Ashland-Hanover Local – 11/30/2022

Ashland Olde Time Holiday Parade

After two years of excited anticipation, the Hanover community welcomed the return of the beloved Ashland Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade to the streets of Ashland.

The Kiwanis Club of Ashland has dedicated 25 years to spreading holiday cheer to all with the annual parade on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The club was founded in 1923 and is currently comprised of around 70 volunteers dedicated to serving the local community through a variety of projects and programs.

Now in its 53rd year, the historic parade continues to draw larger crowds along with new and exciting displays every year.

Ranny Robinson, chair of the Kiwanis

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor see PARADE, pg. 7

PHHS students give thanks to support staff with a Thanksgiving meal

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

On the morning before Thanksgiving Break, Patrick Henry High School students in the Positive Dogs program spread the season’s spirit with a special Thanksgiving lunch honoring the school’s custodians, cafeteria staff and other support staff employees essential to the Patriot community.

Parade Committee, said this year’s crowd seemed to come in greater numbers than ever before, with residents from near

and far crowding sidewalks surrounding Thompson, England and Henry streets.

Gagnon, grandsons raise $12K for fight against childhood cancer

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

With this year’s Great Cycle Challenge USA officially in the books, Mechanicsville resident George Gagnon and his grandsons ranked nationally for their exceptional contribution to the annual fundraising challenge. With thousands of dollars accumulated in community donations and hundreds of miles cycled, the family team pedaled their way even closer this fall to a cure for childhood cancer.

This year marked 72-year-

old Gagnon’s sixth year participating in what has become one of the country’s biggest cycling events. He is among the 33,675 cyclists who have joined the Great Cycle Challenge USA movement to help raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), which invests in groundbreaking research that is leading to better treatments and cures for children with cancer, assists vital family support services and advocates for childhood cancer education and awareness.

see GAGNON, pg. 10

Positive Dogs program students gathered in the cafeteria for a special lunch with the school’s essential staff, featuring an abundant potluckstyle spread of homemade Thanksgiving dishes, comfort food, baked goods and more made by the students and their parents.

“A lot of the parents came in strong,” said Brandon Farrar, PHHS assistant principal and founder of the Positive Dogs program. Positive Dogs member Peyton Dyer even brought a Thanksgiving turkey cooked by his mother the night before.

Farrar, who has led the program for five years, first introduced the Positive Dogs program to Mechanicsville High School to promote the message of author Jon Gordon in his book, “The Positive Dog: A Story About the Power of Positivity.”

“It’s basically all about intentional talking about different aspects of leadership that are positive, because in a world that’s filled with negativity, I want them to take the time to find out what the small things you can do every day are to make your life better but, more importantly, others’,” Farrar said.

Before staff and students dug into the holiday buffet, Farrar offered an overview of the book to the crowd with extra copies distributed on each dining table.

“The whole idea of this is you’ve got two dogs within

Contributed photo

George Gagnon and his grandsons, Michael and William Dickey, stand ready to ride while sporting their Great Cycle Challenge USA “I’m riding to fight kids’ cancer” shirts in honor of the annual challenge’s mission.

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Patrick Henry High School cafeteria faculty line up for the first pick of the Positive Dogs Thanksgiving spread.

Photo courtesy of The Town of Ashland Ashland Town Council and Town Manager Josh Farrar pose in their festive attire while getting ready to cruise through the town in the Ashland Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade.

Levy announces candidacy for 59th House of Delegates District

R-Ms season ends as Delaware Valley stuns Jackets with late comeback

Crash fatalities among people not buckled up increasing in Richmond region

Although overall crash fatalities are decreasing in the

area, the Richmond region reports a startling increase in the number of people killed in crashes who weren’t wearing their seat belt, according to preliminary statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). As of Oct. 31, 81 people

who weren’t properly secured in a seat belt or car seat died as a result of crashes in the Richmond region since the beginning of the year, compared to 66 over the same time last year. This is an increase of 23%.

DMV also notes increases in crash deaths among pedestrians and teen drivers locally so far this year. The chart below lists preliminary crash statistics for the Richmond region as of Oct. 31. DMV’s Richmond region encompasses the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, and the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince Edward and Prince George.

“We provide this data to give folks a look at what’s going on right now in their communities. We hope drivers will be motivated to make a change and put a stop to the behaviors that we know contribute to these devastat-

ing crashes,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Each of these numbers represents a real person and many are people in your community. We all have the power to make a difference

CALENDAR

Thursday, Dec. 1

Richmond Area Speleological Society will meet at 7 p.m. at the Atlee Library located at 9212 Rutlandshire Drive. Come hear about caving (spelunking) and how to join future trips to enjoy Virginia caves. They have trips for all ages and experience levels. For more information, visit the website, rass.caves.org.

Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4

Catholic Church of the Redeemer, located at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville, is celebrating its 15th annual “No Room at the Inn exhibit” with a weekend of events to raise money to build affordable houses in Haiti and support

Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions. A Gala Preview will be held on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and invites adults to an evening of food, beverages, live and silent auctions, and music. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. All ages are invited on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $5 for adults and $1 for 18 and younger. For more information, visit: www. churchredeemer.org/no-room or call the church at (804) 7464911, extension 222.

Saturday, Dec. 3

The Community Salt Fish Breakfast will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at Enon UMC, 6156 Studley Road in Mechanicsville. The Buffet

by buckling up, slowing down and never driving distracted or impaired.”

Throughout the Commonwealth, 822 people have died in crashes so far this year, a 2% increase compared to this time last year.

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includes: salt fish, corn cakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, hash browns, sausage gravy, biscuits, waffles, apples, beverages and fellowship. Adults $10, ages 6 and under free with all profits going to Missions.

Sunday, Dec 4

The 2022 Mechanicsville Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. and will step off at Hanover Green Drive and Signal Hill and will be a 1.8 mile parade route. For more information, visit the website, https://www.mechanicsvillerotary.org/mechanicsville-christmas-parade.

Saturday, Dec.

10

Trinity Lutheran Church – Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road, Ashland will hold its annual Homemade Cookie Sale from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be lots of homemaker cookies – fill your own box – as well as other tasty holiday items for eating and gift-giving including baked goods, jam, relish, apple butter, fudge, buckeye candy, and lots more. Cash or check only. For further information, contact Ellen at 804798-6937.

Virginia State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on the morning of Nov. 22 at 4 a.m. that resulted in two people with non-lifethreatening injuries being sent to the hospital and the interstate being shut down for an extended period north-

bound I-295 at the 33-mile marker.

A truck hauling a utility trailer lost its load, leaving the utility trailer in the roadway. Multiple vehicles then came through and either struck the utility trailer or ran off the roadway to avoid the trailer. One of those vehicles included a tractor-trailer hauling a load of I-beams, which also lost its

load.

