Ashland-Hanover Local – 01/04/2023

ASTRONOMY

Habitat kicks off Faith Build

Local nonprofit seeks ongoing support from area congregations

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity officially broke ground on their Faith Build this week and will soon welcome another Habitat homeowner to the Ashland community.

The local affiliate broke ground on their Faith Build on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 510 Wesley Street in Ashland.

Faith Build is a partnership with local churches, faith-based organizations and businesses.

Students give back with Moments of Hope

CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN Editor

Hanover County Online School students recently put their philanthropic lessons to action with Moments of Hope, delivering trunks full of donated goods to gift a “moment of hope” to their neighbors ex-

periencing homelessness.

Students in grades six to eight in Paula Fearnow’s “Make It Your Business” class learned the difference between an entrepreneur and a societal entrepreneur last semester and were tasked with solving a school or community problem.

Aiming to solve a community problem, Fearnow and her students created their own nonprofit titled “Together We Stand” and focused their efforts on assisting the important mission of Moments of Hope.

Local churches and friends of the faith community will gather to help build and fund a home for a local family. Thanks to First Baptist Church Ashland, Habitat was able to purchase the church’s neighboring lot at a discount.

“The church believes that when we live out our faith, that will have an impact on our community and help our community to flourish,” said Jerry Heslinga, a member of First Baptist Ashland and Habitat board member.

Future homeowner Krystal and her 10-year-old daughter Nyla are Hanover locals. They are currently sharing a room at Krystal’s father’s house to save money to purchase her own home. Krystal says that being a single mom has been hard. It was a struggle

to afford childcare while working full-time and attending classes at night.

Krystal’s favorite quote is “God may not come when you want Him, but He is always on time.” With that positive mentality she believes, as does Habitat, that God led her to Habitat to be the next Faith Build homeowner.

Habitat is still looking for area congregations to put their faith into action by getting involved in this local mission work.

Habitat encourages faith-based

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Paula Fearnow stands with students of her Hanover County Online School “Make It Your Business” class during their Dec. 14 field trip to Moments of Hope while holding signs to thank their pantry drive’s generous donors.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Future Habitat homeowner and Hanoverian Krystal stands with her daughter Nyla.

Ashland Museum presents musical HistoryTalk

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Ashland Museum will host singer-songwriter Glenn Birch for a program of original music highlighting historic events, many of which took place in Virginia.

The songs tell stories of Hurricane Camille, Henry “Box” Brown, the Bedford Boys, and others. This program will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry Street on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not needed.

Monthly Trivia Night will continue on the third Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. at a location to

be determined by the weather. Watch the museum’s Facebook page or visit the website (ashlandmuseum.org) for a final notice. MC Woody and DJ Brent are busy working on questions to test participants’ knowledge.

The museum thanks the community for their support in 2022 and hopes to see resident at their events this year or in the museum, 105 Hanover Avenue in Ashland.

The museum’s winter hours begin this weekend on Friday and is open from 12 to 2 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Email the museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804-368-7314 if you have questions about any of these events.

2023 Spirit of Volunteerism nominations open

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Here’s a great New Year’s Resolution: Do your part to honor the community contributions of others and nominate someone for a Spirit of Volunteerism award.

Nominations opened on Jan. 2. All nominees will be recognized at Hanover’s countywide Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration on May 16, 2023. Nomination forms and information became available on Jan. 3 at www.HanoverVolunteers. org. March 10, 2023, is the nomination deadline.

Hanover’s annual Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration is a free event that is open to the public. This inspiring program will include music, award presentations and light refreshments. The Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration is a gathering for the Hanover community to celebrate active members of the community who have shared their kindness and compassion throughout Hanover County in service to various organizations, schools, faith-based and county programs.

Parks and Recreation launches 2023 programs

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Is fitness or fun on this year’s list of New Year’s resolutions? Hanover County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce several group fitness, art and a variety of educational, youth and therapeutic programs beginning this month. These programs will help your mind and body get and stay fit. Preregistration required.

Group Fitness:

Ageless Grace – a brain-body program designed for those aged 50 and up to support cognitive health and help you to be more alert, active and responsive through the activation of all five primary functions of the brain. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 10 at Martha Ann Fields Building at the Hanover Courthouse.

Line Dancing – with classes for beginners and those with a bit more experience, a variety of dance rhythms will be used to make this a fun-filled class. Mondays, beginning Jan. 23 at Laurel Meadow Elementary School.

Yoga: Seated Gentle – for those 50 and up looking for a gentle yoga practice to improve strength, flexibility, breathing, balance and relaxation. Thursdays, beginning Jan. 12 at Northside Baptist Church.

Yoga: Restorative – focus on a range of motion, strength, balance and flexibility in this gently paced class. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Jan. 10 at Northside Baptist Church.

Art:

Art Expressions – bring your supplies and work on your own individual projects in a social and

supportive environment. Mondays, beginning Jan. 9 at Pole Green Park.

Country School Quilters – enjoy Sewing Days on the second Saturday of each month and the Friday proceeding the second Saturday. Meets at Montpelier Park.

Stained Glass UFO’s – finish your stained glass unfinished projects. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 24 at Pole Green Park.

Adult Enrichment: Concealed Carry – participants will receive a course completion certificate from this class that meets and exceeds the requirements for the Virginia Concealed Carry Permit. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Pole Green Park.

It’s Euchre Time – a social and fun time for all while playing this engaging card game. Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 11 at Montpelier Park.

Youth: Bricks 4 Kidz – Junior Robotics: Super Hero Academy is the ideal way to spend some time building some fun out of school. Friday, Jan. 27 at Pole Green Park.

Child and Babysitting Safety –complete CPR with AED for adults, children, and infants will be taught along with everything you need to know regarding babysitting — from getting started to dealing with parents and children, to key safety, caregiving and first aid tips. Monday, Jan. 30 at Montpelier Park.

Homeschool Art Class – get messy and have fun in the new year with Bee Kreative. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17 at Taylor Park.

Little Kookers – young chefs gather for some delicious fun. Monday, Jan. 30 at Pole Green Park.

Parent & Me Dance – movement and creativity for your little one with 804 Dance. Offered Saturdays and Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 28 at 804 Dance Place.

Tennis: Indoor – get started working on your backhand and forehand with Play Tennis Hanover before the weather warms up. Offered Tuesdays at Pearson’s Corner and Wednesdays at Cool Spring Elementary Schools, beginning the week of Jan. 17.

