02/27/2013 by Mechanicsville-Ashland Local

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Vol. 29, No. 43 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | February 27, 2013

STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN

Mom held in ax attack and arson

Threepeat: 8th HCSB saves 8 grader wins bee teaching jobs

or the third year in a row, Yashna Nainani, an eighth grade student at Chickahominy Middle School, was declared the 2012-2013 division spelling champion for Hanover County Public Schools.

After 12 challenging rounds, the winning word was “matriarch.” Nainani also was the runner-up in the 2009-2010 competition. Jenny Droujinsky, a seventh grade student at Oak Knoll Middle School, was the runsee BEE, pg. 4 Photo submitted by Linda M. Scarborough

Yashna Nainani, left, captured the Hanover County Public Schools Spelling Bee for the third consecutive year. Jenny Droujinsky, right, is the runner-up.

By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local Following weeks of discussion and public comment, the Hanover County School Board approved a $188.7 million budget for 2013-2014 at a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 21. The board initialed a budget that was almost identical to the one proposed by Jamelle Wilson, superintendent of Hanover

County Public Schools, earlier this year. But, there were some revisions. Originally, 24 teaching positions were on the chopping block as school officials attempted to rectify a more than $5 million budget shortfall. Eight of those positions are restored in the final budget, funded by a transfer of funds from the schools’ Capital

tion that Wells had arranged had turned into an armed robbery. Drayton, Byars and Highsmith were convicted in October of first-degree murder in the commission of a robbery, two firearms charges, conspiracy to rob and a charge of aggra-

A 30-year-old mother accused of intentionally setting a fire to kill her 11yearold son, who she had attacked SHEPPERSON with an axe, her other two children, ages 7 and 10 months, and herself, faces an April 11 preliminary hearing. Sgt. Chris R. Whitley of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office said a joint investigation with the Hanover Fire Marshal’s Office led to the arrest of Kimberly K. Shepperson of the 8200 block of Bultaco Trail. She is charged

see WELLS’, pg. 18

see MOM, pg. 7

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Hanover County School Board chair Ann F. Hagan Gladstone said the final document has put the system in the best place it could be, considering the revenue restraints surrounding this year’s process.

Improvement budget. see HCSB, pg. 13

3 get 27 years in Wells’ shooting death By Bill McKelway Richmond Times-Dispatch Three young men will each serve 27 years in prison for their roles in the shooting death of Atlee High School student Brett Wells. Kevin M. Drayton Jr., 19, a former standout basketball player at Atlee; Da’Von T. Byars,

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The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

INSIDE

The Local Pick:

Hanover High student honored as essay winner The Library of Virginia and Dominion Virginia Power have joined together to implement a new program to honor distinguished AfricanAmerican leaders for their important contributions to the state, the nation or their professions. A Hanover County student has been recognized for his 400-word essay in an annual writing contest. John Roakes was named the Central Regional Essay Winner for his entry in the new initiative, Strong Men & Women in Virginia History. Eight honorees will be recognized this year. A significant component of the joint venture was the student writing contest. Roakes’ essay outlined his pursuit to make a difference in the world. His narrative included one of the honorees, Nannie Mae Berger Hairston. As the award recipient, Roakes will receive a HP Pavilion laptop computer. His school, Hanover High, will be awarded $1,000. Roakes was recognized for his accomplishment during the Feb. 12 Hanover County School Board meeting. (Editor’s note: John Roakes’ award-winning essay follows.) They say that I am just a kid. That I can’t change anything. They say the world is a cruel and heartless place, and it is. In today’s world people are more concerned with their text messages than their neighbors. People are more worried about Jersey Shore than the bullying at local schools. But the real problem is not their ignorance, it is their indiffer-

9 COMMUNITY

California developer brings life to outlet mall.

Photo submitted by Linda M. Scarborough

John Roakes, left, is shown with Jamelle S. Wilson, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools during the recent School Board meeting.

ence. They play the “life is unfair card,” and move on. But not me. To change the world, it starts with a single person. That single person has to have the moral and emotional strength to stand up for what they believe in. One single act of bravery in the face of certain defeat can inspire a lasting change on the world. Rosa Parks didn’t move from her seat, Dr. King shared his dream with the world, and Barack Obama rewrote history. By overcoming the odds, and never giving up, these legendary people not only inspire millions, they serve as a blueprint on how to change the world. I believe that in order to change the world, I must first change myself. I have to be the Rosa Parks of my school. I have to refuse to give in to the bully, and the “accepted” way that things operate; I must challenge the wrongdoings of others in spite of the consequences. I have to be the Dr. King of my state, sharing my

voice and ideas with others. Not so that they can agree with me, but to inspire them to change their own lives and their own communities. Most importantly, I have to be the next Barack Obama of this great nation. I must inspire the nation to have hope, and to desire a change in the status quo. To change the world, I must have the strongest character and the desire to share it with the world. My greatest fear is not death, it is being forgotten after I die. To be remembered, you need one thing: a strong enough character to change the world. As Nannie Mae Berger Hairston once said, “I want children to remember that the most important part of your life is your character. It goes with you all through your life. I learned long ago that to make it a better world, it had to begin with me.” Information submitted by Linda M. Scarborough, Hanover County Public Schools communications specialist.

16 ASHLAND

Patrick Henry class dedicates special bricks.

36 SPORTS

R-MC wins ODAC title to earn NCAA bid.

ALSO… Incident Reports........3 Letters to the editor...6 Obituaries ..........10-12 Celebrations ........... 22 Calendar ................. 27 Church news .......... 35 TV grids..............32-34

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Feb. 14

Unknown suspect used victim’s information without permission at a location on Windsor Shade Drive.

Feb. 15

Suspect assaulted victim at a location on Dude Ranch Road

Suspect fled the scene of an accident at a location on Kings Dominion Blvd. Unknown suspect used victim’s information without permission at a location on Old Church Road.

Suspect stole items at a location on Foxbernie Circle. Suspect was driving while being found a habitual offender at a location on Mechanicsville Turnpike. Unknown suspect stole items at a location on Cool Spring Road.

Unknown suspect/s stole items at a location on Lakeridge Parkway.

a location on Robinson Hall Court.

Feb. 17

Feb. 16

Suspect assaulted victim at a location on Mechumps Creek Lane.

Suspect was found in possession of alcohol and under the age of 21 at a location on Sandy Lane.

Suspect stole items at a location on Bell Creek Road.

Suspects robbed victim at a location on Tack Room Road.

Suspects assaulted victim at a location on Lakeridge Square Court.

Unknown suspect/s stole items at a location on River Road.

Suspect was found in possession of a controlled substance at a location on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Suspects assaulted victim at a location on Lakeway Drive.

Suspects passed a bad check at a location on Walnut Grove Road.

Suspect damaged property at a location on Sandy Lane.

Suspects obtained money fraudulently at a location on Bell Creek Road.

Unknown suspect/s stole items at a location on Aquarius Drive.

Suspect used victim’s information without permission at a location on Sliding Hill Road.

Unknown suspect/s stole items at a location on Senn Way.

Suspects obstructed justice at a location on Howards Mill Road.

Suspect/s stole items at a location on Patrick Henry Road.

Suspects assaulted each other at a location on Sherwood Crossing Place.

Suspects stole items at a location on Bell Creek Road.

Suspects assaulted victim at

Unknown suspect fled the scene of an accident at a location on Davis Avenue.

Feb. 20

Feb. 18

Suspects assaulted victim at a location on Richfood Road. Unknown suspect/s stole items at a location on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Suspect/s was found in possession of alcohol at a location on Patrick Henry Road.

Unknown suspect/s broke into a location on Patrick Henry Road.

Suspect assaulted victim at a location on Mountain Road.

Feb. 21

Unknown suspect stole item at a location on Jackson Avenue.

Suspect stole items at a location on Bell Creek Road.

Suspect brandished a firearm at a location on Atlee Road.

Feb. 22

Suspect assaulted victim at a location on Hanover Crossings Drive.

Upcoming blood drives American Red Cross blood drives are scheduled this month in the Ashland area. Today (Wednesday, Feb. 27), a blood drive is scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. at Sheehy Ford Ashland at 11450 Washington Highway. Green Top Sporting Goods at 10150 Lakeridge Parkway will be the scene of a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28. All donors that donate or attempt to donate will be placed in a drawing to win one of two $25 Green Top Gift Cards. Donors who are interested in donating can make an appointment online www.redcrossblood.org or you may just show up, but appointments are recommended.

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February 27, 2013

Boy’s and Girl’s State interviews to be held next month Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Interviews for scholarships to American Legion Boy’s State and Girl’s State will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 and March 17. Interviews will be conducted at American Legion Post 175 at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville.

The American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit sponsor most of the delegates from Hanover County. Candidates must be rising high school seniors as of the end of the current school year. Both Boy’s State and Girl’s State will be held this year June 16-22. Boy’s State, sponsored by the American Legion, will be at Radford

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University in Radford. Girl’s State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, will be at Longwood University in Farmville. Candidates are not required to attend a Hanover County high school. Students who do not attend a Hanover County high school, but reside in a Hanover County high school district also may apply.

Scholarships include complete tuition, room and board for the entire week. Interested students are urged to visit the Boy’s and Girl’s State websites at www.vaboysstate.org and www. girlsstate-va.org. Applications are available by contacting C.B. Arnett, Boy’s State coordinator, or Pat Arnett, Girl’s State coordi-

A division champion certificate was presented to Nainani Continued from pg. 1 during the Feb. 12 meeting of the Hanover County School ner-up this year. This was a Board. repeat performance of 2010The Hanover County Public 2011 when Nainani won the Schools Division Spelling championship and Droujinsky was the runner-up Bee was held on Jan.31 at after 22 rounds of competition. Chickahominy Middle School. Sponsored annually bythe Nainani is the daughter of Richmond Times-Dispatch, this Mr. and Mrs. Raj Nainani of annual event is the second of Mechanicsville. Her awards include a Webster’s Dictionary four levels as part of the National that was presented on behalf of Spelling Bee competition. the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The school district congratA division plaque with her ulates each of the 19 winners of name inscribed as spelling elementary and middle school champion will be displayed at level spelling competitions who Chickahominy Middle School competed in the division spellfor the third year in a row. ing bee:

BEE

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The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

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nator, at bgstatehanover@gmail.com. Applications also are available from counselors or Social Studies Department at Hanover County high schools. American Legion Boy’s State and Girl’s State are among the most respected educational programs of

✏ Battlefield Park Elementary — Austin Maitland, grade 4. ✏ Beaverdam Elementary — Jessica Haines, grade 5. ✏ Chickahominy Middle — Yashna Nainani (winner in 2011-2012, 2010-2011, and runner-up in 2009-2010), grade 8. ✏ Cold Harbor Elementary — Rachel Shrewsbury, grade 4. ✏ Cool Spring Elementary — Avery Bowers, grade 5. ✏ Elmont Elementary — Shehzad Shah, grade 5.. ✏ Henry Clay Elementary — Joshua Wyatt, grade 1 ✏ John M. Gandy Elementary — Liam Riener, grade 4. ✏ Kersey Creek Elementary — Molly Grace Gerk, grade 4. ✏ Laurel Meadow Elementary — Cara Peacock, grade 4. ✏ Liberty Middle — Brett Gailey, grade 7. ✏ Mechanicsville Elementary — Miranda Duong, grade 3. ✏ Oak Knoll Middle — Jenny Droujinsky (runnerup 2010-2011) grade 7. ✏ Pearson’s Corner Elementary — Adien Metts, grade 4. ✏ Pole Green Elementary — Alexa Newton, grade 5. ✏ Rural Point Elementary — Kailey Gagne, grade 5. ✏ South Anna Elementary — Ben Montgomery, grade 5. ✏ Stonewall Jackson Middle — Makenzie Rodriguez, grade 8. ✏ Washington-Henry Elementary — Phoebe Merrick, grade 5.

see INTERVIEWS, pg. 24

As division spelling champion, Nainani will represent Hanover County Public Schools at the 39th Annual Richmond Times-Dispatch Regional Spelling Bee scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 9, at the Library of Virginia. Nainani will compete against students from more than 29 school divisions from throughout central Virginia to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The winner of The TimesDispatch Bee will receive a $1,500 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the National Spelling Bee held in Washington, D.C., during June. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the largest and longest running educational promotion,administered on a not-for-profit basis by the E.W. Scripps Company located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The National Spelling Bee originated in 1925 by the Louisville (Ky.) Courier Journal. The competition is open to students who have not yet completed the eighth grade, reached their 15th birthday, nor won a previous National Spelling Bee. The purpose of the event is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and widen their knowledge of the English language. Information submitted by Linda M. Scarborough, Hanover County Public Schools communications specialist.

