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Vol. 33, No. 30 | Richmond Suburban News | November 30, 2016

County leaders adamant: no to high speed rail plan By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER — It’s no secret that Hanover County officials have expressed concerns regarding a high speed rail project that could impact its residents and disrupt the rural character of the

region. Last week, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors made its position official in a resolution that requests the state’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation abandon their consideration of the two options presented as part of a Northeast corridor high speed rail project.

Touring the new courthouse

In a unanimously passed resolution, the board dismissed the possibility of a western bypass through Hanover County or a third rail through the Town of Ashland as unacceptable options when considering the project that is still decades away from realization. The western bypass route has prompted

several citizens’ groups designed to contest any option that dissects that portion of the county. In the resolution, the board said such a proposal would “bisect or consume” 2,428 acres of land and impact an additional 24 parcels of land in see SPEED, pg. 9

Santa Claus is coming to the Village By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

The county will cut the ribbon on its new courthouse December 14 at 1:30 p.m. The 119,000square-foot facility will feature state-of-the-art technology throughout the building as well as parking for 317 visitors on the outside. For more details, turn to page 5.

MECHANICSVILLE – Just like the folks throughout Mechanicsville and Hanover County, Santa Claus is counting the days until he arrives for the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Sponsored by the Mechanicsville Rotary Club and Mechanicsville Ruritan Club, the parade will get underway at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, along Strain Avenue, Hillis Way, Atlee Road and Mechanicsville Turnpike in and around the see SANTA, pg. 4

Tom Haynie/file photo

Yes, the jolly old elf from the North Pole will be arriving in Mechanicsville Sunday to take part in the Christmas Parade.

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The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

INSIDE

The Local Pick:

Cook elected Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Virginia Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ECHANICSVILLE – Vernon Stuart Cook of Mechanicsville has been elected to serve as the 172nd Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia for 2016-2017. He was elected to the prestigious position on Saturday, Nov. 12. Cook, who was born April 9, 1943, in Richmond, was educated in the public schools in the City of Richmond and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Public Safety. He also is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. Col. Cook joined the Richmond Bureau of Police in June 1965, and worked his way through the promotional system to the rank of major.

lished the Internal Affairs Division, and, in 1973, he was instrumental in establishing the bureau’s SWAT Team. In August 1990, Col. Cook was appointed sheriff of Hanover County by Judge Richard H.C. Taylor. Throughout his career in Hanover, he unanimously won re-election five times. He retired on Sept. 16, 2010. In addition to his law enforcement career, he served as an adjunct faculty member at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and at Virginia Commonwealth University. Cook’s Masonic history began on March 17, 1966, and he is an active member in Metropolitan Lodge No. 11 and Washington and Henry Lodge No. 344. His Masonic services since that day have been extensive, as have been his community services. VERNON STUART COOK During Cook’s tenure, he said his emphasis will In 1970, he assisted in be “Masonry – A Force for the formation of the bureau’s Task Force; in 1972, he estab- Good.” During his 25 years with the Richmond Bureau of Police, he worked in every division and served as deputy chief of Investigative Operations for 12 years.

12 COMMUNITY Chickahominy Middle students honor veterans.

14 ASHLAND It’s time for town to Light Up the Tracks and sing.

18 EDUCATION

Winter recreation programs listed ASHLAND — Before you know it, the stockings will be hung by the chimney with care. Before the stockings get filled, another treat will be arriving soon. If you’re a Hanover resident, the new Hanover Review will be mailed Dec. 8 and you’ll have available the physical copy of the next lineup of winter/spring recreation classes. If you can’t wait and want to see what is on the horizon, be sure to check out www.hanoverparksrec.com. Recreation programs went live on Monday, Nov.

21. The Hanover Parks and Recreation Department has enrichment classes and programs for people of all ages. From youth to senior classes, there is something for every interest and activity level. If there are children in your house, Parks and Recreation will make their afterschool and weekend enrichment exciting with over 25-plus classes to select from. see RECREATION, pg. 4

PHHS takes part in Mannequin Challenge.

ALSO… Incident Reports........3 Letters to the editor...6 Obituaries ....10-11, 13 Calendar ................. 16 Celebrations ........... 22 TV grids..............23-25 Sports ................26-27 Church directory .... 28 Classifieds .........29-30

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| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue first offense, was reported in the 11000 block of Cobbs Road/Washington Highway, Ashland.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 8000 block of Willow Avenue, Mechanicsville.

Credit card theft was reported in the 16000 block of Gun Barrel Road, Montpelier.

Driver did not report an accident with damages of $1,000 in the 9000 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

A false statement was given to obtain property or credit in the 1500 block of Verdon Road, Beaverdam.

Issuing bad checks, $200, was reported in the 10000 block of Summer Hill Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 6000 block of Pine Slash Road, Mechanicsville.

Nov. 19

Possession of marijuana,

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $200, was reported in the 7000 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 8000 block of Surrey Court, Mechanicsville. Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 3000 block of Old Church Road, Mechanicsville. Conspire to conceal $200 was reported in the 7000 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Public swearing or intoxication was reported in the 9000 block of Kings Charter Drive, Ashland. Breaking and entering at night with the intent

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to commit a felony was reported in the 4000 block of Range Road, Mechanicville.

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Nov. 20

Failure to perform construction after advance was reported in the 7000 block of Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 9000 block of Manorwood Drive, Mechanicsville.

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Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 1000 block of Holly Stone Drive, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $200, was reported in the 7000 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Grand larceny, $200 or

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SANTA Continued from pg. 1

Village of Mechanicsville. A holiday tradition, the parade fills the streets with spectators and participants, including marching bands,

Tract Road, Glen Allen.

SHERIFF’S Continued from pg. 3

more not from a person, was reported in the 10000 block of Kings Acres Road, Ashland.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 7000 block of Sandy Lane, Mechanicsville. Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 15000 block of Pouncey

RECREATION Continued from pg. 2

Adults, there’s 19-plus programs to choose among, take that mental break or fitness class, or perhaps educational enrichment program. Even seniors have great choices that include workshops, travel opportunities and

The Grand Marshal will be Jeff Wicker and Anna of Wicker in the Morning. MCEF (Mechanicsville /Churches Emergency Functions) will have a float in the parade. Volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food

church groups, civic organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and charities. Unique this year will be 330 band members representing Atlee High School, Hanover High School and Lee-Davis High School as one unit.

more not from a person, was reported in the 7000 block of East Cottage Drive, Mechanicsville.

Brandishing a firearm was reported in the 10000 block of Lakeridge Square Court, Ashland.

Nov. 21

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 8000 block of East Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Grand larceny, $200 or

Reckless handling of a firearm was reported in the 10000 block of Providence Church Road/Wickham Drive, Ashland. Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 6000 block of Retreat Hill Lane, Mechanicsville.

Events include: Taylor’s Safety Town, Saturday, Jan. 21 – preschoolers can join Taylor and his Paw Patrol friend, Skye, for a Safety Town extravaganza. This unique program introduces your child to hands-on, interactive experiences related to fire safety, strangers, bicycle safety, Police safety and

ongoing group meetings. Don’t forget about Hanover’s great clubs, volunteer groups and meetings throughout the county. Get ready for some community fun too, because the event lineup will have you moving and shaking, exploring, and enjoying all that Hanover County has to offer.

