Ashland-Hanover Local – 10/19/2022

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ASHLAND Town launches new visitor website, mobile planning widget

Local residents place in Virginia State Fair PAGE

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Vol. 7 No. 7 | Richmond Suburban News | October 19, 2022

7-year-old Javi’s wish of becoming a firefighter becomes a reality

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

I

n the Hanover County Administration Building’s board room last week, a 7-yearold boy raised his hand and pledged to live the Hanover FireEMS department’s values of pride, accountability, courage and teamwork every day. With the board room packed with county officials, friends, family and community members, all rose from their seats to offer a standing ovation to the county’s newest firefighter. see WISH pg. 2

County schools expand mental health services with state grant

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Javi Guzman holds up his right hand as Hanover Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland swears him in.

Plans to expand on mental health services offered in all Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) are making an exciting advancement with the help of a recently-announced state grant.

With this generous supplemental funding, HCPS will retain four new counselors and other resources before the next fiscal year.

The announcement came during last week’s Hanover County School Board meeting.

Christina Berta, HCPS assistant see SCHOOLS, pg. 5

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

HCPS Superintendent of Schools Michael Gill discusses how the new state grant will accelerate plans to hire mental health clinicians in all high schools and middle schools.

Hanover County Supervisors vote to reduce burden on vehicle owners this tax year

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Motor vehicle owners in the county will have their tax burden lessened this year thanks to a one-time reduction to the local property tax assessment ratio approved by the Hanover

County Board of Supervisors last week.

During last week’s Oct. 12 meeting, commissioner of the revenue Scott Harris presented supervisors and citizens with three potential courses of action to address skyrocketing motor vehicle sale prices.

Harris outlined how since 2021, motor vehicle values have increased at an unprecedented rate. He said this is likely due to disruptions in the manufacturers’ operations, reductions in the labor force, disruptions in the manufacturers’ ability to deliver finished motor vehicles,

decreased availability of used motor vehicles and an increase in demand by customers.

“The local personal property tax revenue is significantly impacted by motor vehicle sales prices,” Harris said. “As the cost to purchase a see COUNTY, pg. 8

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Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Javi Guzman stands with his new Hanover FireEMS family.

A large crowd of Javi’s friends, family and classmates along with public safety officers, county officials and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia officials offer the 7-year-old a standing ovation as he is officially pronounced a Hanover firefighter. Right, Hanover Fire-EMS Deputy Chief Chris Anderson presents young Javi with his official badge.

WISH Continued from pg. 1

After long anticipation and a difficult battle with cancer, Javi Guzman’s wish to become a Hanover firefighter officially came true at his Oct. 10 swearing in ceremony. What began as a submission to Make-AWish Greater Virginia evolved into an inspiring partnership between the foundation, Hanover Fire-EMS and Javi’s family in making his lifelong dream a reality.

“We again want to emphasize how proud we are of your bravery, and your fortitude,

and your strength and all of the wonderful qualities that you embody and bring not just to the Hanover County Fire-EMS, but to the Hanover County community at large,” said Hanover County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Kelly-Wiecek to Javi during the ceremony.

Hanover Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland commemorated Javi’s courage during the ceremony for fulfilling his dream.

“As we look back on the story of Javi, we are all inspired,” Piland said on behalf of his department. “To become a firefighter, you must be cou-

For subscription information or delivery questions contact:

Michelle Wall 804-775-2711

email: mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116 2

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022

Javi climbs into the Hanover Fire-EMS 410 firetruck after the ceremony to officially report for duty at Fire Station 10.

rageous. Javi has demonstrated that he has the strength to be courageous no matter what comes his way.”

Javi was diagnosed in 2019 with Hodgkin’s lymphoma– a life-threatening illness that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system.

After a series of difficult treatments, he is now in remission.

Throughout his difficult journey, Javi’s dream of becoming a first responder was unwavering. Whenever he hears a siren outside of his house, he sprints outside to see if it is sounding from a police car, fire truck or ambulance, said his mother, Amy. Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia helped the young boy achieve his dream, as the organization strives to grant life-changing wishes to all children with critical illnesses. According to their website, wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength children need to fight a critical illness.

Sheri Lambert, CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, said they have granted over 5,500 wishes since the foundation’s inception 35 years

ago.

“We’re just overjoyed,” Lambert said on behalf of her foundation. “Really a wish for each child brings such incredible strength and hope. It has given Javi in particular something to look forward to throughout the pandemic.”

Piland said it was “an easy yes” when Make-A-Wish reached out to his department on behalf of Javi’s wish.

“We knew that this was someone in our community that was special, and we knew that we could make a difference,” he said.

Javi’s hard work toward achieving this accreditation was powerfully displayed during the ceremony, as Hanover Fire-EMS Deputy Chief Chris Anderson presented Javi with a certificate of graduation from the Fire Academy and a plaque naming him as the academy’s Honor Graduate.

Piland additionally presented Javi and his brother, Alex, with two challenge coins.

“That unit coin really bonds us together as brothers and sisters in the department,” Piland said, adding that the coins contain a Latin phrase translating to “Always ready.”

This symbolizes the department’s constant readiness to take care of their citizens and each other, he said.

“Javi, you have done an outstanding job preparing yourself for this day, and there’s no doubt you will do an outstanding job moving forward,” said Piland to his newest recruit. “As your fire chief, I want you to work hard, I want you to be kind to the people that you will serve, and I want you to have fun.”

The ceremony concluded with his official swearing in and Alex pinning Javi’s badge to his Hanover Fire-EMS uniform – a special moment that his parents, Amy and Martin, will always remember.

Amy and Martin said the day was “overwhelming in a very good way” and expressed how proud they were of their son and their appreciation for the ceremony’s large turnout, which was even joined by Javi’s class from Kersey Creek Elementary School.

“We know he’s been waiting for this day to come here and have his wish…and I know that he’s going to have so much fun today,” Amy said.

Officially jumping into his

duties, Javi boarded the 410 firetruck following the ceremony and took off – for his first ride in a firetruck – to Hanover Station 10. The 410 truck holds special significance for Javi, as its firefighters responded to a fire in his home over a year ago.

Javi spent the rest of the day as a firefighter, learning how to put on his custom-fit turnout gear and helmet, extrication, how to put out a plane fire and other drills along with touring the LifeEvac facility with VCU Health. He also enjoyed some shopping with his fellow firefighters for their firehouse lunch at the station.

Javi said “putting out fires” is the most fun thing about being a firefighter.

With another wish granted, Lambert said wishes take a significant amount of volunteers and community members to make them possible. MakeA-Wish Greater Virginia is always looking for volunteers to become involved with their mission.

To volunteer, donate or for more information on MakeA-Wish Greater Virginia in general, visit the website, va.wish.org.

Ashland Community Leadership Academy accepting applications

Contributed photo

The Ashland Community Leadership Academy is now accepting applications from eligible community members until Nov. 15.

Contributed Report The Local The Ashland Community Leadership Academy is taking place from December 2022 through May 2023 and

is now open for applications.

The Ashland Community Leadership Academy is a series of monthly seminars designed to provide individuals living or work-

ing in Ashland with an indepth look at how the town works, a chance to discuss important local issues with town leaders, staff and other engaged citizens, and to pro-

vide preparation to serve on town boards, commissions and committees.

Seminar sessions feature behind-the-scenes field trips and tours, guest speakers, interactive demonstrations from town staff, group discussions, activities, case studies and other topicrelated exercises.

The academy will be limited to 18 participants to facilitate deeper discussion and a broader range of experiences.

Applicants must live, volunteer or work within the

Town launches new visitor website and mobile planning widget

corporate limits of the Town of Ashland and be high school seniors or beyond.

There is no fee to participate, but applications must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2022, in order to be considered.

Those who are accepted into the program will be expected to attend regular-

ly, be active in the Ashland community, and explore new ways to learn about and contribute to the future of Ashland.

