Ashland-Hanover Local – 01/25/2023

Christmas Mother reflects on a remarkable season

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

MECHANICSVILLE – Michele Clements can’t believe it’s almost over.

Since being asked to serve as the 2022 Hanover Christmas Mother in October, Clements’ days and evenings have been a whirl of activity. She was invited to breakfast meetings, lunches, dinners, cotillions, holiday celebrations, singa-longs at churches and more.

She had a huge calendar of commitments but said she didn’t look ahead too much to avoid feeling overwhelmed. She took each day on its own and tried to have the most fun in the role she could, savoring the experiences as a privilege and not a chore and never wanting to give the impression that an invite was just another event to be checked off a list.

She was helped in that goal by the way she was always greeted

warmly and openly by the people waiting to hear her talk about one of the most well-known programs in Hanover County, including its rich history and why, 74 years after it was started, it is still a vital and vibrant part of the community.

“It just tells the story of how hardworking women started this program to help people who were

Gill offers first look at schools’ budget for FY24

Hanover County Public Schools’ superintendent Michael Gill presented the division’s initial proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 on Jan. 17, kicking off the annual round of presentations, meetings, public hearings and discussions that determines how the needs of the school division will be funded.

Hanover County residents will have several opportunities to offer feedback on the spending plan, which, at $309,703,130, represents a $32,129,62, or 11%, increase over the fiscal year 2023 plan.

“This is really a 12-month a year process,” Gill said, noting that work on the budget typically begins in October with the gathering of input from school administrators, teachers and staff.

The school board is expected to vote on adoption on the plan on Feb. 14, and it will be presented to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 22. That presentation will be followed be the opportunity for more community input.

Even after supervisors make a final decision on the plan in

Arrest made in train crash case

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

ASHLAND – The Ashland Police Department charged a woman Thursday in connection with an incident where a train hit an abandoned vehicle left on the railroad tracks in Ashland.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, Ashland police investigators charged Lizzeth Calderon Henriquez with misdemeanor hit and run, operating a vehicle without a driver’s

license, and operating a vehicle without insurance for the accidental collision with a CSX train at the England Street crossing occurring on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Surveillance camera footage showed that the vehicle involved was traveling westbound when it proceeded through the railroad crossing as the crossing arms

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

As part of her role, 2022 Hanover Christmas Mother Michele Clements visited the Mechanicsville AARP in the fall.

Upcoming programs at Hanover libraries

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library

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

Mother Goose Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Mondays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 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, Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 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, Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 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.

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. Thursdays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 23, 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 stitch-

ers 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 https://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 AfricanAmerican 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 African-American cemeteries and the historical journeys of recognizing and preserving them.

Beginning Chair Yoga at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga which is done with the assistance of a chair for those with physical challenges or adults

who don’t want the rigor of a typical yoga session. Attendees should wear loose clothing and bring a small blanket. Space is limited.

70th Anniversary of Barksdale Theatre at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursday, Feb. 2, 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. Join us and Bruce Miller, artistic director for the Virginia Repertory Theater, for a hilarious and heart-warming presentation on the founding of the Barksdale Theater at Hanover Tavern. Miller has been in the organization since 1971 and has seen in grow and develop over the years. In 2012, Barksdale merged with Theatre IV to create Virginia Rep, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary this summer.

Mad about Mahjong! at the Ashland Branch Library, Fridays, Feb. 3 and 17, 10 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Looking for experienced players to play with? Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game at the Ashland Library!

Instant Shakespeare at the Ashland Branch Library, Saturday, Feb. 4, noon — 5:30 p.m. Adults and teens welcome! Immerse yourself in Shakespeare! Spend a day reviewing, discussing, and preparing for a dramatic reading of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” End the day with the dramatic reading with props. Scripts and props are provided. Bring your own lunch and snacks. (Or — 30 minute break to go get your own lunch). For more information and to request a role, contact Becki Jones at theshakespearelady@hotmail.com.

A Brief History of the Universe

MECHANICSVILLE-ASHLAND LOCAL RACK LOCATIONS

ASHLAND- 23005

„ ashland Library, 201 s railroad ave.

south Center street

„ Hanover Community service, 12300 Washington Hwy.

Washington Hwy.

„ sheetz/Leadbetter dr, 10037 sliding Hill road

at the Ashland Branch Library, Monday, Feb. 6, 6:30 — 8 p.m. All Ages. Kick off “Celebrating Space in the Center of the Universe Week” with a presentation by Dr. George Spagna on a brief history of the universe.

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

Comets and Impactors at the Ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 — 8 p.m. All Ages. Join Dr. Rachele Dominguez and Dr. Michael Rodruck from Randolph Macon College for an interactive lesson on comets and impactors. Part of “Celebrating Space in the Center of the Universe Week”

Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join us for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing on each of this month. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.