The driver that initially struck the trailer and the tractor-trailer driver were transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. They were wearing their seatbelts.

A total of eight vehicles hit the debris.

This crash remains under investigation.

Aug. 1

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 12300th block of Lees Lane, Ashland.

Simple assault was reported in the 7200th block of Hanover Green Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 12300th block of Lees Lane, Ashland.

Possessing forged coin or bank notes, less than 10, was reported in the 16600th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

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

Aug. 2

Violation of a general protective order was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Conspiracy to obtain money, etc., by false pretenses; larceny, $200 was reported in the 11400th block of Mount Hermon Road, Ashland.

Petit larceny parts was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex

Road, Hanover.

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

Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 10100th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

Grand larceny, auto theft was reported in the 11100th block of Woodstock Heights Drive, Glen Allen.

Petit larceny parts was reported in the 14200th block of Blunts Bridge Road, Ashland.

Assault and on a family member was reported in the 16000th block of Lone Oak Road, Montpelier.

Conspiracy, breaking and entering a building to commit larceny, assault and battery, etc. was reported in the 16100th block of Tyler Station Road, Beaverdam.

Aug. 3

Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 9400th block of John Wickham Way, Ashland.

Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 11500th block of Sun Shade Lane, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 12200th block of Wise Lane, Rockville.

Aug. 4

Operating vehicle after license was revoked was reported in the 300th block of N Washington Highway/ Omni Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 11500th block of Sun Shade Lane, Ashland.

DWI: BAC over .20, first offense was reported in the 14700th block of Scotchtown Road/Three Oaks Lane, Montpelier.

Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 11800th block of North Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Issuing bad checks, $200 or more was reported in the 15100th block of Blunts Bridge Road, Doswell.

Aug. 5

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 10100th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

Grand larceny, parts was reported in the 11000th block of Cobbs Road, Glen Allen.

Levy announces candidacy for 59th House of Delegates District

following message to the community in the release:

Contributed Report

Editor’s note: Ashland resident Rachel Levy announced her candidacy for the newly drawn 59th House of Delegates District in a Nov. 17 press release. Levy offered the

The voters have spoken. It’s time to set a new direction. It’s time to invest in our institutions, communities, citizens, our children and our future. It’s time to reject extremism. It’s time for fresh leadership that will represent all citizens, and make our communities stronger and our lives better. Those are my guiding principles as I officially announce my candidacy for the open seat in the newly drawn 59th House of Delegates District.

After running an energetic and positive campaign for the former 55th House

District seat, my team and I are excited to build on our successes, including a 30% increase in turnout and record-breaking fundraising. The 59th is diverse, covering western Hanover, the Town of Ashland, most of Louisa County, and parts of the Brookland and Fairfield areas of Henrico County. Living in the Town of Ashland, on the threshold between rural, small town and suburban, I am prepared to represent the 59th. I understand the needs and concerns of our rural areas, our small towns and our suburban neighborhoods.

Sadly, after narrow wins in statewide and House of Delegates races in 2021, too

many holding office have shown they are extremist, not conservative. I will continue my work to preserve and strengthen our public schools. I will continue to champion policies that ensure our economy works for all of us, not a select few. I will continue to fight for access to health care, reproductive choices, protection of our environment and natural resources, and a government that respects hard-won individual liberties and freedoms.

As a longtime 59th District resident, parent, teacher and leader, I am committed to public service. I am a member of several local civic groups. I serve on many

MHS celebrates students of the month with Character Awards

Contributed Report

The Local

Mechanicsville High School emphasizes a culture of personal growth through character development in and out of the classroom. The character recognition program was developed by students and staff to honor students who model these traits daily. One of the 10 virtues is emphasized each month via inspirational quotes in Daily Announcements and other areas of school culture.

September’s focal virtue was Respect. Being recognized for Respect means that one honors the thoughts, feelings and diversity of others and holds in high regard the property of others and of the school.

More than 180 certificates were presented to students in September for embodying one or more of the virtues of Respect, Courage, Gratitude, Integrity, Responsibility, Initiative, Confidence, Compassion, Perseverance or Loyalty.

MHS offers congratulations to the Students of the Month for

September 2022: Keyla Azurdia Siguinajay, Cintia Diaz, George Lane and Quinnlan Sweeney.

In addition, students nominate staff members for the Students’ Choice Awards. MHS offers congratulations to Amanda Horst for September.

Each month staff members can also nominate one another for Teacher of the Month and the Silver Star Award. Teachers of the Month are nominated based on exceptional instructional practices, enhancing student learning experiences and improving student achievement. Silver Star nominations are based on a staff member’s demonstrating the qualities of The Mustang Standard: Character –Community - Family.

The September Teacher of the Month was Chief Jay Kelley, and the Silver Star Award recipient was Stacey Lowery.

October’s focal virtue was Courage. Being recognized for courage means one has demonstrated the bravery and resilience required when approaching uncertainty and change.

Nearly 140 certificates were pre-

sented to students in October for embodying one or more of the virtues Respect, Courage, Gratitude, Integrity, Responsibility, Initiative, Confidence, Compassion, Perseverance or Loyalty.

Congratulations to the MHS Students of the Month for October 2022: Gretchen Freeman, Nick Farmer, Madison Colley, Charlotte Costic and Trevor Via.

In addition, students nominate staff members for the Students’ Choice Awards. Congratulations to Meilin Jao for the month of October 2022.

The October Teacher of the Month was Jessica Richards, and the Silver Star Award recipients were the Front Office team Nicole Gates and Jan Campbell. Teacher of the Year Kate Roehl was also recognized at the November staff meeting.

The MHS school community believes that they can make a difference in the school, the community and the world one person at a time.

Information submitted by Jan Campbell, MHS administrative assistant.

local government commissions and committees. I am a PTA and booster club leader who served on several local school districts committees and was a part of Governorelect Northam’s PK-12 policy council. I was my local Education Association president. I taught religious school, served on the Education Committee and serve on the board of directors of my synagogue. I have a PhD in education, and on education matters, I am known for my evidence-based and solutionoriented advocacy.

The people of the 59th District deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity and respect, no matter who they

are, what their background is, the color of their skin, who they love, their income or how they vote. They need someone in Richmond who will listen, earn their respect and show up for work with their concerns always front and center.

I will represent the people of Louisa, Hanover and Henrico with the same integrity, passion and tireless work I am known for as a parent advocate, community leader and teacher.

Last time, we built. This time, we win. I look forward to serving the people of the 59th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.

#RachelRunsforUs

Books, Beads and More hosting book signing for local authors Buker and Shank

Contributed Report

The Local

Books, Beads and More is hosting a holiday book signing with children’s book authors Lynne Buker and Dawn Shank on Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the store, located at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville.