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Mechanicsville native Kara Capelli, right, will soon embark on a cross-country bicycling trip with college buddy Meg Ausen, left.

Atlee grad to take journey of a lifetime By Jodi Deal jdeal@mechlocal.com Kara Capelli has a long road ahead of her â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than 3,500 miles in fact. When she and college friend Meg Ausen hit the road on March 2, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have only their bikes and what they can carry with them. Their path? From Washington, D.C., to San Diego, Calif. Once they get there, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll decide whether they can muster the additional miles it will take to get to San Francisco. Capelli, a 2005 graduate of Atlee High School, said the trip is something she and Ausen, who met working together at a radio station while attending Cornell University, have always wanted to do. However, once

they both graduated and started careers, finding a few spare months with the right weather to be almost constantly outside proved to be a daunting task. That is, until now. Both women have reached a point of transition in their careers, and will have some lag time between jobs. Although both intensely enjoy biking, their trip wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be just for them. Each has chosen a cause to promote and hopefully raise funds for along the way. Ausen will be supporting Surge For Water, a nonprofit that supports projects that provide access to safe drinking water. For Capelli, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shared Hope see JOURNEY, pg. 8

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The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

OPINION | The Local Views From the editor

LETTERS

Being vocal makes a strong statement

| Reader Views

Whether you have actually stepped up to the podium and spoken your mind, or you have shared your opinions and thoughts on the pages of this newspaper, we are impressed by the motivation of our citizens when it comes to the future of one of the state’s best school systems. As County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. prepares to present his budget to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors today, Hanover County Public Schools and the district’s continued success remain on the minds of many. You prove it week after week by participating in and attending the budget meetings and workshops. Now, just as was said a couple of weeks ago, we can’t get ahead of ourselves — or the decisions the supervisors face — until Jamelle Wilson, superintendent of schools, officially presents her 2013-2014 budget proposal to the board. The Hanover County School Board took action on her proposal on Thursday. In the meantime, and I’m sure parents, administrators and employees are more than a little anxious, we have to take a wait-and-see approach. Unfortunately, it shouldn’t come as any surprises if cuts are implemented. That’s a sad reality when funding sources change — and no one wants to see any job losses or programs eliminated or cut back. This writer can’t quite grasp this pay to play idea. I really don’t think School Board members want to see any student be placed in the position to have to decide whether they can afford to participate. And we all know many of our students depend on athletic scholarships to get a college education. No, there isn’t any second-guessing going on here. Just sitting back and observing — and, most of all, taking in your input and feedback. Those elected to serve and lead us seem to be listening (I want to believe they are listening) and will work with us as citizens. There’s no doubt that we all have the same goal: The best Hanover County possible. One that is prosperous and successful. And, without question, our schools play a major role in continuing in both directions. Melody Kinser

Editorial & Business Office: 6400 Mechanicsville Tnpk. Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1118 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 730-0476

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February 27, 2013

. . and that fight begins at home. If you want America to survive, then start gathering your family together every night and study the survival guides: the U.S. Constitution and the Holy Bible. It’s not In reply to Marshall]Johnson’s question comparing difficult to do and it can even be fun. motorized vehicle ownership and firearm ownership, Elmer Brown “Why can’t the same training and insurance standards be Mechanicsville required for owners of firearms?” The answer is rather simple. Driving a vehicle on our roads is a privilege and having a firearm is a right. It’s plainly laid out in 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Marshall Johnson’s letter of Feb. 13, 2013, advocates for The cost of purchasing arms insurance, which is very the training and insurance coverage of gun owners since odd sounding, considering you have a right to it, would they potentially have the same propensity to kill or maim infringe on the ability of the people to afford to bear arms. as car owners. But you have a point, if law abiding and just citizens I’d like to point out that one has a constitutionally profork out funds for arms insurance and mandatorily take tected right while the other has only a revocable privilege. training classes, the criminals and nut jobs would certainly I’m curious, though, as to how the landscape of this abide by the same and all gun crime would stop. might look if insurance companies had to pay for gun Jeff Parsons accidents. Mechanicsville Practically all gun owners know they are held responsible for their actions and stand to lose everything they have in a wrongful death lawsuit and their freedom in criminal proceedings. They can’t simply turn it over to an insurance company and let them sort it out. People need to be responsible for their own actions and The only way we citizens can bind down the politi- I think nobody understands this better than gun owners. cians with the chains of the Constitution is if we know the At least the legal ones understand it. Constitution. There are a lot of distracted drivers on the road ignorThe reason that Obama, Biden, Feinstein, Holder and ing the training they’ve had against it and you are far more the rest can pervert the Second Amendment, the First likely to be killed or maimed by one of them than a legal Amendement, Executive Orders, recess appointments and gun owner. a hundred other basic Constitutional principles is because I applaud any gun owner getting adequate training in We The People are so lacking in our understanding of the the handling of their chosen weapon but I also believe original intent of founding documents. see LETTERS, pg. 15 When I say “We The People” that includes me. In fact, even after all the clamoring about the Constitution the last few years, you could still probably count on one hand the number of legislators in any state that is even vaguely familiar with the very constitutional topics they should be devoting themselves to defend. And the same goes for us The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of as citizens. We complain about government overreach and interest to Mechanicsville residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to out of control spending, but how much time do we devote edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be to studying how to fix the problem? published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers Fortunately for me, I started listening to David Barton on and not The Mechanicsville Local. the radio a couple years ago. After just a few months listening to Mr. Barton, I knew far more about the Constitution Send letters to: than I ever learned anywhere else. The Mechanicsville Local, 6400 Mechanicsville Turnpike, After devoting myself to defending liberty, I am more Mechanicsville, VA 23111 optimistic than ever that it is possible to restore our constiFax: 730-0476 E-mail: mkinser@mechlocal.com tutional republic, but only if enough citizens join the fight .

Vehicles and firearms: privilege and right

Protected right; revocable privilege

Knowing the Constitution enables handling politicians

Letters to the Editor

Pet of the Week Thisistheyear wefinallytake thatvacation.

Photos submitted by Jessie O’Keeffe

The Hanover Pound at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland has these two dogs for adoption. “Lady” is a 7-year-old female tri-colored shep/lab mix. She is a real sweetheart. She is older and laid-back. She would be great for someone who is looking for an older dog. She loves everyone. She gets along with other dogs. Lady is looking for that home to call her own. She is up-to-date on all her shots and has been spayed. She is heartworm (negative). “Girly” is a 6-year-old female brown/white pitbull. She has lots of energy and just wants to run and play. She would be great for someone who is looking for that active dog to keep up with them. She loves everyone and does well with other dogs. She is looking for that special person to call her own. Girly is up-to-date on all her shots and has been spayed. She is heartworm (negative). For more information on adopting Nadia and Buzz or any of the other animals at the Hanover Pound, call 365-6485. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http://hanovercounty.animalshelternet.com/.

MOM Continued from pg. 1

with aggravated malicious wounding and arson in connection to a Thursday, Feb. 21, fire. She appeared on Monday, Feb. 25, in Hanover County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. On Saturday, Feb. 23,

Shepperson was lodged in the Pamunkey Regional Jail in and was being held without bond. According to Whitley, investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office determined that Shepperson incapacitated her 11-year-old with the axe assault. He said she then set two fires inside the residence.

The boy was taken to VCU Medical Center for treatment. He is expected to make a full recovery. The other two children were released from VCU Medical Center and are in the care of relatives. Bill McKelway of the Richmond Times-Dispatch contributed to this article.

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The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

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International, a charity that fights sex trafficking and slavery in the United States. “It’s an under-publicized issue,” said Capelli. “I came to care about this issue because my roommate in D.C. was actually a victim of this, so she works directly with this organization and with victims. It made the cause very real to me, putting a face to the issue.” Ausen and Capelli are working on getting the gear they need, talking to others who have made cross-country bike trips, and reaching out to everyone they can within their family and friend groups, along with other networks like sororities and Cornell grads. After all, they’ll be looking for places to rest along the way. “We’ve gotten offers from all kinds of people to put us

up -- friends and family of our friends and family,” Capelli said. On nights the pair can’t find a guest bed, couch or floor, they’ll set up a tent and camp. Capelli said she and her travel companion plan to take all due precautions to ensure their safety. In addition to daily photo and text updates to Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook accounts, they’ll also keep multiple people aware of their whereabouts at all times. They’ll carry cell phones, and are considering purchasing GPS transponders so they can also be tracked by satellites. Flexibility will be key, Capelli said, as the two won’t know what weather, traffic, their own bodies and others will throw their way. “It’ll be different every night,” Capelli said. Their route will be along the southern portion of the country. Ausen is from Minnesota, so she hasn’t seen much of the

South, Capelli said. Meanwhile, Capelli is quite excited about the Southwest, which she hasn’t traveled much. From D.C., Ausen and Capelli will head through the Shenandoah Valley, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, then into Kentucky. From there, they’ll traverse Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before crossing into California. For now, they hope to make it to San Francisco, but will stop to regroup in San Diego. To stay on track, they’ll need to go 50 to 100 miles per day. Capelli looks forward to taking in the scenery of the United States from a bicycle – a vantage point she said is different from any other. “It’s slower. It allows you more time to take in the scenery,” Capelli said. She added that biking allows you to interact directly with

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your path by creating your own motion, making the experience more concrete. When asked if she’s starting to feel any jitters, Capelli said she has mild fears about the unexpected that could end the trip. That said, she’s feeling pretty calm. “There’s probably only one or two people of all my friends and family that I get along with so well that I would even think about doing this, to spend potentially three months with one other person, and Meg is one of those people. I have full trust in her. I know that we’re going to work really well together as a team.” Keep up with Capelli and Ausen at http://bikeamazingstreet.tumblr.com/. There, you’ll find ways to contact the two, a link to their Twitter account, buttons to donate to their charities and lots of blog posts about the trip.