Graduates will be honored with a reception at Ashland Town Hall, officially recognized by the Town Council, and receive additional consideration for future committee appointments.

For more information about the program, to check your eligibility, or to apply to the academy, visit the website: https://www.ashlandva. gov/362/CommunityLeadership-Academy.

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER 205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005

Contributed Report The Local

Give us a call: (804) 401-7007

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

Photos and information courtesy of Martha Miller, Town of Ashland community engagement manager

The Town of Ashland announced the launch of new, innovative and easy-to-use website and planning tool that visitors can take on the go when exploring the town.

to act as your all-access digital passport to the Center of the Universe.”

Designed by Visit Widget and funded in part by a grant from Virginia Tourism Corporation, the new site and planning tool provides a new way to explore what the Ashland area has to offer, including hotels, popular restaurants, activities, shopping

and more.

On visitashlandva.com, click on “Planning” for a dropdown of helpful tools, including parking information, itinerary ideas and more.

And coming soon is interactive walking tours of Ashland’s historic neighborhoods and seasonal scavenger hunt challenges.

“The tourism economy in

Ashland is poised for immense growth in the next five to 10 years, especially with the arrival of the Fall Line Trail and MidAtlantic Railroad Park,” Miller added. “We are grateful to Virginia Tourism Corporation for their support, which has been instrumental in helping us prepare for and meet the needs of the next generation of visitors.”

Upcoming Events:

Planning the perfect day or weekend in Ashland just got much easier! The Town of Ashland’s Community Engagement Department is excited to unveil the Town’s new VisitAshlandVA website (https://visitashlandva. com/) and AshlandVA Widget (https://visitashlandva.visitwidget.com/) with integrated mobile apps – an interactive way to map out everything to see, do, eat and drink in the Ashland area.

“No more fussing with bulky maps or checking five different event websites to figure out what’s going on in Ashland,” said Martha J. Miller, community engagement manager for the Town of Ashland.

“Whether you live or work here, or are visiting us, we designed the new site and app

October 19 & 20 at 7pm

A live-action/CGI musical comedy, based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber.

Halloween at the Ashland Theatre October 21 - 30 Learn more about our “spooky” movie series!

Across the Aisle: Conversation with Mark Herring & Bill Mims October 24 at 6:30pm

Moderated by Dr. Lauren Bell, Randolph-Macon College.

10AM Toddler Takeover!

October 29 at 10am

For children ages 1 month to 6 years, one hour of spooky cartoons and family friendly fare!

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

ashlandtheatre.org

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022 3

Local residents place in Virginia State Fair Contributed Report The Local

H

anover County residents spotlighted their hometown in a series of competitions at the Virginia State Fair, which was held from Sept. 23 through Oct. 2 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

The state fair released the names of the following winners in visual arts, culinary arts and horticulture competitions:

Ashland Dawn Stockbridge: Embroidery and Needlework 7001 – Counted cross stitch on Aida 5-14 count, second place.

Fay Gardner: Art 1001 – Acrylic or Oils on canvas or board, third place.

James Patterson: 26A Youth – Photography – B&W, 2602 – Black and white human interest (5 inches x7 inches), first place; 26A Youth – Photography – B&W, 2603 – Black and white scenic/architectural (5 inches x7 inches), second place.

Jon Philhower: Vegetables and Fruits 9070 – Tomatoes, cherry type, five specimens, fifth place; Vegetables and Fruits 9010 – Eggplants (two specimens), second place; Vegetables and Fruits 9011 – Fruit, any other not listed, second place; Vegetables and Fruits 9039 – Peppers, Hot Serrano, six specimens, fifth place; Vegetables and Fruits 9065 – Squash, Winter, Acorns, two specimens, third place.

Patricia Higgins: Honey Cookery 8902 – Cake, second place; Knitting 1311 – Shawl/stole/ poncho, third place; Candy 8508 – Any other candy not listed, first place; Holiday Crafts 3603 – Christmas stocking, first place; Knitting 1306 – Sweater – woman’s, first place.

Robert Gibson: Open Honey 1014 – Beeswax, three molds fancy, total weight not less than 1 lb., second place; Open Honey 1012 – Beeswax, one mold of total weight not less than 1 lb., second place; Open Honey 1002 – Light amber extracted honey, (three 1lb. Queenline glass jars), second place; Open Honey 1003 – Amber extracted honey (three 1lb. Queenline glass jars), first place; Open Honey 1011 – Creamed, granulated honey, in three 1 lb. jars, plastic or glass containers, first place; Open Honey 1013 – Beeswax, pair candles dripped or poured, first place; Open Honey 1016 – Gadgets, second place; Open Honey 1001 – Light extracted honey (three 1lb.

Queenline glass jars), first place.

Scott Bodde: Wood Carving 5812 – Caricature carving, second place.

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Photos courtesy of Virginia State Fair

Steve Lawrence: Open Honey 1005 – Frame of honey for extracted, cut-comb or for chunk honey wrapped in plastic or in a case, first place; Open Honey 1001 – Light extracted honey (three 1lb. Queenline glass jars), fourth place; Open Honey 1007 – Display of amber or dark cut-comb honey in plastic boxes (three containers), second place; Open Honey 1003 – Amber extracted honey (three 1lb. Queenline glass jars), fifth place; Open Honey 1011 – Creamed, granulated honey, in three 1lb. jars, plastic or glass containers, second place; Open Honey 1012 – Beeswax, one mold of total weight not less than 1 lb., first place; Open Honey 1014 – Beeswax, three molds fancy, total weight not less than 1 lb., third place; Open Honey 1002 – Light amber extracted honey, (three 1lb. Queenline glass jars), first place.

Suzanne DuBose: Antiques and Interesting Objects 6224 – Hat pin or stick pin, prior to 1950, first place.

Beaverdam Angela Mallory: Canned Foods 6519 – Other vegetable not listed, second place.

Cynthia Robinson: Blue Ribbon Jams and Jellies 6803 – Fruit Butter, Any flavor, first place.

Ethan Carneal: Youth – Fun Classes 2552 – Lego Sculpture Animals, first place.

Gabriel Carneal: Youth – Fun Classes 2553 – Lego Sculpture – any other, second place.

Mason Evans: 26B Youth – Photography – Color, 2625 – Color animals (5 inches x7 inches), second place; 26B Youth – Photography – Color 2628 – Color Still Life (5 inches x7 inches), first place.

Kendan Hopkins: Youth – Miscellaneous 2205 – Other craft not listed, first place; Youth

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022

Shown are the winning entries of Emery Hollywood of Hanover, Patricia Higgins of Ashland, and Mason Evans of Beaverdam.

– Paper Art 5006; Papier mache, second place.

– Metalcraft 1602 – Utensils, first place; Youth – Metalcraft 1601 – Hooks and hangers, second place; Youth – Fine Arts Scholarships 1001 – 3-D Fine Arts Scholarship, third place.

Noah Carneal: Youth – Fun Classes 2551 – Lego Sculpture Structural (no moving parts), first place.

Pauline Prunty: Quilt Show 6001 – Machine pieced, hand quilted (must be entirely quilted by hand), third place.

Sarah Prunty: Embroidery and Needlework 7001 – Counted cross stitch on Aida 5-14 count, first place.

Sherri Prunty: Catsups 6903 – Sauce – spaghetti (no meat), third place; Pickles 7413 – Garlic dill pickles, third place.

Doswell Alvin Walsh: Potatoes 1105 – Sweet Potatoes, any variety, five specimens, first place.

Shelby Taylor: Art, wearable 8007 – Any other technique (single garment), first place.

Hanover Ellis Peace: Youth – Field Corn 1001 – Best 10 ears field corn, fourth place; Youth – Soybeans 6001 – Utility and certified, first place; Youth – Field Corn 1002 – Shelled field corn – one gallon, first place; Youth – Field Corn 1003 – Five stalks of silage, first place.