Henry Stephens’ annual Christmas Vision Light Display in his front yard on the RichmondTappahannock Highway in Aylett inspired Buker and Shank to write, illustrate and publish their fourth children’s book, “Pardon Me, But Your Christmas Is Showing.” The friends have published three other children’s books featuring an All-American boy named Jack. The books focus on how people celebrate the same holidays in different ways.

“I saw the Stephen’s beautiful ‘Christmas Vision’ display when our church youth visited it last year,” said Shank, the book’s illustrator. “Lynne wanted to tell the true meaning of Christmas in a holiday book. The Stephens’ creative display was the perfect backdrop for illustrating the story.”

“We’re excited to publish our new book before the holidays and thrilled to have

The Local

Contributed photo Rachel Levy is a candidate for the 59th House of Delegates District.

Contributed photo

Shown is an illustration from local authors Lynne Buker and Dawn Shank’s latest children’s book, “Pardon Me, But Your Christmas is Showing.”

n Nov. 23, Hanover deputies gathered at the Rutland Kroger and loaded 17 Thanksgiving dinners into their patrol cars. These dinners were distributed to seniors throughout Hanover County.

The seniors that received these dinners are part of the TRIAD-sponsored program called Adopt-A-Senior. The intent of this program is to provide additional support and reassurance for older adults with special needs. Targeted for participation are individuals or couples aged 60 and over who live alone and have limited mobility or medical problems which render them homebound, and who have limited fam-

ily or social support. The Adopt-A-Senior program is intended to be one element of a supportive array of services within the community that assists older citizens to enjoy life with the greatest degree of dignity and as independently as possible.

For the past 19 years, the sheriff’s office has delivered dinners to seniors who participate in the Adopt-A-Senior program. This annual event is made possible through the department’s ongoing partnership with the Rotary Club of Mechanicsville, the HanoverAshland TRIAD and the Rutland Kroger.

To learn more about this program, visit the website, https://www.hanoversheriff. com/224/Adopt-A-Senior.

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

our books in the local authors section at Books, Beads and More,” said Buker. “It tells the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus in a different light.”

In addition to the “Jack”

books, Shank just released a time-travel novel based on historical places and people in King and Queen County. Also available are “Trash to Treasure,” a modern-day pirate story set in Duck, North Carolina, and “More Festival.” All books are available on Amazon.com.

The partners will also be doing a book signing at the Upper King William Library on Dec. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m., and have scheduled a free, “How to Self-publish” workshop at the Upper King William Branch of Pamunkey Regional Library on Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office gathers with Rutland Kroger employees to gift 17 Thanksgiving dinners to seniors in the Adopt-A-Senior program on the morning before Thanksgiving Day.

| The Local Views

From the editor

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

There is always something in the air around this time of year as families begin to book flights to see loved ones, Christmas music seeps into department stores and string lights illuminate neighborhoods and railroad tracks in brilliant color.

Magnifying the feeling in the air may be some of our fond childhood memories of the holidays, whether from eagerly counting down the days until Santa comes to town or the colorful classroom holiday parties that always marked the eve of winter break.

Holiday memories vary in everyone based on their own experiences, which is what makes our recollections of them so personal. My holiday memories are of staying up on Wednesday night with my sister and mom baking Thanksgiving pies, reading aloud letters to Santa Claus by the fireplace documented by Mom’s video camera, coating the dining table with flour and sprinkles in a holiday cookiebaking frenzy, or being awoken by my siblings bouncing on the bed on Christmas morning.

Watching the Hanover community jump into this holiday season with annual parades and an array of charity efforts offers a reminder of some of the best aspects of this season: taking a pause from our bustling schedules or everyday worries to connect with those who fulfill our lives, truly appreciate even the littlest things in life that bring joy, and to spread this comforting feeling in the air to those who may need it the most.

These little appreciations for life can be found around every corner of this community – from a stranger offering a cup of hot cocoa while admiring the Ashland Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade on a cold winter afternoon, past and present Christmas Mothers sharing tea and lunch over lighthearted conversation, or the students of Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) embracing their school’s support staff with a homemade Thanksgiving meal.

PHHS students in the Positive Dogs program spent the eve of Thanksgiving break connecting with the staff that enriches their everyday lives, appreciating the simple joys of conversation and giving thanks, and spreading

this comforting feeling to those who are all too often underappreciated.

While the site of the PHHS lunch was heart-warming on its own, as students and staff laughed and mingled with one another as if gathered at their own family Thanksgiving table, an excerpt read aloud by the program’s leader was especially powerful.

PHHS assistant principal and Positive Dogs leader Brandon Farrar read from the words of author Jon Gordon in his book, “The Positive Dog: A Story About the Power of Positivity” –the very book that inspired Farrar to develop the meaningful leadership program.

“You can practice gratitude throughout your entire day, even when you’re standing still,” Farrar narrated as faculty and students listened intently. He added that practicing gratitude can happen from the moment they awaken with a roof over their heads, shielding them from the cold winter air, to the moment they returns to their bed at night and recount all of the positives of the day and possibilities of tomorrow.

“You can think about your favorite success

see GRATITUDE, pg. 8

Remembering the fallen

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

It’s the slap in the face none of us needed. When news broke of the horrific tragedy that unfolded in Charlottesville, all of us were stunned and shocked at what seemed like a scene from the most unimaginable scenario.

Unfortunately, as details emerged, it was evident that this was a worst case scenario almost too horrific to imagine with three innocent lives destroyed in seconds of madness.

We watched with reverent silence as University of

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

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6 Ashland-Hanover Local November 30, 2022

Reader spotlights marching bands in football games

Dear Editor:

Both sides of the field are hosting fans from two schools, and all four teams are ready to demonstrate what they have been practicing.

The sports page has a report and perhaps a photo or two of both football teams.

Which reporter will cover the other two teams...the marching bands?

Every musician in both bands has both the music and the half time entertainment routine practiced and memorized.

They have taken their music and marching talent into local and regional competition against other bands in their class.

During every Friday game they have provided music to encourage fans to cheer and support their football teams.

Is each band a team? Yes!

Can everyone at the Friday Football contests realize this and begin to appreciate the music, skill and dedication of these students and their teachers?

Marshall Johnson Mechanicsville

Virginia students gathered to offer condolence and support to each other, all in a sort of macabre trance struggling to comprehend how such violence arrived in their peaceful community.

After that initial shock, the traumatic impact of the tragedy becomes more evident with each passing day. Football teams from across the nation placed stickers on their helmets to memorialize the fallen athletes, and the far-reaching tentacles of one senseless act spread across a nation.

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After hearing several members of teams across the nation explain their connection to the victims, it became more apparent how deeply their loss was truly felt.

