the county’s recent growth in revenue in areas of real estate, personal property and sales taxes to address challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic and inflation. Budesky noted how this growth is an anomaly and will temper in coming years. One of the highlights of the budget includes an enhancement to the county’s tax relief program for disabled and elderly residents. The new pro-
gram will expand the number of qualified residents and substantially increase the amount of relief for participants. Residents 65 years or older or who are permanently disabled with a net combined financial worth, excluding the value of the home, of up to $300,000 will be eligible for real estate tax relief in the amount of their respective program tier. Residents with incomes of less than $25,000 will receive 100% tax relief; those with incomes of $25,001 to $35,000 will receive 80% tax relief; those with an income of $35,001 to $45,000 will receive 55% tax relief, and those with an income of $45,001 to $55,000 will receive 30% relief. Chair and Chickahominy Supervisor Angela KellyWiecek said she was pleased that staff was able to further enhance the initial recommendations on the tax relief program presented on Feb. 16. “I think it goes without saying that inflation is hitting a number of our residents very hard at the moment with gas and groceries and assessments,” Kelly-Wiecek said. “And so I’m very, very pleased with the results of this program.” Another highlight of the budget includes a historic investment in the county’s infrastructure in the FiveYear Capital Improvements
TITANIC Continued from pg. 6
ous scientific expeditions, and new details regarding the Titanic are being discovered with each passing year. Thousands of artifacts have been retrieved from the wreck site. Although my Papa’s story still receives an infrequent retelling, it’s not the account regarding the sinking that intrigues me the most. Isidor and Ida Straus spent
Christina Amano Dolan/The Local
Ashland Supervisor Faye Prichard discusses the proposed FY2023 budget’s minimum wage increase to $15 an hour for all county employees and calls for the same increase for all school employees.
County Administrator John Budesky addresses questions raised by supervisors regarding minimum wage increases in schools prior to the FY2023 budget’s adoption.
Plan (CIP), specifically in school facilities. The FY2023 budget will fund the replacement and consolidation of Henry Clay and John M. Gandy Elementary Schools in FY2023, the replacement of Battlefield Park Elementary School in FY2025 and Washington-Henry Elementary School in FY2027. Beaverdam Elementary is also scheduled for a major renovation in FY2027. The investment in a new fire station is also outlined in the plan and will allocate $11 million in funding toward its construction. Growth in revenue has allowed the county to fund this facility without needing to issue debt.
The budget additionally aims to make the largest investment in the county’s workforce in recent years in order to remain competitive in the region, retain and attract talented staff and address internal compression. As outlined by Budesky and department heads throughout the budget process, the county’s workforce has struggled with retaining valuable staff, a shrinking number of job applicants and an increasing number of retirements. This is partly due to surrounding localities increasing workforce salaries and providing higher merit increases or other wage enhancements in recent years. In order to address employ-
the winter of 1912 in the south of France and planned to return to the United States on the Titanic. Isidor Straus, one of the founders of Macy’s Department Store, was a wealthy businessman and the couple enjoyed some of the most elegant accommodations the ship had to offer when they boarded. On the infamous night when the previously thought unsinkable ship struck an iceberg and sank in less than two hours, the couple stood on the deck waiting their turn in the
Christina Amano Dolan/The Local
lifeboats. As Ida took her seat, Isidor refused to board the lifeboat, stating he would not take a seat as long as women and children had not been accommodated. Ida was determined not to leave without her husband. Hearing her husband’s refusal, Ida relinquished her seat and returned to the ship. She handed her fur coat to the couple’s maid. The maid, a woman called Ellen Bird, survived the disaster and told the story of the couple’s last
ment issues and reward employees, the budget provides 5% salary increases for all employees and a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour for county employees. The budget also aims to add to the capabilities of the county’s workforce by funding 27.5 new positions in FY2023 with 16.7 new positions added to public safety agencies. Ashland Supervisor Faye Prichard said while she is happy that the county is increasing to a $15 an hour minimum wage for all county employees, she is concerned that the same wage increase is not planned for all school employees. “We have people who work very, very hard in the schools just like they work very, very hard elsewhere in Hanover County,” Prichard said. “And I just cannot feel good about saying that over here on the county side, a $15 minimum wage is necessary but on the school side, we can’t get there quite yet.” She said she is not prepared to wait another year for this increase and made a motion to accept the agenda with the caveat that they address this dilemma in the first joint education committee meeting in May. Budesky clarified that while the county can provide the wage increase to the employees across the board, the school
moments and Ida’s eternal devotion to her husband. Bird told investigators she caught a last glimpse of the couple as they were swept off the deck into the sea. Isidor’s body was discovered days after the wreck, but Ida was never recovered. It’s an amazing story but only the beginning of what attracted my attention. When second and third class passengers arrived in New York following the disaster, they had no money and all of their
division has substantially more employee salaries to address. Providing the increase to all school employees could potentially require “tens of millions” and a fair amount of research and recommendations are needed, he said, also pointing out that bringing all employees up to $15 an hour would create a separate compression and credentialing problem in schools. “And so without having those facts and figures, I wouldn’t suggest to you to adopt a budget that is contingent upon solving that problem for the schools,” he said. “I do not want to put us in a position that we don’t understand, but I want to make it clear that if this is a tens of millions of dollar problem, it makes it an even bigger issue for me,” Prichard said. “And I believe we need to address it as soon as possible.” South Anna Supervisor Susan Dibble reiterated Prichard’s concerns and said it was “disappointing” to learn that the school board was not able to meet these goals and hopes they can come together in May with alternative solutions. The board voted to adopt the FY2023 budget with the understanding that minimum wage in schools will be addressed in the first joint education committee meeting in May.
belongings were lost in the sinking. The Straus family was no doubt feeling the same grief as the hundreds of other surviving family members, but turned those emotions to address the needs of surviving passengers. They opened Macy’s for all of the penniless survivors, many of them immigrants, to gather a collection of clothes and other necessary items that allowed them to gain footing on a journey that featured the most perilous of beginnings.
