Ashland-Hanover Local

Record numbers of Hanover votes dominate Election Day

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

A record number of Hanover County residents cast their votes in the 2022 General Election last week, including an upsurge in early voter participation this year.

With Republican candidates Rob Wittman and Bob Good clinching victories in the 1st and 5th congressional districts, respectively, a majority of Hanover residents helped secure the two incumbent representatives’ seats in Congress.

Virginia’s 1st congressional district stretches from the Middle Peninsula into the Fredericksburg area and encompasses 20 communities to include portions of Hanover County.

Wittman, who has served since 2007, was reelected to serve Virginia’s 1st congressional district after winning around 56.35% of total district votes with challenger Herb Jones (D) following closely behind with 42.60% of votes. In Hanover, 65.92% ofregistered voters cast ballots for Wittman and 33.14% for Jones.

Virginia’s 5th congressional district stretches from Charlottesville and Albemarle County south to Halifax on the North Carolina border and contains all or portions of 24 cities and counties. Following redistricting in 2021, the district now includes around 13,400 voters in western Hanover County as well

County honors Veterans Day with local heroes

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

The County Administration Building was overflowing with visitors Friday to honor the nation’s veterans at the Hanover County Veterans Day ceremony.

The Nov. 11 ceremony was to be held at Hanover Wayside Park but was relocated due to inclement weather forecasts. Despite the last-

minute change and a series of tornado warnings, the afternoon attracted over 100 attendees to participate in the moving celebration and recognition of those who have served and continue to serve in the nation’s military.

Following an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Penny Dupuis, Hanover County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Kelly-

as all of Louisa, Powhatan and Goochland counties.

Good secured his second term representing Virginia’s 5th congressional district against challenger Josh Throneburg (D). With all precincts reporting, Good had about 61.4% of the vote to about 38.4% for Throneburg. Approximately 69.58% of registered voters supported Good and 30.27% voted for Throneburg.

This year’s election also featured Hanover County Board of Supervisors Beaverdam District candidate Robert Monolo, who secured 93.87% of votes running unopposed. Monolo will now serve as the new Beaverdam supervisor.

Voter participation in

ELECTION,

School board approves new courses for 2023-2024

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

The Hanover County School Board voted unanimously to approve four new electives for the 2023-2024 school year during last week’s regularly scheduled meeting, including the introduction of two agriculture courses that came to fruition by popular demand.

The four new electives for the upcoming school year are Livestock Production Management, Introduction to Animal Systems, Marketing Exploration and African American History.

Jennifer Greif, assistant superintendent for instructional leadership, offered an overview of the courses during the school board’s Oct. 11 meeting.

“We consider our elective choices very carefully,” Greif said. “We want to make sure

that we are being responsive to the needs of our students and the needs of our community.”

Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Michael Gill added later in the meeting that

Beau to Cole connection saves Hawks’ season

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Doswell Ruritan Club saw a wave of voters in the Blunts area throughout the morning and afternoon last Tuesday, drawing over 400 voters by 1 p.m.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local Dr. Bom Harris, livestock veterinarian in Hanover County and 29 other localities, discusses the necessity of additional agriculture courses during the Nov. 8 school board meeting’s public comment period.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Over 100 people crowded the County Administration Building to honor the nation’s veterans at the Hanover County Veterans Day ceremony held Nov. 11.

The value of every voice found in a 1920 ballot box

Christmas Mother Clements celebrates season of giving with the community

Hanover County seeks input on proposed strategic plan

Contributed Report

The Local

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors is considering updates to its fiveyear Strategic Plan for the county government. The board is seeking public comments and feedback on the proposed plan, particularly the content. The proposed plan and its individual chapters can be read on the Board of Supervisors page at www. hanoverco u nty. g ov/proposedstrategic.

Contributed photos

Mother Michele Clements, 2022 Hanover Christmas, has been keeping busy around the community in promoting the season of giving. Last month, Giovanni’s Subs and Pizza in Mechanicsville presented a check to Clements on behalf of the program, which supports Hanover County families in need during the holidays. On Nov. 7, Clements visited Covenant Woods to speak of the program and was invited by 1995 Hanover Christmas Mother Gabie Crutchfield to dinner and to speak afterward.

On Nov. 10, Clements spoke to Market Ashland Partnership (MAP) during their breakfast meeting at The Depot in Ashland. She was presented a check by Corinne Dixon.

To make a tax deductible donation by check to the Hanover Christmas Mother, mail it to Hanover Christmas Mother P.O. Box 39, Doswell, VA, 23047.

Feedback on the plan will be collected through Nov. 30. Feedback will be reviewed and considered for updates and edits to the draft plan before it is presented to the board for requested approval at its 2 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

A comment form has been provided on the webpage. Comments can also be sent to strategicplan@ hanovercounty.gov.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, communica tions specialist for Hanover County.

SHERIFF ’S REPORTS

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Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

July 18

Credit card fraud, $200 or more in six months was reported in the 11400th block of Ashcake Road, Ashland.

Use of profane or threatening language over a public airway was reported in the 15200th block of Breedens Road, Doswell.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 19000th block of Bent Oak Lane, Bumpass.

July 19

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 14100th block of Ashland Road, Glen Allen.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 16600th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Credit card theft was reported in the 9000th block of Doswell Road, Doswell.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 12000th block of Harley Club Drive, Ashland.

DWI: First offense was reported in the 10200th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

Marijuana: Possession/ consumption by a minor was reported in the 9800th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

July 20

Larceny of bank notes, checks was reported in the 10000th block of Lickinghole Road, Ashland.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 12400th block of Cedar Lane,

Ashland.

DWI: First offense was reported in the 10400th block of Atlee Station Road, Ashland.

July 21

Identity theft with financial loss more than $200 was reported in the 600th block of England Street, Ashland.

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 10300th block of South Cedar Lane/ Washington Highway, Glen Allen.

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

July 22

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 13300th block of Slayden Circle, Ashland.

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 14900th block of Patrick Meadows Way, Montpelier.

Simple assault was reported in the 9100th block of Hickory Hill Road, Ashland.

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

July 23

Destruction of property, monument, $1,000 or more was reported in the 8400th block of Combs Drive/Oakham Drive, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 8100th block of Pine Ridge Road, Mechanicsville.

Hit and run with attended property damage more than $1,000 was reported in the 11600th block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Simple assault was reported in the 8300th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 13000th block of Providence Trail Circle, Ashland.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 7100th block of Brandy Hill Terrace, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 8200th block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

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

July 24

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 19100th block of Woodsons Mill Road, Beaverdam.

