EDUCATION Elementary school teacher honored as Beginning Teacher of the Year
HANOVER
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O’Bryant of Hanover Emergency Services named top in state
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Vol. 7 No. 39 | Richmond Suburban News | June 1, 2022
Cook and Wangensteen lead MHS Habitat home gets a solar upgrade as valedictorian, salutatorian By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
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llie Cook has been named the Mechanicsville High School (MHS) Class of 2022’s valedictorian with a GPA of 4.573. Madison (Madi) Wangensteen, with a GPA of 4.556, has been recognized as the salutatorian. Cook is the daughter of Anne and Tony Cook. Throughout her time at MHS, Cook remained active in a number of student organizations. She served as president of the National Honor Society and participated in her school’s student council. In addition, she served as a member of the Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) 7th-UP pro-
ELLIE COOK Valedictorian
gram, Beta Club, French Honor Society and Emerging Leaders. Cook plans to continue her education at the University of Virginia (UVA), where she will major in psychology. She said she is “very honored” to be recognized as this year’s valedictorian and commented on her class’ persever-
MADISON WANGENSTEEN Salutatorian
ance through an “unforeseen high school experience.” She expressed how proud she was of her fellow peers who will soon walk across the stage with her. She reflected back on her time at MHS and commented on her growth over the years. see MHS pg. 2
Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity recently celebrated the first installation of a solar system on an existing Habitat home. The home, located on Ashcake Road in Ashland, is the first home of a new initiative in Virginia by Habitat to bring lowincome homeowners access to solar energy. Keisha Young, who has been a Habitat homeowner since 2011, said she is very excited to be the first Hanover and King William Habitat solar home. She said it was like “a Christmas gift,” as Habitat first reached out to Young last December about going solar. Young’s home received a solar panel installation with no cost to Habitat, thanks to the fundraising efforts of GiveSolar. see HABITAT, pg. 9
Photo courtesy of Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity
Convert Solar installers, Ashland volunteers, John Suddarth of Habitat, Aaron Sutch of Solar United Neighbors and Jeff Heie of GiveSolar smile with one of the solar panels recently installed on the Young’s home.
Peterson selects Redd to fill Mechanicsville seat By Jim Ridolphi For The Local Seven of the eight nominees seeking to serve as Mechanicsville representative on the Hanover County School Board attended last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting in anticipation of supervisor Canova Peterson’s announcement of his final selection. Peterson recognized each of them individually and said any or all of them would make excellent board members and urged them to seek public service appointments in
other areas prior to announcing Johnny Redd as his selection to serve the upcoming fouryear term. All eight nominees indicated that they were 100% looking out for all Hanover children, Peterson explained. “All eight of them felt that way and expressed that to me.” Sarah Gragnani-Butler, Paul Heizer, Ryan Hudson, Ryan Martin, Jerry McCormick, Johnny Redd, Kimberly Thurston and outgoing Mechanicsville School Board representative Sterling Daniel were considered for the nomination. Daniel did not attend last week’s
announcement, but Peterson acknowledged his service. “I do want to go on the record and say we do appreciate him stepping up and filling the previous term and the work that he has done serving the citizens and the children of this county,” he said. Peterson also credited the early release of possible candidates names and a more thorough vetting process with the influx of candidates, the most for any appointed post Jim Ridolphi for The Local Johnny Redd speaks with a constituent at last week’s in recent memory. see REDD, pg. 8
school board meeting.
Elementary school teacher honored as Beginning Teacher of the Year Contributed Report news@mechocal.com
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Lilly Roviralta, a second grade teacher at Cool Spring Elementary School (CSES), has been named the 2021-22 Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Beginning Teacher of the Year. Roviralta, a former Cool Spring Dolphin, now teaches at the elementary school she attended. “Coming in to work as a teacher at the same school I attended has been an incredible experience. I was able to quickly reconnect with familiar faces in a new way, as a professional, which allowed me to easily gain a positive working environment for me to grow as a teacher,” Roviralta said. “The love and support that is given at this school is one of the main reasons why I believe I have become the teacher that I have in such a short amount of time. It is also because of my work family that I believe I will continue to have a safe place to gain the knowledge needed to continue to grow.” Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of schools, made the announcement on Wednesday, May 18 at a CSES staff meeting, surprising Roviralta in front of her family and co-workers (some of whom she had as a teacher). Roviralta called the recognition the “validation that all of the hard work I have put in has made an impact on my students, their families and my colleagues.” “Every day I put a great amount of love and care into teaching, and this recognition shows me that I am doing my students, CSES and Hanover County Public Schools justice in doing so,” she said. “It is humbling and an incredible honor to be recognized.” Roviralta also thanked the
Photo courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools
Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, surprised Lilly Roviralta on May 18 at a Cool Spring Elementary School staff meeting with the news that she is this year’s Hanover County Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year.
parents of her students. “Throughout this year I have tried my best to provide a safe space for my students to learn, grow and celebrate successes. They have so beautifully adopted this model from me, and in turn provided a safe space for me to learn, make mistakes, grow and so kindly celebrate my successes,” she said. “I owe so much of my success this year to those 23 awesome second graders! Parents, you are raising some incredible people!” CSES Principal Sarah Pike said the school’s community is thrilled to see “Ms. Rovi” receive the recognition. “Ms. Rovi teaches with energy, clarity and high levels of student engagement. She is all about her students and their learning,” Pike said. “Every day, she demonstrates love and care for her students and encourages their individual growth and self-awareness. She prioritizes the classroom community, encouraging all of her students
to be positive, productive and contributing citizens who look out for one another. “From this strong foundation of positive relationships, Ms. Rovi pushes her students to understand what they are learning and why they are learning it, providing consistent opportunities for students to apply new skills and reflect in every lesson and content,” Pike added. “We are so lucky to have rockstar educators like Ms. Rovi here at CSES!” Each year, HCPS selects one new teacher for this distinguished award who exhibits several qualities, such as being inspirational, poised, articulate and knowledgeable; exceptionally skilled and dedicated; respected and admired by students, parents and colleagues; and actively and meaningfully involved in their school and community. Information submitted by Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.
MHS Continued from pg. 1
“Throughout my time at MHS, I have learned several integral skills that I hope to carry with me beyond high school,” Cook said. “I am very grateful for the relationships that I have formed with my peers, as well as with several teachers that I feel have had a transformative impact on me, both academically and on a personal level.” “It is bitter-sweet to be moving on from this chapter of my life, but I am very proud of the work that I have put in throughout high school to achieve my academic goals, and I am looking forward to what the next four years have to bring,” she added. Cook said she is excited to attend UVA in the fall and wishes her fellow seniors the best of luck in their individual pursuits beyond high school. Wangensteen is the daughter of Laurie Sanderson and Steve Wangensteen. Wangensteen maintained a busy school schedule throughout her time at MHS in both sports and student organizations. She remained active in Varsity Competition Cheer and served as captain; Varsity Sideline Cheer; served as captain of her Varsity Gymnastics Team, and made the Richmond All-Metro gymnastics team her freshman year. Wangensteen also served on her school’s student council as vice president of social media; held the position of captain of the SODA club; was communications chair of the BETA club, and served as historian in the National Honor Society. She was also involved in the Spanish Honors Society, Emerging Leaders and served as Junior Class Council President. She has also served on the Hanover Youth Service Council outside of school as recognition chair. see MHS, pg. 9
CALENDAR Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 The Floyd G. Henderson Big Band Weekend will be held at the Richmond East Moose Lodge, 7167 Flag Lane, Mechanicsville at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. each night. Friday will feature ‘Dance to Glen Boswick and the Sound of Swing’ and Saturday will be ‘Dance to Joe Enroughty and his Royal Virginians.’ Tickets are $65 for dinner and dancing, $25 for dancing only and $30 for dancing on day of the show. Visit www.rvabigbandweekend.com for more information.
Saturday, June 4 The Cold Harbor Ruritan Club and Hanover Adult Center will present the Cold Harbor Ruritan Shrimp Festival, located at 8131 Walnut Grove Road, Mechanicsville. The event will feature live music by Honky Tonk Heroes and Blays, domestic and craft beers, wine, soft drinks and more. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6 p.m. and include a large plate of steamed shrimp, fried fish filets, hush puppies and coleslaw. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased from West Store, Hanover Adult Center, Bob’s Barbers or any member. For more information, visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/ColdHarborRuritan Salem Presbyterian Church is holding their annual Steak Dinner fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event will raise money for two local families that need financial help with medical costs. Tickets are $20 for the adult steak dinner and $10 for a child’s plate with a
hamburger or hot dog. There is a raffle for a $500 Lowes gift card and the tickets are $5 per ticket. An auction of items will also take place near the end of the dinner. Cash donations will be accepted for this fundraiser. Make checks to Salem Presbyterian Church and mail it to P.O. Box 35, Studley VA 23162. Visit the church’s website at salempresbyterianchurch.org for more information. To purchase tickets, call 804-400-2065.
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breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in the Main Hall of the Post, located at 8700 Bell Creek Drive in Mechanicsville and will feature scrambled eggs, plain or blueberry pancakes, biscuits, sausage gravy, bacon, breakfast potatoes, grits, fried apples, coffee, tea and juice. The cost is $8 per person and all proceeds will go toward the many projects American Legion has for veterans and the youth of the community.
