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Vol. 32, No. 11 | Richmond Suburban News | July 15, 2015
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Rain didn’t dampen spirit of annual Tomato Festival By Meredith Rigsby News Editor
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Photo submitted by Katy Packett
Among those taking part in TILT (Teens Interacting and Learning Together) were, from left, from to back, Konor McGann, Shea Sager, Ella Hope, Baylee Garnett, Brenna Fennelly, Julius Anongos, Right side: Megan Blaum, Amber Zicafoose, Ashley Zicafoose, Lainey Mountjoy and Emma Shea.
CMS helps special ed students feel included with TILT program By Meredith Rigsby News Editor MECHANICSVILLE — More than eight years ago, Chickahominy Middle School began a program aimed at helping special education students feel
included in their middle school experience. TILT, or Teens Interacting and Learning Together, pairs select general education students with special education students for about 30 minutes per see TILT, pg. 4
ECHANICSVILLE — A little rain didn’t stop locals from showing up in droves at the 2015 Hanover Tomato Festival, held Saturday at Pole Green Park. “Despite the weather, we still had about 25,000 people show up to enjoy the Hanover Tomato Festival,” Marcy Durrer, recreation program director, Hanover County Parks & Recreation, said. She estimated attendance at 25,000. Crowds and vendors donned umbrellas and rain coats, and, despite intermittent rain storms throughout the day, attendees were still able
Meredith Rigsby/The Local
David Boyle, Shannon Lane, Stephanie Lane, Carol White, Jenny Mundy and Julie Gillespie sold the star of the day, the Hanover Tomato, as well as festival-related merchandise in the Tomato Tent. More photos on Community, page 9.
to have fun, mingle with neighbors, buy local, and, of course, celebrate the Hanover tomato. Kids climbed the rock wall, and goofed off in the moon bounce. There also was a petting zoo, a small amusement park ride and face/painting at the festival. The Hanover tomato wasn’t the only fruit to make an appearance;
vendors also were selling fresh peaches and blackberries, as well as homemade honey. Numerous volunteers helped facilitate the festival while police and Hanover Fire-EMS crews were there to ensure everyone’s safety. For those that had to park farther away, a John Deere tractor pulled a
shuttle service that picked people up in the parking lot and dropped them off at the front of the festival. Walking around the venue property, there were Hanover tomato shirts everywhere in addition to a few people dressed in tomato costumes. Free goodies were available at many of the see TOMATO, pg. 8