Ashland-Hanover Local – 09/28/2022

Ashland Town Council makes upcoming Habitat home possible Eutsey named president of Virginia Building & Code Officials

Hanover Chamber of Commerce hosts 2022 awards dinner

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Habitat toasts the year’s achievements with Harvest of Hope event

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

The

Hanover Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Member Dinner returned with greater vibrancy than ever before last week, drawing a record number of guests and sponsors to enjoy a lavish evening of cocktails, dining, recognition and celebration of the county’s thriving business community.

“Tonight is about celebrating the resilience of our business community… highlighting some of our partnerships, recognizing our leadership and just appreciating our members,” said Mark Lea, president of the

see AWARDS, pg. 2

McShin spotlights Recovery Month with Mobilize Recovery

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

The McShin Foundation honored National Recovery Month with two lively community gatherings this month, including the foundation’s 18th annual Recovery Fest held on Sept. 10 at the Hanover Courthouse Ruritan Club.

Founded in 2004 by longtime Hanoverians and husband and wife duo John Shinholser and Carol McDaid, The McShin Foundation is a leading nonprofit, full-service recovery community organization (RCO) for individuals and families with substance

use disorders (SUD).

The foundation offers a 28-day recovery program, sober living in recovery houses and partners with leading physicians for drug and alcohol detox. While offering recovery tools to individuals suffering from SUDs, the foundation additionally aims to educate families, communities and governments on SUDs and reduce the stigma attached to them, according to the foundation’s website.

Honesty Liller, the foundation’s CEO, said this month’s Recovery Fest was a great success. She said hosting the festival for the first time in Hanover County offered a

beautiful, open and relaxing atmosphere.

The Recovery Fest was free and open to the public to enjoy live music, BBQ cook-offs, children’s activities, special speakers, a cornhole

tournament, a gold chipping contest, an ice cream truck, vendors and the Local Cup Coffee Truck.

Liller said they were able

see MCSHIN, pg. 4

The Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity’s annual “Harvest of Hope” fundraising event was fully booked on the evening of Sept. 16, with over 200 Habitat members, partners and community members gathering to celebrate the organization’s meaningful work within both communities.

Held beneath the Hanover Vegetable Farm’s outdoor pavilion, the lively evening featured a buffet provided by EAT Catering, a large assortment of donated silent auction items, live entertainment by local singer Amy Ladd and a surprise announcement of this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award recipients.

After expenses, the evening raised around $29,000 that will directly fund the organization’s programming, according to Amanda Gunter, director of community engagement for Hanover and King William Habitat. The organization’s programming includes building affordable homes, providing critical repairs, preparing their partners for the various responsibilities of homeownership and more.

“As staff, we try to really take time to be intentional and remember … why we are so passionate,” said Renee Robinson, executive director of Hanover and King William Habitat, during the reception. “And it’s just because of the mission that we have… We believe everybody deserves a decent place to live, and that’s what we are called to work every day to work toward, and we see that it works.”

The evening served to celebrate Habitat’s mission along with the organization’s impact within the Hanover and King William communities over the past year.

James Foley, president of

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local Local singer Amy Ladd entertains visitors with a lively vocal performance at Habitat’s Harvest of Hope.

Jim Ridolphi for The Local Above, member awards and auction items were gifted to attendees. Right, Mark Lea, former chamber president, offers a farewell speech.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local Attendees greet the Mobilize Recovery bus as it pulls into the McShin Foundation parking lot with cheers while waving their signs in the air.

2021-2022 Hanover Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

This year’s event was held on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Covenant Woods Lodge. The festivities kicked off with a red carpet entry to compliment the evening’s red carpet attire along with a cocktail reception on the terrace. The main program followed in the commons and featured a dinner spread catered by Covenant Wood’s Woodhouse Catering and special recognitions of the event’s sponsors.

This year’s program sold out all 135 available seats and was supported by 14 spon-

sors. The title sponsors were Green Top Hunt Fish and Stone’s Office Equipment; the event sponsor was Closet Factory; the bar sponsor was Blazer Heating and Air; the photo booth sponsor was JBella Photography; the champagne tower sponsors were the Hanover Chamber Foundation and UBS; and the patron sponsors were CodeBlue Technoloy, Hanover County Economic Development, Hart Nissan, Hudson Group, Oasis, Rich Web, Primis, and Herman W. Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Blaine Altaffer, CEO of Green Top Hunt Fish, was among the featured spon-

sors who spoke during the program to give recognition to his hardworking staff and his company’s 75th year in Hanover County.

“We love to show off Hanover and business in Hanover and what we can do,” Altaffer said, highlighting Green Top’s upcoming Outdoor Expo on Oct. 1 and 2, which will be a free, familyfun event featuring hundreds of sporting life vendors, product demos and exhibits. He said they currently anticipate 26,000 attendees over the course of the weekend.

“This is my first time at this annual event and it is phenomenal,” said Covenant Woods CEO and President Thom Wright. “This chamber is the most active, the most relational, and the most innovative that I’ve ever been a part of, and I really do appreciate all the hard work you all do.”

The evening additionally served to select and welcome the new 2022-2023 Hanover Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors leadership team.

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Lea offered a farewell message as the board’s president, thanking all sponsors, county officials, partners and board members that made his tenure so enjoyable. He additionally recognized the chamber’s perseverance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and its thriving business community over the past year, with the chamber hosting 17 ribbon cuttings for new businesses in 2022 alone.

“We’re all in this together,” Lea said. “We’re friends, we’re neighbors, we’re co-business people. It makes the chamber a better place, it makes the county a better place so we can all grow.”

He said from serving on the board, he is “most appreciative” of the friends he’s made along the way and thanked all chamber members for a great year.

Sam Stone was announced as the newest president of the board of directors following the evening’s presentation of the nominating committee’s recommended slate of officers for 2022-2023, which the general chamber voted on during the program.

Stone thanked the chamber for giving him the opportunity to serve as the newest president, recognized the exceptional leadership of past presidents and board members, and reflected on his goals for the upcoming year.

“It’s not about me, it’s about we,” Stone said. “What can we do?”

He said the chamber aims to strengthen its partnerships with local government and businesses in the community,

expand the chamber’s new Emerging Leaders program for professionals aged 35 years or younger, and work with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office to address crime and enhance security within the Income Airpark Division.

“Of all the places, Hanover County is an incredible place to be,” Stone said. “And I’m very proud and honored to be your new chair for this year.”

Laurie Ursiny of Covenant Woods will serve as vice president and Stacey Spear of S & S Painting LLC will serve as treasurer. Incoming board members are Bobby Broyles of Blazer Heating & Air, Jeremy Yorke of the Yorke Agency, Shannon Shaw of Village Bank and Niki DeSantis of Pixel Factory, who will serve as chair of the

Income Airpark Division. Outside of official chamber business, the program offered light-hearted entertainment with raffle prizes donated by chamber members, “Academy” awards given to the best dressed of the evening and member awards honoring some of the chamber’s most dedicated members.