Ongoing Saturday, June 11 The Ashland Strawberry Faire will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the streets of Randolph-Macon College. Strawberries, food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and local business vendors make for a fantastic day! Free parking and free trolley service. Visit www. ashlandstrawberryfaire.com for more information.
Tuesday, June 14 Mechanicsville AARP Chapter 5407 will be having a cookout 10 am to 1pm at the Richmond East Moose Lodge 1947 Picnic Pavilion 7167 Flag Ln. Mechanicsville, VA 2311. The Rain date is June 21, 2022.
Sunday, June 19 Hanover NAACP and the Town of Ashland are presenting “Juneteenth Festival Celebrating Fathers” from noon to 7 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall Square, located at 121 Thompson Street, Ashland. The festival will feature free gifts to all fathers, children’s area, food trucks, wine tastings, vendors and live music. Email hanovernaacp2@ gmail.com with any questions.
Saturday, June 24 The American Legion Post 175 is hosting a community
Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions One Stop Shop (MCEF OSS) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.
SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. For more information, call 804-746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com. Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.
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.
Tuesdays The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, midJanuary through mid-December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a nonstring instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536. The American Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville, holds a “Meet and Greet, Coffee and Donut” event from 9-11 a.m.
every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what they do for the community. Visit http://www. post175.org/.
Wednesdays Walnut Grove Baptist Church is conducting English and Citizenship classes with open enrollment through May 2022. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Contact the church office, located at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville. Contact 804-746-5081 or at wgbcinfo@comcast.net or 804746-4696. The classes are free see CALENDAR, pg. 9
Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland 2 miles west of U.S. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-2709626.
Sundays All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. For more information, visit www.allsoulsva.org. A Healing and Recovery
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022 3
Hanover Patriots introduce 2022 college, trade scholarship winners Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Hanover Patriots, a local service organization committed to bringing about good in our county, recently awarded four scholarships. Two trade scholarships were awarded to Evan Barnes and Claire Hayden, both MHS seniors. Barnes’ volunteer work through his church has reached Haiti and Mexico, and the Patriots loved the
work that he has done right here at home volunteering with Positive Dogs at local elementary schools and Hanover County Young Life. Barnes is completing the program at the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology and working to become a Ford certified technician at Bill Talley Ford. Hayden is currently in the Cosmetology Program at the Hanover Center for Trades &
Technology and plans to own her own business. The Patriots appreciated her ambition as well as her years working as a volunteer lacrosse coach with Blackhawk Lacrosse, volunteering at a food pantry, and at the Miss Hanover Abilities pageant. She plans to attend Christopher Newport University to study business and leadership as she continues in her cosmetology career. Two college scholarships
went to Nicholas Harrington and Madilyn Dawn Herskovitz. Harrington of Hanover High is headed to Randolph Macon College to study business administration. His volunteer work includes splitting and stacking firewood to donate, harvesting fruits and vegetables for those in need, as well as community outreach through Young Life and his church. Herskovitz, an Atlee senior,
spends the majority of her free time volunteering with children and teens with disabilities. Through her extensive volunteer work she has discovered her purpose in life and plans to pursue a career as a speech pathologist for special needs children as she attends Virginia Tech in the fall. The Patriots offered their deepest congratulations to these four outstanding scholarship winners, who will each
receive a $1,500 scholarship for tuition, trade school or trade related equipment. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who support us throughout the year making these scholarships possible.” Several community events throughout the year such as an annual Easter egg hunt and golf tournament to fund these scholarships. For more information visit https://hanoverpatriotsva.com/.
Photos courtesy of Hanover Tomato Festival
Contributed photo
Bailey Macy Nixon receives the top academic prize at Longwood.
Montpelier native receives award at Longwood University Commencement Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Bailey Macy Nixon of Montpelier was one of four recipients of the Sally Barksdale Hargrett Prize for Academic Excellence, Longwood University’s top academic award annually given out at commencement. The award was presented on Saturday, May 21 at Longwood’s undergraduate commencement exercises on Wheeler Mall. Overall 881 undergraduate degrees were
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given out at the ceremony. Nixon, a member of the Cormier Honors College for Citizen Scholars, received a bachelor of science in elementary education and teaching with a minor in Spanish. Located in Farmville, Longwood is a mid-sized public university that is dedicated to the development of citizen leaders who are prepared to make positive contributions to the common good of society. For more information, visit www.longwood.edu.
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022
Hanover Tomato Festival vendor applications close July 1 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Not only does the Hanover Tomato Festival have great tomatoes, but it has vendors with amazing agriculture and food products and talented artisans with original handcrafted merchandise. Applications will be accepted from additional agriculture, fine arts and original handcraft vendors until July 1. Applications are being accepted online, visit www.hanovertomatofestival. com/1022/Vendors for more information. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the Hanover Tomato Festival. A limited number of vendors will be accepted in each category. Confirmed vendors include the following: Agriculture: Blue Ridge Bucha, Gallmeyer Farms, Oompah's Udderiffic Cheese Spread, Sandridge and Sons
Honey, Hillsbrook Farm. Fine Arts/Original Handcraft: BlinginWithBri, Clayful Art Designs, Crafty Giant, Creative Beaded Expressions, Door Du Jour 9,
Enchanted Soaps, Fat Bottom Girls Crafting, fe.GNOME.nal designs & Jumping Jax, Hennafy Studio, L+K Clay, LLC, Magnolia Dream Designs, Razzle Dazzle Gifts, Richmond Ruff House, Sassykins Boutique, Teething Around, The Fix Ministry, Two Chicks On a Stick / Earthbound Botanics, Whimsy Crafts. The Hanover Tomato Festival returns to Pole Green Park on Friday,
July 15, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, July 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the focus on Hanover’s famous fruit and the community love of Hanover Tomatoes, both event days will have food vendors serving delicious signature Hanover Tomato items and Hanover Tomato tasting plates. A variety of local vendors with agricultural and fine art/handmade items will be on display. Friday evening’s festivities will include the high energy performance of the best in all genres of dance music from InsideOut Band and a brand new pizza race and relay course with obstacles and fun challenges. Saturday offers children of all ages at terrific tomato time with family friendly activities, tomato contests and scavenger hunt, with DJ music for everyone. For more information about the Hanover Tomato Festival, visit www. hanovertomatofestival.com or email hanovertomatofestival@hanovercounty. gov.
O’Bryant of Hanover Emergency Services named top in state Kayla O’Br yant, Communications Officer First Class for Hanover County Emergency Communications, has received the prestigious honor of Virginia APCO Public Safety Communications Telecommunicator of the Year Award. The award was presented to her at the organization’s Spring Conference in Virginia Beach on May 19. O’Bryant was surprised because it had been kept a secret from her. “I was completely floored,” she said. “I did not expect it at all.” O’Bryant was recognized largely for her performance in coordinating the response to an event involving the Virginia State Police and Hanover Sheriff ’s Office last year. The chase began at the Varina-Enon Bridge on I-295 and continued onto I-95 north before the suspects took an exit and crashed their car on Doswell Road. No one was injured and all of the suspects were apprehended. O’Bryant was the officer who was working on the tactical channel. Her nomination by Deputy Director Charlie Udriet praised O’Bryant for “her coordination of the massive amount of information that she had to handle from two separate agencies in order to keep the investigation seamless.” A Louisa County native, O’Bryant often visited Hanover County with her parents unknowingly, particularly when shopping at the Food Lion in Montpelier. “I’ve been coming to Hanover since I was a girl, I just didn’t know it,” she said with a laugh. O’Bryant came to work for Hanover Emergency Communications in September 2016. She had previously worked part-time as a deputy sheriff in the Henrico County
Tom Harris/Hanover County
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Kayla O’Bryant has received the honor of Virginia APCO Public Safety Communications Telecommunicator of the Year Award.
Jail but wanted a job where she felt she could make a more positive impact on people. “I was looking for a job in 911,” she recalls, and Hanover was just the right size for her – not too big an operation. She had not worked in communications but “I had some basic skills like typing and I figured they could teach me the rest.” What she likes about her job is “the ability to make a difference” in the lives of the people who contact her, many of whom are experiencing a crisis. “Sometimes things turn out badly, but sometimes we are able to turn it around,” she explains. “It has the ability to be incredibly rewarding. When I do my job well, I feel fulfilled.” “Kayla always strives to make sure that callers receive the utmost customer service, regardless if it’s a high priority call or just a call or advice/ information needed,” Udriet said. “Her overall work ethic and determination is not to just maintain her skills but to improve them and make them better…She is a great asset to our department and to the communications profession.” “Kayla has the ability to soothe frustrated and unruly
callers while helping them understand instructions that can save lives,” Udriet added. “She has a keen sense of empathy and understanding, with an ability to comprehend complex situations – always maintaining her composure in difficult situations.” O’Bryant also enjoys working with Hanover’s first responders, including the sheriff ’s office and Fire/EMS. She even met the man who has become her husband. Mike O’Bryant has been a deputy with the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office since 2014. It’s the second big honor in a month for Kayla O’Bryant. She was recognized in April as 2021 Communications Officer of the Year for Hanover County Emergency Communications. APCO stands for Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and the Virginia Chapter represents over 1,000 members, the third largest APCO chapter in the nation. The award O’Bryant received is called the Stephen Souder Communications Officer of the Year award. Submitted by Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County.