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responses were equally divided among the slightly less than 300 responses received. For decades, a number of Virginia school districts began school after Labor Day, thanks in large part to a law dubbed the Kings Dominion Law that prohibited start dates pre-Labor Day. That law was repealed in 2019, allowing an exodus to the pre-Labor option for many districts. “Three years ago at the request of the board, we sought feedback from the community as part of our calendar process regarding a prior to Labor Day start,” superintendent Michael Gill told board members at the April 12 meeting. “The feedback at that time came back almost even, 51% to 49%.” The board chose not to make any adjustments at that time. The calendar committee, comprised of about 20 parents, teachers, stakeholders and administration, assists in preparation of upcoming calendars. Last fall, the panel suggested a prior Labor Day start for the 2023-24 school year. Any change would not affect the current post-Labor Day start scheduled for the upcoming 2022-23 year. “The calendar committee came to consensus in bringing this proposal to the board,” director of accreditation and accountability Nancy Disharoon said. When she introduced the proposed changes at the December 2021 meeting, she requested another round of public feedback. Disharoon summarized those comments at last week’s meeting. Those objecting to the proposed Aug. 21 start noted the impact it would have on family vacations, and others noted the late summer heat on students riding un-airconditioned buses. They also cited the impact on summer jobs.
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Others expressed a desire to leave things as they are since there is no need to adjust. Conversely, those favoring a first day in August commented that the earlier start date would align Hanover with other school districts and regional schools like Maggie Walker Governors School. The new schedule would also better coincide with the county’s College Academy and IB testing according to proponents. Those supporting the start prior to Labor Day also argued that an earlier start date allows teachers to enroll in summer programs that often begin early for professional development. Disharoon suggested another round of requests for public feedback and that those comments be accepted through May 3. Chickahominy board representative Bob Hundley suggested that comment time be extended in order to receive the most responses. “If we want to try and get as much input as we can, shouldn’t we have a little longer than May 3,” Hundley questioned. Gill explained that date was selected to allow the additional input to be presented to the board at its May meeting so they could vote on the issue in June. “The thought being if people were making plans for the summer of 2023 would get as much advanced notice as possible,” Gill said. “I’m just looking for as much input as we can possibly get,” Hundley said. “I would hate to see 300 out of 17,000 again,” he said referring to the number of responses received in December and early January. Board members John Axselle and Bob May also voiced support for an extension of the comment period to gauge the community’s preference on such an evenly divided issue. Comments are currently
Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022
Upcoming events at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown Contributed Report news@mechocal.com
Fiber Festival at Scotchtown
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Assistant superintendent for finance Christina Berta (right) and assistant superintendent of human resources Mandy Baker present plans to provide incentives to attract candidates for hardto-hire positions like bus drivers, special education teachers and many kinds of teachers.
being and accepted and those affected by the proposed changes including families, employees, and community members. They are encouraged to send written feedback on the proposal to hcpscalendarinput@hcps.us by Friday, May 27 for consideration by the school board. A decision at the June meeting is expected. Not unlike school divisions across the nation, HCPS is finding it difficult to attract candidates to positions described as hard to fill. Topping that list are bus drivers, but a number of other positions are included in that classification. School divisions are also finding it difficult to attract special education teachers, food service workers, high school math teachers, custodians, language, art and physical education teachers and many others. In an effort to alleviate the situation, the school board has provided a variety of incentives to attract candidates, including a referral program that rewards current employees with $1,000 stipends for recommendations that result in full-time hires and bonuses. Compensation for many of the identified hard-to-fill positions have also been increased, but the prob-
lem persists. Assistant superintendent for finance Christina Berta and assistant superintendent of human resources Mandy Baker presented expanded plans designed to address those shortages at last week’s meeting. Berta said transportation hires will now be compensated from day one including an eight-week training session required in order to receive a CDL permit. She said instructional assistance will also be provided to candidates preparing for the test. Another adjustment to the current compensation allows drivers to be compensated from the time they enter their buses, a practice employed by neighboring districts referred to as a key-on, key-off system. That adds up to about 30 minutes additional time for each driver, costing about $200,000. Baker also proposed doubling the referral incentive to $2,000, paid in installments as the new hire remains in service. The employee making the referral is fully paid within 180 days. There is no limit on the number of referrals can submit. The board will vote on the proposals at its May meeting.
Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown will be hosting its Fiber Festival on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your family and celebrate spring, the shearing of the sheep and fiber production. Sheep shearer Dave from Delly’s Delights Farms will in attendance to answer questions about the sheep, the process of shearing and the important role of preparing the fleece for dyeing and spinning. Members from Clothos Handspinners guild, an educational non-profit organization located in Richmond, will be on-site demonstrating the process of wool production including carding, spinning and dyeing. Other activities will include open house tours, a children’s activities area, demonstrations in the hearth kitchen featuring Scotchtown’s spring garden, a market area with local crafters and vendors and food trucks. The open-house tour and fiber festival programs are both included at $8 for students, $9 for Senior/AAA/ Military and $10 for General Admission. Preservation Virginia members and children 6 and under are free. You may purchase advance tickets online to avoid the lines or in person at the event at: https://preservationvirginia.org/events/scotchtown-fiber-festival.