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items for the food pantry along the parade route. Spectators and participants are encouraged to help during the holiday season. The parade lineup begins at noon. St. Nick will be available in the judging area(Mechanicsville

Drug Store parking lot) for photos and to talk to children before the parade. Ronnie Planz and Dave Fuller spearhead the annual event for the Rotary and Ruritan clubs. Participants are: VFW Post

Nov. 22

Petit larceny, $200 not from a person, was reported in the 11481 block of Elmont Road, Ashland.

Personal trespass by computer was reported in the 7000 block of Brook Way Court, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substances was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville

much more, plus breakfast. The fee is $20 per participant, and held at the Richmond Times Dispatch building in Mechanicsville. Registration deadline is Jan. 7. Bags & BBQ, Saturday, March 25 – for adults and children 12 and up, enjoy a day playing in a corn hole tournament while indulging in some delicious BBQ. Double elimination, games played to 21 points, door prizes and indoors at the Sports Reality Complex in Mechanicsville. The fee is $20 per person. Registration deadline is March 11. K-9 Heroes Day featuring the Pooch Pursuit,

Habitual offender operating a motor vehicle, second subsequent offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Edgeworth Road, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 7300 block of Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7000 block of Ellerson Mill Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8000 block of Gethsemane Court, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 11000 block of West Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Saturday, April 15 – this annual celebration to honor our K9 heroes is back with exciting demonstrations, vendors and a K-9 fun zone. Come early and kick off the event with the fun Pooch Pursuit 5K run/2K walk. K-9 Heroes Day is a free and all ages community event, participation in the Pooch Pursuit is $30 for the 5K and $15 for the 2K. The first 100 registered participants receive a t-shirt and pet friendly goodie bag. Top finishers will be awarded. Historic Hanover Bus Tours, Saturday, May 20 – the annual tours of Hanover County are back with two

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unique excursions to choose from. Either explore the towns of Eastern Hanover or the towns of Western Hanover. Each tour will provide information as to how early Hanover was established, what roles the towns played in the early Colonial days, up through the Civil War to current day. From the towns, to the railroads, to the rivers, Hanover has a rich history. Tours are supported by Richmond Region Tourism, Hanover County and provided by Richmond Discoveries. Tours are $ 20 per person. More information and details provided online. Whatever your interest, Parks and Recreation has something for everyone. “We look forward to seeing you in our parks, in our classes or enjoying yourself at a community wide special event,” Greg Sager, director, said. Program and event information can be found online at www.hanoverparksrec.com, in the Hanover Review, or by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 804-3657150, email at: parksandrec@ hanovercounty.gov. Information submitted by Nikodemas M. Reikalas, recreation coordinator, Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department.

New state-of-the-art courthouse was a group project By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER — David Butler stood in the front of the nearly completed Hanover County Courthouse with a look of pride on his face. Butler is the deputy director of the county’s General Services Department, but, for the last 24 months, he’s had a specific project on his mind. “Although this was a group project and many people contributed to this effort, sometimes I feel like it’s my courthouse,” Butler said with a smile. In a sense, it has been his offspring as he made daily trips to the new building. Originally under the oversight of Assistant County Administrator John Budesky, the project fell to Deputy County Administrator Frank Harksen when Budesky took a position in Goochland, leaving the final touches left on an almost completed project. Butler has been there from start to finish, and is quick to credit a group of people responsible for making the

project a success. He’s seen the building rise from the ground up. “It’s been a majestic thing watching it come out from the ground, and it’s been a great process,” Butler said last week. Butler said working with companies like Gulf Seaboard, a local general contractor that handled the project, made his oversight job easier. “They’ve done a great job getting everything done and under roof.” The 119,000-square-foot facility is nearing completion with an ontime and under budget tag. Even the furniture costs came in under budget. “The plan went out to different bidders and we got all the furniture we wanted. That was under budget, as well,” Butler said. County officials are planning an official ribbon cutting ceremony for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. and Aubrey M. “Bucky” Stanley, chairman of the Hanover

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

New courtrooms feature display terminals that allows evidence to be displayed at the judge’s discretion to all interested parties. The new courthouse also features room for expansion to accommodate future courtroom needs.

County Board of Supervisors, will welcome area dignitaries. Judge Overton Harris will present keynote remarks. Tours of the new facility also will

be available, and the event is open to the public. Harris said the completion of this project is a significant milestone for Hanover County.

“The opening of the new courthouse is a statement of our commitment to public safety and outstanding customer service,” Harris said. Originally envisioned in 2006, the courthouse project was put on hold during the economic downturn that began in 2008. When the county’s economic situation improved, officials dusted off the project, made a few revisions, and moved forward. The timing proved beneficial and allowed the county to take advantage of a slow construction climate to get the best deal possible. “We were able to use the slow construction market to build a facility, which will provide state-of-the-art space for our judiciary, court services, commonwealth’s attorney office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court,” Harris said. In 2014, the board allocated $44 million for the project, but a revised estimate landed at $38.9 million, leaving more than $5 million to begin see COURTHOUSE, pg. 7

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November 30, 2016

OPINION | The Local Views

LETTERS

From the editor

| Reader Views

The Village welcomes the jolly old elf

Circuit Clerk advises public on moving plans

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor For several weeks we’ve been promoting one of the most exciting events to take place in the Village: The Christmas Parade presented every year by the Mechanicsville Rotary Club and Mechanicsville Ruritan Club. With participants kicking off at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, you can expect spectators lining the streets to enjoy marching bands, floats, fire trucks, ambulances, dancing groups, car clubs, elected officials and the jolly old elf from the North Pole, Santa Claus. There’s a magic in the air on the first Sunday of December in our community, and it draws us to the Village for a few hours of entertainment. Who

doesn’t feel like a kid again when you see Santa heading your way? The Local is and always has been a proud supporter of the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade. We even take part in the parade, as well as provide judges for the event. We always hope for a sunshiny day, but only one since I arrived here in 2008 was the weather so bad that the parade had to be canceled. And it was the right call on organizer Ronnie Planz’s part. I’ve been on hand for blue skies and comfortable temperatures, as well as parade days when it was best to bundle up against winter’s winds. Thank you to the Rotary and Ruritan clubs for continuing this holiday tradition. It takes a lot of time and effort to bring the parade together, but

we’re fortunate to have such committed members in both organizations. Thank you for making the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade one of the mustdo events in our community. I would be remiss if I didn’t extend a special “Thank you” to Ronnie Planz and Dave Fuller who take the lead roles with the parade. Another shout-out goes to our own Tom Haynie who is literally all over the place on parade day. He helps make my job easier too in preparing content. So, we hope to see you Sunday in the Village of Mechanicsville. If you’re in the parade, give us a wave at the judges’ stand. Mark your calendar: 2 p.m. Dec. 4. You know you want to be there. Keep in mind that Santa will be watching.

