Ashland-Hanover Local – 10/05/2022

ASTRONMY Exploring the Dual Asteroid Redirection Test mission PAGE

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EDUCATION All Hanover County Public Schools achieve full state accreditation

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Vol. 7 No. 5 | Richmond Suburban News | October 5, 2022

Green Top Outdoor Expo becomes national attraction

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Even in the face of this weekend’s inclement weather forecast, the parking lot of Green Top Sporting Goods was overflowing with visitors from near and far for the store’s fifth annual 2022 Outdoor Expo. With this year’s attendance skyrocketing on Saturday and Sunday, Green Top’s expo has quickly become a staple attraction for hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Green Top, located at 10150 Lakeridge Parkway in Ashland, is a Hanover-native retail store for new and used guns, ammo,

Thousands poured into the Green Top Sporting Goods Outdoor Expo on Saturday and Sunday for the event’s biggest year yet.

see EXPO, pg. 16

Contributed photo

Scotchtown, the home of Patrick Henry, is located at 16120 Chiswell Lane, Beaverdam.

Scotchtown jumps into the fall spirit in October

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown is bringing fall spirit to the Hanover County community throughout October. Despite a

last minute cancellation of the second annual Fall Festival last week, the museum is gearing up for two feature programs for history enthusiasts and see SCOTCHTOWN, pg. 4

Hanover launches unique program to support provisional teachers Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) has launched a first-of-its-kind program to support educators with provisional teaching licenses.

The Provisional Academy for Teachers in Hanover (PATH) is a three-year program that is led by HCPS faculty to support provisionally licensed teachers by offering a concentrated in-house curriculum, a collaborative environment and job embedded experiences to

help them grow in their profession. Teachers who successfully complete this program will have a full teaching license, saving them thousands of dollars by completing this coursework in-house versus having to complete the required coursework at a college or university. This is the first professional studies alternate route to licensure program offered by a school division in Virginia.

“We are incredibly proud to offer this unique program to our provisionally licensed teachers as one of the larg-

est struggles they encounter on their journey to full licensure is finding, funding and completing the required coursework,” said Dr. Michael Gill, HCPS superintendent of schools.

“This program demonstrates our commitment to supporting our faculty and staff while also ensuring that the students of our county are taught by the highest quality teachers.”

The first cohort of teachers Photo courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools in the program began meeting in August and includes In the first two weeks of the program, PATH members collaboratively explored research on see PATH, pg. 7

human growth and development concepts and classroom management strategies and applied those ideas into lesson plans with the support of HCPS curriculum specialists.

Hanover County Planning Department earns Organization of the Year award 746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

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Contributed Report The Local Fire Chief Jethro H. Piland, III announced Friday, Sept. 30, the appointment of Christopher J. Anderson to serve as the deputy chief for Hanover Fire-EMS. Anderson, a long-time Hanover County resident, was part of an extensive nationwide search for this role.

Chief Christopher “Chris” Anderson has been proudly serving the Hanover community for over 25 years with his diverse background and experience in emergency services. His career began in 1996 as a volunteer firefighter in Hanover.

In 2001, the Commonwealth of Virginia hired Anderson as a firefighter/medic with the Fort Pickett Fire Department in Blackstone, after which Hanover County Fire-EMS hired him in 2002.

Anderson’s professional development has earned him promotions through the ranks from firefighter/medic to lieutenant, battalion chief and assistant chief. He has proudly served in operational management positions, including his role as assis-

Written by Howard E. Koch, The War of the Worlds is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc

Halloween at the Ashland Theatre Learn more about our “spooky” movie series!

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

ashlandtheatre.org

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

“This is a huge honor for our Planning and Zoning Enforcement staff,” said Deputy County Administrator Todd E. Kilduff. “I want to express our thanks and appreciation to our Planning and Zoning staff for all they do and for earning this award.”

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

tant chief, where Anderson directly supervised the battalion chiefs in operations, training, the fire marshal’s office, public information and staff from emergency management and information technology.

Anderson represents Hanover FireEMS and Hanover County at the local, state and federal levels. His career has maintained a dedicated commitment to community engagement and risk reduction through partnerships and education.

He is a passionate believer in a collaborative work environment and in the power that a strong mission and vision have on the success of an organization. With a focus on community planning and safety, he has fostered collaborative partnerships with Hanover County’s community development departments including County Administration, County Attorney’s Office, Economic Development, Planning, Public Works, Public Utilities, the Building Official and law enforcement.

Anderson’s successful partnerships include regional and state emergency management, fire, emergency medical services and law enforcement part-

ners with successful outcomes in notable events such as Metro Richmond’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, civil disturbances in Charlottesville and the City of Richmond, and managing Hanover County’s Emergency Operation Center during natural disasters and preparedness drills. Anderson was instrumental in leading the department through a reclassification with the Insurance Service Office (ISO).

Anderson holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a Human Resource Management concentration, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Services Management and an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services.

Anderson received the Fire Official for Hanover County designation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Housing Development. Further, he received the Certified Fire Investigators designation from the International Association of Arson Investigators, and he maintains his certification as a paramedic through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Stage with the Firehouse Radio Players October 15 at 7pm

See a live reading of The War of The Worlds.

ery, while supporting healthy, high-quality communities.

One of the projects staff initiated was the implementation of an eTrakit system which allows for the acceptance, review and approval of site plans, construction plans and subdivision plat applications.

Staff held a training session with the development community on it, which was well received.

Christopher Anderson named deputy chief of Fire-EMS

War of the Worlds: Live on

October 21 - 30

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Contributed Report The Local The Hanover County Planning and Zoning Department has received the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) award for Organization of the Year. This award was based on the department’s implementation of a variety of programs and initiatives in innovative ways to improve transparency and service deliv-

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue July 9 Discharging a firearm or

missile in or at an occupied building was reported in the 13000th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Driver not reporting accident

with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 8700th block of Sliding Hill to I-95S, Ashland.

July 10

DWI: First offense was

reported in the 300th block of S Washington Highway/Arbor Oak Drive, Ashland.

Grand larceny, $500 or

more, not from a person was

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

July 11 Simple assault was reported

see SHERIFF’S pg. 3

Fuel assistance applications accepted beginning Oct. 11 Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local The Hanover County Department of Social Services will begin accepting applications for the Fuel Assistance Program on Oct. 11.

Fuel Assistance is a temporary program that helps eligible households with the costs of heating their homes.

The amount that is received will not necessarily cover all

of the winter heating costs but will be a supplement. Those who have been accepted for eligibility in past years are automatically registered for this year’s program.

Benefits are based on the availability of funds and the number of applications received within the state. In order to be eligible for fuel or utility assistance, your household’s income must be less

VSP investigating fatal crash in Hanover Contributed Report The Local At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, Virginia State Police (VSP) was dispatched to a four-vehicle crash northbound I-95 at the 93-mile marker that resulted in one fatality.

A 2018 Kenworth tractor-

trailer driven by Anthony Verret, 55, of Pittsville, made an unsafe lane change and struck a 2015 Honda Civic driven by Darlene Salo, 60, of Alexandria. The Honda then spun out and was unable to avoid striking a 2014 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Sulayman Jallow, 49, of Stafford.

The Toyota then crossed

the median into the southbound lanes, where it was struck by a 2014 Ford F-250 driven by Thomas Lumpkin, 25, of Aylett.

Jallow succumbed to injuries at the scene.

Verret was uninjured and was wearing his seatbelt. He was charged with reckless driving.

Salo was uninjured and was wearing her seatbelt.

Lumpkin suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital.

The crash remains under investigation, with the assistance of the VSP Richmond Division Crash Reconstruction Team.

Deputies seek help to identify larceny suspect

see FUEL, pg. 4

Social Services seeks information on those with disabilities who may need assistance Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local The public has become unfortunately familiar with the trauma that can be caused by tropical storms, hurricanes, floods and even earthquakes in recent years. To help prepare for the next emergency, the Hanover Department of Social Services wants to maintain a list of names and contact information for people who have disabilities.

Benefiting from this could be anyone who is bedridden, in a wheelchair or otherwise has limited mobility, as well as those who are hard of hearing or dependent upon paid caretakers or mechanical devices.

