Ashland-Hanover Local – Fall Home Improvement 09/14/2022

INSIDE

Fall home improvement guide

COMMUNITY Barnette receives National Guard recognition for exceptional service

PAGE

2

Vol. 8 No. 3 | Richmond Suburban News | September 14, 2022

Hanover honors 9/11 first responders

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

H

anover County and Town of Ashland officials, public safety personnel and partners invited the community last week to join them in remembrance of the heroic first responders who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Hanover County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony was held on the morning of Friday, Sept. 9 in front of the Historic Hanover Courthouse, which stood adorned with American flags in honor of the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks marked on Sunday.

“I thank you for joining us today as we remember and as we never forget the nearly 3,000 beautiful lives that were taken from us far too soon on Sept.

11, 2001,” said county administrator John Budesky before the crowd of attendees. “We’re joined today at our historic

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Public safety officials from Hanover Fire-EMS, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Ashland Police Department line up to read aloud the names of public safety lives lost in the 9/11 attacks.

courthouse to pay respect and to renew our faith that binds us together as one Hanover and as one American family.”

“Today, we honor the courage of those who put themselves in harm’s way to save the people they never knew,” Budesky added.

Budesky said in addition to the first responders who lost their lives during the attacks, there have been over 7,000 U.S. military deaths and over 52,000 related injuries sustained in the “War on Terror.”

All rose from their seats as the Hanover County Public

Safety Color Guard offered a presentation of colors at the start of the ceremony, which was followed by a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Hanover Junior Idol Rebekah Turner.

Heartfelt remarks were see 9/11 pg. 16

HANOVER COUNTY GOES BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-23 Contributed Photo

Liam Carlson begins the fourth grade at Pearson’s Corner Elementary School. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 15

Tools 4 Teachers store is seeking volunteers for school year

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor The Tools 4 Teacher store is gearing up for its second school year with exciting plans underway to expand the program’s reach into Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS).

The store was born last fall from

a community partnership between Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions (MCEF), Ashland Christian Emergency Services (ACES) and HCPS to offer financial assistance to teachers in need of school supplies for students and classrooms.

The Tools 4 Teachers program delivers school supplies ordered

by middle school teachers from September to April of the year.

Thanks to an outpour of community support and a recently-secured inventory space at the Arc of Hanover Thrift Store, the store has significantly grown since the start of 2022. With an abundance of donations waiting on the shelves and a refined program, the

store is seeking to build its volunteer base to induce even greater change in the community and expand into HCPS high schools this year.

MCEF President Pat Hubert said they are running the program under a similar model to last year’s with various changes made to expand operations.

The ordering process opens up the

20th of each month and closes the last day of each month. Orders will be shipped out each month beginning in October and must be completed and delivered by the 10th of the month following the closing date.

This year, SignUpGenius will be utilized for monthly volunteer schedsee TOOLS, pg. 4

Black Heritage Society launches fall Historical Guest Speaker Lecture Library will host “Genealogy 101: Climbing Your Family Tree – An Introduction to African American Genealogy” on Wednesday, Sept.

The Hanover County Black Heritage 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. This program will have Society, Inc. invites the public to attend a new limited capacity and requires registration with Historical Guest Speaker Lecture Series that the Ashland Branch Library.

This talk will provide tips and strategies for was first initiated in February and March 2022 in partnership with the Pamunkey Regional beginning family research. It will include an overview of basic genealogy terms and tools, Library. the use of public and private This Hybrid Historical records, internet sources, oral Initiative was introduced at history and DNA. Techniques that time due to the COVID-19 and resources that are unique pandemic. Per the welcomed to African American research feedback from the Pamunkey will be discussed with speRegional Library and the comcial attention given to tracing munity, the Hanover County African Americans back to Black Heritage Society, in colthe period of slavery. Session laboration with the Ashland attendees will receive multiple Museum and the Pamunkey handouts containing relevant Regional Library, is lookresources. ing forward to continuing A genealogist for more the ongoing fall segments of Photos courtesy of the Hanover County than 40 years, Bessida the Historical Guest Speaker Bessida Cauthorne White Cauthorne White is the famwill present the Sept. 21 Lecture Series. ily historian for 10 families, The first installation of segment, “Genealogy 101: manages DNA results for the new series was held Sept. Climbing Your Family Tree – An Introduction to African more than 40 persons, is wide7 at the Ashland Branch American Genealogy.” ly sought as a presenter and Library. Titled “Early Africanhas conducted workshops on American Schools in Hanover County,” the program invited the public to genealogy and family reunion planning. She absorb first-hand oral histories and perspec- received a Bachelor of Science degree in bioltives. This “Back-to-School” first segment fea- ogy from Virginia State College, now Virginia tured Mr. Earl J. Hunter Jr.; the Rev. Dr. Evans State University, in 1969. She then received a Juris Doctorate from the Marshall-Wythe C. White Jr; and Harold Stills Sr. Hunter is a past Hanover County and School of Law at the College of William and Virginia School Board president and mem- Mary in 1980. She was the first black person ber. White is the pastor of Providence Baptist and the first woman to serve as president of the Church in Aylett and co-author and co-pub- Student Bar Association at College of William lisher of “Eastern Hanover County Churches, and Mary. She became the first black woman to Schools, & Organizations: A Brief History serve on the bench in Virginia when appointed from A Black Perspective,” which was written a substitute judge of the General District Court in 1985 with the help of Rose B. White. Stills of the City of Richmond in 1983.

In 2004, she co-founded the Middle is a retired Hanover County educator, assisPeninsula African-American Historical and tant principal and administrator in Human Genealogical Association and currently serves Resources.

The Hanover County Black Heritage Society as its president. She teaches genealogy at encourages the community to also share their Rappahannock Community College and is stories, as school and life experiences will be also a co-founder of the Greater Richmond, reflected upon by students and employees of Virginia Chapter of the Afro-American the Hanover County Public School system and Genealogical and Historical Society (AAHGS). from where they drew inspirations for life. An She serves or has served on the boards of the Encore Presentation of the program will be Black History Museum and Cultural Center of held today, Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 7 to 8 Virginia, the Library of Virginia Foundation, and the Middlesex County Museum and p.m. at the Atlee Branch Library.

Continuing the series, the Ashland Branch Historical Society.

Contributed Report The Local

2

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

Barnette receives National Guard recognition for exceptional service Christina Amano Dolan Editor Robert N. Barnette Jr., a Mechanicsville resident of almost 30 years and Vietnam War veteran, received national recognition last month for his many years of dedicated service to the Virginia Air National Guard, U.S. military and local communities.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) awarded Barnette, who is a retired Virginia Air National Guard chief master sergeant, with the Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service Awards on Aug. 10 during the 51st annual Conference and Expo of EANGUS held in Little Rock, Arkansas.

EANGUS works to improve and protect the benefits of those serving in the National Guard and their families. The association was established in 1970 with 23 participating states and now represents all 54 states and territories, with a constituency base of over 414,000 and thousands of retired members, according to the EANGUS website.

Of the 18 various awards and medals awarded each year during the conference and expo, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals with distinguished and prolonged service accomplishments on behalf of EANGUS, to include contributions and service at the national, area or state level.

Barnette received this distinction due to his “outstanding dedication, selfless service and legacy of distinguished service” to the U.S.

ROBERT N. BARNETTE JR.

military as an active airman and member of the Virginia Air National Guard, “culminating in his selection as the State Command Chief,” the award states.

His extensive career began in 1971 amid the Vietnam War after enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and serving in a series of overseas assignments.

Barnette went on to graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in public safety and secured a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in general administration – all while raising a family, holding several positions as safety engineer for various companies, and serving in the Virginia Air National Guard. Barnette was deployed for seven months in Louisiana for Operation Desert Storm in the early 90s, returned to his civilian job as safety engineer for DuPont after his deployment and continued his committed service to the guard throughout his life.

He progressed throughout the guard as a firefighter, deputy fire chief, first ser-

geant, human resource advisor and eventually became the 10th command chief master sergeant of the Virginia Air National Guard and the first African American to serve in the role. He retired from the guard in 2003 after 26 years of service.

