The scope of the widening project will include U.S. Route 360 from Wynbrook
west and Lee-Davis Road from Lee Park Road to Brandy Hill Drive.
LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor
MECHANICSVILLE – Work is expected to move forward this spring on the Phase 2 widening of one of Hanover County’s most traveled roads.
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors heard an update on the project that will widen U.S. Route 360 – Mechanicsville Turnpike – during its Jan. 11 meeting.
The construction contract for the project was awarded on Oct. 31, 2022, to contractor Allan Myers with an estimated start date for construction on or around April
1, 2023, according to Joe Vidunas, Hanover County Transportation Engineer. It will be a two-year contract from the start date.
The scope of the project will include U.S. Route 360 from Wynbrook Lane to Sujen Court going east to west and Lee-Davis Road from Lee Park Road to Brandy Hill Drive. This is the second project taking on the widening of Route 360, with the history of both projects stretching back decades, Vidunas said in a separate interview.
After years of planning and taking steps forward in getting funding only to have it taken away
when the economy took a hit, Vidunas said it is great to see the project coming to fruition.
“When it is completed, it is certainly going to improve access and make the daily commute a lot more pleasant, we hope. Traffic is going to flow a lot more freely and we think that we will provide a safe corridor as well,” he said.
One of the aspects of the project the county is really pleased about is a late adjustment to include some sidewalks in the project, Vidunas said.
Brian Letourneau, a social studies teacher at Hanover High School (HHS), has been selected as this year’s Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Teacher of the Year.
Letourneau has taught in HCPS for the entirety of his 22-year instructional career, teaching Advanced Placement U.S. History, International Baccalaureate History of the Americas I, World History I and II, Virginia and U.S. History, and U.S. Government. He will now compete for the Region I Superintendents’ Teacher of the Year award.
“I am thrilled to earn this recognition, and it is also humbling. At Hanover, I work with a group of dedicated professionals who put their students first and work diligently to help students achieve their goals,” Letourneau said. “I see this same level of dedication in my colleagues across the county and, especially, from the teachers of my own children at Pole Green Elementary School and Oak Knoll Middle School. To be selected by my peers and representatives of our school system as
He added: “I am thankful foring teachers and administrators I have worked with over the years who have taught me so much about the profession. In addition, I am thankful for all of the support for our school -
ents and students of Hanover County. This is a community that values and supports education, and it helps make our students’ education better and more meaningful.”
Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of schools, made the surprise announcement recently during a special staff meeting inside the HHS auditorium as Letourneau’s co-workers and family cheered on.
Letourneau, a University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus, said his favorite part of teaching is working with students.
Shared Experiences from the Civil Rights Era is the theme for this year’s Untold Stories. This annual program of oral histories about growing up in Ashland and Hanover County will be Sunday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. at the Patrick Henry High School, Ashland. Since 2014, Untold Stories has been sponsored jointly by The Center, The Hanover County Black Heritage Society, the Ashland Museum and Downtown Ashland Association. This year’s storytellers will be Rebecca Doggett Bray, Mary Jane Ghee, Trisha Leonard Higgins, Matt “Moto” Lewis, Ollie Lewis and Steve Trivett. The moderator will be Anthony Keitt, and Dr. Jamelle Wilson will be the wrap-up speaker. The Community Gospel Choir, led by Tyler Spurlock, will close out the program. The program is free and open to the public. Come listen to the stories shared and continue the conversation. For more information, visit ashlandmuseum.org or call 804-368-7314.
Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.
Mad about Mahjong! at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game at the Ashland Library.
Mother Goose Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Mondays, Jan. 23 and 30, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Mother Goose is a Storytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. Have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.
Toddler/Preschool Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.
Family Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31, 11:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a fun time with books,
signing, rhymes and more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, Jan. 20, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Ages 18 and up. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.
Solo Travel at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Jan. 21, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This program will explore planning, preparing and going on a trip by oneself with an emphasis on safety for women with insights from someone who’s been there.
Catch the Beat at the Ashland Branch Library. Monday, Jan. 23, 3:30 to 5 p.m. For grades K-5. Meet a real drummer, make your own drum and learn some basic beats. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/9682778.
Reading Olympians Game Night at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5 to 6 p.m. Reading Olympian Teens, come on down to create your own board game. This fun activity will help
students prepare for their reading competition. Snacks will be provided. From the Heart Stitchers at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Jan. 26, noon to 4 p.m. From the Heart Stitchers began in 2001 making chemo hats for the Massey Cancer Center and today has over 1,899 stitchers making thousands of items for service groups across the Commonwealth. Sew, knit, crochet or loom anything from blankets to shawls and everything in between. Bring a sewing machine, knitting needles, etc. and supplies, and make items for From the Heart every fourth Thursday. See http s://fromtheheartstichers.org/ for more information about this organization.
Witch, Wizard, Warlock Wand Workshop at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Jan. 28, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Join the library to make your very own wand to take home. All supplies will be provided.
Play and Learn at the Ashland Branch Library. Monday, Jan. 30, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Ages 0-3. Enjoy Mother Goose Storytime then stay and play with
toys and friends.
Uncovering the History of the Hickory Hill Slave and African-American Cemetery at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 to 8 p.m. Join the library to welcome Jean Folly, chairperson of the Hickory Hill Slave and African-American Cemetery Organization, and listen and glean words of wisdom from hearing personal encounters of the discovery of AfricanAmerican cemeteries and the historical journeys of recognizing and preserving them.
Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive for more information.
Family Storytime at the Hanover Branch Library. Fridays, Jan. 20 and 27, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more.
Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Reading Olympics Review at the Hanover Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 to 8 p.m. Grades 4-5 for participants
ASHLAND- 23005
ashland Library, 201 s. railroad ave.
a shland Police d ept., 601 england street
a shland Town Hall, 101 Thompson street
ashland Visitor Center,112 n. railroad ave.
Cross Brothers Grocery, 107 south Center street
Hanover Community service, 12300 Washington Hwy.
Hanover Parks and rec, 13015 Taylor Complex Lane
Henry Clay s hopping Center, rt. 54
r ise n s hine d iner, 10372 Leadbetter road
s heetz/a shland, 12341 n . Washington Hwy.
sheetz/Leadbetter dr, 10037 sliding Hill road
skateland, 516 n. Washington Hwy.
Village Bank, 10035 sliding Hill road, #101 ASHLAND- 23059
aw s hucks Country s tor e,
6100 Pouncey Tract road
ASHLAND- 23192
Fas Mart, 16575 Mountain road
Food Lion, 16615 Mountain road
Montpelier Library, 17205 sycamore Tavern Lane
Montpelier Pharmacy, 17128 Mountain road
Virginia Family Practice, 15028 Brown Pleasants road
GLEN ALLEN — 23059
essex Bank /Va Center, 9951
in Hanover County Public Schools’ Reading Olympics. Review the following books in preparation for the Hanover County Reading Olympics competition: “Scarlet Stockings Spy” and “The Brave Cyclist.”
Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information.
Family Storytime at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursdays, Jan. 19 and 26, 4 to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Reading Olympics Review at the Montpelier Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 and 5 for participants in Hanover County Public Schools Reading Olympics. Prepare for your upcoming competition by reading and discussing the story “Inkey’s Amazing Escape” by Sy Montgomery.
Brook road
HANOVER — 23069
Hanover County admin Bldg, 7516 County Complex road
Hanover Co sheriff’s Office, 7522 County Complex road
Hanover Branch Library, 7527 Library drive
Hanover Post Office, 13228
Hanover Courthouse rd
Pamunkey regional Jail, 7240
Courtland Farm road
Wickham Bldg., 7515 County Complex road
The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information from the community in a 2022 larceny to help identify a suspect.
On Oct. 11, 2022, deputies responded to the Verizon Wireless store located at 7264 Mechanicsville Turnpike for a reported larceny that had just occurred. Once on scene it was learned that a black male suspect entered the store and removed a gold Apple Watch Ultra from the display area.
There was no suspect vehicle information provided. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 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.
submitted by Lt. James r Cooper, Hanover County sheriff’s Office Public information officer.
s imple a ssault was reported in the 200 block of a rchie Cannon d rive.
Fail to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex road.
Marijuana on school grounds was reported in the 9400 block of a tle e s tation road.
Concealment, price alter merchandise above $500 was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek r oad.
Hanover Fire-EMS reported on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 7 that it had responded to multiple significant incidents in the last 12 hours. Crews responded to Cobbs Farm Road on the evening of Jan. 6 for a structure fire in a detached garage which had extended to the singlefamily residence and brush nearby. All occupants were safe and being assisted by
the American Red Cross. Crews were on scene for an extended time, and a rural water supply operation had to be utilized due to the geographical location of the incident. Mutual aid was received from Henrico and New Kent counties for this incident.
On the morning of Jan. 7, crews responded to Route 301 between Stumpy and Peaks roads for a multivehicle accident. This crash
did result in one fatality. The incident is under investigation by the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and all inquiries will be directed through their agency. There was a substantial fuel leak on scene being managed by an outside contractor.
submitted by david “dJ” Johnston, Hanover Fire-eMs Battalion Chief- Community engagement, Public Information Officer.
Marijuana, possession/consumed above 18 was reported in the 10300 block of Chamberlayne r oad.
d river no reporting accident with damage above $1000 was reported in the 8200 block of Meadowbridge road.
Larceny of bank notes, checks was reported in the 11000 block of Washington Highway.
Credit card fraud above $200 in 6 months was reported in the 8200 block of s oft Wind d rive.
Credit card theft was reported in the 7100 block of Brandy Hill Trace.
Obtaining money by false pretenses above $200 was reported in the 9200 block of Charlotte Court.
The Mechanicsville Ruritans presented Colonel Hines of the Hanover County Sheriff Office a check for Project Lifesaver at their first monthly breakfast meeting of 2023.
In 2003, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office became the first agency in the state to join Project Lifesaver International.
The program offers the ability for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office to locate loved ones and family members who wander due to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, and Down syndrome.
As a free service to the community, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office will outfit a client with a
watch-sized transmitter. The transmitter enables the client to be tracked should the individual wander.
The Mechanicsville Ruritans’ recent raffle for a Greentop commemorative shot gun and their annual Golf tournament, held in October, helped raise money for this Hanover County Service.”
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“I enjoy getting to know my students – their interests, hobbies, passions, and career aspirations. I enjoy working with my students to impart a love of learning, an appreciation of the importance of understanding history, and to help them become stronger students, as prepared as they can be for their next steps in life,” he said. “Every day in the classroom is a little different, which makes it very interesting and challenging, but the one constant is always having the chance to make a positive difference. My students are positive, hopeful and want to succeed; that energy makes me love coming to work each day.”
HHS Principal Kristina Reece said she “cannot think of a better teacher to represent Hanover High School and Hanover County as Teacher of the Year.” Letourneau has taught at the school since it opened for the 2002-03 school year.
“Mr. Letourneau has been a fixture at HHS since day one,” said Reece. “Mr. Letourneau gives his heart and soul to his students, his colleagues and
The
him
his community each day. It is an honor to work alongside Mr. Letourneau and I look forward to many more years together.”
In addition to his teaching of social studies, Letourneau is a longtime coach in Hanover County. He has coached baseball and soft-
ball, boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls volleyball.
He currently serves as an assistant activities director for HHS. HCPS employs approximately 1,470 teachers. Each year, the division selects one teacher for this distinguished award who is actively and meaningfully involved in the
school and community and can serve as a role model and ambassador for teachers in the division.
submitted by Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent, community engagement and legislative affairs, Hanover County Public schools.
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.
The men of Mechanicsville united Methodist Church will be preparing and selling Brunswick stew again this year. For $10 a quart, enjoy some of the most delicious Brunswick stew in the area. The group strongly encourages those interested to preorder their stew, which became available on Jan. 9, by calling the church office at 804-746-5118, emailing mechumc@ comcast.net or placing your order through the website, mechumc.org. Include name, phone number and number of desired quarts. Prepayment is required for all orders over 6 quarts. Church office hours are Tuesday — Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pick-up will be on saturday, Feb. 11 from 8 to 10 a.m. stew not sold in the preorders will be available for purchase on saturday morning. The women of the church will also be selling their fabulous baked goods on saturday morning. Contact the church office with any questions.
The studley ruritan Club’s famous “super Bowl Chili” will be available for pick up at the studley store/Post Office (on the corner of studley and Williamsville roads) starting at 9 a.m. on saturday, Feb. 11. Order early before it sells out, and stock up your freezer for the cold winter ahead. The price is $9 per quart. Proceeds go to benefit the community. Call douglas newcomb at 804730-0570 or any studley ruritan member.
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) 402-7701. The classes are free but students are asked to purchase the books required for the class.
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.
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 804-746-5081 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.
The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, midJanuary 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/.
Hanover rotar y 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.
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 804496-6093 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 Highland Baptist Church hosts open basketball gym time for adults in the Christian Life Center (CLC) starting at 7:30 PM. The church is located at 9200 new ashcake road in Mechanicsville. use the side back entrance to enter. Contact Jeff Fitzgerald at jkfitzgerald@comcast.net.
Civil air Patrol, Hanover squadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor road, in Mechanicsville. CaP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train america’s next generation of Leaders. you’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, Leadership Training, Model rocketry, earning rank & awards, and much more. Visit hanover.vawg.cap. gov or contact Capt James Wright at 804551-3354 or james.wright@vawg.cap.gov.
There’s a war happening in America every day. No, I’m not talking about the dysfunctional goings on in Congress or continuing debates regarding vaccinations. I’m referring to the battle that occurs daily on America’s roadways and the increasing irritability of drivers on our highways.
even conceding their involvement in road rage incidents.
