Ashland-Hanover Local – 10/26/2022

HANOVER COUNTY Rabies vaccination clinics begin Oct. 29 PAGE

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COMMUNITY Ashland and Hanover celebrate expansion of international ITL Group PAGE

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Vol. 7 No. 7 | Richmond Suburban News | October 26, 2022

MEET YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATES Jones, Wittman, Foster seeking 1st District seat

Set to open by Train Day 2023

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

V

irginia’s 1st congressional district stretches from the Middle Peninsula into the Fredericksburg area and encompasses 20 communities to include portions of Hanover County. It is currently represented by Del. Rob Wittman, who has served since 2007. Wittman is opposed by challengers Herb Jones and David Foster.

Downtown Ashland Association wins grant for Railroad Park

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

HERB JONES

ROB WITTMAN

Editor’s note: Candidates for the 5th District will be featured in the next week’s edition.

A few words about why you decid-

DAVID FOSTER

ed to seek or continue public service.

What motivates you to serve and why

Downtown Ashland Association is proud to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to help fund construction of the Railroad Park – a walking tour that will reveal Ashland’s railroad

see CANDIDATES pg. 2

see RAILROAD, pg. 9 Photo courtesy of Hanover County

Hanover County breaks ground on Horticultural Learning Center

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Hanover County celebrated the official ground breaking of its upcoming Horticultural Learning Center this month.

The finished site will serve as an innovative resource for gardening enthusiasts and beyond in years to come, with the Hanover Master Gardeners spearheading the project and the upcoming site’s operations.

The groundbreaking ceremony held on

Marion Jones, from left, John Budesky, Scott Bateman, Dave Myers, Chip England, Dan Smith, Laura Maxey-Nay, Doris Gullotta and Jane Ruffin break ground on a new Horticultural Learning Center in Ashland.

Oct. 14 was joined by county officials, community members and the project’s extensive group of volunteers. Located at 13015 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, the site of the upcoming garden will sit on 1.10 acres beside the Taylor Complex building.

County administrator John Budesky said the center will serve the community for many years to come. He noted that agriculture is still the #1 business in Hanover County and thanked see LEARNING pg. 16

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CANDIDATES Continued from pg. 1

are you seeking election or reelection?

Wittman: Too often, folks unfortunately do not feel heard by leaders in Washington. I am working to change that - advocating for the needs of my constituents and our communities is always my top priority. I am running to find real solutions to the challenges facing our nation’s hardworking businesses, students, veterans, servicemembers and their families.

I have been honored to get to know the inspiring folks of Virginia’s First District, and I believe I am well-positioned to fight for them in Washington.

Together, we can secure a better future for our children and grandchildren, for Virginia and for our nation.

Jones: When I took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, I took it seriously then just like I take it seriously now. I am running because I believe we need a Congressperson who represents the values of the voters in Virginia’s First Congressional District and America. I think infrastructure in the First District has been neglected. I think we need to codify Roe v.

Wade in Congress. Most of all, our democracy is at risk.

Foster: In late 2019 when Pelosi went back on her promise not to do an impeachment unless she had bipartisan support. She never had it and in the senate she didn’t have over 2/3 to vote yes. She violated her oath of office and she didn’t follow the Constitution, which makes it clear what the Articles of Impeachment must be, High Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Pelosi files Obstruction of Congress and Abuse of Power.

Those are just two of her opinions. Therefore everyone who voted yes to Impeach on two opinions and not High Crimes and Misdemeanors also violated their oaths of office violating the Constitution.

Technically these are Acts of Treason!

What is your experience (What qualifies you for this position)?

Wittman: I have had the privilege of serving as the Representative for Virginia’s First Congressional District since 2007. Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the distinct honor of getting to know the inspiring folks in Virginia’s First District, and the entire Commonwealth, and I

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

have been able to learn about and understand the distinct needs of our communities.

Prior to coming to Congress, I was able to serve at multiple levels of local government from Montross Town Council, Westmoreland Board of Supervisors, and the Virginia House of Delegates, as well as a health specialist for the Virginia Department of Health for 26 years. These experiences allowed me the opportunity to fully engage in our communities at various levels of public service and I believe prepared me well to serve as the Representative for Virginia’s First District in Washington.

Jones: I am a 30-year Army veteran–I retired as a full colonel. I have served around the country and the world including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I was elected three times and served as County Treasurer for a total 12 years in New Kent.

I’ve worked with large, complex organizations in the past.

Now I run a small logistics and IT business with my brother. I know how to work with people who have different views than my own. I understand policy and procedures. I’ve worked hard to be successful my entire life. I have skills that help me work with people to solve problems, and work toward a common goal. I would do an outstanding job representing the values and needs of voters in the First Congressional District.

Foster: The only requirement for any elected office is that the voter base believes in you 100% and they vote for you.

What are some of the primary issues affecting your district and how do you intend to address them?

Wittman: There’s no question that the state of our econ-

omy and skyrocketing prices are the most pressing issues for folks in the First District and American families right now.

I have seen this firsthand as I have spent significant time visiting and working with individuals, families, and businesses throughout our district and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Months of crippling inflation rates have made it increasingly difficult for folks to provide for their families, put food on their tables, and fill their gas tanks. Our nation should be in the midst of a booming economic recovery, but unfortunately what we are seeing is the exact opposite.

I have consistently warned against the dangers of out-ofcontrol spending and the real harm it would cause not only to our economy, but to the everyday lives of Americans, and now families across the country are bearing the very real burden of President Biden’s spending agenda. We need to rein in Washington’s excessive spending problem and support an economic agenda that will support our families and allow businesses to thrive. I am fighting for pro-growth policies to set our younger generations up for success, get people back to work, and get our economy back on track.

Jones: Broadband access and lapses in infrastructure in our grid (for example, I-64 in New Kent should have been widened 30 years ago) are top issues that affect our district. Rep. Rob Wittman voted against the Build Back Better Act that would have supplemented the cost to these infrastructure projects.

His vote would neglect these projects and also limit our ability to address flooding in Norfolk, Hampton and the Middle Peninsula due to climate change, not to mention water quality and the need for cost share and mitigation practices. The teacher shortage is

also among our top issues in District 1.

Foster: Wittman has never supported the fishermen and this was told to me when collecting my signatures. Then at the Guinea Jubilee on September 23rd and 24th I continued to seek the fishermen and asked them all if this is true that Wittman has never supported you and they all said “he has not, and he has to go.” They are happy to know with me they will vote him out.

Strike One! Wittman also has never attended any NAACP Candidate Forums. I attended three along with Mr. Jones.

President Dawn Moore of the Middlesex County Branch said “Wittman never responded to their invitations.” Now her dream of ten years is a reality.

My signatures came from the trailer parks to the mansions on the rivers and everywhere in between. This was live on YouTube at Middlesex County Candidates Forum 2022. Strike Two! Wittman never showed up to vote “NO” on HR5 which passed the House and is with the Senate. This bill will allow boys to go into girls restrooms, locker rooms and other facilities at churches and schools.

Strike Three, You’re Out!

Are there any other pressing issues that the county is currently facing that you would like to address?

Wittman: Virginians, and frankly, all Americans, are extremely tired of what they see coming out of Washington.