Information collected will be maintained by the department. When necessary and appropriate, some or all the information collected will be shared with Hanover Fire-EMS, the Health Department, the Transportation Department for Hanover County Public Schools and emergency management partner agencies and organizations such as the Red Cross.

The information collected will be used to coordinate services related to emergency notification and transportation

services.

Individuals are encouraged to submit personal information on their own behalf. If there is a minor child, parents are responsible for submitting information. If necessary and appropriate, an authorized official or care giver may submit an individual’s personal information on the individual’s behalf with explicit authorization to do so. The source individual will be required to provide contact information.

By collecting personal information, Social Services is subject to the requirements for administering information systems as established in the Government Data Collection and Discrimination Practices Act Code of Virginia.

There is no requirement to supply this information.

Without the information, Hanover County may not be able to appropriately plan for an individual’s transportation needs during an emergency event.

To find out more, call the Hanover Department of Social Services at 365-4104.

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

Contributed Report The Local On Sept. 27, deputies responded to Lowes located in the 6400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike for a past larceny.

On Aug. 28, an unknown white male entered the business and stole multiple items, to include power tools. The items totaled over $1,000.

Surveillance cameras

SHERIFF’S Continued from pg. 2

in the 9400th block of Kings Charter Drive, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery on a

family member was reported in the 11100th block of Elmont Road, Ashland.

Discharging a weapon along

a roadway was reported in the 14400th block of Annfield

from a neighboring business captured the suspect walking to his vehicle carrying the stolen items. The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a 2005 – 2007 Ford Freestyle, possibly grey or titanium green in color.

Anyone with information about this incident or who can identify the suspect is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro

Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Photos courtesy of Hanover County Sheriff’s Office

The sheriff’s office released images of a suspect in a larceny at Lowes.

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

Road, Beaverdam.

July 12 Failure to appear on a felony

charge was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

DWI: First offense was

reported in the 6400th block of Pole Green Road/Bishops Park Drive, Mechanicsville.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022 3

The Universe from the Center

FUEL Continued from pg. 3

Exploring the Dual Asteroid Redirection Test mission

By Dr. George Spagna Special to The Local had originally planned for this month’s column to continue a discussion of the Space Launch System (SLS) after a successful launch of the Artemis I. However, several launch opportunities were scrubbed due to hydrogen leaks during the fueling process, and the impending arrival of Hurricane Ian caused launch managers to exercise prudent caution and roll the whole stack back into the Vehicle Assembly Building. I’ll return to the SLS/ Artemis discussion next month -- hopefully after a successful launch sometime in October.

Instead, I will discuss the apparently-successful DART mission. DART, like many things NASA, is an acronym for Dual Asteroid Redirection Test. Part of the Planetary Defense project, its aim was to strike a space rock with enough momentum to change the asteroid’s trajectory

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though space. Why? Because a tiny change in the trajectory of a potentially Earth-impacting asteroid could change a catastrophic impact into a near-miss.

The trick is to detect the dangerous object far enough away and to nudge it off target.

The target for this first ever test was a 520-foot asteroid named Dimorphos (Dual Kinds), which orbits a larger asteroid called Didymos (the Twin) which is five times the smaller asteroid’s diameter. The larger asteroid has a mass of 533 billion kilograms; the smaller of the pair is a mere 4.8 billion kg.

For comparison, DART’s mass is 610 kg (0.67 tons). (The mission launched last November and arrived at the target some 7 million miles from Earth. It wasn’t a direct flight but had to chase the binary asteroid around the sun for 10 months). Prior to final approach and impact, DART ejected a small French “cubesat” to monitor the results.

SCOTCHTOWN Continued from pg. 1

Halloween-lovers to enjoy.

Located at 16120 Chiswell Lane in Beaverdam, Scotchtown is the only original standing home of Patrick Henry open to the public.

Known as the “orator of the American Revolution,” Henry lived in the residence from 1771 to 1778. Preservation Virginia acquired Scotchtown in 1958 and restored the historic building to its original appearance during Henry’s life.

The Scotchtown Fall Festival was scheduled to kick off the holiday season on Saturday, Oct. 1. The second installation of the fall favorite aimed to present a “bigger and better” celebration than the year prior, with a jam-packed day of programming, reenactment, a live performance by the Hanover Concert Band, vendors,

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Approach and impact were a spectacular success; I hope you had a chance to watch it live on NASA’s live streaming channel. Images came from a camera that was part of the smart navigation system on board, which used those images to direct the probe to a direct hit in the center of Dimorphos’ visible face.

The estimated error margin at final approach was plus or minus a mere 17 meters. 2 hours before impact, the twin asteroids were barely a single pixel in the camera’s image, with a new picture transmitted every second.

Approaching the surface at more than 13,000 mph, DART’s final transmission showed a surface strewn with boulders. It’s expected that the impact left a crater 20 to 30 meters across.

The real science begins where the engineering ended.

We’re waiting for the data from the cubesat, and it will take weeks -- if not months -- to measure what is anticipated as a 10

food, drink and more.

After a year of anticipation, the museum announced the festival’s cancellation on Thursday, Sept. 29 due to anticipated winds and rain associated with Hurricane Ian. “We determined that the expected weather conditions would pose too great a risk to our vendors, interpreters, volunteers, staff and guests to continue to hold the event,” said Dawn Burnett, site coordinator for Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, adding that refunds will be issued to current ticket holders.

“We greatly appreciate your support, and invite you to visit Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown at a future date,” Burnett said. “We’re open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, March through December.”

To jump into the fall spirit, Burnett encourages community members to try out the Spirits of Scotchtown Lantern Tours on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

second change in the 11 hour 55 minute orbital period. Groundbased telescopes recorded a sudden brightening of the asteroid and show an expanding dust plume from the collision. To be clear, neither of these asteroids pose any possible threat to Earth.

Lunar phases for October: Full Moon on Oct. 9 at 4:55 p.m.; Last Quarter on Oct. 17, at 1:15 p.m.; and New Moon on Oct. 25 at 6:49 a.m. All times are Eastern Daylight.

Mercury will be visible to the west at sunset. Mars rises in the early evening and will be visible all night, as will Jupiter (which made its closest approach to Earth on Sept. 27). Saturn rises before dawn.

The midmonth view about 3 hours after sunset finds the unfamiliar and faint constellation Lacerta at zenith. Your eyes will be drawn west to the familiar Summer Triangle. Deneb in Cygnus is high to the west, about 76 degrees above the horizon.

Tours will be held from 5 to 9 p.m.

“Enjoy eerie tales and food trucks as you tour the house and grounds of Scotchtown in the evening,” Burnett said.

Scotchtown staff and Transcend Paranormal, a local paranormal investigation team, will guide attendees around the property and into the manor house where costumed interpreters will share tales of spirits and ghosts, such as if the ghost of John Chiswell, the infamous son of the original builder of Scotchtown, roams the grounds.

Guests can then relax by the bonfire with warm cider and cookies as local storytellers share traditional spooky tales and even a few reports of “spine-tingling local encounters.” The Babbs Food on the Move food truck will be onsite from 5 to 8 p.m. for visitors’ dining pleasures.

Costumes are welcome. Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are

Below Deneb facing to the west, you’ll find Vega, the brightest of the three at about 55 degrees. A bit further south but at about the same altitude, you will find Altair. If you face the southwest horizon and sweep your eyes up to Deneb, you can see why Cygnus (the Swan) is also known as the “Northern Cross.”

The Big Dipper is low to the north, just above the horizon.

The “house” shape of Cepheus is inverted above the north star, Polaris. The tipped W shape of Cassiopeia is to the northeast. A turn to the east finds the Pleiades rising, anticipating their return to winter skies.

Questions about astronomy in particular (or science in general) that you would like covered in one of these columns, feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu.

(I have retired from RandolphMacon College but will continue these columns and use of that email address for the foreseeable future)-George Spagna

encouraged, as this event is hosted entirely outdoors.