It also became immediately evident the impact one disturbed individual can have on a community and how all of our lives depend on the well-being of others.

I have no knowledge of the specific details regarding this case, or the state of mind of the person who took these tragic actions; but I do know mental illness in our nation is the subject of many studies indicating depression and other conditions are on the rise.

It’s difficult to imagine how anything positive or beneficial can result from such a violent act, but it is noteworthy to recognize the caring nature of the U. Va. community. As Coach Tony Elliott said in a memorial service

The season of giving that inspires gratitude in us all

PARADE

“It has evolved because we get a number of the same units coming back, but every year we get new units,” Robinson said. “We’ve probably had maybe 15 out of the 96 units in the parade this year that have never been in it before.”

Robinson said this year’s newest additions included a Christmas-colored donkey from Brayhaven Farm and an ACCA swarm of biker Santas accompanied by a fleet of gokarts. The crowd cheered excitedly as the racers revved

their engines and sped along the streets while high-fiving onlookers.

Other crowd favorites included a lively performance by the Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) Marching Band, lineups of over 70 vintage cars, dance crew numbers, festive horses, PHHS and Mechanicsville High School NJROTC Drill Teams, and the grand entrance of Santa Claus and his Eastern Hanover fire engine.

Robinson said they faced some challenges with bringing back all of the crowd favorites this year due to the COVID-19

pandemic, but they hope for their return next year.

He and fellow Kiwanis Club members find enjoyment in connecting with their community through the holiday event, which is made possible by funding from the Town of Ashland, he said.

“Our motto is we serve the children of the world,” he added. “This is something that we do for the children – big children and little children, you know, adults enjoy it, too.”

Mechanicsville resident Mark Benucci and his son, Vincent, always have a frontrow seat of the parade from

their family friend’s lawn. Benucci’s family and friends set up picnic blankets, sipped hot cocoa and enjoyed a fish fry while watching the annual spectacle.

Benucci said he most enjoys seeing the joy it brings his son. One of Vincent’s favorite features is the handfuls of free candy gifted to children in the audience throughout the parade.

“He comes home with almost as much candy as if he were trick-or-treating,” Benucci said.

“It’s a fun parade, I thoroughly enjoy doing it,” Robinson

said, adding that this enjoyment has never faded in his 25 years of organizing the parade. He encourages any interested community members to consider joining the annual display of holiday cheer, with applications for parade entries typically open the week after Labor

Day through the first half of October.

For more information on The Kiwanis Club of Ashland, visit the website: https://ashlandvakiwanis.org/.

See more parade photos on page 8.

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Over 70 vintage cars of all shapes and sizes cruised along Thompson Street throughout the Ashland Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade. Vehicles are a great deal of fun to the parade lineup.

From left, ACCA bikers and riders race through the parade in miniature cars of all shapes and colors. Brayhaven Farm steals the show with their Christmas-colored miniature donkey. Rusty Stirrups Riding Club and Rocky Ridge Riders trot through the parade with a show-stopping display of horses.

From left, local Girl Scouts spread the holiday spirit as they roll along in their festive trailer. The Hanover Academy bus travels down Thompson Street with a crowd of children and parents following behind with free candy for young onlookers. The beloved Santa Claus caps off the parade with a grand entrance atop an Eastern Hanover Volunteer fire engine.

of the day, the one person or thing that made you smile… It seems like you can be grateful for anything,” Farrar read aloud. “When you’re grateful for the gifts in your life, big and small, you always find more things to be grateful about.”

“I’ve also found that abundance flows into your life and gratitude flows out of your heart – you become a gratitude magnet that attracts more good fortune, joy, love, peace, happiness and positivity… but it doesn’t happen unless I do it,” he said, adding that gratitude is like a muscle that can be strengthened over time.

Farrar turned to address the crowd of students and faculty who were gathered together at their decorated cafeteria tables patiently waiting to dig into their meals.

“To build your gratitude muscle, what I want you to do today is identify all the things – even small things – you’re grateful for. Even when a negative thought or point comes into your mind, I want you to replace

REMEMBERING

it with gratitude,” he said.

This message reminds us of what this unique feeling in the air is, as the holidays surround us with extravagant community parades and twinkling lights of festive colors. It isn’t the presents, the glossy turkeys and casseroles that fill our stomachs, or the school doors finally opening for the long-awaited winter break.

It is the time of year when we all, in our own ways, practice strengthening our gratitude muscles. We finally pause from our busy lives and everyday worries to celebrate the season of fellowship, giving and showing gratitude for all that we have been given.

Whether visiting family and friends for the holidays, working or spending the time alone, consider keeping this meaningful message in mind as the year comes to a close. Replace any negative memories of whatever hardships or heartbreaks the year carried with gratitude for the positive memories – big or small – to make the season of gratitude last beyond this holiday season into the new year and beyond.

Continued from pg. 6

held recently, this tragedy will result in future triumph.

“To everyone here I say, we will turn today's tragedy into tomorrow's triumph,” Elliott said. “Lavel, Devin, D'Sean, I'm so looking forward to the strength, motivation, courage and love that you all will provide as we triumph in the days ahead. My young kings, may you celebrate in paradise, and we will celebrate on this side each and every day with the light of your stars.”

For those suffering from depression, substance abuse or developmental disabilities, you are not alone. Agencies like the Hanover Community Services Board are eager to help members of the community who are experiencing mental illness related challenges.

And other communities are expanding their mental health services, improving wait times and recognizing the importance of available treatment for affected citizens.

It’s an awareness that is long overdue, and efforts to increase services represent a new mindset that bolsters the belief that the well-being of every citizen is vital to a successful and caring community.

The effects of the loss of the three U. Va. players will last longer than anyone desires, but their memory alerts us to the precious nature of life itself; and the need to care for those who are suffering.

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

The parade featured impressive displays of the Patrick Henry High School and Mechanicsville High School NJROTC Drill Teams. Vehicles of every kind carried Santa hats, Christmas characters and excited parade participants of all ages waving to the passing crowd. Santa’s elves offered early Christmas goodies to children onlookers throughout the parade, filling their pockets with loads of candy.

The Patrick Henry High School Marching Band delivers a lively performance while marching through the parade. The River City Roller Derby roll along Thompson Street in a group of all ages. The Baffa Academy of Irish Dance shows their holiday spirit while strolling through the parade. The Randolph-Macon College cheerleaders and dancers light up the parade streets with their pompoms.

PHHS

you… a positive one and a negative one, and it’s all about which one you are feeding to shape your perspective, mentality and the way you go about life,” Farrar said.

The all-boys program is made up of around 25 PHHS students in all grade levels who meet every other week for 30 minutes during the school day’s flexible learning period. The students typically sit in a circle and share positive reflections, dive into different chapters of the book, and brainstorm different service activities to benefit

their school’s community.