For the past two years, we have experienced heavy-handed policies from Democrats that have made the lives of everyday Americans increasingly more difficult. You deserve leadership that puts your needs and concerns first. Unfortunately, lack of accountability has

become far too commonplace in Washington and the government seems to forget they work for the American people.

Understandably so, Virginians feel as though all they hear in the news is bickering and division and no real work getting done – I am working to change this.

One of the ways I have worked to bring transparency and accountability back to Washington is by urging Members of Congress to get their most basic responsibility done – fully funding the federal government. We must change the culture of “budgeting by crisis” in Washington that has led to years of wasteful spending or insufficient funding for real priorities. I have consistently introduced three bills to hold Members of Congress accountable: the Stay on Schedule (SOS) Resolution, the No Budget, No Pay Act, and the Inaction Has Consequences Act. These bills would keep Members of Congress in Washington instead of adjourning for recess and prevent Members from getting a paycheck until they get their job done. We should be held to the highest standard to get the work of the American people done. It is the American spirit – not Washington – that powers our nation forward, and I will do everything in my power to hold Members of Congress accountable to those they represent and advocate on your behalf.

Jones: I think we need to bring civility back to Congress.

As Lincoln said, “A house divided will fall.” There was a point in our history where reaching across the aisle was considered an ideal way of legislating. I plan to work with fellow legislators, regardless of party affiliation.

Foster: This New World see CANDIDATES, pg. 8

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Allen.

July 12

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

Grand larceny, auto theft was reported in the 13200th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 11600th block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 14200th block of Smith Land Drive, Beaverdam.

Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 15400th block of Journey Lane, Glen Allen.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 10200th block of Cabin Court, Mechanicsville.

Discharging a firearm or missile in or at an occupied building was reported in the 10200th block of Washington Highway, Glen Allen.

Forging coin and bank notes was reported in the 13400th block of Palmers Way, Glen Allen.

July 14

DWI: BAC .15 to .20, second offense within five to 10 years was reported in the 10000th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

July 13

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 11400th block of Haltonshire Way, Glen Allen.

Abuse, neglect of incapacitated adult, subsequent offense was reported in the 10400th block of Cedar Lane, Glen

Use of profane, threatening language over public airway was reported in the 12000th block of Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover.

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 13100th block of Waltons Tavern Road, Montpelier.

Convicted felon, nonviolent, possessing a firearm was reported in the 12000th block of Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover.

Simple assault was reported in the 15000th

block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

Falsely identifying self to law enforcement was reported in the 12300th block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

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

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 16400th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

July 15

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

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

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

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 14400th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

HCSO to host Civilian Response to an Active Shooter event Contributed Report The Local 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

because reliability is everything

or any 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.

You depend on us to keep the lights on 24/7. That’s why we work around the clock to safely provide you with the most

reliable, affordable power possible.

Last year alone, crews cleared more than 1,500 miles of right-of-way areas and removed 27,000 hazard trees.

Tree maintenance is ongoing and crews continue to upgrade equipment in the power delivery system.

Why? Because reliability is everything.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022 3

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

| Death Notices & Funerals

MATTHEWS

MATTHEWS, Mr. Marvin Stuart Jr. On Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, Marvin "Stuart" Matthews Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away after a battle with cancer. He is now resting in peace with his heavenly father. Born to Marvin Matthews Sr. And Gene Stratton in Richmond, Va., Stuart attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he met the love of his life, Jacqueline.

They were happily married for

63 years, and Jacqueline was by his side until the end. Stuart never met a stranger and was not easily forgotten by those with which he spent time Stuart had an illustrious racing career setting eight NHRA, two NASCAR Drag Racing Division and two National Drag Boat Association records. He was well known as an engine builder, running Stuart Matthews Engineering out of his basement in Mechanicsville for over 40 years. A lifetime hunter, he was passionate about waterfowl, turkey and groundhog hunting. He was also a longtime member of the East Hanover Rescue Squad, a youth soccer coach and member of Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church. He loved bluegrass music and was a huge fan of The Seldom Scene

and The Country Gentlemen.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; son, Brian and his wife, Sharlisa; granddaughter, Deja; and grandsons, Jordan and Harrison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Sr. and Gene Matthews; son, Marvin III; and his brother, Gene. To honor Stuart's memory, a celebration of his life will be held on Oct. 29, at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Anyone who knew Stuart is invited to attend and remember their wonderful life. Camouflage or automotive attire is encouraged but dress comfortably as Stuart preferred. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude. org/ give/memorials-and-dedications.html.

Rabies vaccination clinics begin Oct. 29, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local All dogs and cats (including so-called ‘barn cats’) are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months of age. Dogs must have tags and a valid license proving the vaccination.

Hanover Animal Control makes it easy for people to get their pets vaccinated by holding two rabies drive-through vaccination clinics this year. Vaccines will be administered at a cost of $10 per dog or cat.

Dates and locations could change.

Pay by cash or check only.

Clinics will be held: Saturday, Oct. 29, at Patrick Henry High School from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Patrick Henry High School is located at 12449 W. Patrick Henry Road, Ashland. Dr. Scott Nevaiser is the vet.

Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Hanover County Administration Building from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Administration Building is located at 7516 County Complex Road at Hanover

Courthouse. Dr. Olga Van Beek is the vet.

At each of these clinics, the veterinarian will administer the shots to the pet at your vehicle; do not bring animals into the building.

You will complete your registration inside the facility and return to your vehicle. Drive to the area designated for vaccination.

You will be expected to leave the vaccination area as soon as you are done.

Only healthy, non-pregnant dogs and cats (to include barn cats) will be vaccinated. No wolf hybrids or other exotic animals will be vaccinated.

Metro Creative The vaccination is good for up to three years unless the pet has never had a rabies vaccination before, in which case it is good for one year. Put the rabies tag on the dog’s collar and keep certificates for proof of vaccination.

For more information about rabies or the upcoming rabies vaccination clinics in Hanover County, call Animal Control at 365-6485.

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

The Ashland Museum wraps the year with events Contributed Report The Local Join the Ashland Museum for the final 2022 HistoryTalks programs. Dr. Jan Meck, author of “The Life & Legacy of Enslaved Virginian Emily Winfree,” will be the speaker on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, Barclay DuPriest will profile Hercules Mulligan, an IrishAmerican tailor for British soldiers during the Revolutionary War and also a spy for George Washington. Both programs will be in the SunTrust Theater at Brock Commons, 304 Henry St. on the RandolphMacon College campus, Ashland, at 7 p.m.

They are free and open to the public.

The Ashland Museum will offer two guided holiday walking tours of South Center Street on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2

Contributed Photo

Hercules Mulligan, tailor and spy for George Washington will be profiled on Thursday, December 1, at 7pm.

p.m. and 4 p.m. Each tour will end with a reception at 905 South Center St., a Greek Revival home built in 1872. Details and reservations are available at ashlandmuseum.org.

Trivia night continues on the third Thursday of each month – Nov. 17 and Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. Bring a friend or join a team in Origin Beer Garden, 106 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland. No reservations needed. Come and have fun while you test your memory of random facts.

The HistoryTalks series will resume in the new year with a musical program. Join the Ashland Museum on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, when singer-songwriter Glenn Birch will be both speaker and singer about events in history. This program will be at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry St., Ashland, at 7 p.m.