May Focus Tour: "Attic to Cellar" In celebration of Historic Preservation Month in May, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown is offering a series of tours of the 300-year-old house from the attic to the cellar that will explore parts of the house not usually open to the public. One of Scotchtown’s historic interpreters will be present during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular ticketing and pricing applies. To purchase tickets, visit: https://preservationvirginia.org/ tickets/patrick-henrys-scotchtown.
Gaskins Virginia Continental Battalion of 1781 - Encampment at Scotchtown Scotchtown is hosting an event on May 28 to feature living history interpreters portraying Patrick Henry’s 1781 Continental soldiers. Join these volunteers as they camp at Scotchtown and experience firsthand how the Continental army and the women who followed them, fed, clothed and trained themselves. Regular ticketing and pricing applies. To purchase tickets, visit: https://preservationvirginia.org/tickets/patrick-henrysscotchtown.
CALENDAR Thursday, April 21 A Mechanicsville Orchestra info meeting will be held at the Mechanicsville Library, 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place, at 8 p.m. This is a preliminary information meeting to see if there is interest in an amateur, adult orchestra in the area. Come with ideas: BOD, sourcing music, rehearsing venue, performance venue, Music Director, librarian and other supporting roles. See Facebook page for survey
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 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 memo-
Pets of the Week Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett
The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Carolina, #581746 is an 8-year-old spayed female Canine/Pitbull mix. She has had her first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Carolina is one of the sweetest girls you will meet. She came to the shelter as a stray and she was a little shy at first. Carolina has become much more comfortable around people. She loves to be close to you. Carolina has been working on walking on a leash for the first time. She is doing great! Carolina will thrive in a household that can continue to give her a lot of TLC. She is well on her way.
Jill, #581913 is a 4-year-old spayed female Canine/Hound mix. She has had her first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Jill is a lovely doggie who was surrendered to the shelter at the beginning of April. She has been used to living outdoors, but has made the transition to indoors very well. Jill has a sweet personality and seems to love people. She has done great walking on a leash. Jill also gets along very well with other dogs. She still could use a little more training, but we believe that Jill will be a great companion for someone looking for a laid back, sweet dog.
For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http://hanovercounty.gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/.
| News, Updates & Listings rabilia 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 The Doswell Ruritan Club and Reedy Church Ruritan Club are holding a “Spring Variety Show” at 7 p.m. at 16433 Washington Highway, Doswell and will feature a variety of local talent. Tickets are $10 and kids can attend for free. Food and drinks will be available.
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.
Monday, April 25: Members of the Pamunkey Woman’s Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Lunch will be in the Museum’s BEST Cafe, followed by a leisurely enjoyment of the exhibits. For more information about the meeting or becoming a club member, contact Mrs. Cindy Modzelewski, club membership chairman at 366.0864 or visit: facebook.com/pamun-
keywc
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, ages 12 to 21, in the cadet program and for adults who want to serve in training the see CALENDAR pg. 14
Operation Christmas Child salutes volunteers Contributed Report news@mechocal.com When many read about a seasonal initiative like Operation Christmas Child, thoughts may immediately go to a late fall volunteer opportunity. While the need for higher numbers of volunteers does swell in the weeks leading up to National Collection Week, it takes teams of people that work throughout the year to make it a success. Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to children, their parents and other family members as well. Local OCC enthusiasts buy, collect, sort and package shoebox items throughout the year.
They typically solicit donations, such as toothbrushes from area dental practices or take advantage of clearance sales at local stores. Some negotiate deals with store managers to get even better pricing. Others who enjoy sewing and crafting will donate items for shoeboxes. The handmade clothing, hats, scarves, small toys and games eventually make their way into a shoebox. If the items are not packed by an individual, churches or groups will accept the donations and put them into shoeboxes for you. Other local groups that work with OCC throughout the year include American Heritage, Trail Life, Young Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Bible studies and small groups. These groups not only donate items and pack boxes but often volunteer their time, too. Brenda Evans, OCC Regional Area Coordinator, adds “Without our year-round volunteers and short-term volunteers, we would not have
been able to collect and process over 50,000 shoeboxes in this area last year. We also have year-round volunteers that God has called to work with OCC in various capacities. It is all about sharing God’s word as He commands us to do. I had the opportunity to go to Ecuador in 2005 and Columbia in 2015 to distribute shoeboxes. I cannot tell you what it meant to be able to hug a child and give them the gift that was filled with God’s love and ours as well. To tell them that Jesus loves them was such a great honor for me. Truly a life changing experience.” Richmond and Henrico have eight drop-off locations across the region. During the 2021 National Collection Week, 158 volunteers worked 980 hours and collected approximately 25,000 boxes. There are 20 individuals that help year-round. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating items may go to SamaritansPurse. org for more details or contact Brenda Evans at 804.514.8368.
Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022 9
Sports
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Prep track: Mechanicsville (HS) Invitational 8:30 p.m.