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OPINION | The Local Views
Honoring the fallen By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist My mother loved peonies, and she knew just where to pinch them to obtain the most robust blooms that never drooped. Most of the ones in our yard were carefully transported from my grandmother’s house in Maryland and strategically placed around the borders of our yard. Over the years, the once well-kept beds slowly disappeared, the victims of too many dogs who abused the plants in a variety of fashions. In May, I always find her a nice
batch of the flowers and take it to her grave, a sort of continuing apology for the series of Black Labs who destroyed her prize gardens. My parents are buried in Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, the second largest burial site in Virginia, only eclipsed by Arlington National Cemetery near Washington. On my latest visit, I arrived on a warm spring day to the peace and solitude of the rolling hills of Blandford. It’s always a comforting place that somehow provides respite from a whirlwind of activity just outside its gates. My neighbor provided a brilliant bouquet of peonies for me to leave at the site, and I purchased the single red rose I always place on my father’s tombstone for Memorial Day. I can never visit Blandford, flop down some flowers and leave. As I sit in the family plot, I always gain a new appreciation for my relatives who came before and the insight gained from just reading their tombstones. But only weeks before Memorial Day, I gazed this day over the rolling hills filled with tomb-
stones, each unique and containing its own insight to a life not forgotten. Many of the markers were already adorned with American flags in anticipation of the upcoming remembrance. Soldiers from every American conflict have found final resting places on the hallowed hills of Blandford along with two Virginia governors. The site contains graves from the famous to the infamous. Blandford has a unique connection with the national holiday known as Memorial Day, a solemn remembrance of the men and women who served and died for this country in the armed forces. Petersburg history tells the story this way. Shortly after the Civil War ended, Mary Logan, wife of Union Commander General John A. Logan, observed a group of young school girls placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. When the remembrance was repeated the following year, Logan was so moved that she urged her husband to begin efforts to organize a national holiday.
Now, honestly, there are stories of similar celebrations occurring throughout the nation following the war, but Logan is credited with nationalizing the holiday, and Blandford has always maintained its connection with the holiday. I don’t know how many soldiers are buried in Blandford Cemetery. One single burial site contains the remains of 30,000 Confederate soldiers. And who could even guess how many others who rest here came home from wars in Europe and found their eternal resting place on these quiet hills. One thing became apparently clear as I sat there and enjoyed the warm spring breeze. Those who selflessly served dot landscapes like Blandford all across this nation and around the globe. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten or their commitment to an ideal discounted. On Memorial Day, honoring that dedication to service and willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice is a small price for us, the beneficiaries of those sacrifices, to pay. The cost for them was much higher.
LETTERS | Reader Views
Residents opposed to restaurant near home adding music Dear Editor, I am representing more than 45 residents of the newly built Lakeview at Luck Farm Neighborhood on the outskirts of Ashland. Our families have built our dream
homes here surrounding the Luck Farm Ponds and lush meadows. What drew us to Luck Farm in particular was the gorgeous natural landscape and focus to preserve the native wildlife and country living. We collectively are saddened and disturbed by the plans recently submitted to the Ashland Town Council to create an outdoor venue for music and entertainment at the proposed Luck Farm Restaurant. This business development of our Rural Neighborhood was news to us and the lack of transparency with our significant home investments is offensive. The thought
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Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022
of a base beat echoing off the Luck Ponds on many evenings is very upsetting. It defeats the purpose of finding a wonderful place to have quiet enjoyment of our natural surroundings. The glare of more artificial lighting, permanent speakers and loud social gatherings sounds great, but not in my neighborhood. Most local restaurants close at 9 p.m. where this one is slated for 11 p.m. Would you want this venue in your backyard… literally? Proffers need to be very rigid and specific to mitigate all of these concerns. There is no place for a business like this in a neighborhood.
WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local. Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.
The Farmers Market rendering also seems like a marketing ploy to win over the Town Council and others. It is a Pinterest dream of what “could be” here but is by no means the actual plan. When Ms. Leadbetter, now the proposed land owner, met with our neighbors she shared that her sole interest was in providing a restaurant site for her family’s farm-to-table restaurant but had no plans for a farmer’s market. We see this potential void as a way for another less savory businesses to occupy the entrance to my neighborhood. A Conditional Use Zoning approval would ensure that only the businesses vetted by the Town Council would be allowed. We, the current residents of Section 1 at Luck Farm, are against the rezoning of this property to B-1. With the appropriate proffers in place, we would consider a Conditional Use Zoning approval for this restaurant. Kindest Regards, Lisa Childers Ashland, VA
Four students from Hanover County awarded scholarships Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Virginia Credit Union has awarded $2,500 scholarships to four Hanover County students through its Virginia Credit Union Scholarship Program. The students were selected on the basis of scholastic achievement, community service, extracurricular activities, an essay and work to help cover the cost of education. The Hanover County winners are: Henry Atkinson of Mechanicsville, a graduate of
HENRY ATKINSON
ELLIE MURRAY
SOPHIA KOTHE
LYDIA STOREY
Hanover High School who is planning to attend the University of Virginia. Ellie Murray of Mechanicsville, a graduate of
the Maggie Walker Governor’s School who is planning to attend Christopher Newport University. Sophia Kothe of
Mechanicsville, a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University. Lydia Storey of Mechanicsville, a junior at
Longwood University. Overall, Virginia Credit Union awarded $75,000 in college scholarships to 30 student members through
its program. Virginia Credit Union has awarded more than $1.4 million in college scholarships to student members since 1991. A financial cooperative serving over 310,000 members, Virginia Credit Union offers a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages and free financial education resources, with a focus on helping people be more confident with their finances. Virginia Credit Union is an equal housing opportunity lender and is federally insured by NCUA. For more information, visit www.vacu.org.
The Universe From The Center: Introducing the evolution of keeping time By Dr. George Spagna Special to The Local
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ast month I discussed the concept of an hour (1/24th of the mean tropical day for the year 1900 – because it changes). Our actual year is around 365.25 days, hence the leap year every fourth year to keep the calendar more or less in synch with the seasons (thanks to Julius Caesar). The Gregorian calendar reform in 1582 fixed an accumulated 11-day drift, due to the fact that it’s not exactly 365.25 days, by jumping 11 days and then dropping leap years in years ending in 00 if they weren’t divisible by 400. That’s why 1900 wasn’t a leap year but 2000 was. I noted that the hour was originally 1/12th of the time from sunrise to sunset then extended to a uniform 24-hour day irrespective of season. The need for uniform precision timekeeping led to defining the hour as 1/24th of the 1900 mean tropical day. Hours are ok for following most human activities, but even the Babylonians wanted more precision. They were doing (for their day) very accurate measurements and observation of the motions of stars and planets. Their arithmetic was “hexadecimal” – base 60. (Our everyday usage is decimal – base 10. Computers work in binary – base 2.) So they divided the hour into 60 minute and the minute into 60 seconds. Once hours, minutes and seconds are defined, clocks can be built to keep track of time. I’ve actually assigned students to design and build their own clocks for class. They can be quite
creative using materials costing no more than $5. Sundials are perhaps the cheapest. A “gnomon” casts a shadow whose position on a scale tells the time. Of course, they don’t work at night. An early night clock was to burn a candle marked in hours of burn time. Water dripping from a large bowl can also be used as a clock. Galileo did most of his mechanics experiments with this instrument. For “field work” he would rely on his own pulse. The pendulum clock was conceived by Galileo, but he never figured out how to keep the pendulum swinging. The invention of the “escapement” fell to Christian Huygens in the Netherlands. But the period of a pendulum depends on its length, and that can change as the arm of the pendulum expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Mechanical clocks have been largely replaced by electronics. I still recall the Bulova “Accutron” watch which relied on an electrically driven tuning fork (“it doesn’t tick, it hums.”). A quartz crystal will vibrate at a precise rate when you stress them and pass a small current through them, so the most common clocks today use quartz crystals. But that’s still not good enough for real precision. Next month I’ll introduce the “atomic clock” and its successors. Lunar phases for June: First Quarter on June 7 at 10:48 a.m.; Full Moon on June 14 at 7:52 a.m.; Last Quarter on June 20 at 11:11 p.m.; and New Moon on June 28 at 10:52 p.m. All times are Eastern Daylight. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks on June 5 through 7, so the Moon
will be providing some interference. To get a better view, find a spot away from city or town lights and look after midnight. Venus and Mercury are visible in the predawn twilight. Venus will be brilliant above the eastern horizon. Mercury is not as bright, below and to the left. Mercury makes its greatest western elongation on June 16. Mars and Jupiter rise around 2 a.m. (Jupiter first by about 20 minutes). They’ll be visible to the southeast before sunrise. Saturn rises at midnight – look for it due south when you find Mars and Jupiter. The mid-month view, about 3 hours after sunset finds the “great square of Hercules” at zenith. The relatively bright globular cluster M13 (Great Globular Cluster in Hercules) spans almost 1/3 degree and is a naked-eye object on a clear and moonless night. Binoculars or a small telescope will give a better view. This cluster contains several hundred thousand older stars (it may be 10 billion years old) and is about 150 light years across. It lies about 24,000 light years away. Due east of zenith it’s easy to spot the bright star Vega. Indeed, it’s the brightest star in the sky at this time. The southern horizon marks the direction toward the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, about 25,000 light years from the Sun, in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. The actual center is obscured from our view in visible light, but we know that a massive black hole (about 4 million solar masses) marks the dynamical center. Radio and X-ray astronomy reveals a gas cloud known as G2 which appears about to fall into this black hole, and we’re look-
ing with anticipation at this event over the next several years. O b s e r v at i o n s will tell us a lot about the true nature of black Metro Creative Graphics holes and will serve as a test of the General Theory of Relativity. Ursa Major lies to the northwest with the familiar “pointer stars” at the end of the dipper’s bowl marking the direction to Polaris, the North Star. Following the arc of the “handle” of the dipper – or the tail of the bear – will take you to the west, where you will see the bright star Arcturus. Continue the same arc to the southwest and you’ll find Saturn, about 25 degrees above the horizon, and above and to the left of Spica. If readers have questions about astronomy in particular (or science in general) that you would like covered in one of these columns, feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu. (I have retired from Randolph-Macon College but will continue these columns and use of this email address for the foreseeable future.) Note: For information about viewing opportunities at the Keeble Observatory, check the website https://www.rmc.edu/keeble for updates or call the Keeble Information line at 804752-3210. If you need to speak with someone immediately, call Dr. Michael Rodruck at 804752-7344.