Stomp Rockets at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursday, Feb. 9, 4 — 5 p.m. For grades two to

eight. How high can a rocket fly? Make some stomp rockets to celebrate space in the Center of the Universe! Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9682991. Part of “Celebrating Space in the Center of the Universe Week”

3 Rivers Livestock Club at the Ashland Branch Library, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. Ages 5-18. Would you like to participate in planning community service events and hone your expressive arts skills? At our meetings, you can learn how to get involved in community and public affairs, how to be a good role model, how to give back to your community and how to use time management skills to enjoy every part of your life.

Searching Family Histories at the Ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1 — 2 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Interested in engaging in genealogy research but don’t know where to begin? FamilySearch.org is the world’s largest collector and disseminator of genealogical records. Jody Raab, FamilySearch volunteer, will offer a hands-on experience on Family Search.org. We will learn how to build a tree and search records available on this database. In preparation, please create a free account and bring your user name and password with you to the program. Laptop computers will be provided for use during the workshop, or feel free to bring your own.

road

„ Food Lion, 16615 Mountain road

GLEN ALLEN — 23059

„ aw s hucks C ountry s tore , 6100 Pouncey Tract road

7522 County Complex road

„ Hanover Branch Library, 7527 Library drive

„

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

„ 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, 12 341 n

„ skateland, 516 n. Washington Hwy.

„ Village Bank, 10035 sliding Hill road, #101

MONTPELIER—23192

„ Fas Mart, 16575 Mountain

„ Montpelier Library, 17205 sycamore Tavern Lane

„ Montpelier Pharmacy, 17128 Mountain road

„ Virginia Family Practice, 15028 Brown Pleasants road

„ essex Bank /Va Center, 9951

Brook road

HANOVER — 23069

„ Hanover County admin Bldg, 7516 County Complex road

„ Hanover Co sheriff’s Office,

„ Hanover Post Office, 13228

Hanover Courthouse rd

„ Pamunkey regional Jail, 7240

Courtland Farm road

„ Wickham Bldg., 7515 County Complex road

Ashland Police report increase in crimes, arrests

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

ASHLAND– The Town of Ashland experienced an 18.4% increase in certain crimes in 2022 over the previous year, according to a report Chief A. Troy Aronhalt gave the Ashland Town Council last week.

During a presentation on Tuesday, Jan. 17, Aronhalt talked about the increase in Part 1 crimes from 174 offenses in 2021 to 206 in 2022.

The bulk of these incidents were made up of 149 larcenies, which was up by 21 from the previous year, with predominantly larcenies from unlocked vehicles and a rash of shoplifting at the end of the year. Other types of crimes on this list

SHERIFF’S REPORTS

JAN. 3

s imple a ssault was reported in the 200 block of a rchie Cannon drive.

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 atlee station road.

Concealment, price alter merchandise above $500 was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek road.

Marijuana, possession/consumed above 18 was reported in the 10300 block of Chamberlayne road.

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

were aggravated assaults (30), burglaries (9), auto thefts (12), robberies (3), rape offense (2) and homicide (1).

“With that increase though it wasn’t as if the police officers were sitting on their laurels because we did have a 24% increase in arrests over last year as well. So we were actively pursuing prosecution to bringing those people to justice,” he said.

Aronhalt’s report noted that in the past 20 years, the highest level of Part I offenses was in 2002 (367).

On a better note, the chief reported a 21.3% decrease in motor vehicle crashes, with 100 reportable crashes in 2022 (down from 127 in 2021) and 13 DUI arrests (up

from 10 in 2021).

One figure Aronhalt said he was proud to present was the 23,290 property checks conducted by his officers, especially facing the staffing shortages his office had in 2022.

“I am proud of the officers that they took the time to get out and do that. It is very telling of their dedication,” he said.

Aronhalt said he will give a more detailed presentation to the council as part of the budget meetings.

In his monthly report for December 2022, Aronhalt highlighted both exciting and concerning news: the Shop the Cop program served 36 children from 12 families; a “swatting” call from a subject outside

of Ashland about a bomb threat has been referred to the FBI; investigators obtained two reckless handling of a firearm warrants on two subjects for their role in a shooting incident that occurred in June of 2022 in the Laurel Woods Apartment complex; a homicide on Dec. 24 in Ashland Woods has been turned over to the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office; a distracted driving initiative was held in conjunction with the holiday season; and a busy New Year’s Eve resulted in five arrests, 12 criminal warrants being obtained and one recovered stolen vehicle.

block of soft Wind drive.

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.

dWI, 1st Offense, 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.

JAN. 4 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.

Fail to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex road.

Train

From 1

were coming down. The driver was able to exit the vehicle before a train travelling southbound struck the

vehicle. The driver fled the scene on foot westbound on Thompson Street.

Subsequent to an investigation, it was determined that there was no intentional effort on the part of the driver to damage or

does not happen by accident.”

interfere with train operations or critical infrastructure.

Submitted by Officer Chip Watts, public information and community policing for the Ashland Police Department.

April, Gill noted, what happens in the General Assembly could still impact funding.

Gill said the final plan should be in place by May.

Before launching into his proposal, Gill took a few moments to highlight some of the many significant milestones achieved by the school division over the past year, including the fact that 10 Hanover County schools are designated as Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Gill also noted that the division has 87 National Board Certified teachers and numerous programs that have been honored on a state or national level.