Therapeutic: These programs are designed for persons with disabilities or special needs.

Art and Movement – exercise your mind and your body as you join us for a small group session of simple exercises and crafts. Offered Mondays at Montpelier Park and Tuesdays at Pole Green Park, beginning the week of Jan. 23.

Cake Pops Like a Boss – decorate delicious and decorative cake pops like a pro. Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Pole Green Park.

Winter Beach Party – it’s an “aloha” worthy party to take the chill off of your winter blues. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Church of the Redeemer.

To learn more about these and more program offerings and register online, please visit www.hanoverparksrec.com.

Contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation with any questions by phone number, (804) 365-7150 or email parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov.

Habitat

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organizations to support Habitat by either serving, praying, and/or giving. Groups can volunteer on construction, serve meals, pray over the new homeowners, and/or help fund the construction of the home.

Habitat seeks to raise $210,000, which is the estimated cost to build this home. The following churches have already signed up to finan-

cially support this project: First Baptist Church Ashland, $50,000 (equivalent to their land discount);

Fairmount Christian Church, $15,000; Bridge Christian Church, Fisherville, $3,000; Ashland Christian Church and Mechanicsville Baptist Church, $1,000; Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Independence Christian Church, Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church, Springfield Christian Church, Restoration Church; gifts of less than $1,000. Habitat has

also received funds from the PDC Housing Development Program toward this home.

“Home is the center of every family. Home is where our most personal relationships reside, where memories are made and where faith is handed down and practiced on a daily basis. For these reasons, Fairmount Christian Church is excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity on its next Faith Build to help provide a local family with a home that they

can enjoy and grow in for years to come,” said Chris Santasiere, associate minister at Fairmount Christian Church.

Those interested in serving, praying or giving can visit www. hkwhabitat.org/faith-build/, to find additional resources and to sign up to participate. Call Amanda Gunter at 804-569-6108 x104 with questions and to talk about joining Faith Build.

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity is a locally-run,

independent affiliate of Habitat International and is responsible for Hanover and King William counties. For over 30 years, they built homes alongside families who pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat’s repair program addresses critical repairs around the home. With their help and the help of the community, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Moments of Hope is a ministry that serves Hanover and Henrico counties along with areas of Richmond north of the James River. What began as a one-man outreach in late 2014 blossomed into a nonprofit organization in 2016 that aims to give hope to neighbors experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty through its outreach program, food pantry, mobile pantry and emergency shelter services.

Fearnow’s students were taught how to write formal letters and selected which businesses to reach out to in an effort to collect donated goods for the Moments of Hope pantry, with many even personally visiting the local businesses to solicit goods.

“We had a great turnout, and the back of the pickup truck was full,” Fearnow said. “And we didn’t just get canned goods – we got sleeping bags, gloves, stocking caps. I mean, it was just amazing.”

Fearnow and 10 students, along with parent chaperones, filled their cars with the accumulated donations on Dec. 14, including a van packed with donated blankets, and delivered them to the pantry located at 13400 Hanover Courthouse Road.

In addition to helping unload the donations, students helped pack 300 bags for the nonprofit’s Saturday food pickup, which serves around 800 people a week, Fearnow said.

The pantry provides Hanover County residents enough groceries to prepare six meals, with staff assisting with applications for benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP.

Betty Jo, Moments of Hope pantry manager, said the students packed enough bags to last for two weeks and helped with clean up, organizing the

shelves and other volunteer tasks throughout the afternoon.

“I think it was eye-opening. For several of them, they had no idea there were homeless people in Hanover County,” Fearnow said. “And it was just great. One of the parents even said, ‘This is the best field trip that I have ever been on.’”

Fearnow said that as a career and technical education teacher, she enjoys focusing classroom lessons more on life skills in her class’ curriculum.

“I really like it because you get to think outside the box as an educator, and you really get to hone in on their life skills, which I think is just so important for their future success,” she said.

Fearnow believes it is important for young students in today’s world to recognize needs in their communities and work collaboratively to address them.

“I think with the way our society and culture has changed as far as technology goes, we tend to put ourselves in our own little boxes, our own little world, and it’s a much bigger world out there,” she said. “We need to get off devices, and we need to get out and do things for the community and be aware that there’s more to life than our own little box.”

Fearnow expressed how proud she is of her young students and their willingness to go above and beyond as community philanthropists.

“I think I got just as much joy out of it as some of the kids did,” she added. “Some of the kids were even asking if they could volunteer.”

Jo said it was a “true pleasure working with this group.”

“It truly was like uplifting to me to know that that they had listened to their teachers so well,” Jo said. “[Fearnow] had done such a good job of teaching them concepts and that they truly understood

what she was doing.”

Jo added that “one little spark” was enough to draw various students to the pantry as volunteers even after the field trip.

“If we don’t raise productive members of society – people that are willing to help others, that are mindful of what needs to be done to make sure everybody has what they need – you know, we’re in trouble,” Jo said. “But it is wonderful to have young people that want to work, who want to help other people, who want to give back.”

Jo said Moments of Hope has been “very fortunate” to receive support from various students in the area, including students of Grace Christian School, Chickahominy Middle School and Banner Christian School in Chesterfield. She noted how a group of local high school students ran a food drive and painted rocks for the pantry.

“It sounds small, but every person that came through that Saturday got a rock, and some of those people don’t get anything that makes them feel better, and that was just a little something that made them know that other people were thinking about them,” Jo said.

From running the Moments of Hope pantry for seven years, Jo has formed her own vision of the Moments of Hope mission.

“The mission of Moment of Hope is to truly bring one moment of hope to one person when you’re in that moment,” she said. “My goal when I work is to know that when I’ve left that one person – whether it’s to give them food, to just encourage them with words – that I’ve given them one moment of hope to know that things will get better, that things can be better, and that us working together will always create more moments of hope.”

Moments of Hope is primarily volunteer-run with 16

core volunteers helping with the pantry every week.

“I could not do anything without the volunteers,” Jo said, adding that the organization is always seeking more volunteers to help run the pantry or assist with other Moments of Hope services.

The pantry accepts canned goods, dry goods, fresh produce and new or unused toiletries by appointment only at 13400 Hanover Courthouse Road.