Emery Hollywood: Youth – Fun Classes 2519 – Trash or treasure – miscellaneous, second place; Youth – Painting and Drawing 4018 – Scratch Board – First place; Youth – Fun Classes 2530 – Literary table setting, fourth place; Youth

Montpelier Catey Dickensheets: Gluten-Free 9105 – Bars or Brownies, third place; Pies 9306 – Chocolate Pie – Any Kind, third place.

David Ludwig: Vegetables and Fruits 9069 – Sunflower, one head, best quality, second place; Vegetables and Fruits 9084 – Weird Vegetableweird, odd-shaped, one specimen, first place; Vegetables and Fruits 9014 – Giant vegetable, any variety, first place; Vegetables and Fruits 9082 – Watermelon, 10lbs or greater, one specimen, first place; Vegetables and Fruits 9017 – Gourds, smaller than 6 inches, three specimens, third place; Vegetables and Fruits 9047 – Pumpkin, Large Jack-o-lantern 10 lbs. or more, five-sided stem, orange, third place; Vegetables and Fruits 9050 – Pumpkin, Not white or orange, any other, second place; Vegetables and Fruits 9052 – Pumpkin, White 10lbs or more, second place; Vegetables and Fruits 9060 – Squash, Cushaw type, third place; Vegetables and Fruits 9065 – Squash, Winter, Butternut, two specimens, first place; Vegetables and Fruits 9066 – Squash, Winter, Butternut, two specimens, first place; Vegetables and Fruits 9067 – Squash, Winter, Other not listed, one specimen, third place; Vegetables and Fruits 9068 – Sunflower, largest head, fourth.

Nina Wharton: Preserves and Jellies 7603 – Blackberry jam, first place; Canned Foods 6513 – Dilly beans, first place.

Riley Dickensheets: Youth – Fine Arts Scholarships 1001 – 3-D Fine Arts Scholarship, second place; Youth – Scholarship 2 4001 – Youth Culinary Scholarship – Cake, first place.

SCHOOLS Continued from pg. 1

superintendent of business and operations, presented an overview of the grant to the school board for acceptance of the funds.

The school board voted unanimously to accept the state grant. The board of supervisors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 budget supplement in the school operating fund on Oct. 12 during their regularly-scheduled meeting.

HCPS will receive $374,850 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (VDBHDS) after applying for a competitive grant to address mental health needs across the division.

Per the grant’s requirements of working with community-based partners, HCPS is partnering with the Hanover County Community Service Board (CSB) to provide four additional clinicians in Atlee High School, Hanover High School, Liberty Middle School and Bell Creek Middle School.

“Our data indicates that that’s where the services would be most productive,” said Jennifer Greif, HCPS assistant superintendent for instructional leadership.

There are currently two school-based clinicians provided by CSB in Patrick Henry and Mechanicsville High Schools. Consistent with this current collaboration, the clinicians will be hired and supervised by the CSB with HCPS providing funding.

A majority of the grant will be used for supporting the new clinicians, and any funding not allocated to the CSB will be used to purchase mental health curriculum for all 26 HCPS schools along with additional materials and equipment to enhance calming spaces within all schools.

Greif clarified that “calm-

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Christina Berta, HCPS assistant superintendent of business and operations, gives an overview of a Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services grant before the school board.

ing spaces” can exist in any area of the school – whether a classroom, front office or counseling area – and are spaces for students to self-regulate if they’re experiencing some difficulty following classroom expectations.

“It’s really something that we hope that the students will eventually recognize their own need for that opportunity to self-regulate, rather than a place where a teacher might send that student,” Greif said.

These calming spaces may contain a variety of materials for mental health support, such as therapy pets provided by counselors in certain schools.

VDBHDS requires the funds to be used between October 2022 and June 2023.

Berta said while they do not know for certain if the funding will be given on an ongoing basis, there is strong potential.

Vice chair Bob May, school board representative of the South Anna District, expressed concern over uncertainty with future funding sources.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea. I’m just trying to figure out if we’re going to increase the budget now $300,000 for these positions, how do we sustain that?” May said.

Berta said while she cannot

guarantee anything, she heard “very strongly” that there is a large amount of money available within the state, and they are using this grant as a “pilot” program to gather more information to eventually provide additional funds.

Superintendent of schools Michael Gill added that the grant is only accelerating an initiative originally planned for the next budget cycle.

During a joint committee meeting last year with the school board and the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, the two boards established a goal of expanding mental health counselors to all high schools and middle schools in the upcoming budget development process.

“Mental health has been prioritized for years as an area of focus for this board, as well as the board of supervisors…

We do believe that our students need this, that it is following what we had planned to do anyway, and will allow us to accelerate this and perhaps pay for it sometime beyond this year in funds other than our local tax dollars,” Gill said.

In addition to state funding, Gill added an exciting announcement that private citizen Brenda Eggleston pledged to donate $100,000 in honor of her parents’ Cecil R and Edna S Hopkins Family Foundation to continue the expansion of mental health services in HCPS. “I did actually have to do a little arm twisting even to be allowed to make the announcement,” Gill said.

“She’s not looking for any accolades – she simply wants to support the schools.”

Eggleston made the donation as she was “so impressed with the county’s efforts on mental health,” specifically naming the hardworking staff of the Hanover Education Foundation (HEF); HEF Executive Director Margaret Hill; and Karla Allen, HCPS

coordinator of counseling services, as her sources of inspiration, Gill said.

The $100,000 will come in the form of an endowment, as she is pledging $20,000 per year for the next five years.

“It will be set up as an endowment so that others can contribute to it as well, so that endowment will grow,” Gill said. “And our counselors will be able to draw upon that at individual schools for needs that may be outside of the budget but specifically must

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

The Hanover County School Board voted unanimously to accept a state grant to expand mental health services this school year across all schools in the division.

support mental health for our students.”

The school board and

attendees gave a round of applause for her generous donation.

Fall Line Trail Northern Section Design Public Hearing Tuesday, November 15, 2022, 5 – 7 p.m.

Elmont Elementary School Gymnasium 12007 Cedar Lane, Ashland, Virginia 23005

Inclement weather dates: Thursday, November 17, 2022, 5-7 p.m. VDOT Richmond District Office, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, South Chesterfield, Virginia 23834.

Come see the proposed plans for the northernmost section of the Fall Line Trail.

The proposed project includes the development of 4.8 miles of a shared-use path that will connect the proposed Longdale section of the Fall Line Trail in Henrico County to the existing Trolley Line Trail in the Town of Ashland, following along the historic Richmond-Ashland Trolley line corridor. The Fall Line Trail – Northern Section design has been developed following two Location Public Hearings that were held in May 2022. Property impact information, relocation assistance policies and tentative construction schedules will be available for your review at the public hearing.

Review meeting materials and give your input on the proposed design of the Fall Line Trail – Northern Section, extending from the Town of Ashland to just south of the Chickahominy River. The planned improvements include the development of a tenfoot wide shared-use path with two-foot graded shoulders on each side.

Give your written or oral comments at the hearing or submit them no later than November 30, 2022, to Mr. Roy Soto, P.E., P.M.P., Virginia Department of Transportation c/o Fall Line Trail, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 or email them to FallLine@VDOT.Virginia.gov. Please reference “Fall Line Trail – Northern Section Design Public Hearing” in the subject line.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above.

State Project Number: 9999-166-294, P101, R201, C501 (UPC 121374) State Project Number: 9999-964-016, P101, R201, C501 (UPC 119599) From: 0.2 mi South of Winfrey Road in Henrico County To: Route 657 (Ashcake Road) in Town of Ashland

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the editor

The very first wish granted to the boy who became a hero

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

I

n February 1979, 7-year-old Christopher Greicius already knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.

Living in Scottsdale, Arizona with his mother, Linda Pauling, the young boy enjoyed playing “policeman” and catching “bad guys” with his family friend and role model, U.S. Customs Agent Tommy Austin. Austin would assume the role of the “bad guy” as Chris chased him around on his battery-powered motorcycle – with a perfect catch and arrest record, of course.