It is free and open to the public.

For information on these and other events, contact the Ashland Museum by email at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804-368-7314, or visit the website.

Programs at Hanover area libraries Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library Mother Goose Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library.

Monday, Oct. 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.

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 thousee LIBRARY pg. 9

FoodiO celebrates first year in Downtown Ashland Contributed Report The Local FoodiO will celebrate its one-year anniversary in Downtown Ashland on Saturday, Oct. 29. As described by founder Jamie Grant, FoodiO is a non-traditional farmers’ market with goals of empowering people through food. The business serves up breakfast, lunch and takeaway dinners, while funding outreach programs to help individuals struggling with food insecurity.

Grant is driven by her mission to help others purchase, cook and afford an ample diet. Grant is a native of Tappahannock, and a graduate of Randolph-Macon College (R-MC).

“As a kid, we would come up to Ashland and I always thought it was the cutest and most genuine town,” said Grant.

Following graduation, Grant continued working as staff at R-MC. It was during this time she developed

Contributed photo

Shown is the grand opening of FoodiO on Oct. 29, 2021.

a vision for owning her own business in the community.

When the business of Ashland Coffee & Tea came available for purchase, she jumped at the chance.

Beginning in 2021, Grant rebranded the business FoodiO: Farm, Farmers’ Market, Eatery to reflect its new direction. She expanded the menu with entrees, baked goods, smoothies and ice

cream and rearranged the space. The result is a fast-casual eatery that provides a hot breakfast, satisfying lunch or takeaway dinner.

Grant prides herself on offering produce from her own farm and from other local growers. FoodiO provides retail spaces for fresh produce and handmade goods from partnering farms and makers. This model is pop-

ular at the FoodiO location in Tappahannock, and Grant looks forward to bringing an expanded version to Ashland.

By building businesses in each community, she is creating a platform for food security outreach. Grant’s efforts encourage individuals’ agency.

She helps people learn financial literacy, paying bills and even growing their own food to help with expenses. Grant explained that her greatest joy in outreach work thus far has been “customers that couldn’t read or write understanding food better and really taking away hope and confidence of their own abilities.”

When asked about future plans, Grant stated, “I would love to have a FoodiO in every food-insecure community in Virginia! Virginia is a rather food insecure place with one in six people being food insecure.”

Visit FoodiO at 100 N. Railroad Avenue; open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022 5

OPINION

LETTERS | The Local Views

From the editor

The gift of digitizing history: an undiscovered ancestor may only be a click away

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

D

uring my last visit to my childhood home, a pile of dusty boxes piled high with scrapbooks, antique toys and old birthday cards caught my immediate attention. Upon sifting through the scrapbooks, I found snapshots of families in black and white that, upon first glance, were unrecognizable.

I uncovered a photograph of a young woman who bore a striking resemblance to my own reflection. Upon asking my mother who the mysterious woman was, she gave a surprised look before saying, “Don’t you recognize your Nana?”

In shock, I flitted through the scrapbook pages again to find that this foreign family in black and white was not-so-foreign after all. These faces were the faces of my very own family throughout time – unrecognizable, as even my own Nana’s face is a blurred childhood memory.

Tiny House Virginia?

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

Her passing taught a young, 5-year-old girl what it means when someone is gone. And this photograph of Nana, discovered 18 years later, taught a 23-year-old woman the value of these discoveries, as I sat staring fondly at these onceforeign faces with an overwhelming sense of contentment knowing just a piece more of my family’s history – and that through these photographs, they were never really gone after all.

The impact of this moment on a personal moment came to mind last week as I read a powerful quote: “If you forget him, he will be gone forever.”

These words were displayed powerfully on the screen on Wednesday, Oct. 19, during an enriching presentation held at the Atlee Branch Library in partnership with the Hanover County Black Heritage Society and The Ashland Museum.

With guest speakers from FamilySearch. org leading the presentation on “Digitizing and Preserving Historical Documents,” audience

Many Americans are searching for options when it comes to housing, especially in recent months when rising interest rates and increased real estate costs have priced many consumers out of the housing market.

While many of my friends have decided it’s time to live their dreams in other parts of the nation and have flown south to a warmer climates or closer family ties, others have decided to stay in the metro area, but are seeking smaller solutions to their housing needs.

One of those friends explained a growing dilemma facing those seeking downsized solutions. She lamented at the thought of losing the independence of a single family dwelling but admitted caring for larger properties gets harder and harder each year.

The couple has decided to explore the possibilities of a growing trend in America, the tiny house. Available in a number of different plans and designs, a significant number of Americans are discovering that less is sometimes better and have opted for a compacted

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

members discovered how accessible their own family history is through the free, easy-to-use website filled with millions of digitized records, books, photographs and documents.

Guest speaker Stuart Scott played a clip of “Remember Me,” a song performed in the animated Disney movie “Coco,” to emphasize why FamilySearch.org has dedicated over 83 years – and continues this dedication – to digitizing over 4 million rolls of micro film containing 11.5 billion individuals from over 200 countries throughout history.

“This movie emphasizes how much we need to be remembered and how much our ancestors want to be remembered,” said guest speaker Jody Raab of FamilySearch.org.

Scott said the digitizing of these historic documents – many of which would perish if not digitally preserved – ultimately adds “validity to the see ANCESTOR, pg. 8

minimalistic version of what they are used to — their own house.

Local governments are quickly becoming more accepting of tiny houses and have adopted ordinances to allow for their construction, but it’s important to remember that rules differ in each locality and some jurisdictions are more friendly to tiny houses than others.

While Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWS), RVs, cottages and accessee TINY, pg. 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local.

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

| Reader Views

Reader voices support for election of candidates Throneburg, Jones Dear Editor, In January 2022, I wrote to our school board members in Hanover (later published in these pages), and addressed the darkness and rancor in our public meetings and expressed concerns about the rise of lawless, misinformation-fueled, burn-it-all-down extremism. I noted the choice before them between embracing democracy and pluralism, and acquiescing to fascism. While some of the rancor and threats of violence have died down, harmful policy-making decisions, shunning of democratic norms and processes, and manifestations of rising fascism have not.

Several of our leaders have abdicated their responsibilities of leadership and thrown their lot in with the angry mob, whether out of appeasement, fear, opportunism or genuine belief, and are contributing to undermining and weakening the very public democratic institutions they are entrusted to maintain. This includes our current Congressional representatives, who to varying degrees supported a violent insurrectionist mob that ransacked our capitol and attacked police, elected representatives and their staff while seeking to undermine the peaceful democratic transfer of power from duly elected leader to elected leader.

Fortunately, we all have the opportunity now to come together and reject extremism. We may not have a choice (yet) in our school board members, and except for a special Beaverdam election, we don’t have Board of Supervisors or General Assembly elections until 2023. But this Nov. 8, or before if we vote early, we can vote against extremism and for common sense and public service-minded Congressional leadership.