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 10400th block of Old Washington Highway, Glen Allen.

July 25

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 11200th block of Knox Drive, Ashland.

Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 11000th block of Air Park Road, Ashland.

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The first woman to vote in the Mangohick precinct

Contributed Report The Local

When women were given the right to vote, Jayne Flowers’ grandmother was fortunate to be the first woman to vote in the Mangohick precinct in King William

County in the November 1920 presidential race.

Annie McGeorge Moran was 23 years old when she was first able to vote. She was born in 1897, married in 1918, and had the first of her three children in 1919. Her husband, Julian Moran,

SCHOOL

each elective represents a minimum of one to two years of work, and that staff is “hard at work” tackling other course requests.

Throughout the process, the HCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board and the four high school principals assess where they may see gaps in their CTE course offerings and what areas of study students are interested in.

Greif said The Livestock Production Management and Introduction to Animal Systems courses were heavily requested by the community for various years. The two courses will go hand-in-hand in offering students a robust overview of animal agriculture and farm management.

The Introduction to Animal Systems course is designed to offer 10th and 11th grade students an opportunity to learn each of the major areas of the animal systems career pathway, including animal nutrition, reproduction, breeding, care, management and safety, along with agricultural mechanics applicable to animal systems. Students will be exposed to principles of leadership and opportunities within Future Farmers of America (FFA), along with Supervised Agricultural Experience opportunities. This is a foundational course for the agriculture animal programs.

Greif added in the Oct. 11 meeting that the animal systems course could potentially lead to the introduction of a small animal veterinary program within the HCPS Specialty Center at Hanover High School down the road.

The Livestock Production Management course is designed to offer 11th and 12th grade students an opportunity to learn how to supervise farming animal programs, including working with cows, pigs, horses, poultry, sheep and goats. This includes raising, handling, evaluating, feeding, breeding, caring for and transporting farm animals. Students will also learn about soil and water management, cropping programs on a farm, and financial elements of running a farm and livestock operation, including income, expense and production record forms. This course will include some instruction in agricul-

served for many years as a poll worker for the Mangohick precinct. He made the ballot box that was used for the 1920 election.

Following the election, Moran was given the ballot box as a memento of that special occasion. It has been kept

ture mechanics, with emphasis placed on the application of mechanical skills to farm power and machinery.

Justin Roerink, principal of the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology and CTE coordinator, found strong interest in the two courses among 9th and 10th grade students. His survey found that 432 students indicated interest in the animal systems course and 357 students expressed interest in the livestock course. Much of their middle school population, in addition, indicated interest in the possibility of a veterinary science program.

Last week’s meeting attracted several supporters of the two courses who voiced their necessity in the community prior to the school board’s approval later in the evening.

Grace Stanley, a Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) student and member of FFA, voiced her support of the courses during the meeting’s public comment period. Stanley, who is a fourthgeneration dairy farmer in Ashland, identified the need for these courses while attending Liberty Middle School and started a petition for animal agriculture classes.

Stanley said in order to continue to be an FFA member in her junior and senior years, she must take an agriculture class.

“FFA is important to me because it is the only extracurricular activity in which I participate,” Stanley said. “It gives me leadership opportunities, and it is a chance for students interested in promoting agriculture to work together.”

She said many fellow FFA chapter members have some sort of farm animal.

“The limited number of agriculture courses offered to Hanover County students is out of balance to the importance of agriculture in Virginia. Agriculture is Virginia's biggest private industry by far,” Stanley said, adding that the industry has an economic impact of $70 billion annually and provides more than 334,000 jobs in the state, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Bom Harris, a livestock veterinarian that has worked with Stanley’s family farm, said the two courses will help mitigate the major farm labor shortage that exists today.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 16, 2022

for over 100 years as a treasured piece of family history.

Information courtesy of Jayne Flowers, an officer of election for Hanover County since 2016.

“Literally on a daily basis, I speak with farmers who are wondering whether they can stay in business simply because they cannot find people to work on their farms,” Harris said.

She said giving students the opportunity to learn about animal agriculture and farming could inspire them to take a job at a nearby farm, strengthening the county’s farming community and keeping its farms in business.

Harris also believes that these courses will offer students the ability to make informed and healthy decisions about what food they incorporate into their daily diet.

“I believe that this broadens the horizons of our students and strengthens our rural community by inspiring an interest and knowledge about agriculture,” Harris said.

School board chair John Axselle commended Stanley for approaching him several years ago and kick-starting the process by explaining the courses’ necessity and garnering support in the community.

“It makes us proud to see one of our students and members of the community already striving to become a productive and responsible member of our adult community,” he said.

The Marketing Exploration class replaces an existing course in order for HCPS to align their coursework with the state and will be offered at all four high schools. The course is designed to

offer 9th and 10th grade students an opportunity to explore the world of marketing to understand its importance in today’s society. Students will develop essential skills related to interpersonal communication, self-presentation, economics, marketing, sales, employability, career discovery, promotion and ethical decision-making. This is a foundational course for the marketing programs.

The African American History course will align with a state course that has been available to students in Virtual Virginia and is designed to offer 11th and 12th grade students an opportunity to examine the role and contributions of African Americans to the growth and development of the U.S. Students will develop an understanding of the historical significance of the African American experience from African origins through the modern era. Primary and secondary sources are used to develop and support historical thinking skills.

“And we’ll know before we do any staffing in the spring whether these courses have enough enrollment to warrant shifting some staffing or bringing on new staff to teach,” Greif said in the Oct. 11 meeting.

For more information on offered HCPS classes and programs for CTE, visit the website, https://www.hcps.us/departments/instruction/ cte.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

During its Nov. 8 meeting, the Hanover County School Board unanimously approved four new courses that will be offered to high school students in the upcoming school year.

Contributed photo Annie McGeorge Moran was the first woman in her precinct to vote.

Ashland Bridge Club celebrates Forkner’s 100th birthday

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Contributed photo

The Ashland Bridge Club helped celebrate Hank Forkner’s 100th birthday at the Ashland Branch Library on Nov. 4. Three parties were held for Hank, including one held on Nov. 1 by the Atlee Bridge Club, and then another large celebration by his family and friends on his actual birthday, Saturday, Nov. 5 at Roma in Mechanicsville. The Atlee party was held at the home of one of the regular players in the club.

the editor

The value of every voice found in a 1920 ballot box

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

One of the most enjoyable highlights of floating around the Hanover County polling precincts on Nov. 8 was the undeniable spirit of the voters –who came in larger waves than I first anticipated. Voter after voter walking through the doors of their local polling place showed once again how this hands-on community not only values their voices but celebrates their impact, knowing that even one more ballot can make a difference.

