Ashland-Hanover Local – 01/04/2023

ASTRONOMY The Universe from the Center P AGE 5

SPORTS Mechanicsville hosts holiday basketball tournament PAGE 7

Volume 7, No. 17

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Richmond Suburban News

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Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Habitat kicks off Faith Build Local nonprofit seeks ongoing support from area congregations CONTRIBUTED REPORT

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.

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.

Please see HOPE, Page 3

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.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY‌

Future Habitat homeowner and Hanoverian Krystal stands with her daughter Nyla. 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 Please see HABITAT, Page 2

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NEWS

| Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Ashland-Hanover Local

Ashland Museum presents Parks and Recreation launches 2023 programs musical HistoryTalk 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.

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.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

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.

Habitat From 1

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-

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.

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

Hope From 1

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

NEWS 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

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 |

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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/.

746-5853

WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

For subscription information or delivery questions contact:

Michelle Wall 804-775-2711

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

205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005 Give us a call: (804) 401-7007

Upcoming Events:

Ashland-Hanover Local

I Wanna Dance with Somebody

January 4 & January 5 at 7pm A powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston.

A Man Called Otto Tickets On Sale Soon!

When a young family moves in next door, grumpy widower Otto meets his match in a quick-witted, pregnant woman.

Skydog

January 21 at 7pm Richmond’s favorite Allman Brothers Tribute Band, SKYDOG, returns to the Ashland.

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

ashlandtheatre.org

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| Wednesday, January 4, 2023

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OBITUARIES

Ashland-Hanover Local

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. After 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 Association.

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 Union Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green Rd. Mechanicsville, VA. AARP Virginia State Director Jim Dau will be the guest speaker and new officers/ board members will be installed.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4 Glowing Smiles Dentistry, 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 Donut” event from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what they do for the community. Visit http://www.post175.org/.

WEDNESDAYS Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma’s Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville. Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at Roma’s or Zoom connection information.

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.

Ashland-Hanover Local

NEWS

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 |

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THE UNIVERSE FROM THE CENTER

New Year brings longer days after solstice DR. GEORGE SPAGNA

because reliability is everything

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.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION‌

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.)

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

reliable, affordable power possible.

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

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

Why? Because reliability is everything.

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| Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Ashland-Hanover Local

OPINION | The Local Views

Small acts, Where did the time go? great impact O From the editor

FROM THE EDITOR

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

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

n the sunny morning Nov. 27, on 1924,seemingly children of CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN ingofeffects

New York City lined the sidewalks of Manhattan’s every part of our lives, Jan. Herald Square to catch glimpse of the once-in-a1 of a2023 inspired another t feels like just yesterday hopeful of New when I sat down to“marathon relifetime of mirth,”drafting as advertised by the Year’s resolutions with the flect on the yeardepartment to come. store. booming Macy’s excitement standing at Perhaps some readers may Held to showcase the opening of the of “World’s Largest recall a past the finish line and admiring Store, ” withcolumn Macy’s that flagship location in Herald Square expandreflected on the ofblock, theand distance traveled – and ing to cover anmeaning entire city to garner excitement for New Year’s resolutions at the various roadblocks along the holiday shopping season, the “Macy’s Christmas Parade” the start of 2022 and why, the way. delivered its promise of enveloping the city in a mirthful as adulthood arrives, these As mentioned before, this morning of holiday spirit. annual resolutions seem to tradition – although tedious 6 miles, the parade route boasted nursery-rhyme Spanning escape us against the backand requiring the difficult themed floats of Mother Goose, the Old Woman Who – Lived drop of our busy lives.‌ task of self-reflecting is a Shoe, Little Red Riding Hood, and other favorites.

