Ashland-Hanover Local – 06/22/2022

LIBRARY

HANOVER Board keeps contested book in school libraries

Pamunkey libraries kick off summer reading festivities PAGE

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Vol. 7 No. 42 | Richmond Suburban News | June 22, 2022

Congratulations to the 2022 classes of HCPS

MECHANICSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

HANOVER HIGH SCHOOL Joel Klein/The Local

Commencement ceremonies for the 2022 classes of Hanover County Public Schools – Mechanicsville, Hanover, Patrick Henry and Atlee High schools – were held on Friday and Saturday, June 1718, at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell. Above, at left, Mechanicsville graduates hold their diplomas Friday afternoon at the Farm Bureau Center during their commencement. At right, Hanover High School graduates were all smiles Saturday morning. Below, left, these Patrick Henry graduates proudly hold their diplomas Saturday afternoon. These Atlee graduates pose for a photograph after receiving their diplomas Friday morning. Additional photos are on Community, page 8.

PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL

ATLEE HIGH SCHOOL

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

VANCE ARDEN HANNAH

HANNAH, Mr. Vance Arden, passed away on May 26, 2022 at his home in Ashland. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hannah; and their three daughters. A memorial service will be held at Woodcot Farms, 25131 Ruther Glen Rd., Ruther Glen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 25, 2022.

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

Upcoming celebration for Dr. Charles Bryan book release Contributed Report news@mechocal.com

For subscription information or delivery questions contact:

Michelle Wall 804-775-2711

email: mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116

205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005 Give us a call: (804) 401-7007

Upcoming Events:

Jurassic World: Dominion

including 20 years as president of the Virginia Historical Society. He began writing essays for the Times-Dispatch in the 1990s that has reached a large and enthusiastic readership.

“Imperfect Past – Volume II,” is a compilation of some 80 essays written by Bryan

Contributed photos

Dr. Charles F. Bryan Jr. is the author of ‘Imperfect Past - Volume II.’

from 2016 to mid-2021. The theme of Bryan’s writings is “history in a new light.”

The event is free and open to the public with limited seating.

June 22 at 7pm June 23 at 2pm

The Hanover Concert Band is recruiting interested musicians

Elvis

Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The Hanover Concert Band (HCB) is scheduled for a variety of summer and fall performances and is currently seeking new members.

HCB is a community band that performs throughout Hanover County and Richmond as the “Musical Ambassadors of Hanover County.” Founded in 1989, the band is celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year.

HCB is currently under the direction of Karla Bloom of Montpelier. Venues of past performances have included the Hanover Tomato Festival, Wayside Veterans Memorial Park, Hanover Arts and Activities Center and Town of Ashland celebrations

June 23 & June 24 at 7pm June 25 at 1pm June 29 & June 30 at 7pm

Ashland Fourth Fridays Free Event!

June 24 from 5pm - 8pm

Jamie Kennedy June 25 at 8pm

Actor, producer & comedian, Jamie Kennedy!

Joe Kenda: Killer Triggers Live in Person!

June 26 at 1pm

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

2

The Hanover County Historical Society will host a celebration to mark the Hanover book release of “Imperfect Past – Volume II,”

by Dr. Charles F. Bryan Jr. The event will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 8050 St. Paul’s Church Road, Hanover, VA, 23069. Ross Mackenzie, nationally syndicated columnist for 30 years, and — for 38 years — Richmond’s daily newspapers’ longest-serving editorial-page editor in their history, will moderate an interview with Bryan.

Bryan is an American historian who spent most of his career in the museum field,

ashlandtheatre.org

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

such as The Strawberry Faire, Fourth of July Family Event, Train Day and more.

The band received the Hanover County Commitment to Community Award in 1999 and 2007. In 2014, the band was honored by the county for 25 years of volunteer service to the community.

HCB is a group of dedicated amateur musicians that range in age from high schoolers to seniors in their 80s. They welcome newcomers who play or have previously played a band instrument to join and provide the gift of live musical entertainment to the community.

Rehearsals are held most Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, located at

500 South Center Street in Ashland. The band performs around 12 to 15 concerts throughout the year. Auditions are not required, but musicians must be able to read music at minimum difficulty level of grade 3 or better.

HCB’s schedule for the remainder of this year includes concerts at The Hanover Arts and Activities Center on July 4 and Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown on Oct. 1.

Annual Halloween, Christmas concerts and more are yet to be scheduled.

Those interested in joining the band, booking them for a concert or donating to the cause can visit the website: HanoverConcertBand.org for more information.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS April 18

April 19

April 20

Identity theft with financial loss more than $200 was reported in the 7000th block of Covenant Woods Drive, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses, less than $200 was reported in the 8300th block of Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny parts was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Concealment of pricealtered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7100th block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 9500th block of Kings Charter Drive, Ashland.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 10300th block of Brickerton Drive, Mechanicsville.

Possession of tobacco products by a minor was reported in the 10300th block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Displaying altered or forged registration, title or plate was reported in the 7300th block of Stonewall Parkway/Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Grandy larceny parts was reported in the 6200th block of River Road, Mechanicsville.

Marijuana on school grounds was reported in the 10300th block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 10300th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 7100th block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Forging was reported in the 8200th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 7100th block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Uttering was reported in the 9600th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 9100th block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, building was reported in the 7100th block of New Hunter Road, Mechanicsville.

Embezzlement, less than $200 was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 3400th block of Crown Hill Estates

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Drive, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 8500th block of Richfood Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 8100th block of Vanguard Drive, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card forgery was reported in the 7200th block of Chestnut Church Road, Mechanicsville.

Unlawful bodily injury was reported in the 7100th block of Marimel Lane, Mechanicsville.

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

Grand larceny, parts was reported in the 9300th block of Plymouth Place, Mechanicsville.

Obstructing justice with no

force was reported in the 7400th block of Brook Way Court, Mechanicsville.

April 22

Use of computer to commit larceny, $500 or more was reported in the 10200th block of Lakeridge Square Court, Ashland.

Brandishing firearm was reported in the 7200th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Receiving goods from credit card fraud, $200 or more was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 6600th block of Rural Point Road, Mechanicsville.

Concealment of pricealtered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 6300th block of Greystone Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Forging public records was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

April 21

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 4200th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Old Church Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person was reported in the 7000th block of Brooks Farm Road, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 7100th block of Ayersby Drive, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 11200th block of Rocky Ridge Road, Glen Allen.

Possession of tobacco products by a minor was reported in the 9400th block of Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville.

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MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

Hanover Rotary Club honors fifth grade essay winners

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

Contributed photo

Kelly Maiden, teacher at Rural Point Elementary, is shown with first-place winner Kailyn Campbell, second-place winner Heidi Paulson, third-place winner Emily Magill and Pam Franklin, teacher at Battlefield Park Elementary. Anne Preston Raine, teacher at South Anna Elementary is not pictured.

Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Hanover Rotary Club was pleased to honor the three Hanover students that placed in their eighth annual Four-Way Test Essay Contest.

The contest is open to all fifth grade students in Hanover County. Students from four Hanover County elementary schools and home-schooled students submitted essays this year.