The magic of a concert remains a constant in life By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Garth Brooks was in town a couple of weeks ago, and he packed them in for a four-show run at the Richmond Coliseum. As I watched the throngs of fans waiting in line to see the legendary country superstar and his wife Trisha Yearwood, I realized just how long it had been since I attended a concert.

With age, I’ve become more of a street festival kind of guy, and I often see bands in various venues around town. But buying tickets and planning an evening around a concert is something I haven’t done in a very long time. But, there was a time, and I was fortunate enough to grow up in an era of concerts and festivals that featured every artist known to man, all in or

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 730-0476 Online: www.mechlocal.com

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Joy Monopoli Melody Kinser Denine D’Angelo David Lawrence Tom Haynie Sarah Suttles J.R. Hammond Cindy Grant Jenifer Hinton

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November 30, 2016

within a stone’s throw of Richmond. Trying to list the best of them is a hopeless task for there are too many to mention, but there are those that stand out and pass the test of time. I suppose you can only experience James Brown in full funk mode if you were lucky enough to see him in concert. Richmond was a regular stop on the Godfather of Soul’s annual tours, and a night at The Mosque

with Brown was a full-tilt, high-energy rhythm and blues excursion like no other. I distinctly remember sitting in a darkened Mosque among the usual pre-show rattle when a hint of movement caught my eye. Darkened images took the stage, picked up instruments and stood silent as a small tuxedoed announcer see MAGIC, pg. 8

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Mechanicsville residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Mechanicsville Local. Send letters to: The Mechanicsville Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2016 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

The Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is moving its records and personnel to the new courthouse over a multi-week period starting on Nov. 22, 2016, and continuing until Jan. 3, 2017. Although the clerk’s office does not plan to close to the public while the move is ongoing, its ability to serve people visiting the office will be significantly disrupted. It is possible the clerk’s office may have to close part or all of some days in December to accommodate the movers. Wait times for visitors while transacting any business, including recording land records, obtaining a marriage license or concealed handgun permit, filing a suit, paying fines and costs, or researching the public record, will be increased. The elevator used to reach the clerk’s office will be unavailable for extended periods of time. Moving crews and book carts will be visible during the workday. Only a limited number of computer workstations and no paper records will be available after Dec. 9. The clerk’s office staff will serve the public during this transition, but unless the need is urgent, individuals should avoid visiting the clerk’s office from late November through December. Before visiting, people should call the clerk’s office at 804-365-6120, or view its webpage at http://www. hanovercounty.gov/ to check for changes in its hours of operation. We look forward to serving the public from our new office located on the second floor of the new Courthouse at 7530 County Complex Road starting on Jan. 3, 2017. Frank D. Hargrove Jr. Clerk of Circuit Court Hanover County see LETTERS, pg. 8

Continued from pg. 6

renovation on the old courthouse buildings, expected to begin in 2017. For the approximately 100 employees who will be occupying the state-of-the-art facility, the opening of the new courthouse can’t come soon enough. “These offices have long been cramped in the current facility, and challenged to meet the citizens’ needs. This facility will serve the citizens of Hanover today and into the future, as it includes expansion space for courtrooms and all of the offices,” the county administrator said. Features included at the new facility include: 115,000 square feet of space with two above grade floor levels with partial basement. Six finished courtrooms. Build-out space for two additional courtrooms. Secured entry with xray unit and metal detector for screening. Multiple CCTV and glass breakage detection for security. Six elevators, three reserved for secured transfer of prisoners. Total of six cells and six holding tanks in he basement. Two-lane pull-through Sally port used to transition prisoners to cells and tanks. For the past two months, Harksen has been involved with the project, and said its completion will make a difference to the citizens who utilize it. “Things will be easier to do at this facility,” he said. “Even though the building casts a mammoth shadow on the county’s government campus, Butler said the complex would maintain a rural, Hanover type feel. “I think you will still get that feeling when you walk into this building,” Butler said. “We’ve tried to maintain that flavor.”

Once you enter the tech- tion of department heads and nologically savvy courtrooms, employees, the project has a commuit’s obvinity handous this print. facility is “ A s equipped big as this with the project is, latest it’s gone devices, great. includEveryone ing hunhad a part dreds of in this in-house and all cameras the people and disinvolved play terhave been minals. “The Jim Ridolphi for The Local great. It’s a team c o u r t - A welcoming reception area greets e f f o r t ,” r o o m s visitors to the new courthouse. Butler h a v e been totally modernized,” said. Harks-en said the project Butler said. Look-ing back on a project took on a familiar tone from that progressed without major the project’s inception until its hurdles, Butler and Harksen completion. “Watching it from the outsaid the project exemplified the team spirit in Hanover, and side, my impression is that is were quick to credit the many was typical Hanover County — people who worked on the all the various people involved were pleasant, considerate and process. From a space committee focused on the needs of everyof board members who met one else. We all came together monthly during the construc- as a team to make something tion to the input and sugges- happen.”

Baby’s First Christmas Photographs of area babies who are celebrating their first Christmas will appear in the newspaper

Wednesday, December 21

This Christmas, a special page of The Mechanicsville Local will be devoted to pictures of area babies who are celebrating their first Christmas. You may purchase a spot for your baby’s photograph on the page for only $2500. Please send us a walletsize photograph of your baby before Thursday, December 15, 2016. We will be sure he or she is included on the “Baby’s First Christmas” page which will be published in the newspaper on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. Please write your name on the back of your baby’s photograph and enclose a selfaddressed stamped envelope so we can return the photo to you.

Baby’s Name D.O.B. Parents’ Name Grandparents’ Name

All Photos Must Be Received by Thursday, December 15, 2016 Mail the coupon below, your baby’s photo, SASE and your payment to Baby’s First Christmas, c/o The Mechanicsville Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA. 23116 or email: cgrant@mechlocal.com

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Baby’s Name _____________________________________________ Parent’s Name(s) _________________________________________ Grandparents’ Name(s)____________________________________ Date of Birth_____________________________________________

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Please print the names as you wish them to appear in the newspaper. All professionally taken photographs must contain the name of the photography studio for photo credits______________________________________

Name_____________________________Home Phone ___________ Address ________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________ Daytime Phone _____________

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Got a news tip? Call Melody Kinser at 804-775-4622 If it’s important to you, it’s important to us! The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

Reader: Hillary was the issue in her loss How did Donald Trump get elected? After Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, this very question was asked by many. In particular, the biased media could not understand it. They couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wrap their mind around it. They were perplexed. After all, the mainstream media was against Trump, some Republicans were against him. On the other hand, Hillary

had the media; she had celebrities; she had the support of most in the Democratic Party and even some support of some in the Republican Party; she had a lot more money for her campaign. Again, they just could not understand it. So because they could not understand how and why Trump won, they started with their attacks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about racism and sexism. This is false. Again, the left is out of touch with the people in this country. Maybe if they really thought about it, maybe they could see that it had a lot to do with Hillary herself and the policies that she supports and the policies that have been intact with

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this current administration. This election was about the values of God. The Christian Americans have witnessed the ongoing policies of the last eight years. The redefining of marriage, continued support of abortion, continued funding of Planned Parenthood, continuing to push non-traditional values on our children in the public school system, continuing to take God out of everything. It also was about the U.S. Supreme Court justices that will be appointed; it was about limited government; it was about religious liberty, healthcare, common core, school choice, jobs, the debt, protecting the Second Amendment, building up the military, and keeping America safe. Was Donald Trump my choice for the Republican nominee? Actually, he was not. I was a Ted Cruz supporter. But, as the election cycle continued, I continued to pray. A lot of Christians around this country were all praying. We were asking for Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mercy, confessing our sins, asking for conviction in our hearts, repenting, asking for a second chance to turn back to God and His ways. We prayed God would open our eyes, to soften our hearts, to put Him as the priority in our lives, that we would have revival in our own hearts, in our families, in our churches, in our communities. I do believe that God intervened in this election. I believe He heard our prayers. I believe a lot was revealed to us about the corruption in our government. I believe He allowed this. If you think about it, not only did the Republicans win the presidency, but also the House and the Senate. I believe this again was Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand.