Donations can also be accepted at: Air Park Auto Service (10985 Richardson Road, Ashland); Beca’s Auto Repair (8091 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville); Brook Run Vision Center (5644 Brook Rd, Henrico); HCPS Transportation Dept. (11375 Lakeridge Pkwy, Ashland); Insurance Doctor of Ashland (10393 Sliding Hill Rd, Ashland); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Brookhill Shopping Center, 5320 Chamberlayne Rd., Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Fountain Square Shopping Center, 8030 W. Broad St. STE D, Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (John Rolfe Commons Shopping Center, 2224 John Rolfe Pkwy, Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Parham One Shopping Center, 8191 C Brook Rd., Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Staples Mill Plaza Shopping Center, 9189 Staples Mill Rd., Henrico); Pooh Corner Child Care Center (10251 Timber Ridge Dr., Ashland); Seafarer’s Restaurant and Seafood Market (109 Commerce Park Dr., Manquin).

For more information on how and what items to donate, visit the website, https://momentsofhopeoutreach.org/. Those interested in volunteering can apply through the same website or call the office at 804-9139151.

For more information on Hanover County Online School, visit the website, https://hos.hcps.us/.

OBITUARIES

Howard H. Beach Jr.

BEACH, Howard H. Jr., of rockville, Va., passed away on december 23, at the age of 88. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, susan Breed Beach; his loving children, Linda B. Fowler (david Conley), Brenda L. McKenna, Jo anne Melton (ed), richard H. Beach, donna B. Keeton (Barney), and Leslie B. Plucinski (Michael), 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. af ter graduating from rockville High school, Howard served the military in White sands, n.M. He then worked for Western electric for more than 20 years in richmond, Va. a hard working and deeply loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will be missed by all. “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the alzheimer’s a ssociation.

LOCAL CALENDAR

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

The Community salt Fish Breakfast will resume from 8 to 10 a.m. at enon uMC, 6156 studley road, Mechanicsville, Va 23116. The buffet includes salt fish, corn cakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, hash browns, sausage gravy, biscuits, waffles, apples, beverages and fellowship. adults are $10, ages 6 & under are “free” with all profits going to Missions.

TUESDAY, JAN. 10

Mechanicsville aarP Chapter 5407 will be meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First u nion Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green rd. Mechanicsville, Va aar P Virginia state director Jim dau will be the guest speaker and new officers/ board members will be installed.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

Glowing s miles d entistry, located at 9097 atlee station road, suite 120 in Mechanicsville, is hosting its second annual Give Kids a smile event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is offering free dental care for children of low-income families. Call 804-559-3250 with any questions.

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

Walnut Grove Baptist Church will be conducting Free adult english Classes (esL) and Citizenship Classes (Passing the Test) Wednesday mornings with open enrollment through May 17, 2023. Classes will

meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m at 7046 Cold Harbor road, Mechanicsville, Va 23111. For more information, contact the church office at (804) 746-5081 or contact Frank at wgbcinfo@comcast.net or (804) 4027701. The classes are free but students are asked to purchase the books required for the class.

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 804-270-9626.

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.

Tuesdays

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid-december, at the Hanover arts and activities Center at 500 s railroad ave. in ashland, just south of u s. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

The american Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek road in Mechanicsville, holds a “Meet and Greet, Coffee and d onut” event from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what they do for the community. Visit http://www.post175.org/.

WEDNESDAYS

Hanover rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at roma’s restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek rd. in Mechanicsville. due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at roma’s or Zoom connection information.

THURSDAYS

The ashland rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse restaurant at 100 s railroad ave. in ashland. For more information, contact steve dunham at 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo.com. Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove road Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@ gmail.com.

New Year brings longer days after solstice

DR. GEORGE SPAGNA Special to

The Local Happy New Year! Now that we’re past the solstice on Dec. 21, the time between sunrise and sunset will get a bit longer each day. The tilt of Earth’s axis is steady except for a long-term “precession” which takes some 26,000 year, and some shorter term “nutation” with a period of about 18 years. You won’t notice either in your lifetime – the precession moves the apparent direction of the north pole around a circle 47 degrees wide. The nutation angle is only a few seconds of angle (one second is 1/3600 degrees). Both motions are caused by tidal interaction with the sun and moon.

Just some quick catchup: Artemis I was successfully returned to Earth right on schedule on Dec 11. Artemis II will launch with a four-person crew no earlier than 2024. The lunar landing mission of Artemis III will happen no sooner than 2025 and may be delayed if NASA doesn’t get the new lunar surface space suits finished or if the lunar lander isn’t ready. They’ve contracted with Elon Musk’s Space-X for a version of the company’s “Starship.” Prototypes have mostly either crashed or exploded on test flights, and it has yet to even make Earth orbit, let alone to the moon.

There was some breathless press noise about Lawrence Livermore Labs achieving ignition in a test fusion reaction. While the science is pretty good, there’s a lot of engineering needed before we can claim to have routine fusion power to replace fossil fuels (or even current nuclear fission reactors). I’ll have more to say about fusion in general and this “breakthrough” in particular in next month’s column.

Lunar phases for January: Full Moon on Jan. 6, at 6:08 p.m.; Last Quarter on Jan. 14, at 9:12 p.m.; New Moon on Jan 21 at 3:53 p.m.; and First Quarter on Jan. 28 at 8:20 p.m. All times are Eastern Standard.

Mercury returns to the predawn sky around midmonth. Look to the southeast for a bright “morning star.” Venus is the bright “evening star,” which will set around 7 p.m. Mars will be due south (“crosses the meridian”) at about 9 p.m., setting before dawn at 4 a.m. Jupiter is already up at sunset, crossing the meridian at 5 p.m. It will set before midnight. Think of Saturn as another evening star, but not as bright as Venus, setting at 7 p.m.

Looking overhead about two hours after sunset, you will find the constellation Perseus at zenith. Its two brightest stars are Mirphak and Algol. The latter is a multi-star system whose third component was discovered by my undergraduate advisor, Dr. Alan Meltzer. He had a wry sense of humor, and his joke on this was especially witty for those Latin

students who have read Caesar’s commentaries on the gallic wars – “Algol is divided into three parts.” Ask a Latin teacher if you don’t get it!