The winners of the contest were recognized at a celebration dinner for the winning students, their teachers and parents at Roma’s Italian Restaurant in Mechanicsville. Prizes and certificates of accomplishment were presented to the winners of the contest. Roma’s and Panera Bread of Mechanicsville donated treats for the winners and their teachers.

The topic of the essay was “Rotary’s FourWay Test and what it means to the conduct of my daily life.” The test asks students to consider the following conditions when making decisions about what they think, say or do: It’s the truth, fair to all concerned, will build goodwill and better friendships and is beneficial to all concerned, encouraging one to apply principles of truth, justice and caring regard for one’s neighbors in relationships with each other.

The first-place winner was Kailyn Campbell from Rural Point Elementary School. In her

essay, she maturely expressed this sentiment: “If we all keep these principles in our minds and think about them throughout our lives, the world will slowly get better and kinder with these words as a friendly reminder.”

The second-place winner was Heidi Paulson from South Anna Elementary School. She wrote about how the Four-Way Test will help her when she goes to middle school. The thirdplace winner, Emily Magill from Battle Park Elementary School, applied the Four-Way Test to her friendships and helping out her family.

“We love reading the children’s essays each year, and it’s always difficult to choose the winning ones,” said Janice Henicheck, the essay contest co-chair and judge. “It’s a treat to meet them, their parents and teachers at the celebration dinner and hearing them read their essays out loud.”

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change for the better across the globe, in communities and in individuals.

The club invites those interested to look at their website and contact them with any questions or concerns. Visit www.hanoverrotary.org or contact jhenicheck2@gmail.com.

MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

Hanover Rotary Club honors fifth grade essay winners

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

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

3,995

$

Starting at

* *Plus Tax

Cremation Packages

Memorial Service & Cremation Package

Starting at $1,295

Starting at $1,995

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

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

Contributed photo

Kelly Maiden, teacher at Rural Point Elementary, is shown with first-place winner Kailyn Campbell, second-place winner Heidi Paulson, third-place winner Emily Magill and Pam Franklin, teacher at Battlefield Park Elementary. Anne Preston Raine, teacher at South Anna Elementary is not pictured.

Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Hanover Rotary Club was pleased to honor the three Hanover students that placed in their eighth annual Four-Way Test Essay Contest.

The contest is open to all fifth grade students in Hanover County. Students from four Hanover County elementary schools and home-schooled students submitted essays this year.

The winners of the contest were recognized at a celebration dinner for the winning students, their teachers and parents at Roma’s Italian Restaurant in Mechanicsville. Prizes and certificates of accomplishment were presented to the winners of the contest. Roma’s and Panera Bread of Mechanicsville donated treats for the winners and their teachers.

The topic of the essay was “Rotary’s FourWay Test and what it means to the conduct of my daily life.” The test asks students to consider the following conditions when making decisions about what they think, say or do: It’s the truth, fair to all concerned, will build goodwill and better friendships and is beneficial to all concerned, encouraging one to apply principles of truth, justice and caring regard for one’s neighbors in relationships with each other.

The first-place winner was Kailyn Campbell from Rural Point Elementary School. In her

essay, she maturely expressed this sentiment: “If we all keep these principles in our minds and think about them throughout our lives, the world will slowly get better and kinder with these words as a friendly reminder.”

The second-place winner was Heidi Paulson from South Anna Elementary School. She wrote about how the Four-Way Test will help her when she goes to middle school. The thirdplace winner, Emily Magill from Battle Park Elementary School, applied the Four-Way Test to her friendships and helping out her family.

“We love reading the children’s essays each year, and it’s always difficult to choose the winning ones,” said Janice Henicheck, the essay contest co-chair and judge. “It’s a treat to meet them, their parents and teachers at the celebration dinner and hearing them read their essays out loud.”

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change for the better across the globe, in communities and in individuals.

The club invites those interested to look at their website and contact them with any questions or concerns. Visit www.hanoverrotary.org or contact jhenicheck2@gmail.com.

Board keeps contested book in school libraries

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor The Hanover County School Board was recently divided on the appropriateness of a children’s poetry book being contested by concerned parents.

Several citizens rose during the June 14 school board meeting to voice concern over an agenda item to consider an appeal to a challenge of instructional materials.

The board was called to consider the placement of a book titled “A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart” by Zetta Elliott in two elementary school libraries, which has been challenged by residents since the beginning of the year.

The book is an illustrated poem of a young Black boy’s journey through pain, anger, grief and eventual healing after a girl in his community is killed by police. The recommended age displayed on the book is 4 to 8.

Robert French, resident of the Chickahominy District and parent, was among the group of residents who spoke in favor of the book’s placement in school libraries during the public comment period. French held up his own copy of the book to board members.

“This is a book that I wish was available to me when I lost somebody very close to me, when I had the emotions that are described in this book and the healing that comes with that after learning how to deal with the loss of a cherished one,” French said.

He implored the board to keep the book in schools and, if the book was banned, pledged to spend $1,000 of his own money purchasing copies to distribute to elementary school students.

The review committee recommended maintaining the book’s placement in their respective school libraries but that it not be used as instructional material in classrooms.

Several school board members voiced concern over younger students accessing the book and suggested the recommended age is premature for its language and messaging.

“I am not for banning books,” said Bob May, South Anna District representative. “I am for… making this available to students that have the ability to further understand what they’re reading and trying to comprehend.”

“I trust our librarians who have master’s degrees and are fully capable of guiding students to age-appropriate material in their libraries as they do today,” said Sterling Daniel, representative of the Mechanicsville District.

John Axselle, Beaverdam District representative, argued the difference between “banning”

Hanover schools to switch to pre-Labor Day start in 2023

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Residents brought their copies of ‘A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart to last week’s school board meeting in light of the board’s review of its placement in HCPS school libraries.

and “guidance” and said the book contains a harmful portrayal of police officers.

“They were the bad guys. I don’t like that,” he said. “Policemen are the good guys… So I happen to think that those types of messages are the wrong messages to send to our young people.”

He argued that the book contains political messaging and should therefore be taken off school library shelves.

“It’s a political curriculum that I don’t wish to promote because I don’t think it’s correct,” he added.

Robert Hundley, Chickahominy District representative, disagreed with Axselle’s impression of the book from his own reading.

“I would characterize it as a book about a person who is struggling with all kinds of emotional issues who figures out a way to resolve them peacefully and appropriately over time,” Hundley said.

Daniel further refuted Axselle’s argument to ban a book based on its political messaging by suggesting it would infringe on the country’s valued freedoms.

“I’m a little confused about the line of thought on it being a political message and that’s the reason we would try to ban the book,” he said. “Certainly you can find any number of countries around the world that would be happy to ban political messaging…”

May, Axselle and Steven Ikenberry, Cold Harbor District representative, said they believe the book misrepresents life in Hanover County today with its portrayal of police brutality and raised concern with its potential impact on younger-aged children.

Ikenberry said he believes the book should be placed at the middle and high school levels and incorporated into lesson plans.

“We can go a little bit further with this

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

John Axselle voiced his opposition to the book’s placement in school libraries and expressed disapproval over the book’s portrayal of law enforcement.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Sterling Daniel was among the school board members who voted to keep the book in school libraries.

book and we can make it more of a teachable moment going forward with this,” Ikenberry said. “But I struggle with the ages that the author gave of 4 to 8.”