I believe He has given us an opportunity right now to turn back to Him. I believe this is just the start of something great for our country. I hope and pray that we will accept this opportunity. We must continue to be engaged at every level of government. We must hold Congress and the President accountable to uphold the Constitution. It is our responsibility to do so whether they are Republican or Democrat or Independent or Libertarian. We must continue to pray for all our leaders that they would humble themselves before God and ask for wisdom and discernment as they lead our country. We have to continue to elect those that support Christian values. We have an opportunity to work with God on this earth, to do His will, to bring glory to Him, to have a close relationship with Him through the saving grace of His only Son, Jesus Christ. So, my simple answer to the question: How did Donald Trump get elected? I believe it was Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s merciful and miraculous intervening. Let me be clear, I am not saying that Donald Trump and the Republicans are going to save us. I am saying that God has allowed us as a country to turn ourselves around and get back to submitting ourselves to Him and obeying Him and glorifying Him and standing up for His ways. As I finish this opinion piece, I would like to make a few important statements. Our country needs God. Our country needs Jesus Christ. God is in control, we are not. He knows what is best and

we do not. His ways are always good, even if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand. Sometimes He uses people that we may not necessarily choose. In that situation, we just have to trust Him. We serve a loving, compassionate, merciful, awesome God. Again, we have the opportunity to have a relationship with Him by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who took away our sins, who took the punishment that we deserve, who died for us, and rose on the third day. Jesus Christ conquered death and has already conquered the world. Because of Him we can come before our righteous God and we can have a personal ongoing relationship with our God. Because of Jesus Christ we have the great opportunity to work with God every single day that we live. We all need God and we all need Jesus Christ. 2 Chronicles 7:14; John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 2: 1-6; and John 14:6 Rebecca Stallings Mechanicsville

Coordinator: Thanks for support A big â&#x20AC;&#x153;thanksâ&#x20AC;? to all of you who recently came out to the Great American Indian Exposition and Pow-Wow. We shared the grounds with three other shows and that seemed to work out OK. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the exact date yet for Richmond or Howard County, but we will probably be at each around the same time as this year (Howard County â&#x20AC;&#x201D; July 22-23, 2017, and Richmond â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nov. 11-12,

2017). A school program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 2017, in Richmond. We will send a notice when we are â&#x20AC;&#x153;set in stoneâ&#x20AC;?. Congratulations to Chanda Lowhorn of Newport News for winning the pottery door prize and Lonnie Richardson Jr. of Richmond for winning the raffle. I am asking each to send an email indicating that they received their prize. Every year, we evaluate the programs that we present and it is important that we get feedback from all of you. Please send feedback. We know that all of you have many projects and activities pulling at your disposable dollars. We again thank all of you for spending a little time with us this year to learn about our culture. We hope to see all of you next year or at a future event we sponsor. On a personal note, I am retiring at the end of the year and I would like to add two or three pow-wows to my schedule. Please send me an email if you have any suggestions on a place or places that would welcome our programs. Many of you change email carriers during the year. If you change, please take us along. Great Pow-Wow (my Tribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebration) 52nd Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribal Pow-Wow will be held April 14-16, 2017, in Hollister, North Carolina, with over 500 dancers, singers and drummers. Join us! Call 252-586-4017 or visit the Tribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. We wish all of you Happy Holidays and nothing but the best in 2017. Again, we thank all of you for your support! Barry Richardson Pow-Wow coordinator

If you would like to share your opinion with our readers, email mkinser@mechlocal.com. A complete address and telephone number are required. They are not published.

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SPEED Continued from pg. 1

the area. The board also expressed its non-support of a third rail option that would place a third elevated rail through the center

of Ashland. The resolution states that option â&#x20AC;&#x153;would dramatically impact the economic vitality and character of the Town and eliminate vehicular access and severely restrict pedestrian access for many of the exist-

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OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals LINDA ADAMS Linda Shockley Adams, 69, of Hopewell, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Carlos R. and Rebecca Grubb Shockley, and was preceded in death by two sisters, Peggy King and Thelma Bruce. Linda is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Nancy and Willie Henshaw and Mary Slate, all of North Chesterfield; brothers, Ray Shockley and fiancee, Joyce

Eubank, of Richmond, and Charles Eugene Shockley, of Mechanicsville. Other survivors include 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2016, at Mt. Mitchell UMC Cemetery, conducted by the Reverend Donn Sunshine. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at grubbfuneralhome.com. Grubb Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

MARGARET W. BUMPASS Margaret W. Bumpass, age 88, of Mechanicsville, died Friday, November 25, 2016, at Bon Secours Community Hospice House. She was born December 10, 1927, to Robert E. and Lillie Diamond Wiggins. Margaret was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had worked for C&P, Bell Atlantic and Verizon, retiring after 30 years of faithful

service. She is survived by her children, Margaret Ann Weaver of La Junta, Colorado, and Katherine Elaine Pitts of Cummings, Georgia; four grandchildren, Rachel Backman, Melanie Weaver, Lindsay Weaver (Daniel Miles) and Katie Weaver; two great-grandchildren, Mason Weaver and Winnie MilesWeaver; nieces, nephews and friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Conway M. Bumpass; her parents; and two brothers, Robert E. Wiggins Jr. and Douglas D. Wiggins. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Wednesday, November 30, 2016) at Woody Funeral Home, Atlee Chapel, at 9271 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the Church of Jesus Christ

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AGNESS CHAMBERLAIN Agness Dingledine Chamberlain, of Reedville, died peacefully on Monday, November 21, 2016. She was the wife of the late Norris Chamberlain Sr. and the daughter of the late Agness S. and Raymond C. Dingledine see OBITUARIES, pg. 11

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DONALD BUSH Donald James Bush, of Mechanicsville, died November 20, 2016. Born May 22, 1963, in Newport News, Donald was preceded in death by his father, James R. Bush, and his partner, Margaret Franklin. He is survived by his parents, George and Hannah Kraynak; his sister, Joy Kraynak; and his stepmother, Pat Bush. Donald took great pride and enjoyment in his work as a horticulturist and later as a driver to the former Delegate Frank D. Hargrove Sr. Donald was

best known for his enthusiasm for the Dallas Cowboys, Rush and comedy. He loved to lend a helping hand and inspire laughter. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on December 3, 2016, at the Catholic Church of the Redeemer at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville. Burt Olsen of Monaghan Funeral Home in Mechanicsville was in charge of arrangements.