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| Education, Business & Celebrations

Outlet mall could bring needed economic boost By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local

43-acre outlet mall planned for Hanover County could provide just the boost the local economy has been seeking. A California-based realty company announced plans earlier this month to open the first phase of an outlet center located near the Bass Pro Shop near Ashland by late 2014. Company officials said construction would begin once 50 percent of the property is pre-leased. The Winding Brook concourse was envisioned for

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Lakeridge Parkway, off I-95, could see more development as a result of the proposed outlet mall project.

just such a development, and the Hanover County Board of Supervisors approved an earlier plan of development for Horizon Group regarding a

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

A California developer has purchased 43 acres near Bass Pro Shops to construct an outlet mall off Lewistown Road in Hanover. Steven Craig said the property, located in the Northlake Business Park, was chosen due to its close proximity to Richmond and Interstate 95.

similar project. Steven Craig, president and CEO of Craig Realty, said he chose the current site north of Lewistown Road after a site in the Winding Brook Concourse ran into problems with signage along Interstate 95. Craig Realty purchased the property from Northlake Land Investment and Dominion Land and Development, and plans call for a 390,000-squarefoot center complete with restaurants. But, the project’s proximity to Winding Brook could indicate positive developments for the entire area, according to Hanover Economic Director Edwin Gaskin. “The outlet mall location is in the Northlake Business Park, just across Lewistown Road from Winding Brook location,” Gaskin said. “That being said,

in Hanover. this development is certainly “Craig Realty Group (http:// good news for Winding Brook, as that is the obvious direction www.craigrealtygroup.com/) is for expansion investment once a well-respected leader in the outlet mall industry,” he said. the outlet mall is successful.” “They own and Gaskins said the operate a number project is a good fit of wonderful malls for the county’s ecoaround the country.” nomic vision. Although it’s still “We enthusiastiearly in the process, cally welcome the the developer has investment of Craig acquired the propRealty Group of the erty and could be on outlet mall project a fast track for the in Hanover County,” GASKIN 2014 opening. he said. “The project “They are just fits right into the now beginning their design Hanover goal of ‘destination process. So, no permits have retail,’ where folks come into been issued yet . . . that will our community from elsecome after the developers where to shop.” plans are submitted for review,” He also said the developer Gaskin said. has a proven track record in But even in its infancy, the the outlet mall business, and that experience is a good indi- project offers a bright glimcator of how they will perform mer of hope for an economic

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Hanover County Economic director Edwin Gaskin said the project also should provide a shot in the arm for the Lakeridge Road corridor and the Winding Brook Concourse.

development picture that has remained gloomy throughout the economic downturn. “The economic impact of such a development really is very beneficial to Hanover, several multiples (in terms of tax revenues) of what alternative uses for that site might have produced,” Gaskin said. And the benefits don’t end at the outlet cash registers. “Beyond the fiscal impact thought, the development of the outlet mall will bring many, many visitors to that area.

This type and volume of traffic should inspire many other investments in that corridor along Lakeridge Parkway,” Gaskin said. He also said it’s a good opportunity for the county to do a bit of showing off. “It’s also a chance to show those visitors what a great community we are here in Hanover,” Gaskin said. “We look forward to seeing that area around the outlet mall project develop; it should be an exciting time for Hanover!”

The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

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OBITUARIES

| Death Notices & Funerals Jessie H. Bentley Jr.

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The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

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BENTLEY, Jessie H. Jr., 86, of Mechanicsville, formerly of Louisa County, went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha Anne Bentley (Williams), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his four sisters and two brothers. Jessie was an auto mechanic, having worked for Hechler Chevrolet, Dorn’s Body Shop and Ellerson’s Garage. He specialized in rebuilding motors and working on Corvairs. He was always willing to help family members, friends and neighbors with automobile problems. Jessie served in the army after WWII with the U.S. Occupation Forces in Germany for which he received a com-

mendation. He had a smile for everyone and was always generous and friendly. He will truly be missed. A service of remembrance was held at the Lebanon United Methodist Church Chapel, 8492 Peaks Road, Hanover, Va., on February 24. For further information, please call 804-789-9365

Christopher DeCapri DeCAPRI, Christopher Damien, 51, of Richmond, passed away February 20, DECAPRI 2013. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., he was the son of Robert and Virginia DeCapri. A graduate of Hermitage High School, Chris was co-captain of the varsity soccer team,

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which he led to the school’s first and only championship tournament in his senior year. At an early age Chris established Capri Jewelers, which grew to include multiple stores throughout the Richmond area, Kilmarnock, Fredericksburg and Williamsburg, and which has since developed into a Richmond landmark that has endured for nearly 30 years. Chris’ success in the jewelry industry earned him the title of entrepreneur of the year in 2001, and a place in Richmond Magazine’s top 40 under 40. Chris was a true visionary and a great corporate citizen, serving as a board member for the Virginia Blood Services and Retail Merchants Association, and founder of M.J.I.A. He worked tirelessly with the

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Make a Wish Foundation and Carats for Kids to enhance the lives of children with disabling illnesses. Chris is survived by his three children, Brittany, Alex and Olivia; his brothers, Dante DeCapri, of Richmond, Mark DeCapri and his wife, Coriell, of Mt. Prospect, Ill., Dennis DeCapri and his wife, Marta, of Evanston, Ill., and Gina DeCapri Porter and her husband, Steve of Mechanicsville, Va.; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family received friends February 24 at Bliley’s-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. A memorial service was held February 25 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 11220 Nuckols Rd., Glen Allen, Va. Private interment. see OBITUARIES, pg. 11

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Lois Dunaway DUNAWAY, Lois M. Gunn Dowdy, 96, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, Williard J. and Mattie Crowder Gunn; her husband, Otho P. Dunaway Sr.; and her granddaughter, Joyce Elizabeth Stewart. Surviving are her children, Lois D. Smith of Broken Arrow, Okla., Charlotte DowdyRhoad (Stan) of Winterville, N.C., Ruth D. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bettyâ&#x20AC;? Stewart of Mechanicsville and Wilma D. Garnett of Pahrump, Nevada; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, James Gunn (Tina) of Chesterfield. A graveside service was held 11 a.m. February 21 at Signal Hill Memorial Park.

Steven Haynes HAYNES, Steven Douglas, went to be with the Lord February 20, 2013. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert (Rick) Haynes. He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie Haynes and step-sons, Dougie and Billy. In addition, he is survived by his mother, Patricia Dye (Lee), brothers Ricky (Nancy), and Mark (Angie); mother-in-law, Evelyn Davis (Paul); father-in-law, Robert L. Parrish Sr.; nieces, Jenny and Samantha; nephew, Colt; and many more loyal family and friends, too numerous to mention. Steven was a member of the Babcock Masonic Lodge 322 A.F. and A.M. He is known by thousands in the drag racing community as the 2007 champion of the 1st National Corvette Challenge. The family received friends February 22 at the Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville. A celebration of Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life was held at Atlee Community Church, 7171 Verdi Lane, Mechanicsville. Reception followed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer

Society. A special thanks to Hospice of Virginia and Dr. Maurice Schwartz and staff for their wonderful care.

Presbyterian Church, 113 Wilkinson Rd., Richmond, Va. 23227 or a charity of your choice .

Jack Hetherington

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HETHERINGTON, Jack Conrad, 86, of Richmond, died February 22, 2013. He was born in Roanoke, Va. on July 22, 1926 to William Ray and Cleo Robinett Hetherington. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Evelyn Howard Munsey Hetherington; and his sister, Betty Williams of Roanoke, Va. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Susan Hetherington Wood and her husband, Gary, of Woodbridge; a son, Ray Conrad Hetherington and his wife, Angie, of Virginia Beach; four grandchildren, Jennifer Lynne Wood Cooper (Michael), Amanda Wood Martin (Samuel), Morgan and Ainsley Hetherington; two great-grandsons, Jackson and Michael Cooper; nieces and nephews and numerous special friends. Jack served honorably in the U.S. Navy, then graduated from VPI (Virginia Tech), Class of 1956, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Western Electric (now AT&T), where he retired after 30 years of service. He was an active and longtime member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. To all who knew Jack, he leaves an exemplary and lasting legacy of love and wit that will be treasured forever. The family received friends on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd. A funeral service was held at Trinity Presbyterian Church February 25, officated by Dr. Zolton J. Phillips III and Pastor Humphrey Muraya. A graveside service was held in Jacksonville Cemetery, Floyd, Va. February 26. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the church would be welcomed, and may be sent to Trinity

HUNT, Teresa Palmateer, of Atlanta, went to be with the Lord, February 21, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman W. Hunt; brothers, Charles and Alfred Palmateer. She is survived by a son, Douglas Hunt (Brenda), of Mechanicsville, Va.; daughters, Jo Anne Dyer, of Tallahassee, Fla. and Elizabeth Tacy (Ned), of Fayetteville, Ga.; grandchildren, Ashley Cardoza (Mike), Allison Mullens (Mike), Michael Dyer (Christina), Kathryn and Claire Tacy; greatgrandchildren, Bailey, Sydney, Alexandra, Hunter, Owen and Jack. She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (Atlanta) and St. Gabriel Catholic Church (Fayetteville) for 52 years. Her remains rested at the Blileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sStaples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Road, where the family received friend February 24. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated February 25 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 8200 Woodman Rd. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association, 4600 Cox Rd., Glen Allen, Va. 23060.

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Irene Locklair LOCKLAIR, Irene Morton Glasgow, age 85, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013. She was born on March 9, 1927 to the late Nathan Lee and Cora Denton Morton in Keysville, Va. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Aubrey Berman Glasgow; her second husband, Daniel M. Locklair Jr.; and her son, Charles Wayne Glasgow. She is survived by a son, Barrye D. Glasgow and wife, Diane, of Mechanicville, Va.; two stepsons, Danny Locklair and wife, Bobbie, of Midlothian, Va., and see OBITUARIES, pg. 12

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Terry Locklair and wife, Dawn, of Stuarts Draft, Va.; her grandsons, Aubrey Lee Glasgow of Glen Allen, Va., and Kevin Groves of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; one great-grandson; Nathan Lee Glasgow of Mechanicsville, Va.; a brother, Darius Morton and wife, Lottie, of Chester, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Carter of Charleston, S.C., and Grace Glasgow Handy of Farmville, Va.; one brotherin-law, Clarence Schmidt of Keysville, Va.; numerous nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Family received friends February 23 in the chapel of Shorter Funeral Home. A funer-

al service was held February 24 in the chapel of Shorter Funeral Home with interment following at Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church Cemetery. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

Carolyn Moore MOORE, Carolyn Brooks, 68, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 21, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winfrey T. Brooks Sr.; and a brother, Winfrey T. Brooks Jr. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 47 years, Melvin L. Moore;

three children, Doug Moore (Tina), Danny Moore (Amy) and Laurie Perrin (Nelson); six grandchildren, Tanner, Sam, Dougie Jr. and Daisy Moore, Tyler and Zachary Perrin, all of Mechanicsville; three brothers, Austin C. Brewer (Dorothy) of Saluda, Raymond W. Brooks (Janet) of Crozier and Michael B. Brooks (Laurie) of Oilville; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Brooks of Midlothian and Alice Brewer of Saluda; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Carolyn loved jewelry, flowers and was a compassionate caregiver for over 25 years. The family received friends February 24 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 LeeDavis Rd., where services were

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Charlotte Soult

REGENSBURG, Ruby G., 82, of Mechanicsville, went home to be with the Lord on February 19, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otho Pernell â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rexâ&#x20AC;?. She is survived by her sons, Kirk (Charlotte) and Chris (Melody); four grandchildren, Rex, Matthew, Amanda and Angela; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Alyssa; brothers, Paul and David; sisters, Agnes, Mildred, Ruth and Rachel; and a host of nieces and nephews; a niece, Lonna, who took loving care of her; a special thanks to the second floor staff at Lynmoore and the Medi-Hospice staff. The family received friends on February 21 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where services were held on February 22. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to East Hanover Rescue Squad.