This year’s Top Networker Award was given to McKinley Tucker for attending the most chamber events over the past year. The Host of the Most Award was gifted to Village Bank for hosting over 75 attendees at their past year’s events.

For more information on the Hanover Chamber of Commerce and membership opportunities, visit https:// hanoverchamberva.com/.

Jim Ridolphi / The Local Above, attendees of the chamber’s annual dinner enjoy their plates from the Covenant Woods Woodhouse Catering spread. Below, Blaine Altaffer, CEO of Green Top Hunt Fish, speaks of his business’ 75th year. Right, attendees enjoy refreshments on the patio before the rececption.

Suspect charged with attempted murder

Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) issued a media release on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 22, requesting the public’s assistance with locating a suspect wanted for attempted murder following a road range incident that occurred on Monday, Sept. 5.

On Sept. 5 at approximately 4 p.m., HCSO deputies responded to the area of Mountain Road and Overhill Lake Road in reference to a road rage incident where shots were fired.

After a thorough investigation, the green Dodge pickup was located and Christopher Nicholas Chivily, 22, was positively identified as a suspect.

The Sept. 22 release stated

that Christopher Nicholas Chivily was wanted by the HCSO for attempted murder (F), shooting from a vehicle (F), shooting at an occupied vehicle (F), possession of a firearm after being voluntarily committed (F) and vandalism (M).

HCSO requested the pub-

lic’s assistance with locating Chivily and cautioned that he was believed to “be in possession of a firearm” and “should be considered armed and dangerous.” The release provided that Chivily was believed to be in the Goochland area operating a green 2003 Chevy Silverado, bearing Virginia tags TZG-8575.

HCSO issued another release on Sept. 22 at approximately 3 p.m. announcing that Chivily was located and arrested without incident in Custer County, Montana.

HCSO thanked media and community partners for quickly sharing this information, which ultimately led to his quick apprehension.

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

July 1

DWI: First offense was reported in the 16500th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

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

July 2

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

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 7000th block of River Road, Mechanicsville.

Hit and run with personal injury was reported in the 14000th block of Washington Highway/Kings

Acres Road, Glen Allen.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 7000th block of Autumn Park Way, Mechanicsville.

July 3

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 9100th block of Chotank Trail, Ashland.

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

Credit card fraud, less than $200 in six months was reported in the 6300th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Making threats to extort money was reported in the 11400th block of Farrington Farm Lane, Ashland.

Breaking and entering a house to rape, rob or

murder while armed was reported in the 18200th block of Teman Road, Beaverdam.

July 4

DWI: Drugs, first offense was reported in the 10100th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

DWI: First offense was reported in the 6200th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville.

DWI: First offense was reported in the 9400th block of E Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

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

July 5

Hit and run with attended property damage more

CHIVILY

Wednesday, Sept. 28

The Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia invites all girls in grades K-12 to join them for fun, hands-on Girl Scout activities and to learn more about how to become a member of Girl Scouts. The recruiting event will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cool Spring Elementary School, located at 9964 Honey Meadows Road, in Mechanicsville.

Saturday, Oct. 1

The Community Salt Fish Breakfast will resume from 8 to 10 a.m. at Enon UMC, 6156 Studley Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. The Buffet includes salt fish, corn cakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, hash browns, sausage gravy, biscuits, waffles, apples, beverages & fellowship. Adult admission is $10 and ages 6 and under are free, with all profits benefiting Enon UMC Missions.

Hanover NAACP presents a free Community Health Fair at

CALENDAR

Pole Green Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature free health assessments, line dancing, karate, hip hop dancercize, vendors and games for children.

St. Paul Lutheran Church is seeking vendors for their 2022 Fall Craft Sale. This event will be rain or shine and held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8100 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors will need to bring their own table, chair and tent and cannot sell food or quilts. Vendor spaces offered will be outside and are limited to a first come/ first serve basis. The cost to rent a 9’x16’ space is $25. Vendors should contact Debbie Harris at Saintpaul.sec@gmail.com to sign up or call the church office at 804-427-7500.

Cool Spring Baptist Church, located at 9283 Atlee Station Road in Mechanicsville, is hosting an “Understanding Dementia” workshop from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more

McSHIN

from

to raise around $3,000 in cash from T-shirt and other event sales and at least $15,000 from event sponsors. She said proceeds raised fund the event’s expenses and the foundation’s programming.

The event aimed to “raise awareness that recovery rocks and people can change their lives by entering into recovery,” ultimately reducing the stigma surrounding addiction, Liller said. The foundation additionally aims to show their participants that “they can have fun in recovery.”

For the first time, the foundation brought even greater recognition to the important month by hosting the Mobilize

1

information call 804-789-5510.

Black Creek Baptist Church Brunswick Stew Sale begins at 2pm at 6229 McClellan Rd., Mechanicsville, VA. 23111. They will have quarts of Brunswick Stew for sale at $10 each…eat now or freeze for later. Pre ordering done through, 804-873-1797 Pamela Miller Mentz or Chrissy Pomfrey Johnson 804-218- 4522 or the church office 804-7810330. There will be Treats, Games, Live Music and More! Bring the whole family, lets kick off the Fall season right!!

Tuesday, Oct 4

The Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia invites all girls in grades K-12 to join them for fun, hands-on Girl Scout activities and to learn more about how to become a member of Girl Scouts. The recruiting event will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at Laurel Meadows Elementary School, located at 8248 Lee Davis Road, in Mechanicsville.

Recovery Across America Bus Tour on Friday, Sept. 16, which invited members from local communities and beyond to join the two organizations’ meaningful celebration of addiction recovery.

Mobilize Recovery is an initiative of the Recovery Advocacy Project and the Voices Project. Its mission is to expand policy to support recovery, create connections to supportive services that are vital and lifesaving, and engage affected individuals in meaningful community action.

Throughout Recovery Month, the Mobilize Recovery bus will travel across the country and back. The bus tour began in Las Vegas on Sept. 5 and will make its final stop on Oct. 6. The national tour

Thursday, Oct. 6

The Hanover NAACP will host a Citizens Community meeting with Hanover County Sheriff Hines at the Montpelier Center from 6 to 7 p.m. All are welcomed at this event to ask questions of Hines and to get a better understanding of law enforcement in Hanover.

Saturday, Oct. 8

Shady Grove United Methodist Church Women in Faith is hosting their annual Bazaar and Craft Show from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is seeking vendors. To become a vendor, contact 804-543-9973, 804-2182072 or 804-370-0649 for more information. Deadline for acceptance is Oct. 1.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Mechanicsville AARP Chapter 5407 will be meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Union Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green Rd. Mechanicsville, VA. 23111.

features training on mental health community-initiated care, overdose prevention and resources, listening sessions between policymakers and residents, addiction recovery workshops, and practical prevention tools and strategies for families.

The stop in Virginia was held at The McShin Foundation, located at 2300 Dumbarton Road in Richmond, and featured a lineup of training, speakers, food and performances by bestselling author Anna David, Eddie Pepitone from Netflix’s “Bitter Buddha,” and spoken word artist Joseph Green.