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Sr. of Harrisonburg. Surviving her are her four children, Norris Chamberlain Jr. (Tina) of Mechanicsville, Jean Evans (Mark) of Raleigh, North Carolina, Elizabeth Lovering (Mark) of Virginia Beach and Sarah Gorham (Earnie) of Bristow. She was blessed with four grandsons, four granddaughters, three stepgrandsons, one CHAMBERLAIN greatgrandson and one greatgranddaughter, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was a native of Harrisonburg. In 1951, she graduated from Madison College (now JMU), with a degree in home economics. After graduating, she moved to Warrenton, where she taught home economics, met and married her husband of 60 years. She resided in Fredericksburg from 1964 to 1988, where she worked for

the Fredericksburg City Public Schools. In 1988, she and her husband retired to their home on Whays Creek in Reedville. Mrs. Chamberlain was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Kilmarnock, belonged to Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, was a member of the White Stone PEO Chapter and a devoted housewife. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at the River Road Presbyterian Church at 8960 River Road in Richmond. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Agness S. Dingledine Scholarship Fund at www.jmu.edu/give or the PEO-BH Chapter, White Stone.

EDWARD F. CUTRIGHT Edward “Ed” F. Cutright, 64, of Mechanicsville, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at his home while supported by an adoring family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Lynn Cutright; two sons, Stephen Cutright (Amanda) and John Cutright (Caitlynn); four grandchildren, Evan, Dayna, Ainsley and Savannah; sister, Lynn Rice (Robert); one

nephew, David Rice; sister-inlaw, Suellen; and brother-inlaw, Bill Brogan (Nancy). Ed was born March 21, 1952 in Opalocka, Florida, and CUTRIGHT grew up with his mother (Mabel), father (Harold) and sister (Lynn) in Louisiana, Texas and Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1974 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and was employed as a Professional Engineer for Delta Airport Consultants Inc. He also was a former business co-owner and President working in the field of airport electrical construction. He had a keen knowledge of airport design and construction, something for which he loved going to work every day and probably would have never retired. Ed was a pilot with a passion for flying and was in his element in an airplane. He was comfortable flying through any situation, as can be attested to by family and friends who flew with him for either business trips or for leisure. Ed was a rock

for the entire family, someone who could be counted on for any type of help or advice. He loved spending time with his family and spent most of his weekends enjoying smiles and hugs with his grandchildren. Ed enjoyed experiencing the world and making memories traveling with his wife, sons and friends, scuba diving, visiting national parks and otherwise enjoying the outdoors (except mowing the lawn), and Virginia Tech football. A Funeral Mass and celebration of his life was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2016, at St. Anne’s Church at 105 South Snead Street in Ashland. Bennett Funeral Home in Mechanicsville was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer. org/donate).

ROBERTA FELDMAN Roberta Davenport Feldman, age 85, of Mechanicsville, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at her home. She was born January 30, 1931, in Deep Run, Lenoir County, North Carolina, to Louis Henry and Lena Fordham see OBITUARIES, pg. 13

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Deck the Halls event on Sunday to benefit Hanover Safe Place Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The 14th Annual Deck The Halls!, a fundraising event to support Hanover Safe Place, which provides a variety of services in Hanover County for women and children in crisis, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at Pine Grove Farm, the home of Carolyn and Jerry Peart, at 12438 Elmont Rd. in Ashland. The entry donation is $35 for adults and $10 for children. Guests receive up to three wreath forms and three premade bows to make fresh decorations for their homes, offices, wherever. They can make additional swags, table

runners, roping, etc., and their own bows. “We supply wreath forms, wire, clippers, decorations (all natural) to include several types of pine cones, holly berries, beauty berry, winterberry, juniper berry,” Carolyn Peart said. Greenery, including fir, cedar, holly, boxwood, pine, magnolia, etc., also will be available. Pre-made bows or ribbon to make your own are provided. Candles and holiday decorations are offered for festive table centerpieces. Peart said there will be 25 to 30 coaches (garden club and decorating experts) on hand to help with creations. Tables are set up with wire, clippers, gloves, wreath forms, etc., and a gardening “expert” at

each table to teach and mentor. For those who may not be interested in creating, there are decorations being sold at low prices. They are made by experts from area garden clubs. For an additional donation, fully decorated wreaths, swags and table toppers created by design experts with freshly cut greens may be purchased. Peart welcomes those attending to visit the 1905 barn, which is heated with a wood stove. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee, cider and plates full of homemade goodies are served there. “In the spirit of ‘green,’ we use our special Deck The Halls mugs,” Peart added. Drop-off for the handicapped, elderly and guests is at Pine Grove Farm at 12438

CMS FFA captures first in central area forest contest Staff Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE — The Chickahominy Middle School FFA took first place honors in the central area forestry contest, held in Goochland County on Nov. 1. After placing second in the federation competition behind the Atlee High School FFA in October, Chickahominy

Middle School was able to win first place, beating out all other middle and high schools. CMS was represented by the following FFA members: Jake Huffman, Ben Huffman, Brett Alvis, Reid Glass, and Andrew Farrell, and CMS Agriculture teacher Nick Robinson. The CMS FFA now heads to the state competition in the spring.

The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

Elmont in Ashland. All other parking is at Henry Clay Elementary School on Hanover Street in Ashland. The Holiday Trolley will drive attendees ½mile to the event at the farm. As for supplies, Peart said the event has grown too large for their farm to supply the greenery. “We asked a variety of historic estates in Hanover if we could trim their greenery. All said yes. Our suppliers are Hickory Hill, Winterberry, Photo submitted by Carolyn Peart and Maplewood. Claybrooke “Look what I made at Deck The Halls!” a guest proudly shows Farms.” They supply Canaan her new skills, made while sipping cocoa and eating holiday and Frasier Fir. treats in the barn. Sponsors include Claybrooke Farms, ACE Club of Ashland, Green Visions 9131 or 804-543-5765 or visit Hardware of Ashland, Maine Consulting, and Starbucks of www.deckthehallsva.org. For more information Wreath Company, Ashwood Ashland. For more information, con- about Hanover Safe Place, visit Gardens, The Flower Market/ Vogue Flowers, The Garden tact Carolyn Peart at 804-798- www.hanoversafeplace.com.

Vets honored Photo submitted by Rebecca Fry

Chickahominy Middle School celebrated its annual Veterans Day breakfast on Friday, Nov. 11, with students inviting family members who are veterans, as well as active duty personnel, to join them for a ceremony and breakfast. The Atlee High School AFJROTC color guard opened the ceremony with the posting of the colors. This year’s speakers included eighthgraders Ross George and Ethan Ringer, as well as sixth-grader Chelsea Brown. Food was donated by CMS parents, PTA, and staff members. The breakfast began almost 15 years ago with 50 guests in attendance. This year the school hosted almost 300 veterans and students.