SOULT, Charlotte Ann, of Richmond, passed away peacefully with her husband and family by her side Friday, February 22, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Sadie Wood; and is survived by her husband of 22 years, Victor; father and mother-in-law, Gene and Helene Soult; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Cheryl Soult, Glenn and Cindy Soult, all of Madison Heights, Va.; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Charlotte was an avid animal lover and was an employee of Colonial Veterinary Hospital. Services of Celebration will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the love and support of Dr. Kevin Riley and the staff of Colonial Veterinary Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 5540 Falmouth St., Suite 101, Richmond, Va. 23230.

Neville Rucker

Daniel Talley

RUCKER, Neville Leon, 85, of Mechanicsville, embraced the arms of the Lord and joined his beloved wife, Rita, in eternity on February 18, 2013. He is survived by his daughters, Bobbye R. RUCKER Terry of Lorenzo, Texas, and Tracy R. Foard of Ashland, Va.; and two grandchildren, Garreth and Rhiannon. The family received friends February 20 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd. Funeral services were held February 21. Interment followed in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association.

TALLEY, Daniel H., 92, of Mechanicsville, died Sunday, February 24, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marie Griggs Talley; and a TALLEY son, Daniel H. Talley Jr., and is survived by his son, Thomas S. Talley (Cheryl); daughter, Joan Talley Badalamenti (Tony); grandchildren, Jason, Ryan, and Danielle Talley, and Joseph Badalamenti. He was an active member of the Gethsemane Church of Christ where he served as deacon. A farmer, he served on the Hanover County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Remains rest at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where the family received friends Monday. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 26 at Gethsemane Church of Christ. Interment was

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at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gethsemane Church of Christ, 5146 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.

Lowell Talley TALLEY, Lowell Thomas, 81, of Mechanicsville, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus M. and Edith A. Talley. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Lee Talley; two daughTALLEY ters, Martha T. Loving (Allen) and Sandra J. Talley (Jason); three grandchildren, Ashley Waller (Matt), Mac Loving (Kim) and Thomas Talley; one great-granddaughter, Melayna Loving. Lowell was a former elder at Liberty Christian Church and retired from A.H. Robins Company (Display Department). He was a member of Old Church Hunt Club and the NRA. He enjoyed fishing and camping at Bush Park and was a longtime CB radio enthusiast. The family received friends February 22 at the Mechanicsville Chapel, Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road, where services were held. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Audrey Thomas TH0MAS, Audrey Hinton, age 85, of Emmerton, widow of Kermit Pierce Thomas, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 22, 2013. She was owner and operator of Thomas Store for over 40 years and managed her farming operation until her death. She is survived by her sons, Kermit P. Thomas Jr. (Audrey) of Port Royal, and Richard E. Thomas (Sinka) of Emmerton; daughters, Lois Anne Gorman see OBITUARIES, pg. 34

will be implemented is under review, and School Board chair Continued from pg. 1 Ann F. Hagan Gladstone, South For the second consecutive Anna District, said details are year, School Board members being ironed out. “We’ve had our first meetopted to delay new bus purchases, transferring those funds ing of a focus group to bring to fund the additional teaching in all the concerns, all the bits and pieces — teachers, adminpositions. In addition, more than one istrators, parents, all the stakehalf of that $1 million bus money holders, to advise us how that will fund additional technology will best be accomplished,” Gladstone said. in Hanover classHanover High rooms. School teacher Chris The proposed 6 Pace has been assox 8 block schedule ciated with county change is now more schools for almost than just a plan. two decades, and Teachers, parents said he’s never witand students spoke nessed a budget seaagainst that proposson like the present al at various meetone. “This has been ings of the School HUNTER an uncommon budBoard and Board of get cycle,” be said. “I think Dr. Supervisors, but School Board Wilson and the School Board members found few alternatives did a pretty good job with what to replace the savings from the they had to work with, and originally 24 eliminated teacher some of the revisions were posipositions. tive.” In earlier workshop sessions, Pace serves on the leaderthey discussed many options, ship team of Friends of Hanover including a controversial pay Schools, a group formed to to participate extracurriculum provide a voice to those who activity fee, but eventually opted oppose the numerous cuts in for Wilson’s proposed budget, this year’s budget. for the most part. But Pace is most concerned The new block schedule with the reduction of teachers. requires most teachers to super- “It’s nice that they restored the vise six classes as opposed to eight teaching positions, but the current five. How that plan that still means there are going

HCSB

to be less teachers in the classrooms.” He said this year’s staff reductions cap off a five-year period where more than 320 positions have been cut in the system. According to Pace, while enrollment is down by 3 percent, employment is down by 11 percent. Pace said FOHS would continue to press for more funding and additional teachers as the budget process moves to the Board of Supervisors for final approval. “We don’t think it’s over. I think the board is considering trying to do something to restore the funds. They want to do the right thing, but finding a way is difficult,” he said. Gladstone said she was “satisfied” with this year’s adoption, but stressed the final document did not meet everyone’s desires. “We’re feeling the strain throughout the system,” the chair said. Vice chair Glenn Millican, Mechanicsville District, had pushed for added teachers in the classroom and increased technology, For now, the Joint Education Committee, a working group formed to increase efficiency and communication between county services and the school system, will address the system’s wish list.

“This has been an uncommon budget cycle. I think Dr. [Jamelle] Wilson and the School Board did a pretty good job with what they had to work with, and some of the revisions were positive.” CHRIS PACE Friends of Hanover Schools

Millican said his suggestions were designed to start a conversation, and that was, largely, accomplished. Millican identified a list of eight priorities, some that could be addressed in the budget process and the remainder being forwarded to the Joint Education Committee. “What we could solve through the target budget that we had to work with, we would solve,” Millican said. “What we couldn’t solve, we would cost out and send to the committee.” That process was never intended to offer two budgets for consideration, according to Millican. Henry District School Board representative Earl Hunter said this year’s budget process seemed decidedly different from ones in his memory. “I too want to thank everyone involved in this process. It was different,” he said.

One of those differences was the immense number of citizens who came forward during the process. Hunter and his colleagues all applauded those efforts and encouraged interested parties to stay involved, and “don’t wait until next year to come back.” Cold Harbor District representative Robert Wood summed up those appreciative sentiments. “I’d like to say thank you to our constituents and the people of Hanover County,” he said. “They came to us and told us what they thought we needed, and they gave us support at the Board of Supervisors’ level as well.” Ashland District representative Hank Lowry said he was glad the staff eliminations noted in the final budget will not require layoffs, but will be satisfied with normal attrition. “We will continue providing quality education with quality teachers and that’s what our goal has been all along. Please don’t

disappear until next February,” Lowry said. Pace said he’s also pleased that the reductions will not require layoffs, but added that doesn’t deter from the fact that less teachers will be available to Hanover students. “That’s great that no one is getting laid off, but that doesn’t help the student who needs more resources in the classroom,” Pace said. All of the members commended Wilson and her staff for countless hours of preparation and research for this year’s process. “With the choices we had and the input we received, we’re in as good a place as we can possibly be,” Gladstone said. Hunter noted this was accomplished with a skeleton staff after five years of cuts, many of them in the Central Office. County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. will present his budget to the Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday, Feb. 27), and the panel will consider its final approval in April. Pace said his group would remain active throughout that process. “We didn’t just come along and start a website for six weeks and go away,” Pace said. “We will regroup and be back.”

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John Hardy Willson, left, Stephen Stoddert, Marie Quinn and Pete Snyder are shown at the Annual Hanover County Republican Committee Reagan Day Dinner, which was held on Feb. 8 at the Ashcreek Clubhouse.

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February 27, 2013

belief in the greatness of America. The evening also included an opportunity for attendees to meet with candidates seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Many Hanover County elected officials attended, including current and former members of the Board of Supervisors, the Commonwealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, members of the State Central Committee, Magisterial District see STODDERT, pg. 18

Continued from pg. 6

it is ludicrous to infer that it should be a requisite, along with an insurance policy protecting against all contingencies. Is it supposed that the fools driving in downtown Mechanicsville in rush hour traffic or the ones going 70 mph on I-295 and texting their sweetie pies are not going to hurt you because they learned in driver’s ed. What they should or should not do? And, anyway, they just paid their insurance premium! Happy motoring. Mel Rice Mechanicsville

‘Hijacked’ session I am writing in response to Hanover County Board of Supervisors member Sean Davis’ town hall meeting he recently hosted at Rural Point Elementary School. First off, I thought it was a constituent meeting to update his constituents on the state of Hanover. The room was pretty much packed with teachers and county employees. I am certian less than half the attendees were actual district constituents. The meeting quickly turned into a “School Board meeting.” I personaly was offended by the “hijacking” of the meeting by the teachers. If they don’t like their job, see the School Board. Hanover can find plenty of young teachers eager to come work in Hanover. Sean also did a very good job articulating the removal of cash proffers and the benefits of which I agree with. School funding deficiencies and cash proffer removal are basically unrelated issues. I didn’t even know we had a teacher problem. Don’t goverment employees know we are in a recession still? Aren’t they

grateful they have good steady jobs? There are plenty of unemployed people who would love a chance to prove their usefulness in government jobs. We should bid these jobs out and not automatically give them away at high prices. Unfortunately, we all have to make sacrifices to get through this tough period of our history, cooperation and unity of purpose will win the day not hysteria and a warped sense of importance. I am more confident in Sean Davis as my supervisor than ever before and am very comfortable and grateful he is on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. John Shinholser Henry District constituent Mechanicsville

Kudos to BOS on proffers reality So here’s a change of tune: Kudos to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors! They are finally starting to face reality when it comes to proffers and how Hanover will pay for the development boom headed its way. At a meeting last week of Hanover’s Community Development Committee and several supervisors, Mike Flagg, Hanover’s director of public works, gave an excellent presentation on Hanover roads and what elimination of proffers would mean. As Sgt. Friday [the law enforcement officer in the TV show “Dragnet”] would say, “It was just the facts, ma’am, just the facts.”

With maps, graphs and charts, Flagg pointed out that — even using the lowest growth projections — we are likely to add 7,000 homes in the next 15 years. At two cars per new home and 9.5 vehicular trips per day, Hanover’s roads will be broken unless we find a way to pay to upgrade them. As examples, Flagg pointed out that U.S. 54 will have to be widened to a four-lane road to accommodate the large developments already zoned for that area east of Ashland and he pointed out several Hanover roads are already “teetering on failure,” Pole Green and Atlee Station are my favorites. With the numbers staring them in the face, reality seemed to dawn on the supervisors. And as reality dawned, the backtracking began.