That bright star to the east of zenith is Capella in the constellation Auriga. It’s the sixth brightest star as seen from Earth. Below zenith and to the southeast we have a wonderful alignment. Sweeping your attention downward, you’ll find the Pleiades, then the constellation Taurus with its brightest star Aldebaran as the heart of the Lion. Below Taurus, Orion is rising. Gemini is to the east with Castor above Pollux its two brightest stars. Cygnus is setting to the northwest in an orientation that makes clear why it is known as the Northern Cross.

If readers have questions about astronomy in particular (or science in general) that you would like covered in one of these columns, please feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu. (I have retired from RandolphMacon College but will continue these columns and use of that email address for the foreseeable future.)

becausereliability iseverything

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

OPINION

FROM THE EDITOR

The very first ‘marathon of mirth’ that brought holiday cheer to al l

By ChristinaAmano Dolan Editor

Where did the time go?

“We didnot dare dream its successes would be so great,” stated the advertisement.

CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN Editor

It feels like just yesterday when I sat down to reflect on the year to come. Perhaps some readers may recall a past column that reflected on the meaning of New Year’s resolutions at the start of 2022 and why, as adulthood arrives, these annual resolutions seem to escape us against the backdrop of our busy lives.

On the sunny morning of Nov. 27,1924, children of New YorkCitylined the sidewalks of Manhattan’s Herald Square to catch a glimpse of the once-in-alifetime “marathon of mirth,” asadvertised by the booming Macy’s department store.

ing effects on seemingly every part of our lives, Jan. 1 of 2023 inspired another hopeful drafting of New Year’s resolutions with the excitement of standing at the finish line and admiring the distance traveled – and the various roadblocks along the way.

Held to showcase the opening of the “World’s Largest Store,” with Macy’s flagship location in Herald Square expanding to cover an entire city block, and to garnerexcitement for the holiday shopping season, the “Macy’s Christmas Parade” delivered its promise of enveloping the cityin a mirthful morning of holiday spirit.

I made another resolution last year – one that called for the recognition of its importance against the backdrop of any phase of our lives. But this past column was written amid a different time, as the year of 2021 brought more uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic than the start of 2022 could predict. With the world still uncertain of the future and if another lockdown lay ahead, perhaps writing resolutions could offer us the satisfaction of looking at what has been achieved and the courage to push further and remain hopeful of the future.

As mentioned before, this tradition – although tedious and requiring the difficult task of self-reflecting – is one that has been upheld by my family for years. Gathered around the breakfast table on the first morning of the year, my family of six reads aloud each resolution from the year prior and what boxes have been checked off.

Spanning6 miles, the parade route boasted nursery-rhyme themed floats of Mother Goose, the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, LittleRedRiding Hood, and otherfavorites. Macy’s employeesdressed as clowns, cowboys and sword-wielding knights as they strolledalong the streets; anarray of bears, elephants,camels,monkeys and other Central Park Zoo animals offereda circus-like atmosphere asparadebands blared festive music. And of course, the rear of the parade featured the guest of honor, Santa Claus, who sat atop a mountain of ice inhis reindeer-driven sleigh.

moment of frustration over the lack of boxes checked off, which is quickly followed by a surge of determination as we begin drafting our next to-do list for the year. Knowing these new resolutions will not be seen again until the next year, it calls for each of us to truly remember our goals – no matter how big or small – as we navigate through another 12-month journey to the finish line.

And its successes would of course continue toclimb, as the parade becameknown as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade– anannual occurrence that has become the beloved American tradition that we all know and love today.

Ofcourse, the parade would evolve overtime, as the parade route scaledback to a little over 2 milesinlength and helium-filled characterballoons replaced the zoo animals. But the spiritof the very first paradehas persisted for almost a century now, surviving even the most turbulent times to gift the American people what it had promisedfrom day one: “a marathonof mirth.”

Despite the stock marketcrash of 1929, the parade marched on without interruption throughout the 1930s. But itsfirst interruption would occur during World War II,as the paradewassuspended from 1942 to 1944 due to needed helium andrubber for the war effort.

own beloved traditions with local floats, marching bands,balloons and, of course, the guest of honor– Santa Claus

It’s almost become instinctive for us to bury ourselves in the present – whether from stress, mounting responsibilities or a touch of workaholic tendencies. When else, as we grow older, do we have the perfect time to take notice of ourselves and say, “Job well done” for the cluttered calendar days crossed off and feel inspired to add another daily task to the calendar days ahead – whether incorporating a trip to the gym, taking up painting classes or picking up a new instrument?

Small acts, great impact

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing Columnist

But Hanover Countyis a vibrant community that brings “marathons of mirth” inallshapes and sizes throughout the year, as I have recently learned from attending the extravagant Ashland Fourth of July Parade that surprised mewith its grandeur As I have only attendeda handful of parades my whole life, or have watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade through our family’s television, learning of the beloved holiday traditions of the Ashland/HanoverOlde Time Holiday Parade and Mechanicsville Christmas Paradehasleft me waiting inexcited anticipation long before thisholiday season

ered to my car minutes later.

But, I soon conceded that online ordering was more efficient and user-friendly than I had anticipated, and now, I regularly order online and pick up food to go at several local establishments.

In 1963, justsixdays after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Macy’s officials were facedwith a difficult decision. Despite somehesitation, they decided to host the parade that Thanksgiving morning inhopes that it would upliftthe dwindledAmerican spirit

It would be difficult to list the societal and cultural changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, but few would argue our lives were changed permanently from months of isolation, limited activities and untold hours alone in our homes.

Justas the Macy’s parade returned to the streets of New YorkCityin2021, the beloved Hanover celebrations returned lastwinter during a time of its necessity–a time when the COVID-19pandemiccontinued to rampage through communities, the world began to emerge from a dispiriting isolation, and holiday cheerwassparse.

Ten thousandspectatorscheered asSanta descended from hissleigh asnoon rolled around, and the “once-in-a-lifetime” holiday paradecame to a close.

Ofcourse, as we allknow, thisparade would become something much more than a one-time occurrence. Despite the minimalnewspaper coverage of the novel performance, the paradecaptured the hearts of the community and, eventually, the country.

Macy’s released a newspaper advertisement as quickly as the following morning declaring that the parade would arrive again the followingyear

While we have not escaped the pandemic and its linger-

This always brings an uplifting image, as each family member always seems to find themselves astonished at what has been accomplished. The number of boxes checked off always seems to exceed what is first expected, as drafting a to-do list for the daunting 12 months ahead may seem like a tiresome feat at first.