“We didnot dare dream its successes would be so great,” stated the advertisement.
While aggressive driving is a challenge to overall safety on the road, road rage takes that frustration to another level.
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.
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.
The number of aggressive drivers has increased steadily since America went back to work following the pandemic. As more of us head back to the office, the country’s roadways are once again filled to capacity, including nightmarish rush hours and lengthy backups.
Problem is, our patience has apparently grown thin when we’re behind the wheel. According to AAA, eight of 10 American drivers admit to some form of aggressive behavior on the roads, some
It’s important to note the distinction between the two. Road rage occurs when a driver deliberately uses dangerous driving to inflict physical harm on another driver. Aggressive driving is more familiar to all of us and we’ve all seen that aggressive driver weaving in and out of traffic at high speed, barely escaping collisions with other vehicles.
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.
ties in the United States, according to NHTSA statistics.
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.”
Aggressive driving might include tailgating, running red lights or frequent and unannounced lane changes, road rage can be identified by obscene gestures, hitting or bumping another car or actually running a vehicle off the road.
Speeding – also an indicator of aggressive driving – is a major cause of fatali-
Ten thousandspectatorscheered asSanta descended from hissleigh asnoon rolled around, and the “once-in-a-lifetime” holiday paradecame to a close.
Dear Editor,
Serving as the 2022 Hanover Christmas Mother has been a privilege and very rewarding experience. I express personal thanks to the many Hanover and area residents who contributed to the success of this year’s program. The generous spirit, enthusiasm and love will always be in my fondest memories.
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
In addition to the many individual contribu-
own beloved traditions with local floats, marching bands,balloons and, of course, the guest of honor– Santa Claus
Now, I’m not sounding the alarm on road safety in the metro Richmond area, but no one doubts that traffic levels have at least returned to pre-pandemic levels. Coupled with the fact that more cars and more drivers mean more traffic, and the situation on the roads is troubling.
The reasons for road rage are as varied as the persons committing the acts, according to Psychology Today. In addition to increased traffic, stress and displaced anger can be factors.
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.
of road rage incidents face increased insurance rates or even cancellation in some cases.
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
In other words, people are transferring their frustration at the office or home to their automobiles.
Back to that guy weaving in and out of traffic and you sitting in your car wondering if guys like that ever get caught. The consequences of aggressive driving and road rage are real. Persons convicted
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
tors, special recognition is given to faithful companies like: Luck Chevrolet, Alan Furs, and Hometown Realty. These companies enthusiastically supported the Hanover Christmas Mother Program in parades and are deserving of our support.
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.
I am so proud of our beautiful Hanover County and its people. The joy of Christmas was made so much better for so many people because of you. Thank you!
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
Michele Schalow Clements 2022 Hanover Christmas MotherThere’s one other correlating factor contained in the latest road rage observations. In an increasing number of incidents involving the use of firearms, some of these shootings are resulting in deaths.
An incident that occurred in Hanover County on Labor Day involved a man firing shots at another vehicle. The suspect was eventually captured in Montana.
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.
In my mind, driving should be a collaborative effort, and operating a vehicle is probably not the best spot to confront issues that face us all in a challenging society.
And using a turn signal is a simple courtesy that, along with other common sense measures, could make our roads a safer place.
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.
Publisher Joy Monopoli jmonopoli@RSNVA.com
Managing Editor Laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com
Sports Editor Robby Fletcher ........................... rfletcher@powhatantoday.com
Production
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.
The Mechanicsville Local and the Ashland-Hanover Local are merging to become one combined newspaper serving all Hanover communities beginning with the Feb. 1 edition. The publication will be called the Mechanicsville-Ashland Local and will increase the news coverage available to our readers. You can read each week’s entire edition of the Mechanicsville-Ashland Local for free at https://issuu. com/mechlocal. That website also has years’ worth of past editions available of both publications.
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.
The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The ashland-Hanover Local. send letters to: The ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: (804) 344-8746 e-mail: editor@mechlocal.com
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.
For the staff and patients of Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center’s Hanover County campus, Jan. 5 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
That morning, the medical center staff assisted 37 patients in a move to the facility’s new West Pavilion, a freshly renovated 48,000-square-foot, twostory facility that will serve to improve care for both orthopedic and neuroscience patients requiring a hospital stay.
“Everything went really well,” said Eric Young, chief operating officer at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, recalling the celebratory mood as those seeing the new wing for the first time took in a facility designed from the ground up to be both modern and welcoming.
Of course, the updated design of the interior is only a small part of what makes the new wing so special, Young said. The West Pavilion includes 43 inpatient beds and houses orthopedic and neuroscience units featuring state-of-the-art equipment, as well as rehab and physical therapy services. Thanks to the renovation, 15 patients who would have otherwise needed to spend the night of
Jan. 5 in the emergency room due to space constraints were able to have a hospital room instead.
Leaders from Bon Secours and Hanover County previously celebrated the completion of the renovation work with a ribbon-cutting and open house ceremony on Nov. 22, 2022.
Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center is located in Hanover County, just a half mile west of Interstate 295, which connects the larger regions of the Northern Neck, Hampton Roads, New Kent County, the city of Richmond and Henrico County. Memorial Regional Medical Center is designated as a primary stroke center and is nationally recognized for its clinical excellence and stroke treatment.
The newly renovated West Pavilion will improve the continuity of care at Memorial Regional by bringing together physical therapy and rehab services that can be utilized by both orthopedic and neuroscience inpatients in one central location within the hospital. In addition to undergoing a relocation to the West Pavilion, the gym has also been expanded to more than 10 times its previous size to accommodate a larger number of patients and equipment.
“Memorial Regional
Medical Center has always provided quality, compassionate orthopedic and stroke care to our patients, and the West Pavilion expansion solidifies our commitment to continue caring for our community” said Dr. Scott Vota, a neurologist at Memorial Regional Medical Center. “By renovating the West Pavilion, we are not only creating new spaces to care for our patients, but we are also able to alleviate pressure that’s been placed on units elsewhere within the hospital to support the needs of our growing community.”
The expansion directly addresses the fast-growing demand for health care services from residents of the hospital’s service area in particular, Hanover County, eastern Henrico County and the Northern Neck. By creating additional bed capacity in these units in the West Pavilion, patients who need immediate critical care for incidents including stroke and heart attacks can be seen quicker by alleviating the burden on the emergency department.
The completion of the West Pavilion renovation is part of a bigger expansion underway at Memorial Regional Medical Center, which includes an expansion of the ICU and medical/surgical units as well.
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors has extended the informal assessment review period until Feb. 1, 2023.
Previously, the Assessor’s Office had been available to discuss individual property assessments with the property owner through Jan. 20.
Richard Paul, Hanover’s
Chief Assessor, said that his office had handled around 300 calls about assessments; most coming in the days after this year’s notices were mailed.