Because as Officer of Election Jayne Flowers powerfully narrated in a fascinating interview, there was a time when not all of us had a voice that could be heard, and that there were those who preceded us that fought for the right to make a difference.

Flowers’ grandmother, Annie McGeorge Moran, was 23 years old when she made history in November of 1920. Writing the name of her preferred candidate for the presidential race, she placed her vote in a modest wooden box no bigger than an average shoebox made by her husband, Julian Moran, who served as a poll worker for the Magohick precinct in King William County.

Flowers said while records do not date back farther than the 1930s, she is curious how many voters placed a simple piece of paper in that little box.

“It’s interesting that people would just come in and write on a piece of paper who they wanted to vote for and put it in the box,” Flowers said. “And it had a key lock, and so at the end of the day, you

could just unlock it and open it up and counted the pieces of paper that were in there.”

“I think because I’m now an officer of election in Hanover, when you think of all the security and all the things that we go through, it’s so amazing to think that people have this trust in their neighbors that they are going to count and report the information accurately,” she added.

This little box would be passed down through generations of the family and treasured for 100 years, as it signifies a moment that Moran carried

with pride throughout her whole life – the moment when she, placing her ballot in the box, became the very first woman to vote in her precinct. It still holds a pride of place in the family today.

“Even 64 years later, she still carried that pride and that distinction,” Flowers said, as her grandmother bestowed the cherished box to her son in her handwritten will.

But to Moran, Flowers and her family, they know that this box signifies a crucial turning point in history.

“When you think about it, you know, 102 years ago is really not very long in the history of the world, and to think that that point in time was so late for women to finally be able to vote,” Flowers said. “So many different groups have struggled so hard to have the right to vote.”

She acknowledged how too often, eligible voters across the country carry the thought: “What difference will one vote make?” when deciding to stay home on Election Day.

“It makes a huge difference,” Flowers said, and her grandmother held onto this ballot box knowing that even just one vote made history.

“I think that just tells you how much she treasured that ability to vote,” Flowers said. “And we can’t take it for granted. It’s too easy to do that because our lives in so many ways are so easy compared to the old days. We need to really treasure it and make sure that we have the type of country we want by being able to vote.”

While the 2022 Election Day is behind us, I will certainly remember Moran’s story and

see BALLOT, pg. 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

Get off my lawn?

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

There’s a new controversy stirring in college football. It doesn’t involve late hits on the quarterback or over aggressive defensive backs. In fact it doesn’t even focus on any activity that occurs during the actual game, or any players participating in the game.

No, it’s the fans who are drawing the attention of some conference officials who are concerned that recent storming the field incidents have bordered on bedlam; and onfield security has been overwhelmed with the influx of fans invading their space following a big win.

Several weeks ago when Tennessee beat Alabama for the first time in 14 seasons, Neyland Stadium in Knoxville erupted and stands emptied, depositing thousands of enthusiastic – and in some cases inebriated – celebrants on ground usually reserved for players, coaches, officials and properly credentialed sideline support staff and press.

It’s all good fun, right? That is until someone gets hurt, and facts indicate that quite a few were injured in the Tennessee debacle. Accurate estimates of just how many sprained ankles or twisted knees were endured by the crazed fans are not available, and school officials are anxious to downplay the display.

An overhead shot of the stadium following the game was spectacular as large fireworks exploded atop a stadium filled to capacity squeezed onto the field.

“This isn’t going to end well,” I thought to myself.

And it didn’t. Southeastern Conference officials reacted last week with a release stating their intent to investigate field security and review current policies.

© 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.

November 16, 2022

That press release came after the conference fined Tennessee $100,000 for the recent storming at Neyland

Photo courtesy of Hanover Countyl

Jayne Flowers stands left with Allison Fox, General Registrar for King William County, and Flowers’ prized 1920 ballot box passed down by her grandmother.

Continued from pg. 1

this year’s election hit an alltime-high in Hanover County, according to Teresa Smithson, the county’s director of elections. Smithson said this is partly due to recent growth in the county’s voting age population to around 86,000 residents.

According to the Virginia Department of Elections, 72,565 Hanover County voters were registered as of Nov. 1, 2022 with 608 new registered voters, up from 161 new registered voters reported in December 2021.

Hanover also revealed a boost in early voter participation this year with 10,785 residents voting early in-person and 4,515 voting by mail, said Smithson.

But Hanover’s 39 precincts still saw large crowds of voters filter in and out throughout the Election Day on Nov. 8, with various locations reporting early morning rushes when polls opened at 6 a.m.

The Doswell Ruritan Club’s parking lot was full by 11 a.m. and over 408 votes were cast by 1:30 p.m. The Ashland precinct similarly reported a steady flow of voters throughout the day with over 500 votes

counted by 2 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall.

The Atlee Branch Library hosted the Rutland polling precinct for the first time and saw the most significant traffic during the early morning hours.

Rutland resident Harry Feild was quickly in and out of the library after casting his vote, noting how swift and easy the tailored voting process was.

“I’m voting because education is very important for me, and we need to have people that are going to look out for the best interest of education,” Feild said.

Anetra Byrd’s quick trip to the library was inspired by her willingness to be an active

citizen and the importance of every vote.

“I think it’s always important to exercise your right to vote because your vote is your voice,” Byrd said.

Thirty-eight out of the 39 precincts reported their results on election night with the final precinct reporting on Monday.

In a statement to The Local, Rep. Good called representing the 5th district one of the “greatest privileges” of his life.

“I would like to thank the voters of the 5th District for giving me the honor of continuing to represent you in Congress. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve as your representative these past two years, and

I am truly grateful for your continued support. I am committed to continuing to fight for you in Washington, and I pledge to work relentlessly to secure the border, balance the budget, put parents and children first in education, restore our constitutional freedoms, and hold the Biden administration accountable. Thank you again for entrusting me to

represent you,” Good said.

The Local reached out to Rep. Wittman and Monolo for a statement but did not receive a response by press time.

For full election results and voter statistics on the 2022 General Election and others, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website, https:// www.elections.virginia.gov/.

BALLOT

Continued from pg. 6

the little ballot box for many Election Days to come. I will remember this story as I attempt to persuade my friends to cast their votes, or as I reflect on why my parents pushed the thought of “What difference will one vote make?” out of my mind throughout my life.