Ryan Hampton of Mobilize Recovery shared why the McShin Foundation holds special significance for him

News, Updates & Listings

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.

Thursday, Oct. 13

The Hanover NAACP will host a Citizens Community meeting with Hanover County Sheriff Hines at the Mechanicsville Branch Library from 6 to 7 p.m. All are welcomed at this event to ask questions of Hines and to get a better understanding of law enforcement in Hanover.

Saturday, Oct. 15

The Studley Ruritans, Salem Presbyterian Church and Enon Methodist Church present the Studley Community Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Salem Presbyterian Church, 5394 Studley Road in Mechanisville. Enjoy a familyoriented festival for the Studley community to meet and have a good time. There will be local craft, food vendors, a bouncy house and hay rides to a pump-

and Garrett Hade.

“McShin has been a huge part of the Mobilize Recovery family since day one… But I think for Garret and I, coming here today to be with all of you means something to us,” Hampton said.

Hampton and Hade first became sober in 2015 and took a road trip tour across the country in 2016 titled “Addiction across America.”

After losing many friends to overdoses that year, the duo wanted to learn how to become more involved in recovery communities and eventually connected with McShin Founders Shinholser and McDaid.

While they aimed to travel 8,000 miles in 30 days in a 35-foot RV, they made it as

kin patch. A historical exhibit will be on display about the local history of Studley. Live music will also be provided and those who attend are invited to bring their own musical instrument and join the group!

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.

Walnut Grove Baptist Church will be conducting Free see CALENDAR, pg. 15

far as Post, Texas before running out of gas. Shinholser and McDaid offered to cover their gas expenses if they made it to the McShin Foundation.

Hade added that Shinholser encouraged them to pursue their idea of establishing a mobile recovery tour.

“So without John and McShin, Mobilize Recovery, The Voices Project and my personal journey probably wouldn’t be here today,” Hade said.

Speakers of the event encouraged “recovering out loud,” sharing their own difficult journeys with addiction and building the courage to serve as sources of inspiration for those battling with SUDs.

Shinholser shared his

McSHIN, pg.

journey toward recovery with attendees. Falling victim to addiction at 11 years old, he conquered his addiction at the age of 23 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I personally have lived out my recovery for 40 plus years,” he said. “It has never ever done anything but served me well.”

He said when he and his wife first started their recovery movement 22 years ago, he was shocked to learn how many individuals in recovery were not active participants in the recovery community. This identified need for inspiration is what led to the founding of

McShin, he said.

“We’ve got to get out there and show the world that recovery is fun, it’s awesome, it’s available, it’s doable with the stigma, the shame and the guilt,” he said.

“We have got to make sure this Mobilize Recovery is successful, and all the people that stand behind us and support us – we’ve got to champion those people,” he added.

“I just wanted to make sure that all of you knew that you’re a part of something bigger, and it is a new, monitored recovery advocacy movement that’s being built all across the country,” said McDaid, who has been in recovery for almost 25 years. “And there is a role for everyone.”

“Shame, judgement, stigma, discrimination, bias… these are things that are very real,” Hampton said. “So we need to recover and be an active, positive face and force for recovery and good in our communities.”

Speakers encouraged attendees to write their own recovery stories and messages of hope on the Mobilize Recovery bus, which was already heavily-decorated with messages from members of the recovery community across the nation.

For information on the Mobilize Recovery movement, visit https://mobilizerecovery. org/. For more information on the McShin Foundation, visit https://mcshin.org/.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Attendees of the Mobilize Recovery Bus Tour line up to

their own messages of hope and recovery on the bus.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Carol McDaid and John Shinholser, founders of the McShin Foundation, kick off the evening with a series of inspiring speeches before the crowd of attendees.

From the editor

Honoring National Recovery Month by changing the word

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Addictionis an ugly word.

At least, that’s what I grew up believing in a country still haunted by the “war on drugs” campaign or, most evidently, the opioid epidemic that continues to rampage through countless American households every year.

Yes, in school we were taught to “just say no,” echoing Nancy Reagan’s 1980s campaign that, at first glance, seemed like a harmless and simple message. But as I’ve grown older and have encountered the word “addiction” in the lives of those close to me, it has become apparent how detrimental this simplistic message can be to how we view those affected by it. Rather than viewing addiction as a psychological disorder, it invites the implication that avoiding addiction is as easy as “just saying no,” and that those who suffer from it are grouped together into a single stereotype of being irresponsible.

Surely many of us can agree that the word “addiction” invites echoes of these harmful implications, but it is not our fault. This is what our society has been afflicted by for countless years, and it was a viewpoint that was reinforced throughout our childhood education. It is a word that was whispered or hidden. It was a word that many who suffer from it, and even their families, refuse to accept. It is a word that has invited shame, guilt and an overwhelming feeling of isolation to those entangled in its ferocity.

But there is a growing movement across the nation that is fighting to change the word. Rather than whispering it, this movement calls upon its recovery community to “speak it out loud,” actively dismantling these negative stereotypes while offering a face and voice of hope to those who may otherwise feel as if they are fighting a hopeless battle alone.

The Mobilize Recovery Across America Bus Tour is a champion of this growing movement, as figureheads in the recovery community are travelling across the country to spread this needed source of inspiration and hope in honor of National Recovery Month.

As the bus rolled into the parking lot of The McShin Foundation, the campaign’s power could be seen in the countless campaign signs waving in the air by the crowd of visitors that ran to greet the bus. It could be heard in the crowd’s

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surge of cheering and clapping as Mobilize Recovery champions poured out of the bus. It could be felt in the uplifting spirit of the sunny evening, as strangers became comrades, smiles were unwavering, members of the recovery community danced around in jubilation, and speakers riled up the crowd in triumphant hurrahs at their own journeys toward recovery.

It wasn’t just an evening of acceptance. It was an evening of powerful change.

Addiction is overcome with recovery. Recovery is strength. And just as the speakers of the evening powerfully emphasized, who all stood as recovering addicts themselves, this strength is nourished by the recovery community “speaking out loud” – it is powerfully spread by those who can serve as the voice and face of hope that recovery is possible, and that addiction is not a shameful or isolating word. It is a community of fighters, and it is a community that must uplift one another by speaking their own shame, guilt and overall perseverance out loud.

It is a movement that is unifying the recovery community into one, and it is a movement that is combating the country’s opioid epidemic and all forms of addiction like never before. It is a movement that does not group addiction into a single stereotype, but instead reveals that it is an illness to overcome.

This unity could be seen in the Mobilize Recovery bus itself, as messages of hope and inspiration from individuals across the nation decorate its exterior. This unity could be seen in the crowd of attendees that eagerly rushed to write their own hopeful messages on the bus: “Stay Strong,” “Recovery is for everyone,” “Recovery is Love.”

Smiles were painted on every single attendee that held a pen to the bus, as their messages will be read by other fighters across the nation. Their messages will change lives the way they changed their own.

Their messages have changed the word.