However, the strong real estate market in Hanover has led to increases of value for homes throughout the county this year. members of the Hanover Board of Super-
visors thought that providing additional time for citizens to discuss their assessments would be appropriate. The board unanimously extended the informal review period through Feb. 1.
Any resident is invited to contact the Assessor’s Office at 804-365-6029 with concerns about the assessed value given to their property.
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Call 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.
Family Storytime at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Fridays, Jan. 20 and 27, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and more.
Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Read 2 Rover at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Thursday, Jan. 19, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Grades K-2. Read 2 Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, the library’s therapy dogs. Space is limited.
Hanover County is working with residents, businesses, landowners and other community members to update its Comprehensive Plan. Called “Envision Hanover,” the plan is the county’s long-range vision of Hanover over the next 25 years, addressing land use, housing, economic development and natural resources. It also provides guidance on where growth may be appropriate throughout the county and what that growth should look like.
Hanover residents’ feed-
back will shape the Comprehensive Plan and decisions regarding growth, preservation and public investment for years to come! Based upon the feedback received, the project team has been working to identify key concepts related to land use, economic development and historic resources. These preliminary ideas will be introduced at a series of events scheduled in January and February. Residents will be able to share their ideas by participating with an inperson meeting or webinar, depending upon their
schedules.
The public participation events are: In-person meetings (presentation + open house)
Monday, Jan. 23 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) — Atlee Library Thursday, Jan. 26 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) — Montpelier Center for Arts and Education
Monday, Feb. 6, (6 to 7 p.m.) — Log-In Information to Be Posted
5 p.m.) — Rockville Library
News tip, story idea, community events, photos, submissions can
Monday, Jan. 30 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) — Red Barn at Chickahominy Falls Thursday, Feb. 2 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) — Mechanicsville Library Thursday, Feb. 9 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) — Berea Baptist
The county will also offer these “stop and chat” events in which community members can informally chat with project team members on the following days, locations and times:
Wednesday, Feb. 1, (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Atlee Library Tuesday, Feb. 7, (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Ashland Library Thursday, Feb. 9, (3:30 to
The Hanover Board of Supervisors will hold public work sessions on the Comprehensive Plan on March 8, May 10 and July 26. The current schedule calls for the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on the proposed update in August, with the board’s public hearing to take place a month later.
For information on the planning process, and how you can participate, visit www.envisionhanover. com. You can also follow the process on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
tire length of this project without having to walk on a shoulder or in the roadway.
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Pedestrians will have the ability to walk the en -
“There will be crosswalks provided at all of
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the signaliz ed crossings and we have also made some adjustments to the way school buses enter and exit the high school,” he said of the entrances at Mechanicsville High School. “In working closely with the schools, we have consolidated their access to eliminate one of the entrance points so that buses will now enter and exit at the same point. We believe this is going to make things more efficient and safer.”
Authority (CVTA) funds, Vidunas said.
News tip, story idea, community events, photos, birth announcements, 40th anniversaries & above or 80 year-old birthday & above announcements submissions can be e-mailed to cdolan@mechlocal.com or call 804-212-6266.
We do understand that there will be some disruption, but in the end we think it plays out and is worth it,” he said.
During the two years of construction, work will be phased so that it does not disrupt access to businesses and subdivisions, Vidunas said.
Vidunas said there are still two right-of-way acquisitions cases outstanding but they are going through the process.
The project is budgeted at $33.806 million with funding coming from various federal, state and local sources, including $7.8 million in Central Virginia Transportation
“All of those accesses will be maintained. We may have flagging operations so they might have to wait a minute or two but, by and large, access is maintained, all traffic lanes are going to be maintained while we are constructing the roadway. Some of the work will occur at night. Some of the more disruptive things to traffic will happen at night but people will be able to get through there.
“We have secured the legal rights to utilize the property, so we have all of the right of ways and easements necessary to proceed, but we have not concluded those negotiations – we have not settled with those two particular owners yet,” he said.
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For more information, contact the Hanover Department of Public Works at 804-365-6181.
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The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting its 14th annual Senior Citizens Police Academy. The Senior Citizens Police Academy will take place from April 11 through June 20. The academy will be held every Tuesday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at The Montpelier Community Center, located at 17203 Sycamore Tavern Lane, Montpelier, VA 23192. The academy is free; space limited to first 30 to register. The program will be available to seniors 55 years of age or older who are
residents, business owners or county employees. Background check required.
This academy is designed to give participants an inside look into law enforcement with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. The presentations will consist of a variety of law enforcement topics as well as pro-active crime prevention presentations, which will give seniors a better understanding of what members of the sheriff’s office do on a daily basis. The goal of the academy is to develop productive relationships with the seniors in our
community and for the seniors to develop a better understanding of law enforcement.
Interested seniors are urged to download an application at http://www.hanoversheriff. com/199/Senior-Citizens-Police-Academy or contact Deputy Evan Povar at (804) 365-3363 for an application or additional information. Also, the application needs to be notarized. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2023.
submitted by Lt. James r. Cooper, Hanover County sheriff’s Office Public information officer.
Call 804-559-0654 or visit the library at 9212 Rutlandshire Drive for more information.
Atlee Bridge Group at the Atlee Branch Library. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Every Tuesday the Atlee Bridge Group meets to play Social Rubber Bridge. All levels welcome, from beginner to expert.
Fun and Games at the Atlee Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1 to 4 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Meet up with friends and have a great time with card and board games.
Preschool Storytime at the Atlee Branch Library. Mondays, Jan. 23 and 30, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of books, music and fun for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers.
Mother Goose Storytime at the Atlee Branch Library. Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, and 25, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Mother Goose is a Storytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. Have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.
Toddler Storytime at the Atlee Branch Library. Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18 and 25, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of
books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.
Hula Dancing Class at the Atlee Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Ages 18 and up. Exercise your brain and body while learning about hula dancing and culture at the Atlee Branch Library.
Page Turners Book Club at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, Jan. 19, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Join the library for an inperson, lively book discussion on “One Summer” by Bill Bryson. Place the book on hold and pick it up at the Atlee Branch Library. New members are always welcome.
Atlee Anime Club at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, Jan. 19, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 12-18. Join the Atlee Library Anime Club and meet teens with similar interests and watch cool shows.
Hanover Master Gardeners’ Home Gardening Series at the Atlee Branch Library. Saturday, Jan. 21, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about a variety of home gardening topics from Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners. This session’s topic is “The Beauty of Herbs — Companion Planting.” Topics change each session.
Reading Olympics Jeopardy at the Atlee Branch Library. Tuesday,
Jan. 24, 4 to 5 p.m. Compete in this fun game and test your knowledge, featuring questions from “Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera” in the Children’s Programming Room. This program is for participants in Hanover County Public Schools Reading Olympics.
