DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 28, No. 47 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | March 21, 2012
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Job losses still top county budget talks By Jim Fields jfields@mechlocal.com
told that the Parks and Recreation Department would lose 3.7 full-time equivalent positions; Community Services Board, 4.9; Social Services, Job losses continue to be addressed in the 2.0; and Emergency Services, 1.5. budget process for Fiscal Year 2013 in Hanover Department heads presenting their budget County. needs and plans have dominated the supervisors’ Last Wednesday, the Board of Supervisors was meetings. All have pledged to maintain a high
degree of service in the face of declining funds and lost jobs. On March 14, another $38.1 million of the proposed $367.4 million budget was discussed. The most recent figure puts needs at 99 percent of the budget proposal. Emergency Communica-tions will have a
budget increase of 21.1 percent to more than $4.6 million because the department has to accept responsibility for a maintenance contract for communication towers. Director Curtis J. Shaffer said Emergency see JOBS, pg. 4
Mom forgives teens accused in son’s death Clark Sands: ‘But there are consequences for what they did’ [to Jyreffe Patrick] By Jim Fields jfields@mechlocal.com
CLARK SANDS
Patricia Clark Sands lost her 17year-old son Jyreffe Patrick Clark in a shooting in December. And, as time goes by, the pain does not lessen. She has, however, forgiven the three classmates charged in his death. While forgiveness is part of
Tomato Festival seeks vendors The Hanover Tomato Festival is in search of vendors who make or sell unique tomato-related products. This fun-filled event highlights the Hanover Tomato and features children’s activities, crafters, artisans and live entertainment. With so much to offer, Hanover’s most popular event draws close to 40,000 attendees, making it a great platform for a see VENDORS, pg. 4
her life, she quickly adds a but to her sentence. “Yes, I have forgiven them — just like I’m sure Patrick is looking down from heaven, and he has also forgiven them,” Patricia said on Tuesday, March 13, while sitting in her living room surrounded by photographs of children. “But there are consequences for what they did. I can forgive them, but they still
have to take responsibility for what they did. “I really miss his smile when he would walk in the door, and I also miss his cooking,” she said. “Patrick loved to cook and his specialties were fried chicken and peach cobbler. All I’d have to do was tell him I’m a little hungry and he’d fry a Jim Fields/The Local chicken.” Patricia Clark Sands looks at photos of her son, Jyreffe Patrick, see MOM, pg. 4
from his childhood.
Shuknpul looks to draw youth
Home again
By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
Jim Fields/The Local
Mary Stanley and her father Bill stand on the steps of her new home on March 12. In August, her home of 18 years was destroyed by Hurricane Irene. Story on page 5.
With attendance down almost 50 percent in 2011, the Mechanicsville Ruritan Club has added a cornhole tournament to this year’s Shuknpul. The 32nd annual event will be presented on Saturday, March 31, at the Courthouse
File photo/Pam Sanders
The food line is a popular spot when the Mechanicsville Ruritan Club hosts the Shuknpul. This is a scene from 2011.
Ruritan Park in Hanover. means of attracting a younger Chairman Chester Sienko crowd. “We’re trying to spice up said the club decided to add see SHUKNPUL, pg. 8 the cornhole tournament as a