“The accolades are plentiful,” Gill said, “but we share these because we want you to see the fruits of the labor. We want you to see what this funding provides, because it would not be possible without the budget.”

Looking back on the first half of the current school year, Gill said that this year has marked the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began over three years ago that the school environment felt as it once had.

“This year felt like a return to normalcy,” Gill said. “I had not felt that for at least three years, and I’m happy to report that this has continued. This is thanks to our students, our staff, our parents and our greater community, because this

What follows are some of the key points from Gill’s presentation, the audio of which is available at the Hanover County Public Schools’ school board website (https://www.hcps.us/ about_us/school_board).

Gill noted that HCPS has been able to maintain a graduation rate exceeding 95% for the past decade, and currently ranks fourth among the state’s 15 largest school divisions when it comes to getting students all the way through senior year. While the number is impressive, Gill said, “as we say every year, until that dropout rate hits 0.0, there is still more work to be done.”

When it comes to recruitment, retention and professional development, Gill said that the pandemic had served to underscore how critical it remains that the school division make every effort to create a positive, supportive work environment and to make sure that teachers and staff receive competitive compensation and benefits.

“We know that when we take care of our staff, they are better able to take care of our students,” said Gill, praising the efforts of the 3,900 full- and part-time employees of HCPS. “Every single position is absolutely crucial to the success of our students, our school division and our greater community,” he continued.

Gill said that, prior to the pandemic, the nation was already grappling with 100,000 teacher vacancies,

and that this number has skyrocketed over the past three years. While Hanover remains in a strong position with regard to staffing, “We are not immune,” Gill said. “We need to recognize that and put efforts in place.”

Hanover County Public Schools had just four teacher vacancies at the start of the current school year, which was “impressive,” Gill said, “but that took an impressive effort from an increasingly shallow pool, and that is something we need to be keenly aware of as we move forward.”

While the division’s custodial team is now fully staffed, a significant number of positions remain open for bus drivers. Gill noted that the division started the year with 55 open bus driver jobs and has now whittled that number down to 39.

“We have made headway,” he said, “but there is still much work to do.”

When it comes to supporting current staff and remaining competitive with regard to compensation, Gill noted that the division has worked to provide salary increases of between 7.5% and 11.5% for all employees over the past two budget cycles. And while health care costs have risen, Gill said, employees’ required contributions have not. Gill pointed out that no employee of the school division is currently making less than $15 an hour, and that referral incentives are awarded to those who recommend

Ashland

back on track

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The producers, directors and music directors of the Ashland Music Variety Show, sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, have announced that the next show will take place on March 23, 24 and 25 at Randolph-Macon College’s newly renovated Blackwell Auditorium. No talent is required to be in the show. Participants just need the desire to have a good time, build community and showcase the best little town/county there ever was. There are many volunteer positions available as well.

Rehearsal information and times: Expect to rehearse once a week (sometimes less) for each act you participate in. Rehearsals will take place Monday to Thursday between 5 and 9 p.m. at 500 South Center

The ashland Music Variety show, sponsored by the Hanover ar ts & activities Center, will take place March 23, 24 and 25 at randolph-Macon

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Join the Community Gospel Choir when they perform at the end of Untold Stories on Sunday, Feb. 5. Tyler Spurlock will direct the choir. There are two remaining rehearsals. The next one is Monday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 106 S. James St., Ashland. There will be a final rehearsal on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. at Patrick Henry High School. The group will perform at the end of Untold Stories on Feb. 5.

Untold Stories is an annual program of oral histories about growing up in Ashland and Hanover County. The theme for the 2023 program is Shared Experiences from the Civil Rights Era. Join us on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. at Patrick Henry High School when storytellers Rebecca Doggett Bray, Mary Jane Ghee, Trisha Leonard Higgins, Matt “Moto” Lewis, Ollie Lewis and Steve Trivett will share their experiences. The moderator will be Anthony Keitt, and

Dr. Jamelle Wilson will be the wrap-up speaker. The Community Gospel Choir will end the program

Since 2014, Untold Stories has been sponsored jointly by The Center, The Hanover County Black Heritage Society, the Ashland Museum and Downtown Ashland Association. The program is free and open to the public. Come listen to the stories and join in the music. For more information, visit ashlandmuseum.org or call 804-368-7314.

FROM THE EDITOR

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

To the people who help create the mosaic of me

By ChristinaAmano Dolan Editor

OMy personality, like my life, is what I like to call eclectic.

but also the people who have been part of my life, in big and small ways.

n 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.

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

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

Between a job that covers such a wide scope of life in the community, friends with some similar and some widely differing interests, and my own penchant for switching back and forth between hobbies and activities instead of devoting myself entirely to one, it does seem like an appropriate description.

LAURA MCFARLAND

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.