Virtual Trivia Night! (virtual program). Tuesday, Jan. 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. All ages. Test your knowledge and impress friends at a fun evening answering general knowledge questions on topics of geography, animals, books, space and more using Zoom and Kahoot! Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/9748772. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the Kahoot app. See “More Information” at the link above on how the game will be set up. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to the email registered before the event occurs. Contact the Atlee Branch if you do not receive this email.
Reading Olympics Jeopardy at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, Jan. 26, 4 to 5 p.m. Grades 4-5 for participants in Hanover County Public Schools Reading Olympics. Compete in this fun game and test your knowledge, featuring questions from “Nanny X” by Madelyn Rosenburg in the Children’s Pro-
gramming Room.
CrafterNoon for Teens at the Atlee Branch Library. Saturday, Jan. 28, 3 to 4 p.m. Ages 12-18. Create your very own handmade journal.
Call 804-746-9615 or visit the library at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place for more information.
Hula Dancing Class at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Mondays, Jan. 23 and 30, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Ages 16 and up. Exercise your body and brain while learning about hula dancing and culture at the library. Wear clothing to dance in easily.
Mother Goose Storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Mother Goose is a Storytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. Have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.
Toddler/Preschool Storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.
Family Storytime at the Me-
chanicsville Branch Library. Thursdays, Jan. 19 and 26, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Mechanicsville Book Club at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 18 and up. Bring your ideas for discussion and escape to a world of pure imagination.
Anime Club at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Friday, Jan. 20, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Ages 12-18. Join the Mechanicsville Library Anime Club and meet teens with similar interests and watch some cool shows.
Saturday Family Storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Senior Bingo at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ages 55 and up. Need to get out and do something that’s both fun and relaxing? Stop by the library for a game of themed Bingo for seniors presented by Shanna Beaumont, membership growth consultant at JenCare Senior Medical Center.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch released its All-Metro cross country teams on Jan. 8, which featured multiple local runners who excelled for their respective teams this past season.
By Adam Cheek for Richmond Times-DispatchThe Atlee Raiders had three first team All-Metro honorees and another student-athlete on the second team, while two Hanover athletes were featured on the first team. Patrick Henry and Mechanicsville each had a runner on the second team as well.
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.
For the Raiders, senior Travis Albon, junior Patrick Allen and freshman Amelia Waggoner made the first team after helping lead the Raiders to a Region 4B title and top-5 finishes at the boys and girls Class 4 state championship.
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
Albon’s senior season ended in glory, as he won his first region title in 16:08.40 at Pole Green Park. At states, he placed third with a time of 16:11, which was the fastest among Richmondarea runners in the three state races held at the Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg.
“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.”
len, her best result came at the Milestat.com XC Invitational, where she placed 21st with a run of 18:30.
Onseniornight, it wasappropriatelytheseniorsthatshonethe brightest:both Gracyn Ross and Shamar Williams recordedtwo touchdowns apiece.
Allen was right behind his senior running mate at the region finals, placing second this year with a time of 16:08.50. He later placed sixth in the run at states in 16:28. His best result of his junior campaign came in the Milestat.com XC Invitational, where he placed 17th with a time of 15:32.
Rossandjuniorquar terback Grayson Johnson were explosive early, bothhittingthe100-yard rushingmark by theendof thefirst half— Rossat100 and Johnson at103.
Waggoner made quite an impression in her freshman year of running after she placed third in the region championship and 13th at states. She was the only freshman featured on the AllMetro first team. Much like Al -
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.
Caeden Waltershit Aaron Maxie
For the Hanover Hawks, standout senior Alli Crytser capped off a memorable tenure at Hanover with another firstteam selection. The two-time All-Metro runner of the year won her fourth region title in four seasons with a 18:26.90 result that was 11 seconds ahead of second place finisher and Hanover teammate Ellie Agustin. She also placed sixth at the Milestat.com XC Invitational, qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals with a fifth-place finish at the Team Southeast Regional and placed 40th out of 95 runners at the national meet.
for a 65-yard Mechanicsvillescore, but the Patriots respondedless than a minute later with a 71-yard Ross touchdown run.
Agustin was also a first team mention after her sophomore year, making it her second con -
Both teamsputup 14 in the openingquar ter, Mechanicsville eveningthings up with a 2-yard Colby Messe touchdown run.
PH took control inthesecond
secutive season featured on the team. Along with her runnerup finish at regionals, she also placed sixth at states with a time of 19:44 and had her personal best at the Milestat.com XC Invitational with a run of 18:05, good for 16th place.
Mechanicsville senior Carter Smith was the lone Mustangs runner to be featured as an AllMetro member, making it on the second team. Smith also made the second team as a junior. Smith’s season ended with a terrific performance at the region championship, placing third behind Albon and Allen with a time of 16:29.80. At states, his time of 17:06.00 placed him in 18th place.
quarter on a pairoflongpass touchdowns,one a 47-yard bombfrom theirotherquar terback, Jayden Brown, to Cole Sylvia,andthe other from Johnson to Williams.
For Patrick Henry, senior Andrew Senfield earned an appearance on the second team. Senfield qualified for the state
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.
championship after placing fifth at regionals, running the course at Pole Green Park with a time of 16:49.50. At states, his 17-min -
Despite anothe r meticulous Mechanicsvillescoringdrive that tickedoff more than 7 minutes
and a successfulonsidekick, Patrick Henry’s defenseheldfast to force a punt.
ute run was good enough for 15th place, ending his cross country career
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
ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor
It took some late-game heroics from senior Miles Mallory, but the No. 2 Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets (14-1) were able to pull away late against the No. 2 Christopher Newport team (15-3) in a 64-59 victory on Jan. 11.
Mallory, who recorded a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double, had a key block and a game-deciding 3-pointer in the final minute against the Captains to extend their winning streak to 12 games.
Mallory got scoring reinforcements from forward Daniel Mbangue and guard Josh Talbert, who accounted for a combined 27 points in the starting lineup. Mbangue was an efficient five-of-six from the field for a career-high 15 points, while also adding eight rebounds.
Mallory was a force de -
fensively as well, blocking five shots during the game and forcing the Captains to steer clear of the paint whenever he was in position to contest a shot. Mallory now has 231 career blocks, which is a program record and the second-highest total in ODAC history only behind Ben Strong of Guilford (2004-08), who had 236 career blocks.
In the first half, the Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 14-8 lead after a Mallory jumpshot, but the Captains ran off an 11-2 run to take a 19-16 lead with over four minutes remaining in the game.
Mallory added four of his six first half points after that Captains scoring surge, helping the Yellow Jackets keep the game close, though it would be a 25-22 Captains advantage entering halftime.
In the second half, the
Yellow Jackets came out with their own big run, this one going 17-7 as they took a 50-46 lead with 5:45 left to go. After a layup from Mallory and a pair of free throws from Mbangue, the lead grew to six with 3:44 remaining in the game.