A common concern was also raised over how school libraries are not currently segregated by grade or age.

Jennifer Grief, assistant superintendent of instructional leadership, said librarians agreed to place the book in the poetry section, which appeals to older readers, and not in the picture book section, which appeals to younger readers.

“So while the library is not done by grade level per say, there are sections that do appeal to different levels of readers,” Grief said.

The board moved to affirm the decision of the review committee with the caveat that the book be placed in the poetry section of the two relevant schools. The book will not be available for instructional lesson plans and remain in the poetry section’s circulation.

The motion passed with a 4-3 vote. Daniel, Hundley, May and Chair Ola Hawkins voted in approval of the motion and Ikenberry, George Sutton and Axselle voted in opposition.

The Hanover County School Board last week voted to join school divisions across the state in initiating a pre-Labor Day start date in the 20232024 school year.

As requested by the board in the April 12 meeting, a community survey was conducted on the proposed calendar change that saw 1,244 respondents providing input, with around 52% in favor of the pre-Labor Day start and 48% in favor of a post-Labor Day start.

Respondents who favored a post-Labor Day start were concerned with an early date affecting pre-planned family vacations in August, summer jobs, child care and others and called for Hanover to remain unique instead of aligning with other school divisions.

Respondents who favored the pre-Labor Day opening said it would align with the start dates of neighboring divisions in relation to athletics and musical competitions, regional schools such as Virtual Virginia and dual enrollment programs, application deadlines for colleges and universities and others.

The Friday before Labor Day will remain a vacation day with the change.

“I’m not necessarily fond of making changes so we can be like other divisions,” said John Axselle, Beaverdam District representative, expressing his belief that Hanover should remain unique.

Sterling Daniel, representative of the Mechanicsville District, said children are participating in activities that are “beyond the boundaries of Hanover,” such as soccer tournaments or swim meets that have started earlier in alignment with a majority of the region’s pre-Labor Day start date.

“So if Hanover’s not going to shift, some of our students are going to have some problems in aligning with some of those activities that start around Memorial Day now,” he said.

“There’s a very small number of districts that are not doing this already,” said Bob May, South Anna District representative, pointing out that the trend has spread across the state. “And I think giving a couple years notice is a good way for us to do this.”

The motion passed at the June 14 meeting with a 6-1 vote with Axselle opposing the proposed school calendar. Beginning in the 20232024 school year, HCPS schools will open on Aug. 21 and classes will conclude on May 31. The end date may shift to an earlier date in the future.

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the editor

My first sweet bite of the beloved Ashland strawberry

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

E

specially after lengthy isolation and quarantining, it can be easy to forget the joyous and vibrant energy of street festivals beneath a toasty summer sun.

Joining a crowd of strangers in celebration of life and the vibrant day, along with delectably greasy treats, can make festivalgoers feel as is if they are walking into a whole new world.

This month, I stepped into the world of my favorite fruit at the Ashland Strawberry Faire.

Getting out of the car and making my way toward the buzzing crowd, my first impression of the Faire came through my sense of smell. The sweet scent of festival food was the first to tickle my senses – the delicious waft of funnel cakes, gyros, sausages and more surely would make anyone’s mouth water – Imagine one of those cartoons characters being physically drawn by the steam of a delicious dish toward their caloric

Eddie would go

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist When weather systems collide and

doom.

But walking into the busy streets crowded with people ready to have a good time, it was obvious this festival carried its own unique and vibrant charm. A parade of dogs were sporting strawberry-patterned costumes and scarves, and the festivalgoers decked out in strawberry-inspired clothes looked striking against the brightly decorated tents lining the streets of the gorgeous campus of Randolph-Macon College.

I joined in the celebration of the delectable, ruby red berry and experienced its sweetness in its purest form. Never before tasting the sweet bite of a freshly-picked strawberry, racing to the bustling booth of the Ashland Berry Farm was, of course, a priority. I learned more about the rich history of the Gustafson family’s involvement in the Faire from speaking with one of the owners of the farm and watched in enjoyment as pedestrians eagerly swarmed the stand. It was fun to see the joy that their family’s berries brought visitors throughout the day and imagine the timeless spectacle being

the winds blow just right, the waves off the North Shore of Hawaii build up for days, crescendoing in a series of 40-foot giants that keep most surfers on the beach.

Most of us mainlanders were introduced to the phenomenon as we watched Wide World of Sports and their annual trek to the island to cover the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational, a big wave competition that pits the best

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

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

carried on by new generations – a community united in celebration of the locally-grown treat.

It’s not often you see that many people walking around carrying large buckets of the freshlypicked fruit, some people stopping in the middle of the street to take a bite and savor the sweetness.

And the heavy demand for the berries meant seeing replenishments being wheeled through the crowds was a regular occurrence.

But perhaps one of the most impressive displays of the day was observing the immense and diverse crowd of festivalgoers. It truly felt as if the entire Hanover community had flocked to the streets of the Randolph-Macon campus for the return of the beloved festival, and from speaking with visitors from across the county, I discovered fellow newcomers who shared my pleasant surprise for the Faire’s sheer size and endless amount of entertainment.

It was a day that catered to all – children, teenagers, adults and even our furry friends. Residents

surfers against an unforgiving surf at Sunset Beach and later Waimea Bay. Beginning in the 1950s, mainlanders and some Australians discovered the magic of the North Shore and gained fame challenging the big surf, but few islanders dropped in on the huge waves…. until Eddie Aikau came along.

A high school dropout, Eddie made his living working at the Dole

see SWEET, pg. 7

Pineapple plant during the night and surfing big waves during the day.

Legend has it Eddie captured the attention of everyone on the beach when he dropped in on a 40-footer in 1966. It wasn’t the fact that the monstrous wave quickly swallowed the nimble Hawaiian, but the fact that an islander was surfing big waves.

Trouble brewed in the early see EDDIE, pg. 7

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.

LETTERS | Reader Views

Sheriff discusses student safety To our Hanover County: As the nation continues to mourn the tragic loss of life that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, the community and all involved. As we reflect on this event, not knowing all the facts, questions remain as to how and why this happened. What served as a catalyst to spur this horrific act? How can law enforcement agencies, government officials, schools and community leaders learn from this and be better prepared to prevent and respond? Leaders are continually asking these questions in an effort to prevent the next tragedy. Since this event, I have been asked how safe are our Hanover Schools? I assure you that we have been asking and responding to these types of questions for decades.

Law enforcement has made many advancements in technology and tactical resources. However, the best preparation to prevent and respond will always include strong community partnerships. I have shared before that tragedy in our schools is unfathomable. As a father, I had never felt concerned for the safety of my children in our Hanover schools. I personally know the teachers and staff and am aware of their security protocols, training and professionalism. Yet, as we were reminded in Uvalde, Texas, tragedy is still possible. Strong partnerships will always be critical while, as a community, we continually plan how to be better prepared. Policing involves dynamic, unpredictable and very dangerous situations. When considering the safety of our youth, we must consider not only the time they are in school but their time outside of school. As such, our core strategy to public safety has been very holistic as see LETTERS, pg. 13

CALENDAR Wednesdays, June 22, 29; July 6, 13

Enon UMC, located at 6156 Studley Road, 23116 will hold VBS for all kids ages fourth through fifth grade from 6 to 8 p.m. Children’s dinner will be served at 6 followed by Bible story, music, crafts and games. The theme is “Discovery on Adventure Island.”