Macy’s Iinmade another resolution one that has been upheld by as clowns, cowboys andyears. sword-wielding lastemployees year – onedressed that called for my family for Gathered as they alongaround the streets; an arraytable of bears, theknights recognition of strolled its importhe breakfast on elephants, camels, monkeys and Central Park Zoo anitance against the backdrop theother first morning of the year, of mals any phase ofaour lives. But my family of six reads offered circus-like atmosphere as parade bandsaloud blared this past column was written resolution from the year festive music. And of course,each the rear of the parade featured amid a different time, as the prior and what boxes have the guest of honor, Santa Claus, who sat atop a mountain of year 2021 brought more been checked off. ice of in his reindeer-driven sleigh. uncertainties surrounding Thisasalways brings an upTen thousand spectators cheered Santa descended from thehisCOVID-19 pandemic lifting image, as each family sleigh as noon rolled around, and the “once-in-a-lifetime” than the start of 2022 could member always seems to holiday parade came to a close. predict. With the world still find themselves astonished Of course, as we all know, this parade would become uncertain of the future and if at what has been accomsomething muchlay more than aplished. one-time occurrence. another lockdown ahead, The number ofDespite boxes the minimal newspaper coverage of the novel performance, perhaps writing resolutions checked off always seems to the offer parade the heartsexceed of the community eventucould uscaptured the satisfaction what is firstand, expected, the country. of ally, looking at what has been as drafting a to-do list for the Macy’s released a newspaper advertisement as quickly achieved and the courage daunting 12 months aheadas following declaring that thelike parade would arrive to the push furthermorning and remain may seem a tiresome feat hopeful of the future.year. at first. again the following While we have not escaped Or, in my case, it may the pandemic and its linger- sometimes bring a fleeting Editor‌

I

“We did not dare dream its successes would be so great,” stated the advertisement.

And its successes would of course continue to climb, as moment of frustration over as the It’sMacy’s almostThanksgiving become instincthe parade became known Day theParade lack of–boxes checked off, tive forhas us to bury ourselves in an annual occurrence that become the beloved which is quickly followed byallthe present – whether American tradition that we know and love today. from a surge of determination stress,evolve mounting responsiOf course, the parade would overtime, as the asparade we begin drafting our bilities or a touch of workaroute scaled back to a little over 2 miles in length and next to-do list character for the year. holic tendencies.

When else, helium-filled balloons replaced the zoo animals.

Knowing these new resolu- as we grow older, do we have But the spirit of the very first parade has persisted for almost tions will not be seen again the perfect time to take notice a century now, surviving even the most turbulent times to gift until the next year, it calls for of ourselves and say, “Job well the American people what it had promised day one: each of us to truly remember done” for thefrom cluttered cal-“a marathon of mirth. ” our goals – no matter how endar days crossed off and stock marketfeel crash of 1929, the parade inspired to add another big orDespite small – the as we navigate marched on without interruption the 1930s.

But through another 12-month dailythroughout task to the calendar days its firsttointerruption would occur World War II, as journey the finish line. aheadduring – whether incorporatthe parade toto 1944 to taking needed With the was yearsuspended 2023 of-from ing1942 a trip thedue gym, ficially ourwarup painting classes or picking for the effort. heliumunderway and rubberand own individual journeys instrument?

In 1963, just six daysjust afterup thea new assassination of President beginning, I highlight as big as climbing John F. Kennedy, Macy’sthe officialsWhether were faced with a difficult importance of making Mount Everest or as decision. Despite someNew hesitation, they decided to modest host the Year’s again.morning as making morethat timeittowould see paraderesolutions that Thanksgiving in hopes Because the start of 2023, friends, the possibilities are uplift the dwindled American spirit. just like every year, is a new endless for each of us and Even the COVID-19 pandemic failed to dissuade the beginning. With the doors our individual journeys as annual tradition, as Macy’s held an extravagant virtual celof businesses open again, we begin anew in 2023. I enebration following socialand distancing guidelines. a return community gatherings courage readers With to seize this to its in-person festivities 2021, the beloved parade for surcelebrations brought backin meaningful opportunity vived, proving that even in the most turbulent times, its ability to life, and daily calendars self-reflection and courage to bringwith holiday to the masses driven its and write theirhas own New cluttered the joy weight of American unwaveringresponsibilities, popularity and, more importantly, necessity. everyday Year’s resolutions lists.