“I hadn’t planned on staying in the National Guard that long but met some good people, they thought I had the right skills and we just hit it off and had fun from there,” Barnette said. He said one of the most enjoyable aspects of his service was traveling all over the world for assignments, such as to Thailand, Germany, Hawaii, Philippines, Guam and others.

“I enjoy to travel,” Barnette said. “I used to have a saying: ‘When I go to the airport and folks recognize me, that meant I was in the right place.’”

Barnette was nominated by the Virginia National Guard Auxiliary for the EANGUS Meritorious Service Award for going “well beyond the call for promoting the work, membership and legislative endeavors of the Enlisted and State Auxiliary,” the nomination states. He served as president of the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association (VNGEA) from 2012 and 2016 and was “influential in the success of the [VNGEA] Auxiliary.”

Barnette included the auxiliary in discussions, decisions, meetings, emails and any correspondence that related to the Virginia National Guard in general. He was the first president to involve the auxiliary in the VNGEA business see BARNETTE pg. 6

Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local On Monday, Sept. 5, deputies responded to the 14500 block of West Patrick Henry Road (Route 54) for a single-vehicle crash.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Nissan Rogue was traveling westbound on West Patrick Henry Road when the vehicle left the right shoulder of the roadway, struck a dirt culvert and collided with a tree.

The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle,

was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver has been identified as a licensed juvenile.

Out of respect for the family and due to the driver’s age, the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office will not be releasing the decedent’s name.

The sheriff ’s office extends their deepest condolences to the family affected during this difficult time.

Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators seek to identify shooting suspect Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local On Monday, Sept. 5 at approximately 4 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Mountain Road and Overhill Lake Road in reference to a road rage incident where shots were fired.

Once on scene, deputies met with the victim and observed damage to their vehicle from apparent multiple gunshots. Thankfully, no injuries occurred as a result of this incident.

The suspect vehicle is described as a green 1990s model Dodge pickup. At the time of this incident, there was a motorcycle in the bed of the pickup. At least two individuals occupied the vehicle.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Hanover County Sheriff’s Office

Shown is the suspect vehicle.

Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

June 27

Brandishing firearm was reported in the 9700th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 16000th block of Bradleys Country Lane, Montpelier.

Destruction of property, monument with value $1000 or more was reported in the 9300th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Carrying a concealed weapon: First offense was reported in the 13200th

County, Glen Allen.

June 28

Simple assault was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

June 29

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 13000th block of Mountain Road/Henrico

Causing a computer malfunction was reported in the 13100th block of Waltons Tavern Road, Montpelier.

June 30

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

MHS NJROTC honors 9/11 victims with 2,977 flags Photo courtesy of HCPS

Cadets in the Mechanicsville High School (MHS) NJROTC program, in partnership with VFW Post 9808, placed 2,977 U.S. flags in front of the school in honor of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Friday, Sept.

9 – the last school day before the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Voter registration office to hold citizen workshop Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local The Hanover County Voter Registration & Elections Office will host a Citizen Workshop on Redistricting and New Legislation on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Administration Building’s Board Room at 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, VA 23069.

They will be discussing the redistricting process and how it has changed the voting precincts, as well as the new laws for this November’s midterm elections.

For more information, contact the Voter Registration and Elections office at (804) 365-6080 or hanovervoting@ hanovercounty.gov.

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

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

10AM Toddler Takeover!

Upcoming Events:

Unidentified juvenile dies in crash

September 17 at 10am For children ages 1 month to 6 years, one hour of cartoons and family friendly fare!

An Evening with Josh Ritter September 22 at 8pm Learn more at joshritter.com

Don’t Worry Darling September 23 at 7pm September 24 at 2pm & 7pm September 25 at 12pm Tickets on sale 9/13. Living in an experimental community, Alice starts to suspect that her husband’s company is hiding disturbing secrets.

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

ashlandtheatre.org

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

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 3

TOOLS

MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

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 Starting at

3,995

$

* *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 September 14, 2022

Continued from pg. 1

uling to enhance communication among volunteers and offer an easy-to-navigate platform.

People will be able to sign up for a number of volunteer opportunities through SignUpGenius and select the length of the shift they prefer.

Around three volunteers are needed to pick, check and pack orders toward the beginning of each month, which typically takes about four hours depending on the number of orders.

Since they are transitioning from semi-monthly shipping to monthly shipping this school year, the number of orders processed for one delivery may increase and additional time may be required.

Two to three volunteers will be needed during the month for a four-hour shift to tidy up the storeroom, identify items needing replenishment and prepare for the next delivery.

Two volunteers are needed one or two days a month to receive and inventory donations, place them on the shelves and enter the quantities into an Excel spreadsheet.

All work is performed in the back of the Arc of Hanover Thrift Store building, located at 10193 Washington Highway in Glen Allen.

Hubert said the biggest change from last year is the amount of donations pouring in from the community.

“This summer, we were kind of wondering… knowing what we have left over from last year what’s going to happen, because summer has just been wonderful,” Hubert said, particularly noting the “phenomenal” contributions of MCEF and ACES churches over the summer.

Ron Demilta, the store’s logistics manager and head volunteer, said they previously waited until all orders were submitted and then “scramble” to purchase any remaining items needed to fulfill requests

Photo by Christina Amano Dolan)

The Tools 4 Teachers office and inventory is located at the back of the Arc of Hanover Thrift Store, located at 10193 Washington Highway, Glen Allen and has been expanding since the store’s official opening in July with an influx of donated school supplies.

through Amazon or other stores.

“Now with this inventory over the summer, we have enough probably to make one to two months deliveries with what we have on the shelf now,” Demilta said. He added this change also enhances the need for a larger volunteer base.

If the store succeeds in reaching the four HCPS high schools this year, available volunteer shifts will multiply with two sets of deliveries each month.

Demilta said the abundance of positive feedback received from educators reveal how essential the growing program is for teachers and students in the community.

“I could tell from the smiles on the staff’s faces and the notes from the teachers that they write themselves that the appreciation is immense,” Demilta said.

Anonymous notes of appreciation sent by teachers were on display during the Tools 4 Teachers store’s ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25.

“It was so exciting to receive a bag of supplies from you this morning! I know our students will benefit from this gift, but beyond the practical aspects, it energizes me to think that this is a community which is ready and eager to support its classrooms and teachers. Thank you most especially for that encouragement! Thank you for the Tools,” an anonymous note stated.

The program asks com-

munity members to consider donating the following school supplies to help decrease the personal investment teachers make every year: reams of colored card stock, colored pencils, black pens, red pens, expo markers, adult scissors, white index cards, colored index cards, stickie notes, boxes of tissues, labels, binders, magnets, magnet clips, colored duct tape, pencils, notebook paper, highlighters, markers, a bag with a variety of incentive items, colored construction paper, wall hanging putty, birthday certificates, accomplishment certificate, packs of glue sticks, reusable water bottles, large post it tablets, earbuds, subject notebooks, picture hangers, stress balls, cups, erasers, colored pencils, wooden toothpicks, scotch tape and dividers.

Item donations can be dropped off at either MCEF, located at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville, or ACES, located at 507 Caroline Street # B in Ashland.

Monetary donations can be made on either the MCEF (https://www.4mcef.com/) or ACES (https://aceshanover. org/) websites. More information on the Tools 4 Teachers program can be found on both websites.

Those interested in volunteering for or donating to the Tools 4 Teachers store can visit either website for information, email Office@4MCEF.com, or call 804-365-4300 with any questions.

Downtown Ashland Association presents Ashland Halloween Contributed Report The Local Ashland Halloween invites ghouls and goblins to a four-day event series in Downtown Ashland from Friday, Oct. 28 through Monday, Oct. 31.

Local businesses will host quaint and quirky events while Victorian homes

take on a spooky glow for the long weekend.

“We invite you to explore the mysteries of historic Downtown Ashland,” said Maggie Longest, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association. “It is sure to be a spooktastic Halloween weekend in the Center of the Universe!”

There are bewitching events for children and adults alike, including: Kids Trick-or-Treat in all Ashland neighborhoods. Plus, play the scavenger hunt for prizes.

Adults Trick-or-Treat with a bar crawl and music concerts. Revelers are invited to crawl the streets after dark.