One supervisor said, we didn’t really get rid of proffers, we got rid of the proffer policy. Some lamented we couldn’t call any type of developer’s fee a proffer because, you know, it would sound bad. Others lamented that it looks like we’re going back. After that hand-wringing was over, supervisors got down to business and did the right thing. They agreed to send a proposal to the full board recommending that a fee (a proffer) be established for homes in developments of 50 or more homes. They also set the fee low, $2,306, but it can be negotiated upward for larger subdivisions with greater impact. That’s about half of what the proffer committee’s dissenting opinion recommended. But it’s a starting point.

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So, not to ruin the moment, for their change of heart . . . Kudos to Canova Peterson! Kudos to Sean Davis! Kudos to Ed Via! And, of course, Bucky Stanley and Angela KellyWiecek get the biggest kudos of all for seeing from the beginning the folly of the proffer sleight of hand. Wayne Hazzard, who apparently is still waiting for magic to happen, voted no. Now, supervisors, give the same consideration you gave to roads and cars to our children and schools. You need have the same kind of sit-down with school officials so you can count those numbers just as you did for cars! Just as every house will generate on average two cars and 9.5 additional road trips a day, every house will generate on average 2.3 children. see LETTERS, pg. 17

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February 27, 2013

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PHHS class dedicates bricks to late classmates

Photo submitted by Linda M. Scarborough

Kit Taylor, left, and Addison Jones read the names of their departed classmates as engraved bricks were placed on the Patrick Henry High School grounds.

Several members of the Patrick Henry High School Class of 1964 recently gathered at the school to celebrate the lives of their departed classmates. M. Addison Jones Jr., executive vice president for the Supply Room Companies, and Kit Taylor, a retired registered nurse, from the class of 1964 spearheaded a project designed to provide a permanent monument in memory of former members of the Patrick Henry High School community. In 1999, an area in front of the school was designated as a

prominent place to honor former students, faculty and staff. The recent project led by Jones and Taylor expanded the memorial as bricks were placed in memory of individuals from 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968 and 1999 during a dedication ceremony held at the school on Nov. 2, 2012. Names of deceased students were read as family members placed a brick at the site in memory of their relatives. Dr. Wanda Bibb, principal of Patrick Henry High School, placed the brick personalized

Gestures exhibit to open next week Gallery Flux to spotlight works in printmaking, sculpture and painting Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com estures: Printmaking, Sculpture and Painting will be presented March 7-30 at Gallery Flux at 307B England St. in Ashland. Gestures is an exhibition featuring new works by Eve Stockton, Susanne Arnold and Amy Harris, focusing on structure, patterns and stories that recur throughout nature, human expression and form. An Artist Talk with Stockton and Arnold is scheduled from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. An Opening Reception follows from 6 to 8 p.m. Stockton’s woodcut prints are both glimpses into nature

Submitted photos

Evolutionary Landscape by Eve Stockton, above; Seascape by Amy Harris, top right, and Metamorphosis (Adriadne) by Susannae Arnold, below right, will be featured during Gestures: Printingmaking, Sculpture and Painting, which is scheduled for March 7-30 at Gallery Flux in Ashland.

and of nature. In the sculpture of Arnold, found natural materials such as beeswax and wood resemble human forms and character motifs. Harris’ compositions are inspired by abstract thoughts, mark making and material studies. Stockton received her M.A.

The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

at Yale University, and her B.A. at Princeton. Arnold is an emeritus member at 1708 Gallery and Art6, and received an M.A. in Museum Studies from VCU, and an M.F.A. from VCU in Painting. Harris, a senior at Virginia

Tech, is about to receive a B.F.A. in Studio Art. Harris and Arnold are past recipients of the VMFA Fellowship Grant. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, contact Gallery Flux at 804752-3540 or www.galleryflux. com.

for W. Nelson Taylor, who passed away on Aug. 31, 2012. Taylor was the founding principal of Patrick Henry High School when it opened in 1959. He continued as the administrator at the school until 1963. During the ceremony, members of the committee presented the Hanover Education Foundation with a donation of $500 to further honor their classmates. Anyone wishing to purchase a personalized brick in memory of a Patrick Henry High School student, staff or faculty member may contact

Photo submitted by Linda M. Scarborough

Ray Berry, associate professor at Randolph-Macon College and 1964 Patrick Henry High School class president, placed some of the bricks for the departed classmates during the ceremony.

Margaret P. Hill, executive director of the Hanover Education Foundation at mhill@hcps.us or by calling 804-365-4565. Information submitted by Linda M. Scarborough, Hanover County Public Schools communications specialist.

‘Call for Artists’ benefits center, Humane Society Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com The Hanover Humane Society and the Montpelier Center for Arts and Education announce a “Call for Artists” for the Second Annual “Love Our Critters” Art Exhibition. The exhibition will be held July 2-31 at the Montpelier Center at 17205 Mountain Road in Montpelier.

An opening reception featuring a Silent Auction and Sale will be held on July 21. Artists who are interested in participating are encouraged to e-mail Lois Shipley at loveourcritters1@gmail.com. The Hanover Humane Society and Montpelier Center for Arts and Education are both 501(c)3 nonprofit entities.

Community meeting to address future of Patrick Henry’s home Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com A community meeting to discuss the future of Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, at St. Paul’s

Episcopal Church at 8050 St. Paul’s Church Road in Hanover. Anyone interested in the historic home of “the orator of the American Revolution” is invited to join in an informal discussion.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 15

And like our roads, our schools won’t be able to handle this and continue to provide quality education. Let’s meet again, supervisors. This time with the cold hard facts on schools. Toni Radler Ashland

Has it been long enough? In order to get a real accounting of the State of our Union all we have to do is take a good look at the actual numbers as it relates to our most urgent and pressing issues rather than listen to the mostly empty disingenuous words in a speech. In the 59 minutes President Obama spoke in his SOTU address, the national debt rose $124 million and the federal government spent $404 million. Of the 6419 words in the speech, he only mentioned the

word “debt” two times, “budget” four times, “spending” three times, “ObamaCare” one time, “sequester” one time, and did not even mention the word “unemployment” one single time. Numbers don’t lie. Wilma Royer Mechanicsville

Support tax hike to fund services

don’t have anyone on duty at night or on weekends. Others are staffed 24/7. How is it that we all pay the same tax, but we do not have equal fire station coverage? Not enough teachers for our children, not enough sheriff ’s deputies to keep us safe, and not equal fire protection and EMS response. What other alternatives do we have other than to raise property tax? If it affords us all three of the above needs, I for one am fine with paying more to receive a proper level of service. Jack Weston Mechanicsville

I notice that citizens have advocated raising property taxes in order to strengthen our teacher positions in the county. At a town hall meeting last month, it also was pointed out that we as a county only have 12 deputies on duty overnight. Twelve. Is that really a sufficient number of deputies to protect a county that is nearly 500 square miles in size? I know Gun control has long been a that they need more people in focus of many in this country. their ranks. Though I’m not knowledgeFurthermore, some research able of all the nuances of the has led me to find that our fire Second Amendment, based department is terribly undersee LETTERS, pg. 19 staffed as well. Some stations

Ongoing power grab threatening

Save the Date

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Migraines: More Than Just a Headache Join Dr. Catherine Ham as she discusses what causes migraines, how to reduce the frequency and severity of them and the latest treatment options available.

Thursday, March 14, 2013 | 5:30 p.m.

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February 27, 2013

WELLS’ Continued from pg. 1

vated malicious wounding. Law enforcement authorities said Wells was dealing marijuana from his home and arranged a $1,330 sale of four ounces of high-grade pot with the three

defendants, who were convicted of shooting Wells when the deal turned into a robbery. Prosecutors said Highsmith was the gunman in the case, but the other two were convicted of the murder and other charges because of the concerted nature of the crime among the three.

The wounding convictions resulted from a shot that injured a friend of Wells’ who tried to stop two of the young men from fleeing the house. Drayton, said to be the primary person involved in arranging the transaction, waited outside the home in a getaway car.

At Marks Family Dentistry It’s Valentine’s Day All Month! “First visit. A great experience, glad I switched over to your office. Thanks!“ David—Mechanicsville—January 17, 2012

“Excellent as Always! By far the best staff, facility, and standard of care in the business. Even if you hate going to the dentist, the experience here will help you set aside that fear.“ Anonymous—February 2, 2012

“Great Job! For the first time ever, I left the dentist with an understanding of all the details of my visit. The whole staff was great explaining things and making me feel welcomed.” Anonymous—March 27, 2012

“I am so pleased with my initial visit. Not anything that could have been done better.” Mary Anne—Ashland—April 11, 2012

“Quick and Painless. Always professional/always friendly. If one could love going to the dentist, this would be the one.” Craig—Mechanicsville—May 8, 2012

“Excellent 5 Stars! Always a pleasant experience at Marks Family Dentistry.” Clarence—Glen Allen—June 25, 2012

“My first visit was truly a great experience! I told all my co-workers how positive it was and will definitely be back in the future. Thanks to everyone for their dedication to making sure patients have a positive experience in every aspect of their visit.” Sara—Henrico—July 29, 2012

“Thanks for a thorough cleaning and exam. Most thorough and complete cleaning and examination anyone could ask for!” George—Midlothian—August 31, 2012

“Fabulous experience! Everyone was cheerful, efficient and professional! Teeth look terrific! Always the best !” Ashby—Virginia Beach—September 13, 2012

“These Guys are Good! Dr. Marks and his staff do a fantastic job. Not only are they great dentists, but they add a personal touch to every visit and make you feel at home in their great facility. I’ve never had a bad experience there and would highly recommend them to anyone!!” Suter—Richmond—October 19, 2012

“Awesome! Beautiful office, great reception, state-of-the-art equipment and professional yet nurturing care. Loved my experience.... gave me a confident feeling in my care.” Beverly—Hampden-Sydney—November 13, 2012

“The best dentist office and service I have ever had !!! I referred everyone I know to this place. I Absolutely love the place and all the staff!!!!!” Tanique—Callao—December 25, 2012

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The Cool Spring Chapter of MOMS Club has put out the welcome mat for new members by hosting a spring Open House/St. Patrick’s Day Party from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on March 14 at Honey Meadows Clubhouse. Making friends and offering children’s activities top the club’s agenda.

Moms invited to open house/party Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Cool Spring Chapter of MOMS Club is looking for some moms who are interested in making friends with other moms — and activities and friendships for your children, ages infant to elementary

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school. The club is holding a spring Open House/St. Patrick’s Day Party from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at the Honey Meadows Clubhouse. It will be held rain or shine. Snacks will be provided and several games are planned for

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The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

the kids with prizes. Moms also will get a chance to win prizes by playing “Let’s Make a Deal.” The MOMS Club is a way to start a network for yourself and your children that will last for years. It provides an opportunity for moms and kids to get involved in their community as they participate in several service projects throughout the year. For more information about the Open House or the MOMS Club Cool Spring Chapter, contact Chelsea Ferguson at chelsea.ferguson@comcast.net.