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Women’s golf: ODAC Champs at Dominion Club TBD
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Raider baseball learning in win over PH By Rob Witham for The Local MECHANICSVILLE — When Mike Morris interviewed to be the next head baseball coach at Atlee High School, he shared his vision for where the program could go. At its core, it has nothing to do with the game. “These boys have bought into the culture we’re trying to build, that’s ‘playing for the A’, and doing something bigger than themselves,” Morris explained. “We do a lot of leadership development with our captains, all of our seniors.” Part of that development is a reading assignment, a book discussing leadership and character-building through sport. Later this spring, each senior will write a story on how they learned those traits in the back of the book, and give it to an underclassman, keeping a tradition, and lessons learned, alive. It hasn’t been an easy start for Atlee baseball, entering Friday’s contest at home against Patrick Henry at 2-4, and on a three-game losing streak. But the lessons learned the previous two weeks came in handy, using a three-run first inning and quality starting pitching to earn a 9-2 victory over the Patriots. “This is the storming part,” Morris said of their recent struggles. “You can bail off the ship now, or you can stay on and we’ll keep fighting.” The Atlee fight began with the three runs, all scored with
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Joel Klein for The Local
Patrick Henry’s Zach Zelazny dives back into first base ahead of Atlee pitcher John Best’s pickoff attempt as first baseman Jacob Hines fields the throw.
two outs, using four singles to go with two Patrick Henry errors for the early lead. Starter Landon Scott kept the Patriots off the scoreboard over the first four innings, scattering four hits and striking out seven while walking five. When Scott got into trouble in the fifth inning, Morris turned to Aven Stevens, whose strikeout with two down left the bases loaded with Patriots. Patrick Henry would finally strike in the sixth inning, when, down 5-0, Brandon Atkins led
Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022
off the frame with a single. Two batters later, Atkins scored on a single by Zach Zelazny. With two outs, Micah Hyman scored on a wild pitch to cut the margin to 5-2. But Stevens was able to induce a foul out to first base from Cole Simmons to end the inning. The Raider offense responded, striking for four runs in their half of the sixth to put the game away. They were led by two-RBI singles from Gunnar Stromberg and Seth Jones. Atlee enters a key stretch of
its schedule next, hosting both Mechanicsville and Hanover each of the next two Friday evenings. With the Raiders now in Region 4B with their county brethren, these games are for much more than bragging rights, as the postseason is just over a month away. Meanwhile, mere feet away, Atlee softball rode the arm of senior pitcher Carsen Sanders, who struck out nine Patriots to lead the Raiders to a 5-0 victory and improve their record to 6-1.
Sanders has been a driving and, simultaneously, a calming force in the circle, with former starter Kara Hammock now pitching at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Sanders’ performance was key since neither team could get runners in scoring position early. Savannah Nash doubled in the Atlee half of the fourth but was stranded when Isa Gonzalez got Danielle Brown to pop out to Edie Jennings to end the inning. Anna Nidermaier singled
for Patrick Henry (4-2), then advanced to second with a stolen base. But Sanders earned a strikeout to end the inning, setting the stage for Atlee to finally scratch the scoreboard. “We had no trouble making contact with the ball,” said Atlee head coach Tom McIntyre of his team’s offense over the first four innings. “But everything was 700 miles in the air and dropping into gloves. We needed a line drive somewhere, or a see LEARNING, pg. 11
Hawk baseball, softball reins in Mustangs By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Hanover’s baseball team hasn’t been perfect this season, but considering the team has faced some of the top high school teams in the nation, a loss here and there should come as no surprise. What matters more is what that team brings to the diamond when it faces its local competition. And the Hawks bring a lot, as Mechanicsville found Friday night. Hanover starter Seth Keller and reliever Marcus Van Alstine combined for 16 strikeouts — eight apiece — and Hanover batters themselves combined for 11 hits in a 10-0 shutout of their Mustang hosts. The key was a solid start from Keller. “Seth was great,” said Hanover head coach Tyler Kane. “When Seth is locating his fastball — in and out, up and down — it makes it really difficult. … He had his slider going as well. When he can throw 95 and mix it with a hard slider, it makes it tough on the mound.” While the final score seemed lopsided, the game was by no means one-sided. Aside from a four-run second inning against Mustang starter C.J. DiNapoli, the Hawks had to scrap for runs. “Mechanicsville’s a really good team,” Kane said. “DiNapoli, when he’s on the
Dave Lawrence/The Local
Left, Hanover starting pitcher Seth Keller throws heat for a strike in Hawk baseball’s 10-0 shutout of host Mechanicsville Friday. Keller went four innings, striking out eight while giving up one hit and three bases on balls. Above, Hanover pitcher Lillian Parrish (7) tags Mechanicsville’s Baylor Hughes out at home in Hawk softball’s 15-0 shutout of the host Mustangs Friday.
mound, is really tough. In the second and third innings, he started getting his slider working and we had some really challenging at-bats there. And [Nathan] Westfall came in after him and I don’t feel we hit too many balls that hard. We had a couple of balls find holes.” Westfall struck out six Hanover batters in 3-1/3 innings of relief and gave up just two runs. Mechanicsville head coach
Tyler Johnson said his Mustang hitters needed to do a better job of finding holes themselves. “You’ve got to score to win, and we did not do that,” Johnson said. “Defensively, we’ve got to throw more strikes, offensively, we’ve got to put the ball in play more. You can’t strike out that many times and feel like you’ve got a chance to win.” As for Hanover, Kane said his Hawks struggled themselves to string hits together
in the National High School Invitational tournament the previous week in Cary, North Carolina. They have been working on improving on that score. “We’ve been working on situational at-bats the last couple of days in practice off live arms,” Kane said. “That’s an area we found at NHSI that we have to improve upon — greatly. I think that those guys buying into — whether drawing a walk, getting hit by a pitch,
putting the ball on the ground to the second baseman with a guy on third with less than two outs — all those little things are really so important when you get into a game against a team like Mechanicsville.” Hanover’s Keller had a triple and three RBIs in his own support. Charlie Rohr went 2-of-2 with a double, two runs and an RBI. Anthony Gabello went 2-of-5 with a double, a run and an RBI; and Thomas Peebles
went 2-of-3. Cameron Lamb had the sole hit for the Mustangs. Nearby, Hanover’s softball team thrashed Mechanicsville 15-0 in a game ended in the fifth inning by the mercy rule. Hawk pitcher Lillian Parrish scattered four Mustang hits, hit a triple and scored three runs on her behalf. Reagan Hill, Melissa Acors and Emma Slutzah led the Hawks offensively. Hill went 3-of-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Acors went 2-of-3 with a double, one run and three RBIs, and Slutzah went 2-of-3 with three runs and two RBIs.