Ashland Theatre hosts a series of

classic spooky movies. Enjoy signature cocktails, popcorn and snacks.

Lantern-lit Ghost Tours offered nightly. Let the haunted stories of the town’s historic events, buildings and personalities entertain you.

Visit AshlandHalloween.com for more information and a full calendar of events.

Upcoming 41st Ashland Strawberry Faire is recruiting volunteers Contributed Report The Local This year is the 41st Anniversary of the Ashland Strawberry Faire, and the Faire Committee is recruiting more volunteers.

“The heartbeat of the Faire is our volunteers, and we can always use more people to help us,” said Sharon Chidsey, president of the Ashland Strawberry Faire Board of Directors.

There are many volunteer opportunities available, including vendor registration, vendor check-in, food and booth judges, grounds set-up, Kid Zone helpers, clean-up and more.

“We can use many different skills to help us run the Faire, and – as a bonus – we are a fun group of people!” said board member Dani Stockwell.

The annual membership meeting is on Friday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Ashland Branch Library and will be followed by the Board of Directors meeting at 10:30 a.m., which is also open to the public.

Since 1982, this nonprofit community festival has brought people of all ages to play, enjoy strawberries, visit friends, listen to music, see animals and shop for unique items and special treats - rain or shine. Best of all, the Faire is free.

Next year’s Faire is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2023, on the campus of Randolph-Macon College.

Proceeds from the Faire go back to the community in the form of nonprofit support and scholarships for Hanover County Public Schools, the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology, and Randolph-Macon College.

The Faire supports local nonprofits by reducing their booth fees and offering these groups an opportunity to raise funds. In addition, nonprofit groups who help run the Faire receive funds through a “Grants for Work” program.

The Faire is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Ashland.

For more information, email info@ashlandstrawberryfaire.com or call 804-997-1946.

Ashland Museum HistoryTalks speakers Contributed Report The Local The Ashland Museum resumes its HistoryTallks series this fall with three talks at the SunTrust Theater in Brock Commons, 304 Henry Street, Ashland on the RandolphMacon College campus. All talks begin at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, Miriam Green will discuss Mary Beirne, a well-known daffodil specialist. She lived at Rhodeen on North Center Street in Ashland and was a pioneer in hybridizing and cultivating daffodils in the first half of the 20th century.

Dr. Jan Meck will discuss her new book, “The Life & Legacy of Enslaved Virginian Emily Winfree,” on Wednesday, see SPEAKERS, pg. 15

Don’t Let Your Legs

Slow You Down.

Have you noticed cramping in your hips, thighs or calves when walking or exercising? Does it resolve when you rest? If so, this may be a sign that your blood flow is blocked by plaque buildup in your arteries. This condition, known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) should be evaluated by a physician promptly.

Untreated, it can lead to loss of limb, heart attack or stroke.

Give us a call today to schedule a screening.

Accepting New Patients: 804-800-6600

8243 Meadowbridge Road Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 www.richmondheart.com

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 5

OPINION

LETTERS | The Local Views

From the editor

A dollar or two in a teacher’s pocket can transform a student’s life

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

W

hen thinking how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected classrooms and the overall wellbeing of the average student, one of the obvious considerations is the staggering rate of mental illness among today’s youth. But there is another deterrent to a thriving learning environment that has existed long before the pandemic that continues to grow in prominence: a lack of school supplies in classrooms.

The continued prevalence of this problem was highlighted in my first interview with Pat Hubert, president of Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions (MCEF), who became more aware of the need for school supplies in August 2021 while his church serendipitously had an influx of donated school supplies. From meeting with teachers to establish Hanover’s own dedicated teacher supply store, Tools 4 Teachers, Hubert learned of just how severe this identified need was and how much money teachers pull from their own pockets to supply students in need.

While following the journey of the newly-opened Tools 4 Teachers store, I have continued to learn of the severity of this longstanding school supply crisis and its toll on our educators. A brief morning meeting last week with the retired teachers who make up a bulk of the store’s volunteers was even more

BARNETTE Continued from pg. 2

forums, introduce the cash match to the auxiliary scholarship and added the auxiliary to the VNGEA agenda for the auxiliary report presentation.

He additionally aided the organization by providing sponsors for a silent auction and extended invitations to notable functions, such as the Legislative Reception conducted each January at the Library of Virginia.

Barnette continues to support the VNGEA Auxiliary by emphasizing the auxiliary’s importance during the VNGEA general quarterly meetings, state conference meetings and assists the auxiliary in responding to state legislative matters.

see TEACHER, pg. 15

Other leadership roles Barnette held that were recognized by EANGUS include serving as the Area II director and a member of the EANGUS Executive Council since 2018, which includes his appointment as vice-chair of the EANGUS Legislative Committee.

EANGUS additionally recognized Barnette as an “active member in his community,” referencing his membership in the American Legion Post 175 and leadership duties within the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9808.

He is also a member of the Hanover Rotary Club, the Hanover Sheriff’s Advisory Board and the Bell Creek community advisory board. He serves as a deacon at Mount Zion Baptist Church, has served as president of the Hanover NAACP Branch and is the

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

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

Managing Editor

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

Editor

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

Production Manager

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

Sports Editor

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

Sales Representative

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

Classifieds

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

6

eye-opening.

Their undying devotion to the education of students could be seen in their zealous spirit and excited clamoring over what Tools 4 Teachers can accomplish this year. More powerfully, their eagerness to solve the problem was rooted in their own experiences, as some shared the thousands of dollars they spent over the course of their careers on supplies that their students could not afford.

Their anecdotal recounting of their willing offerings was striking enough on its own, but their sacrifices barely scratch the surface of just how much teachers across the country are pulling from their pockets.

AdoptAClassroom.org, a national nonprofit organization that strives to advance equity in education, has been conducting teacher spending surveys since 2015. The organization’s 2021 report surveyed 5,400 preK-12 teachers at public, private and charter schools in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories and found a 25% increase in teacher spending since 2015.

The survey found that 80% of teachers who responded to the survey spent an average of $750 of their own money on school supplies for their homes, classrooms and students during the 2020-2021 school year.

Teachers in the study identified how the pandemic limited student access to needed supplies in the classroom, with 55% of students having few or no

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

current president of the Virginia State Conference NAACP. Barnette said he was “totally surprised” when he was called to the stage to accept the EANGUS awards.

“I didn’t know people thought that highly of what I’ve done,” Barnette said. “I definitely was moved with the recognition.”

His pursuit of encouraging the success of others is what has driven – and continues to drive – Barnette’s devotion to serving communities locally, nationally and internationally.

“I would say the driving force is seeing young people succeed,” Barnette said, reflecting on his humble beginnings from growing up on a farm in

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.

| Reader Views

Hanover reader proposes show of student solidarity Dear Editor: I once read about a neighborhood where a Jewish family resided. When the family displayed their Menorah in the window during Hanukkah, their home was vandalized. The next day, every home in the neighborhood displayed a Menorah. What if EVERY student in the Hanover County school system (per a Richmond TimesDispatch news article) submits “a written request to school administration, asking for access to the schools facilities that align with the student’s gender identities”?

Deb Merritt Bragg Mechanicsville

Mecklenburg County to what he has accomplished throughout the course of his flourishing career.

Although he doubted himself as a young man, Barnette said he was uplifted by the encouragement of others and hopes to offer the same encouragement to younger generations.

“As my grandmother told me, I could do anything I wanted to do – I just had to work hard at it. And that’s what I did,” Barnette said. “I tried to work as hard as I could to be the best firefighter, be the best human resource manager and be the best commander in chief that the National Guard had.”

Barnette said while he never foresaw a career in the military before his enlistment, he discovered the power of teamwork while in basic training and found an unexpected passion for the field.

“Teamwork is putting aside petty differences, putting aside all these things that don’t matter to get the job done…

Because when the team succeeds, everybody succeeds,” Barnette said. “And so that has made my career very worthwhile, because it was a team effort.”

For more information on EANGUS, visit the website: https://eangus.org/.

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

09

16 2022

Prep football: Deep Run at Patrick Henry 7:00 p.m.