But as much as I like to think of myself as unique, I do appreciate that who I am is not only a reflection of who I am deep inside

Social media can be annoying, dreadful and a black hole of wasting time, but occasionally you see little nuggets of wisdom that hit home and stick in ways you didn’t expect. I read recently where someone described themselves as a “mosaic of everyone I’ve ever loved, even for a heartbeat.” It made me sit back and reflect a little on how who I have known has shaped me, even in small or seemingly insignificant ways.

Spanning 6 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.

I love music videos as a form of storytelling be-

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

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing columnist

A recent announcement from Rome conveyed the sad news that Italian movie star Gina Lollobrigida passed quietly last week at age 95.

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.

cause of my sophomore year roommate, who forcibly introduced me to MTV, VH1 and a whole new world of music that went beyond the country and Christian pop dominant in my house growing up.

with because she lived a world away and when I reached out to reconnect was incredibly saddened to learn she had passed away.

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.”

Similarly, I gained a deep appreciation for classic films from sitting with my grandparents on their living room couch watching everything from westerns to musicals to silly romantic comedies from the 1940s and 50s.

A listening ear with no drive to “fix” things can make an incredible difference in someone’s ability to cope with a bad situation – a lesson truly brought home during a late night talk with a girl going through a breakup who I haven’t spoken to in 20 years.

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 and rubber for the war effort.

Occasionally, I find myself saying “my dear” to someone in just a certain way that reminds me of a friend who I lost touch

I discovered how much I adore Brussel sprouts when a friend’s aunt living in England made them for dinner while we were visiting. The friend and I

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

First encounter leaves lasting impression

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.

each tried a sprout for the first time on the count of three – I loved it and she hated it.

I discovered a passion for board games in my 30s because a couple who has since moved away invited me over for a Sunday afternoon game day, showing me that there really was more to them than Monopoly.

be a person who listens.

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

The number of my habits, phrases, preferences and idiosyncrasies tied to people throughout my life is endless, and there are probably so many I don’t even notice about myself, much less the influence someone else had on my life to help form them.

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.

I learned that sometimes there are two types of people in the world –those who listen and those who wait to talk – from a relative who made me feel like everything I said was a jumping off topic for something she wanted to say. She made me want to

But when I think about all of those people, whether gone, forgotten or still very much a part of my life, helping create the mosaic that is me, for better or worse, I can only feel grateful and blessed.

Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ powhatantoday.com.

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.

NOTICE OF CHANGE

I didn’t take note of the announcement due to any allegiance to the international superstar who captured the hearts of returning GIs following World War II, my father being one of them. I had a different

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

reason for noting her death. Crowned Miss Italia in 1947, Lollobrigida made her American debut on the big screen in 1953 acting alongside Humphrey Bogart and Jennifer Jones. But those

accomplishments had absolutely nothing to do with my association with the superstar. As mentioned earlier, my father often spoke her name around our

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

Please see ENCOUNTER, Page 11

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-Ash-

land Local.

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.

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 The Mechanicsville Local.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

Spor ts

Upcoming Events

Hawks handle Patriots in hoops doubleheader

Patrick Henr y rumblespastMechanicsville inhigh-scoring64th matoBowl

ROB WITHAM For The Local

As the calendar deceptively creeps closer to February, high school basketball teams are battling for postseason berths. On Friday, Jan. 20 at Hanover High School, while the host Hawks fought for playoff position, the Patrick Henry Patriots were fighting for their playoff lives.

By Adam Cheek for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Arowdy Me ch anics vi crowd ontheopposit sideofthefield,plus anabnormallywar November eveningat Patrick He High School, didn’t stopthe Patr from rolling over the Mustangs 48-27athome to close outth regular season.

In both the girls and boys contests, Hanover produced big first half runs to secure wins, as the girls triumphed 68-44 over the Patriots, while the boys were victorious 60-42.

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

Teams love to profess possession of chemistry and rhythm. Hanover girls basketball proves they have both. After a hard fought 59-50 win Tuesday over Henrico, Hanover (10-5) quickly attacked the Patriots with a 14-2 run to conclude the first period to seize a 22-12 advantage.

“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.”

Junior guard Hali Harris, who led the Hawks with 14 points, loves the fact her team doesn’t have to be built around one person carrying the offensive load.

helping Hanover take a 4520 lead to intermission.

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

their depth did not match the depth of the Hawks.

PHOTOS BY ROB WITHAM

“It makes me feel more comfortable to do what I want to do, and still be able to pass the ball and work together with my teammates,” Harris explained. “We work together fast and make sure we stay focused on our goals.”

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

The rhythm didn’t change after halftime with Kaycee Doughty hitting two quick buckets in the first minute of the third period. Proving the versatility of the Hawk offense, 10 different players scored in the contest. Izzy Murphy had eight points, Meredith Atkinson and Jada Oakcrum each added seven, while Jolena Goldkuhle had six.

The record may not reflect it, but the rebuild under former Patrick Henry great and first-year head coach Summer Price is underway, and pieces are coming to fruition.