But young Chris’ dream would face an impossible hurdle, as his diagnosis of leukemia presented a grim future for the boy and his family. Knowing his death was imminent, Austin set out to make Chris’ wish come true alongside Arizona Department Public Safety (DPS) Officer Ron Cox. Lt. Col. Dick Schaefer gifted Chris with a “Smokey Bear” hat, one of his own old badges, and swore him in as Arizona’s first and only honorary DPS officer. He was given a helicopter tour of Phoenix, “drove” a police car, and was even gifted his own official police uniform while hospital-bound on May 1, which he joyously and proudly wore immediately.

Chris lost his battle with leukemia just two days later.

In the midst of great tragedy, Pauling saw how much joy her son’s fulfilled wish brought him. Moved by the power of a child’s wish and the community’s combined efforts in making it come true, she set out to start a wish-granting organization to bring the same joy to other children facing impossible hurdles.

On April 29, 1980, Pauling, Frank Shankwitz and Scott Stahl

The cookbook technology can’t replace

founded what is now known as the Make-A-Wish Foundation – a nonprofit organization that has granted hundreds and thousands of life-changing wishes to children battling critical illness.

“It’s been more than 30 years since my son Chris received his wish, and I am still amazed and inspired how one little boy’s dream to be a policeman has touched the lives of so many,” said Pauling, as documented on the Make-A-Wish website.

Among these lives is another 7-year-old boy who, too, dreamed of becoming a hero – over 40 years after Chris proudly wore his police uniform in a hospital over 2,000 miles away.

And just as the Phoenix community came together to make one child’s wish come true, the Hanover County community joined hands to grant the wish of Javi Guzman – a boy whose dream of becoming a firefighter became a reality on the sunny morning of Oct. 10.

There were countless sources of inspiration to be found on that sunny morning, as I watched the young boy beam at his standing ovation given by countless public safety officers, county officials, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia officials, and even his own classmates.

Inspiration was found in the fond smiles of Javi’s fellow Hanover Fire-EMS officers – embracing the young boy with open arms as the newest addition to their family.

Inspiration was found in the tears shed by the young boy’s mother as she recalled her son’s harrowing journey toward remission.

Inspiration was found in his older brother, Alex, who beamed with excitement as he watched his little brother become the hero he always dreamed of being.

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News As most of us don’t need to be reminded, the rise of modern technology has ush-

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022

But perhaps the most inspirational image was young Javi’s extraordinary bravery – not only shown in his unwavering dream of fighting fires to save his community, but in his unwavering optimism despite fighting a battle that no child – or anyone – should ever have to face.

It was seen in his vibrant excitement for the future, as he waved to his crowd of supporters as the fire truck rolled out of the parking lot, carrying the young fireman to his long-awaited first day on the job.

What was born out of tragedy became an enduring initiative to bring hope, strength and transformation to the lives of countless families, as research reveals how a wish granted can give children the strength to fight against and even overcome a critical illness, according to the foundation’s website.

While it can’t be known for certain if Javi’s anticipation for his wish aided in his recovery, it is certainly true that his dream’s fulfillment gave him what the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given to hundreds and thousands of children – the chance for a child to be a child again and to dream bravely of the future with a wide-eyed innocence and belief in the impossible.

When considering the impact of what even the smallest contribution can make, think of a young Javi who once raced to the window to watch as firetrucks drove by, dreaming of becoming that hero. Think of a young Chris who would spend his days chasing the “bad guy” around his neighborhood, dreaming of becoming that hero.

To learn of how you can help make another child’s dream become a reality, visit the Make-A-Wish Foundation website: https://wish.org/.

ered in the decline of all kinds of things, and not all of those things have been equally mourned.

Paper maps, for example, the kind that were all-but-impossible to refold and tough

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.

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to read at night under a dim car dome light, have not been missed.

Cell phones have nudged out any possible nostalgia for payphones, just as “click and pull” curbside grocery pickup has been a welcome alternative to trudging up and down the aisles after a long day at work.

Most of the time, in fact, I don’t mourn for the outdated version of anything. If it makes life easier and won’t break the back, sign me up.

Every once in a while, however, I have to admit that the new way isn’t always better.

Take cookbooks, for example.

Like many people, I have amassed a decent collection of cookbooks over the years, covering a wide variety of see RECIPES pg. 16

CALENDAR | 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.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 Heritage Green invites the community to its senior living community, located at 7080 Brooks Farm Road, for an evening filled with wonderful music by The Elderly Brothers quartet at 6 p.m. The Elderly Brothers are members of the Norfolk and Richmond Chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society with a combined 160 years of experience.

Seating is limited. RSVP by Oct. 17 and call: 804-746-7370.

Saturday, Oct. 22 The Hanover Humane Society’s eighth annual “GrowlO-Ween” Dog Halloween Event will be held from from 2 to 5 p.m. at Center of the Universe Brewing Company at 11293 Air Park Road in the Ashland Airpark. The event is free to the public. Onsite parking is available. Dress up as your favorite canine in his/ her Halloween costume and enjoy an afternoon with various dog-related activities and contests. Listen to live entertainment while bidding on silent auction items and enjoy food and golden beverages.

For more information, visit GROWLOWEENVA.COM or contact COTU, info@cotubrewing.com at 804-368-0299 and the Hanover Humane Society info@hanoverhumanesociety.org.

Monday, Oct. 31 Register for free by Oct. 31 for workshops offered at the Nov. 12 Hanover Book Expo.

Preregistration is required. To register, visit website at www. hanoverbookfestival.com and

click on “Workshop” tab at top right of the page. Choices of workshops are:“Finish! How to Complete Your Novel” -How to go from talking about being a writer to finishing your novel or “Tightening Your Prose Without Becoming Hemingway” – Tips on how to improve the flow of your writing. On the registration form, circle the workshop or workshops you wish to attend and email to joliggan@gmail. com. More information can be found on the website.

Saturday, Nov. 5 The Community Salt Fish Breakfast will be held 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. Adults $10, Ages 6 & under free with all profits going to Missions.

Sunday, Nov. 6 Black Creek Baptist Church, 6289 McClellan Road in Mechanicsville, will have a special Veterans Day Celebration at 10:15 a.m. during a morning worship service to honor all veterans. There will be a special speaker that day; guest speaker Col. John Miller will present Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins, Pastor Stephen will give a brief sermon and the Mechanicsville High School JROTC will provide the Color Guard. The church asks the community to pass the word to any veterans, so they can be recognized and thanked for their service.

Upcoming The Mechanicsville Library located at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place in Mechanicsville will feature the Lee Artists Association. “New Directions in Art.” The artwork will be on display Nov. 1 through Nov. 30.

Ongoing The Hanover Youth Basketball League (HYBL) has open registration for boys and girls in Pre-K through 12th grade through Wednesday, Oct. 26. Visit www.hanoverbasketball.org to register!

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 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

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see CALENDAR, pg. 8

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022 7

Hanover DASH program reduces rates for riders Contributed Report The Local Hanover County is happy to announce that the copay cost to riders who make reservations for the Hanover DASH specialized transportation program has been reduced from $8 to $6 per ride, effective immediately.

“We are making every effort to provide a quality transportation program and make it as affordable as possible to our riders while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program,” said Susan D. Richards, Hanover DASH Program manager for the Department of Community Resources. “Hanover DASH will continue to assess the situation periodically and communicate any changes.”

Hanover DASH provides personalized transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, errands, employment and formal social programs for those aged 60 and up and persons with a disability. Currently 581 riders are

COUNTY Continued from pg. 1

motor vehicle rises, so does the tax assessment associated with those vehicles.”

Hanover County uses the “clean trade-in” value as provided by J D Power (NADA) Uniform Pricing Guide, Jan. 1, Eastern Edition to determine the taxable value for motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of less than 10,000 pounds.