Registration is required and available on the website: enonumc.org or by calling (804) 746-4719, (804) 571-2990 (804) 730-1792 or (804) 723-5971.

Wednesday, June 22 –

Thursday, June 23

A vacation Bible school for all ages, “Discovery on Adventure Island,” will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Black Creek Baptist Church, located at 6289 McClellan Road, Mechanicsville, VA, 23111.

There is no charge. To register and receive additional details, email office@blackcreek.org or call 804-781-0330.

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity will hold a fundraiser at Brunetti’s Express 301, located at 9167 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. A portion of proceeds will be

EDDIE Continued from pg. 6

1960s among the native surfers and the implants from around the globe.

The transplants claimed Waimea as almost their own, a practice that did not sit well with locals.

Eddie is credited with negotiating a sort of peace treaty between the two factions, opening up big waves for all who dared. The Australians and Americans still dominated but Hawaiian surfers were making a mark, most notably Eddie Aikau.

So it was a big deal when Eddie won the Duke in 1976, the second Hawaiian to accomplish the feat only eclipsed by brother Clyde’s victory in 1973.

Eddie became a national hero for his feats on and in the water. He was the first lifeguard hired at Waimea Bay and is credited with saving more than 500 lives during his career. More

SWEET Continued from pg. 6

of all ages and from all walks of life together indulged in strawberry treats, enjoyed the pleasant summer sun on picnic blankets, laughed heartily as they took a turn sinking town

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donated directly to Hanover and King William Habitat.

Mention you are ordering food in support of Habitat.

Saturday, June 24

The American Legion Post 175 is hosting a community 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.

Saturday, June 25

Doswell Ruritan Club is hosting a BBQ Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at 16433 N. Washington Highway and will feature a big portion of pork BBQ with roll, slaw, baked beans, dessert and beverages.

Take outs will be available. It is $12 for adults and $4 for children aged four to 10.

Tuesday, June 28

Join the Ashland Museum and the Ashland Parks & Recreation Committee for a

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. morning of learning to “Fish Like Huck Finn” from 9 to 11 a.m at DeJarnette Park, 400 Race Course Street in Ashland. Using bamboo poles and live bait, participants will learn the techniques and etiquette of fishing with a pole and worm. This is for rising second through sixth graders, and advance registration is required. An information and registration form can be found at ashlandmuseum.org

or by calling 804-368-7314.

A permission/waiver form will be sent after the museum receives your registration and must be completed for participation.

Monday, July 4

The Hanover Concert Band is performing around 11 a.m. at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center following the annual parade down see CALENDAR, pg. 15

importantly, he embraced everything Hawaiian and instilled a sense of pride in native culture and tradition in the native population. A man, raised from the bowels of poverty, provided an example for all that chasing one’s dream in the face of adversity is noble, but succeeding is spiritual.

Eddie was the face of Hawaii, embraced by all factions of a complicated decoupage of cultures on the island. His love of tradition and history motivated him to seek a seat on an historical project tracing the ancestral roots of native Hawaiians.

The group planned and built an authentic vessel that possibly carried the first islanders on a journey across the sea to a new land. The Hokulai was a dual hulled sailing vessel, constructed of all natural materials manned with a mission to prove the viability of traditional beliefs regarding the origin of the first Hawaiians.

Eddie was chosen as one of the

crew members, and greeted his new assignment with the same enthusiasm that allowed him to paddle out on to challenge a towering wave off the North Shore.

The boat launched with much celebration in 1978, but sea conditions quickly deteriorated and the boat capsized 12 miles into the mission.

Aikau and his crew mates spend a freezing night huddled together atop the overturned catamaran, and with no working radio, rescue seemed remote.

The following day brought no relief, and after discussion among his crew mates, Eddie decided to unstrap his surfboard and head back to shore to summon help. After all, it was only 10 miles or so, and Eddie didn’t hesitate to embark on the mission.

The crew was located by air search and rescued that evening, but Eddie was never seen again, somehow immersed in the ocean that shaped his life forever. Search teams combed

the waters for days but no sign of Eddie was found.

A nation mourned. Eventually, locals decided the most appropriate way to honor Eddie was with a big wave competition in his honor, and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational was born.

The contest was unique in the fact it wasn’t held every year and occurred only when the surf was dangerously high, the sort of waves Eddie would embrace.

Sometimes the conditions were just too dangerous to allow surfers to enter the water and the contest was canceled. On one such occasion, officials huddled on the beach and discussed the danger of the pounding surf, most of them leaning toward a cancellation. One of Eddie’s fellow surfers overheard the discussion, walked up and uttered three words that have come to define the life of the beloved surfer.

“Eddie would go,” he told the officials; and the contest began.

The words became an oath of allegiance to Eddie’s memory, appearing on bumper stickers, T-shirts and billboards all over the island. Devoted fans knew those three words represented more than just the bravado required to paddle out to face 40-footers.

It was Eddie’s message to us all that trial and tribulation are part of everyone’s life, and facing those challenges head on often results in positive outcomes. When all of us need that extra push to do something difficult that we know is right, remember Eddie’s tenacity and willingness to accept any and all challenges.

So, the next time you have the choice to avoid or address a problem, or suffer that brief hint of indecision when facing a dilemma, allow your mind to climb one of those 40-foot blue mammoths and take off.

Remember, Eddie would go.

leaders at the dunk tank, clapped at the impressive performances of local musicians, took a shot at riding the mechanical bull, and waited eagerly in line for a kiss from an adorable puppy.

The possibilities seemed endless even when the sky sprinkled rain, and I’m sure that it would take far longer

than a short day’s visit to truly experience all of the attractions the Faire had to offer. Over the course of several hours, I eagerly buzzed around in an effort to capture the festival in its entirety before pausing and truly valuing the whole picture before me.

Before my departure, I sat and

enjoyed the soothing live performance of the Crystal Visions Band and looked at fellow audience members. I watched as they listened intently and nodded their heads to the catchy tunes of Fleetwood Mac. It was a moment to simply absorb the lively energy of the Hanover community

and truly enjoy the unique essence of the Faire.

After a busy day of exploring, I returned to my car and finally popped a strawberry into my mouth, savoring its perfectly sweet bite and regretting that I hadn’t grabbed a bucket or two on my way out.

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022 7

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LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

we look to support our community at home, at work and in transit as well. A safe community serves to support safer schools.

For more than two decades, we have worked hard with Hanover County Administration and the Board of Supervisors to have deputies in all of our schools, and we remain dedicated to ultimately achieving this goal. Amidst marches across the nation calling for dead police officers, narratives to defund police and to remove officers from schools have impacted hiring and retention, but we remain committed to this goal. For years, we have worked closely with school administration and developed plans to support our schools, community and our most precious resource – our children.