So in honor of National Recovery Month, consider challenging yourself to “speak it out loud.” I challenge you to confront your past or present that may hold any shame, guilt or isolation. Become champions of change by fighting the stigma surrounding “addiction” – whether that means by joining the movement, becoming an active supporter of the recovery community, or even becoming an active listener.

After all, there is no true inspiration like those who embody, every single day, that recovery is possible and something to proudly share with the world.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

| The Local Views LETTERS

| Reader Views

Reader says Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) rewrites

‘Inflation Basics

101’

Dear Editor, The Inflation Reduction Act claims to actually reduce inflation. Really? There is no official explanation of how this works. Government spending has never reduced inflation in the past. Why now? Is there a new economic reality of how things work?

As the economist Milton Friedman stated: “Inflation can be produced only by a more rapid increase in the quantity of money than in output.” More money chasing after fewer goods – this is exactly what has happened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The John Locke Foundation points out that the current bout of inflation stems from massive spending in 2020 and 2021: COVID-19 relief, Build Back Better, stopping businesses and staying at home and getting paid not to work, which are all perfect programs to trigger more and more inflation. And this spending, authorized by Congress, was largely paid for by newly-created money from the Federal Reserve.

Publisher Joy Monopoli

Managing

Laura McFarland

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

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Now the new IRA legislation spends another $700 billion plus, addressing climate change, health care, more tax collectors and “inflation reduction” – such a pleasant sounding sugar-coated label.

Like all government spending bills, massive amounts of resources are taxed or borrowed, then reallocated to selected social targets. Wealth is not created. Money doesn’t fall from the heavens. Inflation is not magically reduced by more spending

Town Council makes upcoming Habitat home possible

Staff Report

The Local

OnTuesday, Sep. 20, Ashland Town Council presented a check in for $100,000 to Renee Robinson, executive director of Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity. This funding was made possible by the town’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Members of the town council and Town of Ashland staff are happy to provide this funding to an organization making a great impact in the community to increase affordable housing options and decrease barriers to homeownership.

Robinson said the funds will be used to purchase and renovate 206 Dewey Street in Ashland. This is a fire damaged home that has been vacant for almost two years.

“We are excited to renovate it and sell it at an affordable price to a homeowner in our program,” Robinson said. “We would not be able to afford to purchase this home and renovate it without the town’s support through this ARPA funding. We are thrilled that the town prioritized these funds with a focus on affordable housing so that we could complete a project like this. The need for affordable housing is greater than ever and we hope to do more renovation projects like this in the future.”

Montpelier Branch Library invites students to ‘Snack with a Scientist’

Staff Report

The Local

The Pamunkey Regional Library Montpelier Branch recently launched “Snack with a Scientist” on Wednesday, Sept. 14, which is a program for middle- and high schoollevel homeschooled students in Hanover County.

This monthly series is led by Josue Morales, a library associate who holds a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Maryland Condensed Matter Theory Center.

In the first session held on Sept. 14 titled “What is Light?” students learned that

Events at the Hanover Tavern

Contributed Report

The Local

Saturday, Oct. 15: Walking Civil War Williamsburg Tour will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hanover Tavern and does not include transportation for the walking tour. The cost is $50 per person with lunch included.

Oct. 23, 24 and 25: Ghosts Walk at Night at the Hanover Courthouse Complex and Hanover Tavern will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on each date. Join the tavern for guided tours of the tavern, Historic Courthouse and Old Stone Jail. The cost is $15 per person.

Sunday, Oct. 30: Once Bitten: A Halloween Cider Paired Dinner will be held at the Hanover Tavern from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Join the tavern for a Halloween-themed, fourcourse dinner and cider pairing. Costumes are encouraged. Reservations are required and the cost is $50 per person.

Hanover Fire-EMS responds to Ashland brush fire

Contributed Report

The Local

Wednesday, Nov. 2: Heritage Music Series: When & If will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hanover Tavern and will feature live music. Reservations are recommended.

Contributed photo

Josue Morales measures light diffraction with students of the Montpelier Branch Library’s new series: “Snack with a Scientist” on Sept. 14.

different colors of light have different wavelengths. They worked in groups to measure

light diffraction using lasers, then compared results and

see MONTPELIER pg. 8

Hanover Fire-EMS responded to a brush fire on Monday, Sept. 19 in the Ashland, Virginia. Crews remained on the scene of this incident overnight and contained the fire to an approximate size of 4 to 5 acres. Due to the thick brush and terrain, limited access was available. With the assistance of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and their drone, crews were able to locate a deep-seated fire in the area after multiple reports of smoke in the area. Additionally, Virginia Department of Forestry was present on scene with heavy equipment helping to contain the fire. Smoke was visible throughout the area and on Interstate 95 from the 92 to the 94 mile marker.

Crews remained on scene on Tuesday and increased operations at sunrise. Any updates will be passed on as they become available.

Information courtesy of David Johnston, public information officer for Hanover Fire-EMS.

Saturday, Nov. 5: A Paranormal Investigation will be held at the Hanover Tavern from 8:15 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and will feature a five-site paranormal investigation of the tavern, Historic Courthouse, Old Stone Jail, the Clerk’s Office and Library. The cost is $50 per person.

Ongoing weekly: The Sabotuer! Escape Room Challenge will be held weekly at the Hanover Tavern featuring a 1942 detectivethemed escape room adventure. The cost is $25 per person. For available times and ticket purchasing, visit the tavern’s website: www.hanovertavern.org.

For more information on these events or others, visit the tavern’s website or call: 804-5375050 x24.

Contributed Photo

Town of Ashland staff and councilmembers present Habitat officials with a $100,000 check on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Shown from left to right are Town of Ashland Manager Josh Farrar; Nora Amos, director of planning and community development; Kathy Abbott, town councilmember; Ashland Supervisor Faye Prichard; John Suddarth, Habitat board treasurer; Renee Robinson, Habitat executive director; Daniel McGraw, town councilmember; Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett; James Foley, Habitat board president; Anita Barnhart, town councilmember; and Vice Mayor John Hodges.

Continued from pg. 3

SHERIFF’S than $1,000 was reported in the 7400th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7100th block of Brook Way, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 16100th block of W Patrick Henry

MONTPELIER

Continued from pg. 7

discussed which measurements were most accurate.

Morales told attendees that science doesn’t happen the way it’s often shown in movies.

“Science isn’t about one guy alone in a room coming up with all the answers,” he said. “Science happens just like this: with lots of scientists working together as a group.”

Students left the program with tools for additional light experiments they could conduct at home. The next session, “What Are the Odds?” will take place Oct.19 at the Montpelier Branch Library.

Road, Montpelier.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 18500th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 9000th block of Hopkins Branch Way, Mechanicsville.

Breaking and entering a house to commit larceny, assault was reported in the 13200th block of Greenwood Church Road, Ashland.

July 6

The Montpelier Branch has another new series launching for Hanover County entrepreneurs: “The Montpelier Small Business Network.” This monthly program will offer valuable networking opportunities to small business owners and aspirants on the western side of Hanover County and highlight free resources available through local agencies including the public library.