Gianna Booker, who promptly stole second, then advanced to Continued from pg. 18 third on a foul out down the first base line. When Gonzalez walk, or something good to go uncorked a wild pitch to the next batter, Booker flew to the our way.” Sanders walked and was plate for a 1-0 Raider lead. In the sixth, the Raiders got replaced by courtesy runner
to Patriots reliever Lola Bradley, as Nash hit a two-run double to the left-center field wall, then Brown doubled down the left field line to bring home Nash. Brown would later score on a wild pitch to complete the 5-0 win.
The Patriots begin a critical stretch of their schedule with a trip to Spotsylvania Wednesday to face a Massaponax squad that started 5-0 but dropped its next three contests. Friday night, the Patriots host Hanover, who have won six
straight since their opening night loss to Midlothian. The following Monday, Glen Allen comes calling. As for Atlee, they head to western Henrico to battle Deep Run Wednesday evening, then host Mechanicsville Friday
before a trip to defending Class 6 state champion Cosby on Monday afternoon. Four nights later, they host Hanover in a rematch of a game won 10-0 by the Hawks on March 30. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.
LEARNING
Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022 11
Hanover soccer teams sweep Mechanicsville By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor
Dave Lawrence/ The Local
Above, Hanover midfielder Camden Short blocks Mechanicsville’s Jake Owens’ path to the goal in the Hawk boys’ 2-1 win over host Mechanicsville Friday. Right, Hawk defender Hailey Gilchrest (13) advances the ball in the Hanover girls’ 1-0 win over host Mechanicsville Friday night. Gilchrest scored the match’s lone goal on a penalty kick in the 76th minute.
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022
MECHANICSVILLE — The dust that rose off Mechanicsville’s soccer pitch as players ran up and down the field evoked the dust that might accompany a Western-style showdown. Showdown is an appropriate way to describe what happened Friday night when Hanover’s boys and girls soccer teams visited the Mustangs for a varsity doubleheader. In both cases, the Hawks emerged victorious, but neither result was secure until the final whistle blew. In the nightcap, Hanover’s boys held off a Mustang counterattack for a 2-1 win. In the opener, Hawk Hailey Gilchrest scored on a penalty kick in the 76th minute to give Hanover a 1-0 win. In the boys match, Hanover took a 1-0 lead late in the first half on a header by Fletcher Waran. But Mechanicsville was scrappy and gave as good as it got, and neither team scored again until late in the contest. “It was excellent,” Hanover head boys soccer coach Laurent Body said of the match. “In my 11 years of coaching at Hanover, this is the most enjoyful game that ever was between Hanover and Mechanicsville. Both teams were passing the ball around. … They were aggressive — it was a strong game between two strong teams — yet the atmosphere was very fair.” The Hawks went up 2-0 with about five minutes to go on a goal by Seth Langford. But the Mustangs weren’t fazed. They scored in the 77th minute and kept the pressure up trying to get an equalizer until the referee blew the final whistle. “It was a great game,” said Mechanicsville head boys soccer coach Josh Pagac. “It’s what county games are all about,
Joel Klein for The Local
Patrick Henry’s Ella Arruza (6) controls the ball in the Patriots’ 5-0 loss to host Atlee Friday.
the intensity there. Both teams played really, really hard all the way through. “I was really proud of my boys. I thought they fought until the very end. We just ran out of time there at the end. If the game was five minutes longer, we hopefully could have got another one in the back of the net.” The girls game that preceded was equally as scrappy. Hanover’s game plan was constricted by the relatively narrow width of the pitch at Mechanicsville. The dimensions of the pitch made it easier for the Mustangs to pack it in in front of the net. The crowding proved a disadvantage late in the game, when a Mechanicsville hand ball inside the box gave the Hawks their best scoring opportunity in the 76th minute. Gilchrist made the most of the 1-on-1, slipping the ball into the left side of the net for the game’s only score. “Their field was definitely a negative for us today,” said Hanover head girls soccer coach Manny Tavares. “But fortunately here at the end I think our pressure is what created the penalty kick and gave us the edge at the end of the game.” Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
Upcoming April programs at Hanover area libraries Ashland Branch Library In-Person Programs Outdoor Family Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, 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 program if it is canceled due to weather.* The African-American Experience on the Railroad at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, April 27, 7 to 8 p.m. 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 at the Ashland Branch Library. 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
TOWN OF ASHLAND 2022-2023 ADVERTISED BUDGET A public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 3, 2022, at the Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, Virginia, on the FY 2022-2023 Budget. A complete copy of the FY2022-2023 Budget may be reviewed or obtained between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday at Town Hall, 121 Thompson St. and online at www.AshlandVA.gov/186/budget. All interested persons may attend and express their views. 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. Anyone requiring assistance to participate in the public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall, at (804) 798-9219 in advance so that appropriate arrangements may be made.