Safety and security assessments are routinely completed

by Sheriff’s Office certified crime prevention officers and provided to school administrators and staff. In addition to safety and security, deputies in our schools serve in mentorship roles and teach and work closely with school staff to stay abreast of potential concerns. Our deputies train on the latest tactical response, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)/mental health, tactical alarm capabilities and available resources for school responses.

These are just a few examples of efforts designed to implement best practices and always keep the safety of our children and community as a top priority. For your Sheriff’s Office, partnerships with our schools, government and elected officials are not simply a program, new unit or latest idea – they are a part of our culture. When investing in our youth, these established partnerships are the Hanover way and serve to keep us better prepared for the future. Ultimately, we recognize

that events like this can happen in any community. We are committed to keeping our schools safe by working closely with all of our partners as we invest in and provide a safe and secure environment for our children.

Together, we are stronger. We must always remember, always learn and always improve and strengthen our resolve to keep our schools and communities safe.

David R. Hines, Sheriff Hanover County

Reader says citizens should select school board members Dear Editor, I applaud the Mechanicsville Local for publishing opposing viewpoints regarding the appointment of Mr. John R. Redd to the Hanover School Board. Now that W. Canova Peterson, Mechanicsville representative on the Hanover Board of Supervisors was allowed to express his opinion, I feel compelled to bring the community’s attention to a larger issue regarding the Hanover County School Board.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the principal method of selecting school board members in Virginia is overwhelmingly by direct popular election. Of 133 school systems in Virginia, just 16 school boards continue to have their members appointed. So when I read Mr. Peterson’s editorial, it highlighted our collective lack of citizen representation in Hanover County.

Regardless of Mr. Peterson’s and Mr. Redd’s religious affiliations and values, it is fair to say that they may or may not represent those of their fellow Hanover County residents.

There is no way to know this, as all school board members are appointed. Mr. Peterson criticized individuals who spoke at the school board meeting say-

ing, “Yet these six people have chosen to pass judgment on him (Mr. Redd) without any other basis than on his expression of faith.” It seems that Mr. Peterson has ironically just described his own actions.

There is a current citizen’s action group ongoing within Hanover County, the Hanover Elected School Board Referendum Collection Group, who are wishing to place the issue of an elected school board on the November 2022 ballot pursuant to 22-2-57.2 of the Code of Virginia. This is a nonpartisan group whose purpose is to collect adequate signatures to create a November referendum. The choice on the ballot would read: “Shall the method of selecting the school board be changed from appointment by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to direct election by the voters.”

Regardless of where each registered voter, each parent, each citizen in the county of Hanover stands on this issue, do we not want to have our voices heard? I live in a new community of Hanover Country populated by my neighbors who are white, black, brown – who are of every religion and who vary greatly in their opinions on political issues. I am proud to live in a community that welcomes everyone and cares about everyone. I know that I do not agree with them on every issue, but I know that by listening, I can learn.

In our current political landscape, perhaps the only way to ease the divide is to stop talking and to listen. If Mr. Peterson is a true believer in the democratic process, our U.S. and state Constitutions and the Virginia Code, I challenge him and the school board to support the creation of this November referenda. And moreover, I challenge him to listen to this evolving community of Hanover County, Virginia.

Marianne Moss Private citizen, Mechanicsville

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022 13

Pamunkey libraries kick off summer reading festivities

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Pamunkey Regional Library branches have begun launching fun, interactive ocean-themed summer bashes in celebration of this year’s summer reading program theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.”

Earlier this month, the Mechanicsville Branch hosted around 325 community members for their outdoor June 4 “Summer Reading Kickoff Party.”

The event featured live performances by the Mustangs Dance Team and the library’s own hula group, a Kona Ice truck, bubble toys, sidewalk chalk, giant Jenga and Connect Four, a beanbag toss, cornhole set and indoor book sale.

The library was also visited by Hanover Fire-EMS firefighters, the sheriff’s office and McGruff the Crime Dog. Niki Bernett, the branch’s youth services librarian, said they aimed to cater to all ages at this year’s kickoff party, which returned in 2022 after a twoyear pause due to the COVID19 pandemic.

“This year, we really wanted it to be a ‘welcome back to the library post-COVID’ and tried to get all ages,” she said, as the day included chair yoga in the library’s meeting room for older patrons.

The Atlee Branch librarians launched their own “Summer Reading Kickoff Patio Party” on Wednesday, June 15, which was followed by the Ashland Branch’s “Summer Reading Extravaganza” on Saturday afternoon.

The Atlee Branch’s kickoff party drew a crowd of over 150 visitors with at least 100 new sign-ups for the summer reading program. The event featured a selfie station, cornhole game on the lawn, refresh-

14

Photos courtesy of Carolyn Lewis

The Mustangs Dance Team, top left, perform their routine in front of the Mechanicsville Branch Library during the kickoff party. Top right, visitors line up for a free treat from the Kona Ice truck Photo courtesy of Kate Eminhizer

The Mechanicsville Branch Library’s Hula Dancing Class members show off their moves at the summer reading kickoff party.

Photo courtesy of Carolyn Lewis

McGruff the Crime Dog makes an appearance at the Mechanicsville Branch Library Summer Kickoff Party on June 4 and hands out stickers to kids. ments, bubbles, prize giveaways, popsicles and a fish craft table. Anne-Marie Parrish, the branch manager, read aloud “I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean” by Kevin Sherry for a children’s story time.

The Ashland Branch’s weekend party featured water games in the spirit of the program’s aquatic theme, with members of the fire department even offering their water hoses for entertainment. Visitors also crafted ocean animals using recycled materials.

“The goal of the summer reading kickoff is to let people know about summer reading and get them to sign up for the program and answer their questions about it,” said Bernett. She said visitors who signed up for the reading program were able to pin an ocean animal to the Mechanicsville

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

Photos courtesy of Awnali Mills

The Ashland Branch Library is decked out in aquatic-themed décor in the spirit of the summer reading program’s theme, ‘Oceans of Possibilities,’ including an impressive coral reef made out of recycled materials.

Branch’s “ocean wall” during the school year at a deficit,” “Our big thing as libraries through the app and website the party.

Bernett said. “And we’re trying in general is to promote literacy READsquared. Participants can The purpose of the sum- to avoid that by keeping them all the way around,” Parrish also earn points by filling out a mer reading program is to keep reading and active and learning said. “Lifelong learning never bingo card for their respective children engaged with reading all throughout the summer.” stops.” age group or by completing all summer long and prevent Parrish added the program The program challenges missions offered on the app, the “summer slide,” she said. aims to promote the enjoy- each participant to reach 1,000 such as checking out a cook“Students who don’t con- ment of reading among all ages points by Aug. 31 by logging in book and trying out one of the tinue reading and learning and said “you’re never too old their daily minutes spent read- recipes. Paper copies are also through the summer then start for summer reading.” ing or number of books read see READING pg. 15

Social Services has funds available for cooling assistance Application forms for the Cooling Assistance program are available online and the Hanover County Department of Social Services is processing applications. This program runs through Aug. 15 or until the money is gone.