09

17 2022

Prep cross country: RVA Relays at Pole Green Park 4:30 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Mechanicsville finally gets season started

By Tim Pearrell Richmond Times-Dispatch RICHMOND — Mechanicsville High football coach Shane Reynolds was pleased with his team’s effort after it played its first game of the season on Friday following a hazing investigation that shut down the program for two weeks.

And that’s what he wanted to focus on, his team and the game, after the Mustangs made things tough for No. 9 Douglas Freeman before falling 21-6 at Freeman.

“It’s tough to tell where we’re at really because we’re in the third week of the season but it’s our first game,” said Reynolds, who declined comment on the investigation. “There’s a lot of things we need to clean up.

“I know teams typically get better between Weeks 1 and 2.

Obviously we have not had that second game yet,” he continued.

Hanover County Public Schools suspended practices and games for the varsity and JV football teams at Mechanicsville after the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office received an anonymous tip on Aug. 19 alleging upperclassmen were assaulting other students at Mechanicsville.

The sheriff ’s office conducted an investigation and said last week that two juveniles have been charged with simple assault. The sheriff ’s office said it would not release names or identifying information.

The Hanover school system also conducted an

Eva Russo/Times-Dispatch

Douglas Freeman’s Jake Lohmann (8) cuts off Mechanicsville’s Evan Buchanan (2) during the Rebels’ 21-6 victory over the visiting Mustangs Friday night. This was Mechanicsville’s first football game after being suspended during a hazing investigation.

administrative investigation. Mechanicsville principal Charles E. Stevens announced last Friday the investigations had concluded and that football activities for both the JV and varsity teams were resuming that day.

In a message to families, faculty and staff, Stevens wrote, in

part, that “we are confident that a thorough accounting of the misconduct concerns within the program has taken place.”

The message continued, “While I am unable to share specific details about the investigation and its findings due to confidentiality laws involving juveniles, as well as protections

afforded to employee personnel records, please know that those found to be in violation of the Code of Student Conduct and/or School Board policy are being held fully accountable.”

Stevens also said the school’s priority was “to begin to establish a positive, supportive culture for the entire football pro-

gram. We will be working with Coach Reynolds, his coaching staff, and players to establish team norms and will be holding various team-building activities and trainings in an effort to build that strong culture.”

Reynolds, a 2012 graduate of the school (when it was known as Lee-Davis) and for-

mer player, is in his first season after replacing Ryan Turnage, who had been in charge of the program since 2014.

Mechanicsville forfeited its first two games against Deep Run and Powhatan. It had three practices in shirts and two in pads before playing Freeman on Friday.

“Playing against these guys, it’s tough any week,” Reynolds said. “… They’re the No. [9] team in the region. … They’ve got a heck of a team.”

Freeman (3-0) won its first two games 44-6 and 34-10. The Mustangs got a roar from a good crowd on their side by stuffing the Mavericks on their first possession. They held Freeman to 84 yards of offense in the first half and yielded only Jadyn Reece’s 3-yard TD run.

Mechanicsville cut it to 7-6 midway in the second quarter on a reverse throwback, with Ben Payne connecting with Evan Buchanan on a 35-yard TD pass. The extra point failed.

Jason Abbey got a packed house on Freeman’s side excited in the third quarter when he blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone, making it 14-6.

The Mavericks essentially put the game away with a 99-yard TD drive early in the fourth quarter.

“I thought the guys ran to the ball on defense pretty well,” Reynolds said. “I thought we got in the backfield at times.

I think we need to clean up the penalties. That last [scoring drive by Freeman] was assisted see STARTED, pg. 10

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 7

Hawks hold off Warrior rally in 23-14 win

By Weldon Bradshaw for the Times-Dispatch MECHANICSVILLE — The rally was coming.

Sam Rogers knew. His Hanover Hawks knew.

Their 20-0 late third-quarter lead over visiting Matoaca Friday seemed comfortable enough. But the Warriors, they figured, were far too talented and tough to go easily into the clear, cool night without putting up a whale of a fight.

The fight came, of course.

Rogers’ guys were ready as he expected them to be, and when the clock ticked to zero, they and the Hanover faithful exulted in a well-earned 23-14 victory.

“Opportunities presented themselves, and we were able to capitalize on them,” said Rogers, the Hawks’ head coach, referencing his squad’s fast-out-ofthe-box start. “That was awesome.

“A great team like Matoaca’s going to give an awesome punch. What I’m most proud of was that we were able to respond.”

Hanover (2-0) converted two costly first-period mistakes into touchdowns, seized the momentum, and held the Warriors (2-1) at bay throughout most of the way.

Deonte Harris recovered a pooched kickoff on the Matoaca 32 to open the game, and seven plays later Hawks’ quarterback Beau Sahnow connected with Malachi Madden for a 4-yard touchdown.

On the third snap of the Warriors’ first series, Grady Fahed forced a fumble, William Webb recovered, and on the Hawks’ first play, Sahnow teamed with Cole Elrod for a 41-yard touchdown.

A Sahnow-to-Clement Schraa pass for the points-after

8

opened the second with a foray into Matoaca territory that ended with a 12-yard touchdown run by Peyton Seelmann.

A 6-1, 205-pound junior, Seelmann rushed 18 times for 118 yards. Sahnow carried 23 times for 107.

“The O-line just went out there and blocked,” Seelmann said. “I just got the ball and ran.

All the preparation we’ve done since February when we started working out, we’ve just got a bunch of dogs in there. We’re tough.”

Then came the punch.

Though the Hawks held Matoaca to just 11 rushing yards, they had less success containing quarterback Ryley Justus, who completed 13-of-24 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns.

The first, a 29-yard strike to Bryce Yates, came at 3:00 of the third quarter and ended an eight-play, 64-yard drive.

The second, 19 yards to Dillon Newton-Short, came 9:05 from the end. Jon Gates’ second PAT cut the Warriors deficit to 20-14.

“We had a great game plan,” said Fahed, a 6-3, 170-pound senior inside linebacker in the Hawks’ multifaceted defensive scheme. “It didn’t really matter what they did. We just stuck to the plan.

“All the success you see on the field didn’t come easy. It came from a lot of hard work and preparation.”

Hanover answered Matoaca with a time-consuming 14-play, 75-yard drive that included two key third-down conversions and ended when Seelmann drilled a 20-yard field goal out Joel Klein for The Local of Sahnow’s hold 3:00 from Hanover’s Peyton Seelmann (2) celebrates with teammate Mason Clements after Seelman’s 12-yard touchdown run giving the end, then shut down the Hanover a 20-0 lead in the Hawks’ 23-14 victory over visiting Matoaca Friday night.

Warriors’ final drive at their 44.

“Yeah, we took the punch,” put Hanover up 14-0 at 7:36 of tone,” said Sahnow, a 5-foot-8, Receivers did everything.”

Madden and fumble recovery the first quarter.

155-pound senior. “Our offenThe Hawks’ defense did its by Fahed ended two other first“That quick start set the sive line executed everything. part as well. An interception by half drives, and the home team see HAWKS, pg. 10

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

Patriot mistakes costly in loss to Glen Allen

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Dave Lawrence/ The Local

Patrick Henry offensive lineman Peyton Dyer (54) signals “Touchdown!” as Patriot quarterback Grayson Johnson (10) scores in Patrick Henry’s 37-25 loss to the host Jaguars Friday.

Patrick Henry wide receiver Jeremiah Grant (7) manages to haul in a touchdown pass despite the defense of Glen Allen’s Kamden Teller.

GLEN ALLEN — Patrick Henry had its chances but couldn’t take advantage of enough of them.

The Patriots, in a scrappy contest at Glen Allen, traded leads with the Jaguars through the first three quarters of the game, but could not keep up in the fourth as Glen Allen scored a pair of unanswered touchdowns en route to a 37-25 victory Friday night.

Patrick Henry’s offense outmatched Glen Allen’s in the air with 203 passing yards to 174 for the Jaguars. But the Patriots struggled on the ground, with only 87 yards rushing to 251 for Glen Allen.

Even worse, they couldn’t get the plays they needed when they needed them most. The Jaguars did otherwise.

