DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Vol. 37, No. 6 | Richmond Suburban News | May 19, 2021
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
HCSB: face-to-face classes in fall By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
ASHLAND -- High school students in Hanover County Public Schools will return to an eight-block A-B schedule when the 2021-2022 school year begins in the fall. Action was taken by Hanover County School Board members during the Tuesday, May 11, regular meeting. Due to the pandemic, students were placed on 4x4 traditional block schedules for the current year that requires students to attend the same four classes for extended periods daily. The A-B scheduling allows students to attend some classes on certain
days, and others on alternating days. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Greif announced that change and others in her presentation of a proposed return to learn plan for the upcoming year that Hanover County School Board members will consider for approval at their June meeting. During a public comment period prior to Greif ’s presentation, several students said they understood the reasoning employed when the 4x4 schedule was instituted. Even considering the health concerns addressed by the traditional block schedule, students said the schedule allowed little time for homework or after school employment or activities. One student said the schedule was espe-
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
The first tomato!
cially difficult for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) students who were, in some cases, forced to take final AP tests a full semester after the class was completed. Greif said school officials heard the complaints factored in the decision to return to an A-B schedule but also said the benefits of the 4x4 scheduling should not be discounted. “As you heard from some speakers earlier this evening, there is some legitimate concern about a 4x4 schedule,” Greif said. “But, I will also contend that there are legitimate benefits to a 4x4 schedule. see HCSB, pg. 7
Shop Local keeps dollars in community By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER -- Finance Director Lauren Null presented a positive third quarter financial update at last Wednesday’s regular Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting. The figures in that report indicated that revenues are
exceeding expectations in most categories, with a major portion of that increase resulting from increased sales tax returns. That means people are spending money in Hanover County, and Economic Director Linwood Thomas wants to make sure a fair share of those dollars stay right here at home. He unveiled a new Shop
Local program last week that highlights Hanover businesses in an up-close and personal way, and urges consumers to spend their hard-earned money locally. Over the next several weeks, Hanover businesses will be featured in video spots and a weekly giveaway will provide participants to support their local favorites.
An accompanying app called Here in Hanover, VA also is being introduced that includes a listing of all local businesses, including parks and upcoming events. Thomas said the new Shop Local program is a continuation of his office’s efforts to support the county’s thriving business community.
Tom Haynie/The Local
Allen Harper is being recognized this year for contacting The Mechanicsville Local with the first ripe Hanover Tomato. He took time on May 6 to pose with the tomato in his garden in the 9000 block of Rutland Road in Mechanicsville.
see SHOP, pg. 27
County launches Shop Local - Here in Hanover, VA campaign MECHANICSVILLE -Hanover County is launching the Shop Local – Here In Hanover, VA campaign to commemorate Virginia Business Appreciation month, and to emphasize the impact that buying from neighborhood businesses has on the
greater community. Over the coming weeks, Hanover County’s Department of Economic Development will showcase a variety of local establishments, as well as promote a weekly giveaway contest aimed at engaging residents to promote
their favorite spots in the county. This campaign recognizes the importance of supporting small businesses, the jobs they help create, and the culture they foster in our communities. To bolster this message, the campaign incorporates a Shop Local video, the Here
in Hanover, VA App with listings of various businesses, as well as various marketing materials to display and use on social media. “Overall, small businesses make up two-thirds of new jobs created nationally and almost see LOCAL, pg. 7