Because as that little 1920 ballot box powerfully exemplifies, there is value to be found in every voice, and we are fortunate enough to live in a time that values ours.

LAWN

Continued from pg. 6

and indicated stronger security might be necessary to prevent the obviously dangerous procedure.

Like everything else that happens in college football, other fan bases noted the takeover and there will inevitably be more incidents of students and fans storming the field following big wins.

It’s not a new occurrence. Growing up as a college football fan, it wasn’t unusual to see fans tearing down goal

posts following a win on their home field. After several fans were seriously hurt by falling goal posts, that practice became a seeming relic of the past akin to swallowing gold fish or marathon dance contests.

But, Tennessee fans didn’t hold back last month as they not only stormed the field but tore down a goal post, paraded it through the stadium and eventually deposited the trophy in the Tennessee River.

I would agree that college

see LAWN, pg. 8

BYLAURENGUNDERSON ANDMARGOTMELCON

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Ashland Town Hall attracted a steady flow of voters in the Ashland area last Tuesday, with over 500 voters passing through by the early afternoon. The Doswell Ruritan Club saw a similar rush, with over 400 voters by 1:30 p.m.

53rd Ashland Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade returns Nov. 20

Contributed Report

The Ashland Kiwanis Club has been working diligently to welcome back Santa Claus to Hanover County this month. After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 53rd annual Ashland Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade is returning on Nov. 20. Due to Santa’s busy schedule, the parade is a rain or shine event, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

This year, the parade will feature 96 units with well over 1,500 individuals taking part, walking, riding, marching and dancing. The parade is sponsored by the Town of Ashland with the Ashland Kiwanis Club organizing and directing the parade as they have done for 25 years. The starting loca-

tion is at the intersection of Thompson Street and Snead streets. The step off time is 2 p.m. Units travel east on Thompson and England streets, turning North at Henry Street, through the Randolph-Macon Campus and ends on Archie Cannon Drive at John M Gandy School.

Representatives of the Town of Ashland Police and Hanover County Sheriff’s Office will lead the parade following the Color Guard. The Parade Grand Marshal this year is Parney, the CEO of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. He will ride in a 1962 Chevrolet, driven by Gregg Glassner, and be accompanied by Nutzy and Nutasha.

And, as usual, the last unit is Santa Claus. Between these two very important people, there will be the Patrick Henry High School marching band, Navy Junior ROTC units from Patrick

Henry and Mechanicsville High Schools, antique vehicles, the Snow Bear from the Virginia Repertory Theater, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Fire and Rescue Units, as well as the ACCA Temple’s Klowns, Oriental Band, Motorcycle Drill Team, Mini-Patrol and the ACCA Motor Trikes, along with the ACCA Million Dollar Band to put a spark in the entertainment. The 2022 Hanover Christmas Mother, Michele Clements, will also be riding in the parade. In addition, no parade is complete without a few horses, and this year will be no exception.

For those who are not in the parade this year but would like an invitation next year, contact the Ashland Kiwanis Club at ashlandkiwanis@gmail.com. Invitations go out via email in early September. To find out more about the club and their projects, email the

same address or visit the club’s website, www.ashlandvakiwanis.org.

Mark Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. on your calendars to attend the parade that begins the holiday sea-

son in Ashland, Hanover County and Metropolitan Richmond. Bundle up and come out for the parade and a ringside seat along the route.

LAWN Cool Well neighborhood volunteers pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

from pg. 7

football is the most exciting game in town, and the enthusiasm of dedicated fans is an important element in the magical environment surrounding the contests.

I also contend that enthusiasm should be limited to the stands, and the field should remain a sanctuary to the purity of the game. Players dream as small children of their opportunity to step on a field of dreams implanted in their minds for years.

I returned home this weekend to catch the final seconds of what was billed as the game of the year as top ranked Tennessee took on #3 Georgia. The Bulldogs pulled off an impressive win, and a fan base known for their wild enthusiasm did not storm the field.

I was puzzled so I called a former colleague, a Georgia alumni, and inquired why storming the field in Athens is not acceptable.

“We’ve had a lot of big wins so we like to act like we’ve been there before,” he said. “And, you run on Dooley field and you’re probably going to be face to face with a hefty Georgia State Trooper.”

Others tell me my objection to the longstanding tradition of storming the field is just a symptom of old age, accusing me of being the disgruntled old man who yells at kids for being on his lawn.

That just might have some merit.

Contributed Report

Ashland-Hanover Local

Volunteers gathered in late September at a home in the Cool Well subdivision for an Operation Christmas Child (OCC) “Packing Party.” The beauty of the fall day, with the brisk breeze and bright sunshine, was further enhanced by the love and prayers packed into 100 shoeboxes.

Prior to the event, many donated and sorted items. The day of, 16 volunteers packed and wrote notes to put in the boxes for the eventual recipient. Operation Christmas Child, a unique project organized by Samaritan’s Purse, delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to needy children around the world.

The gifts show God’s love in a tangible way. Before receiving their shoeboxes, those distributing them share the gospel message with the children. Many take the boxes and the news of the gospel they heard home to their family and friends.

In 2021, OCC estimates that over 2.3 million children made a public profession of faith to Christ. In addition, over 1,000 new churches formed as a result of this ministry. The shoeboxes often filled with school supplies, hygiene items and toys is the first gift they have ever received.

Locally, over 130 churches and organiza-

tions participate in OCC, which includes a host of individuals who shop, sort, pack and collect.

National Collection Week began Nov. 14 and will last until Nov. 21. This year, people may drop off boxes at two designated dropoff locations in the Mechanicsville area, New Bethesda Baptist Church (Mechanicsville) and the Dover Baptist Association (Lakeridge

Park).

Those interested may find the hours of operation on https://www.samaritanspurse. org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/, along with additional information about OCC. If your church, Sunday school class, Bible study or community group would like more information on how to become involved, contact Peggy Cross at lawguy101@aol.com.

Contributed photo

The 53rd Annual Ashland Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Nov. 20.

Contributed photo

Volunteers pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

PHHS honored for serving military-connected students

Contributed Report The Local

Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) has once again been named one of the best schools in Virginia for students and families connected to the country’s military.

PHHS was selected by the Virginia Department of Education’s Military Student Support Process Action Team (MSSPAT) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity of Military Children for the 2022-2023 Purple Star Designation Award, a recognition for schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.

“It is not only an honor, but a privilege to serve those who have chosen to defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy,” said Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of schools. “We are incredibly proud of Patrick Henry High School for again going above and beyond to support the unique needs of our military families. This recognition is well deserved, and we look forward to the continued work not only at PHHS, but across Hanover County Public Schools in serving our country’s heroes and their families.”