Davenport, who named her Rachel Roberta Davenport. Roberta graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria in June of 1948 and received her B.A. at Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, in June of 1952. She taught school in Somerset County, Maryland, until she married George Edwin Feldman on March 20, 1952, in Salisbury, Maryland. Roberta and George raised five children. The family moved into the Greater Richmond area in 1965. Roberta was a substitute teacher for a while and then worked at North American Insurance Company for a number of years. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, George Feldman; daughters, Nancy Feldman and Laura Feldman; and her children, Shannon Southard, Sandra Kalamaras (Greg) and their son, Nathan; and Valerie Broaddus (Rob) and their son, Evan, daughter, Paula Feldman (Billy Goodman) and her son, Scott Walsh (Heather) and their children, Declan, Aiden and Ian; her daughter, Susan Winn (Josh) and their chilFELDMAN dren, Duncan and Ellie; son, Richard Feldman (Wendy) and their children, Nikki, Cory, Jada and Micah Feldman and Ben Wilcher (Suntary); daughter, Leslie Feldman and her daughter, Ashley Amos. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the New Hanover

JEAN FOXWELL Jean Rowe Foxwell, of Henrico, died Wednesday, November 23, 2016. She is survived by her brother, Albert Foxwell, of Mechanicsville; nephews, Albert Andrew Foxwell and John Hilton Foxwell, of Mechanicsville, Eugene Alexander, of Chesterfield, and Craig Crawford, of London, England; nieces, Jennie F. Wood, of Henrico, Jacqueline H. Willard, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Candice Crawford, of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Jean was preceded in death by her father, Hilton Andrew Foxwell; mother, Jennie Rowe Foxwell; sisters, Hilton F. Crawford, Antoinette F. Howell and Virginia F. Hale; and brother, John B. Foxwell. Jean retired from C & P and Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies with over 40 years of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Cancer Society. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at Woody Funeral Home-Atlee Chapel at 9271 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville.

DOROTHY HOLZBACH Dorothy Whitlock Holzbach, 84, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 21, 2016. She passed peacefully with her family by her side. She spent many years working in the

MDA association. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin B. Holzbach; son, Benjamin B. Holzbach Jr. “Marck”; daughter, Teresa H. Hutcherson; parents, Floyd and Mattie Whitlock; brothers, David, William and Lindsay Whitlock. She is survived by her daughter, Darlene H. Davis; daughter-in-law, Beryl Holzbach; granddaughters, Jessica Crawford, LeeAnn Walpole, Kristina Davis, Alison Fogg and Diana Davis; greatgrandchildren, Paul, Emily, HOLZBACH Dylan, Haileigh, Reagan, Charlie and baby Fogg; brother, Russell F. Whitlock Jr.; sisters, Verna Whitlock Crowder and Betty Whitlock Poore. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home at 8014 Lee-Davis Road. Interment followed at Gethsemane Church of Christ Cemetery. The family would like to thank At Home Hospice Care and Special Home Caregivers, Rhonda, Sharon, Sonya, Michelle and Melissa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond, 4600 Cox Rd., Ste. 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or Gethsemane Church of Christ Cemetery Fund, 5146 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

ALLEN INGE Allen Keith Inge Sr., of Mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 21, 2016. He was a member of the Chamberlayne Baptist Church. He served

his country as a member of the United States Army in the Occupational Forces while in Germany. Mr. Inge had retired from both Republic Steele and Hanover Engineering. He enjoyed woodworking, target shooting, cars, and delicious food. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Aurelius and Alice Inge. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Long Inge; son, Allen K. Inge Jr.; daughter, Jean I. Crawford (Bill); granddaughters, Katie Kreamer (Ryan) and Amy Ardy (Chris); great-grandsons, Cole Kreamer and Austin Ardy; brother, Addison T. Inge (Linda); and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, November 28, 2016, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home at 8014 Lee-Davis Road. Interment followed in Westhampton Memorial and Cremation Park in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond, 4600 Cox Rd., Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or Chamberlayne Baptist Church, 215 Wilkinson Rd., Richmond, Va 23227.

MYRTLE JACKSON Myrtle Childress Jackson, 92, of Mechanicsville, the last Childress child of her generation, joined her brothers and sisters in her heavenly eternal home at 5:53 p.m on JACKSON Thursday, November 24, 2016. She was in perfect peace when she was finally called home. Myrtle was a member of the Mechanicsville Baptist Church. She loved her fam-

ily and was affectionately referred to by her grandchildren as “Big Mama” or “Gram.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Eden V. Jackson Jr.; six brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her children, David R. Jackson (Debi), Eden V. Jackson III (Becky) and Marie Jackson Porter (Bill); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday,

December 1, 2016, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home at 8014 Lee-Davis Road, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, with interment to follow at Washington Memorial Park in Sandston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Mechanicsville Baptist Church, 8016 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. see OBITUARIES, pg. 20

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9159 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, VA The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

ASHLAND/WESTERN HANOVER | Also serving the communities of Montpelier, Beaverdam, Rockville and Doswell

Ashland will be singing as town lights up the tracks Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Participants are invited to join in a Community Chorus that will lead the Sing-Along for the Light up the Tracks event at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Ashland Main Street Association, the Town of Ashland, CSX, Amtrak and other cooperating groups such as Randolph-Macon College and the Hanover Arts and Activities Center are leading the Light Up the Tracks event. The goal is to create a “holiday card” atmosphere in Ashland, and especially along the railroad tracks, through festive decorations and lights that will entertain train passengers, crews, visitors and those who live here. At 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3, there will be a countdown and the giant Christmas tree and other lights will be turned on. Lorie Foley and Sue Watson, with music director Fred Horn, are gathering a

File photo courtesy of Dan Bartges

Ashland’s “Light Up the Tracks” Grand Illumination will get underway at 5:3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Dan Bartges shared these photos from last year’s inaugural event. He did say the 2016 holiday festivity will have a slight change in venue. Last year’s lighting and choral music were held at the Henry Clay Inn. To better accommodate the large attendance, this year’s lighting/music will be at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, about two blocks from the Henry Clay Inn on the railroad tracks. This year, Bartges added, almost all shops and restaurants along the tracks will be open that evening. “Hope you’ll come. I can guarantee that the event will put you and your family in the holiday spirit; it’s like an episode from Andy of Mayberry,” he said. During “Light Up the Tracks” Bartges said “Ashland becomes a mile-long holiday greeting card for train passengers and crews as well as visitors -- from Dec. 3 through New Year’s. Every night, motorists can drive along Center Street from one end of town to the other and experience the exact same display of lights (grand Victorian homes and shops are all decorated) as seen by train passengers.”

large Community Volunteer Chorus to lead the music during the 30-minute Sing-Along that will follow the lighting of the tree. “We encourage anyone who can sing, young and old

— kindergarten age and up — to come to the only rehearsal for this program, on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center,” the trio said. “There will be a song that requires harmony, singing

Beaverdam VFD and BES PTA hosting Santa Breakfast, Shopping Staff Report news@mechlocal.com BEAVERDAM – The Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department will host a Santa Breakfast and Shopping from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Beaverdam fire station. Joining in the event will be members of the Beaverdam

Elementary School PTA. The PTA is looking for volunteers for the event — from bake sale donations that do not require attendance to helping kids wrap presents for their family. For more information on helping the PTA, go to http:// w w w. s i g nup ge n iu s . c om / go/20f0548adaa22a1ff2-santa.