Between Jan. 1, 2021, and Jan. 1, 2022, motor vehicle values in this weight class have increased around 20%, which defies historic trends of vehicle values decreasing each year by 8 to 10%.

“So what that means is, if we had the exact same vehicle fleet on January 1, 2022, that we had on January 1, 2021, and nothing had changed, the revenue associated with those motor vehicles

8

registered for the program. New registrations are welcome.

Hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Destinations can be anywhere in Hanover County or within 7 miles of the county boundary, and you can also receive rides to medical facilities beyond the 7-mile buffer, such as the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and the medical offices at Stony Point.

To apply to be a Hanover DASH rider, you only need to fill out a short registration form with documentation to confirm Hanover County residency and proof of age (60 or over) or disability (short- or long-term). Rides are offered in collaboration with UZURV, an adaptive transportation network company.

If you have any questions, contact Hanover DASH at 804-3653274 or visit www.HanoverDASH. org Information submitted by Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County.

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 7

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 804-7465118 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 804270-9626.

increased by $18 million,” Harris said.

“So that’s pretty significant.”

He said other localities who took no action to reduce the taxable value of impacted vehicles have seen individual tax bills increase significantly. Other localities waited until the bills were received before responding to citizen concern, which resulted in measures being implemented to refund a portion of those revenues midstream.

“And so tonight or today, what I’m hoping is we will avoid that issue of doing something after the fact and making a proactive decision that will address the issue,” he said.

Harris proposed that the county reduce the local property tax assessment ratio for passenger vehicles, SUV’s and trucks with a GVW of less than 10,000 pounds from 100% of the “clean trade-in” value to 80% for tax year 2022. The supervisors ultimately approved the one-time adjustment by a unanimous vote.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022

Sundays

Tuesdays

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.

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.

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 804746-5081 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 804249-1845. The website is http://www. mcshin.org.

This plan would reduce Harris’ $18 million projected revenue increase by $13 million, which would align with the projected personal property revenue growth of approximately $5 million that was assumed in the fiscal year 2023 budget.

“It’s my opinion that any modifications or adjustments that we make should allow for that growth to occur that was anticipated,” he said, adding that his recommendation supports the county’s financial and capital expenditure plans.

Harris said this plan is “more aggressive” than similarly-sized localities, as a majority chose only a 15% reduction.

“A 20% reduction in tax bills will not mean that the average tax bill will be less in 2022 than it was in 2021,” Harris clarified. “What it means is the tax bills will have less of an increase than if no changes were made.”

To illustrate the impact of the one-

time adjustment, Harris presented his findings from reviewing the tax bills for the top 30 vehicle types of the 2018 model year in Hanover County.

For example, a 2018 Ford Fusion would have their tax bill reduced by at least $137, a 2018 Chevy Suburban would have their bill reduced by $317, and the average reduction for all vehicles in the county’s population fleet would be $228, according to Harris’ calculations.

“What we’re basically saying is we are abating about $13 million of collections that we otherwise would from our residents, saving our residents on average $228 per vehicle by not collecting,” said county administrator John Budesky.

He added that the county faces similar inflation challenges as its residents – particularly with challenges posed on its revenue streams.

“Not accepting this additional $13 million does impact our abil-

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.

ity to take on other projects, but we saw ourselves as no different than the challenges our residents are facing,” Budesky said.

Supervisor Canova Peterson, representative of the Mechanicsville District and chair of the finance committee, said his committee unanimously agreed with Harris’ recommendation.

“We were very impressed with the fact that this recommendation, unlike some of our neighboring counties,… allows us to really let all of this $13 million stay in the pockets of our citizens where it belongs,” Peterson said, adding that staff worked diligently to ensure they didn’t hurt the county’s budget at the same time.

Harris said the robust collaboration between his office, Budesky’s team, and the finance committee in producing the solution will ultimately benefit the citizens of the county.

“Because at the end of the day, that’s why we’re all here,” he said.

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

10

21 2022

Prep football: Patrick Henry at Hanover 7:00 p.m.

10

21 2022

Prep football: King William at Mechanicsville 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Gunfire interrupts Patrick Henry victory Mustangs get first win of season

Decker, Lehr tie for 16th in state golf

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor RICHMOND — Patrick Henry had a 16-point lead over host Armstrong early in the fourth quarter of their game Thursday night, but the Wildcats had plenty of fight left in them. The final 10 minutes of regulation looked to be full of drama as fans watched to see if the Patriots could keep Armstrong at bay.

Unfortunately, a different kind of drama cut the contest short. A burst of gunfire across the street from Armstrong’s stadium had the teams and fans hitting their respective decks before all evacuated the field and officials deemed the game over.

The teams took shelter in their respective locker rooms and the fans in the Wildcat gym with the Patriots on top 28-12.

A better kind of drama descended upon Mechanicsville High School Friday night as the Mustangs earned their first win of the season, a 12-7 come-from-behind victory over Henrico.

In Patrick Henry’s game, the Wildcats were determined to defend their home turf on what was their Senior Night.

They gave the Patriots plenty

By Arthur Utley For the Times-Dispatch

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Patrick Henry’s Gracyn Ross (right) breaks out around the left side of the line in the Patriots’ 28-12 victory over Armstrong Thursday night. Ross finished with 13 carries for 207 yards and three touchdowns.

of trouble.

“Yeah, they’ve got good athletes. They have some guys that can definitely hurt you at times,” said Patrick Henry head football coach Ken Wakefield.

“They played very confident, and when you have a confident group, they’re dangerous.”

The Patriots were led by running back Gracyn Ross, who had 13 carries for 207 yards

and three touchdowns. Two of his TDs came on runs of 75 60 yards.

“He’s been tough all year long,” Wakefield said of Ross.

“He’s a kid that can do what we

need him to do. We ask him to go to receiver, he does that.

When we ask him to go to running back, he does that. At times see GUNFIRE, pg. 11

Region 4B champion Monacan (307) played on its home course, Stonehenge Golf & Country Club, and tied for fourth with Jamestown behind repeat champion Blacksburg (289), runnerup Western Albemarle (291) and third-place Loudoun County (303) on in the Virginia High School League Class 4 golf championship on Oct. 10.

Sophomore Talon Dingledine, a first-team All-Metro selection as a freshman, shot par 72 and tied for seventh.

Sophomore teammate Aydan Smith contributed a 2-over 74 and tied for 12th.

Kathryn Ha of Salem posted a bogey-free, 5-under-par 67 to win see GOLF, pg. 11

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022 9

Campanale perfect in win over Bridgewater Hale then broke off runs of 6, 11, 17 and 13 yards, the final run reaching the end zone untouched up the middle for a 30-7 advantage.

The Yellow Jackets’ final touchdowns came on a Kwesi Clarke 39-yard run in the third period, and a Campanale completion to Holden Hodge of 30 yards with 9:40 left in the contest.

Campanale finished with 265 passing yards and three touchdown throws. Hale rushed for 74 yards while Clarke added 66 as the “tailback by committee” plan continues to pay off dividends.

“Man, I thought our guys were keyed in all week, and today, right from the start,” Arruza said. “I thought we executed really, really well.”

The ODAC gauntlet continues with back-to-back road games as the Yellow Jackets travel to Winchester to face Shenandoah (5-1, 2-1) Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by a trip to Lexington for a showdown with Washington & Lee (5-1, 3-0) on Oct. 29.

Asked if, for the first time this season, if overconfidence may become a gremlin in the Yellow Jacket locker room, Arruza quickly dismissed it.

“We’ll be ready,” he said.

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

By Rob Witham for The Local ASHLAND — Perfection in sports is hard to come by.

Bowl a 300 game. Retire 27 straight batters in baseball.

Even in pro football, only one team, the Miami Dolphins of fifty years ago, won every game.

So it might come as a surprise to many Randolph-Macon football fans who attended Homecoming Saturday that they, indeed, witnessed perfection.