Cooling Assistance, offered through the Virginia Department of Social Services Energy Assistance Program, helps eligible households meet costs related to cooling one's home. This can include: Payment of electric bills (up to $600.00) to operate cooling equipment; Payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump Purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans The purchase and installation of one window unit air conditioner for households where there is no unit or where the unit needs to be replaced To be eligible, the household must have at least one vulnerable individual aged 60 or older, disabled or a child under age 6. Assistance is based on the availability of funds and is first-come, firstserve. Renters must have written permission from their landlord to make alterations or improvements to the property in order to be eligible.

“It’s probably going to be hot and humid this summer and this weather can be very dangerous to elderly and disabled people as well as children,”

said Sheila Crossen-Powell, director of Hanover County Social Services. “We urge anyone who would like to know more about the cooling assistance program to call us at 365-4100.”

An eligible household can receive more than one type of assistance per application. For the 2022 cooling season, applicants that are eligible and approved will receive the maximum amount of $600.00 at approval. They will not need to turn in future bills for payment.

Financial eligibility is based on income only.

Income levels are significantly higher than in prior years. Applicants must provide proof of income for all household members. Electric utility bills must be in the name of a household member or the service address must be the same as the applicant’s address.

The easiest way to apply for Cooling Assistance is online at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov, or by calling 1-855-635-4370 toll-free.

Paper applications are on the web at http://dss. virginia.gov/benefit/ea/index.cgi or are available at the Hanover Department of Social Services.

Paper applications can be mailed, faxed to 3654110 or returned in person. The applicant must sign all applications.

For more information about the Cooling Assistance program, call the Hanover Department of Social Services at 365-4100 or stop by the office.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County.

Hanover CSB seeking participants in Virginia’s Young Adult Survey Contributed Report news@mechocal.com Hanover residents who are 18-25 years old are eligible to take the Virginia Young Adult Survey. The Hanover County Community Services Board is distributing the survey in Hanover communities.

This statewide survey of young adults was developed in partnership with Virginia’s Office of Behavioral Health and Wellness (OBHW) at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and their partner, OMNI Institute, a nonprofit organization working with Community Service Boards (CSBs) and coalitions across Virginia to learn more about substance use, mental health and health related

behavior, among young adults. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. Grant funds from OBHW will provide a $25 gift card to qualified Hanover County residents who complete the survey.

“We want to hear about your experiences and opinions on substance use and mental health in our community. Your responses will help us develop health and wellness programming that better meets your needs,” said Hanover Behavioral Health Wellness Specialist Courtney Mills.

“To participate in the survey, you can text Virginia to 855-632-2201 for the survey link,” said Mills. Contact this email address with any questions: hanoverbhw@hanovercounty.gov.

Hanover CSB thanks those who partner with them to keep Virginia healthy.

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 7

Railroad Avenue in Ashland.

The time is subject to change.

For more information, visit the website: https://hanoverconcertband.org/see-hearus/.

Ongoing

Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions One Stop Shop (MCEF OSS) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

Saturdays

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland 2 miles west of U.S.

READING Continued from pg. 14

available for book logging and bingo.

“So it’s not just about reading,” Parrish said.

“There’s an interactive piece to it, which I think is really fun.”

Awnali Mills, youth services librarian at the Ashland Branch, said the program aims to appeal to even the most reluctant readers with its variety of activities. Participants can also earn points by listening to an audio book or reading a magazine, newspaper, graphic novel, and a number of other media outside of novels.

“So even if kids aren’t thrilled with reading, we’re trying to make it very accessible for those kids as well,” Mills said.

The “Read-to-Me” category is designed for children who can’t read on their own yet but earn points by sharing stories with a parent, grandparent, caregiver or any independent reader.

“There’s nothing better than having an adult caregiver and a child sitting down to enjoy reading together,” Parrish said. “It’s just a really great building block to lifelong learning and curiosity.”

The “Reader” category is designed for independent readers up to age 12; “Young Adult” is for teens aged 12 to 17, and “Adult” is designed for readers aged 18 and up.

All participants who complete the program will earn a certificate and a raffle ticket to apply toward the prize drawing of their choice, with each category featuring prizes unique to the age group. There will be six “Read-to-Me” winners, six “Reader” winners, six “Young Adult” winners and 11 “Adult” winners. “Read-to-Me” children are also gifted a small toy of their choice upon completing the program.

Readers of the three younger-aged categories are additionally entered into a weekly drawing to win a free book at their local branch library.

Pamunkey Regional Library calendars are packed with aquatic-themed events throughout

1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix. Visit www. trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.

Sundays

All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants see CALENDAR, pg. 19

the summer in the spirit of the reading program.

The Atlee Branch held a “Crafternoon” on Saturday for visitors to decorate a beach ocean canvas and will host “take-and-make” opportunities in coming months featuring take-home ocean-themed crafts, including an otter paper bag, whale sock puppets and mermaid puppets.

A “Gyotaki Fish Printing” event is scheduled for July 9 and will invite participants to print the unique art onto their own T-shirts or pillowcases.

Upcoming programs at the Ashland Branch include a “Submarine Escape Room” on July 23, an interactive “Sharknado” movie night in August and an upcoming visit from the travelling zoo of Jack’s Jungle on July 26.

The Mechanicsville Branch will host a takeand-make program in August for homemade jellyfish lanterns and a Goldfish cracker taste test in July. Interested participants can pick up pre-packaged bags filled with unique Goldfish flavors on July 26 and join Bernett on Zoom on July 29 to guess the flavors and rank their favorite crackers.

Library branches encourage community members to check out their festive, oceanthemed decorations, including the Ashland Branch’s impressive coral reef crafted from recycled materials, sunken ship, kelp forests and measuring station for kids to compare their size to a variety of ocean animals.

“Come to the library. It’s a great place to be and there’s a lot of things to do,” said Parrish.

“And it’s also a nice, quiet space if you just need to take a break.”

“We have so much to offer at the library,” said Mills. “We are here to help people, and we’re here for our community. And that’s why we do our jobs, and that’s why we love our jobs.”

For more information on the many upcoming library programs for all ages, visit the website: https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

Registration for the reading program is available through the website or in person at each branch library and open to anyone who is interested.

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022 15

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

06

22 2022

GRAL swimming: Kings Charter at Ashland 6:00 p.m.

06

22 2022

GRAL swimming: The Federal Club at Atlee 6:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

GRAL swimmers kick off summer season

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Burkwood’s Grace Jensen improves upon her seed time by more than 4-1/2 seconds in the 5-8 girls 25-yard breaststroke in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet at Church Run on June 13. Jensen finished second in the novice division in 29.25.

16

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

RICHMOND — After two years of anything but normal, the 2022 Greater Richmond Aquatic League season is off to something resembling a traditional start.

With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on all sorts of activities, GRAL had to adapt, with some teams not participating and no Champs tournament in 2020, and with some teams holding virtual meets or staggering face-to-face meetings so that younger swimmers competed at one time or day and older swimmers competed at another.

This season began as preCOVID seasons did, with both teams and all ages gathered together with all the chaos that involved, with kids running around (even on the pool decks), parents helping keep times or chatting, and everyone partaking of refreshments such as shaved ices — in other words, the season started with pretty much everyone having fun.