“Hats off to them. They made the plays when they needed to,” said Patrick Henry head coach Ken Wakefield. “We didn’t. It’s got to be a learning experience. We’ve got to take this, and we’ve got to learn from it.”

Patrick Henry, which reached the Region 4B final where it lost to eventual state champion Varina, lost a large group of seniors to graduation last year and has little more than a dozen this season. But Wakefield expects his team to get and do better as the season wears on.

“We’ve got a good group of guys,” Wakefield said. “If we take this and learn from this experience, we’ll be back.

“We were in the same situation last year. We lost to Hermitage. We made some mistakes. We knew we made some mistakes. You’re not going to win every game. But if you learn from that and continue to

grow, you’ll be OK.” Glen Allen took an early lead on the only score of the first quarter: an 18-yard field goal

by Omar Elshami. The Jaguars and Patriots then proceeded to trade touchdowns through the end of the third quarter.

Both teams had their share of big plays. One of the Patriots quarterbacks, Jayden Brown, combined with Shamar Williams for a 55-yard score in the second put Patrick Henry on the scoreboard and later for a 35-yard score for the Patriots’ final TD in the third. Brown hit Jeremiah Grant for another score late in the second quarter.

Glen Allen quarterback Andrew Milwit likewise connected with receiver Ford Michelow for a pair of touchdowns, a 40-yard connection and a 5-yard toss, both in the second quarter.

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

P. Henry Glen Allen

0 13 12 0 — 25 3 14 7 13 — 37

GA — FG Elshami 18 PH — Williams 55 pass from Brown (Crabbe kick) GA — Michelow 40 pass from Milwit (Elshami kick) PH — Grant 30 pass from Brown (kick failed) GA — Michelow 5 pass from Milwit (Elshami kick) PH — Johnson 6 run (kick failed) GA — Moss 20 run (Elshami kick) PH — Williams 35 pass from Brown (pass failed) GA — Noel 6 run (Milwit run) GA — Milwit 3 run (Elshami kick) RUSHING PH: Ross 9-47, Williams 5-34, Johnson 4-11, Brown 6-(minus 5); GA: Noel 19-136, Milwit 10-26, Robinson-Clarke 2-8, Moss 13-78, Johnson 2-3.

PASSING PH: Ross 11-15-90-0, Johnson 1-3-3-0; GA: Milwit 10-24-174-0.

RECEIVING PH: Ross 6-108, Grant 2-66, Sylvia 1-13, Hanson 2-10, Rouse 1-6; GA: Noel 1-1, Michelow 4-69, Davis 2-55, Mosley 3-49.

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 9

Smith, Senfield among top 10 in XC Classic

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Mechanicsville High School’s Carter Smith and Patrick Henry’s Andrew Senfield were among the top finishers in the boys championship ‘A’ race at the Pole Green XC Classic at Pole Green Park Saturday morning.

Smith finished sixth and Senfield eighth in the race.

Carter’s teammate, Josh Gray, just missed the top 10, finishing 11th in the event, which featured 225 runners in all.

Patrick Henry’s Olivia Joyce won the girls ‘B’ race, with teammate Natalie Cooley finishing sixth.

Smith finished in 16:15.7, less than a minute after Mills Godwin’s Berkley Nance clocked in with a winning time of 15:41.3. Connor Linehan (Grafton), William Griesmer (Princess Anne), Patrick Lowry (Patriot) and Hayden Hauser (Colgan) rounded out the top five. Eric Fagan (Glen Allen) finished seventh. Senfield finished in 16:20.5, followed by Andrew Bennet (Clover Hill)

and Armaan Chopra (Princess Anne).

Clover Hill handily won the boys championship team title with 116 points to runner-up Grassfield’s 190. Deep Run was third with 199 points, followed

by Freedom-South Riding (231) and Patriot (248).

In the girls ‘B’ race, Joyce turned in a winning time of 21:12.8. She was followed by Madeline Binkley (Independence), Rory Kipp (Bishop Ireton), Ingrid Abegg (Bishop Ireton) and Carolyn Heyel (J.R. Tucker). Cooley’s sixth-place time was 21:44.7.

The rest of the top 10 consisted of seventh-place Keeley Maddux (J.R. Tucker), Mary Mansfield (Matoaca), Thea Motes (Independence) and Olivia Priddy (Massaponax).

Mechanicsville’s Ines Delcourt finished 19th.

Independence won the girls ‘B’ race with 55 points, followed by J.R. Tucker (74), Bishop Ireton (90), Grassfield (129) and Patrick Henry (129).

Grassfield was awarded fourth place and Patrick Henry fifth by tie-breaker.

The Covenant School’s Reese

Mary Ann Magnant for The Local

Mechanicsville’s Carter Smith comes in for a sixth-place finish in the Pole Green XC Classic at Pole Green Park Saturday morning.

Dalton and Maddie Gardiner combined for a one-two finish in the girls Championship ‘A’ race, but Pacers Homeschool, with 97 points, earned the team title, edging Deep Run in a tiebreaker.

J.R. Tucker, led by winner Matthew Conrad, claimed both the individual and team titles in the boys ‘B’ race.

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

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

HAN — Elrod 41 pass from Sahnow (Schraa pass from Sahnow) Continued from pg. 8 HAN — Seelman 12 run (run failed) Continued from pg. 7 MAT — Yates 29 pass from Justus (Gates kick) Fahed said. “I just thought back MAT — Newton-Short 19 pass from probably by 30 yards worth of to practice when we took the Justus (Gates kick) penalties. We’ve just got to play HAN — FG Seelman 20

HAWKS

STARTED

punch from the heat, the weather and exhaustion. We have this thing: Focus on your key, and physical finish. That’s what we did, and we came out with the W.” Weldon Bradshaw can be reached at sports@mechlocal. com.

tough down the stretch.”

Reynolds said his message to his team has been get “1% better every day.”

“I just want to improve every single day we go to practice,” he said. “I want to see the improvements on the field during the game.”

Tim Pearrell can be reached at tpearrell@timesdispatch.com.

Matoaca Hanover

0 0 7 7 — 14 14 0 6 3 — 23

HAN — Madden 4 pass from Sahnow (kick failed)

10

RUSHING MAT: Clanton 9-40, Williams 11-1, Justus 3-minus 23, Team 1-(minus 6); HAN: Seelmann 18-118, Sahnow 23-107, Madden 2-5, Elrod 1-0, Team 1-(minus 19).

PASSING MAT: Justus 13-24-169-1; HAN: Sahnow 4-13-52-0.

RECEIVING MAT: Yates 5-72, Newton-Short 5-71, Lewis 2-22, Hall 1-4; HAN: Mechanicsville 0 6 0 0 — 6 Elrod 1-41, Seelmann 2-7, Madden D. Freeman 7 0 7 7 — 21 1-4.

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

DF — Reece 3 run (Bowman kick) MHS — Buchanan 35 pass from Payne (pass failed) DF — Abbey recovered blocked punt in end zone (Bowman kick) DF — China 17 run (Bowman kick) RUSHING MHS: Messe 27 carries 64 yards, Payne 4-21, Buchanan 3-8; DF: China 6-51, Reece 6-29, Martin 8-22, Bland 12-.

PASSING MHS: Payne 8 completions 11 attempts 61 yards 1 interception; Messe 0-1-0-0; DF: Bland 9-15-75-1; Reece 1-1-27-0.

RECEIVING MHS: Buchanan 4 receptions 33 yards, Maxie 1-14, Caplinger 1-9, Messe 1-5, Morris 1-0; DF: Moore 2-34, Chizuk 2-29, Lohmann 2-29, McWilliams 3-8, Abbey 1-2.

For subscription information or delivery questions contact:

Michelle Wall 804-775-2711

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

Legal Notice NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF VIRGINIA NATURAL GAS COMPANY, INC.’S APPLICATION FOR A GENERAL RATE INCREASE AND FOR AUTHORITY TO REVISE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE CASE NO. PUR-2022-00052 • Virginia Natural Gas Company, Inc. (“VNG”) has applied for approval of a general increase in rates.

• VNG requests an increase to its total annual revenue requirement of $69.3 million.