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022 7
Ashland Museum offers trivia night to test participants’ knowledge
REDD Continued from pg. 1
“As a result, we had more nominees step up for this seat than I think we’ve ever had. I’m very happy with that,” Peterson said. Peterson cited Redd’s experience and specifically mentioned his previous service on the school board from 1980 to 1984 and a background in business as reasons for his selection of the retired Certified Public Accountant. Peterson described his process of choosing one candidate from such a qualified field as “difficult.” “I’ve looked at it. I’ve looked at it from different angles,” he said. The Mechanicsville supervisor said he based his decision on basic principles like the school system organizational chart that places the citizens of Hanover County in the top position followed by the school board and the superintendent. After receiving hundreds of emails and other communication, Peterson said the decision hinged on who could best represent the citizens of the Mechanicsville District. “I looked at this and it came down to someone who had concerns for the schools, had been in the schools and had kids in the schools…. and also has the business acumen to realize that they are part of a group who is running a multi-million dollar business, which is our schools,” Peterson said before announcing Redd’s appointment. “It’s about education and it’s about running a business.” Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard said she would be departing from her longstanding practice of supporting the nominees of her fellow supervisors. “On my six years on this board, I’ve prided myself on not voting party but in fact, voting my conscience,” she said. “I
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Photos by Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Johnny Redd and his wife, Terry Oatman, attended last week’s meeting that announced his appointment for the Mechanicsville seat on the Hanover School Board.
Hanover parent Jennifer Womble expresses concerns with some of Johnny Redd’s previous comments.
have great respect for my fellow board members and this is the first time I’ve ever chosen not to support a board member in his nomination of a candidate.” Prichard referenced remarks Redd provided to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “In his interview in the T-D, he made it very clear that he cannot equally support all the children in our schools, and our job is a simple but very difficult one. We have to educate every child in this county, and in order to do that, we have to provide them with support and respect. If I don’t believe a board member can do that, I cannot support him,” she added. Board chair Angela KellyWiecek said she also has a history of supporting her fellow board members’ nominations but could not do so on the candidate being considered.
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022
She noted the importance of personal involvement with the schools and pointed out that current board member Daniel is the only member who actually has children in Hanover schools. “We had several candidates… who had children in the school system and who would be there for some time. I think that is a valuable voice,” Kelly-Wiecek said. The chair also cited the need for collaboration for anyone willing to work on the school board. “It is essential that you collaborate with people, and Im deeply concerned that we may not be choosing the best and the most collaborative individual,” she said. Kelly-Wiecek said Redd had personally assured her that he could meet those expectations. And Redd expressed similar sentiments when he took the podium to accept the nomination. “I am very honored that Mr. Peterson appointed me and that you guys have voted to have confidence in me to serve on this board,” Redd said. Regarding collaboration, Redd said he had already begun the process by interacting with audience members, some of whom had expressed displeasure with his nominasee REDD, pg. 10
The Ashland Museum
MC Woody Tucker (left) and Origin Beer Lab Manager Jeremy Wilson congratulate the team from Randolph-Macon College that won May’s Trivia Night.
Do you know which U.S. President spoke English as a second language? The winning team at the May 19 Trivia Night did. Teams, many made up on the spot as participants arrived, answered 20 questions posed by the Ashland Museum Trivia QuizMakers. The evening’s questions were general in nature. A team of students from Randolph-Macon College won and more senior folks wondered how they knew the answers to some of those questions! All in attendance had a jolly time, searching their brain for the correct answer although there were many answers in search of the correct question. But no matter, all responses are fun, especially at the conclusion when scores are tallied and correct answers shared. Quite often you hear “we said that” (but didn’t write it down) or “I should have known that one”! Whatever, it is always a joyous, enlightening
experience. And an added bonus is the expanse of good music shared by DJ Brent Chambers. While you are pondering your answer, you can enjoy the music or jive to the tunes. The atmosphere is full of positive vibes. Ashland Museum Trivia Nights are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland, in the beer garden. Mark your calendar and join others in the community as they reprise tidbits of history, culture, geography and sports. The topics are endless. Winning team receives an Origin Beer Lab gift card and Ashland Museum poster. No reservations needed. For information, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net. By the way, the answer to the question posed at the beginning of this article is former President Martin Van Buren. Submitted by the Ashland Museum.
Join in the conversation. We’re on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mechlocal and www.facebook.com/hanoverlocal.
MHS Continued from pg. 2
Wangensteen will continue her academic journey at UVA and is currently undecided in her major. She said she is honored to be named as the salutatorian and wishes the best for the entire Class of 2022. Despite not having a “traditional” high school experience, she said
HABITAT Continued from pg. 1
Jeff Heie, director of GiveSolar, spearheaded a project in 2021 to raise funds to help Habitat affiliates in Virginia launch solar programs. He will be partnering with 10 Habitats across the state. Hanover and King William Habitat is the second Habitat in Virginia to partner with GiveSolar. “One of the reasons I work with Habitat homeowners is that they have a harder time gaining access to solar,” said Heie. “So this project is about trying to make solar accessible to people who kind of fall in that lower income spectrum.” Heie said Young will save around $70 a month on her electric bill and thousands of dollars overtime with her newly-installed 5-kW solar system, which consists of 14 solar panels. Steve Trivett, Town of Ashland Mayor and Habitat board member, said he is very excited for the solar home installation and hopes it will become more widespread. “The money that she saves on the solar, that’s money for family, outings, education… So it is wonderful that the savings that come from this can go into a family’s life,” Trivett said. In addition, her new energy source is better for the environment than relying on fossil fuels, which are the primary source of electricity in Virginia, said Heie.
she will “forever hold these memories close to [her] heart.” “I am so thankful for the opportunities that high school has given me, such as the chance to build new relationships and grow in leadership,” she said. “I also want to thank all of my teachers for their dedication and mentorship. The last few years have been difficult and I applaud them for their commitment to education.”
“We’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every kilowatt hour that’s produced through solar is one less kilowatt hour that’s produced through burning natural gas or even coal,” said Heie. “So this is an opportunity to start shifting away from fossil fuels.” Solar power converts natural sunlight into useable electricity for buildings. It can also protect homeowners from the rising price of natural gas used to generate electricity, which is expected to increase rates up to 20% in the next year. “We also didn’t want to burden homeowners with systems that are going to be a lot of maintenance and have to be replaced after 10 years,” said Renee Robinson, Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity Executive Director. “There’s been so many advancements in solar to where now it’s a much more long-term, sort of set it and forget it type of thing.” The solar system placed on Young’s home will last for 25 to 30 years with little to no maintenance. Her home was selected based on the home’s sun exposure, position, past electricity bills and Young’s willingness to partner with the organizations. Young’s home is the pilot project for Habitat’s new solar installation initiative. Habitat will monitor the installation on Young’s home in order to incorporate funding into the new initiative moving forward. “This is the pilot, so that we have the data to be able to per-
“I will always cherish my time spent at Mechanicsville, but I am so excited to see what the future holds,” she added. “I wouldn’t have made it to this point without the support of my friends, family, teachers and coaches.” The MHS Class of 2022 will officially celebrate their commencement on Friday, June 17 at the Farm Bureau Center at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell.
information.
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 3
but the students will need to purchase the books required for their class. Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma’s Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville. Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at Roma’s or Zoom connection
Thursdays The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804496-6093 or sandrdunham@yahoo.com. Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonysee CALENDAR, pg. 14
Photo by Christina Amano Dolan
Ashland Vice Mayor John Hodges, Ashland Mayor and Habitat Board member Steve Trivett, Aaron Sutch of Solar United Neighbors, Habitat Board Treasurer John Suddarth, Ashland volunteers, Habitat Executive Director Renee Robinson and GiveSolar Director Jeff Heie are pictured with Habitat homeowner Keisha Young with her newly-installed solar panels.
suade other homeowners that this is a good thing to do,” said John Suddarth, Habitat board treasurer and champion of this cause. He has over 40 solar panels installed on his own home and has been working for years to introduce solar to Habitat homes. “We’re trying to get to the point where in the future, we make every effort for every Habitat home to possibly have it,” Suddarth said. Suddarth gathered a group of Ashland volunteers to help install the panels alongside a group of Convert Solar install-
ers, which took a few hours under the sweltering morning heat. Convert Solar is a full-service solar energy system provider based in Virginia Beach. Solar United Neighbors connected Habitat with the local installer, Convert Solar. Solar United Neighbors is a national nonprofit that represents the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters across the country. According to Aaron Sutch, Atlantic Southeast Region Director for Solar United Neighbors, they have conduct-
ed around 1,100 solar installations in Virginia since 2014, which is the most out of any nonprofit in Virginia. “And so in doing that, we have a lot of knowledge of the industry,” Sutch said, which allows them to help connect interested nonprofits with local installers. In addition, they partnered with Heie to raise $30,000 for homes in Rockingham County as part of GiveSolar’s seed fund initiative in Virginia. Sutch said he believes solar energy will continue to take off among homeowners.