Dyer, who is a PHHS senior and has been involved in the program for three years, said the idea for the Thanksgiving lunch was a collective effort.

“The plan of this event is to hopefully give thanks and appreciation back to our lunch ladies, custodians, counselors and some of the office members, and the reason for this is because we know that these people go unnoticed,” Dyer said. “They’re in our everyday lives, and we don’t get to necessarily appreciate and say, ‘Thank you,’ to them. Our hope is to do this with a Thanksgiving meal.”

Grayson Johnson, a PHHS junior and three-year member of the program, said they were intentional in expressing their gratitude during Thanksgiving time.

“I think it’s important [to show appreciation] because a lot of times, I feel like they go under appreciated, and I think it’s important that we show them the love that we have for them,” Johnson said.

“I’m most excited about showing these people that we care and that they are appreciated. Seeing the smiles on their faces, enjoying the moment – It means the world,” Dyer said.

Johnson said the group hopes

to make the Thanksgiving lunch an annual program. Other projects the group has worked on include showing appreciation to the custodians in a variety of ways and offering goodie bags to their bus drivers.

“I think it’s a really good group,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to get a lot of my friends to join. We do a lot of good things here, and it’s really good to help around our school the best we can.”

“What I love most about the program is it’s a group of all guys and we get to be positive, do positive things for the community here at Patrick Henry, and hopefully take that into our everyday lives and hopefully into our fami-

lies,” Dyer said.

Farrar said he loves the program because it allows him to take a pause from his administrative duties to connect and create positive moments with students.

He thanked the staff for joining them in their celebration of gratitude.

“We just want to hang out and talk with you, and just kind of enjoy the small moments to show gratitude, since we’re all busy every day… Just to pause for a little bit I think would be really nice,” Farrar said before students and staff dug into their meals, mingling and laughing with one another in the spirit of the holiday.

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan Positive Dogs program leader and PHHS Assistant Principal Brandon Farrar and student leaders Brandon Atkins, Peyton Dyer and Grayson Johnson share the importance of the program and their appreciation for the school’s faculty.

Students of the Positive Dogs program mingle during their Thanksgiving-style lunch.

Patrick Henry High School students in the Positive Dogs program brought an impressive Thanksgiving spread with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, classic pies, cookies and much more to share with school faculty.

Patrick Henry High School cafeteria faculty line up for the first pick of the Positive Dogs Thanksgiving spread.

Students in the Positive Dogs program mingle with Patrick Henry High School faculty over a Thanksgiving meal.

Continued from pg. 1

Since the first Great Cycle Challenge was held in 2015, its community of riders from all 50 states has ridden a total of over 25.6 million miles and raised over $52.5 million in support of the CCRF, according to the Great Cycle Challenge’s website.

The challenge invites cyclists to challenge themselves and set their own personal riding goal throughout the month of September every year. Riders fundraise to support CCRF’s mission of finding safer, more effective treatments and a cure for all childhood cancers.

According to the Great Cycle Challenge’s website, over 15,700 American children are diagnosed with cancer every year and 38 children die every week.

“Every hill we climb and every mile we pedal will be to honor those lives we’ve lost and stand with those brave kids still fighting to survive,” the Great Cycle Challenge website states. “These kids won’t give up, and

CALENDAR

neither will we.”

Gagnon has made the challenge’s leadership board throughout his years of participation, raising $32,687 as a solo rider from 2017 to 2021. This year, he decided to organize a team of riders to tackle the challenge with greater momentum. Recruiting his two grandsons, Michael and William Dickey, the trio earned TEAMGeoff’s second place spot on the national leadership board for the most funds raised as a family team.

TEAMGeoff was named on behalf of Gagnon’s son and the boys’ uncle, Geoffrey Thomas, who tragically lost his battle with cancer at the age of 5 in 1977 after being diagnosed with Meningeal Sarcoma, which is a disease typically found in adults. The trio also rode for family friend Noah Masse, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 1 and is now 11 years old and cancer-free.

“When I first asked them if they would join my team, they both said, ‘Oh, yeah, absolutely we’d like to,’ ” Gagnon said.

Chickahominy Middle School students Michael and

Sunday, Dec. 11

The Independence Ruritan Club will host an all-you-caneat Salt Fish Breakfast from 6:45 to 8:45 a.m. to benefit the Western Hanover Emergency Action Team (W.H.E.A.T). Breakfast includes: salt herring fillets, scrambled eggs, bacon, spiced apples, cornbread, grits, coffee and orange juice. Cost is $11 for adults. The Ruritan Building is located behind Independence Christian Church, 14033 Independence Road (off Route 54, west of Ashland). For more information, call 804-798-5171 or contact Dave at e-mail: wdtoney@ mindspring.com.

The first ever “Frosty Fest” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 9204 Center Oak Court in Mechanicsville. Frosty Fest is a shop local event that will benefit CodeBlue Cares Foundation in their mission to provide technology to schools, libraries and rural communities. Over 20 artisans and businesses will be set up in The Rutland Center along with local food vendors, gift wrapping and more. The event is open and free to the public. For more information, visit the website, www.codebluecares.org, or email, donate@ codebluecares.org.

Church of the Redeemer, located at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville, invites

William eagerly jumped into the race, dedicating their free time after school and on the weekends to cycling around their neighborhood and spreading awareness of the cause to friends.

“Michael even rides his bike to school every day, so he’s putting on miles all the time,” Gagnon said.

Gagnon and his grandsons rode a combined total of 523 miles in September and accumulated over $12,000 in community donations, which officially closed on Nov. 30.

Gagnon, who rode around 300 miles this year, ranked 36th in the nation and third in Virginia for the most funds raised individually with his $9,664 contribution. Michael raised $784 and William raised $769.

Their contribution to the cause also earned the trio their own Great Cycle Challenge honorary jerseys, which are gifted to participants who raise at least $600. Gagnon also added another “superhero jersey” to his growing collection for raising up to $2,500.

Gagnon said he most enjoyed going on rides with

all to its annual Advent/ Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. This concert will feature Redeemer’s 35+ member Adult Choir, Redeemer Ringers-a 3 octave handbell choir, talented instrumentalists, and the Youth/Children’s Choir. You’ll hear seasonal favorites and new choral pieces, sing-alongs and more! The concert is free to attend but we will take up a free-will offering toward the purchase of acoustic panels to enhance the quality of sound in our Worship Space. Reception to follow. For more information check out www.facebook. com/RedeemerMusicMInistry or call (804) 746-4911.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

The Hanover Concert Band

his two grandsons.

“I would say, ‘Okay, I’m coming, let’s go for a ride around the neighborhood,’ and they were most agreeable,” Gagnon said proudly. “And their friends knew that they were doing this, so I’m thinking that a lot of these anonymous donations they received came from friends in the neighborhood.”