Junior quarterback Drew Campanale, who most fans had not even heard of before his debut on Sept. 3, attempted 17 passes, and completed them all, part of a total team performance as the Yellow Jackets improved to 6-0 for the first time since 2010 with a 44-7 win over previously unbeaten Bridgewater.

Campanale’s performance made Old Dominion Athletic Conference history, becoming the first signal caller to complete 100% of his passes in a game with a minimum of 15 attempts.

“He’s played really well. We wouldn’t be six and oh without him,” said Yellow Jacket head coach Pedro Arruza of Campanale.

His performance was more than perfection. The Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, native tossed three touchdown passes, and ran for a fourth.

The Yellow Jacket defense contributed mightily, stopping the Eagles on five consecutive fourth downs in the second half to put the game away.

Randolph-Macon (6-0, 3-0 ODAC) jumped to a 14-0 first quarter lead, scoring on its opening possession on a 14-yard pass down the middle to a diving Joey Hunt.

Six minutes later,

10

Bridgewater 0 7 0 0 — 7 R-MC 14 10 13 7 — 44 Dave Lawrence/The Local

R-MC - Hunt 14 pass from Campanale (K. Ihle kick) R-MC - Campanale 25 run (K. Ihle kick) defensive charge, stuffing that BC - Anderson 1 run (Hendren run and forcing a turnover on kick) R-MC - Wallis 16 pass from downs.

Campanale (K. Ihle kick) The ball almost went right R-MC - Graham FG 24 back to Bridgewater as Nick R-MC - Hale 13 run (kick failed) Hale fumbled on first down, R-MC - Clarke 39 run (Graham but Ricky Mayfield grabbed the kick) R-MC - Hodge 30 pass from loose football to retain posses- Campanale (Graham kick)

Randolph-Macon wide receiver David Wallis (7) is congratulated by teammate JoJo Marinella after Wallis’ 16-yard touchdown reception in the Yellow Jackets’ 44-7 victory over visiting Bridgewater at Day Field Saturday afternoon.

Campanale saw an opening to his left, took off, and raced 25 yards to the end zone.

Bridgewater (5-1, 2-1) responded early in the second, finishing a 14-play drive with a 1-yard sneak from quarterback Malcolm Anderson. Eighty of their 234 total yards on the

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022

afternoon were on their lone scoring drive.

Campanale drove downfield again, then lofted a 16-yard scoring pass to David Wallis.

Seventeen seconds before halftime, Tyler Graham connected on a 24-yard field goal, the first attempted field goal of the sea-

son for Randolph-Macon.

Any hope for a Bridgewater comeback was deflated on the opening drive of the third period. After coming up a yard short of a first at midfield, the Eagles raced to the line and quarterback Jaylen Wood attempted a sneak. Wade Grubbs led the sion.

Local runners hold their own against XC elites

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Elite runners from the MidAtlantic region came to Pole Green Park Saturday for the Milestat.com XC Invitational.

Throughout the day, Hanover County runners held their own against the best of the best.

In one of the day’s feature events, the Boys Elite race, Mechanicsville’s Carter Smith, Atlee’s Patrick Allen, and Patrick Henry’s Andrew Senfield finished 16th, 17th and 19th, respectively out of 240 runners. The Raider boys finished fourth overall with 198 points behind Blacksburg (132), Glen Allen (142) and Western Albemarle (197). Patrick Henry and Hanover finished 24th and 25th, respectively.

In the other feature event, the Girls Elite race, Hanover’s Alli Crytser finished sixth and Ellie Agustin 16th as the Hawks finished eighth overall. Atlee’s girls finished 13th.

The county coaches were all

GUNFIRE Continued from pg. 9

he’s played quarterback. And he plays defense. So, yeah, he’s been a key player for us all year.”

After Ross’ third touchdown, which came in the second quarter, Armstrong started finding ways to stifle the Patrick Henry offense. Wildcat defensive ends or linebackers repeatedly slipped untouched around the right side of the Patriot offensive line to catch Patrick Henry backs for losses.

The Patriots made some adjustments to stop that problem at halftime.

“We talked about it,” Wakefield said. “Yeah, it was a miscue on our part … picking

Mary Ann Magnant for The Local

Atlee’s Patrick Allen and Patrick Henry’s Andrew Senfield finish 17th and 19th, respectively, in the Boys Elite championship to open the Milestat.com XC invitational at Pole Green Park Saturday.

pleased with their teams’ efforts.

“I thought that our kids were fantastic,” said Atlee head cross country coach Neil Mathews. “They competed hard. They stepped up to the to the competition’s level, and everybody was just a little bit more focused, paying attention to details. They ran their race plans and they had a good time.

They just kind of kept the mood light and didn’t put any pressure on themselves and they performed well.”

Hanover head coach Rich Firth said his runners, while training for the hillier conditions they’ll face in the Region 4B and Virginia High School League Class 4 championships, beat expectations on the fast,

flat course set for the Milestat race.

“The girls ran well. Alli took sixth, around 17:43 — which is her second-best time ever in cross country. It was just a really fast deal.

“And Ellie Agustin, our sophomore, was just over 18 minutes and that was her best race she’s ever run. She’s

up the pressure. It’s something that we talked about, but we didn’t do a good job at the end of the half of picking a couple of those pressures up.”

The second half looked set to close with inspired efforts by both teams, but a burst of gunfire at nearby Fairfield Court first had everyone at the stadium wondering what was happening, then getting as low as possible to avoid getting hit by stray bullets.

“We didn’t know exactly where it was, where it was coming from,” Wakefield said.

“Then we were told just to go inside. That’s what we did.”

Richmond police, assisted

by Henrico and Virginia State Police, quickly secured the scene and an exodus from the

school began.

Friday night at Mechanicsville was no less dramatic, but the drama was of a positive sort. Despite going into halftime trailing visiting Henrico 7-6, the Mustangs scored once more in the third quarter and defended their lead to earn their first victory of the season 12-7.

Running backs Evan Buchanan and Colby Messe led Mechanicsville. Buchanan had 26 carries for 119 yards and both Mustang touchdowns.

Messe finished with 23 carries for 93 yards.

Mechanicsville head coach Shane Reynolds said the Mustangs’ steady play overcame a potentially explosive Henrico offense.

“The things we were doing in the first half were working pretty well, so I just stuck to the plan and trusted the plan: Try to keep them in front of us and then uh keep running the ball. Stay on the field on offense.

It worked out pretty well,” Reynolds said. “We wanted to run the ball and we wanted to not give up any big plays. And that’s what we said at half time.

We just went out and did it.”

The Mustangs scored first on a 12-yard run by Buchanan, but Henrico responded with a score of its own with 29 seconds left in the first half on a 13-yard pass from Lavell Winston to Sean Macon. The Warrior point-after attempt was good, giving Henrico its 7-6 halftime lead.

immensely talented. She’s still figuring it out, but it was a great race by her. Overall, the girls did well.”

Cardinal Gibbons won the Girls Elite team championship with 114 points, followed

by Western Albemarle (143), St. John’s College (179), Deep Run (195), Blacksburg (221), Battlefield (237) and Albemarle (245). Hanover scored 299 points and Atlee 361.

Patrick Henry head cross country coach Jeremy Dobrinski said the Milestat invitational was good preparation for the rapidly approaching postseason. He added that his team gets another chance to post fast times in a Capital District race at Pole Green Park before the regional championships.

“It is definitely a good tune up as we move into the postseason,” Dobrinski said “We’re fortunate enough that we get a quick turnaround. We could run on that same course on Wednesday evening. So, if we have another good day, we can

have another shot at running fast again.”

The Mustangs went ahead for good with 1:49 left in the third quarter on a 13-yard run

by Buchanan.

terback Brooks Hollins. Holmes finished with four catches for 90 yards and the two scores.

Hollins completed 9 of 20 pass attempts for 119 yards, two TDs and an interception.

No. 2 Varina 46, Atlee 14 VARINA — Quarterback Myles Derricott and receiver Eric Smith put on a show, connecting on four touchdown passes to lead the Blue Devils (7-0) to a rout of the visiting Raiders (2-5).