The Burkwood Buccaneers began their season on the road at Church Run, taking nearly 190 of their swimmers — a contingent nearly unimaginable in the past two pandemic years — to the Rockets’ home pool for the season opener on June 15. Burkwood’s deeper roster allowed the Buccaneers to dominate Church Run in total points, 1,660 to 1,186.

“We traveled with close to 190, which is something

we usually don’t do. That was exciting,” said Burkwood head coach Karen Seeber. “For the first meet being at another pool since COVID, we think things went really well.”

Seeber said her swimmers benefitted from being all together.

“It was great because we do this program Little Fish/Big Fish,” she said. “[The younger kids] are getting used to being back with the bigger kids and watching them. [The older kids] help out and they’re really good role models for the little kids.”

While the younger swimmers benefit from the examples set by the older ones, the older swimmers likewise benefit from the program.

“It renews their energy and their attitude towards the sport too because you see that excitement of an 8-under or 6-yearold,” Seeber said. “You’re like, ‘Oh yeah, this is why we do it — to have fun. It’s not all about the time.”

The only weirdness to this season’s start was because of location: Burkwood was supposed to host the meet but couldn’t because of renovations on its lower pool where it holds its GRAL events. The goal is to shore up retaining walls around the lower pool and the lower pool deck.

“This is a project that has been in planning and talked about for a number of years,” said Burkwood’s general manager George Massey. “We’ve just see GRAL, pg. 17

GRAL Continued from pg. 16

been monitoring the conditions down there at the lower pool. Last summer, we actually did some temporary repair work so that we didn’t have any issues, but it just wasn’t going to hold for much longer. We had to go ahead and bite the bullet and move forward on this renovation project.”

Because of the renovations, Burkwood will host Canterbury this week at the NOVA of Virginia Aquatics’ facility at Regency Square. The meet will begin at 6 p.m.

In its season opener last week, Burkwood was led by quad winners Faith Baird, William Conlan, Bradley Reynold, Charlie Welsh, Harrison Welsh and Briggs Zyglocke.

The Buccaneers had a host of triple winners: John Bednarczyk, Zach Bednarczyk, Natalie Duda, Noah Engler, Lola Fabricant, Peter Frame, Teagan Gilhooly, Nolan Hatcher, Brody Kyzer, Mark Lee, Claire Ligday, Alexander Patrick, Reagan Patrick, Chandler Rose, Oliva Welsh and Lennon Zyglocke.

Church Run was led by quad winners Maddie Baron and Sam Rivas and triple winners Anna Barrett, Molly Barrett, Kayla Boughton, Stefan Bubulac, Veronica Burdsall, Alice Coulter, Oliva Fahrenkrog, Olivia Jung, Eric Lambert and Alessandra Reyes.

All Hanover County’s GRAL teams were in action last week as well. Three county teams were in action in Division 2: AshCreek hosted Kings Charter, and Ashland hosted Wyndham.

Kings Charter — led by quad winners Maggie Caten, Tyler Caten, William Cope, Henry Crain, Megan Lane, Haley Taylor and Ava Tricoli — edged the host Crocodiles 959-795.

Kings Charter’s triple winners were Madison Goodman, Jace Gourley, Kaden Kinner, Chloe

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Above, Burkwood’s Matthew Lee has his warrior face on even if his goggles are off as he wins the junior varsity division in 46.38 seconds in the 9-10 boys 50-yard breaststroke in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet at Church Run on June 13. Left, Burkwood’s Sam Castle swims to victory in 25.15 seconds in the super varsity division of the 15-18 boys 50-yard backstroke.

Lutton, Hudson Lutton, Chase Penny and Sophia Tricoli.

Quad winners Jake Collawn, Cere Duplissey, Zoey Regensburg, Pierce Rempe and Landon Viar led AshCreek.

The Crocodiles had three triple winners: Eamonn Coyne, Ben Schumacher and Nolan Stokes.

Ashland fell to its visitors 1,067-985. The Barracudas were led by quad winners Caden Arnold, Deklan Cauthorne, Andi Medei, Emma Medei and Thomas Senfield and triple winners Chloe Brown, Davis Luck, Brette Nicely, Kale Runk and Alannah Simmons.

Four county teams were in action in Division 3. The Federal Club was at Atlee Recreation Association, while Rockville/Dolphin Club hosted Wellesley and Pebble Creek

hosted Goochland YMCA. Atlee slipped past the Eagles 752-693. The Alligators were led by seven quad winners: Madeleine Heimlich, Avery Jenkins, Elijah McEntire, Grayson Milliron, Tanner Ogden, Allison Thomas and Emmy Trumbore. They had six triple winners: Reid Barber, Conner Hart, Nate Hession, Lauren Stainker, Mauren Verity and Claire Whitlock.

The Federal Club was led by quad winners Kiersten Armstrong and Caroline Bruning and triple winners Brannan Agee, William Barnard III, Amanda Barnard, Brody McKenna and Macey Smith.

Rockville/Dolphin Club fell to Wellesley 902-778. They were led by quad winners

Berkeley Crane, Jared Fraser, Grant Hewett, Jake Lucas and Colston Worthington and triple winners Avery Carlson, Lily Luck, Matthew Matthews, Cole Nuckols, Chayla Parker, Duncan Taylor, Bryson Worthington, Carter Zubris and Ryan Zubris.

Goochland YMCA bested its hosts 915-728. Pebble Creek was led by five quad winners: Maddie Fogg, Tyler Hill, Olivia Minton, Caitlyn Robertson and Kenzie Strohhacker. The Piranhas had eight triple winners: Mason Hill, Wesley Hill, Zachary Lehman, Izzie Lindsey, Sydney Minton, Dillon Strohhacker, Maxell Uzukwu and Jude Volles.

Six county teams were in action in Division 4. In two cross-county matchups, Milestone hosted Hanover Country Club and Battlefield Green hosted Bell Creek.

Elsewhere, Old Church hosted Tuckahoe Village West and Mechanicsville hosted

Wembley.

Milestone dominated the Sharks 919-509. The Makos were led by quad winners Hudson Brush, Brandon Harvey, Kaylee Hues, Gavin Mauritsen, Michael Sabo, Molly Sabo and Jeffrey Sproull and triple winners Chloe Hues, Heath Kyllingstad, Tamia Marshall, Aidan McGuiggan, Molly Sproull and Emily Stevens.

Quad winner Chance Greene led the Sharks. Hanover also had triple winners Janice Busby, Campbell Derrico, J.J. Droppleman and Miller Sweazey.

Bell Creek held off the Ferocious Frogs 739-416.

Quad winners Callan Cotton and Brayden Mullenaux led the Barracudas. Bell Creek also had triple winners Jewel Basilan, Peyton Beardslee, Alex Brigham, Grayson Corker and Cameron Smith.

Battlefield Green was led by quad winners Lauryn Chaney, Devin George and Kira Wood

and triple winners Ralen Crump, Mason Lewis, Jackson McClave, Lexi Scott and Avery White.