While not every house is a perfect fit, the technology is getting cheaper and constantly advancing, he said. “And the beauty of this is… everybody loves it, they love to save money,” Sutch said. “So it’s apolitical.” “And the idea of growing your own energy on your house… there’s something empowering about it,” he added. “Like, I am an energy producer.” For more information on Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity, visit https://www.hkwhabitat.org/.
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022 9
Upcoming programs at Hanover area libraries Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library In-Person Programs Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, June 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Join the library for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred. Cosplay as a Career at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, June 9, 7 to 8 p.m. Learn what it's like to be a famous cosplayer as well as tips on how to make your own way into cosplay fame. Outdoor Family Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, June 14 & 28, 11 to 11:30 a.m. 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, VA 23005. 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.
up. Read the library’s book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.
Library Mini-golf at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, June 16, 6 to 8 p.m. Play a round of mini-golf at the library with your friends. Winners get bragging rights.
Evening Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, June 21, 7 to 8 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Read the library’s book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.
Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, June 17, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Ages 18 and up. Read the library’s book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Summer Reading Extravaganza at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, June 18, 2 to 3 p.m. All ages welcome. Dress to get wet! Have fun with water games, a visit from the fire department and see if you're up to a sea creature design challenge.
Sexual Health and STIs at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, June 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Learn about some of the most common STIs that we see in our community and prevention tips and tools to keep everyone safe. Presented by the Hanover Health Department. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.
Hanover Branch Library In-Person Programs
Afternoon Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Monday, June 20, 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 18 and
Outdoor Family Story Time at the Hanover Branch Library. Friday,
REDD Continued from pg. 8
tion during a public comment period help prior to the appointment process. “I have already spoken to people in the audience tonight about getting with them on this transgender issue. I am not what many have painted me as being – someone that is not inclusive of all ideas,” he said. “I am open to hear from them.” Redd said he looks forward to serving his term that begins in July and issued a guarantee to the board. “I pledge not to disappoint you.” A number of speakers expressed concerns regarding Redd’s nomination during the comment period, many citing his remarks provided in the recent newspaper article. Jennifer Womble referred to the plight of LGBT community in Hanover schools and comments made by Redd regarding that community. “Not addressing these social changes or even
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Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Peggy Lavinder said Johnny Redd’s comments regarding religion and LGBTQ are unacceptable to her and other Hanoverians.
accepting what you deem incorrectly as immoral, illogical and ungodly, you are intentionally marginalizing these kids in a school environ-
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022
June 3 & 17, 11 to 11:30 p.m. An all age Storytime to sing songs, learn rhymes and listen to stories. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Storytime is held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather. Hanover Book Club at the Hanover Branch Library. Monday, June 21, noon to 1 p.m. Join the library in person or on Zoom for a lively book discussion. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/9116435.
Virtual Programs Journey on the Pamunkey River. Premieres Wednesday, June 15. Explore the Pamunkey River in a canoe, leaving from the boat landing just two miles from the Hanover Branch Library. Local geology and biology will be highlighted on this river trip. This video premieres on June 15 on the library’s website (https://tinyurl.com/prladults), YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary) and Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/PamunkeyLibrary/).
ment that will not allow them to be who they truly are. This has many detrimental effects on their mental health,” Womble said. Redd had stated, “My attention will be focused on returning to the primary purpose of the public schools in Hanover County — education of the students, not indoctrination of the students, not promoting social change that is illogical, immoral and/or ungodly,” in the T-D series that questioned all eight candidates. Mechanicsville resident Peggy Lavinder also expressed concerns with Redd’s recent comments. “All signs indicate that we are getting a school board member who is quoted in the paper saying that he will find some children immoral for being who they are; he will call them evil,” Lavender said. “He will take names, take charge and use his Bible to wield decisions, wield power over policy and regulations — a Bible that is not my faith practice.” She said the appointment sends the wrong
Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive for more information.
Lois Wickham Jones/ Montpelier Branch Library In-Person Programs Mystery Book Club at the Montpelier Branch Library. Monday, June 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Join the library for a monthly discussion on favorite mystery titles. Outdoor Family Story Time at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursdays, June 16, 23 & 30, 4 to 4:30pm. Join the library in the Rose Garden to sing songs, learn rhymes and listen to stories. Each session will have an engaging craft to take home. Feel free to bring a chair, towel and sunscreen. Storytime is held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather. Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information.
message for many Hanover students and parents. “It’s all a message to a certain part of our Hanover community that you will not be protected, you will not be safe, you will not be considered,” she added. Redd stated in those submitted responses that “We have strayed from godly principles and are reaping the consequences of disobedience. This is our watch — I take that very seriously. This is my watch — I have an assignment. Am I going to stand against immoral and illogical ideologies — YES! I am not going to be silently complicit and allow an evil tide to carry THE CHILDREN to a point where they are brainwashed.” Following the meeting, Redd said, “I will say I thought they came at me mighty hard. I don’t feel that I am that unreasonable. I care about all the kids,” he said. “During the recess, I went back and approached a couple of those transgender parents and said I want to meet with you and understand it a little better. I want to get to know what they are looking for.”
Sports
UPCOMING EVENTS
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VHSL Class 4 track championships at Liberty University 12:30 p.m.
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VHSL Class 4 track championships at Liberty University 9:00 a.m.
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Atlee boys, girls win Region 4B track titles By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Atlee coach Neil Mathews thought his boys and girls outdoor track and field teams had a chance at winning their respective Region 4B championships. So he rolled the dice, maximizing individual efforts, and hoped the gamble would pay off. Despite uncooperative weather on both days of the twoday meet, it did. Wednesday afternoon, the Raiders were crowned reigning kings and queens over their region rivals. Their biggest region rivals happened to be their county rivals. In the boys’ championship race, Patrick Henry trailed Atlee by just four points, 110106, with Hanover fourth and Mechanicsville fifth. In the girls, the Hawks were just seven points behind the Raiders, 1495-142.5, with Patrick Henry seventh and Mechanicsville in a tie for eight with Chancellor. “I was thrilled to death. I was super excited, super happy for the team,” said Atlee head track and field coach Neil Mathews. “I felt like it was a complete team effort, and we hadn’t had many of those complete team efforts. You know, recently we had been putting bits and pieces together whether it was we divided them on purpose, you know, or kind of split them up on purpose, resting some, racing others. “The kids did a lot of things right leading into the meet to be ready by resting appropriately.
Region tourney results, schedules Region 4B Baseball (all games at higher seed) First Round Tuesday, May 24 Game 1: No. 9 Atlee 4, No. 8 Powhatan 1 Game 2: No. 12 Spotsylvania 3, No. 5 Dinwiddie 1 Game 3: No. 6 Courtland 6, No. 11 Patrick Henry 5 Game 4: No. 10 Monacan 7, No. 7 Varina 0 Photo courtesy of Kristin Mudd
Above, Atlee’s girls and boys track teams held off strong competitors in other Hanover County teams to win the 2022 Region 4B outdoor track and field championships Wednesday at Atlee.