Derricott finished 10 of 13 for 285 yards and six touchdowns. Smith caught four passes, all TDs, for 192 yards. Jordan Edwards and Kaveion Keys added touchdown receptions of 4 and 16 yards, respectively.

Scott Holmes caught touchdown passes of 50 and 5 yards, respectively, from Raiders quar-

Boys Elite Team Scores: 1.

Blacksburg 138; 2. Glen Allen 142; 3. Western Albemarle 197; 4. Atlee 198; 5. St. Albans School 204; 6.

John Handley 206; 7. Clover Hill 244; 8. Abingdon 249; 9. Jefferson Forest 260; 10. South Lakes 265; 11.

Colgan 297; 12. Cardinal Gibbons; 13. Deep Run 342; 14. Battlefield 345; 15. Ocean Lakes 377; 16. James River 378; 17. St. John’s College; 18.

Broad Run 421; 19. Christiansburg 425; 20. Jamestown 445; 21. Maggie Walker 487; 22. Charlottesville 511; 23. Tabb 522; 24. Patrick Henry 574; 25. Hanover 645; 26. Maury 680; 27.

Granby 833.

Girls Elite Team Scores: 1.

Cardinal Gibbons 114; 2. Western Albemarle 143; 3. St. John’s College 179; 4. Deep Run 195; 5. Blacksburg 221; 6. Battlefield 237; 7. Albemarle 245; 8. Hanover 299; 9. Abingdon 309; 10. Jefferson Forest 327; 11.

Ocean Lakes 345; 12. Glen Allen 350; 13. Atlee 361; 14. Collegiate 387; 15. James W. Robinson 410; 16.

South Lakes 414; 17. McLean 427; 18. The Covenant School 444; 19.

Maggie Walker 468; 20. Hickory 470; 21. Christiansburg 503; 22. Colonial Forge 513; 23. James Madison 532; 24. James River 546; 25. Jamestown 558; 26. Grafton 558; 27. Douglas Freeman 568; 28. Eastern View 663.

GOLF Continued from pg. 9

the individual title. She edged Jake Albert (4-under 68). Trey Marion of Great Bridge was third with a 2-under 70.

Region 4B individuals Madison Lehr of Mechanicsville and Laddie Decker of Atlee tied for 16th after each returned 3-over 75.

Arthur Utley can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022 11

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the Board’s consideration of the administrative agenda permits. In the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZ2022-00022, MARY HELEN AND JEFFREY C. CROWDER Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7768-45-3682, consisting of approximately 11.74 acres, and located on the north line of Rocky Ridge Road (State Route 648) at its intersection with Doe Crossing Lane (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 to 3 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for family for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.87 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2022-00015, GAYLE AND JEFF STONEMAN Request(s) an amendment to CUP2020-00016, Gayle and Jeff Stoneman, which was permitted in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance.

The purpose of the request is to amend the sketch plan to increase the area of the Conditional Use Permit for the recreation facility/event venue to incorporate an existing structure and add a pavilion on GPIN 7822-78-2097(part), consisting of approximately 90.9 acres (CUP area will be limited to a 5.29-acre portion of the subject parcel), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Robert Terrell Road (State Route 712) approximately 1,750 feet west of its intersection with West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2022-00014, GENERATION CHURCH Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-120.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a place of worship on GPIN 8714-87-6877(part), consisting of approximately 7.86 acres (CUP area limited to 0.21 acres), zoned B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, and located in the Brandy Hill Plaza Shopping Center on the west line of Lee Davis Road (State Route 643) approximately 550 feet south of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville CUP2022-00013, WINDING BROOK EATERIES, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-174.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a private tennis facility on GPIN 7788-63-3927, consisting of approximately 1.69 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, and located on the west line of Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782) approximately 0.67 miles south of its intersection with Lewistown Road (State Route 802). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Destination Commerce. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2022-00019, DAVID N. HAMILTON, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District and AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPINs 7871-10-9202, 7871-02-8509, and 7871-11-9890, consisting of approximately 170.81 acres, and located on the east line of Independence Road (State Route 669) approximately 600 feet south of its intersection with Blunts Road (State Route 716). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 27 building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.33 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2022-00012, ORIANA HARGROVE ALDERMAN Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit an event venue on GPIN 7853-77-7755, consisting of approximately 105.58 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Old Ridge Road (State Route 738) approximately 0.47 miles west of its intersection with New Market Mill Road (State Route 685). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam SE2022-00023, S & D INVESTMENT GROUP, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.18 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a contractor’s equipment storage yard on GPIN 7778-85-5167, consisting of approximately 18.08 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Cobbs Road (State Route 801) approximately 900 feet east of Old Scotland Road (State Route 2259). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcoming-and-Archiv for more information.

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICES V I R G I N I A: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER COUNTY OF HANOVER, VIRGINIA Complainant, Case No. CL22002921-00 v.

HEIRS AT LAW OF KATHLEEN B. BOSCHEN Defendant(s) ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to enforce the lien of the Complainant, County of Hanover, Virginia, for delinquent real estate taxes against certain real property located in Hanover County, Virginia, as follows: 0.74 acres, more or less, west side of Route 744, east of Route 33, GPIN 7758-00-5574; more particularly described in Will Book 70 at Page 83 and Deed Book 189 at Page 244 It appearing that an Affidavit has been made and filed stating that due diligence has been used, without effect, to ascertain names and locations of the Heirs at Law of Kathleen B. Boschen, whose last known address is 5073 Abuela Drive, Sand Diego, CA 92124; and that any heirs devisees, and successor in title of the defendant(s) named herein are made parties defendant to this action individually and/or by the general description of Parties Unknown; it is hereby ORDERED that the parties herein and all Parties Unknown and/or whose location cannot be ascertained appear on or before November 17, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Hanover County, Virginia, and do what may be necessary to protect their interests in this cause.

ENTERED: 22nd day of September, 2022.

I ASK FOR THIS: Margaret F. Hardy (VSB #38555) Sands Anderson PC P.O. Box 907 Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0907 (540) 373-2504 telephone

Patricia Kelly, JUDGE

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a Regular Board Meeting.

TIMED, ONLINE-ONLY PUBLIC SALE OF TAX DELINQUENT COUNTY OF HANOVER REAL ESTATE Online Bidding Closes Tuesday, November 1, 2022,

at 11:00 A.M. (EST) NOTICE: SPECIAL COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

Town of Ashland Town Council Public Hearing The Ashland Town Council has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall at 121 Thompson Street, to accept comments from the public on the following: Consideration of the Town’s participation in the VDOT Comprehensive Roadside Management Program to adopt a formal resolution enable the town to utilize awarded ARPA grant funding to improve the aesthetics of the I-95 interchange at Rt. 54 (England Street), Exit 92.

Information on this item may be obtained by contacting Doug Goodman at Ashland Town Hall at (804) 798-8617.

Written comments may be submitted via email at dougg@ashlandva.gov or through regular mail to Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. Any 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 of the public hearing so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Following the public hearing, the Ashland Town Council may take action on this matter.

Pursuant to the terms of that certain Decree of Sale from the Circuit Court of Hanover County, Virginia, the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer for sale at public auction, subject to the following terms and conditions, the following-described real estate: (Burruss) 1.01 acres, Improved, 14609 Bethany Church Road, GPIN 7811-88-9405 TERMS OF SALE: The sale is subject to the approval of the Circuit Court. A 10% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the highest bid and will become a part of the total sales price. The highest bidder shall deposit ten percent (10%) of the total sales price with the Special Commissioner by close of business on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, by either wire transfer, cash, or good check, which sum shall be credited toward the purchase price. The balance of the purchase price, by either wire transfer or certified funds, shall be deposited with Margaret F. Hardy, Special Commissioner, within fifteen (15) days of Court confirmation. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. The property will be conveyed by Special Warranty Deed, subject to any easements and covenants of record, and any rights of persons in possession. Interested parties may go upon the UNIMPROVED real estate for the purpose of making an inspection.

