DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Vol. 28, No. 31 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | November 30, 2011
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Survey shows residents pleased with county life By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com With Hanover County receiving six No. 1 rankings nationally and 15 in the Southeast region, residents who participated in the National Citizen Survey are pleased with the place they call home. During last Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, deputy county administrator Joseph P. Casey shared the results of the 2011 survey. For Elite National Status (Top 1 percent), Hanover’s six first place rankings in the coun-
try revealed residents would remain here the next five years. The other No. 1 rankings centered on: parking in commercial spaces; agriculture/ f a r m advisor; mental health services; d r u g and substance CASEY abuse services; and adult protective services.
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Hawks heading to semifinals Charlie Leffler/The Local
Friday night’s 31-12 win over Atlee High School sends Hanover High School into the state semifinals in Northern Virginia. The Hawks face South County (Lorton) on Saturday. For more on the Central Region Division 5 championship game, and the semifinals, see page 33 in today’s Sports section.
With Elite Southeast Status (Top 1 percent), the county’s 15 top spots included all six National No. 1 ranking and overall employee; safety in neighborhood after dark; traffic enforcement; courts; fire/EMS contact; open space; nature programs and classes; availability of affordable healthcare; and employee responsiveness. Since 2005, the county has been taking part in the every three years exercise. Casey said it is a Fiscal Year 2012 initiative of the board. The 125-question survey, he see SURVEY, pg. 26
to benefit Wood 100 entries participating in Christmas parade Dance and Clifton families By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
W
hen you see the big guy in the red suit, you’ll know the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade is winding down. Santa Claus joins 99 participants when he makes his official appearance in the village on Sunday, Dec. 4. This year’s theme is “Memories of Christmas.” Kicking off at 3 p.m., the
parade is presented by the Mechanicsville Rotary Club and Mechanicsville Ruritan Club. Participants are asked to line up at 1:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will be held immediately following the parade. Sabrina Squire, news anchor at NBC 12 in Richmond, will serve as the 2011 grand marshal. Parade participants
see PARADE, pg. 4
A benefit dance for Robert Rescue Squad of Caroline Wood Jr., the 8-year-old County is sponsoring the event. who was lost for six days at Raffles, dancing and refreshthe North Anna ments will be IF YOU GO . . . Battlefield Park in included. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Hanover County Tickets are Friday, Dec. 2 last month, and $7 per person. Rodney Clifton, Dawn Community Children ages 10 Center who suffered a and under will be
Patrick Dobbs/File photo
Everybody loves a parade! And, as usual, that was the case for the 2010 Mechanicsville Christmas Parade.
heart attack while searching for the autistic boy, will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 2, at the Dawn Community Center at 16315 Dawn Boulevard in Hanover (Caroline County). The Frog Level Volunteer
admitted free. All proceeds will go to the boy’s mother and Clifton’s family to help with medical bills. For more information, call Phyllis Harris at 523-0285 or 994-2054. The e-mail address is froglevelvrs_pr@verizon.net.