200 hurdles, and the high jump, long jump and triple jump. Josie Rempe won the 100 dash. No Atlee boys won, but used a solid team effort to score as often as possible — such as in the pole vault, where four Raiders, led by second-place Greg Durgin, scored. Hanover’s girls were led by wins in the 4x800 relay. Joel Klein for The Local Individually, Alli Crytser won Atlee’s Jada Foreman sprints home to victory in the Region 4B girls 100-meter hurdles while the both the 800 and 1,600 runs. rest of the field still has one hurdle to clear. Foreman finished with six individual championships. Ellie Agustin won the 3,200, We executed and then, like all then.” Foreman, who claimed six Emma Sell the pole vault, and championships, you need to Atlee’s standout perform- regional titles on the day in the have a little luck every now and er was USC-commit Jada girls 200-meter dash, 100 and see ATLEE, pg. 12
Quarterfinals Thursday, May 26 Game 5: No. 1 Hanover 6, No. 9 Atlee 0 Game 6: No. 4 Chancellor 8, No. 12 Spotsylvania 3 Game 7: No. 3 Mechanicsville 10, No. 6 Courtland 0 Game 8: No. 10 Monacan 6, No. 2 King George 3 Semifinals Tuesday, May 31 No. 4 Chancellor at No. 1 Hanover, 7 p.m. No. 10 Monacan at No. 3 Mechanicsville, time TBA Championship Thursday, June 2 Semifinal winners, time TBA Softball (all games at higher seed) First Round see SCHEDULES, pg. 13
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022 11
Mustangs trounce Courtland to reach semis
ets align favorably Tuesday night (after this edition went to press), Mechanicsville and Hanover might be looking at
each other in an all-county semifinal Tuesday night while region title game Thursday Hanover hosted Chancellor. The Mustangs may have night. Mechanicsville hosted Monacan in one regional gotten a little help from their
friends at Patrick Henry. The Patriots played Courtland in a first-round game on May 25, and the Cougars had to rely upon their ace to get through to the quarterfinal while Mechanicsville had a bye. “Their pitching staff was pretty reliant upon one guy — a freshman that’s going to UVA — and PH went up 5-nothing on their No. 1 guy, so they had to use some of their pitching,” said Mechanicsville head coach Tyler Johnson. “It really helped us to have that bye.” Mustang starting pitcher Sam Owens kept Chancellor batters at bay, allowing just three hits and walking two
Trevor Mason in the 3,200. Patriot head coach Scott Brown hoped the Patriot boys could overtake Atlee in the final event of the day, the 4x400 relay. “We kind of had a little something left in the tank going into the 4x4,” Brown said. “We were hoping we would be able to pull away from Atlee a little bit more. We were never able to catch them during the meet. … “They put a great plan together, and they threw everything they had into individual events to try to maximize on their points. We were separated by four points at the end. So it’s kind of fun always competing against Neil and those guys.” Blake Moody led Mechanicsville with in the boys 200 and 400 dashes. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
Varina 8; 14. Spotsylvania 6. Individual results (Winners and local scorers. Top four qualify for states. Top six earn All-Region.) 100-meter dash: 1. Josie Rempe (Atlee) 12.64; 3. Jaelynn Joiner (Hanover) 12.80; 8. Alaina Marshall (Atlee) 13.40. 200 dash: 1. Jada Foreman (Atlee) 25.47; 2. Josie Rempe (Atlee) 25.68; 5. Jaelynn Joiner (Hanover) 26.52. 400 dash: 1. Jayla Werts (Monacan) 59.49; 7. Jaelynn Joiner (Hanover) 1:01.90. 800 run: 1. Alli Crytser (Hanover) 2:18.03; 4. Courtney Mudd (Atlee) 2:24.54; 5. Abby Hughes (Mechanicsville) 2:24.85; 7. Sarah Bland (Atlee) 2:31.45; 8. Sibyl Harrell (Hanover) 2:31.60. 1,600 run: 1. Alli Crytser (Hanover) 5:01.40; 2. Ellie Agustin (Hanover) 5:03.39; 4. Hannah Clarke (Hanover) 5:21.16; 5. Logan Nuckols (Patrick Henry) 5:21.29; 7. Addison Crow (Atlee) 5:32.22; 8. Ashley Bedford (Atlee) 5:39.07. 3,200 run: 1. Ellie Agustin (Hanover) 11:17.30; 3. Addison Crow (Atlee) 11:49.43; 4. Hannah Clarke (Hanover) 11:56.53; 5. Adelynn Carpenter (Hanover) 12:20.91; 6. Erika Economu (Atlee) 12:22.81; 8. Ashley Bedford (Atlee) 12:53.17. 100 hurdles: 1. Jada Foreman (Atlee) 15.46; 3. Lauren Bowman (Mechanicsville) 17.04; 6. Erin Smith (Hanover) 17.80. 300 hurdles: 1. Jada Foreman (Atlee) 47.07; 3. Josie Rempe (Atlee) 48.08; 6. Tori Goodson (Atlee) 50.87. 4x100 relay: 1. Courtland 50.56; 4. Hanover 51.90; 6. Patrick Henry 52.20; 7. Atlee 52.39. 4x400 relay: 1. Monacan 4:08.76; 6. Mechanicsville 4:26.16; 8.
(Winners and local scorers. Top four qualify for states. Top six earn All-Region.) 100-meter dash: 1. Shamar Williams (Patrick Henry) 11.07; 2. Efe Obrimah (Atlee) 11.20; 3. Caleb Warren (Atlee) 11.43; 7. Cullen Carter (Atlee) 11.53. 200 dash: 1. Blake Moody (Mechanicsville) 22.18; 3. Shamar Williams (Patrick Henry) 22.68; 4. Cullen Carter (Atlee) 22.91; 7. Efe Obrimah (Atlee) 32.77. 400 dash: 1. Blake Moody (Mechanicsville) 49.86; 6. Cullen Carter (Atlee) 51.60. 800 run: 1. Ethan Coleman (Hanover) 1:55.16; 2. Carter Smith (Mechanicsville) 1:58.77; 3. Patrick Allen (Atlee) 1:59.37; 6. Andrew Senfield (Patrick Henry) 2:02.44; 7. Chase Maters (Mechanicsville) 2:02.84; 8. Trisin Lemens (Hanover) 2:03.54. 1,600 run: 1. Ethan Coleman (Hanover) 4:14.90; 2. Luke Coleman (Patrick Henry) 4:16.26; 3. Trevor Mason (Patrick Henry) 4:16.30; 4. Travis Albon (Atlee) 4:19.77; 5. Patrick Henry (Atlee) 4:24.16; 6. Nicholas Ligday (Hanover) 4:30.42; 8. Josh Gray (Mechanicsville) 4:35.89. 3,200 run: 1. Trevor Mason (Patrick Henry) 9:15.71; 2. Luke Taylor (Patrick Henry) 9:17.64; 3. Travis Albon (Atlee) 9:18.81; 4. Andre Chavez (Atlee) 9:47.50; 5. Nicholas Ligday (Hanover) 9:50.86; 6. Jake Stanley (Atlee) 10:02.22; 8. Seth Miller (Hanover) 10:15.02. 110 hurdles: 1. Barlowe Branch III (Dinwiddie) 15.11; 2. Deonte Harris (Hanover) 15.21; 3. Jordan Allen (Patrick Henry) 15.63; 4. Manny Jackson (Patrick Henry) 15.81; 6. Luke Jasinski (Atlee) 16.31;
By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — All season long, Mechanicsville High School’s baseball team has been battling Hanover for top-shelf placement among the Richmond metropolitan area’s Class 4 baseball teams. The Mustangs, with a 10-0 walloping of Courtland in a Region 4B quarterfinal Thursday night, are one game away from earning the right to compete for a regional title as well as clinching a berth in the state Class 4 baseball championship tournament. If the stars and plan-
ATLEE Continued from pg. 11
Rachael Turner the shot put. Ethan Coleman and Deonte Harris led the Hawk boys. Coleman won both the 1,600 and 3,200 runs while Harris won the high jump and triple jump. Todd Benhase the pole vault. “We were chasing the lead on both boys and girls side and the girls it was, you know, a two-team race, us and Atlee or us and Jada Foreman — however you want to look at it. She won six events. She’s just an incredibly amazing athlete,” said Hanover head coach Rich Firth. “It came down to the fact that they scored 19 points in the 300 hurdles and we had none. But we did — our kids did — everything we could. I mean, I couldn’t ask for anymore. We just came up short.” Patrick Henry’s team was hampered by illnesses and injuries, but they still got solid performances, especially on the boys side. The Patriot boys 4x800 team won, as did Shamar Williams in the 100 dash and
12
Dave Lawrence/ The Local
Mechanicsville pitcher Sam Owens struck out nine Courtland batters in a completegame victory in the Mustangs’ 10-0 win over the visiting Cougars in a Region 4B quarterfinal Thursday.
Region 4B outdoor track at Atlee HS Girls Team scores: 1. Atlee 149.5; 2. Hanover 142.5; 3. Monacan 83; 4. Courtland 69.5; 5. King George 46.5; 6. Eastern View 37; 7. Patrick Henry 27; 8. (tie) Chancellor, Mechanicsville 22; 10. (tie) Matoaca, Powhatan 17; 12. Huguenot 14; 13.