Josh Throneburg is running for Congress in Western Hanover, in see LETTERS, pg. 7

Upcoming Ashland Halloween events for all Contributed Report The Local Don’t miss any of the fun, Halloween-themed events planned in Ashland Friday, Oct. 28 through Monday, Oct. 31. The full events calendar is online at ashlandhalloween. com. The Downtown Ashland Association offers five tips for interested community members on how to enjoy this Halloween season: Lantern-lit Ghost Tours led by professional storytellers. Walk with the “Spirits of Railroad Avenue” led by Ashland Haunted History Tours, beginning on Robinson Street and lasting about an hour. Pair a tour with the 10-minute “Phobia” game at RED VEIN Escape for a special thrill.

Ashland Theatre hosts a series of classic spooky movies. Featured movies include “Friday the 13th,” “Gremlins,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and even “The Addams Family.” Add beer, wine and snacks for the full experience.

Off the Rails Craft Beer

TINY Continued from pg. 6

sory backyard dwellings are all allowed in Virginia, some localities permit only certain types of structures. It’s incumbent on the builder to navigate local ordinance requirements.

While some have argued the tiny house trend is just a fad and predict a decline in future demand, the market indicates otherwise. The market continues to expand and it seems more and more Americans are researching, planning and building tiny homes; and some builders contend that tiny homes could be the answer to America’s lack of affordable housing.

Hanover Senior Rides program needs volunteers Contributed Report The Local

design is simple: Volunteer coordinators receive the ride requests by phone voicemails, they confirm the appointment and then email the ride requests

Festival serves up boos, brews and BBQ. Enjoy autumn on the lawn of Hanover Arts & Activities Center with barbecue by Ashland Meat Company, 12 craft brews on tap and live music all afternoon. Get your tickets before they sell out.

Downtown Ashland restaurants host seasonal menus.

It’s not just about frights, but also the season of all things delicious. For instance, apple cinnamon donuts are now on the menu at FoodiO. Kids Trick-or-Treat in all Ashland neighborhoods.

You won’t want to pass up the traditional evening of collecting candy. New this year, a scavenger hunt map will lead you around town for special candy stops and the chance to win a prize.

Ashland Halloween will take over Downtown Ashland throughout the long weekend of Oct. 28 through Oct. 31.

Visit ashlandhalloween.com for more information about all of the events and activities planned.

The Hanover Senior Rides program needs volunteers to help the county’s seniors who can no longer drive. Many of the community’s senior and disabled neighbors need transportation to their medical appointments, the grocery store and to do personal business.

This program is a transportation ministry for seniors and disabled persons in the Ashland and Mechanicsville areas of Hanover County. The program is operated in Mechanicsville by Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions (MCEF) and in Ashland by Ashland Christian Emergency Services (ACES). Both ACES and MCEF are registered as 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations and are supported by area churches.

The program began operating in July 2013 and has grown to over 13,000 rides to seniors in Hanover. The focus of the program is on seniors (age 60+) Contributed photo and persons with disabilities. Hanover Driver Bill Parks gives a ride to local Senior Rides provides the mobility they resident Shirley Southern as part of the need to stay in their homes and live Hanover Senior Rides program. independently if they are physically to volunteer drivers. Rides must be able to care for themselves. Riders must requested seven days in advance for be ambulatory and able to walk with the volunteer drivers to choose the use of a cane or folding walker. rides that fit their schedule. Drivers The Hanover Senior Rides program call the riders to confirm the appoint-

It’s easy to recognize the appeal of affordable housing that allows homeowners to maintain a sense of independence, but there are other advantages. Less square footage equates to lower heating and cooling costs. The mobility associated with small houses on wheels is also a draw for those who seek mobility in their future living arrangements.

Conversely, the new lifestyle requires downsizing and learning to live with limited storage space.

After that initial conversation with my friend, my interest in tiny homes was tweaked, so I began my own research regarding rules, regulations, plans and available builders. Suffice it to

say, building a tiny home is not a cut and dried process and requires homeowners to diligently review code and building requirements.

I also have recognized what was once considered a fad is now a preferred lifestyle for many Americans. After considering how much of my current space goes unused, I’m beginning to think I could live in a reduced space, especially one specifically designed to meet my specific needs.

I also must admit I’m not convinced it’s the right choice for me, but I’m open to the concept of a tiny house community.

I’m just not sure how it works for Thanksgiving dinner.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. Josh is an ordained minister and a small business owner who grew up in a conservative farming community in rural Illinois. He’s the son of a 4th grade teacher and a husband and a father of two. He can talk to anyone and wants to ensure access to affordable healthcare, that our children and grandchildren have clean air and water for generations to come, and that our rural areas are served by programs and services that will preserve rural areas while improving the lives of the residents therein.

Herb Jones is running to represent the rest of Hanover County, including the Town of Ashland, in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. Herb has dedicated his life to public service. He is a 30-year veteran of the

ment, volunteer their time and use their own vehicles to handle the ride requests. While the rides are free, the riders are given an envelope and asked to consider a donation for the service.

Volunteers provide 200 or more rides per month to 120 riders.

The program currently has 23 volunteers, but they need 33 volunteers for the program.

Ride coordinators volunteer their time to take phone messages, call the riders back and gather the information to schedule the rides. Coordinators should have good telephone skills and the desire to help senior riders by scheduling the rides they need. To qualify, the volunteer drivers must have a good DMV driving record and a background check. Drivers take an eight-hour driver safety class and volunteer driver orientation before they begin driving. Drivers are reimbursed 50 cents per mile to pay for the cost of gas and are provided liability insurance. Costs of the program are paid for through donations and grants.

If you are retired or have some extra time, consider helping your senior neighbors by becoming a volunteer ride coordinator or a volunteer driver for Hanover Senior Rides, by contacting ACES at 804-543-6115 or MCEF at 804-357-9360.

U.S. Army who earned a Bronze Star for his service and retired as a full colonel. He was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, but has served all over the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s now a small business owner, and he’s a father and grandfather.

He was elected three times to the New Kent Treasurer’s Office and his wife was the longtime principal of New Kent High School. He is now stepping up to serve our country in Congress in Washington, D.C., to protect the democracy at home that he worked so hard to protect overseas. These are two genuine, authentic, hard-working Americans.

Vote to reject extremism. Vote to preserve our institutions, our country, our planet and the future of our democracy. Vote for Josh Throneburg in the 5th and Herb Jones in the 1st.

Dr. Rachel Levy Ashland

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022 7

Church supporting homeless neighbors, Haitian families with annual nativities event Contributed Report The Local More than $325,000 has been raised, 29 homes built in Haiti, and dozens of local families are living in safe housing. As this year marks the 15th annual “No Room at the Inn exhibit,” Catholic Church of the Redeemer, located at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville, is preparing to continue its mission to provide housing for those in need.

Since December 2008, the nativities exhibit has been a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas and a successful fundraiser.

“The exhibit includes hundreds of nativities from around the world and provides a powerful and prayerful way to begin the Advent season,” said Rev. James Cowles, pastor of Church of the

ANCESTOR Continued from pg. 6

life of that person.”

While many of these digitized snapshots of history may not serve a historic significance to many, Scott and Raab emphasized how even undiscovered photographs of an unknown ancestor holds its own immeasurable significance to a family member.

