DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 33, No. 2 | Richmond Suburban News | May 18, 2016
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Birds and bees approved Ordinance change allows keeping both in some zones By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Hanover County residents — both young and old — lined up to tell the Hanover County Board of Supervisors the merits of backyard chickens. They supported an ordinance change that allows keeping up to six chickens in some residential zoning designations in the county.
Memorial Day 2016 File photo/Jim Ridolphi
Tradition will continue on Memorial Day when Hanover County presents the Hanover Memorial Day Program at 10 a.m. at the Hanover Veterans Memorial at Hanover Wayside Park on U.S. 301. Complete details can be found on page 4.
HANOVER — A growing number of Americans are questioning just how the food they eat is raised, and that movement is the driving factor behind a renewed interest in homeraised products. That issue arose in Hanover County when several residents requested a change in the ordinance that prohibits residents from keeping chickens at their residences in certain zones in the Suburban Service Area.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of an ordinance change that would allow limited keeping of chickens in single-family residential neighborhoods. Several citizens took advantage of a public hearing last week to express their opinions on the proposed changes. Ryan Boehmer of the Henry District said his chickens provide an 18-pack of healthy eggs for his teacher each week. “I feel that as a Hanover resident we should see BIRDS, pg. 7
Students’ revisions requests fall short By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND — After months of study and a few delays, an advisory committee has submitted a limited list of recommendations regarding changes to the county’s current sensitive and controversial material available to Hanover County Public Schools students in the classroom. Julie Tate, curriculum specialist for Library and Media Services, and Debbie Arco, director of Curriculum and
Instruction, presented the final recommendations to Hanover County School Board members at last week’s meeting, but it was just a first read and no action was required or taken on the issue. The school board is expected to consider the minor changes at next month’s meeting. In February, students presented proposed changes in language to the guidelines, and Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of schools, reconvened the advisory committee to study and review those revi-
sions. The committee was initially formed in 2014 to recommend changes to the policy in place at that time. Changes were instituted, but some students said they felt the policy was still too restrictive, especially for subject matter in advanced classes that often teach college level material. The policy review panel provided two updates to the board, but was unable to issue recommendations due to ongoing
Every Friday, We’re Giving Away 2 Shrimp Festival Tickets to 1 Local Hero Win 2 Free Tickets
As we approach Memorial Day, now is the perfect time to recognize people in our community who are dedicated to helping others. To find out more, visit www.soldbychuck.net, select About, then Help a Hero Contest.
Chuck Jenkins
Your results-driven Long & Foster Realtor.™
www.soldbychuck.net | 804.397.9389
see REVISIONS, pg. 7