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022
Atlee 4:29.63. 4x800 relay: 1. Hanover 9:48.16; 2. Atlee 10:06.99; 3. Patrick Henry 10:15.06; 8. Mechanicsville 11:03.30. Shot put: 1. Mekaiyla Baker (Courtland) 35-08; 2. Rachael Turner (Hanover) 35-05; 3. Jessica Osuanah (Patrick Henry) 35-05; 5. Savannah Nash (Atlee) 30-06; 7. Jolena Goldkuhle (Hanover) 30-00. Pole vault: 1. Emma Sell (Hanover) 9-06; 2. Lauren Bowman (Mechanicsville) 39.06; 4. Erin Smith (Hanover) 9-00; 5. Zoey Artis (Atlee) 7-00; 6. Mackenzie Brittle (Atlee) 6-06; 7. Arlynn Bowles (Hanover) 6-06. Long jump: 1. Jada Foreman (Atlee) 18-05; 2. Jaelynn Joiner (Hanover) 17-00; 4. Zoey Artis (Atlee) 15-06. High jump: 1. Jada Foreman (Atlee) 5-04; 2. Wren McLaughlin (Patrick Henry) 5-02; 4. (tie) Lily Hubert (Hanover), Kelsey Lee (Atlee) 4-06. Discus: 1. Rachael Turner (Hanover) 102-03; 4. Jolena Goldkuhle (Hanover 86-04; 7. Carolina Goldkuhle (Hanover) 82-06; 8. Mackenzie Brittle (Atlee) 82-02. Triple jump: 1. Jada Foreman (Atlee) 38-00.5; 4. Zoey Artis (Atlee) 33-08; 5. Alexandra Guzman (Atlee) 33-01.5; 6. Erin Smith (Hanover) 32-03.25. Boys Team scores: 1. Atlee 110; 2. Patrick Henry 106; 3. Courtland 104; 4. Hanover 98; 5. Mechanicsville 47; 6. Dinwiddie 44; 7. Henrico 28; 8. Chancellor 27; 9. Matoaca 20; 10. Spotsylvania 18; 11. Huguenot 16; 12. Varina 15; 13. Eastern View 10; 14. King George 8; 15. Monacan 7; 16. Powhatan 4. Individual results
while striking out nine. He pitched his way out of a twoout jam in the fifth inning to preserve the shutout. He got plenty of offensive support. Dallas Hairfield went 2-of-3 with a home run and four RBIs. Jacob Koenig has a home run and two RBIs. Trevor Loving and Aaron Maxie each had doubles, while C.J. DiNapoli drove in two runs with a single in the fourth inning. Hanover advanced to the region semifinals with a 6-0 win over Atlee Thursday. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com. 8. Jayden Brown (Patrick Henry) 17.71. 300 hurdles: 1. Barlowe Branch III (Dinwiddie) 38.99; 2. Manny Jackson (Patrick Henry) 40.23; 4. Luke Jasinski (Atlee) 42.37; 6. Jordan Allen (Patrick Henry) 43.53; 7. Carter Menard (Atlee) 44.97. 4x100 relay: 1. Courtland 43.16; 2. Patrick Henry 43.60; 5. Hanover 44.49. 4x400 relay: 1. Courtland 3:28.83; 2. Mechanicsville 3:29.86; 3. Patrick Henry 3:30.01; 5. Hanover 3:34.24; 6. Atlee 3:35.57. 4x800 relay: 1. Patrick Henry 7:57.63; 2. Atlee 8:02.79; 3. Mechanicsville 8:10.64; 5. Hanover 8:26.37. Shot put: 1. Josiah Hrcka (Courtland) 46-00.5; 2. Kevon Singleton (Hanover) 45-06-5; 7. Christian Berry (Patrick Henry) 41-08.5. Pole vault: 1. Todd Benhase (Hanover) 12-06; 2. Greg Durgin (Atlee) 12-06; 3. R.K. Gathje (Atlee) 12-00; 4. (tie) Luke Benhase (Hanover), Will Rittenhouse (Atlee) 12-00; 7. (tie) Luke Saunders (Hanover), Shane Hale (Atlee) 10-00. Long jump: 1. Jaquan Johnson (Chancellor) 21-09; 5. Deonte Harris (Hanover) 20-06.5. High jump: 1. Deonte Harris (Hanover) (6-00); 5. Kennan Martin (Atlee) 5-08; 6. (tie) William Bruke (Henrico), Amaree Robinson (Eastern View), Na’Jad Redfurn (Mechanicsville) 5-08. Discus: 1. Brycen Edwards (Chancellor) 145-02; 7. Christian Berry (Patrick Henry) 123-00; 8. Ian Ward (Hanover) 119-03. Triple jump: 1. Deonte Harris (Hanover) 41-09; 2. Kennan Martin (Atlee) 41-08.25; 5. Edwin Henderson (Atlee) 39-06.5; 7. Keith Green (Atlee) 39-03.
Mechanicsville girls advance with gutsy win over Monacan By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Mechanicsville High School’s girls soccer team wasn’t going to waste home field advantage Thursday night when Monacan came for the teams’ Region 4B quarterfinal matchup. The Chiefs came to play and, despite falling behind 2-0 in the first half, frequently challenged the Mustangs for control of the pitch, but in the end, four dif-
ferent Mechanicsville players scored for a 4-1 victory. The regional win was a long time coming for the Mechanicsville team. “I don’t remember the last time Mechanicsville — or LeeDavis, whichever you want to call it — had a win in the regional tournament,” said Mustang head coach Paul Doss. “It was good for the girls — they were real excited — and is something we can build upon getting this program to the next level.”
Three proves to be a crowd when Mechanicsville defenders Reagan Doane (33) and Katelyn Henderson (23) pester Monacan midfielder Elizabeth Drauszewski (9) in the Mustangs’ 4-1 victory over the visiting Chiefs in a Region 4B girls soccer quarterfinal Thursday.
Mechanicsville hosted Hanover in one semifinal Tuesday (after this edition went to press) while Atlee hosted Eastern View. Semifinal winners advance to the state tournament, which begins next week. Bailey Altizer, Lindsey Schenack, Mackenzie Joly and Kaitlyn Henderson scored goals for the Mustangs. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
Game 6: No. 4 Atlee 4, No. 5 Game 2: No. 5 Mechanicsville 5, Chancellor 1 No. 12 Spotsylvania 2 Continued from pg. 11 Game 7: No. 7 Hanover 2, No. 2 Game 3: No. 7 Courtland 8, No. Matoaca 1 10 Matoaca 0 Game 8: No. 3 Mechanicsville 4, Game 4: No. 11 Monacan 3, No. No. 6 Monacan 1 6 Eastern View 2 (F/OT) Wednesday, May 25 Game 1: No. 8 Monacan 5, No. 9 Semifinals Quarterfinals Courtland 3 Tuesday, May 31 Thursday, May 26 Game 2: No. 5 Matoaca 12, No. No. 8 Eastern View at No. 4 Game 5: No. 1 King George 3, 12 Patrick Henry 11 Atlee, 7:30 p.m. Game 3: No. 6 Powhatan 7, No. No. 9 Hanover 0 No. 7 Hanover at No. 3 Game 6: No. 4 Chancellor 6, No. 11 Eastern View 0 Mechanicsville, 6:30 p.m. Game 4: No. 7 Spotsylvania 9, 5 Mechanicsville 0 Game 7: No. 7 Courtland at No. No. 10 Mechanicsville 0 Championship 2 Powhatan, (now Monday, 5 p.m.) Thursday, June 2 Game 8: No. 3 Patrick Henry 3, Quarterfinals Semifinal winners, time TBA No. 11 Monacan 2 Friday, May 27 Game 5: No. 1 Hanover 11, No. Boys tennis Semifinals 8 Monacan 0 teams Tuesday, May 31 Game 6: No. 5 Matoaca at No. 4 (all games at higher seed) No. 4 Chancellor at No. 1 King Dinwiddie (now Monday, May 30, First round George, 6 p.m. 6 p.m.) Friday, May 20 No. 3 Patrick Henry vs Game 7 Game 7: No. 6 Powhatan 1, No. 3 Match 1: No. 8 Mechanicsville 5, Atlee 0 (suspended top 4th, resumes winner, 6 p.m. No. 9 Spotsylvania 0 Monday, 6 p.m.) Match 2: No. 5 Hanover 5, No. Championship Game 8: No. 2 King George 11, 12 Varina 0 Thursday, June 2 No. 7 Spotsylvania 4 Match 3: No. 6 Patrick Henry 5, Semifinal winners, 6 p.m. No. 11 Dinwiddie 0 Semifinals Girls soccer Match 4: No. 7 Atlee 5, No. 10 Tuesday, May 31, at higher seed): (all games at higher seed) Powhatan 2 Game 6 winner at No. 1 Hanover, First Round time TBA Tuesday, May 24 Quarterfinals Game 8 winner at No. 2 King Game 1: No. 8 Eastern View 7, Monday, May 23 George, time TBA No. 9 Patrick Henry 1 Match 1: No. 1 Matoaca 5, No. 8 Game 2: No. 5 Chancellor 8, No. Mechanicsville 2 Championship 12 Henrico 0 Match 2: No. 5 Hanover 5, No. 4 Thursday, June 2 Game 3: No. 7 Hanover 2, No. 10 King George 0 Semifinal winners, time TBA Powhatan 0 Match 3: No. 6 Patrick Henry 5, Game 4: No. 6 Monacan 6, No. No. 3 Chancellor 2 Boys soccer 11 Spotsylvania 0 Match 4: No. 2 Eastern View 5, (all games at higher seed) No. 7 Atlee 4 First Round Quarterfinals Monday, May 23, Thursday, May 26 Semifinals or Tuesday, May 24 Game 5: No. 8 Eastern View 3, Tuesday, May 24 Game 1: No. 9 Hanover 0, No. 8 No. 1 Courtland 1 No. 5 Hanover 5, No. 1 Matoaca Atlee 0 (Hanover wins 4-3 on PKs)
SCHEDULES
Dave Lawrence/ The Local
0 No. 2 Eastern View 5, No. 6 Patrick Henry 0 Championship Monday, May 30 No. 5 Hanover at No. 2 Eastern View, 4 p.m.
First Round: Thursday, May 26, at Mechanicsville HS, 11 a.m. Quarterfinals: Thursday, May 26, at Mechanicsville HS, 1 p.m. Semifinals: Friday, May 27, at Mechanicsville HS, 1 p.m. Final: Tuesday, May 31, at Mechanicsville HS, 11 a.m.