Hanover County Public Schools enrolls approximately 250 military-connected students.

PHHS principal Chris Martinez said that achieving the designation “means that our staff, teachers, and counselors have embraced and dedicated themselves to supporting this unique population of our PHamily.”

“Our staff realize children of those serving in our military have a unique educational experience and needs,” he said. “We take pride

in helping our students of military families feel connected and supported by the PHamily.”

The high school has a PHamily Advisory program, which is meant to support both stu dents’ academic and social needs, that provides students an opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and other students at the school. Students and staff meet in small groups once a month to discuss a variety of issues and to build relationships, as well as strengthen existing ones, something Martinez credits with helping the school achieve this distinguished status.

Additionally, Martinez said the school’s NJROTC program is “embedded into the PH culture and plays a vital role in supporting military connected students. Cadets represent excellence and commitment to our students in the building and in the community.”

“Hanover County enjoys a great reputation as a great place to live often due to the outstanding educational system. Many times, these military members deploy and the school system must meet the challenge of a newer student, who is missing a key member of the household,” Martinez said. “Patrick Henry prides itself in being ready to provide that support.”

PHHS will receive a Certificate of Recognition to be displayed at the school and an award coin. The school was also recognized during Tuesday night’s Hanover County School Board meeting.

PHHS was also named as a Purple Star Award recipient in 2019. More information about the program can be found on the Virginia Department of Education’s website.

Information submitted by Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.

Photo courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools

Patrick Henry High School was honored at the Nov. 8 Hanover County School Board meeting for its recognition as a Purple Star school. Pictured here are (from left to right) School Board Chairman John F. Axselle III (Beaverdam District), PHHS Principal Chris Martinez, PHHS NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor LT. Jim Head, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Gill.

Sports

Beau to Cole connection saves Hawks’ season

By Rob Witham for The Mechanicsville Local

MECHANICSVILLE –

When your season is at stake, it’s great to have friends.

Beau Sahnow and Cole Elrod have known each other for more than two-thirds of their lives. They’ve developed a unique chemistry in this renaissance season for the Hanover Hawks. And Thursday night, with 36 seconds left, down 31-28, that chemistry extended their campaign.

Sahnow’s fourth down, 12-yard pass to Elrod, caught while draped so closely by an Eastern View defender that pass interference was called, gave Hanover a 35-31 victory over the Cyclones in a Class 4, Region B quarterfinal.

“Backyard football, regular football, basketball, I’ve played it all with Beau,” Elrod said. “I have full confidence giving that man the ball. He’s a playmaker.”

The score saved Hanover (9-2) from what could have been a crushing defeat. After taking a 28-10 lead to halftime, the Hawks began the second half with possession. But when Sahnow was hit hard in the backfield, fumbling the ball, the Cyclones recovered at the 7 yard line.

Eastern View (8-3) had to turn to freshman A.P. Hull after losing starting quarterback D’Myo Hunter to injury late in the first half. Hull found Tre Brock for a touchdown after the

fumble to cut the Hawks’ lead to 28-17. After a Sahnow interception on the next possession by Brock, Hull tossed another touchdown pass. In a blink, it was 28-24.

Early in the fourth, Zach Tyler’s blitz forced Hull to throw the first of two critical interceptions. But Hanover was stopped on both drives, once inside the five, setting the stage for what seemed to be Hull heroics.

The freshman drove the Cyclones down the field, throwing into double coverage on Brock in the end zone. Malachi Madden tipped the ball, but it caromed into Brock’s

hands. With 3:35 left, Eastern View had their first lead of the night since it was 7-6 in the first quarter.

Hanover moved the ball into the red zone, calling timeout in the final minute facing fourth and ten at the Eastern View 12. It was time for the dynamic duo to seize the moment.

“My one thought was I’ve got to get a foot inbounds,” Elrod noted when asked about the winning score. “They called my number, and I had to make a play.”

The Cyclones used a hook and lateral play to move just past midfield, but their final two pass plays for the end zone

Joel Klein for The Local

fell incomplete.

For Hanover, it was their 10th straight win in the first round of the playoffs in this, their first postseason game since 2015. Head coach Sam Rogers praised the senior class for their perseverance in restoring the winning culture at Hanover.

“We’ve been through some low times here,” Rogers recalled. “The seniors were freshmen in 2019 on a 2-8 team. It’s those guys. It means a lot to all of us. It’s not me.”

Hanover advances to face top-seeded Dinwiddie in a Region 4B semifinal on the road next Friday.

Hanover students raise money through tennis tournament

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

It had been well over a year since either Campbell Woods or Willow Dickenson had played a game of tennis when they entered into the second annual Play it Forward Tennis Tournament, but with a chance to raise money for a good cause, the reasoning for getting back on the courts was too good to pass up.

Woods and Dickenson, who are a junior and freshman at Hanover High School, joined the tennis tournament in the efforts to help raise money for women’s cancer research at Massey Cancer Center along with 32 other tennis players at Courtside West on Oct. 16.

Not only did the Hanover duo quickly raise money, $875 in a week to be exact, but they also flourished on the court as well, going undefeated and winning their tennis division. Their $875 contribution was the highest of any team that contributed at the fundraiser. Even better, Hanover matched the students’ personal donation and supported them and their initiative to help for a good cause.

The two Hawks students, both straight-A students and multi-sport athletes that just finished up their volleyball season, met this fall and

quickly shared an interest in supporting a cause that meant something to them. When they found the Play it Forward tournament and what impact it made on cancer research, it was clear that was the one they sought to enter.

Now, after playing a part in the tournament raising $10,375 compared to $5,300 from the first year, they’re eager to go back to the tournament next year with the hopes of raising more money while also getting more fellow student-athletes involved.

11 19 2022

Hanover football at Dinwiddie 1:30 p.m.

RandolphMacon football v. Cortland St. 12 p.m.

11 19 2022

Hanover Quarterback Beau Sahnow finds running room in the secondary in the Hawk’s 23-14 victory over Matoaka.

Contributed photo Campbell Woods (left) and Willow Dickenson (right) went undefeated and raised $875 at the Play it Forward Tennis Tournament on Oct. 16.

Atlee High School girls place second at XC states

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

After a torrential downpour the day before the Class 4 cross country state championships, the runners competing for a chance at state title glory faced a tough, hilly course at Oatlands Plantation that made for an entertaining day for the spectators cheering on their respective schools.