Outside of genealogical history, FamilySearch.org contains a wealth of undiscovered records that give the visitor a deeper understanding

CANDIDATES Continued from pg. 2

Order was ushered in on the back of a Hoax Novel CV19. We know this because the CDC had to retract this claim. Not one virus has yet to be isolated anywhere. The PCR test was never designed to detect viruses and that is why the claim is 97% False Positive this is a fact not in dispute. Then there is this Bioweapon Vax that is being administered has without dispute killed over 3 million Americans and 6.5 million people worldwide. This is reported on the official government sites. The most common cause of death worldwide written on the death certificates is “Sudden Death.” I say, “Anytime

8

Redeemer.

The No Room weekend starts with a Gala Preview on Friday, Dec. 2 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Adults are invited to an evening of food, beverages, live and silent auctions, and music.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

All ages are invited on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $5 for adults and $1 for 18 and younger.

The children’s room returns in 2022, with activities that include crafts and taking part in a live nativity. In addition, the online auction, which premiered in 2020, returns to allow folks to participate remotely. The online auction goes live on “Black Friday,” Nov. 25.

The $325,000 raised in the past 14 years has gone to provide modest homes in Haiti and support the local work of Ashland Supportive Housing, Hanover Safe Place, Safe Harbor, Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions (MCEF), CARITAS, and My Path Forward.

Proceeds from this year’s No Room at the Inn will build two houses in Haiti and support MCEF, which provides emergency rent to prevent eviction in Hanover, and My Path Forward, which provides young people aging out of Virginia’s foster care system with a powerful combination of housing and crucial support services.

For more information, visit www.churchreContributed 2021 file photo deemer.org/no-room or call the church at (804) The “No Room at the Inn exhibit” includes 746-4911, extension 222. hundreds of nativities from around the world.

of their own culture and community.

“Records strengthen communities because they have that sense of place, that sense of person, that sense of history,” Scott said.

Scott discovered something significant – and unexpected – when digitizing the records of Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia that date back to the Civil War. The church, being one of the oldest black congregations in the country, and its intricate documents revealed an image of what life was like for a black Virginian amid the Civil War.

The image, as Scott noted, was surprising as there was no mentioning of the war or slavery in the church’s extensive collection of records. What he found instead was a community who, outside of the turbulent world around them, lived and celebrated its own unique culture.

“There were pockets where people actually lived, and they thrived, and they were free,” Scott said, noting how this discovery brought an enjoyable and deeper understanding of his culture’s history and the lives of his ancestors – the lives only recorded in old photographs or in written names

that reveal what life was truly like unlike any history book.

When searching Hanover County, Virginia in the “Records” search bar on FamilySearch.org, over 200,000 results appear. When searching images, over 100 results appear containing hundreds of images apiece.

Outside of these indexed records are likely thousands more that require a little more old-fashioned digging – yet, of course, with the ease of accessing these records on your computer versus spending hours flipping through dusty scrapbooks.

And of these millions upon mil-

lions of records contained on the website, there may lie relatives you never knew you had, documents of your community that draw you closer to its history, and snapshots of your culture that may reveal another image entirely.

There may even be an image of your grandmother or an earlier ancestor who, to your surprise, looks just like you.

And within this database is a promise that surely comforts every one of us: the realization that your ancestors are gone but not forgotten, and we will never be forgotten, too.

anything in life is 99.96% survivable without medication, you don’t need a Warpspeed Anything! We are living in the Great Awakening, God vs.

Satan.

need, no matter their party affiliation, my team and I are always here to help. I look forward to continuing to work hard for my constituents, and I believe that together we can accomplish incredible results for Virginia, and for our nation.

Since I look just like my brother, when I was in the County, people would come to me thinking I was him–this happened all the time.

I always enjoyed talking to them even if I had to break it to them. I wasn’t that Mr. Jones. I also have a strong relationship with the former Superintendent Dr. Steward Roberson, a fixture in the Hanover community who helped to make my brother the educator he became.

Children. The educational indoctrination, CPS and trafficking are the three battle lines where we have to step up as adults and go after those who terrorize Americas most valuable resource, our children. Restore our 1A and 2A as written in the Constitution.

Develop Hemp Industries for Food, Fuel, Textiles and Medicine.

This is a trillion dollar worldwide market. Prosecute white collar crimes. We have Enemies Domestic residing in our Three Letter Agencies, Congress and in many State House Offices who have conspired to destroy America from within. They won’t get a free pass if we elect enough Patriots to Congress so we can begin Restoring Our Constitutional Republic.

Any other comments you would like to include for our readers?

Wittman: I continue to be inspired by the folks of Virginia’s First Congressional District. As we get out there and meet with families, employers and individuals, I am constantly reminded of what makes this district, and this entire nation, a tremendous place to live and work. While this may be an election, and I am hoping to earn your support, I want folks to know that no matter what they

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

Jones: I am very familiar with the Hanover community, as is my family. My brother, Dr. Stanley Jones, spent 10+ years as an educator here. First, he was an Assistant Principal at Patrick Henry High School and then was promoted to Principal of (formerly) LeeDavis, now Mechanicsville High School. I learned so much about the communities in Hanover– from Western Hanover to Ashland to Mechanicsville through him.

Foster: My Motto is: To Restore Our Constitutional Republic and Return Honor, Integrity and Respect back to the Sacred Hallowed Halls of Congress for We the People.

America First Platform. Pro Life is States right. Twelve-year maximum term in office. Save the

Clay Spring Garden Club explores floral design at October meeting Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local The Clay Spring Garden Club conducted its October meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11. A delightful, informative lecture and demonstration by Jane VanDenburgh revolved around traditional and creative floral designs and was thoroughly enjoyed.

VanDenburgh’s demonstration included the creation of three different creative designs, and names were drawn for club members to take them home.

Members also brought in their own floral designs based on two different themes: “Vegetable Harvest,” a design utilizing vegeta-

bles, flowers and foliage, and “Fall is Here,” a design incorporating three parallel elements.

Club member Mary Wiblin provided the whimsical and delicious Halloween-themed refreshments.

The next meeting will be held on Nov. 8 at the First Baptist Church in Ashland and will feature a lecture by Master Gardener Joan Vandervort entitled, “Growing Hydrangeas.”

Anyone who loves gardening, horticulture and floral design and is interested in joining the Clay Spring Garden Club can contact memberContributed photo ship committee chairperson Laura Follo at (203) Members of the Clay Spring Garden Club enjoy their Halloween-themed refreshments at the 687-0196 for more information. club’s October meeting.

RAILROAD Continued from pg. 1

story in greater vibrancy than ever before.

Railroad Park is a joint project of Downtown Ashland Association, Ashland Museum, Hanover County Black Heritage Society and the Town of Ashland. More than 100 individuals and businesses have donated toward Railroad Park’s construction. Doswell Limited Partnership is its largest supporter, followed closely by the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation along with CSX and The Port of Virginia.

Maggie Longest, executive director of the Downtown Ashland Association, said the project came to fruition due to the community’s generous support.

“Rail fans really stick together,” she said, commenting on how the community’s collective passion for its extensive railroad history brought the project to life.

The project has been in the works for around eight years, with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing back its anticipated completion date to 2023, Longest said. Throughout the process, project officials have worked closely with the com-

Illustration courtesy of Downtown Ashland Association

In Downtown Ashland a portion of the upcoming walking Railroad Park will be situated by the town’s historic railroad tracks.

munity, accumulated donations to fund its construction, and collected historical content to feature in the park.

