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Vol. 27, No. 37 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | January 12, 2011
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Search is on
All-time scorer
School Board starts process to replace superintendent By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
Photo submitted by Sue Watson
Lorie Foley, left, will be honored on May 6 for her role in the Arts by the YWCA with a 2011 Outstanding Women Award. Sue Watson, right, was honored last year for Education.
YWCA to honor Foley for the Arts By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com Loretta K. “Lorie” Foley, one of Ashland’s most visible and involved residents, has been recognized for her contributions to the Arts by being named one of the YWCA’s Outstanding Women for 2011. On May 6, Foley will be honored during a luncheon that helps raise money to support YWCA programs, including a domestic violence shelter, affordable preschool and after-school care services, and 24-hour emergency access to trained sexual assault counselsee FOLEY, pg. 8 `
The process to replace Hanover County’s superintendent of schools officially got under way last week. A subcommittee consisting of Hanover County School Board members John F. Axselle III, chairman; Ann F. Hagan Gladstone, vice chairman; Sue Forbes Watson and Earl J. Hunter Jr. started steps to fill the vacancy being created with the retirement of Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, who has been at the helm of Hanover County Public Schools since 1995. Roberson announced his plans during the Dec. 14 meet-
ing of the School Board. His last day will be July 31. Among goals in the search are the School Board’s vision for the system, community input, and the necessary characteristics to fill the office. “Our vision reflects or takes into consideration the vision and wishes and desires of the community,” Watson said. Axselle called the process “community-driven.” “Community input needs to focus on the system — where we want to be in 10 or 15 years, coming out of the period of building, moving into a period of renovation,” see SEARCH, pg. 19 `
Charlie Leffler/The Local
Patrick Henry High School senior Taylor Huber (10) is applauded by her teammates after becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer in basketball — boys or girls. Playing at Hanover High School last Wednesday night, Huber scored her 18th point on a free throw with 41 seconds to play to set a new school record of 1,348 career points. For more on the game, see page 31.
Tea Party hosts Town Hall for local delegation By Forrest H. Gladstone For The Mechanicsville Local “How many people can’t give up one day of their life for freedom?” That question was asked of the audience on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the start of a “Town Hall” event hosted by the Patrick Henry Tea Party at the Life Church in Mechanicsville. Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-4; Del. Chris Peace, R-97; and Del. John Cox, R-55; addressed present and future goals for
what was termed the “greater individual freedoms in Virginia.” Serving as emcee was Scott Lee of WRVA 1140’s Lee Brothers, who kicked off the panel discussion by saying, “The best form of government is the one that is not in session.” The Town Hall opened with general thoughts on the role of the state government and its current effectiveness, particularly within the business realm. McDougle highlighted the strengths
of Virginia’s state government and pointed out that the federal government had its birth in Virginia. “We need a confrontational government, because it protects freedoms,” he said, stressing that is competition that keeps people honest, in politics, as well as in the market. “The state government needs to restore its authority,” he added, which prompted a spontaneous applause. Peace noted the role that public apa-
thy had played in allowing what he termed the federal government’s “selfindulgence” over the past several years. He talked about the importance of political education and of ensuring that Virginia’s children are learning about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. “The American people have witnessed over the past few years a massive consolidation of power,” he said, reminding the crowd that it is only see TEA, pg. 19 `