STODDERT Continued from pg. 14

Chairs, officers and members of the Virginia Federation of Republican Women, officers and members of the Hanover Republican Women’s Club and officers and members of the Hanover County Republican Committee. John Hardy Willson organized the affair and chair Nancy Russell directed the evening’s events.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 17

on the Founding Fathers’ circumstances, it had far more to do with enabling the citizenry to protect themselves against tyrannical government than against local psychopaths. It is about providing a balanced firepower so when King George’s successor came knocking on your door, you could fight back. Government today is no less inclined to abuse its authority than it was then. Based on the absurd and ongoing power grab that is present day Washington, it’s as threatening as ever. It is outrageous that we protect our money with far more firepower than we protect our children. I have never owned a gun, nor wanted to as intensely as right now. This tyrannical government will stop trying to restrict guns when only they have them. John Calhoun Mechanicsville

Fines less than insurance costs Remember when President Obama said that if you liked your health care plan you could keep it? Well, tell that to the seven million Americans who are about to lose their insurance! According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the new health care plan will push about twice the number of people off their job-based health plans than the agency originally predicted. CBO said, “that this year’s tax cuts have changed the incentives for businesses and made it less attractive to pay for insurance, meaning that fewer will decide to do so,” reports the WashingtonTimes. Thanks to the fiscal cliff deal, which takes away some of the tax breaks for providing health care, most employers

have come to the conclusion that it’s cheaper to pay the government’s fines for not providing insurance than to keep their current coverage. Unfortunately, this has been the ongoing saga of ObamaCare. The President promises one thing, and then the government confirms the exact opposite. And to think nobody read it before they passed it. What a mess! W.S. Wright Hanover

Living collapse of our culture

people have not received pay increases for some time. My property tax decreased in 2012 and now for 2013. The schools need to do more with less. I believe we have fewer students today than we did six years ago. It’s time to cut the budget and live within your means. During a recent Hanover County School Board meeting the people that spoke for the tax increase were self-serving. I know we can find many areas of the county’s budget that can be cut. If the board needs help to find the cuts, just call me, I can be very objective to cutting the county’s budget and do it for free! Just look at the high pay the school administrators are receiving year after year while the teachers take money out of their pockets to run a classroom. This is just one area. Salaries are just one area to save several million dollars. I have no skin in the game (except of paying property taxes). With more tax increases coming our way via ObamaVare, the state with the roads and even more new federal taxes, how much more can be taken out of our paychecks to satisfy the money pit of our local government? Did the county cut out the proffers so they can increase our property tax? Tom Chorinos Mechanicsville

Remember 25 years ago we were warning about what was going to happen if X kept happening and Y kept happening and if we didn’t stop Z. Well, now, we’re there. We’re no longer talking about what will happen unless we do something about it. We’re living it. We’re living the collapse of our culture. We’re living the implosion of our culture and our society. Politically, morally, religiously, financially, you name it, and it all stems from the fact that no one is allowed to have values. We’re told values are judgmental. You have no right to impose values on people. So we’ve gotten to the point where nothing is really wrong. There are just explanations for it. And in practically every instance, the explanation and the proposed cure is nothing more than the advancement of a particular political belief or There has been signifiideology. In this case, liberalcant debate over the last sevism. God help us, please! Stephen lee eral months regarding the state Mechanicsville of Hanover County Public Schools, the impact that five years of budget and personnel cuts has had on our children’s education, and the prospect for more cuts with the proposed I am against any property 2013-2014 budget. With that tax increase, while the value of in mind, it is important to take a look at our school system’s our homes is still declining. The majority of working performance within the context

Debating state of our schools

Schools: do more with less

of the “Hanover Way.” In 2012, HCPS ranked 15th compared to all school districts in Virginia with respect to ontime graduation rates (93.9 percent). This stat along with our low dropout rate is usually promoted by Hanover County to show how well our school

district is doing, but how far have we let our standards slip that now it is big accomplishment to graduate mome out of 10 seniors? In addition, there is a wide disparity among the high schools in the county. Hanover High Schools ranks 28th (out

S TA I N M A S T E R

of 310 public high schools) with an on-time graduation rate of 96.9 percent; Patrick Henry on the other hand ranks 118th (90.8 percent). Even more discouraging is the declining trend in test scores. In both 2010 and 2011 HCPS see LETTERS, pg. 21

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Atkinson Insurance receives 2012 honor Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

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Southern Insurance Company of Virginia has announced that the Atkinson Insurance Agency LLC of Mechanicsville has been awarded the Agency Builder of the Year Award for 2012. Ryan Atkinson, agency principal, was the top performer in 2012 and has achieved all of the customer satisfaction and professional service goals required to earn this award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re honored to recognize Ryan

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LETTERS Continued from pg. 19

did not meet the minimum improvements in test scores for the population as a whole (based on the state Adequate Yearly Progress requirements.) In fact, since 2008-2009 (when budget cuts began to be implemented) we have seen declines in our students’ SOL scores. Specifically, the HCPS pass rate has declined in 80 percent (32 of 40) of the SOL tests taken in 2011-2012. Also, the rate of students reaching Advanced Proficiency has declined in 75 percent (30 of 40) of SOL tests taken. Most troubling, the Fail Rate of our students increased in 72.5 percent (29 of 40) of SOL tests administered. Like Graduation Rates, strong SOL test results show that children have mastered the most basic knowledge, and these deteriorating scores are disheartening. When it comes to SAT scores, HCPS students score at about the state average (HCPS 1528 v. VA 1520). Of the 31 public high schools in the Metro area (Richmond City, Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield), no Hanover school scored in the top 25 percent as of 2010 (the last year data was available for all districts). Hanover’s four high schools ranked 8th, 9th,

11th and 14th, scoring similarly to Henrico High School and worse than schools like Clover Hill, Midlothian and Freeman high schools. No Hanover high school grossly underachieved, but likewise no high school overachieved. The scores are average. The budget proposal submitted by superintendent Jamelle Wilson (based on the funding recommendation set forth by the county administrator in conjunction with the Board of Supervisors) will result in increased class size in our elementary schools despite the fact that studies (e.g., the Tennessee STAR study and others) have shown that smaller classes in K-3 help students achieve more as they get older even if class size increases later in their education. Additionally, the proposed budget includes making teachers in the high schools teach six classes instead of five. Although this results in reduced class size for high schools, which is a positive, it also has negative consequences. This change in schedule reduces the amount of time any individual subject is taught (less depth of knowledge,) while at the same time increases the total number of students each teacher must teach (less individualized attention.) Is the Hanover Way a pathway to mediocrity? Our test scores are average

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and declining in several areas. The status quo is not good enough. We need a holistic approach, and the onus is on everyone in the community; parents, businesses, teachers, administrators, board members and students to look for ways to improve our school system. If more money is needed for technology, to improve educational content, to reduce class size, all of which will lead to improvements in our children’s education, then it is our obligation to do it. And, yes, that might mean raising taxes. If we have teachers that are underperforming, then we need to give them opportunities to improve their craft through training, or we need to find better teachers. If, as parents, our choice is to read to our children 15 extra minutes each night, or sit in front of the television for 15 extra minutes, then we must choose the former. We can all agree that the Hanover Way has never meant mediocrity, nor has it meant “doing more with less” at the expense of the long-term success of our community. However, accepting this proposed budget does precisely that, by foregoing the long term needs of the community at the expense of our children’s future.

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Decay (or improvement) in a school system does not happen overnight. It often takes years to manifest and, once it does, it takes years to change. By that time we will have let a generation of children down. It is our duty and obligation

not to accept mediocrity, nor sit idly by as our level of instruction and resulting test scores decline. OK, I’ve got a solution Strong schools form the foundation of a strong commu- for this group of folks here in nity. That is the Hanover Way. Hanover that are, oddly enough, Dusty Rhodes begging to have their taxes Mechanicsville see LETTERS, pg. 24

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CELEBRATIONS | Births, Engagements, Weddings & Anniversaries

Announce engagement

York -Wagner Set wedding date

STEPHANIE YORK and KEVIN WAGNER to be married in May of 2013

MICHELLE BRUCE and JACOB SOMMERVILLE to be married in June of 2013

erry Bruce of Glen Allen and Debbie Einarsson of King William proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Michelle Kristen Bruce, to Jacob Bruce Sommerville, son of Bruce and Linda Sommerville of Mechanicsville. Michelle is a 2007 graduate of Hermitage High School and a 2011 graduate of James Madison University. She is employed as a bar-

iatric counselor at MediWeightloss Clinic. Jacob is a 2008 graduate of Lee-Davis High School and a 2012 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College. He is employed as a mortgage broker at Dominion Capital Mortgage. The wedding will take place June 14, 2013. After a honeymoon to Negril, Jamaica, the couple will reside in Midlothian.

The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

Rigsby 60th Anniversary

avid and Vanessa Wagner of Ashland along with Dave and Kathy York of Ohio are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Kevin and Stephanie Kevin is a 2009 graduate of Randolph-Macon College where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a 2010 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters of Education in Sports Leadership.

Stephanie is a 2009 graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Business and a Minor in Communication Studies. Kevin is currently employed with the Charlotte Checkers and Stephanie is employed with the Charlotte Sports Commission. Kevin and Stephanie will be married in Charlotte on May 11, 2013.

To announce your wedding or engagement call Michelle Wall 746-1235 ext. 10 for details. Submit your announcement by email to mwall@mechlocal.com or mail it to P.O. Box 1118, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Photo: Olan Mills

Earl and Helen Rigsby of Mechanicsville celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary January 24. They have two children, four grandchildren and two great-grand daughters.

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PGES sets out on reading voyage By Jodi Deal jdeal@mechlocal.com Students at Pole Green Elementary School had a mystery to solve last week. It all started with a nighttime assembly held during a ParentTeacher Association meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 19. “Your job, boys and girls, is to listen to the clues tonight,” assistant principal Leslie Luck told students in the crowd. “Listen to the songs. Listen to the words. Think about what they mean.” A group of second graders then took the stage and sang a series of songs about America, recycling and conservation. That performance, repeated the next morning for the whole school, kicked off a series of Reading Month activities that

will be centered around a single book. Every family in the school will get a copy of “A River Ran Wild” by Lynne Cherry, along with activities and lessons to complete together. The books come courtesy of a nearly $2,400 grant from the Hanover Education Foundation, Luck said. She added that librarian Karen Bryant wrote the successful grant. The school-wide program is based on the popular “One Book, One School” movement. Luck said students from kindergarten to fifth grade would enjoy the book, which, she added, is small – not a chapter book. Students had until Friday to enter their best guesses as to the title of the book they’d be reading. All correct guesses were

Jodi Deal/The Local

Kim Mays, the Reading Resource teacher at Pole Green Elementary School, provided a major clue attired as a Native American who appeared following a performance by the second grade. This was part of the “One Book, One School” program.

entered into a drawing for a prize. More prizes were promised for students who successfully completed activities associated with the book. A major clue came in the

form of a teacher dressed as a Native American who appeared after the second graders’ performance. Students giggled and parents smiled as Reading Resource teacher Kim Mays

walked slowly and sternly through the crowd, dabbing her eyes with a tissue and passionately holding out water bottles. Luck noted that the special guest would likely stir nostalgia

in parents, who, unlike students, are old enough to remember an iconic anti-littering campaign featuring similar imagsee PGES, pg. 26