Ticket prices begin at $20 for general admission. Preservation Virginia Members and students can use the code PVMEMBER/STUDENT for a discount. Children 6 and under are free and do not need a ticket but must be accompanied by a paying adult. No refunds will be given unless the event must be canceled by Preservation Virginia due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

The museum is additionally hosting a Hands-On Hearth Cooking Workshop with Rebecca Suerdieck on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Suerdieck is a culinary historian and a second-generation Colonial Williamsburg educator. She holds many years of experience in 17th and 18th-century living history interpretation.

Guests will explore historic foodways in an 18th-century style hearth

than the maximum allowed for the number of people in the home, and you must be responsible for paying the heating bill.

Applications will be processed as soon as possible but must be received or postmarked no later than Nov. 14, 2022. Funds are sent directly to the vendor beginning the first week in January.

Hanover’s share of this statewide allocation is limited.

Applications for Fuel Assistance can be submitted through: CommonHelp (www. commonhelp.virginia.gov), The Enterprise Customer Service Center (1-855-6354370), or A paper Fuel application (local agency) To have an application mailed to you, call Human Services Agent at 365-4100. A face-to-face interview is not required.

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

kitchen at Scotchtown. The hands-on workshop will teach participants how to cook with recipes from 17th, 18th and 19th-century sources. Participants will also be able to taste everything prepared in class.

Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged and pre-registration is required. The class is limited to those aged 16 years or older. The cost is $165 per person or $330 for a group of two for the 5 ½ hour class.

For more information on the workshop, visit Suerdieck’s website: https://cookingandfire.wixsite.com/ workshops/scotchtown.

Visit the same website to register for the Hands-On Hearth Cooking Workshop or visit the Scotchtown website: https://preservationvirginia. org/upcoming-events/. Visit the Scotchtown website to register for one of the Spirits of Scotchtown Lantern Tours or for more information on other upcoming events.

MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

Photos courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools

All Hanover schools have once again achieved accreditation under the Virginia Department of Education’s more rigorous accreditation standards. Dr. Michael B. Gill is the superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.

All Hanover County Public Schools achieve full state accreditation Contributed Report The Local

H

anover County Public Schools (HCPS) is pleased to announce that all schools have achieved accreditation by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) based upon results during the 2021-22 school year.

Of the 15 largest school divisions in Virginia, HCPS is one of just five to have every school achieve accreditation.

The VDOE released accreditation ratings for schools across the Commonwealth on Thursday, Sept. 22, about a month after the publication of Standards of Learning results for the 2021-22 school year. On those tests, HCPS students continue to perform well above the state averages in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. HCPS students continue to earn the highest pass rate in math among Virginia’s 15 largest school divisions. Additionally, HCPS pass rates on the 2021-22 SOL exams met or exceeded state pass rates in the vast majority of reporting categories, including among Black and Hispanic students, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students, among others.

“During the past two school years, our faculty and staff rose to the challenge of supporting and educating our students through an incredibly difficult and unprecedented landscape. Through years of establishing authentic relationships with our students and families and through unwavering dedication, our team of educators and support staff have built upon our school division’s longstanding tradition of excellence. They are heroes and

this news reflects that,” said Dr. Michael Gill, HCPS superintendent of schools.

“Although we are proud of the achievement of earning full accreditation, we recognize that the impact of the pandemic on our students, families and staff is undeniable,” Gill added. “While we believe our comprehensive instructional plans – both in 2021-22 and in 2020-21 – have been exceptionally strong and well-executed by our staff throughout the pandemic, we are clearly not immune from the realities of unfinished learning. We have important work ahead of us and that is our focus. As we have from the start, we will confront these challenges head-on by continuing to meet each child where they are – academically, socially, physically and emotionally – and provide the necessary resources and supports to help ensure we meet their unique, complex and ever-evolving needs. We know this will not happen overnight or in one school year, but we remain steadfast in this life-changing work.”

With the postponement of accreditation ratings in 2020 and 2021, this is the second year that school divisions have been assessed under the Virginia Board of Education’s updated accreditation standards. In 2019, the first year of accreditation ratings under the revised standards, all Hanover schools achieved accreditation as well.

To learn more about the Standards of Accreditation, visit the VDOE website at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/ accreditation/2017-school-accred.shtml.

To view Virginia School Quality Profiles by school or division, visit http://schoolquality. virginia.gov/.

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OPINION | The Local Views From the editor

Celebrating National Newspaper Week

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor This week marks the 82nd annual celebration of National Newspaper Week. With communities throughout the U.S. and Canada pausing to reflect on the importance of newspapers within their everyday lives, I thought it worthwhile to express appreciation for what nourishes local news: the community – or more specifically, a community like Hanover County.

In a country that has protected the freedom of the press since its founding, it is important to note the critical role newspapers play in our nation’s coveted democracy. Newspapers have time and time again epitomized the power of the people – especially in tumultuous times of corruption and disarray.

Take, for example, the role the “muckrakers” played in the Progressive Era of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Those journalists investigated and publicized social and economic injustices such as the unsanitary inner workings of the meat packing industry, troubling conditions in slums and prisons, and dangerous ingredients contained in patent medicines.

Catching the record breaker

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist By the time you read this, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has tied, and probably broken, the longstanding American League home run

“There are in the body politic, economic and social, many and grave evils, and there is urgent necessity for the sternest war upon them. There should be relentless exposure of and attack upon every evil man, whether politician or business man, every evil practice, whether in politics, business, or social life,” former President Theodore Roosevelt stated in his speech, “The Man with the Muck-Rake,” coining the popularized term for investigative journalists of the time period.

While these words were spoken over a century ago within a starkly different landscape, they still ring true and echo the necessity of the newspaper – to nourish the power of the people by spreading knowledge or, more specifically, the truth upon which the public can make informed decisions and reinforce accountability.

Narrowing the scope to local newspapers, especially in Hanover County, it is also important to acknowledge the other driving force behind their existence: connectivity.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county totals 474 square miles. So what can maintain this connectivity, especially in a county as rural and vast as Hanover? What can connect

record for a single season. Not a single player has matched Roger Maris’ mark of 61 home runs in 1961, breaking Babe Ruth’s single season record for homers.

The record stood firm for 61 years until Judge took aim earlier this year setting a torrid pace toward the record breaker, and at this writing, it seems almost certain that Judge will break the record.

For those who remember Maris’ memorable run toward the record in 1961, the excitement seems familiar, but distinctively different from the atmosphere surrounding that initial assault

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

neighbors in Beaverdam with neighbors in Ashland? Yes, there is connectivity to be found in today’s world of social media, but what about those residents that cannot readily access Facebook or Twitter?

Hanover County offers a reminder that, even in an era of the newspaper’s future facing mounting struggles, there is still meaningful value to be found in a weekly local paper delivered to the doorstep or picked up while out and about – a paper that honors its community by spotlighting its community. It is what drew me toward this community, and it is what ignites my passion for this profession every day – whether by sharing the hidden and inspiring stories of residents, capturing unique community celebrations in their full glory, or simply spreading awareness for the countless philanthropic efforts that uplift the community.

So, in honor of National Newspaper Week, I would like to reaffirm my commitment to you, our readers, to produce a newspaper that informs and enlightens the Hanover County community. It is a commitment to report the news truthfully and fairly, and it is a commitment to honor and invigorate the robust connectivity that makes Hanover so uniquely Hanover.

on the record.

As Little Leaguers, we’d grown up watching sluggers like Maris, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams and Harmon Killebrew. It was a time when baseball solely claimed the title of America’s past time, unrivaled as the nation’s preferred sport. Many of us recall how the excitement of a World Series captured a nation, and how the thrill of sneaking a crystal powered radio to class seemed more than worth the risk just to get an inkling of what was happening on the field.

While it may seem difficult to imagine

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.

today, we were even treated to short broadcasts of the game over the loud speaker in our classrooms as the day ended and we rushed home to see the conclusion of the then-daytime contests.

Maris and teammate Mickey Mantle dominated the headlines as both seemed destined to break the Babe’s record, but as the season waned, it became obvious that Maris had the inside track. We watched for days as Maris flirted with the record, each swing of his bat filled with the anticipation of a waiting nation.

It felt familiar when Judge stepped up to the plate to a rousing home crowd reception on Sept.