Entering this week, Hanover is in seventh place in Class 4, Region B, where the top-12 teams make the playoffs. The Patriots are in the 14th position.

department, but when you have a one-two punch like Beau Sahnow and Will Hopkins, you always have a chance to win. Despite falling behind 13-9 after a period, the Hawks stayed within themselves, played their game, and took off in the second quarter, using a 16-3 run in less than four minutes to take a 25-16 advantage.

Patrick Henry guard alicia artis (no. 15, center) is surrounded by Izzy Murphy (no. 3, left) and Meredith atkinson (no. 4, right) in the first half of the Hawks’ 68-44 win over the Patriots on Jan. 20. Hanover held Patrick Henry to just 20 points in the first half, building a 25-point halftime advantage.

It also helps when you have a hot hand shooting from beyond the arc, as Emma Slutzah hit a pair of treys en route to a 12-point first half performance,

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 in theopeningquarter.

For Patrick Henry (2-10), Julia Dull led all scorers with 15 points, while Alicia Artis added 12 and Kenzie Holloway had seven. The Patriots are a young team, and the athleticism is present, but

Caeden Waltershit Aaron Maxie

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

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

“Selfishly, I think we have the hardest schedule in the greater Richmond area,” said Hanover head coach David Butler.

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

The Hanover boys are not as blessed in the depth

PH took control inthesecond

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

Sahnow, who led all scorers with 26 points, hit three of his six 3-pointers in the first half, building the halftime advantage to 11 points. Hopkins provided even scoring with seven points in both halves to finish with 14.

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.

Hanover (9-7) never al-

lowed Patrick Henry (3-10) to mount a serious comeback down the stretch, as Sahnow sealed it with a steal near midcourt and a basket for a 52-34 lead with 4:47 left in the contest.

Despite anothe r meticulous Mechanicsvillescoringdrive that tickedoff more than 7 minutes

The Hawks are currently eighth in Region 4B while

Patrick Henry is in 14th place.

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

Hanover celebrates Senior Night this Friday, Jan. 27 when they host Atlee for a varsity doubleheader, while Patrick Henry hosts Mechanicsville. Both doubleheaders begin at 6 p.m.

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

SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH

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

Hanover boys basketball v. atlee, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m.

Atlee track meet v. Mechanicsville, Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m.

Beau sahnow shoots a 3-pointer during a 26-point performance Jan. 20 in Hanover’s 60-42 victor y over rival Patrick Henry to improve to 9-7 on the season.

Atlee track team impresses at the VA Showcase

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

It’s a daunting task for anyone trying to stand out at a track meet as anticipated and nationally recognized as the VA Showcase, which was held for the third straight year in the Virginia Beach Sports Center from Jan. 13 to 15.

Featuring some of the best running talent the nation has to offer, the Atlee Raiders came into the meet up for the task, seeing a handful of runners set personal records and impress on a major stage.

One such record-breaker was Patrick Allen, who set a personal best in the 1-mile run with a blazing time of 4:22.10, which placed him fifth among 55 runners.

Allen’s personal record was just one of many highlights for the junior standout, who also competed in the 1600 and 1500-meter runs.

Allen placed fifth again when he ran the 1600, this time

against a field of 54 runners, with a finish of 4:20.77. He then finished off his excellent showing in Virginia Beach with a sixth place mark in

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

the 1500, finishing the race in 4:05.12.

Allen’s teammate Andre Chavez also had a seasonbest showing in the 1600,

finishing in 13th with a time of 4:31.80.

The other most notable finishes from the Raiders came from both 4x800 relay teams. The girls team

Hanover hosts senior night quad meet

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Hanover played host to Atlee, Mechanicsville and Patrick Henry’s wrestling teams on Jan. 18 and had every team’s seniors honored in a collective senior night filled with exciting battles on the mat between four tough teams.

Hanover’s senior class consisting of Mason Clements and Jacob Epperly was honored in its home gym with a walk on the primary mat with their parents. Atlee’s senior class features Tyler Bosher, Eric Ludwig and Benji Collawn, while Patrick Henry’s seniors are

Sara Forsyth, Blake Deschamps, Elias Sotos, Dylan O’Keefe and Jason Cooper. Lastly, the Mechanicsville Mustangs honored seniors Ryan Magill, Chris Drozdowicz, Kevin Bagby, Drew Kozubal and Joe Elaal.

Hanover had a strong day on their home mats, winning matches against Atlee (5521), Mechanicsville (51-30) and Patrick Henry (46-27).

On his senior day, Clements had a strong performance against Patrick Henry’s Jack Martin, winning in an 8-0 major decision capped off by a late third period near fall. Epperly also earned a win against Pat-

rick Henry, winning by pin against Cooper in 1:23.

Mechanicsville’s Elaal, a four-year starter and team captain holding a perfect record this season, continued his dominant senior season with his 100th career win. Fellow captain Kozubal also reached the century mark for his Mustangs wrestling career.

Elaal made quick work of his opponents, including a fast pin when the Mustangs faced the Patriots that showcased the strength, speed and discipline that makes him one of the toughest wrestlers in the state.

The Mustangs also handed

a loss to the Raiders in a 47-24 final, taking control through the majority of the matchup, though the Raiders were able to end on a high note with a pin in the final dual.