Keeping with the spirit of the railroad, the outdoor walking tour will be composed of nine different “stops” stretching from the Ashland Town Center toward the railroad tracks.

Longest said they aim to give visitors a comprehensive view of how the railroad trans-

formed the country throughout time and, ultimately, how the passenger rail built the Town of Ashland up from its humble beginnings as “Slash Cottage,” a resort town for Richmond travelers to pass through.

Longest said she is most excited for the modern freight exhibit, which is supported by the Port of Virginia.

“We talk about what’s actually passing by on the rail as it

goes to the port – everything from orange juice to car parts,” she said, adding that it will additionally give context to how these imports and exports benefit the local economy.

Longest believes the walking tour will positively transform tourists’ experiences when visiting the area.

“It’s a storytelling piece so that if you are on the walking journey, you feel like you’ve gotten a little bit of

that authentic story about our community, and it’s also a reason that you might stay a little bit longer,” she said.

The next phase of fundraising will be for posting signage on I-95 that will advertise the park, which they hope will draw in travelers that would have otherwise passed by the area, Longest said.

“The county as a whole has a really wonderful railroad story,” she said. “I mean, there’s just really cool stories and they’re a really important part of our economy here, so we’re hoping this will be a tribute to that heritage and that local residents from all over the county will want to come and visit.”

Exhibits are under construction now, and engineering has begun for site plans.

Construction will begin next year with plans to open exhibits by Ashland Train Day on April 29, 2023.

The state grant brings current funds raised to $185,000, while the total project cost is expected to be $220,000 with the cost of signage.

Downtown Ashland Association asks residents and businesses who wish to support the project to visit ashlandvirginia.com/railroad.

LIBRARY Continued from pg. 5

sands 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/.

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.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022 9

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

10

27 2022

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

10

28 2022

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

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

King William wins Battle of the Turnpike Hanover hammers PH; Armstrong shocks Atlee

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Once Mechanicsville caught its breath, the Mustangs could hold their own against visiting King William Friday night.

Unfortunately for the hosts, the Cavaliers jumped out to a 27-0 first quarter lead and coasted to a 34-13 victory in yet another battle on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Quarterback Kaleb Shelton accounted for most of the King William offense, rushing 17 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns and completing 5-of-11 passes for 78 yards and another touchdown. He had a hand in three of the Cavaliers’ first four touchdowns.

It was a nice turnaround for King William, the defending Virginia High School League Class 2 state champions, who had lost their previous two games.

“We came out. We jumped on them early,” said Cavalier head football coach Scott Moore. “But after they settled in and got their stuff together, it was a battle the rest of the night.

We didn’t score any more in the second half.”

Moore complimented

10

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Right, King William running back Harry Robinson (1) tries to plow through a host of Mechanicsville defenders in the Cavaliers’ 34-7 victory over the host Mustangs Friday night. Above, King William quarterback Kaleb Shelton (3) finds some room to run.

Shelton accounted for most of King William’s offense, with 17 rushes for 145 yards and two touchdowns, and 5-of-11 completions for 78 yards and another score.

the efforts of Mechanicsville’s first-year head coach, Shane Reynolds.

“I think Coach Reynolds has got his program going in the right direction after a rocky start,” Moore said. “I’m glad to see they’ve got it all back together here.”

Moore said the win was good for his Cavaliers.

“As for us, we’re coming off of two losses, and I was glad to get this victory tonight,” he said. “That will give us a little boost going into the rest of our season — and hopefully into the playoffs.”

Both teams are in something of a rebuilding mode. The

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

Cavaliers, while still formidable, lost quite a few seniors to graduation last year — a total that included their two biggest guns, running back Demond Claiborne (the VHSL Class 2 Player of the Year last year now at Wake Forest) and quarterback Jayveon Robinson (now at Old Dominion).

“We lost a lot of guys,” Moore said. “We lost about 15 seniors, two in particular. …

When you lose Jayveon and Demond, that’s a big chunk of your offense right there. I’d say

that was about three-quarters of our offense. … But we’re getting the pieces back together.”

Shelton scored the first two TDs of the game on runs of 41 and 19 yards. The Cavalier defense scored the third touchdown of the game when Joe Isaac intercepted a Ben Payne pass and returned it 29 yards for a score. Shelton then had a hand in the next TD on a 29-yard pass to Harry Robinson. All four scores came in the first quarter.

But Mechanicsville respond-

ed with a 63-yard touchdown toss from Ben Payne to Josh Morris. Nelson Morales’ pointafter made it 27-7.

The Cavaliers weren’t done, however. They added one more touchdown on a 34-yard run by Robinson for the last score of the first half.

Neither team managed to score in the third quarter. The Mustangs got the only TD in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard pass by Payne to Morris.

Isaac and Robinson joined Shelton in leading the Cavalier

highlight performances.

Robinson had 10 carries for 77 yards and a TD rushing and five receptions for 78 yards and another score. Isaac finished with 13 carries for 80 yards.

Payne led the Mustang offense, completing 11-of-21 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Colby Messe had 22 carries for 115 yards and Morris had five receptions for 84 yards and two TDs.

see BATTLE, pg. 12

After nine years at RSN, it’s time to move on

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — By the time you read this, I will no longer be sports editor of The Mechanicsville Local and Ashland-Hanover Local.

It is time for me to move on.

This is my farewell.

I’ve been sports editor for nine years—the longest time I’ve ever spent in a job. But, as I said in my resignation letter, I’m not a fan of eternity. I’ve felt the need to do more with my life but had no plan to do so.

The opportunity to do so arose as a result of my meanderings through life.

I am a child of the Cold War. Both of my parents are veterans.

I volunteered to serve decades ago only to be told I was too blind. (Truth be told, by the time the pre-enlistment physical was over, I wasn’t complaining.)

Still, it is important to me to live a life of some use to my community.

In a series of accidents, I first became a scuba diver, then a divemaster. I joined a volunteer rescue squad to run a dive team that, through miscommunication, the county we served thought was defunct.

I first learned to drive ambulances, then decided to become an emergency medical technician—a useful thing to be for a divemaster.

After a few years as an EMT, I thought it might be useful to become a paramedic. During my training, I found that I really enjoyed the work as well as the opportunity to serve.

So that is what I am going to do now. In some ways, it’s quite a career change at 60 years of age, but I guess I’m not ready to get set in my ways.

The past nine years have, in many ways, been more than people. Whether I planned it connections with many players, rewarding. I have met and got- or not, I became a part of a parents, coaches and officials. ten to know many wonderful community. I developed deep I have earned the right to call

Courtesy of Nick Liberante

Above, Monica Hunsaker gets thrown into the deep end of football coverage, trying to keep up with notes as Lawrence calls out relevant details in an Atlee versus Patrick Henry football game on Sept. 12, 2014. It’s not the broken-leg game.

Joel Klein for The Local

Left, Lawrence interviews David E. Cox, an Air Force veteran and former private pilot, before another veteran, Marcus Simmons, flew Cox out to Scott County for a family reunion.

myself a photojournalist—even better, an “award-winning photojournalist” as I have in a version of my résumé.