Old Church dominated its visitors 966-582. The Otters had nine quad winners: Joelle Agee, Owen Agee, Henry Atkinson, Alex Brehm, Connor Brooks, Gracie Brooks, Graham Frye, Gabriella Sanchez and Keelyn Underdown. Old Church’s triple winners were Rachel Durrer, Levi Grubbs, Bryden Hurtubise, Julia Kelly, Liz LaPrade, Alex Piland, Mallory Wade and Ty Williams.

Mechanicsville likewise dominated visiting Wembly 615-417. Four quad winners — Aydan Butler-Gee, Alex Pruemer, Whitney Speeks and Katie Willard — led the Marlins, along with triple winners Tyler Earley, Makenzie Hanner, Ciara Lewis and Bella Seward.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022 17

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

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CALENDAR Continued from pg. 15

and toddlers. Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. Visit www.allsoulsva.org.

A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church.

The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome.

Contact 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. Contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.

Tuesdays

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through midDecember, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54.

Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument.

High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-7890536.

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

Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma’s Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville.

Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at Roma’s or Zoom connection information.

Thursdays

The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland.

For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804496-6093 or sandrdunham@ yahoo.com.

Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove Road Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-6524 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 804-551-3354 or james.wright@vawg.cap. gov.

Fridays

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

Second Mondays

The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Road in Mechanicsville. It is one of several groups in the Richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the American Red Cross to distributed to those in need.

Since its inception, the WEB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and globally. If you can make it, the WEB can use it. There are so many organizations in need of help. For more information, call Laurie Wagner at 804781-0338.

Third Mondays

Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help

and encourage those who have loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on Zoom. For more information, contact Jennifer Bean at 804-559-2805 or the church office at 804-7469073.

The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

Fourth Mondays

The FeedMore Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing food from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First Shiloh Baptist Church at 8150 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville.

Contact Heather at hshaheen96@gmail.com.

The Atlee Ruritan Club meets every fourth Monday at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Rt.301. Meetings, that include dinner and a program, begin at 6:30 p.m. Ruritan is a national community service organization dedicated to fellowship, goodwill, and community service. The Atlee Club welcomes both men and women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve your spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.

Second Tuesdays

The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and Aug.) at 10:30 a.m. in Room G110 of Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Bring a covered dish and join in with a group celebrating faith, fellowship, friends and fun.

Meetings are cancelled if Hanover County Public Schools are two hours late or cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, call the church at 804-746-9073. For more information, call Janet Lewis at 804-398-8947.

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

Third Tuesdays

The Hanover Ruritan Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with dinner at 6.30 p.m. Ruritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill and community service.

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

Second Wednesday

Hanover Community Services Board says if you are a family member or friend of someone who has a mental illness, you are not alone.

There is support. Hanover Community Services Board offers a family support group on the second Wednesday of every month from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bell Creek location, 8475 Bell Creek

Road in Mechanicsville.

Facilitators Rebecca Strader and Heidi Brown invite you to attend this group that follows NAMI principles of confidentiality, respect, empathy and support to one another.

No sign up or registration is required. Contact Rebecca at 804-365-6746 or Heidi at 804365-6769.

Second Thursday

The Hanover-Ashland TRIAD meets the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the new Atlee Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Drive, Mechanicsville. The Hanover-Ashland TRIAD is a program that focuses on providing information to seniors to improve their quality of life. The HanoverAshland TRIAD is a joint venture involving the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, Ashland Police Department, AARP, Hanover County governmental agencies, human services agencies, civic groups and seniors themselves.

Fourth Monday

The Atlee Ruritan Club meets every fourth Monday at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Route 301. Meetings, that include dinner and a program, begin at 6:30 p.m. Ruritan is a national community service organization dedicated to fellowship, goodwill and community service. The Atlee Club welcomes both men and women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve a spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.

Last Saturday

January through October, The American Legion Post 175 hosts a “Community Breakfast” from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The breakfast is open to the public and is located at 8700 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022 19

Knitting away on World Wide Knit in Public Day

Laura Mcfarland/The Local

Shown, from left to right, are Joyce Powers of Richmond, Erin Skaggs of Ashland, Liz McHugh of Caroline County and Diane McHugh of Fredericksburg participating in World Wide Knit in Public Day on June 11 in front of the Center of the Yarniverse in Ashland.

Parson’s Cause Foundation schedules performances Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Actor Steve Hawkins will present his one-man performance of Billy Graham at the Hanover Courthouse on Saturday, June 25. Hear the story of Graham's life from his humble beginnings as the son of a North Carolina dairy farmer to his days of packing stadiums with his preaching and being the spiritual advisor to presidents.

Hawkins is a retired salesman. He has portrayed numerous characters at St. John’s Church for over 20 years and portrays Sheriff Tompkins in The Parsons’ Cause Trial.

He has also portrayed George Washington for various audiences in Virginia and beyond.

20

The performances will be held at 9:30 and 11a.m. in the Historic Hanover Courthouse.

The performances will open the summer season for The Parsons' Cause Foundation, Inc. Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Foundation is pleased to offer performances on ten Saturdays this summer: “Richard Henry Lee and a Reading of the Declaration of Independence” on July 2 at 9:30 and 11a.m.

“Audie Murphy” on July 9 at 9:30 and 11a.m.

“Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson” on July 16 at 9:30 and 11a.m.

“Harriet Tubman” on July 23 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

“The Music of World

Ashland-Hanover Local June 22, 2022

War II” on July 30 at 9:30 and 11a.m.

“Martha Jefferson” on Aug. 6 at 9:30 and 11a.m.

“Martha Ann Fields” on Aug.13 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

“Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe” on Aug. 20 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

“The Parsons’ Cause – Prelude to Revolution” on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m.

Each performance runs about 45 minutes.

Performances are free and open to the public, but donations are gladly accepted. Tickets will be distributed on the date of the show on a first-come, firstserved basis. The number of tickets distributed will be limited to the legal capacity of the courthouse. The foundation

Learn to fish like Huck Finn Join the Ashland Museum and the Ashland Parks & Rec Committee for a morning of learning to Fish Like Huck Finn. Using bamboo poles and live bait, participants will learn the techniques and etiquette of fishing with a pole and worm. The morning’s adventure will take place on Tuesday, June 28 from 9-11 a.m. at DeJarnette Park located at 400 Race Course St. in the southwest section of the Town of Ashland. This is for rising second thru sixth graders, and advance registration is required. Information and registration form can be found at ashlandmuseum.org or by calling 804-368-7314.

A permission/waiver form will be sent after the Museum receives your registration and must be completed for participation.

This will be a morning full

IF YOU GO Fish like Huck Finn from 9 to 11 am on Tuesday, June 28 at DeJarnette Park in Ashland. of fun and fish stories, so don’t delay in registering as available poles are limited. Whose bobbin will be the first to signal a fish, who will catch the most, and whose will be the biggest?

Contributed photo/Ashland Museum

‘Fish Like Huck Finn’ will be held onTuesday, June 28 from 9-11 a.m. at DeJarnette Park located at 400 Race Course St. in Ashland.

We’ll see.

Submitted by The Ashland Museum.

Upcoming programs at Hanover area libraries Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library In-Person Programs Outdoor Family Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, June 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.

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.

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.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library In-Person Programs Outdoor Family Story Time at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursdays, June 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.