The Patriots, who had a tough 43-42 loss against Atlee but had a win over Mechanicsville, saw pins from Forsyth and Collin Adams solidify the win late against the Mustangs. Forsyth needed a little more than a minute to get the job done against her opponent, while Adams won in just 20 seconds to give the Patriots a much-needed victory.

With the region tournament quickly approaching,

featuring Sarah Bland, Teagan Gilhooly, Courtney Mudd and Amelia Waggoner worked together to put up an outstanding sub-10 minute result that placed them in fourth place out of 25 teams with a 9:52.04 mark. That time not only gave them a top-5 finish in the VA Showcase, but also qualified them for nationals.

Waggoner later had the girls team’s best performance in the 1600 run, placing 13th with a time of 5:22.16.

The boys team was also at its best, placing second with a time of 8:08.36 that was only behind a 7:59 mark set by South County High School.

The team later competed in another highly-anticipated meet on Jan. 21 at the Walt Cormack Memorial held at VMI’s Corps Physical Training Facility.

There were more notable running highlights from the

Raiders, including Chavez getting sixth place finish in the 1000-meter run in 2:39.99, Gilhooly placing eighth in the 1600 with a 5:21.45 mark and Allen placing second with teammate Travis Albon taking fifth in the 3200. Allen recorded a time of 9:34.48 while Albon finished in 9:57.81.

In the 55-meter hurdles, sophomore Tori Goodson finished in second place for the Raiders, nearly winning the race with a time of 8.81 seconds.

In the pole vault, it was also a great day for Raiders senior R.K. Gathje, who placed fourth with a best result of 12 feet, 6 inches.

Then in the shot put, junior Brock Taylor placed third with a throw of 46-4, giving Atlee another terrific result.

Atlee will compete again in a meet hosted by St. Christopher’s indoor track on Jan. 28.

the senior night quad meet was one of the last tune-up meets for all four teams as they look to compete for a

region title and find themselves with a chance at a state tournament appearance.

amelia Waggoner, from left, Teagan Gilhooly, sarah Bland and Cour tney Mudd qualified for nationals after their fourth place mark in the 4x800 relay at the Va showcase.

atlee’s Patrick allen set a personal best in the 1-mile run with a time of 4:22.10 at the Va showcase at the Virginia Beach spor ts Center from Jan. 13 to 15.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Patrick Henry wrestler sara Forsyth was honored alongside Blake deschamps, elias sotos, dylan O’Keefe and Jason Cooper at a Hanover quad meet on Jan. 18 that celebrated the seniors of all four schools.

NOTICEOFDELINQUENT TAXESAND JUDICIALSALEOFREALPROPERTY

On March1,2023,orassoonthereafterasmaybeeffected, actionswillbecommencedundertheauthorityof VirginiaCode §58.1-3965, etseq.,to beginproceedings tosellthe followingparcels of realestate forthepaymentofCountyofHanoverdelinquent realestatetaxes:

Name TaxMapNo. AccountNo. TACSNo. Nichols,WandaLee7870-90-946810160603830113

Henley-Litak,Gladys K8714-18-012410160828830115 JWBardenLLC7813-19-657910205976583752

Stanley,DeborahSue7835-46-875010165924838122

Stanley,DeborahSue Adams,HarleyChristian 7855-92-826710183951838122

Gresham,LisaAnn Turner,LakeshaMonique 6798-46-5765*10163403216228

*Thisparcelislocated inbothHanoverCounty andGoochlandCounty

Propertiessubjecttodelinquent realestatetaxesmayberedeemed by payingallaccumulatedtaxes,penalties,interest,costsandfees. Paymentsshouldbemadepayableto CountyofHanover and mailedto Taxing AuthorityConsultingServicesPC,PostOfficeBox 31800,Henrico, Virginia,23294.Interestedbiddersandinquiries regardingthe above-listedpropertiesshouldbedirectedto TACS at (804)545-2500,taxsales@taxva.comorwww.taxva.com.

|Andrew M.Neville,Esq.|

Re:HanoverCountyDelinquentRE Taxes Taxing AuthorityConsultingServices,PC PostOfficeBox31800,Henrico,VA23294

PublicNotice

Noticeisherebygiventhat theHanoverCountyBoardof Supervisorshasset Wednesday, February8,2023at2:00 P.M. astheday,date,andtimefor a RegularMeeting.Themeetingwill beheldintheBoardRoomofthe HanoverCountyAdministration BuildingatHanoverCourthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover,Virginia.

PublicNotice

Noticeisherebygiventhat theHanoverCountyBoardof Supervisorshasset Wednesday, January25,2023at6:00 P.M. astheday,date,andtimefor aRegularBoardMeeting.The meetingwillbeheldintheBoard RoomoftheHanoverCounty AdministrationBuildingatHanover Courthouse,7516CountyComplex Road,Hanover,Virginia.

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St. Ashland. Rehearsal schedules are posted on the center’s website and social media pages. Rehearsal times will also be emailed to participants.