This month’s guest speaker is Samuel Little, president of Market Ashland Partnership.

Little will talk about turning networking opportunities into small business value. The program will be held on Friday, Sept. 30 from 9 to 10 a.m. The

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 9200th block of E Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 14200th block of Greenwood Church Road, Ashland

July 7

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported

see SHERIFF’S, pg. 15

program is free and open to the public.

“I’m excited to offer this initiative because the library offers so many valuable tools for people who want to turn their ideas into a business,” said Renee Sottong, branch manager of the Monteplier Branch Library. “When people say to me, ‘Oh, I don’t need the library because I don’t read books,’ I challenge them to come in and see what we’re really about.”

“The library offers valuable services that can give rural entrepreneurs a chance to compete in their markets: everything from Wi-Fi hotspot lending to state-ofthe-art conference facilities; mobile print services to the “Entrepreneurial Mindset Academy” from the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative,” she added. “Patrons can access free legal forms and connect with other important community resources through the library. It’s an absolutely vital tool for success, whether you’re selling from home through an online marketplace or planning a new restaurant opening.”

For more information on these programs or other Pamunkey Regional Library programs, visit the website: https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

Hanover County recognized for excellence in financial reporting for 37th consecutive year

Contributed Report The Local

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Hanover County with its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. The county has received this prestigious award each fiscal year since 1985.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“The continued attainment of this recognition and award from GFOA demonstrates

LETTERS

Continued from pg. 6

legislation. This is pure gas lighting of the American public.

IRA was passed by 50 U.S. Senators and our Vice President (all democrats, zero republicans). Why such division? Is more and more big government the solutions to our problems, including inflation? Since IRA is completely inconsistent with “Inflation Basics 101,” we are left to wonder: Who is not thinking clearly; or, who is being disingenuous, and for what purpose?

Let’s all see through the “sugar coating” label of our new IRA legislation: Americans will be paying the price through the most insidious of taxes: more inflation.

Bob Keeler Patrick Henry Tea Party Beaverdam, Virginia

Reader says that Congressman Wittman threatens democracy

Dear fellow citizens, My representative in Washington in the House of Representatives, Rob Wittman, was one of 139 of 221 House Republicans who voted to overturn the U.S. election on Jan. 6, 2021.

As we began early voting in Virginia on Friday, Sept. 23, I thought it was important for

the county’s dedication to excellence and transparency in financial reporting,” said Jay Brown, deputy county administrator. “I am proud of the finance team and all partners and stakeholders that worked hard to receive this award. We will continue to strive to attain the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting in future years.”

“Receiving this award for the 37th time shows the county’s commitment to financial excellence,” said Amanda Six, director of finance and management services. “It represents a true team effort starting with our leadership’s commitment to sound financial policies and practices, coupled with strong stewardship by each department and the excellent work of Lauren Null and her entire accounting division team who effectively manage our finances day in and day out.”

us to consider the real meaning of this particular vote taken on our behalf by Congressman Wittman. By his vote on that day, Mr. Wittman made known to all of us that he believed the violent coup attempt orchestrated by our former president was a good idea. He let us know that he was ready to overthrow our government in support of the “Big Lie” about election fraud.

By his vote on January 6, 2021, Mr. Wittman made a conscious decision to put his party above his country, our Constitution and the rule of law. His action in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election told all of us that protecting our democracy would be on the ballot in this year’s elections.

I ask myself often how could Mr. Wittman vote to support a coup attempt to overthrow our government and still proclaim to be a defender of democracy and our Constitution. My answer to myself is, “Of course, he can’t!

One can’t support sedition and democracy at the same time – you must choose one or the other.” Mr. Wittman made his choice clear on Jan. 6, 2021. We can make our choice when we go to the polls to vote in this election.

We do not have to vote to send Rob Wittman back to Congress. We can choose instead to vote for a decorated veteran who served his country in the military for 30 years by fighting to preserve our democracy – not overthrow it.

Herb Jones is running for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District. Please make your plan to vote now and vote to elect Herb Jones.

J. R. Mitchell Mechanicsville

HABITAT

Continued from pg. 1

the organization’s board of directors, gave special recognition to all in attendance and called for everyone to give themselves a round of applause. He and Robinson highlighted how their achievements would not be possible without Habitat’s supporters.

“We cannot do what we do without each of you: our supporters, our volunteers, our community members, our staff,” Foley said. “I want to thank you all. Thank you all very, very much.”

The evening offered guests the chance to hear from two families that have directly benefitted from the community’s generous contributions to Habitat over the past year.

Robinson introduced the Fraley family and how the organization’s critical repairs program changed their lives for the better.

“Because we’ve been able to raise more funds to go toward critical repairs, that need is greater than ever,” Robinson said. “We continue to have applications come in every day.”

She said a bulk of their requests are from community homeowners who are on a fixed income and do not have the funds to address repairs that are needed “to keep their home healthy and safe,” such as repairs to leaky roofs, rotten floors and rotten wood.

“We never want people to have to make the choice of whether they’re buying their medicine or whether they’re going to be able to be safe,” she said.

Eunice Fraley, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and recently underwent knee replacement surgery, was forced to live in dangerous conditions in order to keep up with costly medical bills before her daughter, Tanya, discovered Habitat’s critical repairs program from

reading an article in The Local.

Tanya said her mother would awaken in the middle of the night from the sound of her leaky roof and feared it would cave in without proper repairs. Habitat quickly repaired her mother’s roof at a reduced cost.

“We hear the rain and now we can just smile and fall asleep to the pitter patter,” Tanya said. “It is so much better than having to watch the news and start preparing just to know what’s going to happen with the roofing.”

Habitat additionally repaired her mother’s entry doors to her garage after identifying poor insulation that resulted in extreme temperatures in Eunice’s bedroom. Due to her medical condition, she had difficulty breathing during the summer and would have to sleep in her living room – the only area of the house with air conditioning.

Tanya reached out to Habitat after discovering the partnership between Habitat and Blazer Heating and Air to offer HVAC installations and repairs to community members in need.

“When she was at her worse, when she was feeling hopeless… When she was really going through it with that heat, she said that Blazer called and they just blazed in and said ‘That unit is dead,’ and went straight to work,” Tanya said.

Blazer replaced her 25-year-old air conditioning unit with an efficient, energy saving unit. Eunice said they were able to reduce their costs by $21 a month with the new HVAC system.

“When medical bills are high, you have to choose what you need,” Eunice said. “And that’s what I had to do. So I appreciate everything you were able to do. Thank you.”

The evening’s program additionally highlighted Habitat’s homeownership

program. Habitat partners with individuals, families, local businesses and volunteers to construct affordable homes for qualifying applicants.

“We know that stable housing needs to have financial independence and financial stability, and we see that come to life through our homeownership program,” Robinson said.

She said they structure the home’s mortgage based on the homeowner’s income to ensure they don’t exceed 30% of their income on their housing costs. This helps Habitat homeowners afford other necessary bills or unexpected crises to ensure their long-term flourishing and ultimately builds generational wealth.