The Captains were able to cut the lead down to two point soon after at 56-54, but Mallory made a string of clutch plays in the final minute and a half to help hold off a late comeback attempt. Mallory first brought the lead back up to four points with a pair of free throws, then he buried a layup with 1:06 left to keep the Captains at arms length. 24 seconds later, Mallory made his biggest bucket of the night, drilling a 3-pointer from deep behind the arc to give the Yellow Jackets a sevenpoint separation, 61-54.
Free throws were able to
extend the Yellow Jackets lead to eight, and though a late Captains three cut it back down to five, it was too little too late, and the Yellow Jackets were able to come away with an impressive victory.
Up next for RandolphMacon is a matchup against the Bridgewater Eagles at home on Jan. 18. The game tips off at 7 p.m. The Yellow Jackets were 3-0 against the Eagles last season.
r obb y Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.
The new Patrick Henry High School Athletic Hall of Fame is proud to announce nominations for the inaugural Class of 2023 will be accepted through Feb.15.
The class, to be announced in the spring, will be honored at a banquet on Sept. 28, 2023, at Hanover Country Club and at halftime of Patrick Henry’s
home football game against Hanover on September 29. Nominations for studentathletes and coaches (including posthumously) can be sent to the nominating committee either electronically via a Google docs form by mail.
Forms are available at the school office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. when school is in session.
Nominees must have graduated from Patrick Henry between 1960 and 2015. Fill out forms fully and accurately. Electronic form can be found at www. facebook.com/PHHSAshlandAthleticHallOfFame.
Paper submissions may be sent to P.O. Box 921, Ashland, VA, 23005, and must be postmarked by Feb. 15, 2023.
MECHANICSVILLE –
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors members elected W. Canova Peterson as chair and Susan Dibble as vice-chair for 2023 during their Jan. 11 meeting.
Both board members were elected in 6-1 votes with only Faye Prichard voting against.
Peterson, who represents the Mechanicsville Magisterial District, has been on the board for 11 years. This is his third time serving as chair.
In accepting the position, Peterson said he was humbled and honored by the other board members’ confidence in him to act as chair but added that the role “has nothing special about it over any other member of this board.”
“There is no additional authority; there is only additional work for being in this chair as representing the board before the community. Every member of the board is the same as I am – they have the same authority, the same votes – and I look forward to working together with my board members,” Peterson said.
The coming year will be a big year filled with many continuing issues, including completion of the comprehensive plan, broadband expanding throughout the community and passing a budget amidst times of great inflation, he said.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said.
Peterson was nominated by Sean Davis, who represents the Henry Magisterial District. He said Peterson has always been available to serve in different leadership
newly-elected Hanover Board of supervisors Chair W. Canova Peterson presents outgoing chair angela KellyWiecek a plaque to thank her for her service during the Jan. 11 meeting.
and committee positions and is “well known in the region for his strong stances on issues, his no-nonsense way of approaching matters.”
Dibble, who has represented the South Anna Magisterial District since Jan. 1, 2020, is taking on her first leadership on the board. She previously served on the school board for six and a half years, including serving as chair and vice-chair. She attended the meeting remotely.
Dibble said in a separate interview that she is grateful for the confidence of her fellow colleagues in electing her to the role.
Moving forward, she said the board’s highest priority is the updating of Hanover’s Comprehensive Plan, which is done on a five-year cycle.
“Citizen input is the key component of the successful creation of this plan and is the most important part of this Comprehensive Plan process. This plan is our most important tool in evaluating future land use in Hanover County,” she said.
The board is also beginning its budget development cycle at this time, and the
goal is to continue to provide superior service through collaboration, creativity, innovation and sound financial practices, she said.
“The economy and double-digit inflation are a huge challenge as we move into 2023. However, we have assembled an extremely strong administrative team and I am confident that working together we will be successful in accomplishing our mission and our vision, to be a community for people and businesses to achieve their full potential,” Dibble said.
Dibble was nominated by outgoing chair Angela KellyWiecek, who represents the Chickahominy Magisterial District. Kelly-Wiecek described Dibble as engaged and dedicated to the service of her district and constituents. The board has seen great evidence of Dibble’s level of engagement and knowledge since she came on the board, Kelly-Wiecek said.
After the votes, Peterson presented Kelly-Wiecek with a special plaque to thank her for her service as chair.
NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanoverCountyBoardofSupervisors hasset Wednesday,January25,2023at6:00 P.M., orassoon thereafterastheBoard’sconsiderationoftheadministrativeagenda permits,intheBoardRoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernment BuildingatHanoverCourthouse,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date, time,andplacefor apublichearingtoconsiderthefollowingcases, atwhichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:
SE2022-00025,TERESAANDEDWARD WATTS(DBA WATTS RV ANDBOATSTORAGE,L.L.C.),ETAL.
Request(s) aSpecialExceptionPermitinaccordancewithSection 26-337oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermit areduction inthewidthofanindustrialbufferandSection26-338for amulti-use signthatistallerandlargerthanpermittedonGPINs7788-14-9733, 7788-25-4072,7788-35-0330,and7788-34-3970,consistingof approximately14.93acres,currentlyzonedM-3(c),HeavyIndustrial Districtwithconditions,andlocatedontheeastlineofOld Telegraph Road(StateRoute661)atitsintersectionwithMorseCodeDrive (private road).(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna
SE2022-00026,ALECIADIANEANDMATTHEWG.BAKER
Request(s) aSpecialExceptionPermitinaccordancewithSection 26-21.3oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermita commercialdogkennelonGPIN8745-90-3025,consistingof approximately11.32acres,zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,and locatedonthesouthlineofCrownHillRoad(StateRoute632) approximately400feetwestofitsintersectionwithBeattiesMill Road(StateRoute634).(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict: ColdHarbor
SE2022-00028,ESLMECHANICSVILLE,L.L.C.
Request(s)anamendmentto aSpecialExceptionPermitin accordancewithSection3.6.2(d)ofthe repealedR-1,SingleFamilyResidentialDistrictprovisionsoftheHanoverCountyZoning Ordinance,topermitconvalescenthomes,nursinghomesor homesfortheaged,onGPINs7796-94-6872,7796-95-4087,and 7796-95-8003,consistingofapproximately8.34acres,zonedR-1, Single-FamilyResidentialDistrict,andlocatedonthesouthlineof AtleeRoad(StateRoute638)atitsintersectionwithHollycroftCourt (StateRoute2329).Thepurposeoftheamendmentistoamend thecondition relatedtoscreeningofHVACequipment.(PUBLIC HEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Chickahominy
Copiesoftheabovecasemaybe reviewedinthePlanningOffice, MondaythroughFriday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m., pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogotohttps:// www.hanovercounty.gov /697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcomingand-Archivformoreinformation.