About the Show: The Ashland Musical Variety Show has been a Hanover tradition since 1982, 1983 and every odd year since. For 20 shows, AMVS has been bringing the

Budget

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qualified personnel to fill hard-to-fill vacancies.

When it comes to this year’s proposed budget, the schools will be requesting a 5% salary increase for all employees, as well as funding to cover 100% of the increase in healthcare premiums for calendar year 2023. Salary enhancements will also be aimed at increasing recruitment and retention for certain positions, in-

community together as a cast, a crew and an audience.

Participants have shared so many wonderful memories together and built relationships through what director Sue Watson coined as “Community Building through the Arts.” This is the most important feature of the show.

The Ashland Musical Variety Show is a FUN-draiser for the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. The show brings the community together and supports the center’s pro-

cluding senior teachers, assistant principals, student activity directors, transportation support personnel, maintenance employees and social workers. The division is also looking to increase stipends for teacher mentors from $225 to $500 and provide improved incentives for career switchers. New requested positions include 13 additional special education teachers and two additional English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers.

The following are key dates for the 2024 budget process:

grams.

Details and sign-up can be found at https://www. hanoverarts.net/ashlandmusical-variety-show.

The leadership team of the Ashland Musical Variety Show appreciates how the faculty, staff and administration at Randolph-Macon College have generously worked with the show since 1982—making it possible for over 400 people to participate in each show. Organizers are thrilled to be back at

Jan. 31 – School board work session, which will include a discussion of the superintendent’s budget (if needed).

Feb. 14 – School board meeting, during which school board will vote on the FY2024 approved budget.

Feb. 15 – Board of supervisors meeting, which will include the county administrator’s budget presentation to supervisors.

Feb. 22 – Board of supervisors meeting, during which the school board’s approved budget will be presented to supervisors.

R-MC for the 20th show! It would be impossible to do this show without the support and generosity of the college and Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, which provides the backstage space for the large cast.

The Ashland Musical Variety Show is an important fundraiser for the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.

Submitted by Sara WrightHolloway, executive director of the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.

Recruitment

CONSTRUCTION &TRADES

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Feb. 24 – The HCPS Teacher Advisory Council and Classified Advisory Council will present the school board’s approved budget.

April 5 – Board of supervisors public hearing on the proposed FY2024 budget.

April 12 – Board of supervisors meeting, during which the board will adopt the FY24 Budget.

May 9 – School board meeting, during which the school board will vote on the FY2024 adopted budget.

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe8thdayofFebruary,2023,at6:00p.m.attheAshland

CUP22-1227R-MCSOFTBALLFIELD

PaulDavies,ofRandolph-MaconCollege,is requestingapprovalof aConditionalUsePermit(CUP)toallowfor improvementstothewomen’ssoftball field.This requestispursuanttoanexisting1996CUPontheproperty, andtoSec.21-128,whichpermitsathletic fieldswith aconditionalusepermit.Theparceliscurrentlyusedasa softball fieldwithproposedimprovementstoincludespectatorstandsand apressbox.Theparcel,whichmeasures approximately.29acres,iszonedHigherEducation(HE)andtheFutureLandUsecategoryisdesignatedas Randolph-MaconCollege.

CopiesofCUP22-1227maybeobtainedbycontacting TownHallat(804)798-1073,MondaythroughThursday, 7:30a.m.to6:00p.m. Writtencommentsmaybesubmittedtoplanning@ashlandva.govormailedto Townof Ashland,POBox1600,Ashland, VA 23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendandexpresstheirviews.Anyperson with adisability requiringassistanceinordertoparticipateinthispublichearingisaskedtocontact TownHallin advance,sothatappropriatearrangementscanbemade.

house, and our small television was always tuned to any show the featured the Italian actress on its guest list.

As a small child, the name didn’t mean much and I had no fascination with the foreign film star, but that changed when Lollobrigida appeared in an obscure film called Trapeze with Burt

Lancaster and Tony Curtis in 1956.

Shortly after its premiere in Richmond, my father packed up the family in our 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne and headed out to the to see the movie. My mother voiced her immediate concern that the movie’s theme was too mature for my sister and I, but her concerns eased as we noticed a number of families with children strolling toward the theatre.

That was my first exposure to Gina. I was too young to appreciate the finer points of the Italian actress, but the movie contained just enough action and circus scenes to capture the attention of an easily distracted 6-year-old.

The movie featured fantastic circus acts, and trapeze scenes that were breathtaking and kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Christmas

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less fortunate and it continues because of all of the hardworking people that find it important,” said Clements, who recently sat down with The Local to share her impressions of an amazing 2022 holiday season unlike any she had experienced before.

Clements said she embraced the role of Christmas Mother because she loves the community and her neighbors in it. She understands the need for the Hanover Christmas Mother program because of those families and seniors who need an extra helping hand around the holiday season. It is a mission and a role she will always treasure.

“I had the time and this was my way of returning the favor to a county that has given me and my family so much happiness. I am

proud to live in Hanover and will cherish my Christmas Mother memories,” she said.