Today, Gagnon has raised almost $40,000 through the challenge.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Gagnon said. “I never thought I’d be able to raise that kind of money, but it’s just very gratifying to do something like that.”

He said the boys will “absolutely” participate in the challenge again next year on TEAMGeoff and are already looking to recruit their friends.

“They’re both Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and so they understand the involvement with the community and doing things for the community,” Gagnon said. “This is just another spoke in the wheel for them to try something different.”

Gagnon, Michael and William are preparing for next year’s challenge and con-

is presenting a Christmas Pops Concert at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 South Center Street in Ashland from 7 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to hear the band play seasonal favorites. Mechanicsville AARP Chapter 5407 will be meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Union Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green Rd. in Mechanicsville. The Hanover Christmas Mother, a person from Senior Connection will be the guest speakers, election of officers and board members, and any committee chairpersons positions.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Blue Christmas Service will be held at 7 p.m. at Mechanicsville United

tinue raising awareness for the meaningful cause in the community. They hope to grow the team of three to a dozen next year and invite any other interested community members to join.

Donations can be made to the 2023 challenge as early as January, and Gagnon hopes to attract sponsorship from interested businesses in order to

reach his goal of $20,000 next year.

For those interested in joining “TEAMGeoff” or for more information on the team and how to donate, visit the link: https://greatcyclechallenge. com/Teams/TEAMGeoff.

For more information on the Great Cycle Challenge in general, visit the website: greatcyclechallenge.com.

Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. A service of light for those who are feeling blue, sad, grieving and experiencing loss this Christmas season. This service occurs on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Invite those who have experienced loss and grief this year. All are welcome. Nursery provided for children 4 and under.

Ongoing

Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions One Stop Shop (MCEF OSS) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear park-

ing lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

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

Contributed photo George Gagnon and his grandsons, Michael and William Dickey, stand ready to ride while sporting their Great Cycle Challenge USA “I’m riding to fight kids’ cancer” shirts in honor of the annual challenge’s mission.

Randolph-Macon’s season ends as Delaware Valley stuns Jackets with late comeback

By Rob Witham Special Correspondent

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. —

Leading by 14 points with 15 minutes left in their NCAA Division III second-round playoff game at Delaware Valley on Saturday, Randolph-Macon was primed for one more big, time-consuming drive, hoping to advance to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time.

But an Aggies defense which entered averaging only 5.9 points allowed, stiffened at the startling success of the opposition and gave the ball to Louis Barrios and the Delaware Valley offense. Delaware Valley took advantage of those possessions, scoring 21 unanswered points, including its final touchdown with 24 seconds left to send RandolphMacon home with a heartbreaking 39-32 defeat, ending their 17-game winning streak and their 2022 season at 11-1.

“In order to run the football, you’ve got to be able to throw it around a little bit, and we just didn’t have any success throwing the ball,” said Yellow Jackets coach Pedro Arruza. “A lot of that falls on me, the play caller. A lot of calls I’d like to take back, but our kids played really hard. They have so all year.”

After falling behind by eight points twice in the first half, Randolph-Macon fought back to tie the game at 18-18 with a 32-yard touchdown pass from

Andrew Ihle to Zach Bowman with 25 seconds left. It was Ihle’s second scoring strike of the half, having connected with David Wallis from 64 yards less than four minutes earlier.

Ihle and Brecht Heuchan were pressed into duty as ODAC player of the year Drew Campanale was out, recovering from an injury suffered last week in a first-round win over SUNY-Cortland. The replacement duo made some key passes but missed on critical plays, especially in the final period.

The Yellow Jackets took their first lead when Tahmir Barksdale fumbled a punt for Delaware Valley (12-0).

Bowman recovered at the Aggies’ 7-yard line. Four plays later, aided by a Delaware Valley personal foul, Ihle scored from a yard out for a 25-18 lead.

Later in the quarter, Alex Biddle grabbed his second interception of the postseason, setting up a short field and a 32-18 advantage.

But on the next three possessions after the Aggies scored early in the fourth quarter on a Louis Barrios quarterback keeper, Randolph-Macon had drives of one play (ended by a fumble), three plays and a punt, then six plays and a punt. The Aggies tied it on another

Barrios run from a yard out to tie the game with 4:07 left.

Facing third-and-1 at R-MC’s 30, Ihle took the snap but couldn’t find a seam, pushed by for a yard loss. The Yellow Jackets defense, already worn down by the Aggies’ comeback, had to make a stop with 2:13 to go.

Delaware Valley completed two third down passes, including a 28-yard throw from Barrios to Dez Austin on a third-and-14. Barrios then found Jahaire Johnson for the game-winning score.

For Ihle, one of eight fifthyear seniors on the team, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

“They’re very physical, and they came after us,” Ihle said. “We took their blows and tried to respond as best we could. At times, we did a really good job of that, and, at other times, we didn’t.”

After running 32 plays for 204 yards in the first half, RandolphMacon mustered only 84 yards in 31 plays after halftime.

The season came to a jarring end, as is the case for almost every team in postseason play. But R-MC took a giant step forward as a program this season, winning 10, then 11, games for the first time ever and registering its first-ever NCAA home victory.

WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH

Missing Campanale, and veteran defensive back Cade Jones, certainly toughened the mission. But team No. 135 will be long remembered for its toughness, offensive balance, and the high bar set for the program’s future.

Ihle, fighting through tears, spoke volumes when asked why this team could be this successful.

“There’s no one else I’d rather be with. With Coach, the people I played with and had the opportunity to be with for five years, to try to achieve something great, and I think we did,” Ihle said. “I just wish I could have done more.”

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Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

ALEXA

Randolph-Macon coach Pedro Arruza speaks to the Yellow Jackets after a win at Hampden-Sydney.

Raider Nation girls win at NXR Southeast regional

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

A great season just continues to get better for the Atlee Raiders cross country team.

The team traveled to Cary, North Carolina on Nov. 21 to compete at the NXR Southeast Regional, which saw the girls team win their open invitational and the boys compete among the best in a variety of different competitions at WakeMed Soccer Park. The race included runners from 11 states.

Under the name Raider Nation, the girls came out on top among 11 teams with a score of 44, with the next closest team finishing with 91.

Led by four runners placing within the top10, Amelia Waggoner had Raider Nation’s top time of 19:12.50, good for third place. Ten seconds behind her in fourth place was her running mate Addison Crow, who finished at 19:22.30.

Teagan Gilhooly, coming off an impressive performance alongside her team at the Class 4 state meet that saw her finish in 20th, was third in the team’s rankings with a seventh place result with a finishing time of 19:51.70. Coming in at No. 10 in the race was Courtney Mudd, who ran a solid time of 19:58.50 that helped solidify the team’s top ranking in the standings.