• A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on June 12, 2023, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony.

• The Hearing Examiner will hold an evidentiary hearing in this case on June 13, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

• Further information about this case is available on the State Corporation Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/case.

On August 1, 2022, Virginia Natural Gas, Inc. (“VNG” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application pursuant to Chapter 10 of Title 56 (§ 56-232 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) and the Commission’s Rules Governing Utility Rate Applications and Annual Informational Filings of Investor-owned Gas and Water Utilities, requesting authority to increase its rates and charges effective for usage beginning January 1, 2023, and to revise other terms and conditions applicable to its gas service (“Application”). Specifically, VNG states that the proposed rates and charges are designed to increase the Company’s annual rate base revenue by approximately $69.3 million per year. The Application states the requested increase includes approximately $15 million of revenues associated with the Company’s Steps to Advance Virginia’s Energy (“SAVE”) plan pursuant to Code § 56-603 et seq. (“SAVE Act”). VNG states that it is proposing to include recovery of the costs associated with approximately $176 million of cumulative SAVE investments as of December 31, 2022, in base rates, as permitted by the SAVE Act. The Company states that it is not earning sufficient annual revenues to cover its cost of service, including a reasonable return on common equity capital. VNG indicates that the revenue requirement requested is driven in large part by increases to the Company’s rate base since its last rate case in 2020 (“2020 Rate Case”) and those projected to occur during the 12-month period ending December 31, 2023 (“Rate Year”), including capital costs associated with infrastructure projects, and changes in VNG’s operating costs as it continues to expand oversight of field operations, implement programs to enhance customer satisfaction, modernize its compliance and recordkeeping systems, and engage in community outreach and safety education initiatives.

According to the Company, its proposed rate increase is based on a return on common equity (“ROE”) of 10.35%. Per VNG, its proposed weighted cost of capital for the Rate Year is 7.68% (based on the 10.35% proposed ROE) with a capital structure of 53.2% equity and 46.8% total debt. VNG further requests recovery of two regulatory assets: (1) for the pipeline safety initiatives costs deferred in 2018 and 2019, totaling $300,000; and (2) for deferred COVID-related costs and foregone late fees in 2020 and 2021, totaling $3,582,212 (the COVID deferral includes carrying charges on any deferred balances for 2020 through 2022), pursuant to the Stipulation approved by the Commission in VNG’s 2020 Rate Case.

VNG is proposing revisions to the Terms and Conditions of its existing Tariff including: Sections I, III, VI, VII, X and XIX for clarity and uniformity purposes; Section XVIII, to expand its existing Commission approved practice of providing up to 100 feet of service line from the main to the customer’s meter without charge, to also include certain customers installing any two natural gas appliances; and Section XX, to update the System Peak Day Firm Sales Volume, Demand Charge Allocation Factors, and the target margin for the Margin Sharing Adjustment.

The Company also proposes to update Riders B, C, and D to apply the rates and consumption patterns proposed by the Company in this filing to reflect the Weather Normalization Adjustment and the Revenue Normalization Adjustment. The Company further proposes to update Rider E to reflect that existing SAVE Rider related costs are included in the Rate Year revenue requirement and will be recovered in base rates, not Rider rates.

VNG requests that implementation of the rate and tariff modifications proposed in its Application be authorized on an interim basis, subject to refund, effective January 1, 2023. The Company asserts the requested base rate increase would increase the average residential monthly bill by $12.88 based on an annual consumption of 599 cubic feet of natural gas.

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, permits the Company to place its proposed rates into effect on an interim basis, subject to refund, effective January 1, 2023.

Additionally, the Order for Notice and Hearing sets the public hearing on VNG’s Application. On June 12, 2023, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before June 5, 2023, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

A hearing will be convened on June 13, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony and evidence from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health issues related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter should be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), 5 VAC 5-20-10 et seq. Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive Information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 520-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. Any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371-9838 to arrange the delivery.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire; Timothy D. Patterson, Esquire; or Benjamin A. Shute, Esquire; McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219; eryan@mcguirewoods.com, tpatterson@mcguirewoods.com, or bshute@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

On or before June 6, 2023, any interested person may submit comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2022-00052.

On or before November 22, 2022, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2022-00052.

On or before March 24, 2023, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Company, Staff, and all other respondents. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service; and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2022-00052.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

The public version of the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Rules of Practice and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

VIRGINIA NATURAL GAS COMPANY, INC.

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 11

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the Board’s consideration of the administrative agenda permits, in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZ2022-00016, LAURIANNE B. AND CHARLES P. FREEMAN Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7799-56-6779, consisting of approximately 11.54 acres, and located on the east line of Mechumps Creek Lane (private road) approximately 0.25 miles north of Mount Hermon Road (State Route 656). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for family for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.77 acres.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam SE2022-00016, KGLJ PROPERTIES, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-175.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to allow a child day care center on GPIN 8704-74-4460, consisting of approximately 0.76 acres, zoned M-2, Light Industrial District, and located on the east line of Elm Drive (State Route 1108) approximately 350 feet south of its intersection with Eagle Drive (private road). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville SE2022-00018, ESL MECHANICSVILLE, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-334.2 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a temporary sales trailer on GPINs 7796-94-6872, 7796-95-4087, and 7796-95-8003, consisting of approximately 8.34 acres, zoned R-1, Single-Family Residential District, and located on the south line of Atlee Road (State Route 638) at its intersection with Hollycroft Court (State Route 2329). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy SE2022-00009, WIGEON CAPITAL Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-336 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a structure taller than permitted on GPIN 7787-47-6301, consisting of approximately 25.95 acres, zoned M-1(c), Limited Industrial District with conditions and R-5(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, and located on the west line of Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782) approximately 0.39 miles north of its intersection with Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2022-00015, LISA G. WAITMAN Request(s) to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential District, to B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 8705-53-2068 and 8705-52-4989, consisting of approximately 1.57 acres, and located on the east line of Meadowbridge Road (State Route 627) approximately 700 feet north of its intersection with Atlee Road (State Route 638). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for the development of a three (3) unit retail strip center that includes a single drive-through restaurant. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville REZ2022-00012, TL HUNT, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers and conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-20-04, Am. 1-15, TL Hunt, L.L.C., on GPIN 8706-24-3693(part), consisting of approximately 1.05 acres, to rezone from B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, to B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, and located on the west line of Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301) approximately 450 feet north of its intersection with Rutlandshire Drive (State Route 2320). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 – 3 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit a restaurant with a drive-through in the proposed B-2 District. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2022-00010, 7147 MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions to RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8714-77-2332, consisting of approximately 6.5 acres, and located on the south line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) approximately 350 feet east of its intersection with Meadow Drive (State Route 1120). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Family (8 to 15 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 144 age-restricted apartments. This development will share an internal road that provides cross access with the Cambridge Square Apartments (GPIN 8714-87-1189). The total number of dwelling units for both developments will be 351 units on 26.2 acres for a gross density of 13.4 units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville REZ2022-00020, C & O REAL ESTATE, L.L.C., ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from R-1(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, and B-O(c), Business Office District with conditions, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, on GPINs 8714-57-1638, 8714-47-9589, 8714-47-8592, 8714-47-8443, 8714-47-9308, 8714-47-9457, 8714-57-0448, and 8714-57-0592, consisting of approximately 1.61 acres, and located on the south line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) at its intersection with Bell Creek Road (State Route 642). 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 Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcoming-and-Archiv for more information.

12

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

HANOVER COUNTY CITIZEN INFORMATION MEETING ROUTE 1 / ROUTE 30 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Hanover County will hold an information meeting on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Doswell Community Center (Ruritan Club meeting location) located at 16433 Washington Highway, Doswell, Virginia, to present preliminary roadway plans for the proposed improvements for the Route 1/ Route 30 intersection.

The purpose of this meeting is to present the preliminary roadway design including the road alignment and intersection layout early in the development of the project to allow the public to have early input in the design process. Right of Way needs have NOT been fully assessed at this time.

Questions and comments will be accepted prior to and following the meeting and every effort will be made to address questions received prior to the meeting during the presentation. Questions and comments can be submitted to publicworks@hanovercounty.gov or mailed to the Dept. of Public Works, P.O. Box 470, Hanover, VA 23069.