22, sitting on 60 home runs for the season and needing only one to tie Maris’s record. Yankee stadium fans, known for their boisterous behavior, grew silent as Judge settled in for another chance at infamy.

His long fly ball to center field fell just short of the fence, and the pursuit continued. see CATCHING pg. 15

Ashland Rotary Club features guest speaker Kenneth Janes Contributed Report The Local The Rotary Club of Ashland was proud to present Kenneth W. Janes, district governor of Rotary District 7600 for the Rotary Year 2022-2023, on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Janes joined Rotary International in 2006. He is a member of the Richmond Rotary Club, which is more than 100 years old. He has served in numerous club leadership roles as a Rotarian including board of directors, secretary and club president.

Additionally, he has served on the district level as area governor, lieutenant governor, membership chair and trainer at multiple District 7600 and Zone 33 training events.

Janes resides in Ashland and has been very active in the community serving on the boards of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, Patrick Henry YMCA, Hanover County Superintendent Business

Contributed photos

In appreciation for his presentation, Rotary Club of Ashland President Charlie Clemens gives Kenneth Janes a donation to The Rotary Foundation in his name. Right are Rotary Club of Ashland members.

Advisory Council, and Housing Families First. His wife, daughter and son are also active in the local community, joining him at many volunteer events.

Janes is a senior vice president at UBS Financial Services. As partner on the Richmond Institutional Consulting Group, he specializes in wealth management for

Photos courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools

PATH cohort members often work in groups as they collaborate to discuss teaching best practices while also formulating relationships with one another.

PATH Continued from pg. 1

44 educators. The Virginia Department of Education approved the HCPS proposal for the program, funding for

which was included in the school division’s fiscal year 2023 budget, this summer.

As part of the program, provisionally licensed teachers – the number of which have grown in Hanover from 26 in

private individuals, families, nonprofits, endowments and retirement plans. He is also a certified exit planning advisor working with business owners to enhance the value of their business and ensure a successful business transition.

On the seventh anniversary of the Ashland Rotary Club Charter, Janes spoke to the members about the difference

between joining a Rotary Club and becoming a Rotarian.

“Most people become Rotary Club members, but it is through service to the community and the world that he/she begins to feel like a Rotarian,” said Janes. “When I first became a club member in Richmond, I just showed up, paid my dues and contributed little. Later, I volunteered for

a club project that involved purchasing school supplies, backpacks and clothing for a young child in need. The connection with that child and emotions of providing school staples and even underwear for that child made me realize that this is what a Rotarian is.”

He realized how in need these children were and how the Rotarians filled this need

the 2019-2020 school year to 66 in the 2021-2022 school year – receive support from both their instructors (HCPS personnel), mentors (teachers at their school who will regularly meet with them while receiving professional learning themselves), and each other, building a strong support system as they begin their teaching career.

“We are so impressed with the teachers who have committed to our first cohort of the PATH program,” said Dr. Amy Thompson, HCPS professional learning coordinator.

“In the early weeks of the program, they have already collaboratively explored research on human growth and development concepts and classroom management strategies and applied those ideas into

well-crafted lesson plans with the support of our curriculum specialists. Equally as important, they have consistently demonstrated a willingness to be vulnerable in their learning and are beginning to build strong relationships with one another and the PATH team.

These relationships will provide support as the school year unfolds and serve as a model for developing strong bonds with students, parents and colleagues.”

“During the challenges of a nationwide teacher shortage, creating programs like PATH to support and provide opportunities is paramount to the recruitment and retention of our teachers,” said Michelle Quinn, HCPS licensure specialist. “We are excited that as

a school division, we have worked together to create a program that will provide our provisionally licensed teachers an encouraging and supportive environment to help them become successful in the classroom.”

Over the course of the program, educators in the program remain as classroom teachers. With the program fully funded by HCPS, these provisionally endorsed teachers won’t need to stress over funding their coursework at an external program. Additionally, HCPS develops the curriculum and instructional activities of the courses, allowing the school division to align them with its focus areas and expectations.

During the school year, teachers in the program meet

in the community.

“Each of us needs to be the pebble thrown in the water so our ‘ripples’ can touch each other and our community,” challenged Janes.

The Rotary Club of Ashland meets each Thursday at noon at the Hanover Arts and Activity Center, located at 500 South Center Street in Ashland.

Josephine Appiah of Mechanicsville High School is one of 44 members of the first cohort of educators in the Provisional Academy for Teachers in Hanover program, the first-of-its-kind in Virginia.

once a month for a full day of learning and twice each month with their PATH mentors at their schools.

Information submitted by Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent of HCPS.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022 7

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

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07 2022

Prep football: Mechanicsville at Hanover 7:00 p.m.

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07 2022

Prep football: Patrick Henry at Highland Springs 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Two county golfers make cuts for states not on advancing teams: 1. Madison Lehr (Mechanicsville) 142, 2. Laddie Decker (Atlee) 147, 3. Jonathan Gates* (Matoaca) 151

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor Monacan may have had the biggest guns out on the course at The Hollows on Sept. 27-28 for the Region 4B golf championships, but they didn’t have enough to prevent two Hanover County golfers from qualifying for the Virginia High School League Class 4 state golf championships.

The state tournament will be held Monday at Stonehenge Golf & Country Club in Richmond.

The Chiefs won the region title with a two-day score of 582, 51 strokes better than runner-up Courtland. Matoaca was third (643), followed by Hanover and Eastern View (tied at 650) and Atlee (661).

While no Hanover County teams advanced to the state tournament, two individuals — Mechanicsville junior Madison Lehr, who finished third with a 2-over-par 142, and Atlee sophomore Laddie Decker (fourth at 147), qualified for the state tournament as individuals.

Lehr had a choice, to compete in the state girls open, which will be held at Twin Lakes Golf Course in Clifton on Oct. 24, or compete against the boys in the Class 4 championship.

“She’s played in girls states the past couple of years,” said Mechanicsville head golf coach Tyler Johnson. “I think her plan is, if she keeps qualifying this year — as she did — and next year, to play the boys states this year and play the girls states

8

Joel Klein for The Local

Mechanicsville’s Madison Lehr watches her tee shot on the par-3 seventh hole on the Lake Course at The Hollows on the second day of the Region 4B golf championships Thursday. Lehr finished third overall, shooting a 71 both days for a 2-over 142.

next year if everything goes to plan.”

Lehr was consistent, carding 71s both days.

“She was playing really well, obviously, to shoot backto-back 1-overs and finish the tournament 2-over,” Johnson said. “She probably would say she left some putts out there — she was very close to even or maybe a couple under if some

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

putts fell — but she was very happy with her performance.”

Atlee head golf coach Alan Myers said Decker played well almost to the end before nerves caught up with him on the final few holes.

“He was near the top after the first round,” Myers said.

“He played really well for the majority of the second round and then those last couple holes

coming in he had to hang on, not let the pressure get to him.”

Myers showed the sophomore played with a toughness not typical of someone his age.

“He showed a lot of poise for a young guy,” Myers said. “Golf is incredibly tough mentally. I have another kid on my team — he’s kind of a star basketball player and he’s in our top six. After his first shot in the

regional he’s like, ‘This is not like any other sport.’ His heart rate was 180.”

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

Team scores (top two advance to states): 1. Monacan 582, 2.

Courtland 633, 3. Matoaca 643, 4. (tie) Hanover, Eastern View 650, 6.

Atlee 661 Individuals advancing to states

Individual results 1. Cooper Dillman (MON) 66-71–137; 2. Talon Dingeldine (MON) 71-67–138; 3. Madison Lehr (MEC) 71-71–142; 4. Laddie Decker (ATL) 74-73–147; 5. (tie) Jack Hayden (COU) 79-72–151, Jonathan Gates (MAT) 77-74–151; 7. (tie) Meg Lavinder (MEC) 77-75–152, Samuel Sims (MON) 76-76–152; 9. Aydan Smith (MON) 80-75–155; 10. (tie) Gaige Robson (EV) 78-78–156, Trent Willis (MAT) 78-78–156; 12. (tie) Luke McDaniels (POW) 84-74–158, Connor Hedgepeth (POW) 78-80–158; 14. (tie) Jack Debord (POW) 81-78–159, Michael Sevier (KG) 80-79–159, Paul McNally (HAN) 78-81–159; 17.