Or, in my case, it may sometimes bring a fleeting

With the year 2023 officially underway and our own individual journeys just beginning, I highlight the importance of making New Year’s resolutions again. Because the start of 2023, just like every year, is a new beginning. With the doors of businesses open again, community gatherings and celebrations brought back to life, and daily calendars cluttered with the weight of everyday responsibilities, it is more vital than ever to pause and reflect on the distance traveled – including the various roadblocks along the way – and find comfort in the wonderfully linear nature of time.

Even the COVID-19pandemicfailed to dissuade the annualtradition,as Macy’s held an extravagant virtualcelebration following socialdistancing guidelines. With a return to its in-person festivitiesin2021, the beloved paradesurvived, proving that evenin the most turbulent times, its ability to bring holiday joy to the American masseshasdriven its unwavering popularity and, more importantly, necessity.

Whether as big as climbing Mount Everest or as modest as making more time to see friends, the possibilities are endless for each of us and our individual journeys as we begin anew in 2023. I encourage readers to seize this meaningful opportunity for self-reflection and courage and write their own New Year’s resolutions lists.

Even if it seems tedious today, imagine the second Christmas that will arrive on Jan. 1, 2024, when marveling at the boxes checked off and wondering, “Where did the time go?”

Ofcourse thisholiday paradeis just one of thousands that capture the hearts of communitiesacross the country– all who bringa “marathon of mirth” amid even the bleakest of times.There are parades that have uplifted their own communitiesinto a jolly celebration over the years,developing their

But evenin the most turbulent times, the Hanover spirit survived. Now in its 53rd year, the adored Ashland/Hanover Olde Time Holiday Paradeis only two weeks away, inviting the community to help kick off the Hanover holidays on Nov. 20 Followingclosely after will be the Mechanicsville Christmas Paradein its 24th year on Dec 4.

As temperatures plunged last week and I needed a day off from cooking, I ordered from a local eatery and headed out to pick up my dinner. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one seeking refuge from the kitchen – the place was packed.

Customers crowded the takeout section of the restaurant, while the dining room was relatively empty, perhaps confirmation that America’s dining habits are changing.

Justas the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has persisted for almost a century, Hanover’s own parades continue to thrive and uplift its own community when it is most needed, emulating theirtrue purpose ofbringinga “marathon of mirth” to all anda truecelebrationof a united community’s perseverance.

Although I have no confirming information, I suspect that one of the most obvious impacts was on the takeout food service. It seems ordering online and picking up food to go has become more of the rule than the exception, and restaurants have adjusted menus to accommodate customers who prefer to gather their food and enjoy it in the comfort of their homes.

For more information on the Ashland/HanoverOlde Time Holiday Parade, visit the website, https://ashlandvakiwanis. org/Page/31094 For more informationon the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade, visit the website, https://www.mechanicsvillerotar y.org/mechanicsville-christmas-parade.

I’m not sure why I was hesitant to use these services, although I did utilize takeout services during the pandemic by calling in an order and having it deliv-

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to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The ashland-Hanover Local.

News tips, stor y ideas,communit y events, photos, birth announcements, Milestones anniversaries 40 years & above or 80 yrs. old birthday & above announcements can be emailed to cdolan@ mechlocal.com orcall 804-212-6266.

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Mechanicsville hosts holiday basketball tournament

Patrick Henr y rumblespastMechanicsville inhigh-scoring64th matoBowl

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Just days before the new year, Mechanicsville High School played host for two days of nonstop basketball action as they welcomed teams like New Kent, Grace Christian and King William for the The Ville Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament on Dec. 28-29.

By Adam Cheek for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Arowdy Me ch anics vi lle crowd ontheopposite sideofthefield,plus anabnormallywar m November eveningat Patrick Henr y High School, didn’t stopthe Patriots from rolling over the Mustangs 48-27athome to close outthe regular season.

The Lady Mustangs entered the tournament an undefeated defensive juggernaut and left it just the same, moving to 7-0 on the season and winning the tournament with wins over New Kent and King William that left little doubt of just how talented a group these Mustangs have proven to be to start the season.

The64theditionofthe Tomato Bowlwas wagedmostly onthe ground. PH, 6-4headinginto next week’s Region 4B playoffs, recorded 366 rushing yards,20 more than Mechanicsvillehadpassingand rushing combined

A common theme with the Mustangs this season has been the way that they turn good defense into easy transition offense. That was evident in both games, as they constantly bother the ballhandler with traps and well-timed help defense as soon as they cross midcourt.

“Ialwayslike to run the ball, kind of see where we’re at,” Patrick Henr y coach Ken Wakefieldsaid. “We know thatthey’ve gotsome guysthatgotta play bothsidesof the ball,so you kindofleanonthem a littlebit.”

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

a three on the wing to make it a two-point game. After an intentional foul sends a King William shooter to the line, he only made one and saw his second hit the rim three times and fall out, allowing the Mustangs to push the pace off the miss and tie the game up with 13 seconds left off a Harris 3-pointer.

The Cavaliers regained the lead for good though after a foul on the ensuing inbounds gave them a go-ahead free throw. They got another point via free throw soon after to make it a two-point game, and on the last possession of the game, junior Brady Barton and Harris each had a chance to score that didn’t go their way.

The next day, the Mustangs found themselves again in a close battle against the Grace Christian Warriors, who won in a 5853 thriller.

In the opening matchup against King William, Mechanicsville ran away with the lead early, jumping out to a 22-4 lead thanks to that reputable defense that included an early steal and block from junior Ashley Ownes and a stealand-score from freshman Kedelin Santos.

season, 78-20.

Onseniornight, it wasappropriatelytheseniorsthatshonethe brightest:both Gracyn Ross and Shamar Williams recordedtwo touchdowns apiece.

That lead grew to 50-11 by halftime, with the Mustangs outrunning the Cavaliers with their breakneck pace and harassing defense. On one play that embodies just how good their defense was, Santos ripped the ball from the hands of a Cavaliers guard and drove in for a layup through contact for a 3-point play.

Rossandjuniorquar terback Grayson Johnson were explosive early, bothhittingthe100-yard rushingmark by theendof thefirst half— Rossat100 and Johnson at103.