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raised. Begging to have them from proffers to real estate to of all things. My solution would be to raised on a multitude of things personal property to a meal tax, Continued from pg. 21 start by having this very assertive tax happy bunch to lead by example and go ahead and send in any and all tax increases they so desire. Nothing and nobody is holding them back. Then I’d make the tax increases voluntary for all other Hanover residents that are not Up To 5 Yrs* begging to have their taxes FREE increased. Financing Considering the fact that each one of the Hanover Board ORIENT EXPRESS of Supervisors won their district FURNITURE® No with about 75 to 80 percent of Credit the vote, I don’t see a boat load CLEARANCE Needed of volunteer tax monies that are NO downpayment GALLERY going to be a flowing in. option If this solution is not satisfactory for this tax happy bunch, then maybe a good Plan B for these folks would be to move PICK-UP OR OPEN 7 DAYS to another county where tax rates are much higher. There are DELIVERY A WEEK plenty for them to pick from. Mon.–Fri 10-7, Jeanette Louis Sat. 10-6 Your Home Town Discount Furniture Store Sun. 12-5 Mechanicsville MECHANICSVILLE MIDLOTHIAN

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HCPS HR ready for replacements Congratulations to the Hanover County Public Schools Human Resources Department for your work on behalf of the citizens. As I was concerned over the rumor about some teachers leaving the HCPS due to budget issues, I made an inquiry about the readiness of the county on this matter of possible teacher replacements. The HR Department of Hanover County Public Schools is ready to deal with any teacher replacements that may be required. This department’s preparedness is a demonstra-

INTERVIEWS 2697377-01

Continued from pg. 4

804.612.3330 The Mechanicsville Local

www.interceptyouth.com February 27, 2013

government instruction for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his or her local, county and state government.

tion of what is good management. Excellent management must always plan for transitions in whatever manner they present themselves. During this difficult time of employment, the quality and number of applicants are at an all time high. With the HCPS record on safety in the work environment, our schools are a magnet for the best professionals in the K12 education pool of teachers. I have enclosed a reply from the county’s HR department on this matter to substantiate the above accolades. The e-mail from HCPS Human Resources Department with stats is as follows: Mr. Walker: Using your definition of “active viable applicants,” I am supplying the requested statistics. I feel the need to share a little about our process, however. Candidates may complete an application for any position at any time, however, some positions (administrators, clerical, maintenance, etc.) are posted for a limited window of time during which the applicant must add that position number to their application in order to be considered for screening and potential interview. Other positions are nearly always open and screened/interviewed yearround. These positions include year-round applications; approximate number of current applicants – teachers, transportation, instructional assistants and custodians; and currently posted vacancies with application deadline; and approximate number of current applicants – HR administrative assistant II. ✓ Teachers, 65.

✓ ransportation (bus driver, car driver, attendant), 40. ✓ Instructional Assistants, 20. ✓ Custodians, 6. ✓ HR Administrative Assistant II, 8. Many of our applicants who have been screened and interviewed and generally ready for offer have been hired to work in another capacity — such as teacher applicants who are working as instructional assistants or substitute teachers. We currently have over 700 substitutes for various positions — sub teachers, sub assistants, sub custodians, sub food service assistants, sub drivers, etc. Finally, the numbers provided include applicants who have been HR screened and interviewed and generally ready and available now for offer should the hiring manager (principal, supervisor) select the individual as the best fit for the position. A contingent offer is made and the applicant must then pass a background check and receive final approval from the School Board. I hope this information is helpful to you. Joni L. Shelton, PHR Director of Human Resources Hanover County Public Schools Having looked at this data what is not apparent is the “active viable applicants “ for the administrative positions which according to the county website number around 100 central office staff. I do trust you have this matter covered equally proficiently for the above administrative positions. Oscar Walker Citizens for Effective Educational Administration Mechanicsville

Two participants will be selected to attend Boy’s Nation and Girl’s Nation. Participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and

state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative session, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies plus band, chorus and sports recreational programs.

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Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

Sing-a-long set Salem Presbyterian Church on Studley Road in Mechanicsville will host its monthly Sing-A-Long at 10 a. m. on Thursday, March 7. Members will be singing hymns and songs of Easter. The Hymn of the Month is “Beneath the Cross of Jesus.” Those participating also will learn about why the bunnies and eggs are included in this season.

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A mission team from Hanover Friends Church — Janice and Bob Bullock, Cathy and Ed Vinson, and Linda Cumby — visited Jamaica Jan. 19-26. Pastor Ed led a Pastor’s School for Jamaican pastors. Some of their ministry efforts were in a deaf school, several public schools, a hospice center and a facility called Teen Challenge that works with recovering addicts.

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Volunteerism nominations deadline near Nominations are now being accepted for Hanover’s 2013 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards. March 1 is the deadline to submit nominations recognizing outstanding volunteer service throughout our county. Anyone may nominate inspiring individuals or groups of any age, whether they serve small or large organizations, schools, neighborhoods, government, faith-based community initiatives, civic-lead community outreach or another cause. Hanover has a strong tradition of volunteering and these awards allow the community to acknowledge the work for those whose efforts change the lives of many. Awards are granted in the following categories: Spirit of One, Spirit of Youth, Spirit of

PERMS

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Dedication, Spirit of Team, demonstrated a sustained comSpirit of Family, Spirit of mitment to supporting the Inspiration, and Commitment community). to Community (recognizing a see DEADLINE, pg. 26 Hanover business, which has

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Criteria for the Boyle Dentistry Scholarship has been released by the Mechanicsville practice. Students with a desire to continue their post-high school education pursuing a career in the dental health field are welcome to apply. The recipient should have: ❍ Maintained a 3.2 or greater cumulative GPA (grade point average). ❍ Exhibited strong leadership and citizenship characteristics. Students must complete the essay “What impact do you hope to have in the dental health field?” in 300 to 400 words. The essay must be double-spaced using a 12-point font size. The applicant’s essay and documentation of the criteria listed are due on or before Monday, April 2. The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $500. For more information regarding the Boyle Dentistry Scholarship, contact Margaret Hill at mhill@hcps.us or 804365-4565.

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February 27, 2013

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ery. Students didn’t remember the commercial, but got the message. “She’s sad!” shouted one student. When asked what made the Native American cry, one student said, “Someone threw trash!” Mays then walked to the cafeteria water fountain and gestured to it emphatically. “Water should not be dirty!” shouted another student. Luck encouraged students and parents to use the Internet to try to find what book the clues could be pointing. “A River Ran Wild” is the story of the Nashua River in New England, a once pristine

waterway cherished by the Algonquin Tribe. Industry came in the 19th and 20th centuries in the form of mills and, by the 1960s, the river had become so polluted that all life was gone from its water and banks. That’s when environmentalist Marion Stoddart stepped up and created the Nashua River Watershed Association, which helped get laws passed to restore and protect the river. The book features lush watercolor and colored-pencil Jodi Deal/The Local pictures with artifacts and time- These Pole Green Elementary School second graders performed a series of songs about lines to help students follow the America, recycling and conservation during the PTA meeting, which focused on the “One Book, 500-year story. One School” program.

ATKINSON

DEADLINE

Continued from pg. 20

Continued from pg. 25

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Award recipients will be selected from each category. All will receive an engraved plaque and a financial donation of up to $250 made in their honor to the tax-exempt organization designated on the honoree’s nomination form. The county also will nominate the award recipient for the statewide Governor’s Community Service and Volunteerism Awards. All nominees will be recognized and award recipients will be announced at the Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, in the Hanover High School Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. The 2013 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards sponsors are: Ashland Walmart Superstore,

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All nominees will be recognized and award recipients will be announced at 7 p.m. May 7 at Hanover High School.

Battlefield Press Inc., Covenant Woods, Grace Community Presbyterian Church, Owens and Minor, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and new this year, Hanover Association of Businesses and Chamber of Commerce. Nomination forms, online submission information and other details are available at www. hanovervolunteers.org or by contacting the Hanover County Department of Community Resources at 804-365-4300. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

Washington-Henry’s annual “Heart of the Community” 5K and 1-mile heart hop will get underway at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, at W-HES. Runners and walkers of all kinds are welcome. The race will be officially timed. The school welcomes corporate sponsors and family donations. All monies raised go into the classrooms next year. To register, go to https:// www.raceit.com/search/event. aspx?id=17794.

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CALENDAR

| News, Updates & Listings Wednesday, Feb. 27 FThe Pamunkey Regional Library Board of Trustees meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Ashland Branch Library, 201 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland. The meeting is open to the public. A blood drive will be held 1 to 6 p.m. at Sheehy Ford Ashland, 11450 Washington Hwy. An appointment can be made at www.redcrossblood.org. Walkins are also welcome. All donors will be placed in a drawing for a $25 Best Buy Gift card.

drawing to win one of two $25 Green Top Gift Cards. An appointment can be made at www.redcrossblood.org or or walk-ins are welcome.

Friday, March 1

FKIDSTUF. The Easter show will begin at 7:15 p.m. at Atlee Community Church, at 7171 Verdi Lane, Mechanicsville, 23116. It is free to the community and there will be activities to enjoy before Kidstuf begins at 6:30 p.m. Kidstuf is a “no drop off zone”. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Call FHanover County Department 730-3676 for information or of Social Services will conduct visit www.atleechurch.org.\ an orientation meeting for new members of the Social Services FAnnual Spaghetti Supper Advisory Board at 2 p.m. at served by Boy Scout Troop 531 12304 Washington Highway, will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Ashland in the director’s con- Immanuel Episcopal Church, ference room. Discussions will 3263 Old Church Rd. The include the duties and respon- cost is $7 for adults and $5 sibilities of the board and for children under 12 years of individual board members. age. Take-out is available. A Meeting is open to the public. bake sale and a silent auction are also planned. For more FMessiah Lutheran Church information, call 357-8774. and All Souls Episcopal Church at 815 Atlee Road, will host weekly simple bread and soup suppers during Lent at 6:30 p.m. followed by a musical, meditative Taizé service. For more information call 7467134.

Saturday, March 2 FMechanicsville Community Salt Fish Breakfast is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Enon United Methodist Church, 6156 Studley Road. Breakfast is $5. for adults (including fish, $7) and under 12 years old, $2.50. Family limit is $14. Profits go to the Heart Havens Fund. For information or reservations call 746-4719 or 730-4956.

FSt. Paul Lutheran Church midweek Lenten Worship Service at 7 p.m. at 8100 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville. For more information contact Rev. Rodney Bitely, Pastor at 427- FWashington-Henry’s annual 7500 or www.saintpaul-lcms. “Heart of the Community” 5k and one-mile heart hop begins com. at 9 a.m. at WHES. The race will be officially timed. Corporate Thursday, Feb. 28 FA blood drive will be held and family donations are wel10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green come. https://www.raceit.com/ Top Sporting Goods, 10150 search/event.aspx?id=17794. Lakeridge Parkway. All All proceeds benefit the school.

from 3 to 5 p.m. at Bethel UMC fellowship hall, 17380 Dawn Blvd, P.O. Box 26, Hanover. The ministry uses Sue Dodd’s famous recipe - need they say more? Price is $9. a quart, and credit/debit cards are accepted. To pre-order contact: Lois Ann Cumber at 347-9385 or the church at 994-5344, or visit www.bethelumcva.com.

dedicated to the preservation of the honor of the American Confederate Veteran. The SCV will assist in tracing your ancestor’s Confederate service and help put together a periodlimited family tree linking you to your ancestor. For information contact rader.james2@ aol.com, call 874-5336 or visit www.fireeatersscv.org.