Of course holiday paradeEven is justifone thousands that it is more vitalthis than ever to it of seems tedious imagine the second pause andthe reflect on the dis- today,across capture hearts of communities the country – all tance including the Christmas that the willbleakest arrive onof whotraveled bring a–“marathon of mirth” amid even Jan.uplifted 1, 2024,their when marveling various along the times.roadblocks There are parades that have own commuat the off and way – and find comfort in the over nities into a jolly celebration theboxes years,checked developing their wonderfully linear nature of wondering, “Where did the time. time go?”

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Editor – (804) 212-6266 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 FaxMailing – (804) 344-8746 Editorial & Business Office and Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Online: richmond.com/community/mechanicsville-local Phone – (804) 746-1235 Editor – (804) 212-6266

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Ashland-Hanover Local November 9,2022

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

But Hanover County is a vibrant community that brings “marathons of mirth” in all shapes and sizes throughout the year, as I have recently learned from attending the extravagant Ashland Fourth of July Parade that surprised me with its granJIM RIDOLPHI ered toofmy car minutes later. deur.

As I have only attended a handful parades my whole Contributing Columnist‌ But, I soon conceded life, or have watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradethat t would difficult to online ofordering washolimore through our be family’s television, learning the beloved list the societal and cul- efficient and user-friendly day traditions of the Ashland/Hanover Olde Time Holiday tural changes resulting than I had anticipated, and Parade and Mechanicsville Christmas Parade has left me from the COVID-19 pannow, I regularly order onwaiting excited before holiday season. demic,inbut few anticipation would ar- longline andthis pick up food to go Just as the Macy’s parade returned to the streets of New gue our lives were changed at several local establishYork City in 2021, the months beloved Hanover celebrations returned permanently from ments. last winter during a time of its necessity – a time when the of isolation, limited activiAs temperatures plunged COVID-19 pandemic continued to rampage through comties and untold hours alone last week and I needed a day munities, the world began to emerge dispiritingI isolain our homes.‌ off from fromacooking, ordered Although I have concheerno was sparse.from a local eatery and tion, and holiday outHanover to pickspirit up my firming information, sus- headed But even in the mostIturbulent times, the pect that one I wasn’t survived.

Now in of its the 53rdmost year, thedinner. adoredApparently, Ashland/Hanover obvious was isononly the only oneaway, seeking refuge Olde Time impacts Holiday Parade two weeks inviting thecommunity takeout food the kitchen – the on place the to service. help kickItofffrom the Hanover holidays seems ordering online and was packed.

Nov. 20. Following closely after will be the Mechanicsville picking up food to go has Customers crowded the Christmas Parade in its 24th year on Dec. 4. become more of the rule takeout section of the resJust as the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has than the exception, and taurant, while the dining persisted for almost century, Hanover’s own parades conrestaurants have aadjusted room was relatively empty, tinue to thrive uplift its own community when it is most menus to and accommodate perhaps confirmation that needed, emulating true purpose of bringing a “marathon customers whotheir prefer to America’s dining habits are of mirth”their to all food and aand true enjoy celebration of a united community’s changing. gather perseverance. it in the comfort of their A long row of chairs was For more information on the Ashland/Hanover homes. placed along Olde the Time wall to those waitI’m not surevisit why was accommodate Holiday Parade, theI website, https://ashlandvakiwanis. hesitant to use ser- ing for but they reorg/Page/31094.

Forthese more information on orders, the Mechanicsville vices, although did the utilize mained empty except for Christmas Parade, Ivisit website, https://www.mechanicstakeout services during the one gentleman, who sat villerotary.org/mechanicsville-christmas-parade. pandemic by calling in an order and having it delivPlease see IMPACT, Page 12

I

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Ashland-Hanover Local

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 |

Sports

7

Upcoming Events EVENTS UPCOMING

11 Hanover January 5 football v. boys Eastern View v.

Hanover basketball 7 p.m.

Atlee, 7:30 p.m.

2022

11

11 RandolphJanuary 6 Macon football v.

Mechanicsville girls basHampden-Sydney ketball 2022 v.1 Patrick p.m. Henry (Ashland), 6 p.m.