Narrowing down a list of the highlights of her time as Christmas Mother was extremely difficult as there were so many great moments, Clements said.

If one experience were to get an award for “Best in Community Spirit,” it would go to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Doswell Community Center. The sheer volume of families there together having fun, singing Christmas carols, playing games and drinking hot cider took her breath away.

“They illuminated the Christmas tree and Santa arrived. It felt like a Hallmark moment,” she said. “The community center was full.

I didn’t know what to expect when I went there for a tree lighting inside of a building. I was very surprised and you really felt like they captured

the Christmas spirit. Everybody was involved.”

The Hanover Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate Hanover party at Oakdale was a wonderful, well-attended event that brought plenty of festive spirit, she said.

She loved having the chance to speak with the community business leaders who are such an integral part of supporting the Christmas Mother program.

One of the last events she served as Christmas Mother was a pancake supper held at the Mechanicsville Drug Store.

“The community came in, ate pancakes, listened to music, sang along and made donations into a Christmas stocking. They were just very community oriented – all of these things,” Clements said.

Being a special guest in not one but three holiday parades was amazing, she added. She rode in the Ashland Olde Time Holiday

I was less concerned with the real storyline, a love triangle amongst three members of a trapeze team, as the plot thickened by the challenge to perform a daring triple somersault, a feat only accomplished by a few select experts.

That’s the part that kept me watching as Lollobrigida played both men and eventually ended up with Lancaster after Curtis successfully completed the

triple jump.

Now, my father was always a perfect gentleman to my mother, and he would never be so crass or inconsiderate as to comment on Lollobrigida’s obvious good looks. But, he was obviously pleased with the production as we exited the theatre.

The movie also made a lasting impression my sister and I, and we begged for weeks for our father to install a trapeze like swing

on an old oak tree in our backyard. We spent hours swinging on the makeshift trapeze, pretending we were prepping for the triple somersault.

Throughout a lifetime, hearing the word trapeze immediately takes my mind back to the evening at the movies, and although I don’t recall seeing Lollobrigida in any additional movies, I still remember her name.

Parade, the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade and the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade in Richmond.

“I guess I hadn’t been to a parade in so long I didn’t know how well it would be attended. The Ashland parade, as far as you could see they were lined up on the road. From the children to the older people in their lawn chairs, so many people showed up,” she said.

Taking on the role of Christmas Mother, Clements said she was surprised that so many people did not know about the program, which is why her job raising money and awareness is important. On the flip side of that, she was also amazed how incredibly generous the Hanover community continues to be to the program and its mission.

“I just feel like I fell in love with Hanover County because there were so many places I hadn’t been and I

met so many people and everybody was so nice and thankful. I think that is the biggest thing,” she said.

Clements added that she was incredibly impressed with the work done by the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Hanover Christmas Mother program work.

Betty Lee Stanley, a former Christmas Mother and member of the Doswell Ruritan Club that runs the program, said the program is a success primarily because of the “citizens of Hanover County who generously open their pocketbooks to those less fortunate than themselves.”

“Because of the generosity of Hanover citizens, we brought in $127,000,” she said, adding that the funds were once again distributed to eligible families and seniors with gift cards, a practice adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic that

seems to be working well.

However, sharing that message and raising awareness of the program continues to be important, and she praised the wonderful job Clements did in the 2022 Christmas season. She recalled how excited Clements was when she and fellow Ruritan Franklin Jones went to the former’s house to ask her to be the Christmas Mother.

“She was so excited and so enthusiastic and she just ran with the ball. She did everything she could possibly do to make the program a success,” Stanley said of Clements.

For more information about the Hanover Christmas Mother program or to donate, visit https://www. hanoverchristmasmother. org/.

Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ powhatantoday.com.

Libraries

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Reading Olympics Game Play at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursday, Feb. 16, 3:30 — 4:30 p.m. Grades 4-5. For participants in Hanover County Schools Reading Olympics. Practice your knowledge of When

Life Gives You O.J. with a challenging game. Come alone or bring your team.

Among Us Game Night at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursday, Feb. 16, 6:30 — 8 p.m. Ages 12-18. Quit acting sus and come join us for a few rounds of Among Us. Bring your smartphone, tablet or laptop and be ready to play. We

recommend pre-installing the app before the event.

Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library, Friday, Feb. 17, 10:15 — 11:15 a.m. Ages 18 and up. Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

What’s in Poe’s Trunk? at the Ashland Branch Library, Saturday, Feb. 18, Noon — 1 p.m. and 1 – 2 p.m. On Oct. 3, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe, was found delirious in Baltimore, Maryland, “in great distress, and ... in need of immediate assistance.” At the time, Poe was only in possession of his trunk. Representatives

from the Poe Museum will host an interactive program involving artifacts from the museum and will allow participants to come up with their own story based on artifacts found in their trunks. Registration required for the noon – 1 p.m. slot at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/9731809 or 1 — 2 p.m.

at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/9779688. Afternoon Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library, Monday, Feb. 20, 1 – 2 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.