Please reference “Route 1 – Route 30 Intersection Improvements” in all correspondence. Comments will be received until 5:00 PM, October 3rd, 2022 to be included in the public record.

A diagram of the preliminary road alignment, plans and other exhibits can be viewed on the Dept. of Public Works web page under “Quick Links” at the following link: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/816/Roads-and-Transportation Hanover County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting may contact the Dept. of Public Works at (804) 365-6181 or TTY/TDD 711 or via email at publicworks@hanovercounty.gov.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a Regular Board Meeting.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

For the latest in Community News, Business News, Sports and more, read Ashland- Hanover Local!

This is YOUR Community.

This is YOUR newspaper

You can reach us at (804) 746-1235 LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FISCAL YEAR 2023 PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2507, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the FY23 Budget in the amount of $10,500,000. These funds will be used by the Hanover County Department of Public Utilities to complete a construction project at the Doswell Wastewater Treatment Plant.This public hearing will be held onWednesday, September 28, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia. At that time, interested persons may present written or oral statements and ask questions regarding the proposed budget amendment. The options available for providing written or oral statements are posted on the County website: www.hanovercounty.gov.

John A. Budesky, County Administrator Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 13

CLASSIFIEDS Business & Service Directory

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING

YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE! NOW HIRING

L & L Cleaning Services - We create FREE TIME for busy people!

Recurring service, deep cleans, moving cleans & one-time cleans Call today to schedule!

Bonded & Insured.

Accredited A+ Rating BBB! 804-305-4068 LLCleans.com

BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST Starting Salary range $68,000-$80,000 based on experience.

DIRECTOR OF MH OUTPATIENT SERVICES Starting salary range is $85,000-$95,000 based on experience.

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES CASE MANAGER Starting Salary $50,000-$55,000 based on experience.

Announcements YARD & ESTATE SALES

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER LEAD CLINICIAN ** $5000 SIGNING BONUS OFFERED** Starting salary ranges; License eligible candidates $57,000.

Licensed candidates $63,000-$68,000.

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

(804) 746-1235 ext. 2

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS CONCRETE & BRICK

TREE SERVICE

Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair.

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured.

References. Call or Text 804-874-9184

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

PLUMBING Paul Brown Plumbing - in Business Since 1983. New Residential, Light Commercial, Renovations, Additions & Service. We do it all! Senior Citizen Discounts. For free estimate, 746-5030

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 for more details!

TREE SERVICE

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

MC/VISA/Discover.

Tree & Shrub Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding. Health/Risk Assessments. Insured. Free Estimates.

804-779-2170 Certified Arborist and MD LTE

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST Salary range $42,000-$45,000

Back Again!

23116 - Huge Annual Indoor Yard & Bake Sale Benefits Haiti Ministry Fri. 9/16, 2pm-6pm & Sat. 9/17, 7am - 12noon Credit Cards Accepted.

THE ULTIMATE SALE for Bargain Hunters!

Catholic Church of the Redeemer 8275 Meadowbridge Road, Mech. www.churchredeemer.org/ Haiti-Ministry

IN HOME SUPPORT SPECIALISTS, DIRECT SUPPORT SPECIALISTS (DSP) Part time afternoon/evening & weekend. $18.50/hour.

VAN TRANSPORTATION DRIVER Morning hours and late afternoon hours. $18.00/hr.

All Positions Are Open Until Filled.

For full job descriptions and to apply visit

www.gpcsb.org EOE

Recruitment INSTALLATION & REPAIR Hill Electrical, Inc is hiring Electricians & Helpers.

Drivers License & own Transportation Required.

Call 804-746-3122

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 for more details!

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Roofing Teacher with years of experience in Hanover,

Goochland area offering piano instruction

ROOFING & WINDOWS

Call Marty 804-314-8312 or 804-749-3935

804-708-1234 • crownroofingva.com

in Rockville to all ages.

14

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

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

Licensed/Insured

SPEAKERS Continued from pg. 5

Oct. 26.

Barclay DuPriest wraps up the fall series on Thursday, Dec. 1 with a talk about Hercules Mulligan, an Irish-American tailor. He spied for George Washington as he sewed red coats for wealthy British officers during the Revolutionary War. In cooperation with the Ashland Museum and the Pamunkey Regional Library, the Hanover County Black Heritage Society presents two programs this month.

On Wednesday, Sept.14, there will be a program on “Early African- American Schools in Hanover County” at the Atlee Library. The next week on Wednesday, Sept. 21, Bessida Cauthorne White, Esq. will offer the program “Genealogy 101: An Introduction to AfricanAmerican Genealogy” at the Ashland Library. Both programs begin at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Guided walking tours of historic Woodland Cemetery will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 20 and Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Woodland has lots of stories to tell about Ashland and Randolph-Macon College.

For details and to register, visit ashlandmuseum.org.

Enjoy the comfortable fall evenings and join the Ashland Museum for a night of questions and answers.

Trivia Night will be held on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. in Origin Beer Lab’s Beer Garden, located at 106 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland. Reservations are not required.

For information on these and other events, contact the Ashland Museum by email: ashlandmuseum@ comcast.net, call 804-3687314, or visit the website: ashlandmuseum.org.

HANOVER COUNTY GOES BACK TO

3

SCHOOL 2022-23

1

4

2 Contributed buted photos

#1 Berkley Hammond, 4, heads out to his first day at Washington Henry Elementary School. #2 Molly and Daniel Hudson head off to their first day of first grade and kindergarten. #3 Kara C.’s is ready for her first day of kindergarten. #4 Chef Hudson of the Hanover Trade Center and all of his children celebrate their first day back to school. #5 Boots the cat bids Lilly farewell as she heads off to her first day of fourth grade at Battlefield Park Elementary School. #6 Julianna Ellis jumps into second grade.

TEACHER Continued from pg. 6

supplies at home when distance learning began. According to the survey, 80% of teachers said students had less access to needed supplies because they could not share classroom materials, and 70% of teachers reported having to change lesson plans due to a lack of resources.

Alarmingly, 95% of teachers said their classroom supply budget will not be enough to meet their students’ needs.

Yes, these numbers are discouraging, but it is important to note some change has occurred since 2021 that points to a more hopeful future. The Internal Revenue Service announced this year that qualifying teachers and other educators will be able to deduct up to $300 from out-of-pocket classroom expenses when they file their federal income tax returns next year – the first time the annual limit has risen in 20 years. The limit will rise in $50 increments in future years based on inflation adjustments.

Outside of more official

changes, it is especially hopeful to watch the Hanover County community rise to the occasion and assist teachers and students when they are most in need.

The flourishing of the Tools 4 Teachers store and its rapid expansion can be credited to the dedicated, philanthropic spirit of the community jumping into action when a need is identified. Only in its second year, the program can look ahead at touching the lives of even more families, students and teachers with an outpour of community donations every month. The need will likely never go away, but Hanover has shown it can achieve so much when children’s futures are on the line.

If you’re looking for ways to help the community in a powerful way, consider placing even a dollar or two into a teacher’s pocket by donating to Tools 4 Teachers or another school supply drive. Consider volunteering to help these dedicated, retired teachers deliver these essential gifts to our classrooms. Consider how the unused, dusty composition notebook buried in your attic or an unopened pack of

pencils may transform a young student’s life for the better.

5 To make a donation to or volunteer for the Tools 4 Teachers

6 store, visit the MCEF website: https://www.4mcef.com/.

Short on Cash?

Become an independent contractor, delivery carrier QUALIFY FOR A

$1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Benefits of this part-time, contract opportunity with the Richmond Times-Dispatch team: • Manage your own schedule and free up most of your day; work only 3-4 hours between 1-6 a.m. daily • Excellent supplemental income – Earn up to $1,800 per month All you need is a dependable vehicle and a valid Virginia driver’s license for consideration.

Signing bonus is for a limited time, so don’t miss out.

Contact us NOW at Richmond.com/Carriers or (804) 649-6872 to learn more.

