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Vol. 31, No. 31 | Richmond Suburban News | December 3, 2014
Set the clock: parade starts an hour earlier By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
T
his year’s Mechanicsville Christmas Parade is almost like a wedding, with something old and something new. John Clodfelter, the man who started the Village tradition 20 years ago, returns on Sunday, Dec. 7, as “The Man of the Hour,” Santa Claus. IF YOU GO . . . 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 Village of Mechanicsville
What’s new this year is the time. Rather than the usual 3 p.m. kickoff, the
Mechanicsville Christmas Windmill Bank with the lightParade will begin at 2 p.m. ing of the Christmas Tree. Sponsored by the Santa will be available to meet Mechanicsville Rotary Club with the little ones who will be and Mechanicsville able to share their Ruritan Club, the wish lists. parade will feaIn addition to ture the theme, Santa Claus, the “Memories of 2014 Hanover Christmas.” Christmas Serving as grand Mother – Melanie marshals will be McElhinney Catfish and Lori, Goodpasture – will morning show be taking part in hosts on K95 Radio. the festivities. ‘Santa claus’ With 100 parAs a matter of John Clodfelter ticipants, including fact, proceeds from marching bands, floats, scouts mobile concessions sold by and church, civic and comthe Ruritans will be donated munity groups, the parade is to the Christmas Mother proa mainstay for Mechanicsville gram. and Hanover County resiThe lineup of participants dents. is as follows: The parade route travels VFW Post 9808 Color 1.8 miles, ending at the EVB Guard; Col. David R.
2011 file photo
Participants in the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade travel the route in many ways, including a horse-drawn carriage and tractors. Other modes of “transportation” include walking, marching, gymnastic cartwheels and flips, and dancing. The Village will come alive on Sunday — at a new time of 2 p.m. — with this holiday tradition.
Hines, Hanover County sheriff; Jethro Piland, chief, Hanover County Fire-EMS; Mechanicsville Rotary and Mechanicsville Ruritan presidents; Doug Baird; Ed and Shelia Hall.
Duck Waddell; Frank Whitaker; Richmond Harley Owners Group; Del. Chris Peace; Ed Via, Ashland District, Hanover County Board of Supervisors; K95’s Catfish and Lori, grand mar-
shals; Hanover Christmas Mother Melanie Goodpasture. Lee-Davis High School Marching Band; Donnie Crew; Wine for Cures; Jamie see PARADE, pg. 8
Peace to introduce measure to control industrial sludge Long-time state educator dies Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
Del. Christopher K. Peace, R-97, has unveiled the first part of his 2015 legislative package, which will start with a focus on an issue that he said is of great importance to residents of Hanover, King William and New Kent, the counties he represents. When the General Assembly starts its 396th Session on Jan. 14, he plans to file
legislation that will place a moratorium on the future application of industrial residual materials, also known as “industrial sludge,” to farm land in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties. Industrial sludge material is commonly mistaken for biosolids, which are nutrientrich organic materials resulting from the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility and commonly used by the farming community.
Created through the treatment of domestic wastewater generated from sewage treatment facilities, biosolids, when treated and processed, can be recycled and applied as fertilizer to improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth. However, industrial “sludge” — even when treated to reduce pollutants — can still contain heavy metals and germs. see SLUDGE, pg. 8
By Karin Kapsidelis Richmond Times-Dispatch
William C. Bosher Jr., former state superintendent of public instruction and a longtime educator in Virginia, has died. Virginia Commonwealth University reported Monday morning that Bosher, a
former superintendent of schools in Henrico and Chesterfield counties, died in his sleep. Bosher was a distinguished professor of public policy and the executive director of the Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute at VCU’s see EDUCATOR, pg. 36