On the boys side, Travis Albon and Patrick Allen, who both had fantastic regional and states runs this year, competed together in the men’s final, with Allen placing 48th with a 15:51.9 result

and Albon placing 73rd with a time of 16:05.20.

In the open invitational, Jake Stanley had Raiders Nation’s best result with a run of 17:08.7 that placed him just outside the top-50 at 52nd place.

James Mulcahy, Owen Guest and Liam Albon also ran in the Rising Stars race, with

Mulcahy having the best result of 17:11.0 that placed him in 16th.

At the race, the Atlee athletes were also able to meet this year’s guest of honor, pro runner Craig Engels, who signed autographs, took photos and interacted with the excited Raiders runners.

10u and 12u Mechanicsville football teams compete in championship games

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

It was a great day to be a fan of Mechanicsville Football & Cheer on Nov. 19, as the 10u and 12u teams took to the fields for their championship games.

While the 10u squad continued its streak of dominant play on both sides of the field en route to a championship victory, the 12u side came up just short, ending a thrilling season as the runner-up.

The 10u Hornets, coached by Jimmy Rice, entered their title matchup with tons of momentum, having shutout five of their six regular season opponents. In the semifinals and in the championship game, they continued that trend, once again shutting out the opposition.

Taking on the Western

Wildcats at Douglas Freeman High School in the championship game, the Hornets never looked in threat to lose control, battling hard and running away with a 28-0 victory.

The 12u Hornets, meanwhile, entered the postseason with a 6-1 record. Coached by

Local November 30, 2022

Kevin Lynn, the Hornets took on the Hopewell Blue Devils for a shot at the championship trophy, but came up just shy of the trophy despite a valiant effort in a 57-31 loss that put an end to a memorable season.

Finishing off the afternoon of football meant the end of

the season for Mechanicsville Football & Cheer, which was a special one for the teams thanks to unbelievable support from the fans and

parents in the stands that showcased just how strong the community energy was for the game of football in Mechanicsville. With the

motto of #WeFamily shining through the community’s love for the game, there’s hope that the momentum will continue on into next season.

Atlee’s cross country girls team won first place in the open invitational event at the NXR Southeast Regional at Cary, North Carolina on Nov. 21.

Contributed photos Atlee’s Owen Guest (left) freshens up his mullet alongside pro middle-distance runner Craig Engels, the guest of honor at the NXR Southeast Regional.

Contributed photos

Mechanicsville 10u football won its championship game on Nov. 19, while the 12u squad played hard in a championship loss to Hopewell.

TOWNOFASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe20thdayofDecember2022,at7:00p.m.attheAshlandTownHall, 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland,VA,theAshlandTownCouncilwillconductpublichearingsforthe purposeofreceivinginput,andmayproviderecommendationsonthefollowing:

ORD2022-07GASCANOPYHEIGHT

KarlE.SchwartzofThePlanSource,Inc.,requestsaZoningOrdinanceTextAmendmenttoChapter 21,ArticleXXV,Section21-269oftheAshlandTownCodetoallowforanincreaseofoneand one-halffeetintheheightrestrictionongasstationcanopies.Theproposalwouldchangethecurrent maximumheightoffourteen(14ft)feetandrevisethelanguagetoallowfifteenandone-halffeet (15.5ft)ofheightmeasuredfromgrade.

CopiesoftheproposedORD2022-07maybeobtainedbycontactingTownHallat (804)798-1073,MondaythroughThursday,7:30a.m.to6:00p.m.Writtencommentsmaybe submittedtoplanning@ashlandva.govormailedtoTownofAshland,POBox1600,Ashland, VA23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendandexpresstheirviews.Anypersonwithadisability requiringassistanceinordertoparticipateinthispublichearingisaskedtocontactTownHallin advance,sothatappropriatearrangementscanbemade.

TOWNOFASHLAND

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe14thdayofDecember,2022,at6:00p.m.attheAshlandTownHall, 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland,VA,theAshlandPlanningCommissionwillconductpublichearingsforthe purposeofreceivinginput,andmayproviderecommendationsonthefollowing:

REZ22-1102&ORD2022-11HANASH,LLC KerryHutcherson,onbehalfofthepropertyowner,Hanash,LLC, requestsarezoningfromRR-1ResidentialRuraltoM-1LightIndustrialfortwoparcels,GPIN7789-23-1532 andGPIN7789-13-5953,alsoknownas12156WashingtonHighwayand12178WashingtonHighway, respectively.ThepropertiesarelocatedontheeastsideofRoute1,acrosstheintersectionwithMaple Streetandapproximately.35milessouthfromtheintersectionwithDowGilRd.Theproposedrezoning includesatotalof46.87acresacrossthetwoparcels.Thefuturelandusecategoryforthepropertiesis IndustrialandOpenSpace.Thereisnospecificuse,tenantsnorconceptplanproposedfortheproperty atthistime.

CUP22-1026LEVELUPDOGSPORTS

AaronSpeagle,ofSpeagleRealEstateHoldings,requestsapprovalofaConditionalUsePermit(CUP)for thepropertyidentifiedasGPIN#7789-16-4934,toallowfortemporaryovernightparkingofrecreational vehiclesattheproposedLevelUpDogSportsbusiness.Theproposedsite,whichencompasses6.80acres ofthe22.04-acreparcel,iswithintheB-2HighwayCommercialdistrict.Thefuturelandusedesignation fortheparcelisLimitedIndustrial.ThisrequestispursuanttoSection21-101(az)whichpermitstemporary usesthroughtheissuanceofaCUP.

CopiesofREZ22-1102,ORD2022-11,andCUP22-1026maybeobtainedbycontactingTownHallat (804)798-1073,MondaythroughThursday,7:30a.m.to6:00p.m.Writtencommentsmaybesubmitted toplanning@ashlandva.govormailedtoTownofAshland,POBox1600,Ashland,VA23005.Allinterested personsmayattendandexpresstheirviews.Anypersonwithadisabilityrequiringassistanceinorderto participateinthispublichearingisaskedtocontactTownHallinadvance,sothatappropriatearrangements canbemade.

PUBLICNOTICE

NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanoverCountyBoardofSupervisorshasset Wednesday,December14,2022 at6:00P.M., orassoonthereafterastheBoard’sconsiderationoftheadministrativeagendapermits.IntheBoard RoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuildingatHanoverCourthouse,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time, andplaceforapublichearingtoconsiderthefollowingcases,atwhichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:

REZ2022-00029,HELLENIC,L.L.C.