Trevor Yager (HAN) 82-79–161; 18. (tie) Jackson Burr (PH) 85-77–162, Landon Perdue (COU) 85-77–162, Grayson Gardner (MON) 82-80– 162, Julius Ferlazzo (EV) 80-82–162; 22. Lucas Ogden (COU) 77-86– 163; 23. (tie) Kellan Perdue (COU) 88-76–164, Alex Wratchford (HAN) 79-85–164, Payton Jones (MAT) 79-85–164; 26. (tie) Jason Mills (EV) 83-83–166, Trey Long (HAN) 82-84–166; 28. Ethan Hughes (COU) 85-82–167; 29. (tie) Caleb Bardine (KG) 85-84–169, Peter Scott (EV) 83-86–169, Evan Salapka (ATL) 82-87–169, Jackson Moore (HAN) 82-87–169; 33. (tie) Landon Carnley (VAR) 84-86–170, Teddy Buchanan (ATL) 84-86–170, Toby Lavoy (SPO) 84-86–170; 36. Irish Leonardo (EV) 88-83–171; 37. Elisa Knox (PH) 84-88–172; 38. Matt Shields (ATL) 86-89–175; 39. Austin Tingler (EV) 90-86–176; 40. Wyatt Brown (SPO) 85-92–177; 41. (tie) Jake Petri (MAT) 87-92– 179, Walker Mclamb (HAN) 87-92– 179; 43. (tie) Carter Salapka (ATL) 94-87–181, Parker Wells (MAT) 93-88–181, Justin Phillips (MAT) 84-97–181; 46. James-Pedro Burkett (ATL) 92-92–184; 47. Karsten Ellia (COU) 101-100–201. * Gates earned third individual berth in a tiebreaker.

Varina wins battle of top-10s at Hanover 2-of-4 passes for 22 yards and another touchdown. Johnson also had seven carries for 23 yards and a TD. Shamar Williams was solid all around, with seven carries for 96 yards, one pass reception, and two touchdowns — one rushing, one an 82-yard kickoff return. Gracyn Ross crossed the goal line most often for Patrick Henry, with three two his credit: one on a pass from Johnson, one on a pass from Brown, and another on a 1-yard run. He finished with five receptions for 49 yards and eight carries for six yards.

By Weldon Bradshaw for the Times-Dispatch MECHANICSVILLE — Myles Derricott’s smile spoke volumes.

Moments earlier on this cool, breezy Thursday evening, Varina’s 6-3, 165-pound senior quarterback had put the finishing touches on the visiting Blue Devils’ 21-12 triumph over Hanover, and after 48 minutes that proved more dramatic and tension filled than predictions might suggest, the time had arrived to breathe a sigh of relief and savor his and his guys’ success.

“Our skill players are really good,” said Derricott, who accounted for 230 of his squad’s 257 yards. “Our game plan was to manage them, get the ball in their hands and let them make plays.”

Derricott completed 13-of17 passes for 150 yards and one touchdown. He rushed 17 times, sometimes by design, sometimes under great duress, for 80 more and one score.

“The coaches say I have really good legs and need to use them more,” he said. “The Hanover defense was really scattered to our wide receivers, so when I saw a hole open up, I just ran with it.”

He connected with four different receivers, mostly on passes to the flats and across the middle.

“They used a lot of cover four,” Derricott explained, “so we knew we had to take more of the short routes. Then they put their linebackers out there touching our receivers, so we had to make them respect our running just as much as our passing.”

Reigning Class 4 champs Varina, 5-0 and No. 2 in The Times-Dispatch Top 10, scored on its initial possession when

Daniel Sangjib Min/Times-Dispatch

Hanover’s Beau Sahnow (1) tries to dodge a tackle from Varina’s Michael Long-Okosun in the Blue Devils’ 21-12 victory Thursday.

Eric Smith ended a seven-play, 33-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run and Vy’sean Royster kicked the first of his three extra points.

Early in the second quarter, Hanover’s Peyton Seelmann blocked a Varina punt, recovered on the Blue Devils’ 14, then scored five plays later on a 1-yard run.

John Hoehl recovered the ensuing onside kick for the tenacious, never-give-in Hawks (4-1, No. 8 in the T-D Top 10), but the Blue Devils held fast, forced a punt, then traveled 82 yards in seven plays, the last a 25-yard Derricott-to-Smith connection to take a 14-6 lead into the break.

“I knew when Sam Rogers got the Hanover job, people

would respect them,” said Varina coach Marcus Lewis of the Hawks. “He played that way [meaning tough and determined]. His kids play the same.

I expected it. Our kids got a dose of who he was and how his teams represent him.”

Grady Fahed’s fumble recovery early in the third quarter ended a Varina threat on the Hanover 10. After an exchange of three-and-outs, the Hawks launched a methodical 18-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a 15-yard roll right, throw-backleft, catch-them-by-surprise Cole Elrod-to-Seelmann TD pass that cut the Hawks’ deficit to 14-12 with 8:20 to go.

“They played tough,” Lewis said of the home team. “They got the ball in great situations.

They got momentum on the onside kickoff. When we come into somebody’s home and they get the momentum, we have to find ways to get the W.” Varina did, of course.

Derricott engineered one last series, 64 yards in 12 plays, the last his 1-yard run through a gaping hole on the left side 2:43 from the end.

The Blue Devils, which had allowed just 10 points in their first four games, limited the inspired Hawks to 186 yards (106 passing, 80 rushing) and eight first downs on 55 plays.

“We respected them,” said D-lineman Marquis Vincent, a 6-1, 260-pound senior. “They have a fast, mobile quarterback [Beau Sahnow]. Our job was to slow him down. They have

a heck of an offensive line. Just beat them up front and get to the backfield as fast as we can.

“I believe in our guys. We believe in each other.”

Patrick Henry 43, Henrico 9 ASHLAND — The Patriots gave up the first two scores of the game to visiting Henrico, but they more than made up for their generosity after that.

After spotting the Warriors nine points, Patrick Henry scored six unanswered touchdowns en route to a 43-9 victory over the visitors Saturday afternoon.

Jayden Brown led the Patriot offense, completing 10-of16 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. His platoon-mate, Grayson Johnson, completed

Atlee 38, Mechanicsville 21 MECHANICSVILLE — Atlee quarterback Brooks Hollins completed 12-of-14 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown to lead the Raiders to a 38-21 victory over visiting Mechanicsville Saturday.

Most of that aerial yardage was claimed by Tae Gilpin, who caught four passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns of 66 and 55 yards. Gilpin also had an 80-yard punt return for another TD. J.J. Lewis led the Raiders on the ground with 29 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Bryce Bucholz had nine carries for 39 yards, most of that on a 23-yard touchdown run.

Atlee placekicker Zach Tschantre converted on 5-of-5 point-after attempts as well as a 37-yard field goal.

Mechanicsville was led by quarterback Ben Payne. Payne connected nine times for 140 yards and two touchdowns, the first a 20-yard pass to Josh Morris, the other a 40-yarder to Evan Buchanan.

Mechanicsville Local sports editor Dave Lawrence contributed to this report.

Weldon Bradshaw can be reached at sports@mechlocal. com.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022 9

Yellow Jackets disappoint in 29-point victory

By Rob Witham for The Local ASHLAND — The second half was sterling. The first half?

Not so much.

The mood surrounding Randolph-Macon football Saturday after their 48-19 win over Guilford would have suggested the score was reversed.

The preseason Old Dominion Athletic Conference favorites turned in a lackluster performance in the first half against the team picked to finish last.

But Randolph-Macon turned things around after intermission, holding the Guilford offense to one first down, finishing with seven sacks of quarterback Bailey Baker, while the offense scored on three of their first four possessions in the third quarter to turn a 20-19 halftime lead into the final margin.

Two words that could be used to describe head coach Pedro Arruza’s mood following the game are perplexed and disappointed.