I find it hard to pick a best memory from my time as sports editor. One of the most hilari-

ous, however, happened about a month into my tenure—my first and only (so far) worker’s compensation claim—at a Patrick Henry vs. Atlee football game (on a Friday the 13th) when a Patriot defensive back clocked

me just below the knee and well outside the sideline. I ended up with a broken leg and (later) a funny YouTube video complete with X-rays, Rob Witham’s narration of the play when it happened, and even cheesy slow motion.

The next most hilarious memory was from the spring races at Richmond Raceway when a lug nut flew out of Turn One and connected with my noggin. I retrieved the nut in question, visited the Infield Care Center for a humorous evaluation, was cleared and subsequently added the nut to my desktop shrine.

I’ve covered some great stories over the years: Patrick Henry’s six straight state boys volleyball championships; Randolph-Macon’s men’s basketball national championship; King William’s state football championship run; Hanover’s three straight state baseball championships, including an on-diamond graduation ceremony after one of them; the Hawks’ three straight girls tennis championships; and the day last June when both their softball and baseball teams won state titles.

I am proud of the series I put together with Rob Witham, Joel Klein and the late, great Nick Liberante on heat illness and the multimedia feature package centered on the visit of a Commemorative Air Force B-17 bomber to Hanover County Airport in which I discussed the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. In these days where so much focus is on personal gratification, I recommend revisiting that story and the multimedia links. I fear too many of us take our blessings for granted and feel little (or no) obligation to see TIME, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022 11

BATTLE Continued from pg. 10

Armstrong 36, Atlee 34: The Wildcats (4-5) jumped out to a 24-0 halftime lead and withstood a furious second-half rally by the Raiders (2-7) to hold on for a dramatic road victory.

Atlee running back J.J. Lewis continued his standout season with 22 carries for 155 yards and two touchdowns, plus four receptions for 54 yards and another score. Tae Gilpin hauled in five catches for 85 yards, and Scott Holmes Joel Klein had two catches for 33 yards. for The Local Raiders quarterback Brooks Hanover senior Hollins completed 11 of 21 pass Cole Elrod blocks a punt attempts for 172 yards, one TD

by Patrick and one interception. Hollins Henry’s Greg also carried five times for 28 Foster in the yards and two TDs. end zone for a Hanover 41, Patrick Henry safety to give the Hawks a 13: Beau Sahnow carried 11 9-0 lead en times for 113 yards and three route to their touchdowns while completing 41-13 victory 15 of 23 pass attempts for 162 Friday night. yards, another TD and an interception to lead the Hawks (7-2) Hanover running back T.J. Cole Elrod had four receptions passes for 45 yards. effort with five tackles, a sack to a resounding home win over Wingfield rumbled 19 times for 95 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Deante Harris and an interception. Grady their county-rival Patriots (6-3). for 105 yards and a score, and Malachi Madden caught six led the Hawks’ smothering Fahed racked up three tack-

TIME Continued from pg. 11

help make our nation and world a better place.

Over the years I have mentored a number of talented reporters who now have fulfilling careers—in journalism or otherwise. I have not always been the best mentor, but my failures have not stemmed from lack of interest in their growth.

Probably my best achievement over the past nine years has been onboarding and working with Rob, Joel and Nick.

At first, they were freelancers, but they’ve all become good friends. Unfortunately, I had to write an obituary for Nick after he died in 2019. But he is still with me. I hear his voice saying,

12

“Thanks!” for all the memories.

I promise to try to stay in touch.

I would not have been here the past nine years without a lot of folks at both Richmond Suburban News (RSN) and the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Courtesy Former Times-Dispatch sports of Joel Klein editor Jack Berninger brought David me aboard as a freelancer in Lawrence 2000. Former prep editor Arthur was known for being “all Utley—who told folks I looked business” on like Charles Manson, which was the sidelines, a reasonable description—made especially me one of his regulars. when he was When Arthur retired, Eric with fellow serious people Kolenich kept me in his stable. such as former I’ve also enjoyed the comradeMechanicsville ship with Zach Joachim, Tim coach Stuart Pearrell, Wayne Epps, Vince Bernstein.

Shaw, Chris Wilbers and cur“Duuuuude!” every time I run A lot of my sources, staff naming names, I would forget rent sports editor Michael across something that would and officials over the years have someone important, so instead Phillips.

My predecessor at RSN, have upset him—and I chuckle. become friends. If I started please accept my blanket

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

les, two sacks and recovered a fumble. Jalen Copeland had two tackles and a pair of pass breakups, and Brady Elrod had four tackles. Will Webb, Evan Strath, Dillon Honeycutt and Jay Hoel had a sack apiece.

Times-Dispatch staff contributed to this report.

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

King William 27 7 0 0 — 34 Mechanicsville 0 7 0 6 — 13 KW — Shelton 41 run (kick good) KW — Shelton 19 run (kick good) KW — Isaac 29 interception return (kick failed) KW — Robinson 29 pass from Shelton (kick good) MEC — Morris 63 pass from Payne (Morales kick) KW — Robinson 34 run (kick good) MEC — Morris 10 pass from Payne (pass failed) RUSHING KW: Shelton 17-145, Isaac 13-80, Robinson 10-77, Jenkins 1-24, Stewart 1-5, Roane 1-0; MEC: Messe 22-115, Buchanan 3-8, Mashore 1-1, Payne 3-(minus 7).

PASSING KW: Shelton 5-11-78-0, Stewart 0-1-0-1; MEC: Payne 11-21-14-3, Bidou 0-1-0-0.

RECEIVING KW: Robinson 5-78; MEC: Morris 5-84, Maxie 2-22, Buchanan 1-17, Turner 1-14, Messe 2-7.

Charlie Leffler, took me on as a freelancer for The Mechanicsville Local and Goochland Gazette in 2009 (ish). When he was ready to move back to Kentucky, he tapped me as his successor.

To the current team at RSN— publisher Joy Monopoli, managing editor Laura McFarland, Robby Fletcher, Christina Amano Dolan, Roslyn Ryan, Denine D’Angelo, Tom Haynie and Cynthia Adams—I bid a fond farewell (at least as a fellow staff member).

As for the rest of you, I expect I’ll be around as a freelancer. But I won’t be around as much. There are lives to save, and that’s what I plan to focus on from here on out.

Dave Lawrence can now be reached at dave@fuzzo.com.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

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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:

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

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

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.

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

This is YOUR Community.

This is YOUR newspaper

You can reach us at (804) 746-1235

By Order of the Ashland Town Council

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS 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

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 9th day of November 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission 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: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM FY 2023-2034 THROUGH 2027-2028 Review recommendations for amendments or revisions to The Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP is a program that spans five (5) budget years. Non-recurring projects that are capital intensive are included in the CIP. The identified projects and assigned priorities are reviewed annually by the Planning Commission and the Town Council.

ORD2022-07 GAS CANOPY HEIGHT Karl E. Schwartz of The Plan Source, Inc., requests a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to Chapter 21, Article XXV, Section 21-269 of the Ashland Town Code to allow for an increase of one and one-half feet in the height restriction on gas station canopies. The proposal would change the current maximum height of fourteen (14) feet and revise the language to allow fifteen and one-half feet (15.5) of height measured from grade.