The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

in parts, and other songs that will be sung all together.” Watson said they will “repeat the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song and would like to have the performers from last year to re-enact their

impressive roles. Others may want to join in. Since there will be only one rehearsal, attendance is essential to be a part of this choir. “We encourage good singers of all ages (kindergarten

and up) to come and help lead the entire greater Ashland community in our giant singalong,” Foley added. For more information, call Foley at 804-339-6175 or Sue Watson at 804-798-5686.

Town Hall/Study Community Input session set Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – A Town Hall Study/ Community Input session will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Henry Clay Elementary School at 310 S. James St. in Ashland. Ashland Town Council is considering renovating the current Ashland Town

Hall or building a new town hall. Council members are requesting the input of members of the community. The event is open to the public, and dinner will be provided. For more information about town hall, the process, and the community event, click on http://ashlandtownhall.wixsite. com/home.

IF YOU GO . . . 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 Henry Clay Elementary School 301 S. James St. Ashland

For more information on this page, contact Melody Kinser, managing editor, at 804-775-4622 or email mkinser@mechlocal.com

Continued from pg. 4

Group; Hanover Christmas Mother Ginger Stanley; U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman; United for Christ; Grand Marshal Wicker in the Morning, Jeff Wicker and Anna. Smith Auto Service; Highland Springs High School

SPEED Continued from pg. 9

of its campus.â&#x20AC;? In the approved document, board members also expressed objections to the process that has been less than collaborative, at least thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perceived locally. Even though VDRPT has published numerous releases regarding options, communication between localities and the agency has been limited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There has been no effective mechanism for collaborative dialogue between VDRPT and County and Town representatives,â&#x20AC;? the resolution

Marching â&#x20AC;&#x153;Battalionâ&#x20AC;? Band; Highland Springs High School CheerleadingSquad;Cinderella Scholarship Pageant, Miniature Miss Virginia Emily Fleming. Eastern Hanover Volunteer Fire Department #3; McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ronald McDonald; J. Harrison Moncure, Nationwide Agent; Team 720;

Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Show Car Club; Awful Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; Girl Scouts of King William County. The Mechanicsville Local; Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Squad 7; Central Virginia Corvair Club; Village Bank; Cub Scout Pack 555; East Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Atlee Air Force JROTC; Blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s K-9s; MCEF (Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions); Boy Scout Troop 503; Lee-Davis High School NJROTC Unit; Girl Scout Troop 5274; Rods-R-Us. Tuckaway, Harbor Child Development Center; Marshall Hall; Black Creek Volunteer Fire

Department; Colonial Truck Sales Inc.; Cub Scout Troop 553; The Pollards; Central Virginia Mustang Club. EVB; Hanover AllCounty Marching Band (LeeDavis, Hanover and Atlee); Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Engine 7; Astro Events of Richmond; Atkinson

Insurance Agency. Atlee Church, KidStuf; The Zehringer Family; Mike Walsh Masonry Inc.; Girl Scout Troop 5296; Capital City Collision; Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Mechanicsville; Mechanicsville Little League; Lee-Davis FFA Chapter.

states. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are trying to bring attention to the Virginia DRPT and the Federal Rail Administration that there are other options that could be explored other than those proposed,â&#x20AC;? board chairman Aubrey M. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buckyâ&#x20AC;? Stanley, Beaverdam District, said. He cited that lack of communication as a prime reason for the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action. In recommending the DRPT abandon its current options of a third rail or western bypass, board members suggested alternative routes for consideration. The Buckingham Branch, a

short connector rail line from Doswell to Richmond, could provide another area for exploration, but Stanley said there are no easy answers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not recommending we put all that traffic on Buckingham Branch,â&#x20AC;? Stanley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whether the Buckingham Branch will work or not, but the reason we want to do this is to explore other options.â&#x20AC;? The chairman left little room for question as to the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position on the western bypass options. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we want to abandon that idea of going west,â&#x20AC;? Stanley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about houses,

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. No railroad has been there before so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a complete change.â&#x20AC;? Vice chair Angela KellyWiecek, Chickahominy District, voted for the resolution but did offer a further explanation of the Buckingham Branch portion of the resolution. That rail line runs through the Chickahominy District near Atlee, raising new concerns from those residents.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our resolution is referring to the northern portion of the Buckingham Branch not the majority of the branch that runs through the Chickahominy District,â&#x20AC;? she said. Stanley said he had received more citizen contact and comment on this subject than in any other in recent memory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The last one that was this big was a proposed nuclear waste dump in western

Hanover a few years back.â&#x20AC;? The resolution urges the FRA and VDRPT to initiate collaborative discussions with community officials and citizens regarding future options that would achieve the desired results â&#x20AC;&#x153;while minimizing the impact on residents, businesses and institutions and preserving the historic character and economic vitality of the County and Town.â&#x20AC;?

see SANTA, pg. 25

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The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Wednesday, Nov. 1, to Monday, Dec. 5 The Lee-Davis High School Band Boosters is holding a “Get with the PROgram” raffle to raise money for the L-DHS band programs. Tickets are $10 each, and every ticket has three chances to win one or all of the following prizes: an Apple MacBook Pro laptop, an iPad Pro (128GB), and a GoPro Hero 4 silver action camcorder with accessories. For tickets, see any band student. Sales end Monday, Dec. 5, and the drawing will be held on Friday, Dec. 9.

Friday, Dec. 2 A Soaking Prayer service will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Healing Place Center for Counseling and Spiritual Formation. The Healing Place is located at the First Shiloh Baptist Church (Youth Center) at 8150 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. The Soaking Prayer service provides an opportunity to pray in a quiet setting and is open to the community. For more information, contact The Healing Place staff at 804-730-1348.

Saturday, Dec. 3 Enon UMC Salt Fish Breakfast will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at 9156 Studley Rd. in Mechanicsville. The buffet includes: salt fish, bacon, eggs, grits, sausage gravy, hash browns and apples. The cost is $8 (children 6 and under eat free). Proceeds benefit the Methodist Men mission projects.

Sunday, Dec. 4 Guy Penrod will be in Christmas concert at 6 p.m. in the Worship Center at the Cool Spring Baptist Church at 9283 Atlee Station Rd. in Mechanicsville. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 and

$30 and may be purchased at iTickets.com or in the Church Music Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 John Tracy will perform Christmas classics at 7 p.m. in the Free Heritage Music series at Hanover Tavern. For more information, visit hanovertavern.org.