The next day, the Mustangs took on the New Kent Trojans (53), who sought to halt the home team’s pace and stop their fast break opportunities. It worked fairly well in the first quarter, with the game seeing a lot of stop-andstart play and few chances for the Mustangs to run the floor, but the Mustangs had a 7-4 foul advantage and did well at the free throw line to take a 19-7 lead into the second quarter.

Next to her was a 13-point first half from senior Bennett Carlton, who finished with 17 points on the night. New Kent struggled to contain Carlton without fouling, and she scored six points from the free throw line on eight attempts.

With a 41-12 halftime lead, it was again a drama-free second half for the undefeated Mustangs as they took care of business and got to hoist the tournament trophy at midcourt after their win.

Led by a 13-point second half from junior guard Joe Evans and 10 points from junior Nolan Harris, the Mustangs turned things around after a tough second quarter thanks to good work on the glass and some impressive ball movement to outscore the Cavaliers 13-7 in the third quarter to make it a 37-32 deficit entering the final eight minutes.

The Mustangs trailed early to a Warriors team that relied upon their 3-point shooting to gain the edge, but after entering the third quarter down eight, the Mustangs chipped away to make it a sixpoint game entering the fourth quarter.

The deficit went down to just three points multiple times over the final eight minutes, but the Warriors continued to respond with shots that gave them the slight edge they needed to pull out the road win.

Aftera three-and-outfrom Mechanicsville to start the game, Patrick Henry got goingimmediately with a rushing touchdown from Johnson,whose76-yard rumbleput the Patriotsontheboard with8:28 to play intheopeningquarter.

By the second half, the Mustangs were able to maintain their large lead, clear out the bench and cruise to their sixth victory of the

Caeden Waltershit Aaron Maxie

for a 65-yard Mechanicsvillescore, but the Patriots respondedless than a minute later with a 71-yard Ross touchdown run.

The next quarter, the Mustangs were able to get back to what they do best: push the pace and force turnovers.

The boys team lost both of its matchups in the tournament, though both games went down to the wire and nearly resulted in Mustangs victories.

After Evans soared past his defenders for an early-quarter layup, that deficit became just three points, and the Mustangs and Cavaliers traded baskets as it stayed within a seven-point game down to the final three minutes.

SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH

Both teamsputup 14 in the openingquar ter, Mechanicsville eveningthings up with a 2-yard Colby Messe touchdown run.

Santos, who finished with a team-leading 24 points, was at the forefront of the attack, kicking the second quarter off with a top-of-the-arc triple.

PH took control inthesecond

quarter on a pairoflongpass touchdowns,one a 47-yard bombfrom theirotherquar terback, Jayden Brown, to Cole Sylvia,andthe other from Johnson to Williams.

The Mustangs clawed back from a double-digit deficit against the King William Cavaliers, but the Cavs hit two late free throws to take a 51-49 win.

Eventhen,the Patriots’ groundand-pound offense ruled,and PH led28-14atthehalfwhilethepassing game put up just 63 yards.

Once thesecond half began, PH put together a series thatshaved nearly 5 minutesofftheclock,featuring a fourth-down conversion that eventuallyled to a Greg Foster Jr. touchdown.

With 37 seconds left, a wild sequence saw senior Josh Morris follow his own missed shot, battle for the offensive rebound and kick to an open Evans, who nailed

Despite anothe r meticulous Mechanicsvillescoringdrive that tickedoff more than 7 minutes

and a successfulonsidekick, Patrick Henry’s defenseheldfast to force a punt.

With three minutes left, an offensive rebound from senior Julian Jones led to a kickout to Jamil Mashore, whose 3-pointer made it a 54-52 game. The Mustangs wouldn’t get any closer than that, and another well-timed 3-point response from the Warriors was enough to prove the outcome.

After hisearlier visit to theend zone, Rosswassitting at 19 touchdowns ontheseason. Johnsonaired itout to Rossfor a passing touchdown andthe20-score milestone, making thelead 41-21

Next up for the boys team is a meeting at home against Essex on Jan. 4 while the girls team hosts Patrick Henry on Jan. 6.

PatrickHenry playersmaketheirway tothelocker roomduring a highschoolfootball game on Sept.1.

January 5 Hanover boys basketball v. atlee, 7:30 p.m.

January 6 Mechanicsville girls basketball v. Patrick Henry (ashland), 6 p.m.

sophomore Kate Carlton soars in for a layup against King William at The Ville Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament on dec. 28-29.

Youth baseball continues to grow in Mechanicsville

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Interest in the sport of baseball has always been high in Mechanicsville, but in recent years, that interest level has steadily increased at the youth level.

Much of that has to do with the high school programs continuing to develop college-level talent and competing with the best in Richmond, but it also has to do with the emphasis placed on quality coaching within the youth travel programs in the area. Programs like Mechanicsville’s RBA 360, coached by Robin Rochelle, have done well in building up-andcoming baseball players into even better athletes, and it’s no coincidence how.

“Baseball in Mechanicsville is doing very well. I think Hanover County could be considered a hotbed for baseball,” Rochelle said of the state of baseball in the area.

Rochelle’s coaching background dates back to 1984 when he worked with Tuckahoe Little League. In 1995, he started working in the travel circuit with a team made up of Tuckahoe Little League players as well as his youngest son. That 15U team featured multiple players that were later drafted out of high school or college baseball into the MLB Draft, and it was named the 15U national champions out of the United States Specialty Sports Association.

That all led him to the Richmond Baseball Academy, which was founded by coach Bob Smith, a well-respected baseball figure who coached at VCU and in the SEC before committing to youth baseball development. It was there that Rochelle was a coach for RBA when it was the only showcase team in Richmond.

Rochelle also worked with Smith as his assistant coach for the Petersburg Generals of the Coastal Plains League, a wood bat college summer league.

Today, his work with the Mechanicsville-based RBA 360 team has led to yet another successful endeavor, and has become a symbol of the interest and growth for

the sport in the area.

One of the biggest recent successes from RBA 360 came from their 12U team, who recently won in an inspiring fashion at a USSSA fall finale tournament held at Atlee Little League Field in November. It was the kind of performance that Rochelle says showed the resilience and adaptability of his young pupils.

After a rough first day at the tournament where the team lost two games and entered the final day needing three straight wins in a single elimination bracket, the players answered the call, braved a brutally cold November day and ran off wins of 7-1, 8-2 and 9-3 to win the championship. Six

different pitchers had to cover 18 innings in one day, an impressive feat at any level, and even more impressive was the fact that the team made few in-game mistakes despite the brutal temperatures and heavy workload of playing three games in one afternoon.