Copies of the proposed CIP and ORD2022-07 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.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022 13

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Business & Service Directory CHILD CARE Child Care - Grandmother will care for your child in her Ashland home, infants to 5 years old.

References upon request.

Please call Susan at 804-229-9798.

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Merchandise ANTIQUES For Sale: Very old Sports & Historical Pictures with Signatures and COAs. Also, selling Baseball Cards.

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LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, November 9, 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.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

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

Drivers License & own Transportation Required.

Call 804-746-3122

HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS CONCRETE & BRICK

TREE SERVICE

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

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured.

References. Call or Text 804-874-9184

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

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

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14

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

Licensed/Insured

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, November 9, 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: SE2022-00021, RYAN BAKER Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.25 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit an accessory family housing unit on GPINs 8811-80-2849(part) and 8811-81-2025(part), consisting of approximately 0.49 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the west line of Hanover Quarter Road (State Route 728) approximately one (1) mile north of its intersection with Normans Bridge Road (State Route 614). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam 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 7787-54-5339, 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 its intersection with Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782). The proposed zoning amendment would amend the proffer related to signage. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna SE2022-00019, NORTHCROSS PROPERTIES GM LC (GREEN TOP SPORTING GOODS) Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-338 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a sign taller than permitted on GPIN 7787-54-5339, 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 its intersection with Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782). (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 REZ2022-00010, 7147 MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions to RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8714-77-2332, consisting of approximately 6.5 acres, and located on the south line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) approximately 350 feet east of its intersection with Meadow Drive (State Route 1120).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Family (8 to 15 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 144 age-restricted apartments. This development will share an internal road that provides cross access with the Cambridge Square Apartments (GPIN 8714-87-1189). The total number of dwelling units for both developments will be 351 units on 26.2 acres for a gross density of 13.4 units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville 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 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 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.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022 15

Ashland and Hanover County celebrate expansion of international ITL Group

H

anover County celebrated the expansion of an international company last week alongside the Town of Ashland, which welcomed the ITL Group (of G&H Group) over a decade ago to its first and only U.S. location.

A ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration was held at ITL’s new space, located at 306 Ashcake Road Suite A, on Oct. 18 and was joined by town and county officials along with United Kingdom-based ITL leaders.

“Almost 10 years ago, we were welcomed here in Ashland, which has allowed us to have a presence here in the United States,” said Ian McCutcheon, ITL research and development director. This presence, he added, is now “three or four times bigger” thanks to Thomas Jull, ITL vice president of operations, and the rest of his team.

Based in the United Kingdom and with another location in China, ITL was

first founded in 1977 and has been a trusted partner to a variety of medical companies for the design, development and manufacturing of life-saving medical technology, diagnostic devices and laboratory instruments. The company also has its own laboratory equipment brand, Vitl Life Science Solutions, which is sold directly to users and through distribution, shipping product from Ashland across North and South America.

The company first began their U.S. operations out of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center in 2013 and continues to expand every year. The new space doubles the company’s square footage from their former location in the Hanover Business Park, providing more office space, a segregated production area, and a larger dedicated warehouse for product stock storage and logistics.

Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett offered remarks during the ceremony and thanked ITL

for their presence in the town over the years.

“This is one of the wins, as far as I’m concerned, where a great idea got born in Ashland and it didn’t go off somewhere far away but stayed in Ashland,” Trivett said.

“We don’t care how far our connections go, we’re happy to have partners wherever they are in the world or in the universe,” Trivett added. “So congratulations on this wonderful growth.”

Linwood Thomas, director of economic development for Hanover County, thanked the group for their investment and expansion in the county.

Thomas said the county is seeing a “significant growth” in the life sciences space and in its international business market, with ITL adding to the county’s “long list” of international partners.

“We understand that the hard work just starts on your expansion, so we want to be a resource with the county and

the town,” Thomas said, adding that the company has “two partners in this venture” that stand ready to offer assistance as needed.

Jull offered final remarks on behalf of ITL during the cer-

LEARNING

Extension Office, noting that the Master Gardeners contributed 6,000 hours of volunteer service this year alone.

The Horticultural Learning Center will be a space for public education, demonstrating research-based gardening practices that can be incorporated into the home setting. Master Gardeners will manage the garden and partner with interested community members throughout their gardening journeys.

The garden will consist of multiple raised beds constructed through different methods and materials and feature perennial, annual and native plants and herbs and vegetables, with some of the raised beds demonstrating vertical gardening techniques using a rainwater harvesting system and other water-wise practices.

Maxey-Nay said whatever is grown in the beds will be dependent on what their community partners are interested in growing.

“That, for me, is the most exciting part -- that it’s going to be community-driven,” said Maxey-Nay. “Whatever they want to learn about is what we’re putting into the garden.”

The Master Gardeners will additionally utilize the space to supply produce to local food banks and offer in-person instruction to local gardening clubs or any other interested community groups on the topic of their choice.

“I think after COVID, people want to be more self-sufficient,” Maxey-Nay said. “And this gives us a platform to teach them how to grow their own food… canning, and how to

preserve their own food.”

She added that the new space will invite a deeper appreciation for local farmers.

“Agriculture is still the #1 industry in Hanover, and so we’re trying to keep it number one by showing people the importance of and how hard it is to actually grow your own food.”

Buzz Sawyer, Master Gardener and past president of the Hanover Master Gardener Association, said the horticultural center will become a “practical hands-on laboratory that is accessible to everyone.”

Maxey-Nay said construction will take around five years to complete. The first initiative will be capturing rainwater off the Extension Service building, followed by raised bed construction for spring planting begin-

Continued from pg. 1

the Master Gardeners for their work, including providing much volunteer support to the county’s COVID-19 community vaccination efforts.

“This center will continue the tremendous commitment you have made to work with the community,” Budesky said.

According to Laura MaxeyNay, agriculture and natural resource agent of the Hanover Extension Office, the center has already accumulated over 100 Master Gardener volunteers to help with its construction.

“Nature is their office and this garden will become their living room,” said Angelette Pryor, extension volunteer manager for the Hanover

16

Ashland-Hanover Local October 26, 2022

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan):

ITL Group officials stand ready to cut the ceremonial ribbon to the company’s new Ashland space along with Hanover County and Town of Ashland officials.

emony.

“Thank you to the Town of Ashland for having us, and thank you to the county of Hanover as well,” Jull said. “It’s a beautiful place to be and work.

We’ve really enjoyed it and we’re

just really looking forward to continuing to grow our business here.”

For more information on ITL and their variety of services, visit the website: https:// www.itlmedical.com/about-us/.

Photo courtesy of Hanover County

Marion Jones, from left, John Budesky, Scott Bateman, Dave Myers, Chip England, Dan Smith, Laura Maxey-Nay, Doris Gullotta and Jane Ruffin break ground on a new Horticultural Learning Center in Ashland.

ning in January 2023.

The Master Gardeners will need to raise funds or obtain grant funding for all parts of the learning center.

To make donations or for more information on how to

help, contact Pryor at (804) 7524309 or Maxey-Nay at (804) 752-4310.

Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County, contributed to this report.