12

Mechanicsville hosts holiday basketball tournament Patrick Henry rumbles past Mechanicsville ROBBY FLETCHER

in high-scoring 64th Tomato Bowl

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

By Adam Cheek for for theRichmond The VilleTimes-Dispatch Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament on Dec. 28-29. rowdy Mechanicsville crowd on the opposite The Lady Mustangs entered side of an the undefeated field, plus the tournament abnormally defensivean juggernaut and warm left it November evening at Patrick Henry just the same, moving to 7-0 on the winning tourHighseason School,and didn’t stop thethe Patriots nament with wins Kent from rolling over over the New Mustangs and William 48-27King at home to that close left outlittle the doubt just how talented a group regularof season. these have to be TheMustangs 64th edition ofproven the Tomato to start the season.

Bowl was waged mostly on the A common the ground.

PH, 6-4 theme heading with into next Mustangs this season has been week’s Region 4B playoffs, recorded the thatyards, they turn goodthan de366 way rushing 20 more fense into easy transition offense.

Mechanicsville had passing and That was evident in both games, rushing combined. as they constantly bother the ball“I always like toand run the ball, handler with traps well-timed kind of see where we’re at,” Patrick help defense as soon as they cross Henry coach Ken Wakefield said. midcourt.

“We know that they’ve gotagainst some In the opening matchup guys that gotta play both sides of King William, Mechanicsville the ran ball, sowith you the kindlead of lean onjumping them a away early, littleto bit.” out a 22-4 lead thanks to that On senior night, that it was approreputable defense included priately seniors that shone an earlythe steal and block from the jubrightest: both Gracyn and nior Ashley Ownes andRoss a stealand-score from freshman Kedelin Shamar Williams recorded two Santos. touchdowns apiece.

That to 50-11 by halfRoss lead andgrew junior quarterback time, with the Mustangs outGrayson Johnson were explosive running the Cavaliers with their early, both hitting the 100-yard breakneck pace harassing derushing mark by and the end of the first fense. oneatplay half —On Ross 100that andembodies Johnson just how good their defense was, at 103.

Santos the ball fromfrom the Afterripped a three-and-out hands of a Cavaliers guard and Mechanicsville to start the game, drove in for a layup through conPatrick Henry got going immediatetact for a 3-point play. ly By withthe a rushing from secondtouchdown half, the Musput Johnson, whose 76-yard rumble tangs were able to maintain their the Patriots on the with 8:28 large lead, clear outboard the bench and in the opening quarter. of the to play to cruise their sixth victory Caeden Walters hit Aaron Maxie

A

10

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER‌

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

Next to her was a 13-point first season, 78-20.

Led by a 13-point second half The next day, the Mustangs half from senior Bennett Carlton, from junior guard Joe Evans and took on the New Kent Trojans (5- who finished with 17 points on the 10 points from junior Nolan Har3), who sought to halt the home night. New Kent struggled to con- ris, the Mustangs turned things team’s pace and stop their fast tain Carlton without fouling, and around after a tough second break opportunities. It worked she scored six points from the free quarter thanks to good work on the glass and some impressive fairly well in the first quarter, with throw line on eight attempts. the game seeing a lot of stop-andWith a 41-12 halftime lead, it ball movement to outscore the start play and few chances for the was again a drama-free second Cavaliers 13-7 in the third quarter Mustangs to run the floor, but the half for the undefeated Mustangs to make it a 37-32 deficit entering Mustangs had a 7-4 foul advan- as they took care of business and the final eight minutes. tage and did well at the free throw got to hoist the tournament troAfter Evans soared past his line to take a 19-7 lead into the phy at midcourt after their win. defenders for an early-quarter Patrick Henry players make their way to the locker during high school Sept. 1.became just layup,game thaton deficit second quarter.