After Atlee won both the boys and girls region titles just a week leading up to the state meet on Nov. 12, the Raiders again had some stellar performances that led to the boys placing fourth and the girls finishing as the

runner-up.

Facing two water crossings, tall grass and what is effectively referred to as “the hill,” the runners battled through high water and muddy terrain to finish with respectable results as they represented their schools at Oatlands.

Atlee saw five of its seven runners in the girls event place within the top50, led by a 13th place showing from freshman Amelia Waggoner with a time of 20:06.00. Behind Waggoner were freshman Teagan Gilhooly and senior Courtney Mudd finishing in 20th and 21st place, respectively, with

times of 20:34.00 and 20:39.00.

Addison Crow also had a good showing, placing 26th at 20:52.00 while Caitlyn Coyne placed 49th with a time of 21:57.00. Sarah Bland and Ashley Bedford also competed for the Raiders, placing 56th and 66th.

Hanover also had some notable times in the girls competition. The team placed ninth in the competition in total, with sophomore Ellie Agustin stepping up with a great 19:44.00 result that was good for sixth place. Her teammate Adelynn Carpenter, a junior, placed 11th with a time of 20:46.00.

In the boys run, six of the seven Atlee runners finished within the top50, with the best results coming from Travis Albon and Patrick Allen, with Albon placing third with an excellent time of 16:11.00 and Allen finishing in sixth at 16:28.00.

Great times from senior Andre Chavez, Jake Stanley and James Mulcahy also helped Atlee finish with a strong team score, as Chavez crossed the finish line at 17:14.00 for 21st place, Allen finishing at 17:45.00 for 33rd and Mulcahy finishing in 35th place at 17:47.00.

Rounding out their performances

was a 49th place result for senior Ashton Shultz and a 54th place run from Owen Guest to cap off a successful day of running for Atlee.

Mechanicsville, whose boys team finished in 10th with its team score, had seven runners compete in the boys run as well, with senior Carter Smith having the best time of 17:06.00 to place 18th.

Despite running under less than ideal conditions, it was a day to remember for the runners who worked hard over the course of the season to get the opportunity to compete for a state championship.

Contributed photo

At the Class 4 cross country state championship at Oatlands, the Atlee Raiders saw their girls team place second in the competition while the boys placed fourth.

The New Standard Set at Randolph-Macon

By Rob Witham for The Mechanicsville Local

FARMVILLE – All season long, Randolph-Macon football has used its physical running attack and defense to wear down opponents.

Saturday, in the 127th edition of “The Game” at Hampden-Sydney, the Yellow Jackets wore their archrivals out in a 38-17 victory that was their record ninth straight in the storied series, giving Randolph-Macon its first 10-win season in school history.

“We wanted to keep their offense off the field,” said Randolph-Macon head coach Pedro Arruza. “That’s the name of the game in November and December, right? Our kids battled their tails off.”

Having already clinched their 13th Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Championship last week, the focus was to leave Fulton Field with both the conference trophy and “The Game Ball” trophy, emblematic of victory in the oldest small college rivalry in the South.

It would be HampdenSydney (4-3 ODAC, 5-5) who struck first as Malik Frost broke a third down tackle and raced 67 yards for the lead less than a minute into the game, then recovered a surprise onside kick. RandolphMacon (7-0 ODAC, 10-0) held on defense, then set the game’s course with a 75-yard touchdown drive, all on the ground, capped by senior quarterback Andrew Ihle’s 13th rushing score of the season from 6 yards out to tie the game at 7-7.

Ihle saw less action in the two-quarterback rotation

with Drew Campanale, but said it did not matter to him.

“The entire quarterback room is all on the same page,” Ihle explained. “Nobody cares who gets the success so long as, at the end of the day, we’re up on the scoreboard.”

Campanale threw one pass in the first 22 offensive plays as the Yellow Jackets scored on the first play of the second quarter on a Nick Hale run. Hale finished with 148 yards on the ground, while backfield mate Kwesi Clarke rushed for 118.

The Tigers’ final big play came on a short pass from Tanner Bernard to Jamahdia Whitby, who broke two tackles and raced down the sideline for a 56-yard score to tie the game at 14-14. The Yellow Jackets’ final two drives of the half yielded field goal tries, with Kyle Ihle connecting on a 33-yard try while seeing a 29-yard attempt blocked at half’s end.

After an exchange of punts to start the third, Campanale finally found favorite receiver David Wallis for a 78-yard touchdown strike for a 24-14 lead. The Tigers closed back within seven on an Elijah Swett field goal, but a 15-play, 84-yard drive that chewed almost nine minutes off the clock, and, in the process saw Hampden-Sydney desperately exchanging defenders on and off the field to stay fresh.

It didn’t work. After a Ricky Thompson interception returned the ball to the Yellow Jackets, they marched 38 yards, killing almost five more minutes, capped by a Hale 2-yard score.

On the day, RandolphMacon possessed the football

for nearly 43 minutes, running 80 plays to HampdenSydney’s 47. The Yellow Jackets had 31 first downs to just nine for the Tigers, and, on third down, they were successful on 14 of 17 tries.

The Yellow Jackets next prepare for their first NCAA Division III Championship game since 2018. They will learn their first round opponent, and whether or not they have earned a home game, when the NCAA announces the 32-team field Sunday at 5 p.m.

“Hats off to the kids. I’m going to enjoy this one tonight,” Arruza said during the postgame celebration. “After lifting and hitting the training room, we’ll see who we’re playing and go from there.”

Randolph-Macon quarterback Drew Campanale (5) prepares to throw a touchdown pass to David Wallis in the third period of the Yellow Jackets’ 38-17 victory over Hampden-Sydney Saturday in Farmville. The toss was the junior’s 20th touchdown pass of the season.

PHOTO BY RACHEL WITHAM

Jackets’ 38-17 win at Hampden-Sydney in the 127th edition of “The Game” Saturday in Farmville. Campanale accounted for 238 yards of offense and two scores.

Upcoming programs at Hanover area libraries

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library

Mother Goose Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Mondays, Nov. 21 and 28, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

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

Toddler Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Nov. 22 and 29, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of books, music, and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Preschool Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Nov. 22 and 29, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.

Enjoy books, music, fingerplays, and much more at preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

Exploring Historical Courthouse Records at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7 to 8 p.m.

Expand your research into African-American heritage by taking advantage of the resources at the Hanover County Circuit Court. Hanover County was one of the first counties to digitize the 1866 listing of pre-Civil War marriages of formerly enslaved people and contains marriage records dating back to 1863. Deeds, wills, chancery, and probate cases are also digitized.