Terms of Sale stated online and in the Purchaser’s Acknowledgment and Contract of Sale take precedence over any prior written or verbal terms of sale. The auction will be conducted online only which will end on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. (EST).

Please visit bid.forsaleatauction.biz, or call At Auction directly at 540-899-1776, for more information or to bid on the property. If interested bidders are unable to participate online, please call for assistance in placing your bid.

For Full Details, or to Register & Bid Online NOW, Visit:

Bid.ForSaleAtAuction.Biz 540/899-1776

Margaret F. Hardy, Special Commissioner Sands Anderson PC Post Office Box 907, Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0907 (540) 373-2504 • www.sandsanderson.com

VAAF#651

By Order of the Ashland Town Council

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022 13

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COTU Brewing to host ‘Growl-O-Ween’ dog event Contributed Report The Local Celebrate the Halloween season by joining the Hanover Humane Society on Saturday, Oct. 22, for the eighth annual “Growl-O-Ween” dog event at Center of the Universe (COTU) Brewing Company, 11293 Air Park Road in the Ashland.

The event is free to the public and runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Onsite

parking will be available.

Dress up your favorite canine in his or her Halloween costume and enjoy an afternoon of various dog-related activities and contests, such as the Best Trick Contest and the Howling Contest. Listen to live entertainment, bid on silent auction items and enjoy food and golden beverages.

While cash is preferred, Paypal, Venmo, and all major credit cards

will be accepted. All proceeds for this event will benefit the Hanover

Humane Society.

For more information, visit GROWLOWEENVA.COM or contact COTU (info@cotubrewing.com) at 804-368-0299 and the Hanover Humane Society at info@ hanoverhumanesociety.org.

This event is sponsored by the following entities: Widespread Solutions (Platinum sponsor), Julie Whitaker-State Farm Insurance (Platinum sponsor), Stepping Stone

Chiropractic (Platinum sponsor), Rachel Koehler Dog Training (Platinum sponsor), Commonwealth Boat Brokers (Gold sponsor) and Airpark Auto (Silver sponsor).

The Hanover Humane Society is a 501( c) 3 nonprofit entity located in Ashland. The Hanover Humane Society provides animal adoption, education and prevention services for residents in Hanover County and the surrounding counties.

Upcoming programs at Hanover area Pamunkey Regional libraries Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library Mother Goose Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Mondays, Oct. 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. Tuesday, Oct. 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. Tuesday, Oct. 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. 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 creating 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. Fridays, Oct. 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.

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 Family Storytime at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursdays, Oct. 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.

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 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. 21 & 28, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

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 804749-3146 or visit the library for more information.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022 15

Hanover County invites residents Books, Beads, & More to recycle household hazardous hosting book signing for local waste, shred personal documents author Lesley St. James Contributed Report The Local

Contributed Report The Local Books, Beads, and More, located at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville, is hosting a book signing for author Lesley St. James and her new book, “Cruising For Death,” and her other works on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mechanicsville mystery author St. James hopes to embrace success again with the release of her new book, “Cruising for Death,” the third book in her “Jill Cooksey” mystery series.

Jill Cooksey is riding high.

Determined to secure a vice presidency at her PR firm, she wants to land a big client—a new cruise line. But hours into the maiden voyage of The Lady Luck, an investor is dead, and no one knows why. Jill is sailing into uncharted waters, and her hopes for promotion are sinking fast. With one passen-

ger dead, a series of accidents threatens to torpedo the cruise line, not to mention Jill’s career.

Can she discover the truth before the call to abandon ship?

The first book of the series, “The Sweet Scent of Death,” won Richmond Magazine and James River Writers’ Best Unpublished Novel Contest in 2020 and was subsequently published in November of that year.

“Death of a Dolly Waggler,” which was released on July 1, 2021, finds sleuth Jill moonlighting on the set of a children’s television show.

When a puppeteer is murdered, Jill races to solve the crime before the television network cancels the show.

St. James, who taught mass communication for 15 years at The Center for Communications and Media Relations at Varina High School, used her own experiences working in children’s television on shows such as

On Saturday, Nov. 5, Hanover County will host a special recycling event at the Mechanicsville Trash and Recycling Center.

Hanover County residents can bring household hazardous waste for free recycling and personal information or documents to be shredded from 8 a.m. until noon.

There will be no charge for liquids, aerosols and solids, which are classified as household hazardous waste. There is a 5-gallon limit in total which is based on container size.

Examples of materials accepted during this event include oil-based paints, flammables, organic liquids, aerosols, oxidizers pesticides, herbicides and corrosive liquids.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) will once again host a presentation in the Hanover County Board Room, located within the Administrative Building, where they will discuss “Civilian Response to an Active Shooter.”

This presentation has been presented to thousands of individuals within the community and region. The information that will be provided will assist community members in becoming better aware and prepared should an active shooter or any

16

emergency event occur. Presenters will also focus on historical case studies and current best practices.

This event is designed to provide important safety information to the community.

This presentation is for everyone. Join Hanover County Sheriff Hines and his team on Thursday, Oct. 27. The doors open at 6 p.m. for registration and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Seating is limited, so register to Kitami Newby by email at kanewby@ hanovercounty.gov or by phone at 804-365-6324.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local October 19, 2022

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer.

Contributed photo

“Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?” and “Bear in the Big Blue House,” to inform her work.

“Children’s television was a marvelous world in which to work,” she said. “I have wonderful memories of that time, and I hope to give my readers an inside look at the world behind the puppets and a chance to indulge in a little nostalgia.”

HCSO invites public to Civilian Response to an Active Shooter event Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local

Also accepted are: Solids accepted include pool, hot tub & pa chemicals household cleaners muriatic acid acetic acid drain openers oven cleaners grease and rust removers glues mold and mildew removers art and hobby supplies photographic chemicals Mercury thermometers and switches

RECIPES Continued from pg. 6

cuisines and cooking styles. But while the photography is stunning and the recipes enticing, I will be the first to admit I rarely look at any of them these days. It’s just easier to search recipes on my phone or save them to an app, where they are easily pulled up by keyword.

The exception to all of this is a plain white three-ring binder that my mom made for me years ago. It was a beautiful gift, filled not just with her own favorite recipes but also those handed down from previous generations. The binder is the only place I know where I can find my grandmother’s meatball recipe, or the steps for making the poundcake my mom always made us for our birthdays. You could certainly find a similar recipe on the internet if you wanted to, but I doubt it would remind you to take the cake out a minute or two early so the middle stayed just a tiny bit gooey (which, growing up, we all agreed was the best part). Many of the recipes are written on index cards in her instantly recognizable, perfect cursive, and I would not trade it for any other book in my kitchen.

Over the years the binder has become both a repository for other favorite recipes, many of them with their own stories to tell.

Almost all date back to the pre-internet days, back when instructions were written down on scraps of paper or carefully clipped from magazines. Not everything is pristine: There is smudged blue index card in there featuring a cousin-in-law’s crab dip and a life-changing baked macaroni and cheese recipe scrawled on the back of a grocery store receipt. Nothing is terribly fancy or requires an intolerable number of steps. The recipes don’t really say “look at what an accomplished cook I am” as much as they say “let’s celebrate” or “I love you, and I know this is your favorite, so I made it.”

The other day, tucked in the back, I found a handful of recipes I attempted as a new wife years ago, back when my skill level wasn’t quite up to the meals I so badly wanted to perfect. Holding those faded pages in my hands, I could almost smell the scorched chicken and undercooked fish, the hockey puck biscuits and inedible desserts.

These days, I like to think, I’m a little more adept in the kitchen. But while YouTube and Pinterest and TikTok and dozens of other resources have helped to sharpen my skills and sort out the lingo, the Internet has never been able to fully replace that now-battered—and occasionally battersplattered—old binder.

Old-fashioned? Maybe. But in the most delicious way.