The hardworking families within the program inspire Robinson every day, she said. She particularly recognized Keedra Reeders, a featured speaker of the evening, and the hundreds of hours Reeders spent on the construction site of her soon-tobe Doswell home. Reeders broke ground on the site along with Habitat and their partners on Thursday, July 21.

Reeders will soon become Habitat’s newest homeowner, as they hope to complete construction on the home by the end of the year.

Reeders shared her difficult journey of securing an

affordable home for her and her son, Damien, within the county in order for Damien to remain in the same school with his friends. She began looking for homes in 2016, contacted countless contractors to construct a new home, and still could not find anything within her budget.

After reaching out to Kimberly Bell, director of family services for Hanover and King William Habitat, Reeders was able to make her dream of becoming a homeowner a reality. She gave special recognition to Bell for guiding her through the whole process.

“And I just feel so blessed,” Reeders said. “I’m so grateful that God allowed this to come into play in my life. So thank you Habitat for partnering with me. I’ll forever be grateful.”

The event additionally announced this year’s recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award, which is named in remembrance of former board member Steve Thompson. A handcrafted, wooden bowl made by or from the materials of Thompson, who held a passion for woodturning, is gifted to the winner every year.

Gunter said volunteers are “vital” to their organization’s programming. Last fiscal year, Habitat recorded over 600 volunteers that worked over 8,000 hours, but she believes

those numbers are much higher due to their extensive volunteer base.

“Over the last year we had several volunteers that stood out, but we had two that we felt deserve this award,” Gunter said.

Habitat surprised Mark and Donna Adams with this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Gunter said the couple “exudes dedication” to the organization and is always searching for ways to help, such as volunteering their time to Habitat almost every day, helping with moving the Habitat ReStore and offices earlier this year, and offering their services to the recycling center located at the back of the ReStore.

“These two bring daily enthusiasm, creativity, problem-solving skills and tire-

less energy to every task that comes their way,” Gunter said. “We’re incredibly lucky to have them here and for giving their time and energy to Habitat.”

Habitat continues to search for available land to build upon in Hanover and King William communities. Foleys said their “dream” is to acquire a large enough parcel to build affordable homes on for many years.

“We continue to pray that we will find the right opportunity to do this because we know we can double the number of homes we do in a year once we have the land lined up,” he said.

For more information on Hanover and King William Habitat’s many programs and services, visit the website, hkwhabitat.org.

All seats were sold out at Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity’s Harvest of Hope held on the evening of Friday, Sept. 16 beneath the Hanover Vegetable Farm’s outdoor pavilion.

Eunice and Tanya Fraley share with attendees the uplifting story of how Habitat’s critical repairs program changed their lives for the better.

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan/The Local James Foley, president of the Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, gives thanks to all in attendance for supporting the organization’s important mission.

Youth, High School, College,

Patriots win defensive battle with Atlee

By Rob Witham for The Local

ASHLAND — It is, after all, football.

It’s supposed to be a battle of wills, fought physically and psychologically. When you throw in two teams, rivals for more than three decades, one of them desperate for a win to keep realistic postseason hopes alive — all the ingredients were on the field Friday night for a classic slugfest.

All 28 points were scored in the first half, as both the Patrick Henry and Atlee defenses clamped down. The Raiders’ one scoring chance of the second half went by the boards, and the host Patriots escaped with a 15-13 victory to improve to 3-1 on the season. With the defeat, an Atlee team that could easily be 4-1 had a few plays broken its way now sits at 1-4.

“Every team Atlee has played, they’ve been really, really tough,” said Patriots head coach Ken Wakefield. “Hats off to our defense, making extra stops. That was the difference in the game.”

Both teams were able to score in the first quarter, as Zach Tschantre booted a 40-yard field goal to give Atlee the early 3-0 lead midway through the quarter. The Patriots responded with a touchdown drive, capped by Gracyn Ross’ 9-yard sweep beating Atlee defenders to the front left pylon for the score.

On the next play, Ross was pressed into a repeat performance, as a bad snap on the extra-point attempt turned into

Ross racing to the same pylon, scoring two would-be critical points for an 8-3 lead.

Atlee’s best drive of the night opened the second quarter, as the Raiders continually fed junior tailback J.J. Lewis, who doesn’t look like a bruiser, but definitely is as he helps open his own path downhill. But, on his touchdown run of 26 yards, he benefited from good blocking and a blown assignment by the Patriot defense, clearing the right side of the field for an easy score.

Patrick Henry’s Greg Foster took the ensuing kick just inside the 50. Less than two minutes after Atlee retook the lead, the Patriots grabbed it back for good on a 13-yard touchdown strike from Jayden Brown to Jeremiah Grant. Richard Crabbe’s pointafter gave Patrick Henry a 15-10 lead.

The Patriots would start their next possession at the Atlee 42. This is when the Raider defense stood tall.

Austin Gaines knocked down a fourth-down pass from Brown to give the Raiders possession.

Just before halftime, Tschantre nailed a 30-yard field goal to cut Patrick Henry’s lead to 15-13.

Both offenses struggled early in the second half. The

Joel Klein for The Local

In a game full of defensive highlights, Atlee defensive back Austin Gaines (2) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Patrick Henry’s Cole Sylvia in Patrick Henry’s 15-13 victory.

Hanover goes 4-0 with win over Wildcats

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

MECHANICSVILLE —

Armstrong opened its game at Hanover Friday night with a score. It closed the game with a score.

But between those bookends, the host Hawks dominated. The nearly unstoppable Hanover offense scored often in walloping the Wildcats with a 47-12 win. The Hawks are now 4-0 on the season.

In many ways, the varsity game Friday mirrored the junior varsity game Thursday. Armstrong scored first both nights with a game-opening kickoff return for a score. But Hanover responded with scores over and over afterward. The main difference in the varsity showdown was the Wildcats’ scoring as time out to leave with a second score of the night.

The Hawks were relentless, scoring on nearly every possession that night. They were led by senior stalwarts such as Beau Sahnow and Cole Elrod, part of a core group of players and coaches who stuck with the program despite its struggles during a hard transition several years ago.

“There’s a lot of guys who stuck around while we were trying to implement this process, this culture,” said Hanover head football coach Sam Rogers. “I’m talking about even coaches, too. Dave Butler, who was the coach in 2019 — interim head coach — deserves a ton of praise. He stuck around and he started helping implement this culture in 2019. Tyler Snow is another guy. Those two guys are huge to our program.

“And add on to that these senior leaders that were there in 2019 when times were tough for Hanover football. … There are certain of those leaders that

are battle tested and they stuck around and they didn’t quit when their friends did. I’m really proud of them for that. Now they’re getting some results.”

Rogers, when he played for Hanover, was one of those lead-

ers: tough, hard-working and ready to do what it took to win. But he demurred when asked if his example has rubbed off on his players.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I think they’ve done an awesome

job of preparing and trusting everything that we’re doing. It’s not me. Like I said, it’s the entire team that’s developing that culture and I’m really proud of them.”