PursuanttothetermsofthosecertainDecreesofSaleenteredintheCircuitCourtofHanoverCounty,theundersignedSpecialCommissionerwillofferforsaleat asimulcast(withonlineandinpersonbidding)publicauctionthe followingdescribed realestateat 7516CountyComplexRoad,Hanover,Virginia23069intheHanoverCountyAdministrationBuildingBoardRoom, on Monday,January30,2023 at 11:00am. Intheinstanceofinclement weather,theauctionmaybeconductedonlineonly.Insuchcase,theauctionwillbegintheclosingprocessat 11:00am.
Thesaleofsuchpropertyissubjecttothetermsandconditionsbelow,andanytermorconditionswhichmaybesubsequentlypostedorannouncedbyForSaleAtAuction,Inc.(“Auctioneer”)and TaxingAuthorityConsultingServices, PC(“TACS”).Subsequentannouncementsmadeonthedayoftheauctiontakeprecedenceoveranypriorwrittenorverbaltermsofsale.
Property Owner(s) TaxMap No. TACS No.
1LucileShaffer 8707-20-4247 690326 10010CoolSpringRd +/-1.04acres Unimprovedparcel
Property Description
2Sylvia JSheltonEstate 7788-35-0886 300751 10364ShellieLeeDr +/-0.611acre Dwellingassessedwithparcel
3Kathleen FSmith 8704-37-4907 766249 8332ElwinDr +/-0.574acre Unimprovedparcel;dwellingassessedwithparcelwasdemolished
4DeborahSueStanley 7835-31-8978 766246 18155 TemanRd +/-25.068acres Dwellingassessedwithparcel
5VirginiaInvestmentAssociates,Inc 7797-66-4765 493789
6aVirginiaInvestmentAssociates,Inc 7797-66-4950 493789
6bVirginiaInvestmentAssociates,Inc 7797-67-3197 493789
Near Topotomoy Trail;Adjoins7797-66-4950 +/-1.66acres Unimprovedparcel
Near Topotomoy Trail;Soldtogetherwith7797-67-3197 +/-1.7acres Unimprovedparcel
Near Topotomoy Trail;Soldtogetherwith7797-66-4950 +/-0.355acre Unimprovedparcel
AllsalesaresubjecttoconfirmationbytheCircuitCourt.TheSpecialCommissionerhastherightto
rejectanybidsdeterminedtobeunreasonablein relationtotheestimatedvalueoftheProperty. Anyunsoldpropertywillbeofferedforsaleagainatthenextauction,wheneverthatmaybe.
PropertiesareconveyedbySpecial WarrantyDeed,subjecttoanyeasements,covenants,agreements, restrictions, reservations,andanyandallrightsof recordwhichmayaffecttheproperty.Propertiesareofferedforsaleas-is, where-is,andif-is,withallfaultsandwithoutanywarranty,eitherexpressedorimplied.Personsareencouragedtomake avisualinspectionofthepropertywithinthelimitsofthelawandtoobtainanindependenttitlesearch,attheir ownexpense,priortobiddingonanyofthepropertiestodeterminethesuitablenessofthepropertyfortheirpurposes.Itisnotguaranteedthatthepropertyhas aright-of-wayorthatitisnotlandlocked.Propertyissoldingrossand notbytheacre.ThereisnowarrantyastotheaccuracyofanyinformationcontainedintheGISsystem,noristheinformation containedtherein alegal representationofanyofthefeaturesofthepropertywhichitdepicts.
Thesaleofpropertytothehighestbidderisnotcontingentuponobtaining financing. Financing,ifneeded,isthesole responsibilityofthehighbidder.Bybidding,partiesareenteringinto alegallybindingcontract,waiveall rescissionrights,andunderstandthattheirbidisimmediatelybinding,irrevocable,andenforceable.Additionally,bybidding,partiesarerepresentingthattheyhave read,andagreetobeboundby,alltermsandconditionsforthissale. Failuretocompletethepropertypurchasewill resultinforfeitureofanyfundspaidandmaysubjectthehighestbiddertoadditionaldamages,whichmayincludeexpensesandanydeficitupon resale.
PAYMENTTERMS: Onthedayoftheauction,thehighestbiddershallmake adepositintheamountoftwenty-fivepercent(25%)orOneThousandDollars($1,000.00),whicheverishigher, alongwith a10%buyer’spremium,subject to aminimumof$150.00,addedtothe finalbid.BidswhicharelessthanOneThousandDollars($1,000.00)shallbepaidinfullatthetimeoftheauction.Depositsshallnotexceed TwentyThousandDollars($20,000)perparcel. SuchsumshallbeheldbytheSpecialCommissionerandcreditedtowardsthepurchasepricefollowingconfirmationofthesale.Subsequenttaxeswillbeproratedfromtheauctiondate,andthehighestbidderwillbe responsiblefor taxesfromthatdateforward.
Thebalanceofthepurchasepriceand recordingcostsfordeed recordationshallbedepositedbythehighestbidderwiththeSpecialCommissionerwithin fifteen(15)daysofconfirmationofthesalebytheCourt.
TermsapplicabletoIn-PersonBiddersONLY
Thehighestbidderwill receivetheirpurchasecontractandbalancedueviaemailfollowingthecloseoftheauction.Thecontractshallimmediatelybeexecutedand returnedto TACS. Thedepositandbuyer’spremiummustbe receivedinfullwithinseven(7)daysfollowingtheauctionclosing(nolaterthanFebruary6,2023).Allpaymentsmustbemadeintheformofcertifiedfunds,cashier’scheck,moneyorderorwiretransfer.Cashandpersonal checks willnot beaccepted.ChecksandmoneyordersshallbemadepayabletoHanoverCountyandforwardedto TACS,attheaddressshownbelow.Wiretransferinstructionswillbeprovidedtothehighestbidderupon request. To qualifyas apurchaseratthisauction,youmaynotowedelinquenttaxestoHanoverCountyandyoumaynotbe aDefendantinanypendingdelinquenttaxmatter.Questionsconcerningthe registrationandbiddingprocessshould bedirectedtotheAuctioneeronlineatForSaleAtAuction.biz,byemailtojerry@forsaleatauction.bizorbyphonetoJerryBertram,at(804)229-9271,ortheAuctioncompanyofficeat(540)899-1776.Questionsconcerningtheproperty subjecttosaleshouldbedirectedto TACSonlineatwww.taxva.com,byemailtotaxsales@taxva.com,byphoneto804-293-8608,orbywritingtotheaddressbelow.