The boysroom team lost aboth of its football points, and the tournament, next quarter, the Mustangs quarter on a in pairthe of long pass touch- three Once the second half Mustangs began, PH forThe a 65-yard Mechanicsville score, matchups though both games went down were able to get back to what they and Cavaliers traded baskets as it downs, one a 47-yard bomb from put together a series that shaved but the Patriots responded less than do best: push the pace and force to the wire and nearly resulted in stayed within a seven-point game a minute later with a 71-yard Ross their other quarterback, Jayden nearly 5 minutes off the clock, feaMustangs victories. turnovers. final three minutes.

Brown, to Cole Sylvia, and the other down turingtoathe fourth-down conversion touchdown run.

Santos, who finished with a The Mustangs clawed back from With 37 seconds left, a wild from Johnson to Williams. that eventually led to a Greg Foster Both teams put up 14 in the team-leading 24 points, was at a double-digit deficit against the sequence saw senior Josh Morris Even then, the Patriots’ ground- Jr. touchdown. opening quarter, the forefront of theMechanicsville attack, kick- King William Cavaliers, but the follow his own missed shot, batand-pound offense ruled, and PH Despite anotherrebound meticulous evening things up with a 2-yard ing the second quarter off with a Cavs hit two late free throws to tle for the offensive and led 28-14 at the half while the passMechanicsville scoring drive that Colby Messe touchdown run. top-of-the-arc triple. kick to an open Evans, who nailed take a 51-49 win. ticked off more than 7 minutes PH took control in the second ing game put up just 63 yards.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 9, 2022

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.

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.

With three minutes left, an offensive rebound from senior JuSHABAN lian Jones led toATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH a kickout to Jamil Mashore, whose 3-pointer made itand a 54-52 game.

Thekick, Mustangs a successful onside Patrick wouldn’t get any held closer than Henry’s defense fast to that, force and another well-timed 3-point a punt. response from the visit Warriors After his earlier to thewas end enough to prove the outcome. zone, Ross was sitting at 19 touchNext up for the boys team is a downs on the season. Johnson aired meeting at home against Essex on it out to Rossthe forgirls a passing Jan. 4 while team touchhosts the 20-score down and Patrick Henry on Jan. 6.milestone, making the lead 41-21.

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| Wednesday, January 4, 2023

SPORTS

Ashland-Hanover Local

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

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. 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.

Ashland-Hanover Local

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 |

9

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, January 19, 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 a public 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 located on the east line of Cold Harbor Road (State Route 156) approximately 0.25 miles south of its intersection with McGhee House Road (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross 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’s Place, L.L.C., on GPINs 7884-10-0166 and 7884-10-6499(part), consisting of approximately 13.5 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions. The property is located on the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Verdon Road (State Route 684) and Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial.

(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 Brandy Hill, L.L.C., on GPIN 8714-871189, consisting of approximately 19.7 acres, and located on the south line of Brandy Run Drive (State Route 1070) approximately 600 feet south of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). This amendment includes a request to rezone additional acreage from B-1, Neighborhood Business District, to RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8714-77-2332, consisting of approximately 6.5 acres. The total acreage for this request would increase to approximately 26.19 acres.

The subject properties are designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Family (8 to 15 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 144 age-restricted apartments.

The total number of dwelling units for both developments will consist of 351 units on 26.2 acres for a gross density of 13.4 units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty. gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archive for more information.

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Public Notice The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will conduct a Strategic Plan Workshop on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. This workshop will be held in the Board of Supervisors’ Conference Room in the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia. This meeting will be open to the public but it is not anticipated that public comment will be taken at the workshop.

Residential for Rent Apartment Referral Services Policy Apartment referral service companies sell lists of available apartments for rent in your area.

Please read contracts thoroughly to ensure that you understand and agree to all the terms and the cancellation policy of the contract.

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(804) 798-7368 Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 for more details!

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 11th day of January 2023, at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct public hearings pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-2204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide a recommendation on the following: CPA2022-06 IRONHORSE BUSINESS PARK Property owner, Tradeport Ashland Land LLC, by letter from attorney Andrew M. Condlin, requests a comprehensive plan amendment to the future land use map to change the future land use classifications from Interstate Commercial, Traditional Neighborhood, Town Edge, and Open Space to Interstate Commercial and Industrial. The property is commonly known as “East Ashland” and is located along the southern line of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54), approximately 700 feet east of its intersection with Woodside Lane (GPIN parcels 7880-61-7681, 7880-61-4768, 7880-60-4701, 7880-61-6987, 7880-72-0523, 7880-60-1053, and 7880-60-4343). The property includes existing zoning of Planned Unit Development (PUD), Planning Shopping Center (PSC), Highway Commercial (B-2) and Rural Residential (RR-1). The existing use of the property is single-family residential, farmland, and open space.