GENERAL FUND
REVENUE Revenue from Local Sources Revenue from the Commonwealth Revenue from the Federal Government Revenue from Other Sources Unappropriated Funds Transfer Total Revenues – General Fund
$ $ $
8,601,270 2,237,641 7,950
$ 1,777,771 $ 12,624,632
EXPENDITURES Take & Make Programs Environmental Health at the Hanover Branch Library. 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 Monopoly Anyone? Game Night at the see LIBRARY pg. 14
Administration Public Safety Public Works Parks, Recreation and Cultural Planning & Community Development Non-Departmental Total Expenditures – General Fund
$ 1,815,925 $ 3,533,829 $ 3,591,536 $ 239,745 $ 791,494 $ 2,652,103 $ 12,624,632
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
REVENUES Transfer from General Fund Capital Bond/Loan Local Revenue Grants/VDOT Revenue Sharing Federal Funding Balance Forward Total Revenues – Capital Project Fund
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
2,042,926 0 12,700 0 0 3,100,670 5,156,296
EXPENDITURES Public Works—Streets—Local Stormwater Facilities Vehicles Parks and Recreation
$ $ $ $ $
584,682 720,146 1,334,642 446,395 631,968
Economic Development $ Non-Departmental $ Total Expenditures – Capital Project Fund $
1,163,143 275,320 5,156,296
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND - CVTA
REVENUE Central Virginia Transportation Authority – Local $ Balance Forward $ Total Revenues – Special Revenue Fund $
340,000 505,047 845,047
EXPENDITURES Savings for Future Years $ Total Expenditures – Special Revenue Fund $
845,047 845,047
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND - ARPA
REVENUE American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Balance Forward Total Revenues – Special Revenue Fund
$ $ $
EXPENDITURES Personnel Contract Services Other Commodities Capital Held for Future Years Total Expenditures – Special Revenue Fund Total Revenues & Expenditures—All Funds
$ 345,164 $ 870,000 $ 368,280 $ 4,554,671 $ 516,922 $ 6,655,037 $ 25,281,012
TAX RATES AND FEES 2022-2023 RATE Real Estate Property Tax $0.10 per $100 Mobile Homes $0.07 per $100 Personal Property Tax $0.77 per $100 Public Service Corp. $0.77 per $100 Machinery & Tools Tax $0.77 per $100
0 6,655,037 6,655,037
Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged
OTHER LOCAL TAXES Business, Professional, Unchanged Occupational License Tax $30 License Fee, $.0.07 per $100 of all gross receipts when gross receipts exceed $1,000,000 Consumer Utility Tax – Each Service per month Electric: Residential $1.00/month Unchanged Commercial/Industrial $10.00/month Unchanged Natural Gas: Residential $3.00/month Unchanged Commercial/Industrial $10.00/month Unchanged Utility License Tax Telephone service 0.5% Unchanged Meals Tax 6.0% Unchanged Motor Vehicle License Tax Cars & trucks $25.00 Unchanged Motorcycles $15.00 Unchanged Transient Tax 8.0% Unchanged Cigarette Tax $.22 per pack Unchanged Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022 13
LIBRARY Continued from pg. 13
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.
Montpelier Branch Library. 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.
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.
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 9
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.
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 see CALENDAR, pg. 15
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022
WRITERS Continued from pg. 6
upon arrival, there was a sense of familiarity and warmth among the small community of writers by the end of the session. And while I initially attended the class in search of a fun way to reconnect with my creative spirit, I rediscovered how rewarding it is to be in the company of others, from all walks of life, who share the same passion. From listening to the written words of others, how they stumble upon inspiration in
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their own everyday lives and, ultimately, how they have formed such a fondness for writing, I couldn’t help but feel a burst of ambition. Arriving back home, I raced to my bedroom, sat down at my desk, pulled out a sheet of blank paper and just began to write. While I am far from an exceptional poet and have yet to finish a single novel – a lifelong dream of mine – it is refreshing to find a bit of escape outside of my everyday routine. It’s a fun and freeing
hobby I’ve held close practically my whole life, and it felt freeing to share with others again. I realize there is still a long journey ahead of me before I come close to finishing a novel, but this newly discovered opportunity to grow as both a reader and writer in the coming days is an exciting opportunity I am grateful to the Pamunkey Regional Library System for offering – especially when combined with the prospect of making new friends along the way.
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 14
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 804-427-7500.
Saturday, April 30 Ashland Train Day will be held in Downtown Ashland from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ashland Train Day is a free event for the whole family. Visit ashlandtrainday.com for details. The 18th annual street festival and railfan extravaganza celebrates Ashland’s love for trains. Friendly Care Day School will be celebrating 50 years of caring, loving, teaching and
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.
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Central Virginia Transportation Authority FY 2023 Revenue Projections and Budget for Administrative and Operating Expenses The Central Virginia Transportation Authority announces an opportunity for public comment regarding its Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue Projections and Budget for Administrative and Operating Expenses which is posted online at: https://planrva.org/wp-content/ uploads/B-1-c-FY23-Budget.pdf. Instructions for submitting comments on the proposed operating expenditures: A 15-day public comment period on the proposed expenditure of funding set aside for CVTA Operations will be held from Wednesday, April 13, 2022, through Thursday, April 28, 2022. Comments may be submitted via email at CVTA@PlanRVA.org or through the box provided at the bottom of this page: https://planrva.org/transportation/ cvta-comments/. Comments received before 3 p.m. on April 28, 2022, will be distributed to the members of the Authority. The Authority will hold a public hearing on Friday, April 29, 2022, during its regular meeting at 8:30 am. Anyone wishing to submit general comments during the public hearing included in the meeting agenda may do so by either attending the meeting in person at PlanRVA, 9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200, Richmond, VA, 23235, or by joining the Zoom Video Webinar and submitting questions via the Q&A dialog box. Zoom Webinar Instructions for the Public Hearing will be available at https://planrva.org/transportation/cvta/ ahead of the meeting.