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 15

9/11 Continued from pg. 1

given on behalf of the 9/11 first responders by Hanover Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Town of Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett, Hanover Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland, Hanover County Sheriff Col. David Hines and Ashland Police Department (APD) Chief Troy Aronhalt.

“Memories are precious things,” Kelly-Wiecek said.

“Whether it’s the joy of an experience or a celebration with a loved one, or simply the wistful recollection of that which can never be again, even painful memories can be precious to us as I know that they are here today.”

Kelly-Wiecek said they gathered to share the painful memories of 9/11 and how the “tragic loss of life” has shaped each life.

“I know that on Sunday, many of us will replay that awful day in our minds – the shock, grief, the anger and the disbelief will all come flooding back,” she added. “But, as I have before, I ask you today to also remember what came after Sept. 11.”

Kelly-Wiecek recounted her own memories of the attacks, recalling the image of 150 members of Congress gathered together on the Capitol’s steps on the evening of Sept. 11, 2001, after evacuating the Capitol earlier that day. Democrats next to Republicans held hands as they sang “God Bless America,” offering a symbol of hope and strength to a country shocked by the great tragedy.

Kelly-Wiecek recalled the stories of strangers sharing rental cars to reach their families across the country when all airports were closed. She remembered American flags flying everywhere from every home on her street, offering a “simple and beautiful” reminder of unity.

“What better way to honor

16

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Hanover County Administrator John Budesky welcomes guests to the county’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on the morning of Sept. 9 held in front of the Historic Hanover Courthouse.

their memory than to recommit ourselves to the ideals and values that we all share?” KellyWiecek said, calling for the remembrance of the lives lost on 9/11. “Loving our neighbor, helping those in need, supporting our first responders, our service members and our veterans, and an undying commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Piland spoke of the trying responsibilities of firefighters, including serving their communities with “kindness, respect and compassion” and preparing themselves and their families for the day they may trade their own lives for the safety of others.

With this message, he spoke of the first responders who rushed to the World Trade Center call that day, tasked with entering the towers, climbing the stairs with all of their equipment and attempting to evacuate as many people as possible.

“They saved countless lives,” Piland added. “Those heroes performed their duties, I believe, knowing that they

Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Hanover County Public Safety Honor Guard offers a presentation of colors at the beginning of the ceremony. Donald Pressley presents flags to Hanover County Sheriff Col. David Hines, Ashland Police Department Chief Troy Aronhalt and Hanover Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland on behalf of Woodmen of the World. Hanover Junior Idol Rebekah Turner gives a moving performance of the National Anthem. The ceremony concludes with a Ringing of the Bell and benediction in honor of the fallen heroes of 9/11.

would not return home to their families.”

Aronhalt said the first thing that comes to mind when reflecting on the bravery of these first responders is “resolve.”

“The first responders made a firm decision to climb 2,071 steps to reach those in need,” Aronhalt said. “They had resolved to climb those steps, knowing there was a possibility that they would not come back out of the building, and yet they still climbed those steps.”

Aronhalt said their heroic efforts did not cease that day, as nine-month recovery efforts required 1.8 million tons of

wreckage to be removed from the World Trade Center site.

He said even today, DNA evidence continues to be examined as additional victims are identified.

“In the aftermath, numerous first responders have suffered significant health issues due to the exposure of the wreckage on 9/11,” Aronhalt added. “Despite this, many of those workers continue to serve and display the resolve that I think most could only hope to achieve.”

Piland said it is the responsibility of the country, state and county to be grateful for the “brave heroes” who answered

the call, care and protect their families, and to never forget the names of those who “sacrifice their lives in service to others.”

“As many as over 3,000 people lost their lives, 25,000 lives were saved by the response that day,” said Hines.

“What we have to remember is not only the bravery that it took that day, but the bravery that it takes every day for us to watch out for each other,” Hines added. “That’s the common thread that runs through us. It runs through your first responders. It runs through our citizens.”

On behalf of Woodmen of the World, Donald Pressley

presented American flags to Piland, Aronhalt and Hines following the remarks.

In honor of the resolve to “never forget,” public safety officials read aloud the names of every public safety life lost on 9/11.

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial “Ringing of the Bell” display and a benediction in honor of the selfless heroes.

Budesky thanked all who attended the ceremony in person and virtually, offering a final message to all listeners as they parted ways: “I ask you to go forward in peace today and never forget.”

Improvement 2022

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS A Special Supplement to

September 14, 2022

2022 Fall

HOME IMPROVEMENT Purcell Construction

SHANNON PROSSER-WALL BRANCH MANAGER

Don’t Move…Improve!

LICENSED & INSURED RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL • FREE ESTIMATES

25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

804-937-3671

2B

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

Historical Additions • Custom Renovations & Homes • Additions • Barns • Church Renovations • Siding & Replacement Windows • Roofing • Termite Damage Rehab • Kitchen & Bath Remodels • Handicap Ramps • Decks • Porches • Inter/ Exter Renovations • Sunrooms • Stamped Concrete • Commercial Renovating & MORE! • Insurance Claims Welcome • Lic/Ins Res/Comm • 38 yrs exp • A+ Rating with the BBB & Angie’s List

Call Hunter Purcell Class A Contractor 972-2215 www PurcellCo www.PurcellConstruction.biz

Cell:804-339-4480 Office: 804-328-5500 Shannon.Prosser-Wall2@LongandFoster.com

Chickahominy/New Kent Sales 7410 Cooper Tavern Rd, #E, Quinton, VA 23141

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

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

Reasonable Prices

Call us today for Fall Specials!

804-539-9682

Office

(804) 769-7197

Bucket Truck Bucket Truck

FREE ESTIMATES • LICENSED • INSURED

www.mpadrichmond.com Serving Mechanicsville Since 2001

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022 3B

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

Prepare your garden for winter’s onslaught mulch when the mercury drops can insulate the soil, which helps to regulate soil temperature. A thick layer of mulch around root vegetables left in the garden can offer protection against hard frosts.

ndividuals who don’t live near the equator or in another warm climate know that winter will rear its chilly head this year. Cold temperatures and snowy conditions may be excellent for skiing and sledding, but gardeners recognize these conditions are not ideal for their plants.

The inevitable slowing of activity in the garden during fall marks a time to shift attention from constant plant care to preparing the landscape for next season. It may be tempting to simply let Mother Nature take over, but a little pre-winter TLC can ensure gardens make it through winter unscathed.

I

Divide bulbs Divide plant bulbs and plant them where you want flowers like daffodils and tulips to grow in the spring.

Prune dormant plants Wait until plants are dormant to prune them and adjust their shape. Most shrubs and trees should be pruned in late winter, right before new growth.

Remove spent plants Decomposing organic material is the basis for compost and other fertilizers.

However, vegetable plants that are left to sit can lead to decay in the garden. Decaying plants can serve as hosts for pest populations and diseases.

Rotting vegetables also can drop unwanted seeds into the soil, which eventually can strip nutrients that normally would go to next year’s crops.

Move potted plants Metro Creative Connection

to set the stage for a successful spring. A cover crop protects the soil and can return nutrients to it. When the soil is bare during winter, weed seeds can easily blow in and lie wait , ultimately becoming Plant a cover crop in a problem during the ensuing The gardening resource year. Cover crops can include This Is My Garden recom- clover or field peas, which will mends planting a cover crop increase the levels of available Ornamental plants and perennials can be cut back in fall. Cut down stalks and remove leaves.

nitrogen.

Amend the soil Fall is a perfect time to add soil amendments, such as manure and compost. These fertilizers will add nutrients and break down gradually, enriching the soil over the winter.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! With over 44,000 newspapers circulated every week throughout Hanover County, The Mechanicsville Local and Ashland-Hanover Local are your sources for your news and sports.

4B

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local September 14, 2022

Replenish mulch Gardeners may have added mulch around shrubs and other areas of the landscape early in the season because it is attractive. But mulch also does much to reduce water loss and protect the soil from erosion. It may inhibit weed growth as well. Replacing

Bring delicate plants into a sheltered area, such as a greenhouse or indoor garage, so they can continue to thrive during the winter.

Fall and winter still provide opportunities to spend time in the garden. At this point in the year, gardeners can prepare landscapes for the next season. - Metro Creative