Copies of CPA2022-06 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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| Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Ashland-Hanover Local

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BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 17th day of January, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct public hearings for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide recommendations on the following: REZ22-1102 & ORD2022-11 HANASH, LLC Kerry Hutcherson, on behalf of the property owner, Hanash, LLC, requests a rezoning from RR-1 Residential Rural to M-1 Light Industrial for two parcels, GPIN 7789-23-1532 and GPIN 7789-13-5953, also known as 12156 Washington Highway and 12178 Washington Highway, respectively. The properties are located on the east side of Route 1, across the intersection with Maple Street and approximately .35 miles south from the intersection with Dow Gil Rd. The proposed rezoning includes a total of 46.87 acres across the two parcels. The future land use category for the properties is Industrial and Open Space. There is no specific use, tenants nor concept plan proposed for the property at this time.

CUP22-1026 LEVEL UP DOG SPORTS Aaron Speagle, of Speagle Real Estate Holdings, requests approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the property identified as GPIN #7789-16-4934, to allow for temporary overnight parking and lodging of recreational vehicles at the proposed Level Up Dog Sports business. The proposed site, which encompasses 6.80 acres of the 22.04-acre parcel, is within the B-2 Highway Commercial district. The future land use designation for the parcel is Limited Industrial. This request is pursuant to Section 21-101(az) which permits temporary uses through the issuance of a CUP. Copies of REZ22-1102, ORD2022-11, and CUP22-1026 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. as the day, date, and time for a Regular Board Meeting.

The meeting will be held in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia.

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Ashland-Hanover Local

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 |

For Your EntErtainmEnt

11

01/04-01/05

conquer clutter WorD SeArcH

croSSWorD puzzle

HoroScopeS

42. ‘Heidi’ author 43. Affirmative 44. Pie _ __ mode 45. W. Asian country 46. Grotesque or bizarre 48. Delicacy (archaic) 49. Textile 50. Denial 51. Electronic data processing 52. Attempt clueS DoWn 1. Engulf 2. Waterside hotel 3. Printed cotton fabric 4. Defensive nuclear weapon 5. One who follows the rules 6. Lace up once more 8. Fire byproduct 9. Hankerings 11. Outer 14. One-time aerospace firm 15. Seafood 18. Commercial

19. Epoxy hardener (abbr.)

20. Samoan monetary unit 22. Type of gland 23. Arrest 24. Check 27. Past participle of be 28. Alias 29. A major division of geological time 31. Kids programming channel (abbr.)

32. Joked 33. Helps little firms 34. Roman numeral 50 35. Impressive in size or scope 36. Domineering leader 37. A person who delivers a speech 38. One after 89 39. Young hawk 40. The scene of any event or action 44. A team’s best pitcher 47. Integrated data processing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

tHiS Week’S AnSWerS

clueS AcroSS 1. Basics 4. Swiss river 7. Constrictor snake 8. Building occupied by monks 10. Discount 12. Deal a blow to 13. Relating to the ear 14. Thyrotropin 16. Loud, unpleasant noise 17. Large intestines 19. Move with a curving trajectory 20. Witnesses 21. You need both to live 25. Dash 26. Network 27. Dig 29. C. European river 30. Supplement with difficulty 31. Corporate executive 32. Carroll O’Connor’s onscreen wife 39. No variation 41. Airborne (abbr.)

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.

12

| Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Ashland-Hanover Local

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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,

Impact From 6

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

of Ashland.

An adult male, Eric Joe Key, 59, of Richmond, was immediately taken KEY 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).

This incident remains under investigation by the Ha-

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.

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.

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