Sahnow and Elrod both

threw for a pair of touchdowns. Sahnow caught both of Elrod’s scoring tosses. Sahnow finished with nine carries for 100 yards. Elrod’s two touchdown completions were his only pass attempts. They totaled 42 yards.

“They played well,” Rogers said. “They work really hard in practice, and it showed up in the game.”

But the Hawks had many more weapons than Sahnow and Elrod. Peyton Seelman finished with 13 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown as well as two catches for 21 yards and another score. Theo Wingfield had 22 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Hanover was led by Jay Hoel, who forced and recovered an Armstrong fumble, along with Zach Tyler and Grady Fahed who finished with two sacks apiece.

The Hawks have some tough games coming up, beginning with a visit from Varina Friday at 7 p.m. They host Mechanicsville on Oct. 7, travel to Highland Springs on Oct. 14 and host Patrick Henry on Oct. 21.

Hanover finishes it season on the road with games at Henrico on Oct. 28 and Atlee on Nov. 4.

Mustangs burned by Blue Devils

VARINA — Myles Derricott and the Varina Blue Devils roasted visiting Mechanicsville Friday night, with Derricott completing 6-of-11 passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns to lead the host to a 34-3 victory over the Mustangs.

Derricott also had nine carries for 58 yards and another touchdown in the contest.

Varina nearly doubled up Mechanicsville in terms of total rushing yards with 159 to the Mustangs’ 81. The Blue Devils dominated the air with 114 total passing yards to just 4 for Mechanicsville.

Varina opened the scoring with Derricott’s 33-yard pass

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hanover’s Cole Elrod (10) launches a touchdown toss to receiver Ryan Samardge in the Hawks’ 47-12 win over Armstrong Friday.

Scrappy Patriots edge Hawks

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

MECHANICSVILLE —

There was no shortage of action, but there was a dearth of scoring when Patrick Henry hosted Hanover in a cross-county field hockey battle Thursday night.

The Patriots’ Ava Rossman scored the games only goal in the first quarter of the Patrick Henry win.

“We came up big when we needed to,” said Patriot Henry head field hockey coach Abbie Rossman. “Our defense was there and we were able to make some stops.”

Patrick Henry goalkeeper Maggie Sharp had to stay sharp, especially in the second half when the Hawks got a number of shots on goal. Sharp finished with eight saves on the evening.

“Both teams looked great,”

said Hanover head field hockey coach Nicole Yeaney. “The keepers were absolutely on it.”

The game’s lone goal came when Ava Rossman came in the attack. Two teammates were on the other side of the net, and it looked like Rossman was going to pass. Hanover keeper Caroline Wilson stepped toward the others in anticipation of the pass when Rossman saw the opening and scored.

HANOVER

Continued from pg. 11

to Jordan Edwards. Edwards scored again on a 20-yard run before connecting once more with Derricott on a 17-yard TD. Derricott found Christopher Coleman for another 17-yard touchdown toss in the fourth quarter.

Varina’s defense also got in some scoring action when Eric Smith intercepted a Mechanicsville pass and returned it for a TD.

The Mustangs’ only score came on a 30-yard field goal by Nelson Morales.

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

Mechanicsville 0 0 3 0 — 3 Varina 7 20 0 7 — 34

VAR — Edwards 33 pass from Derricott (Royster kick)

VAR — Edwards 20 run (Royster kick)

VAR — Edwards 17 pass from Derricott (Royster kick)

VAR — Smith interception return (kick failed)

MEC — Morales FG 30

VAR — Coleman 17 pass from Derricott (Royster kick)

BATTLE

Continued from pg. 10

Patriots earned zero yards on three plays to start the third quarter. A Lewis run into the red zone was called back because of a penalty.

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots had Atlee pinned back at its own 33 facing third down and 17. Quarterback Brooks

Hollins fired downfield, finding Scott Holmes for a 53-yard play down to the Patriots’ 14.

Now, it was the Patrick Henry defense that clamped down, allowing just 4 yards in three plays. Tschantre came on for a 27-yard field goal try to take the lead. The kick pushed wide right.

There was still 6:55 remaining.

Atlee got the ball back with

three timeouts at 5:29 left but failed to get a first down as Edwin Henderson made a fantastic play in the secondary on a third-down pass.

Now it was Patrick Henry’s opportunity to chew up the clock.

At Atlee’s 39-3/4, needing less than a yard, Ross lined up in the jumbo wildcat formation, and willed his way to the 38, allowing the Patriots to drain

the clock down to :54, and to pin Atlee on a punt down to its own 8-yard line.

The Raiders needed 65 yards to get into Tschantre field goal range, but couldn’t get past midfield, giving the Patriots the victory.

“Our defense came up with big plays when they needed to,” Wakefield said. “We gave up the long pass which could make the difference in the game. We’ve

harped on this since week one, if a bad play happens, next play mentality, forget about it.”

The defensive struggle was illustrated beautifully by two players: Patrick Henry linebacker Jackson Thurston and Atlee linebacker Iziah Riley, two seniors who led two determined teams into battle.

Patrick Henry welcomes Henrico this Friday, while Atlee returns home to face rival

Mechanicsville. In Region 4B, where a winning record may be required to make the eightteam playoff field, the Patriots are in good position, but with plenty of work to do.

It will be an uphill climb for the Raiders, who still have to face Highland Springs Varina, and Hanover, all three of whom, at the moment, are undefeated.

Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

Dave Lawrence/The Local Hanover receiver Ryan Samardge celebrates with teammate Theodore Wingfield Jr. (27) after Samardge’s touchdown reception in the Hawks’ 47-12 win over visiting Armstrong Friday.

Rob Witham for The Local

Patrick Henry’s Ava Rossman (7) leads the attack in the Patriots 1-0 win over Hanover Thursday.

NOTICEOFJUDICIALSALEOFREALPROPERTY HANOVERCOUNTY,VIRGINIA

OnOctober28,2022,orassoonthereafteraspaperscanbepreparedand filed,proceedingswillbecommencedbytheCountyofHanover,Virginia,underthe authorityofSection58.1-3965etseq.oftheCodeofVirginia,tosell,atadateandtime tobeannounced,thefollowingparcelsforpaymentofdelinquentrealestatetaxes:

ASHLANDASSOCIATES,INC.0.995acres,Improved,124ThompsonStreet; GPIN7870-61-8658

COLEMAN,John

GRUBBS,OmerL.

GRUBBS,OmerL.

GRUBBS,Maxine

HUGHES,JR.,LloydW.

