DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 26, No. 30 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | November 28, 2012
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Christmas Mother: the need increases By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
J Patrick Dobbs/file photo
When the streets of the village of Mechanicsville are filled with participants and spectators for the annual Christmas Parade, smiles also are plenty. And those coming out for Sunday’s event can expect to see the holiday spirit, with floats, bands and community leaders. The parade will kick off at 3 p.m.
‘Memories of Christmas’ theme of parade By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com “Memories of Christmas” will fill the village of Mechanicsville at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, when the 14th Annual Parade makes its way through the streets. More than 1,500 people will participate in the parade. Included are floats, bands, clown acts, singers, vintage cars, old tractors, fire trucks, and, of course, Santa Claus. This year’s Grand Marshal will be Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy. The Mechanicsville Rotary Club and the Mechanicsville
Patrick Dobbs/file photo
Yes, Santa Claus will be coming to town to take part in the 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, Mechanicsville Christmas Parade in the village.
Ruritan Club join each year to bring fun and joy to all.
The route will kick off at Hanover Green Drive and Signal Hill Road, proceed through the Windsor Subdivision, down Atlee Road onto Mechanicsville Turnpike and conclude at the Christmas tree at the Windmill. At the end of the parade, Santa will depart his sleigh, sponsored by the Hanover Fire Department, to light the Christmas tree. At the tree lighting, Santa will be available to talk to children. The Rotary and Ruritan clubs will provide refreshments from their mobile concession see PARADE, pg. 4
acqueline Harris said she was hesitant when she first was approached about serving as the 2012 Hanover Christmas Mother. However, after learning about the growing need in the county, she agreed to be “the face” of the program spearheaded by the Doswell Ruritan Club. “I didn’t know what it entailed,” the Beaverdam resident said. “I’m sort of a private person, and I was just a little hesitant.” Talking about the experience last week at her home, she smiled and said, “It’s been a ball. “I have thoroughly enjoyed it.” The reality part of the position has been eye-opening for her. In a troubled economy, the Christmas Mother program has seen the number of those in need continue to rise the past few years. In 2011, Harris said, they helped 865 families, an increase of 85 from 2010. Of those families, 1,773 children were included, an increase of 134. To ensure a Merry Christmas throughout Hanover County, the Ruritansponsored program gives out gift cards for
To support the program, send donations to: Hanover Christmas Mother P.O. Box 39 Doswell VA 23047
clothes, medicine for senior citizens, and cards for food. Harris was nominated by a friend, Peggy Morris. She has become a familiar face as she shares the message of the Christmas Mother program and the need for donations and support. She will join the holiday fun on Sunday as part of the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade. Her agenda has included the Ashland Christmas Parade, Covenant Woods, Slash Church, Doswell Ruritan Club dinner, a gospel sing, Beaverdam Ruritan Club, AARP lunch, Mechanicsville Ruritan Club, Santa Breakfast in Rockville, tree lighting in Doswell and Hanover Country Club. She had the opportunity to meet the other Christmas Mothers from the Greater Richmond area at a luncheon at the Richmond TimesDispatch. Harris also will be helping the Ruritans when see NEED, pg. 4