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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. Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022 15
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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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Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022
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Central Virginia Transportation Authority FY 2023-2026 Regional Revenue Draft Funding Scenario The CVTA seeks public input on its proposed project list and funding scenario for investment of regional revenue funds. The draft project list is available for public review and is posted online at: https://planrva.org/wp-content/uploads/ CVTA-Scenario-for-Public-Review.pdf. Instructions for submitting comments on the proposed project list: A 15-day public comment period on the proposed regional revenue projects will be held from Wednesday, April 13, 2022, through Thursday, April 28, 2022. Comments may be submitted via email at CVTA@PlanRVA.org or through the box provided at the bottom of this page: https://planrva.org/transportation/cvta-comments/. Comments received before 3 p.m. on April 28, 2022, will be distributed to the members of the Authority. The Authority will hold a public hearing on Friday, April 29, 2022, during its regular meeting at 8:30 am. Anyone wishing to submit general comments during the public hearing included in the meeting agenda may do so by either attending the meeting in person at PlanRVA, 9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200, Richmond, VA, 23235, or by joining the Zoom Video Webinar and submitting questions via the Q&A dialog box. Zoom Webinar Instructions for the Public Hearing will be available at https://planrva.org/transportation/cvta/ ahead of the meeting.
Hanover County Department of Public Works Pole Green Rd Widening Design Public Hearing Monday, April 25, 2022, 6-7:30 pm Pole Green Elementary School 8993 Pole Green Park Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Hanover County will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 25, 2022, beginning at 6:00 pm at Pole Green Elementary School, 8993 Pole Green Park Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 to present plans for the proposed widening of approximately 1.63 miles of Pole Green Rd (Rt. 627) from Bell Creek Rd (Rt. 642) to Rural Point Rd (Rt. 643).
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Public Notice 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 Mechanicsville 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.
The purpose of the hearing is to provide citizens and other interested parties the opportunity to review the project materials which include the plans showing proposed right-of-way and easements, environmental documents, schedule and funding. The plans and environmental documents are available on the County’s web site at https://www.hanovercounty.gov/816/Roads-and-Transportation or can be reviewed in person by contacting the Dept. of Public Works at (804) 365-6176 to schedule an appointment to review these materials.
The April 13, 2022 edition of the Mechanicsville Local listed the Beaverdam District for the appointment of school board members. The correct district is Mechanicsville as noted above.
The hearing will begin with a presentation followed by a question and answer session after which there will be an opportunity to engage one-on-one with County representatives. Comments will be accepted at the hearing or they may be submitted to the attention of Joseph E. Vidunas, Project Manager, Dept. of Public Works, P.O. Box 470, Hanover, Virginia 23069. Comments may also be submitted via email to jevidunas@hanovercounty.gov. Please reference “Pole Green Rd Widening Public Hearing” in all correspondence. Comments must be received by 5:00 pm, May 5, 2022 to be included in the public hearing record.
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.
Hanover County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this hearing may contact Joseph E. Vidunas at (804) 365-6176 or TTY/TDD 711 or via email at jevidunas@hanovercounty.gov.
Public Notice
Project: VDOT Project #0627-042-873, P101, R201, C501 (UPC 109260) Federal Aid Project #RSTP-5A27( )
Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022 17
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Photos courtesy of New Hanover Presbyterian Church Photo courtesy of Janice Reagan
Mila Demchyk Savage stands in front of her home country’s flag with her husband, Troy Savage. The pair is raising money to support Ukrainian citizens and soldiers.
UKRAINE Continued from pg. 1
Around 70% of their church membership, or around 50 volunteers, jumped into action to bring the event together, she said. Fundraising efforts were in place in the weeks leading up to the event and conducted primarily through social media and direct donations from church members. With their fundraising goal set at $5,000, the church raised $5,700 by the start of the event. The event initially intended to celebrate the money already raised for the support of Ukraine, but the day provided a surprising turn as donations jumped to $8,600 with an additional $2,000 donation from the church, VanHuss said. While the number is still rising, the church has accumulated $10,600 to send to World Central Kitchen and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, both of which are active in and around Ukraine with providing refugees food and other emergency humanitarian aid. “People just wanted to help in whatever way they could,” VanHuss said, describing how they offered support throughout the day. Some community members who couldn’t attend the full ceremony would quickly drop in to make a quick
Above: Volunteers of the church’s fundraising dinner serve Ukrainian dishes to attendees that were crafted by the church’s head chef, Tracey Sigmon. Right: Attendees of the New Hanover Presbyterian Church’s fundraising dinner enjoy Ukrainian food with the country’s colors of yellow and blue decorating the room.