Re:HanoverCountyJudicialSaleAuction TaxingAuthorityConsultingServices,PC P.O.Box31800 Henrico,Virginia23294-1800
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HillElectrical,Incishiring Electricians&Helpers. DriversLicense&own TransportationRequired. Call804-746-3122
Secluded2-BedroomApartment,all utilitiesincludedoffShadyGroveRoad. Verybrightwithaskylight,storage withW/Dincluded.Nearallinterstates. $995/month.Call804-404-3992
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you are willing to take risks and never afraid to try new things. This benefits you as you seek new solutions regarding how to get things done.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, figure out a new goal to pursue and start to make a list of how to get to the finish line. You may need to recruit a few volunteers to help along the way.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, when a project at work lands on your desk, you may be ambivalent about it. You appreciate the challenge, but already have a long list of things to do.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Could this be the right time to think about making a career move, Cancer? The new year marks a fresh start, and perhaps you have had your eyes on a new work opportunity.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
There’s more than meets the eye this week when someone from your past suddenly pops up on your radar again, Leo. Learn all of the facts before you make assumptions.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, try to stay in the loop around the office. Doing so might pay professional dividends that could open the door to new possibilities.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
You’ve been keeping quite busy, Libra, but don’t forget to make time to touch base with friends and loved ones from time to time. Keep those lines of communication open.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
Patience is a virtue of which you are in short supply recently, Scorpio. You have no control over the timeline on certain things and that can be frustrating. Wait it out.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
It’s time to tackle all of those tasks you have been putting since the end of last year, Sagittarius. If you need help getting organized, reach out to someone you trust.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
Think about all the possibilities you have before you, Capricorn. When you consider all of the positives in your life, the negatives just may fade away.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Your name is on the lips of so many people. That is likely because you are affecting change wherever you go. Keep forging ahead because you are helping others.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
Now that spending has ceased, take a closer look at how you can budget for the new year. Make your money work for you, Pisces.
Hanover County Public Schools’ Reading Olympics is a program that aims to promote a lifelong love of reading and appreciation of literature by introducing students to diverse genres of quality literature while promoting teamwork within a spirited competition.
Not only does it help students build their reading skills (including comprehension, critical thinking and oratory), the program also promotes teamwork and self-confidence by helping students – in a collaborative environment – achieve a level of expertise where reading is second nature.
Students in fourth and fifth grades can choose to participate in the elementary program. Students in all four middle school grades six to eight may choose to participate in the middle school program.
All of the schools that serve students in these grade levels have a school-level competition. In elementary school, there is a
school-wide competition of all teams. At the middle school level, there is a school-level competition at each school and a county competition.
The top scoring teams from each middle school advance to the county competition.
There are 30 elementary books and 30 middle school books on the Reading Olympics list. Teams meet periodically throughout the school year to discuss what they are reading. During the competition, there are three rounds where there is one question from each of the books in each round. Teams work together to answer the questions in a live competition.
Total points from each round are tabulated to get a combined score.
Based on these scores teams are recognized in first (gold), second (silver), and bronze (third) place.
Other teams are recognized as honorable mention. In middle school the top teams advance to the county competition. There is an awards ceremony on each competition day and there is also an awards ceremony at the middle
school county competition.
The Hanover Education Foundation sponsors Reading Olympics and provides the middle schools with copies of each book for the teams. The HEF also sponsors Reading Olympics teams at the elementary level.
Reading Olympics is completely run by the librarians at HCPS schools. Books are available in both print and ebook format through the school library and the librarians oversee the teams and the competitions. Librarians work collaboratively to read and write questions for the books on the list each year.
HCPS is fortunate to have a strong partnership with Pamunkey Regional Library. The libraries provide the public library with a list of the books for each year’s competition. The library will offer the following events this month to help students participating in Reading Olympics in Hanover County:
Reading Olympics Review at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6:30 to
7:30 p.m. Grades 4-5. Gather, Reading Olympic participants and join the library for read aloud and discussions of “The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read” and “Pecos Bill Tames a Colossal Cyclone” from this year’s Reading Olympics list. This program is for participants in Hanover County Public Schools Reading Olympics. There will be a group discussion to prepare for the Olympics Challenge.
Reading Olympics Review at the Montpelier Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 and 5 for participants in Hanover County Public Schools Reading Olympics. Prepare for your upcoming competition by reading and discussing the story “Inkey’s Amazing Escape” by Sy Montgomery.
Reading Olympics Jeopardy at the Atlee Branch Library. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4 to 5 p.m. Compete in this fun game and test your knowledge, featuring questions from “Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera” in the Children’s Programming Room. This
JAN. 3
dWI, 1st Of fense, was reported in the 7200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.
Threats in writing at school/school event were reported in the 10300 block of Chamberlayne road.
driver did not reported accident; damage above $250 was reported in the 11600 block of Cedar Lane.
Operate Vehicle Without Ignition Interlock system was reported in the 12300 block of Washington Highway.
accident driver did not report, W/ damage above =$1000 was reported in the 12600 block of Mount Hermon road.
Identity theft, financial loss up to $200 was reported in the 7100 block of Brooks Farm road.
$250 was reported in the 5500 block of Mechanicsville Tp/Walnut Grove road.
Firearms, regardless of value, not from person was reported in the 3400 block of Old Church road.
assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 17300 block of rocky Ford road.
Obtaining money by false pretenses above $200 was reported in the 6100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.
Hit and run -personal injury was reported in the 11400 block of Washington Highway.
dWI: drug s, 1st offense was reported in the 8000 block of Lee-davis road/Kiwi Lane.
Kim McMackin’s and sandy Cario’s class at Pole Green elementary school read an informational article about snowflakes and had several challenges relating to geometry as they created snowflakes.
fail to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex road.
driver did not report damage up to
Threat to extort money was reported in the 11100 block of Countrys Identitye Lane.
Manufactured, sale, Possession of a Control substance -schedule I,II was reported in the 7200 block of Courtland Farm road.
program is for participants in Hanover County Public Schools Reading Olympics.
Reading Olympics Review at the Hanover Branch Library. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 to 8 p.m. Grades 4-5 for participants in Hanover County Public Schools’ Reading Olympics. Review the following books in preparation for the Hanover County Reading Olympics competition: “Scarlet Stockings Spy” and “The Brave Cyclist.” Reading Olympics Jeopardy at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, Jan. 26, 4 to 5 p.m. Grades 4-5 for participants in Hanover County Public Schools Reading Olympics. Compete in this fun game and test your knowledge, featuring questions from “Nanny X” by Madelyn Rosenburg in the Children’s Programming Room.
For more information, check local library calendars.
Information courtesy of Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent of community engagement and legislative affairs for HCPs, and Pamunkey regional Library.
Grand Larceny -$500 Or More not From Person was reported in the 10400 block of Hickory Hill road/elletts Crossing road.
Petit Larceny Parts was reported in the 11000 block of Palmwood Circle.
Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.
a ssault and battery on a family member was reported in the 9400 block of robinson Hall Court.
simple assault was reported in the 9100 block of atlee road.
Possession of tobacco products — Minor was reported in the 10300 block of Chamberlayne road.
stalking: type not clear from record was reported in the 11100 block of Cross Corner road.
Identity theft to defraud above $200 was reported in the 9400 block of Hartford Oaks drive.
Profane, threatening language over public airway was reported in the 8100 block of rose Hill drive.