Request(s)anamendmenttotheproffersapprovedwithrezoningrequest,C-39-02(c),FrankandAnnaVolo,onGPIN 8724-49-0864,consistingofapproximately1.0acre,zonedB-2(c),CommunityBusinessDistrictwithconditions.The propertyislocatedonthesouthlineofMechanicsvilleTurnpike(U.S.Route360)westofitsintersectionwithBrashier Boulevard(privateroad).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasCommercial. (PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Mechanicsville

REZ2022-00024,JUDSONT.VAUGHAN,IIIANDGREGORYW.VAUGHAN

Request(s)torezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,toAR-6(c),AgriculturalResidentialDistrictwithconditions,on GPIN7789-73-4998,consistingofapproximately25.2acres.ThepropertyislocatedontheeastlineofCheroyRoad (StateRoute659)approximately250feetnorthofitsintersectionwithCheroyWoodsLane(StateRoute270).The subjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasAgricultural.Theproposedzoningamendment wouldpermitthecreationoffour(4)buildinglotsforagrossdensityofone(1)dwellingunitper6.3acres.(PUBLIC HEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

REZ2022-00007,HOPKINSPROPERTIESII,L.L.C.,ETAL.

Request(s)anamendmenttotheproffersandconceptualplanapprovedwithrezoningrequestC-9-07(c),Am. 1-09,HopkinsProperties,L.C.,etal.,onGPINs7787-35-4726,7787-35-6891,7787-36-4155,7787-36-4548,and 7787-36-1918,consistingofapproximately22.6acres,zonedB-3(c),GeneralBusinessDistrictwithconditions.The propertyislocatedonthenortheastquadrantoftheintersectionofWashingtonHighway(U.S.Route1)andSliding HillRoad(StateRoute656).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasCommercial. Theproposedzoningamendmentwouldpermittwoadditionalentrancesandmodifytheroadwayimprovements shownontheconceptualplan.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna

SE2022-00024,HOPKINSPROPERTIESII,L.L.C.,ETAL.

Request(s)aSpecialExceptionPermitinaccordancewithSection26-199oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinance, topermitanexceptionforloadingspacesintherequiredfrontyardandSection26-337toreducethethoroughfare bufferwidthonGPINs7787-35-4726,7787-35-6891,7787-36-4155,7787-36-4548,and7787-36-1918,consisting ofapproximately22.6acres,zonedB-3(c),GeneralBusinessDistrictwithconditions.Thepropertyislocatedonthe northeastquadrantoftheintersectionofWashingtonHighway(U.S.Route1)andSlidingHillRoad(StateRoute656). (PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna

CopiesoftheabovecasemaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,MondaythroughFriday,between thehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m.,pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogoto

Saturdays

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland 2 miles west of U.S. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix. Visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804270-9626.

Sundays

All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. Visit www.allsoulsva.org.

A Healing and Recovery

SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. Contact 804746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@ gmail.com.

Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. Contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www. mcshin.org.

14 Ashland-Hanover Local November 30, 2022

Scotchtown to host annual Family Holiday Cheer event

Discounted tickets for Preservation Virginia members and students can be purchased in advance. Children under 6 years old are free admission.

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown’s annual Family Holiday Cheer event is returning on Dec. 3 at the historic site, located at 16120 Chiswell Lane in Beaverdam. Scotchtown is bringing even more to the program than ever before and invites all interested families to join in the holiday celebration.

This year’s holiday event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature open house tours, costumed interpreters (including members of the 1st Virginia Regiment who will be drilling and musket firing), hot cider, cookies, holiday crafts, stories read by the hearth and much more.

Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are encouraged, as this event is hosted almost entirely outdoors. No refunds will be given unless the event must be cancelled by Preservation Virginia due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Facebook link, https://www.facebook.com/ events/4006185792939229.

December events at Ashland Museum

Contributed Report

The Local

Barclay DuPriest will profile Hercules Mulligan, an Irish-American tailor, on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the SunTrust Theater in Brock Commons, 304 Henry Street, Ashland, on the RandolphMacon College campus. Mulligan spied for George Washington as he stitched red coats for wealthy British officers during the Revolutionary War. This program is free and open to the public.

The Ashland Museum holiday guided walking tour will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. The museum will share some history and architecture about the southern end of S. Center Street. These lots that face onto the railroad tracks were some of the first developed by the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad. Each 60-minute walking tour will end with a reception at 905 S. Center St. This Greek Revival home was built in 1872 by Richard Irby, secretary and treasurer of Randolph-Macon College.

Details and registration are on the website, ashlandmuseum. org. Monthly Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. at Origin Beer Lab. Fire pits will be going. Email the museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804-368-7314 if you have questions about any of these events.

Programs at Ashland branch library

Contributed Report

The Local

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library

Letters to Santa at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Dec. 1, all day. Practice writing skills by using library stationery to craft a letter to Santa. Drop in in his special mailbox, and library staff will make sure he gets it.

Medicare Community Meeting at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Community meetings are a great way to meet neighbors and ask questions in an easy and fun environment. A licensed agent will be there to explain the ins and outs of Medicare and will also have information about the Virginia Premier Health Plan available in the community.

Holiday Season Hedgehogs at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ages 13 & up. Learn how to make a hedgehog out of a used book - perfect for a holiday gift. Supplies provided. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

A Royal Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Dec. 8, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Calling all Princess and Princesses for a Royal Storyime. Dress in your best royal outfit and join the library for stories and crafts befitting your highnesses. Register for a reminder at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

Mad about Mahjong! at the Ashland Branch Library. Fridays, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to

12:30 p.m. Looking for experienced players to play with? Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game at the Ashland Library.

Santa’s Workshop Family Escape Room at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, 1 to 2p.m., 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jack Frost is trying to ruin the holidays by hiding Santa’s magic sleigh key. Can your family figure out the clues to find the key and save the holidays? Register for a time slot at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.

3 Rivers Livestock Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 5-18. Would you like to participate in planning community service events and hone your expressive arts skills? At the library’s meetings, learn how to get involved in community and public affairs, how to be a good role model, how to give back to your community, and how to use time management skills to enjoy every part of life.

Sew Ready to Learn at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5 to 8 p.m. Join the Hanover Sewing Group to work on various projects as a seasoned quilter talks about various quilting methods, ways to run a guild and combining quilting with other hobbies.

Hanover Quilting Circle at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grab a sewing machine, supplies and current project. This group meets the second Wednesday of every month to share ideas, fabric, skills and stories. Beginners, experienced quilters and those curious about the hobby are all welcome to drop in.

Photos courtesy of Ashland Museum

Hercules Mulligan, shown below, was an Irish-American tailor who spied for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Shown above is the historic 905 S. Center Street, the final destination of The Ashland Museum’s upcoming holiday guided walking tours.

Contributed Report The Local

Contributed photo

Shown is the historic Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown in a winter wonderland.