“It looked to me like we had no interest in playing in the first half,” Arruza noted. “There was no energy, there was no enthusiasm, our fundamentals were horrendous.”

Asked if halftime adjustments made a difference, Arruza was quick to respond.

“There were no adjustments. We’ve got to play harder, tackle better, and we’ve got to do a better job of coaching, in my opinion.”

Overcoming a three-andout to start the game, the Quakers answered RandolphMacon’s first touchdown, a 2-yard Kwesi Clarke run, with an 11-play scoring drive, capped by a 4-yard run to the end zone from Paulie Menegay for a 7-6 lead.

An 8-yard punt by Kyle Ihle gave Guilford (0-1, 1-3) the ball

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Joel Klein for The Local

RandolphMacon senior wide receiver Zach Bowman hauls in a 51yard pass from quarterback Drew Campanale in the Yellow Jackets’ 48-19 Old Dominion Athletic Conference victory over Guilford at Day Field Saturday afternoon.

back at the Yellow Jacket 38.

The Quakers took seven plays to end the ensuing drive with another 4-yard Menegay score.

The extra point failed, but the Quakers ended the first period with a 13-6 lead.

Randolph-Macon (1-0, 4-0) scored on their next two possessions on the first two

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

Andrew Ihle touchdown runs of the game, retaking the lead at 20-13. But Baker found Tre Alexander in the back of the end zone with 29 seconds left in the half for a score, but another failed PAT try kept the lead in the Yellow Jackets’ possession at 20-19.

Looking like a totally dif-

ferent team in the second half, the Yellow Jackets scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions, including a 67-yard blazing run from Clarke, who rushed for a personal best 143 yards on the day.

Andrew Ihle scored on runs of 9 and 3 yards. He would finish the scoring with a 13-yard

touchdown run with 4:10 left in the contest.

Andrew Ihle was named ODAC Offensive Player of The Week. His five scoring runs are tied for second best in school history with Eric Hoy’s five touchdowns against HampdenSydney in 2017. The school record was set by the legendary

Howard Stevens, who had six rushing scores against Western Maryland in 1969.

Randolph-Macon’s defense smothered Baker and the Guilford offense in the final thirty minutes.

ODAC Defensive Player of The Week Jackson Deaver had eight tackles, 5-1/2 of them for losses, plus two sacks.

Wade Grubbs had 2-1/2 sacks while Jacob Hutchinson added one.

Randolph-Macon possessed the ball in 20 of the 30 minutes after halftime.

Alexander, who caught six passes for 84 yards and a score in the first half for Guilford, never touched the ball in the second.

The Quakers finished the contest with minus 30 yards rushing, while the Yellow Jackets racked up 330 yards on the ground, and 524 total yards on the afternoon.

A great 30 minutes can get you a win over Guilford, and a lopsided final score. But Arruza knows that it will take a great 60-minute effort, week in and week out, if Randolph-Macon wants to win the conference crown and return to the NCAA Division III Championship for the first time since 2018.

“When you look at the way we played in the second half, it shows you how we’re capable of playing,” Arruza explained.

“And the fact that we did not play that way in the first half is pretty disappointing.”

The Yellow Jackets next travel to Danville to face Averett, the newest member of the ODAC, for a 4 p.m. contest on Saturday. It will be the Cougars’ first-ever ODAC home game and their homecoming.

Randolph-Macon better be ready to fire on all cylinders as soon as they depart the buses.

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

October programs at Hanover area Pamunkey Regional libraries Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library Mother Goose Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Mondays, Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Mother Goose is a Storytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. Have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.

Toddler Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Oct. 11, 18 & 25, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Preschool Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Oct. 11, 18 & 25, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Enjoy books, music, fingerplays and much more. For ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

End of the Line: The history of Virginia’s death penalty. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m. “Part 3: Secrecy and the death penalty” continues the journey of the death penalty in the Commonwealth as Virginia legislators worked hard to shroud the death penalty processes in greater secrecy to hide them from the public, tracing its roots back to white supremacy, racism and lynching. Presented by Dale M. Brumfield, anti-death penalty advocate, cultural archaeologist, “American Grotesk” historyteller and author of 12 books.

LEGO Monster Challenge at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Oct. 6, 5 to 6 p.m. Use the library’s LEGOs to compete against other kids doing fun build challenges. For grades 1 to 5.

Digitizing and Preserving Historical Documents at the Ashland Branch Library.

Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 to 8 p.m.

Digitizing is the evolutionary method of preserving books, photographs or documents. See how FamilySearch.org, the world’s largest collector and disseminator of genealogical records, is making headway in the field of digitalization and the process for preserving historical records.

Easy to Grow Native Plants and their Benefits: Perennials, Ferns, and Grasses at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. to noon. Virginia native plants evolved in the area, so they are well adapted to the local soils and climate. They are generally unaffected by seasonal challenges with which other garden plants struggle. This class will focus on specific plants that are both native to Virginia and have good availability at local nurseries.

Hanover Quilting Circle at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grab a sewing machine, supplies and

current project. This group meets the second Wednesday of every month to share ideas, fabric, skills and stories. Beginners, experienced quilters and those curious about the hobby are all welcome to drop in.

Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Writers, are you looking for inspiration or need readers with a discerning eye? Join the group for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing on each of this month. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.

Stage Makeup for Costuming at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Oct. 13, 5 to 7 p.m.

Learn tips and tricks for applying scary-good makeup. Supplies will be provided for the first 10 registrations. Missed a spot in the first 10?

Bring makeup from home to learn the basics of bruising. If bringing your own supplies, please bring foundation and eye shadow in red, yellow, green and purple.

Mad about Mahjong! at the Ashland Branch Library. Fridays, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Looking for experienced players to play with?

Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game.

Afternoon Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Monday, Oct. 17, 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

Evening Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7 to 8 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

End of the Line: The history of Virginia’s death penalty. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m. “Part 4: Black Lives Matter, a penitent governor, and a coalition of advocates finally ends the death penalty” continues the journey of the death penalty in the Commonwealth as Virginia legislators worked hard to shroud the death penalty processes in greater secrecy to hide them from the public, tracing its roots back to white supremacy, racism and lynching. Presented by Dale M. Brumfield, anti-death penalty advocate, cultural archaeologist, “American Grotesk” historyteller and author of 12 books.

Tattoo 101 at the Ashland Branch Library.

Thursday, Oct. 20, 7 to 8 p.m. Ages 18 & up. The Ashland Tattoo Company is committed to creat-

ing a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life. Join their experienced staff for an open discussion about the world of tattooing.

They will discuss the licensing process, safety precautions, the steps that they took in order to find themselves behind a tattoo machine, and can provide advice for choosing a tattoo.

Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, Oct. 21, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Ages 18 and up. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

Preschool Monster Mash at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Wear a costume and dance with friends.

Scary Tales from the Old Dominion.

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7 to 8 p.m. An hour of spooky stories and scary tales of ghosts, monsters and strange events in Virginia. Drawing from the books of L.B. Taylor, Jr. and personal anecdotes, storyteller J.P. Murphy will captivate the audience with tales from the Old Dominion, focusing on Ashland, Hanover, and beyond. Appropriate for all ages.

From the Heart Stitchers at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Oct. 27, noon to 4 p.m. From the Heart Stitchers began in 2001 making chemo hats for the Massey Cancer Center, and today has over 1,899 stitchers making thousands of items for service groups across the Commonwealth. Sew, knit, crochet or loom anything from blankets to shawls and everything in between. Bring a sewing machine, knitting needles, etc. and supplies, and make items for From the Heart every fourth Thursday. See https://fromtheheartstichers.org/ for more information about this organization.

Brilliant Babies at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Want your child to stand out when they start school? Learn the everyday basics to help your child’s brain develop.

Instant Shakespeare at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

A different way to approach Shakespeare. Join in a staged reading of a different Shakespeare play each month. October’s play is “Macbeth.” Meet at 10 a.m. to review edited scripts, decide who is playing which part, go over any important action and talk about how to handle some of the trickier language. Bring a bag lunch for break. At 3 p.m., they will begin reading the play aloud to each other, on foot, using supplied props. The plays run between one and two hours and will conclude by 5 p.m.

Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.