Roseanne Shalf, local Historian with the Ashland Museum and the Ashland National Historic District will present real-life examples of how to research Hanover County records. All are welcome to share interests and bring questions.

From the Heart Stitchers at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Nov. 17, noon to 4

p.m. From the Heart Stitchers began in 2001 making chemo hats for the Massey Cancer Center and today has over 1899 stitchers making thousands of items for service groups across the Commonwealth. Sew, knit, crochet or loom anything from blankets to shawls. 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.

Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, Nov. 18, 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.

Solo Travel at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Want to travel alone but don’t know how to get started? This program will explore planning, preparing and going on a trip by oneself with an emphasis on safety for women with insights from someone who’s been there.

Afternoon Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Monday, Nov. 21, 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

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

Hanover Branch Library

Family Storytime at the Hanover Branch Library. Friday, Nov. 18, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more, for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

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, Nov. 17, 4 to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more, for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Montpelier Small Business Network at the Montpelier Branch Library. Friday, Nov. 18, 9 to 10 a.m.

If you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur with a dream, there are free resources available in Hanover County to help you succeed. 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. Friday, Nov. 18, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more, for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Read 2 Rover at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Thursday, Nov. 17, 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. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9562747.

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARINGS ASHLANDTOWNCOUNCIL

PleasetakenoticethatonTuesday,December6,2022,at7:00PM,the AshlandTownCouncilwillconductpublichearingsatAshlandTownHall, 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland,Virginiaonthefollowing:

ORDINANCENO2022-09

ORDINANCENO.2022-09AMENDSTHEASHLANDTOWN CODE,CHAPTER4.1,“ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION,” SEC.4.1-9,“TECHNICALCRITERIAFORREGULATEDLAND DISTURBINGACTIVITIES,”BYIDENTIFYINGADDITIONAL QUANTITYREQUIREMENTSFORLANDDISTURBING ACTIVITIESCONSISTENTWITHSTATELAWAND REGULATIONS.ORDINANCENO.2022-09ISCONSIDERED PURSUANTTOTHEGRANTOFAUTHORITYCONTAINEDIN 9VAC§§25-870-62–99.

ORDINANCENO.2022-10

ORDINANCENO.2022-10AMENDSTHEASHLANDTOWN CODE,CHAPTER5,“EROSIONANDSEDIMENTCONTROL,” SEC.5-3,“LOCALEROSIONANDSEDIMENTCONTROL PROGRAMTOCLARIFYDEVELOPMENTREQUIREMENTS RELATEDTOFLOODPROTECTIONCONSISTENTWITH STATELAWANDREGULATIONS.ORDINANCENO.2022-10IS CONSIDEREDPURSUANTTOTHEGRANTOFAUTHORITY CONTAINEDINVACODE§62.1-44.2ETSEQ.

AcopyofOrdinanceNos.2022-09and2022-10maybeobtained bycontactingTownHallat(804)798-9219,MondaythroughThursday, 7:30a.m.to6:00p.m.WrittencommentsmaybesubmittedtoDougGoodman viae-mailatDougg@ashlandva.govorthroughregularmailtoTownofAshland, POBox1600,Ashland,VA23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendand expresstheirviews.Anypersonwithadisabilityrequiringassistanceinorderto participateinthispublichearingisaskedtocontactTownHallinadvanceof thepublichearingsothatappropriatearrangementsmaybemade.Followingthe publichearing,theAshlandTownCouncilmaytakeactiononthesematters.

ByOrderoftheAshlandTownCouncil

Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local

VETERANS

Continued from pg. 1

Wiecek welcomed attendees with opening remarks.

“When we looked at the forecast on Monday and in consultation with the committee, thinking about what a wonderful and special occasion this is, we thought we just can’t let a little rain stop us,” she said.

Kelly-Wiecek gave a brief history of Veterans Day, which was formerly known as Armistice Day at the close of World War I. After being signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954, the day would become a celebration of all veterans, past and present.

She narrated the history of her own family’s involvement in the military through various generations, including her grandfather, who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. That family history offered her a deeper understanding of the spirit of a veteran.

“It strikes me that our veterans are not just servants when

they are in uniform and on active duty, but long after their military service may come to an end,” she said, adding that there are countless volunteer roles and areas that veterans serve in and “instill that spirit of service in younger generations.”

“Veterans make our communities better,” said George Navas, chairman of the Hanover County Veterans Committee.

He said fewer than 10% of Americans “can claim the honorable title of a U.S. military veteran,” labeling them as a “special group” that provides vital services that enable their communities to function and thrive.

“Chances are that if you surveyed your local police or fire department, you would find that a disproportionately high percentage of its members are veterans,” he said.

“You cannot fight a war without creating veterans, and while the utopian idea of a society without war is appealing, let's not forget that veterans gained our independence from tyranny; liberated slaves;

defeated communism, fascism, and imperialism; kept the peace during the Cold War; and are battling terrorism today,” Navas said.

Navas additionally called for recognition of the families of these brave veterans who endure frequent address changes, interrupted employment by spouses, disproportionate sharing of parental responsibilities and separation from friends and loved ones.

“And hardest of all, the uncertainty of whether or not mom or dad will live through their next combat tour,” Navas said.

“For many veterans our nation was important enough to endure long separation from their families – missed the births of their children, freeze in subzero temperatures, vacant wild jungles, lose limbs and, far too often, their very lives,” he said. “It is not in the nature of America’s warriors to complain. Warriors endure. Warriors make do with less. Warriors finish the job no matter how hard, no matter what is asked, and in each other we find community.”

The ceremony’s guest speaker, Columbus Pollard, proudly shared his and his family’s extensive history of military involvement. Pollard is a U.S. Army veteran who was honorably discharged in 1985 at the rank of staff sergeant.

“I have been surrounded with vets my entire life,” Pollard said, particularly noting the impact his father made on his life. His father served in the Korean War while raising six children on his own.

Pollard also recognized his wife, Allison, who held a military ID her entire life and served in the U.S. Navy for decades. Following in the footsteps of her father, she became the first black female to graduate from the Naval Academy from the state of New York.

“We love this country,” Pollard said. “So we believe in the American Dream… We still believe that the American Dream is still alive in this country, but the question is, is the dream still alive in you?”

Pollard said younger generations are losing faith in the American Dream over time.

“It’s mind boggling to us

that people have given up on America. How do you give up on this country?” he said. “How do you not hold your leadership accountable for what they say and for what they do and for the things that they put in front of your youth?”