donation and grab take-out from the event’s Ukrainian feast. The menu was created by Tracey Sigmon, the church’s head chef, and featured an assortment of authentic Ukrainian dishes in honor of the country’s culture. The dishes that were served were Holubtsi, or Ukrainian cabbage rolls with beef and pork; inside out Chicken Kiev; mashed potatoes; stewed green beans in tomato sauce; Pampushky, or Ukrainian garlic bread; strawberry cake; Sochniki, or cheese pastries, and Kolaches. VanHuss said several attendees donated as soon as they came through the door and offered even more donations after listening to the moving stories of the event’s featured speakers. Among the set of speakers was John Murphy. He has been volunteering his services to Ukrainian citizens since 1993 in various ways, such as assisting in building homes for needy families, teaching English, offering medicines, supporting children with leukemia and supplying water to small villages. In 2001, Murphy and his wife, Iryna, started the “Odessa Mission” and began running a soup kitchen for retirees
Photo courtesy of Janice Reagan
Tracey Sigmon, New Hanover Presbyterian Church’s head chef, put together a full menu of authentic Ukrainian dishes for the fundraising feast.
in Slavic countries. Murphy spoke of the harrowing journey his family faced on the morning of Feb. 24, the day of the Russian invasion. After being awoken by a series of nearby explosions, the family fled from their Odessa
“This is what we do at New Hanover. We find a pressing need and do something about it.” ROBERT JOHNSON Pastor of New Hanover Presbyterian Church
home to the border of Moldova and arrived just an hour prior to the border’s close. Becoming essentially refugees themselves in the United States, the couple started “Love for Ukrainians,” a project focused on providing much needed relief to refugees and those severely impacted by the war. Mila Demchyk Savage spoke of her own inspiring efforts in aid-
ing Ukrainian citizens during the event. Demchyk Savage was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, and later moved to the U.S. to continue her work in financial management. She eventually formed the “Americans in Ukraine Foundation,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening trust and connections between Americans and Ukraine through implementing educational and charitable projects in both countries. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the foundation has devoted all its efforts toward helping Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. The foundation has raised close to $20,000 since the start of the war and has already delivered aid packages to Ukraine, which included body armors, plates, helmets, tourniquets, first aid kits and other necessary resources. Her husband, Troy Savage, also spoke during the event of his recent journey in delivering aid to Ukraine. When Demchyk Savage asked a New Hanover Church Presbyterian member why the church was supporting Ukraine, the member responded: “We are all Ukrainians now.” VanHuss said she was not surprised by the outpour of community
support surrounding the fundraiser. “Our community has always come out for us,” VanHuss said. “And really, we don’t make a distinction between our church and the community. We are one.” She mentioned other charity projects that received a tremendous amount of community support in the past, including an initiative held last September to provide Afghan refugees with new blankets. In the span of 10 days, the church filled a box truck to the brim with over 2,000 collected blankets to transport to the nearest army base housing refugees. “Hanover County has a heart for this,” and the church simply strives to provide an outlet for community members who wish to serve other communities in need, she said. “I feel like we’re the coordinating force, but we help people actualize their own tendencies,” she said. “And that’s the role that we like playing.” “This is what we do at New Hanover,” said Robert Johnson, Pastor of New Hanover Presbyterian Church. “We find a pressing need and do something about it.” The church is currently in a strategic planning process of identifying more ways to offer support to Ukraine and other community needs, VanHuss said. After recently selling a portion of their land, the church aims to apply the newly acquired funds to effectively serve communities both local and afar. “And one of the reasons we do that is because political division is real, and a lot of churches are really being harmed by it,” VanHuss said. “So we look for projects that cross those boundaries… We’re doing our best to make this a safe space for every person who wants to do good.” For more information on upcoming fundraising events, membership and more, visit the New Hanover Presbyterian Church website: https:// newhanoverpres.org/. For more information on the “Odessa Mission” and the “Love for Ukrainians” project, visit the organization’s website: https://loveforukrainians.org/. For more information on the “Americans in Ukraine Foundation,” visit the foundation’s website: http://www. usinua.org/.
Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022 19
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Ten Hanover Master Gardener interns recently earned their graduate certificates.
Hanover Master Gardener graduates for 2022 announced Contributed Report news@mechocal.com
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 20, 2022
The Virginia Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce 10 Hanover Master Gardener graduating interns for 2022. Congratulations to Bill Drumheller, Susan Higgins, Cathy Fault, Irene Ramey, Ellen Thompson, Joe Thompson, Henrisa Tosoc-Haskell, Joan Van Dervort and Tyler Wallace. The Class of 2022 also includes one Master Gardener transfer, Dian McConnel. Master Gardeners are public educators who provide education to the citizens of Hanover County and surrounding counties. Training is offered each year with weekly classes held
between January and March, with a minimum of 50 classroom hours. Although the classes began virtually, they were able to return to in-person learning at Covenant Woods Retirement Community in Mechanicsville in February. The graduating interns are required to complete 50 hours of volunteer service in approved activities that benefit Hanover County before reaching the designation of Master Gardener Volunteers. Visit the VCE Hanover website: https:// hanover.ext.vt.edu or Hanover Master Gardener Association’s website: https://hanovermastergardeners.org for additional information.
Public input sought on music textbook Hanover County Public Schools is seeking the public’s input on an Advanced Placement Music Theory textbook that is being considered for adoption. Hanover County residents are encouraged to examine the textbook from the publishers’ series and provide written feedback. Textbooks can be reviewed by the public on April 11
through 14 at the Hanover County School Board Office, 200 Berkley Street, Ashland from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Atlee Branch Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Drive, Mechanicsville. The library is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to contact the library at (804) 559-
0645 to confirm its hours of operation as they may be subject to change or visit their website at: https://bit.ly/atleelibrary. Assessment forms will be provided via QR code to an online questionnaire. Paper forms will also be made available. Information submitted by HCPS Assistant Superintendent Chris Whitley.