FHanover Nazarene’s “The Bible” Message Series, which will be held each Sunday at 9:30 and 11 a.m., starts at 8391 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville. Watch the mini-series on The History Channel - dig deeper with Hanover Nazarene. For more information visit www. hanoverlife.com.

Thursday, March. 7

Wednesday, March. 6

FA community meeting to discuss the future of Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 8050 St. Paul’s Church Road in Hanover. Anyone interested in the historic home of “the orator of the American Revolution” is invited to join in an informal discussion.

FMessiah Lutheran Church and All Souls Episcopal FSalem Presbyterian Church Church at 815 Atlee Road will (Studley Rd.) will host a host weekly simple bread and soup suppers during Lent at 6:30 p.m. followed by a musical, meditative Taizé service. For more information, call 746-7134.

ax submissions to calendar to 730-0476, email to events@mechlocal.com, or mail to 6400 Mechanicsville Tnpk., Mechanicsville VA 23111. Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Local.

monthly Sing-A-Long at 10 a.m. Hymns and songs of Easter will be sung. The Hymn of the Month is “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”. Learn about why the bunnies and eggs are included in this season. Bring a friend for a time of food, fun, and fellowship.

Saturday, March 9

FPamunkey River Garden Club will meet at 10:30 a.m., at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, in Rooms 111-113, 8209 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville. The Program will be “Growing Mushrooms” by Jane Ruffin, Hanover. All are welcome. Any questions, please Friday, March 8 contact Susan Blankinship, FSpeaker Courtney Lynch president at 932-3451. will talk at 7 p.m. at New Song Church at 7450 Colt’s Tuesday, March 12 Neck Road in Mechanicsville. FThe Hanover Family Support Courtney Lynch is a cofounder Group meets 7 to 8:30 p.m. of Lead Star, an author, and in the CSB Board Room, former marine who shares her 12300 Washington Highway heart for helping others achieve in Ashland. Any county resithe leader within. For more dent who desires support and information, call 804-559-6064 guidance regarding a family or email churchoffice@newson- member with mental illness is gumc.org. Visit www.newson- welcome. No registration or fee. gumc.org. For information call 365-4222.

FSt. Paul Lutheran Church’s midweek Lenten Worship Service begins at 7 p.m. at 8100 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville. For more information contact Rev. Rodney Bitely, pastor, at 427-7500 or www.saintpaul-lcms.com. The mid-week Lenten theme is “Fellowship with the Father: The Lord in Prayer”.

FThe Edmund Ruffin SCV Camp’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Frank Ernest the Commander of the SCV’s Army of Northern Va. Do you have a Confederate soldier in your family’s history? If so, you may like to join the Sons of Confederate Veterans donors that donate or attempt to donate will be placed in a FMinistry of Bethel UMC 3rd (SCV). SCV is an internaAnnual Chili Sale will be held tional historical organization

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This rancher has been completely redone. It features 3 bdrms, New Paint, hardwood floors, New vinyl and tile flooring, New custom cabinets, windows, roof, siding, heat pump, plumbing, stainless appliances. 2 car garage. Too many upgrades to list. Call today this one won’t last.

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February 27, 2013

Art, Literature and Compelling Interviews magazine. His work can be found in many private and public collections nationally and throughout Virginia. For more information, call 804-883-7378 or visit www. montpeliercenter.org. ----The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, houses one of the oldest galleries in Hanover County, and is both an axis of the regional community and a satellite of the Greater Richmond Art Community in Central Virginia.

Rancher in Old Church ~ $164,950

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use direct, bold, black and white imagery to create works that reflect both my social and aesthetic needs,” he said. “My purpose is to capture the essence of my subjects and at the same time make the surface marks interesting to the eye. I want to provoke thought from the viewer and reveal in my subjects something of their character and the spirit that sustains them.” Winston has been included in a videotape collection and CD-Rom collection entitled “African-American Artists: Past and Present,” and was recently featured in Virginia Adversaria:

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“Captured Moments,” the work Dennis Winston will be presented March 2-31 at The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education at 17205 Mountain Road in Montpelier. His woodcuts and drawings will be featured. An Opening Reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1, with a Gallery Talk scheduled for 7 p.m. Winston is known and honored locally and nationally as an Photo submitted by Lois Shipley artist and an educator. Dennis Winston’s “Captured Moments,” featuring his woodcuts and drawings, will be presented “The woodcut allows me to March 2-31 at The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education.

Shannon Prosser-Wall 804-339-4480 Long and Foster

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PRE-SPRING SPECIALS! Closing Costs Assistance!

The Brook - $209,450

The Glover - $199,950

The Brook is approximately 2000 square foot rancher with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Features huge upstairs that can be custom finished into more bedrooms, or game room. ($221,450 with finished bonus room)

The Glover is approximately 1400 square foot rancher with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Features huge family room, kitchen, and master bedroom on one end of the home and 2 additional bedrooms on the opposite end.

Morning Glory Quality homes for under $200,000 Balducci, the builder of half million dollar homes, has used their expertise and crews to build homes people can afford, and are proud to own. To get the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Morning Gloryâ&#x20AC;? community off to a glorious start, Balducci is pricing the first homes at under $200,000. There are thirty-one home sites with old fashioned â&#x20AC;&#x153;hop, skip and jumpâ&#x20AC;? sidewalks and a â&#x20AC;&#x153;seesawâ&#x20AC;? playground.

The Virginian - $199,950 The Virginian is approximately 1400 square foot traditional rancher with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Features large family room and kitchen with lots of cabinets.

The Milton - $231,450

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The Milton is approximately 2150 square foot two-story colonial with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. All bedrooms feature large walk-in closets. Also features huge kitchen, family room and dining room.

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The Cedar - $216,900 The Cedar is an approximately 1575 square foot rancher with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Features a large family room, huge kitchen with bay window and master bedroom with large master bath. Master bedroom is very private - it is on one end of the house with the other 2 bedrooms on the other.

The Evans $210,450

Balducci is building ranchers, two story colonials and transitional ' ( ) " be nestled in a cozy community. For those starting out, Village *"+# ,"# *# ranch w/ 1450 sq.ft. Transitional requires little or no down payments. In some cases grant money open floor plan. Large den, huge ) ,

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The Lee - $229,950 The Lee II is approximately 2150 square foot two-story colonial with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Features large kitchen, family room and dining room.

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363-4380 or 730-0033 The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

We do the shopping. Real estate tax relief deadline is Friday You do the savings. We work with 5 diﬀerent companies to ﬁnd the lowest insurance rate for you. Call 804.737.8498 today for a free quote. 2466199-01

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Tappahannock Waterfront

Stately 1920’s 2 story Colonial waterfront home on sought after Water Lane. Pristine setting w/grounds gently sloping to Rappahannock River. 4 bdrms, 4 full baths, 4,170 sq. ft. of living space. Hart pine and hardwood floors w/2 fireplaces. Custom cabinets, crown molding, wainscoting. Storm doors and double pane windows. Town amenities including water and sewer. Shopping, dining nearby. Listed at $675,000.

Hanover County residents who are elderly or permanently disabled with a net worth of $200,000 or less are invited to sign up for the county’s real estate tax relief program. March 1 is the deadline to apply for this program in time for the relief to be applied to the tax bills sent out later this spring. Applicants must be 65 years old or permanently disabled and must own or partially own the property and have lived in it on Dec. 31, 2012. If the applicant is in a hospital or extended care facility, he or she may still qualify as long as the house is not rented or leased.

The $200,000 net worth figure does not include the value of the house and up to 10 acres around it. The home’s owners can have a combined gross annual income of up to $50,000 and still qualify. The income of relatives living in the home is counted except for the first $10,000 of the relative’s income, which is exempted. If an applicant qualifies for 100 percent tax relief, they pay no real property taxes on that qualified parcel. About 1,550 households currently participate in Hanover County’s tax relief for the elderly and disabled program. The aver-

SEAC to meet Monday Facebook business training to be oﬀered

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for Hanover County Public Schools will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, March 4, at the School Board office at 200 Berkley St. in Ashland. The presentation for the evening will be on “Transition Outcomes.” The SEAC Reading Subcommittee will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. on March 12 at the

School Board Office. The SEAC Transition Subcommittee will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. on April 8 at Liberty Middle School. For more information, contact the Hanover County Public Schools Parent Resource Center at 804-365-4596; Robert Isaacs, chairman, at 804-355-2600; or http://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/ instruction/parentresource/ SEAC.htm.

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The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

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age tax savings is about $956 for those households; about 40 percent of the participating households pay no county real estate tax at all as a result of the program. Because of this program, qualifying Hanover County residents had their real estate taxes reduced by about $1.5 million last year. To apply, call the Commissioner of the Revenue at 365-6128. If you have computer access, application forms can also be downloaded from www. co.hanover.va.us/comrevnu/txrelief.htm. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

Hanover County Economic Development offers classes aimed at Hanover entrepreneurs and small business owners. There has been a great response to these classes, which are part of the Department’s “Business Launchpad Academy.” Facebook business training will be offered on Wednesday, March 6. In this class, you will learn how to effectively utilize Facebook social networking tools for business marketing and networking. The instructor is Shad Wilson, president of Scalability Project LLC, a digital marketing company. “Elevator Speech” is the topic on Wednesday, March 20. Learn how to give an enticing 30-second introduction that creates interest in your business and you. The instructor is Shad Wilson, president of Scalability Project LLC, a digital marketing company. Class time is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for all classes. The first five Hanover County business representa-

tives or residents to register for each class get in free (limit one per person per quarter). The class fee is $20 for registrants after the first five and the total class sizes are limited to 15. To register and pay, go to www.grcc.com or call 804783-9314. For more information about “Business Launchpad Academy” classes, contact the Hanover County Department of Economic Development at 804-3656464 or by e-mail at kosimpson@HanoverVirginia.com. The office is located at 8200 Center Path Lane, Suite E, in Mechanicsville in the Rutland Development on U.S. 301. These classes are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration/ VSBDC Network, and in partnership with the Greater Richmond Chamber and Greater Richmond Partnership. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

Photo submitted by Sgt. Chris Whitley

Members of The 100 Club recently donated $5,000 to the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Foundation to benefit Scott Towne, who was paralyzed from the waist down in 2009 from an injury he sustained while off-duty. Towne retired as a sergeant due to his disability, but was later rehired as a civilian and serves as a training specialist. Towne will apply these funds towards renovating his master bathroom, which he has been unable to use since 2009. The 100 Club of Metropolitan Richmond was organized in 1989, with the help of the Retail Merchants Association, to provide financial support to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service professionals in times of crisis and need.

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8135 Elm Drive, Mechanicsville, VA

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

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TO PROMOTE YOUR SERVICES IN THIS DIRECTORY, CALL 746-1235 X3 OR EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MECHLOCAL.COM The Mechanicsville Local

February 27, 2013

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