Hanover Branch Library Family Storytime at the Hanover Branch Library. Friday, Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Hanover Book Club at the Hanover Branch Library. Tuesday, Oct. 18, noon to 1 p.m. Join the library for a fun group in-person or on Zoom to enjoy “Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly and discuss questions about it. Registration is required for the Zoom meeting at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9657743. The meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email, contact the library.

Teen Movie at the Hanover Branch Library.

Saturday, Oct. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ages 13-18. Watch the movie “Pitch Perfect” and enjoy some pizza for lunch. This movie is rated PG-13.

Artful Farmhouse Pumpkin Craft at the Hanover Branch Library. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Make an artful farmhouse-style pumpkin craft. All supplies provided.

Registration is required.

Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive for more information.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library Independence through Employment at the Montpelier Branch Library. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Ages 16 & up. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Justin Wolz, supported employment specialist, will talk about programs available through Hanover County. Refreshments will be provided

by Friends of the Montpelier Branch Library.

Family Storytime at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 4 to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Library Lego League at the Montpelier Branch Library. Friday, Oct. 7, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Bold brick builders will face design dilemmas, time limits and more. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Montpelier Branch Library. see LIBRARY, pg. 15

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022 11

November 8, 2022 General Elections Important Dates to Remember

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICES The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality proposes to issue a Consent Special Order to Doswell Truck Stop, LLC for alleged violation of the State Water Control Law at the Doswell Truck Stop site located at 10222 Kings Dominion Blvd, Doswell, Virginia. A description of the proposed action is available at the DEQ office named below or online at www.deq.virgi nia.gov. DEQ will accept comments by e-mail at Jefferson.Reynolds@DEQ.Virginia.gov or postal mail at DEQ, Piedmont Regional Office (Enforcement), 4949-A Cox Road, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 from October 10 to November 10, 2022.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

The Office of Voter Registration and Elections is committed to helping all eligible registered voters maintain the ability to cast a ballot in the upcoming November 8, 2022 General Election.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 2:00 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.

Public Notice The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will conduct a Strategic Plan Workshop on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. This workshop will be held in the Board of Supervisors’ Conference Room in the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia. This meeting will be open to the public but it is not anticipated that public comment will be taken at the workshop.

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

In-person Absentee and vote by mail ballots are available now. You may request your vote by mail ballot or visit the Voter Registration and Elections Office in the Wickham Building at Hanover Courthouse from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday in addition, Saturday, October 29th and Saturday, November 5th from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. to cast an In-person absentee ballot. Curbside voting is available during early voting hours.

Saturday, November 5th is the last day to vote an In-person absentee ballot.

Monday, October 17th is the deadline to register or make changes to your voter registration in time for the General Election. Please check your voter registration to make sure it is correct by visiting www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/ Friday, October 28th is the final day you can request an absentee ballot by mail. Your request must be received by your General Registrar by 5:00 p.m.

Monday, November 7th at 2 p.m. is the cut-off for voting an emergency-only absentee ballot in the Voter Registration and Elections Office.

Tuesday, November 8th Election Day polling locations will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 9th at 1:00 p.m. the Electoral Board will hold the canvass meeting to ascertain the election results and to rule on Provisional ballots cast., Monday, November 14th at 12:00 p.m. (noon) the deadline to cure your Absentee Ballot.

Monday, November 14th at 1:00 p.m. the Electoral Board will reconvene.

You can register to vote, update your information and request an Absentee Ballot online at www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/ BALLOT DROP OFF STATIONS Opened Friday, September 23rd – Tuesday, November 8th until 7:00 p.m. located at the Wickham building of the Hanover County Government Complex and on Election Day in all polling locations.

The Hanover County Voter Registration and Elections Office is in the Wickham Building, Room 119, of the Hanover County Government Complex. The phone number is (804) 365-6080.

The e-mail address is hanovervoting@hanovercounty.gov

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZ2022-00025, NORTH CROSS PROPERTIES GM LC (GREEN TOP SPORTING GOODS) Request(s) an amendment to the proffers approved with rezoning request C-2-04(c), CF Investments, L.P., et al., on GPIN 7787-545339, consisting of approximately 5.69 acres, zoned B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, and located on the north line of Kings Acres Road (State Route 835) approximately 350 feet east of Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782). The proposed zoning amendment would amend the proffer related to signage. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2022-00009, ROSE STUBBS FLEMING, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from B-3, General Business District, and R-1, Single-Family Residential District, to RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 8705-84-2275, 8705-84-4273, 8705-84-6144, 8705-84-3039, 8705-83-4904, 8705-83-4862, and 8705-84-9046, consisting of approximately 8.46 acres, and located on the southeast quadrant of Meadowbridge Road (State Route 627) and Shady Grove Road (State Route 640). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Family. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 120 apartment units for a gross density of 14.2 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy CUP2022-00016, HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Request(s) to amend CUP-5-06, in accordance with Section 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, to reduce the area of the Conditional Use Permit from 23.1 acres to 19.6 acres on GPIN 8725-04-0233(part), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Lee-Davis Road (State Route 643) at its intersection with Laurel Meadow School Road (State Route 9239). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 to 3 dwelling units per acre).

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry

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CUP2022-00017, HANOVER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a fire station on GPIN 8715-84-9477, consisting of approximately 3.49 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Lee-Davis Road (State Route 643) at its intersection with Laurel Meadow School Road (State Route 9239). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 to 3 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry ORDINANCE 22-08, BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS An Ordinance to amend the Hanover County Code, Chapter 26, Zoning Ordinance, Article 5, Site Design Regulations, Division 8, Regulations for Specific Uses, and Article 3, District Regulations, to add provisions regulating the installation and use of battery energy storage systems. (PUBLIC HEARING) Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-CommissionUpcoming-and-Archive for more information.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022 13

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Estate Christmas Sale for the Estate of Frank & Marie Cassell, 14881 Grub Hill Church Road, Amelia 23002. Saturday, October 8th, 9am-3pm. Hallmark Ornaments, Thomas Kinkade & Bradford Exchange Figurines, Christmas Villages, Christmas Train, 100’s of ornaments.

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 18th day of October, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct public hearings pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide recommendations on the following: CPA2022-05 WILTON ACQUISITION Richard J. Knapp of Richard J. Knapp & Associates, P.C., representing Wilton Acquisition, LLC, requests a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the future land use classification from Town Edge and Mixed Business to Traditional Neighborhood for the properties identified as GPINs #7880-53-9192 and #7880-63-9486. The properties are approximately 30.578 acres and 29.749 acres in size, respectively, for a total of 60.327 acres, and are located along the eastern corporate limits of the Town of Ashland, just north of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54), east of Interstate 95, and west of Woodside Lane. The new land use designation allows for a density of 1-4 units per acre.

Copies of CPA2022-05 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

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CATCHING

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 6

Roger Maris’ family was in the stands to witness the momentous accomplishment. They left the stadium with thousands of other disappointed fans who would have to wait at least another day for history to be made.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Judge’s family, also in attendance, felt the same pressure as Maris’ family experienced in the early 60s. For those who lived through the race for the record, Maris appeared perfectly suited for the pursuit. In reality, the grueling pace of chasing the record affected him deeply and the pressure of performing affected his health.

And Judge’s quest for infamy reminded me of another intriguing aspect of the story I’d followed closely as an 11-year-old.

On Oct. 21, 1961, a 19-year-old named Sal Durante felt like the luckiest guy in the world as he acquired a seat in the right field stands. As luck would have it, Maris’s record breaking hit was caught by the young fan.

After the game, Sal made his way to the clubhouse and offered to return the ball to Maris, but the Yankee slugger refused and told him to keep the ball and use any money earned from it to improve his life.

Maris and others arranged a deal that paid Durante $5,000 for the ball, quite a bit of money in 1961. Durante used the money to marry his sweetheart and place a down payment on a house. The ball eventually landed in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Perhaps, Judge’s record breaker will change someone else’s life.

| News, Updates & Listings 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, 804218-2072 or 804-370-0649 for more information. Deadline for acceptance is Oct. 1.

The Mechanicsville Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library, located at 7461

LIBRARY Continued from pg. 11

Teen Card Club at the Montpelier Branch Library.

