DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 29, No. 9 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | July 3, 2012
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Supervisors united in opposing toll plan By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local Last month, the Hanover Board of Supervisors voiced concerns regarding the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) plan to install tolls on Interstate 95. Earlier last week, the supervisors acted on those concerns and passed a resolution expressing their opposition to the plan. The resolution will be shared with neighboring localities, VDOT and other transportation agencies, and a copy is
headed to the governor’s office. Some board members met with VDOT and state officials, including a representative from the governor’s office, last week. Chickahominy District supervisor Angela Kelly-Wiecek called the meeting productive, and new details emerged regarding the proposed plan. “It was a very frank and honest discussion,” she said. While multiple toll booths were originally proposed, the current plan is focusing on one collection point near Emporia.
Constructing the toll plazas would cost the state about $50 million, and annual revenues are estimated at between $25 million and $30 million. Some of the supervisors questioned the wisdom of the revenue numbers, especially when considering the loss of federal aid for I-95 ($50 million annually) that could be lost if the toll program is initiated. Jim Ridolphi for The Local “What people need to understand is that we are going Raymond McCoy, left, presents American Legion Post 175’s First Responder Award for to collect less money on I-95 Firefighter of the Year to Ronald Luu at last Wednesday’s ceremony during the regular meeting of see TOLL, pg. 4
the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Harold Flippo, center, watches Luu receive the honor. County administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. is shown at the left in the background.
Summer Theatre Camp starts Monday
Entertainment and vendors join in celebrating the tomato Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ntertainment, vendors and tomatoes that are described as the best in the world will be spotlighted at the 2012 Hanover Tomato Festival on Saturday, July 14. This year’s event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville.
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The entertainment lineup includes the Hanover Concert Band, West Hanover Boys, Acousti Pops, Richmond School of Rock and Jonathan Austin. The winners of the Little Miss/Tiny Miss Hanover Tomato Contest — along with the Tomato Contest winners — will be announced on the stage during the event. In between the bands,
check out the more than 200 vendors that will be displaying a variety of products. There also will be several on-site selling tomato-related products in honor of the big day. Considered “the” event in Mechanicsville, the Hanover Tomato Festival is a family friendly event that offers activities specifically for kids. Community partners join in
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
File photo/Patrick Dobbs
The Hanover Concert Band is a favorite at the Hanover Tomato Festival. As usual, they will perform at the July 14 event at Pole Green Park.
providing rides, crafts and games in the children’s area. For more information on
the Hanover Tomato Festival, visit www.hanovertomatofestival.com or call 804-365-7150.
The sixth Summer Theatre Camp will be presented from noon to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 9-26, at the Hanover Ats & Activities Center in Ashland. Open to rising first through rising fifth graders, the camp runs for three weeks, with a showcase planned for 7 p.m. on Friday, July 27. Participants will take classes in acting, improv, music, dance and technical theatre. As a bonus, the students will see THEATRE, pg. 4