DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 28, No. 28 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | November 9, 2011
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
No charges will be filed in missing boy case Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com A comprehensive criminal investigation, which began when Robert A. Wood Jr. was reported missing on Oct. 23, was provided to Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney
Trip Chalkley and a determination has been made that there is no information to support a criminal charge. Also, the boy was released from VCU Medical Center on Sunday. According to Capt. Michael J. Trice of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation revealed that the cir-
cumstances that led to the missing child investigation did not rise to the level that would necessitate criminal charges. “I, like all of our community, rejoice in the safe return of Robert Wood Jr. to his family,” Chalkley said. He also expressed his appreciation to the Sheriff ’s Office, Ashland Police
Veterans Day 2011
Department, Virginia State Police and the various law enforcement agencies outside of Hanover County, as well as Hanover County Fire/EMS and other agencies’ first responders. The Commonwealth’s Attorney acknowledged “the countless number of volunteers whose selfless commitment
were instrumental to a remarkable outcome.” Chalkley said Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, allowed him to be present at the command site for several days. He also said he was able to be pres-
Christmas Mother talks about the need
STEVE MONTGOMERY and CHARLES FARNSWORTH
2 from Mechanicsville discuss their service By JimFields jfields@mechlocal.com On Friday, those who have served our country’s military will be remembered. Last week, two Mechanicsville area veterans – members of American Legion Post 175 – talked about
Veterans Day event set at Hanover park A Veterans Day memorial ceremony will get underway at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at Hanover Wayside Park on U.S. 301 about a mile north of Hanover High School. John E. Gordon Jr., who represents the South Anna District on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and co-founder of the Hanover Veterans see EVENT, pg. 23
their experiences. Charles Farnsworth served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War, while Steve Montgomery was in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He retired from military service after 22 years. “I went in the Army on June
30, 1952, and was discharged April 26, 1954,” Farnsworth said. “I joined with a friend of mine from high school because we were told we’d serve together. I wound up in Korea and he went to Texas. see VETERANS, pg. 18
Community rallies Hawks state-bound around injured teen
Community support continues to pour in for an Atlee High School student who was injured in an accident last summer in the James River in Richmond. On Aug. 11, Cole Sydnor struck his head on a rock after diving into the
Charlie Leffler/The Local
On Tuesday, Nov. 1, the Hanover Hawks defeated Cosby in the Central Region semifinals to become the first Capital District field hockey team to earn a berth in the state tournament. Hanover Goalie Bailey Lien slides in the path of Cecie Negron of Cosby and kicks the ball away for the save. Story on page 41. COLE SYDNOR
see MISSING, pg. 4
see TEEN, pg. 28
(Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Anne Geddy Cross, the 2011 Hanover Christmas Mother.) As Christmas approaches, it is a time when many of us reflect on our many blessings in life. There are, however, many people in Hanover County who are not as fortunate as we are. In these difficult economic times, many families are suffering and need the help of the Hanover Christmas Mother Program. Last year. the Doswell Ruritan Club, through the Christmas Mother Program, helped more than 780 families. These included 1,639 children, an increase of more than 300 from the year prior. We expect even more requests this year. Members of the Ruritan club and other volunteers spend hours purchasing toys, gift cards for clothes, as well as sorting and distributing food. Last year, more than 1,225 boxes of food were distributed throughsee MOTHER, pg. 4