Saturday, Oct. 8, noon to 1:30 p.m. Fast-paced, easy-to-learn, fun-to-play card games for teens with new games every month. Pizza and refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Montpelier Branch Library.

Mystery Book Club at the Montpelier Branch Library.

Monday, Oct. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up. A monthly discussion on the library’s favorite mystery titles.

Montpelier Writer’s Group at the Montpelier Branch Library. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 4 to 5 p.m. Whether stories are already published or locked away in a drawer, every writer can benefit from the support and encouragement of other writers. You don’t need a workin-progress to begin. This

Sherwood Crossing Place in Mechanicsville, is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the library meeting room in celebration of Health Literacy Month.

Information is available for all ages. On site services will include blood pressure screenings, Glucose screenings and COVID-19 vaccines.

A Brunswick Stew sale will be ready by 10:30 am at the Atlee Little League field. Price is $8 and they can deliver in a local area. Call 804-789-9365 to order or for questions.

Sunday, Oct. 9 Instructive Visiting Nurses Association (IVNA) will be at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church to offer Flu vaccines from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Flu vaccines will be offered to monthly workshop is led by Valerie Forde-Galvin, Writer’s Digest award winner and published author.

PUP READers at the Montpelier Branch Library.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Sign up for a 20-minute session with Chrissie, a PUP READers reading education assistance dog.

1000 Books before Kindergarten Graduate Celebration at the Montpelier Branch Library. Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to noon. A celebration party for Montpelier branch children who have read their 1,000 Books before Kindergarten with Pamunkey Regional Library. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Montpelier Branch Library.

Montpelier Small Business Network at the Montpelier Branch Library. Friday, Oct. 28, 9 to 10 a.m.

There are free resources available for small business

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. anyone beginning at age 5 .

The High Dose vaccine will be available for those 65 and older.

Bring insurance/Medicare card.

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.

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 owners and entrepreneurs in Hanover County. The Montpelier Small Business Network meets monthly for brief updates from county agencies, representatives and small business specialists, followed by casual networking over coffee and donuts before the Friday workday begins. Follow the Montpelier Branch Library on Facebook for updates and a list of speakers. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Montpelier Branch Library.

Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library Family Storytime at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Fridays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing,

questions of Hines and to get a better understanding of law enforcement in Hanover.

music will also be provided and those who attend are invited to bring their own musical instrument and join the group!

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 pumpkin patch. A historical exhibit will be on display about the local history of Studley. Live

Woodside Farms, located at 10455 Cedar Lane in Glen Allen, is hosting Fall Fest in partnership with Woodhouse Catering from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the farm’s barn rain or shine. Enjoy a feast of traditional German fare, including a Bavarian Pretzel Bar inspired by the tastes of Oktoberfest, along with local vendors, a farm stand and live music.

Tickets are $30, are available for pre-purchase and must be purchased by Oct. 5 to reserve a meal.

rhymes and much more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

First Friday Films at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Friday, Oct. 7, 4 to 6 p.m. Round up the neighborhood crew and catch a fulllength feature film the first Friday of every month.

May I Pet Your Dog? at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Saturday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For ages 3-12.

Visit the Rockville Library and join Caring Canine members to learn good dog manners – how dogs like to be approached, petted and what their behavior means. Each child will have the chance to approach different therapy dogs to practice their new skills.

Wealth Transfer and Preparing Your Estate at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6 to 7 p.m. Learn the basics of estate planning. Participants will learn

what to consider when creating a will, the benefits of trusts and how to reduce taxes on estates.

Presented by Joan Lang of Sabyrus and Chris Johnson of Johnson & Johnson Attorneys at Law. Paint-A-Long Mushrooms at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Saturday, Oct. 15, 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 12-18.

Bring a friend and create an adorable seasonal mushroom painting. No experience needed and all supplies will be provided.

Read 2 Rover at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Thursday, Oct. 20, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Grades K-2. Read 2 Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, the library’s therapy dogs. Space is limited and registration required.

Call the Rockville Branch at 804-749-3146 or visit the library for more information.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022 15

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Attendees of the Green Top Outdoor Expo flock to the food court packed with local and big-name food vendors. Finley and Riley Ray have some fun climbing aboard the outdoor expo’s trailer display. Below, a surge of attendees crowd around the DockDogs station to watch as attendees and their dogs participate in the world’s premier canine aquatics competition.

EXPO Continued from pg. 1

shooting accessories, hunting and fishing gear, sporting goods and more.

Blaine Altaffer, CEO of Green Top, said the outdoor expo has quickly become the largest retail-sponsored expo of hunting and fishing in the United States in just its fifth year. What started as a community event with two 150-foot tents, 100 vendors and around 15,000 attendees grew to include seven giant tents, 225 vendors and 26,000 anticipated attendees this year.

“Every vendor is significant, every brand that we want there is there,” Altaffer said. Several featured brands brought a senior executive, owner or even founder of their company to attend the expo, with many brands as big as Big Rock Sporting Goods.

Saturday and Sunday’s festivities additionally included live music, food trucks, a performance of the National Anthem with the U.S. Marine Corps

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League Color Guard, hunting and self-defense seminars, a raffle hosted

by Ducks Unlimited, a trophy deer clash awards ceremony, a kayak demo pool for test drives and more.

Altaffer said the event has drawn attendees from mainly the MidAtlantic region along with others from across the country. With the expo’s reach continuing to expand into other regions, Green Top displayed a map of the country at the front of the store for visitors to mark where they traveled from.

Altaffer added that “true hunting and fishing enthusiasts fell in love with the expo year one,” but it has evolved since its first year to include a wealth of family and dog-friendly attractions.

This year’s attractions for the family included a Kid Zone and a scavenger hunt for children and adults to try their hand at punching many event stations onto their punch cards for a free goodie bag. One of the stations included a catch-and-release

Ashland-Hanover Local October 5, 2022

catfish pond. Children that caught one of the 75 tagged catfish could take home their rod and reel, which Altaffer noted as a “magic moment,” as many children catch their first fish every year.

Another crowd favorite was the DockDogs station, which invited participants to show off their dogs’ agility in the world’s premier canine aquatics competition. Crowds of attendees gathered to watch as talented dogs jumped into the pool to retrieve toys faster than their competitors.

“A flywheel, once it gets going, as long as you attend to it… continuing to shine, polish, do all the right things, energize it, have philanthropic elements to it, it does get better on its own but with the tender, loving care of our hands on it year-round,” said Altaffer. “And then the customer leaves there feeling it.”

He said the expo ultimately puts Green Top’s “words into actions,” as the celebration places the store’s promise of experience-based retailing

on a pedestal.

“It’s putting the product in your hands in a way that you can leave there and almost use it that day, with promise that you can come back and we’ll tell you more,” he said.

The expo additionally served as the “pinnacle” of Green Top’s celebration of its 75th year in Hanover County.

Founded in August 1947, Altaffer attributed the store’s expansion and long-term success to a passion for customer service and expertise.

“The magic of Green Top is not the gear, it’s not the taxidermy, it’s not the big pretty store – it’s the 1,250 years of experience in one store,” he said, describing the employees’ combined years of experience. “That is unheard of in retail. And what comes with 1,250 is passion, brand ambassadors everywhere and experts on anything you can buy in the store.”

Altaffar added that their employees do not receive commission and “will spend as much time on a $10 product as if it were a $5,000 product.”

“And if you do that, and you do it right, you do it year round – you win,” he said. “And it’s a successful formula that’s sustainable. Hence, we’ve been around this long and we’re bigger and better than ever.”

Green Top moved into their new store and current location in 2011. He said despite being situated near other big-box retailers like Bass Pro Shop, Green Top’s business has since tripled since their arrival.

“How did we do that? We did it around passion about customer service and expertise like no store in Virginia,” Altaffer said.

He said the “best compliment on the planet” is hearing customers claim Green Top as their store.

“When people brag about you and claim you as their store, it’s because you do it right, you do it their way and you do it in the terms of the customer,” he said.

For more information on Green Top Sporting Goods, visit the website: https://www.greentophuntfish.com/.