“We have to teach our children what America is all about – the American Dream is still alive,” Pollard said. “They must believe in that dream, they’ve got to be able to see it… to see the force instead of the tree that is standing in front of them.”

Pulling from the teachings of his father, he said it is vitally important for veterans to teach youth about adversity and how it is a part of life and requires the strength to keep moving.

“We have to teach our children how to give America their focus, their effort, their energy, and their time… then America will deliver the dream of them and their family,” Pollard said.

Toward the conclusion of the ceremony, Aaron Reidmiller, director of Hanover County Parks and Recreation, read aloud the newest names that have

been added to the memorial bricks of the Hanover County Veterans Memorial at Wayside Park: James Atkinson (U.S. Army), John Axselle, III (U.S. Army), Stephen Cooper (U.S. Air Force), Kevin Corcoran (U.S. Army), Kevin Corcoran (U.S. Army), James F. Corrigan (U.S. Navy), Donald Fuller (U.S. Air Force), P. Edwin Fuller (U.S. Marine Corps), Wayne D. Fuller (U.S. Army), Johnny R. Giragosian (U.S. Merchant Marines), Ed King (U.S. Army), Kevin Mills (U.S. Army), Lewis Mills, Jr. (U.S. Army), John A. Salotti (U.S. Army), and Henry L. Wood (U.S. Army).

Residents can help finance the ongoing memorial project with a $100 donation, which buys a brick paver on the walkway leading up to the brick and granite memorial wall. Brick pavers can be inscribed with the name of any U.S. military veteran serving in active duty or who has been granted an honorable discharge.

For more information, visit the website, https://www. hanovercounty.gov/243/ Hanover-Wayside-Park.

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan/The Local Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Kelly-Wiecek offers welcoming remarks to the crowd. Below, veterans in the crowd stand for the ceremonial wreath escort lead by Doug Stansbury and Brooks McCormick.

Guest speaker Columbus Pollard offers an inspiring speech about his and his family’s military service and the American Dream.

George Navas presents members of the Hanover Veterans Committee with challenge coins honoring their service to the community.

Left, Aaron Reidmiller, director of Hanover County Parks and Recreation, reads aloud the newest names that have been added to the bricks of the Hanover Veterans Memorial. Right, George Navas, master of ceremonies and Chairman of the Hanover County Veterans Committee, offers his own remarks to the crowd.

Events continue through the fall at the Ashland Museum

In partnership with the Hanover County Black Heritage Society, The Ashland Museum and Pamunkey Regional Library, the library is hosting an informational event on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Ashland Branch Library, 201 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland. Rosanne Shalf will talk about researching the records at the Hanover County Circuit Court, with an emphasis on AfricanAmerican records. This is free and open to the public.

Trivia night continues on Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Bring a friend or join a team in Origin Beer Garden, 106 S. Railroad

Avenue, Ashland. No reservations are needed.

Join the Ashland Museum for the final 2022 HistoryTalks program on Thursday, Dec. 1. Barclay DuPriest will profile Hercules Mulligan, an IrishAmerican tailor for British soldiers during the Revolutionary War and a spy for George

Washington. The program will be in the SunTrust Theater at Brock Commons, 304 Henry Street on the Randolph-Macon College campus, Ashland, at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The Ashland Museum will offer two holiday guided walking tours of South Center Street on Sunday, Dec. 4,at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Each tour will end with a reception at 905 S. Center Street, a Greek Revival home built in 1872. Details and reservations are available at ashlandmuseum.org. For information on these and other events, contact the Ashland Museum by email: ashlandmuseum@comcast.net, call 804-368-7314, or visit ashlandmuseum.org.

The Ashland Museum hosts international exchange students

Clay Spring Garden Club learns valuable hydrangea growing tips

Contributed Report The Local

The Clay Spring Garden Club of Ashland held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 8 and welcomed speaker Joan Vandervort, who gave a presentation entitled “Tips for Growing Hydrangeas” that had all of the members captivated and taking notes.

Vandervort is a Master Gardener from Hanover County and a hydrangea expert. Some of her top growing tips were location, location, location – check your hydrangea species, as some love a sunny location and some love shade. Gardeners should make sure their soil is well-drained and prune judiciously based on their specific type of hydrangea.

A beautiful fall lunch buffet was served by members, Dale Cannon and Joan Corfield, complete with club sandwiches and warm apple cider.

The floral design exhibit themes were “Remembrance,” a design using a container that holds a memory and “We Are Thankful,” a dining table design using fall flowers. Club members created designs that were breathtaking and heart-warming.

The next meeting will be held at the Ashland Christian Church and will feature a potluck Christmas lunch. Anyone who

Contributed

loves gardening, horticulture and floral design and is interested in joining the Clay Spring Garden Club is invited to contact the Membership Committee Chairperson Laura Follo at (203) 687-0196 for more information.

Carey joins Town of Ashland as business development manager

Contributed Report The Local

The Town of Ashland is pleased to announce that Bobbie Carey has joined the staff as business development manager working on economic development initiatives within the Planning and Community Development Department.

Carey is a graduate of Lehigh University in Pennsylvania with a degree in engineering and also holds an MBA from Pace University in New York. Her economic development experience began in Dutchess County, NY in 2001, where she managed a tax incentive program that encouraged businesses of all sizes to create jobs and make invest-

ments.

After relocating to Mechanicsville with her family in 2006, Carey worked as a part-time business consultant at the Greater Richmond Small Business Development Center. Her work included counseling small businesses and assisting in marketing and training. Prior to joining the town, Carey was working for a Hanover County-based travel agency planning international travel, managing large group incentive trips for corporations and marketing the company’s services.

Information submitted by Martha Miller, Town of Ashland community engagement manager.

Photo courtesy of Ashland Museum

The Ashland Museum welcomed 10 international students for a scavenger hunt around Ashland on Nov. 6. Through the International Student Exchange (I.S.E.) program, the students attend high school in Central Virginia. They are from Brazil, Germany, Spain and Thailand. The students, their host families and Welby Whiting Fairlie, I.S.E. southeast regional manager, met at the Ashland Museum before following clues and taking selfies through downtown Ashland.

Photo courtesy of Ashland Museum A HistoryTalks program on Dec. 1 will focus on Hercules Mullligan.

Bobbie Carey

photo Shown are floral designs created by Clay Spring Garden Club members based on their meeting’s theme, “Remembrance.”

Contributed photo Hanover Master Gardener Joan Vandervort presents “Tips for Growing Hydrangeas” to the Clay Spring Garden Club of Ashland.