Rochelle says while the game is still the same compared to when he used to play, the methods for coaching and working with young athletes has evolved rapidly thanks to advancements in game data and analytics.

“Baseball has become more specialized in the way it’s taught even though baseball is played the same,” Rochelle said.

With high speed video that al-

lows coaches to hone in on bat swings or arm actions, Rochelle and his fellow coaches have been able to use these advancements as additional teaching tools that ultimately help their Mechanicsville baseball players improve on their craft and see exactly how they need to improve.

“Kids playing travel baseball at our academy in Mechanicsville are taught more than just baseball fundamentals,” Rochelle said. “There’s an element of hard work and sacrifice that goes into learning baseball at an advanced level.”

That element of hard work pertains to things outside of the game as well. A focus on family and school work has always been a

priority with the team, with baseball working its way into the picture behind them. Demonstrating strong character, a respect for the other athletes on the field and an understanding of how the game should be played are priorities programs like RBA 360 have instilled in their young players early on in their baseball careers.

There’s a lot that goes into this thriving era of youth baseball in Mechanicsville. From the coaching down to the new ways to break down the game, it’s culminated in positive developments for the players taking the field.

robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

rBa 360 won a usssa fall tournament that was held at atlee Little League Field in november with a perfect 3-0 record in a single elimination bracket.

PUBLICNOTICE

Notice is hereby given tha tthe Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday,Januar y19, 2023, at 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day,date, time, and place for apublic hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted:

REZ2022-00023, CHRISTI H. AND EDWIN DAVID ADAMS

Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8733-64-9815(part), consisting of approximately 10.98 acres, and loca ted on the east line of Cold Harbor Road (Sta te Route 156) approximately 0.25 miles south of its intersection with McGhee House Road (private road). The subject property is designa ted on the General Land Use Plan Ma pasAgricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the crea tion of one additional building lot for a family member for agross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.49 acres.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor

REZ2022-00026, GRANDMA MITCHELL’S PLACE, L.L.C.

Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan and proffers approved with rezoning request REZ2020-00019, Grandma Mitchell’sPlace, L.L.C., on GPINs 7884-10-0166 and 7884-10-6499(part), consisting of approxima tely 13.5 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions. The property is loca ted on the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Verdon Road (Sta te Route 684) and Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designa ted on the General Land Use Plan MapasIndustrial.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam

REZ2022-00010, 7147 MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE, L.L.C., ET AL.

Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan and proffers approved with rezoning request C-11-17(c), MDC Brand yHill, L.L.C., on GPIN 8714-871189, consisting of approxima tely 19.7 acres, and located on the south line of Brand yRun Drive (Sta te Route 1070) approximately 600 feet south of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). This amendment includes arequest to rezone additional acreage from B-1, Neighborhood BusinessDistrict,toRM(c),Multi-FamilyResidentialDistrictwithconditions, onGPIN8714-77-2332,consistingof approximately6.5acres.Thetotal acreageforthisrequestwouldincreaseto approximately26.19acres. ThesubjectpropertiesaredesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMap asMulti-Family(8to15dwellingunitsperacre).Theproposedzoning amendmentwouldpermitthecreationof144 age-restricted apartments. Thetotalnumberofdwellingunitsforbothdevelopmentswillconsistof 351unitson26.2acresfor agrossdensityof13.4unitsperacre.(PUBLIC HEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Mechanicsville

CopiesoftheabovecasesmaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,Monday through Friday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m.pleasecontact thePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogotohttps://www.hanovercounty. gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archiveformoreinformation.

PublicNotice

TheHanoverCountyBoardof Supervisorswillconduct aStrategicPlan Workshopon Wednesday,January 11,2023from12:00 –2:00 P.M. This workshopwillbeheldintheBoardof Supervisors’ConferenceRoominthe HanoverCountyAdministrationBuilding atHanoverCourthouse,7516County ComplexRoad,Hanover,Virginia.This meetingwillbeopentothepublicbutit isnotanticipatedthatpubliccomment willbetakenattheworkshop.

Residential for Rent

Apartment Referral Services Policy

Apartment referralservicecompaniesselllists of availableapartments for rentin yourarea. Please readcontracts thoroughlytoensure that youunderstandand agreetoalltheterms andthecancellation policyofthecontract.

APARTMENTSUNFURN.

LAURELWOODS APARTMENTS

Featuring One(1)andTwo(2)Bedroom Apartmentswithwalltowall carpetandcentralairandheat. Applicationsmaybepickedupat 211N.CottageGreenDr., Ashland,VA.23005 Officehours:Mon-Fri,8am-4:30pm (804)798-7368

AdvertisewithAshland-HanoverLocal Call746-1235 formoredetails!

TOWNOF ASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Please take noticethatonthe 11thdayofJanuar y2023,attheAshland TownHall, 121 ThompsonStreet,Ashland, VA,theAshlandPlanning Commissionwillconductpublic hearingspursuant to Virginia Codesection 15.2-2204 forthepurposeof receivinginput,and mayprovide arecommendationonthe following:

CPA2022-06IRONHORSE BUSINESS PARK

Proper ty owner,Tradepor tAshlandLandLLC,byletterfromattorneyAndrew M. Condlin, requests acomprehensiveplanamendment to thefuturelandusemap to changethefuture landuseclassificationsfromInterstateCommercial, TraditionalNeighborhood, TownEdge, andOpenSpace to InterstateCommercialandIndustrial.Theproper ty iscommonlyknown as“EastAshland”andislocatedalongthesouther nlineofEast PatrickHenr yRoad(State Route54),approximately700 feeteastofitsintersectionwith WoodsideLane(GPINparcels 7880-61-7681,7880-61-4768,7880-60-4701,7880-61-6987,7880-72-0523,7880-60-1053, and7880-60-4343).Theproper ty includes existing zoningofPlannedUnitDevelopment (PUD),PlanningShopping Center(PSC),Highway Commercial(B-2)and RuralResidential (RR-1).The existinguseoftheproper ty issingle-familyresidential, farmland,andopen space.