Monacan 0 Game 2: No. 2W Monticello 15, No. 3W Fluvanna 4 Game 3: No. 1W Western Albemarle 22, No. 4W Orange 1 Game 4: No. 2E Hanover 20, No. 3E Powhatan 6
Semifinals Thursday, May 26 Boys tennis (doubles) No. 1E Atlee 24, No. 2W First Round: Thursday, May 26, Monticello 5 at Mechanicsville HS, 3 p.m. No. 1W Western Albemarle 18, Quarterfinals: Friday, May 27, at No. 2E Hanover 9 Mechanicsville HS, 11 a.m. Semifinals: Friday, May 27, at Championship Mechanicsville HS, 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 Final: Tuesday, May 31, at No. 1W Western Albemarle at Mechanicsville HS, 1 p.m. No. 1E Atlee, 5:30 p.m. Girls tennis (singles) Girls lacrosse First Round: Thursday, May 26, (all games at higher seed) at Dinwiddie HS, 11 a.m. Quarterfinals: Thursday, May 26, Quarterfinals Quarterfinals at Dinwiddie HS, 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 Monday, May 23 Semifinals: Friday, May 27, at Game 1: No. 1E Powhatan 23, Match 5: No. 8 Monacan d. No. Dinwiddie HS, 1 p.m. 1 Dinwiddie Final: Tuesday, May 31, at No. 4E Monacan 5 Game 2: No. 2W Monticello 19, Match 6: No. 4 Mechanicsville 5, Mechanicsville HS, 11 a.m. No. 3W Fluvanna 2 No. 5 Eastern View 1 Game 3: No. 1W Western Match 7: No. 3 Atlee 5, No. 11 Girls tennis (doubles) Powhatan 0 First Round: Thursday, May 26, Albemarle 20, No. 4W Orange 1 Game 4: No. 3E Atlee 18, No. 2E Match 8: No. 7 Hanover 5, No. 2 at Dinwiddie HS, 3 p.m. Courtland 2 Quarterfinals: Friday, May 27, at Hanover 7 Dinwiddie HS, 11 a.m. Semifinals Semifinals Semifinals: Friday, May 27, at Thursday, May 26, Tuesday, May 24 Dinwiddie HS, 11 a.m. and Friday, May 27) No. 4 Mechanicsville 5, No. 8 Final: Tuesday, May 31, at No. 2W Monticello at No. 1E Monacan 0 Mechanicsville HS, 1 p.m. Powhatan, (now Monday, 7 p.m.) No. 7 Hanover 5, No. 3 Atlee 4 No. 1W Western Albemarle 23, Region 4A No. 3E Atlee 10 Championship Boys lacrosse Monday, May 30 (all games at higher seed) Finals No. 7 Hanover at No. 4 Monday, May 30, Mechanicsville, 10 a.m. Quarterfinals or Tuesday, May 31 Tuesday, May 24 Semifinal winners, time TBA Boys tennis (singles) Game 1: No. 1E Atlee 18, No. 4E
Girls tennis teams (all games at higher seed) First Round Friday, May 20 Match 1: No. 8 Monacan 5, No. 9 Henrico 2 Match 2: No. 5 Eastern View 5, No. 12 Spotsylvania 0 Match 3: No. 11 Powhatan 5, No. 6 Matoaca 0 Match 4: No. 7 Hanover 5, No. 10 Patrick Henry 0
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022 13
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 9
mous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove Road Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@gmail.com. New Highland Baptist Church hosts open basketball gym time for adults in the Christian Life Center (CLC) starting at 7:30 PM. The church is located at 9200 New Ashcake Road in Mechanicsville. Use the side back entrance to enter. Contact Jeff Fitzgerald at jkfitzgerald@comcast.net with any questions. Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Road, in Mechanicsville. CAP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train America’s next generation of Leaders. You’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, Leadership Training, Model Rocketry, Earning Rank & Awards, and much more. For more information, visit hanover.vawg.cap. gov. You can also call or email Capt James Wright at 804-5513354 or james.wright@vawg. cap.gov.
Fridays The Building Bridges group of Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The group’s mission is to bring a message of hope and recovery to those suffering from addiction issues. They meet on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, visit rvana.org.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: CUP2022-00006, HARMONY VINEYARD CHURCH Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-174.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a church and preschool, on GPIN 7787-59-4265, consisting of approximately 6.3 acres (CUP area limited to 1.13 acres), zoned M-2, Light Industrial District, and located on the west line of Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782) approximately 340 feet south of its intersection with Cedar Ridge Drive (State Route 1311). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2022-00013, D. TODD VANDER POL Request(s) an amendment to the proffers approved with rezoning request REZ2019-00014, D. Todd Vander Pol, on GPINs 7758-53-1025 and 7758-42-9941, consisting of approximately 3.12 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions. The property is located on the south line of Mountain Road (U.S. Route 33) approximately 780 feet west of its intersection with Winns Church Road (State Route 660). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Planned Business. The proposed zoning amendment would allow revisions to the approved building materials. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2022-00004, FRANK AND ANNA B. VOLO, TRUSTEES FOR REV TRUST Request(s) to amend the proffers accepted with rezoning, C-3-08(c), and to rezone from B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, on GPIN 8725-93-1796, consisting of approximately 1.66 acres, and located on the north line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) approximately 1,700 feet west of its intersection with Walnut Grove Road (State Route 615). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development a variety of commercial uses. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2022-00005, BRANDY RUN, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, on GPIN 8714-87-1851, consisting of approximately 1.11 acres, and located on the east line of Brandy Run Drive (private road) approximately 500 feet south of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for an automated carwash. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville CUP2022-00001, ASHCAKE ROAD LANDFILL, INC. Request(s) to amend CUP-8-87, Am. 1-16, in accordance with Sections 26-20.15 and 26-20.26 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which permitted a construction debris landfill and borrow pit on GPINs 7798-08-2072, 7798-08-7416, 7798-18-4218, 7798-09-5472, and 7798-29-6304, consisting of approximately 232.45 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) at its intersection with Johnson Town Road (State Route 755). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural and Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre). This amendment includes a plan to close the existing landfill area and convert the borrow pit area to a new landfill area. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CPA2021-00001, HICKORY HILL II, L.L.C. Request(s) to amend the Comprehensive Plan for Hanover County, Virginia, adopted February 14, 2018, pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2223 through 15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. The proposed amendment will be a change to the adopted Comprehensive Plan as follows: General Land Use Plan Map – An amendment to change the land use designation from Commercial and Planned Business to Commercial, Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre), and Suburban High (3-7 dwelling units per acre) in the area generally between Providence Church Road (State Route 662) and East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) just southeast of Woodside Lane and the Town of Ashland boundary. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2021-00014, HICKORY HILL II, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, and B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 7880-92-1335(part) and 7880-81-6802, consisting of approximately 52.03 acres, and located on the north line of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) at its intersection with Providence Church Road (State Route 662). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Planned Business and Commercial (pending concurrent request CPA2021-00001 to change the General Land Use Plan Map to Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre), Suburban High (3-7 dwelling units per acre) and Commercial). The proposed zoning amendment would allow 24.24 acres to be rezoned to RS(c) for development of 72 townhomes at a density of 2.97 dwelling units per gross acre, 18.73 acres to be rezoned to RM(c) for development of 131 townhomes at a density of 6.99 dwelling units per gross acre, and 9.06 acres to be rezoned to B-2(c) for three speculative commercial pad sites. There would be a total of 203 residential units for an overall density of 4.72 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archive for more information
Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022
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Recruitment INSTALLATION & REPAIR
$$ Sign on Bonus $$ Harris Mechanical Services a 35+ year old (local) Commercial Service company is looking for: Commercial Service Technicians Repair Heat pumps, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, gas equipment, Boilers and Chillers. Knowledge of HVAC and mechanical industries is required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent pay and benefits. Must have a good driving record, and pre employment drug testing, and background check is required. mwharam@harrismechanical.com (804) 264-2229 8816 Brook Road Glen Allen, VA 23060 Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 for more details!
Please take notice that on the 8th day of June, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct public hearings pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide a recommendation on the following: CPA2022-03 LUCK FARM MARKET, GPIN #7870-25-2549 Todd D. Rogers of Rogers-Chenault, Inc., requests a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the future land use classification from Open Space to Neighborhood Commercial for the property identified as GPIN #7870-25-2549. The property is approximately 3.642 acres in size and is located along the western line of West Patrick Henry Road/Thompson Street (State Route 54) and along the southern line of Luck Brothers Drive. The applicant intends to develop a farmers market and restaurant. REZ22-0414 & ORD2022-04 LUCK FARM MARKET, GPIN #7870-25-2549 Todd D. Rogers of Rogers-Chenault, Inc., requests a rezoning from RR-1 Residential Rural to B-1 Central Business for the property identified as GPIN #7870-25-2549. The property is approximately 3.642 acres in size and is located along the western line of West Patrick Henry Road/Thompson Street (State Route 54) and along the southern line of Luck Brothers Drive. The applicant intends to develop a farmers market and restaurant. Copies of CPA2022-03, REZ22-0414 and ORD2022-04 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
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Randolph-Macon College celebrates the Class of 2022
Randolph-Macon President Robert R. Lindgren awards an honorary degree to Dr. Ronald Crutcher, celebrated classical musician and President Emeritus of the University of Richmond, who also shared his advice for graduates as the R-MC Commencement's graduation speaker. Randolph-Macon College celebrated the Class of 2022, made up of 338 members, with commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 22 around the Brown Fountain Plaza. Above, Randolph-Macon student recess through lines of faculty linked up in their honor, sharing special congratulations and farewell wishes.
Randolph-Macon graduates turn their tassels to mark their new status as graduates.
ALL PHOTOS AND INFORMATION COURTESY OF RANDOLPHMACON COLLEGE
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Ashland-Hanover Local June 1, 2022