WARREN,RobertMichael

BLAIR,Alison

1acre,Improved,233AshcakeRoad, GPIN7779-86-8915

9.31acres,Improved,18295MountainRoad; GPIN7802-48-3482

5.83acres,southofMountainRoad; GPIN7802-48-0396

12.526acres,Improved,5312BellswoodDrive; GPIN8735-31-2557

17.168acres,eastofBourneRoad, GPIN7802-91-4813

Theownerofanypropertylistedabovemayredeemitatanytimebefore thedateofsalebypayingallaccumulatedtaxes,penalties,interest,andcosts thereon,includingreasonableattorney’sfeessetbytheCourtandthepro-ratacosts ofpublication.TheownermaycontactSandsAndersonPCat540-373-2504or 800-664-5699forredemptionamounts.Partialpaymentofdelinquenttaxes,penalties, reasonableattorneys’fees,interestorcostsshallnotbesufficienttoredeemthe property,andshallnotoperatetosuspend,invalidateormakemootanyactionfor judicialsale.

NOTE:ThisNoticeisNOTanadvertisementforapublicauction.Toreceive noticeofthepublicauctionbymailorelectronically,pleasesendawrittenrequestto SandsAndersonPCatP.O.Box907,Fredericksburg,VA22404-0907.

PublicNotice

Noticeisherebygiventhat theHanoverCountyBoardof Supervisorshasset Wednesday, October12,2022at2:00P.M., inthe BoardRoomoftheHanoverCounty AdministrationBuildingatHanover Courthouse,7516CountyComplex Road,Hanover,Virginia,astheday, date,time,andplacefora Regular BoardMeeting.

TOWNOFASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe18thdayofOctober,2022,at7:00p.m.attheAshlandTownHall,121 ThompsonStreet,Ashland,VA,theAshlandTownCouncilwillconductpublichearingspursuanttoVirginia Codesection15.2-204forthepurposeofreceivinginput,andmayproviderecommendationsonthe following:

CPA2022-05WILTONACQUISITION RichardJ.KnappofRichardJ.Knapp&Associates,P.C., representingWiltonAcquisition,LLC,requestsaComprehensivePlanAmendment(CPA)tochangethe futurelanduseclassificationfromTownEdgeandMixedBusinesstoTraditionalNeighborhoodforthe propertiesidentifiedasGPINs#7880-53-9192and#7880-63-9486.Thepropertiesareapproximately30.578 acresand29.749acresinsize,respectively,foratotalof60.327acres,andarelocatedalongtheeastern corporatelimitsoftheTownofAshland,justnorthofEastPatrickHenryRoad(StateRoute54),eastof Interstate95,andwestofWoodsideLane.Thenewlandusedesignationallowsforadensityof1-4units peracre.

CopiesofCPA2022-05maybeobtainedbycontactingTownHallat(804)798-1073,Mondaythrough Thursday,7:30a.m.to6:00p.m.Writtencommentsmaybesubmittedtoplanning@ashlandva.govor mailedtoTownofAshland,POBox1600,Ashland,VA23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendand expresstheirviews.Anypersonwithadisabilityrequiringassistanceinordertoparticipateinthispublic hearingisaskedtocontactTownHallinadvance,sothatappropriatearrangementscanbemade.

Benefitsofthispart-time,contractopportunitywiththe RichmondTimes-Dispatchteam:

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AllyouneedisadependablevehicleandavalidVirginiadriver’s licenseforconsideration.

Signingbonusisforalimitedtime,sodon’tmissout. ContactusNOWatRichmond.com/Carriersor (804)649-6872tolearnmore.

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 4

Adult English Classes (ESL) and Citizenship Classes (Passing the Test) Wednesday mornings with open enrollment through May 17, 2023. Classes will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. For more information, contact the church office at (804) 746-5081 or contact Frank at wgbcinfo@comcast.net or (804) 402-7701. The classes are free but students are asked to purchase the books required for the class.

The men of Mechanicsville United Methodist Church will be preparing and selling Brunswick stew again this year for $10 a quart. They strongly encourage you to preorder your stew by calling the church office at 804-746-5118 starting on Oct. 3. Church office hours are Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. Pick-up will be on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. Stew not sold in the preorders will be available for purchase on Saturday morning along with delicious baked goods prepared by the women of the church. The women of the church will also be selling their fabulous baked goods on Saturday morning! Contact the church office with any questions.

Saturdays

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland 2 miles west of U.S. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix. 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 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. Visit http://www.mcshin.org.

Tuesdays

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid-December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

The American Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville, holds a “Meet and Greet, Coffee and Donut” event from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what they do for the community. Visit http://www.post175.org/.

Wednesdays

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.

Hanover Master Gardeners bring Horticultural Learning Center to the county

Contributed Report

The Local

Hanover Master Gardeners are excited to announce plans for a new Horticultural Learning Center. They invite gardening enthusiasts, educators and community leaders to attend a groundbreaking ceremony to learn more about this new resource coming to Hanover County and how they might get involved in the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the future site of the Horticultural Learning Center, which will sit on 1.10 acres next to the Taylor Complex building, 13015 Taylor Complex Lane, Ashland, VA 23005.

Master Gardeners will be on hand during the event to answer questions

about plants, pests, composting, creating a fire-wise landscape and much more.

This Horticultural Learning Center will be a space for public education, demonstrating research-based gardening practices which can be incorporated into the home setting. Hanover Master Gardeners will manage the garden. It will consist of multiple raised beds constructed through different methods and materials and feature perennial, annual and native plants and herbs and vegetables.

Some of the raised beds will demonstrate vertical gardening techniques. A significant feature of the garden will be a rainwater harvesting system and other water-wise practices. The garden will be a public space developed over the next several years and incorporate space for

outdoor classes.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status or any other basis protected by law.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Laura Maxey Nay of the Hanover Unit at 804-752-4310/ TDD* during business hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

*TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

Eutsey named president of Virginia Building & Code Officials

Contributed Report

The Local

Michael Eutsey, assistant chief building official for Hanover County, has been elected president of the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA).

“Mike’s election as president comes as the result of years of service on the VBCOA officer corps, positions on code development committees, and leadership positions at the regional level,” said Richard T. Gordon, chief building official for Hanover County. “He now leads a 93-year-old association of over 1,000 members, dedicated to promoting health and safety in the built environment throughout the Commonwealth. He has proven to be an exceptional member and leader and was elected with the unanimous support of the Nominations

SHERIFF’S

in the 11400th block of Bienvenue Road, Rockville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was

reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland. Embezzlement, $200 or more was reported in the 10900th block of Richardson Road, Ashland.

Committee and Board of Directors. This is an honor which he well deserves.”

Eutsey rejoined the Hanover County Building Official’s department in May 2021 after serving as principal plan review engineer-residential in Chesterfield County. He had previously served as a plan review technician II in Hanover from July 2012 to December 2017. In 2017, Eutsey obtained ICC’s Master Code Professional Certification, which is the highest certification they offer.

Eutsey is a Marine Corps veteran, having served as an infantry squad leader and infantry fire team leader. He is married to Krista Eutsey, who works for New Kent County, and they are the parents of a school-aged daughter and son.

Information courtesy of Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County.

Entering property with intent to damage was reported in the 17100th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

July 8

Simple assault was reported in the 10900th block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland.

Eluding police: Failure to stop, attempting to escape was reported in the 700th block of England Street, Ashland.

Ashland-Hanover Local September 28, 2022 15

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