CopiesofCPA2022-06maybeobtained by contacting TownHallat(804)798-1073. Written commentsmaybesubmittedtoplanning@ashlandva.govorTownofAshland, P.O. Box 1600,Ashland, VA 23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendand expresstheirviews.Any personwith adisabilit yrequiringassistance to participateinthispublichearingisasked to contact TownHallin advancesothatappropriatearrangementscanbemade.

TOWNOF ASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Please take noticethatonthe 17thdayofJanuar y, 2023,at7:00 p.m.attheAshland TownHall, 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland, VA,theAshland Town Councilwillconductpublichearings forthepurpose of receivinginput,andmayprovide recommendationsonthe following:

REZ22-1102&ORD2022-11HANASH,LLC Kerr yHutcherson,onbehalfoftheproper ty owner, Hanash,LLC,requests arezoningfromRR-1 Residential RuraltoM-1LightIndustrial fort wo parcels, GPIN7789-23-1532andGPIN7789-13-5953,alsoknownas 12156WashingtonHighway and 12178WashingtonHighway,respectively. Thepropertiesarelocatedontheeastsideof Route1,acrossthe intersectionwithMapleStreetandapproximately.35milessouthfromtheintersectionwithDowGilRd. Theproposed rezoningincludes atotalof46.87acresacrossthe twoparcels.Thefuturelandusecategory forthepropertiesisIndustrialandOpenSpace.Thereisnospecificuse,tenantsnorconceptplanproposed fortheproper ty atthistime.

CUP22-1026 LEVEL UP DOG SPORTS

AaronSpeagle,ofSpeagle Real Estate Holdings,requestsapprovalof aConditionalUse Permit(CUP) for theproper ty identifiedasGPIN#7789-16-4934, to allowfor temporar yovernightparkingandlodgingof recreational vehiclesattheproposedLevelUpDogSports business.Theproposedsite, whichencompasses 6.80acresofthe22.04-acreparcel,iswithintheB-2Highway Commercialdistrict.Thefuturelanduse designation fortheparcelisLimitedIndustrial.This requestispursuant to Section 21-101(az)whichpermits temporar yusesthroughtheissuanceof aCUP.

CopiesofREZ22-1102,ORD2022-11,andCUP22-1026maybeobtained by contacting TownHallat (804)798-1073,MondaythroughThursday, 7:30a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wr ittencommentsmaybesubmittedto planning@ashlandva.govormailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested personsmayattendand expresstheirviews.Any personwith adisabilit yrequiringassistanceinorder

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Sometimes you have to hold some things in to safeguard others from sticky situations. It can be tricky keeping secrets, but this week it is for the best.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, there are a lot of people in your corner right now who are willing to pitch in when you need help. If you encounter an obstacle, just ask for assistance.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, change your schedule or your scenery, especially if you feel like you are in a rut. All it may take is one modification to bring on an entirely new perspective.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

If a person comes to you needing a friend in the next few days, resist the urge to offer advice. Simply listen and provide companionship. This is all the person needs at the moment.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Prioritize getting your finances in order, Leo. Make this one New Year’s resolution that you maintain; otherwise, you may have financial troubles in the months to come.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

A few opportunities are coming your way in regard to your career, Virgo. Sort through all of the offers and figure out what works best for your situation.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, there is a lot of momentum around you, but for some reason you cannot find your footing. Sooner than later you’ll find your path and will be moving along.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Take charge of your priorities, Scorpio. It can be easy to get swept away in other people’s drama. Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish and start working.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, people are expecting much of you this week, especially higher-ups at work. You may need to find the motivation to keep going. The end result will be worth it.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Family time is a hot commodity for you right now, Capricorn. Even after the holidays, you have a few other events on the calendar that will bring relatives together.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

It can be difficult to let things go and trust other people. However, the free time that you’ll get will enable you to tackle other items on your todo list, Aquarius.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

If you are thinking about going back to school or learning a new skill, this is the time to do it, Pisces. Start shopping around for programs.

HCSO begins death investigation

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers from the Ashland Police Department responded to the 100 block of East Omni Court in reference to a shooting that had just occurred on Dec. 24, 2022, at approximately 7:37 p.m.

Once on scene, units located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The adult male victim was pronounced deceased by Hanover Fire-EMS. He has since been identified as James Edward Clarke, 59,

of Ashland.

nervously on the edge of his seat.

After periods of inactivity, the man would suddenly wave his arms as if he was speaking to a large group of people, but never uttering a sound.

He wasn’t as old as he looked, evidenced by his frothy full head of white gray hair, and I was immediately intrigued by his actions.

There was no wait for my food, and it was sitting ready on a shelved unit marked Online Orders. I turned to thank the person working behind the busy counter.

“Is he OK?” I asked shifting my eyes toward the man in the chair.

“He’s just in here getting warm,” the employee said. “I’m trying to let him stay as long as I can until someone complains.”

I grabbed my bag and exited, heading to my car

An adult male, Eric Joe Key, 59, of Richmond, was immediately taken into custody upon law enforcement’s arrival in connection to this shooting. Key has been charged with first degree murder (F) and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (F).

KEY

nover County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 3656140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

This incident remains under investigation by the Ha-

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

and eventually the comfort of my warm house, but something would not let me leave the parking lot.

I re-entered the restaurant and immediately took the seat beside the man.

“Hello there. How are you?” I asked him.

He replied with a big smile but no words. But, something in his eyes revealed a dignity not easily recognizable at first glance. I returned his gesture with a smile.

“I’m going to get you something to eat. Is that OK? You stay warm and have a happy holiday,” I said patting him softly on his shoulder.

The smile returned and he looked at me and nodded.

I headed back to the counter and told the employee that I would like to buy the man a sandwich and a cup of soup. When I reached for my wallet, the clerk said no payment was required, and he ordered the food.

I thanked the counter

person, waved goodbye to the man in the chair, and headed home. The takeout food was great, and I sat and thought of the man in the chair as I enjoyed it.

Make no mistake, my small act of kindness deserves no recognition and my gesture was uneventful in the general scheme of things; but, the plight of the man is important.

He, most likely, represents only one of America’s walking wounded who survive on the fringes living on the edge. I’m certainly not naïve enough to believe the problem can be solved by one specific act of kindness; or vain enough to pat myself on the back for a humane act I would expect from any of my fellow citizens.

But regarding compassion, one-on-one is not a bad place to start, and as my Mother always advised, when it comes to kindness, you always receive more than you give.

It just might be contagious.