Thursday, Dec. 8 Celebrate Hanover! from 6 to 9 p.m. with the Hanover Chamber of Commerce at site host The Manor House at Kings Charter at 9400 Charter Crossing Drive in Mechanicsville. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Tickets are $45 for Chamber members and non-members. Payments are available online via PayPal; checks or cash on-site. Celebrate Hanover! is being presented in partnership with MAP. Presenting sponsors are Cavalier Rifle & Pistol Club and EVB. A free Hanover High School Winter Orchestra Concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the HHS Auditorium, featuring holiday favorites. Those attending are asked to bring a canned food for a food collection drive

Saturday, Dec. 10 The Hanover Courthouse Volunteer Fire Company will host a Santa Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m.. at Station 5 at 13326 Hanover Courthouse Rd. in Hanover. The morning menu includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, hot apples and hot and cold beverages. Children under 2 years of age eat free, 2 to 9 years cost $3 and everyone 10 years of age and over pays only $6. All proceeds benefit Station 5’s volunteer training and operating funds. Santa Claus will be on hand and

The Mechanicsville Local

will welcome those “wish list” letters from eager kids. Bring your camera for photos. Those attending are encouraged to ask about a volunteer membership with the organization. For more information, call 804365-4905 or 804-662-9751. Chickahominy Fire Company – Station 10 will host Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. at Fire-EMS Station 10 at 10414 Leadbetter Rd. in Ashland. The company’s fundraisers often support training, equipment and supplies for members serving the area’s citizens. Breakfast, featuring traditional fare, and family photos with Santa will be included. The breakfast cost is $7 for all over 10, $5 for kids aged 5 top 10, and children under 5 eat free. Those attending are encouraged to ask about volunteering with Company 10. Membership opportunities also are available. For more information, call 804-550-3473. Pamunkey River Garden Club will meet from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Rooms 111-113 at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church at the corner of Shady Grove Road and Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville. Those interested are invited to bring their creativity and plan for an enjoyable morning doing something for others. Christmas cup flower arrangements will be made for Meals on Wheels. The Christmas cup arrangements will be delivered with the meals that will be delivered at Christmas time. Participants are encouraged to bring pruners or clippers (to trim flower stems) and some greenery from their yards. The group will go to lunch after finishing the cup arrangements. For more information, contact Liz Martin, president, at 804559-0898.

November 30, 2016

Holy Cross Lutheran Church located at 11515 Ashcake Rd. in Ashland will host its 7th Annual Homemade Christmas Cookie Sale from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. In addition to a variety of holiday cookies, there will be homemade baked goods, jams/jellies, relishes/pickles, fudge, candy and more. The proceeds from this sale will benefit Ashland Christian Emergency Services (ACES) and Hanover Safe Place. For more information, call 804-798-6937. The Lee-Davis High School Student Council Association will present Cookies With Santa from 9 a.m. to noon at the L-DHS Commons. Children attending the event will rotate through several holiday activities led by the SCA students. Activities include decorating a cookie, creating an ornament, listening to a story, and visiting with Santa. The cost is $5 per child. Proceeds will help enable SCA students to attend the Virginia Student Council Association Conference in March.

Sunday, Dec. 11 A “Birthday Party for Jesus,” followed by Christmas caroling, will begin at 6 p.m. at the New Bethesda Baptist Church at 9019 New Bethesda Rd. The annual Renaissance Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting will begin at 7 p.m. at Hanover Tavern. The Patrick Henry High School Madrigal Singers will perform highlights from a repertoire dating from the late Renaissance period to the present including many winter and holiday favorites. Immediately following the concert, the Madrigals will lead a carol-sing and tree lighting. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at hanovertavern.org.

ax submissions to calendar to 804-730-0476, email to mkinser@mechlocal.com or mail to 8460 TimesDispatch, Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 3 p.m. Wednesday 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. Salem Presbyterian will present a Christmas Music concert at 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after the concert.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 A Holiday Party will be held by the Hanover Airpark Business Association from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the James River Cellars Winery at 11008 Washington Hwy. in Glen Allen. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and dancing. The event is being sponsored by Village Bank.

Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 15, 16 and 17 A Live Nativity will be presented at Rural Point Baptist Church at 6548 Studley Rd. in Mechanicsville. The public is invited to come see “The Reason for the Season” at the annual Live Nativity. Each night there will be two live performances, starting at 7 and 8 p.m. For more information, call 804-730-3226 or visit www.ruralpointbaptist.com.

Saturday, Dec. 17 The Black Creek Volunteer Fire Company will host a Holiday Breakfast With Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. at Station 12 at at 6397 McClellan Rd. in Mechanicsville. A hot breakfast of pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, apples, milk, juice and coffee will be served. Children 2 and under eat free. Kids at ages 3 to 12 years cost $5 and all 13 years and older are admitted for $7 each. Santa Claus will be on hand. Personal cameras are welcome for holiday photos. Those attending are encouraged to ask about a membership and volunteering with the organization. It is a family, all ages event. For more informa-

tion, call 804-781-0519.

Sunday, Dec. 18 The Christmas Cantata, “One Small Child,” will be presented at 6 p.m. by the Adult Choir at the New Bethesda Baptist Church at 9019 New Bethesda Rd. A Christmas Cantata will begin at 6 p.m. at Rural Point Baptist Church at 6548 Studley Rd. in Mechanicsville. The Rural Point Choir will present “Breath of Heaven.” For more information, call 804-730-3226 or visit www.ruralpointbaptist.com.

Saturday, Dec. 24 A Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service will be held at 5 p.m. at the New Bethesda Baptist Church at 9019 New Bethesda Rd.

Ongoing Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy.leigh@verizon.net. Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m., at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-9645 or email kjfaith1@gmail.com.

Photo submitted by Sgt. James R. Cooper

Deputies with the Hanover County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office joined with the Kroger at Rutland to make Thanksgiving special for some senior citizens.

Deputies make holiday special MECHANICSVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Deputies with the Hanover County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office gathered on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at the Rutland Kroger and loaded 20 Thanksgiving dinners into their patrol cars. The dinners were distributed to seniors throughout Hanover County. Sgt. James R. Cooper said the seniors that received these dinners are part of the TRIAD-sponsored program called AdoptA-Senior. The intent of this program is to provide additional

support and reassurance for older adults with special needs. Targeted for participation are individuals or couples aged 60 and over who live alone and have limited mobility or medical problems which render them homebound, and who have limited family or social support. The Adopt-A-Senior program is intended to be one element of a supportive array of services within the community that assists older citizens to enjoy life with the greatest degree of dignity and as inde-

pendently as possible. For 13 years, the Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office has delivered dinners to seniors who participate in the Adopt-A-Senior program. The annual event is made possible through Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, and the deputiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ongoing partnership with the Hanover-Ashland TRIAD, the Mechanicsville Rotary Club, and the Rutland Kroger. To learn more about this program, visit http://www. hanovercounty.gov/Adopt-ASenior/.

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November 30, 2016

Kelly home opens for tour

T H E WA L L S A R E

TALKING. YOUR HOME IS

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Nick Liberante for The Local

The home of Dr. Dave Kelly and his wife Jean will be the focal point of the Ashland Museum Holiday Walking Tour and Reception at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Built by Julian Powers Fox for his brother Jennings and his wife Fannie in 1896, it is one of Ashland’s finest examples of Colonial Revival architecture. The tour will wind its way through the historic district, ending in a reception at the house. Each tour begins at the Ashland Museum. There will be historic cars available for a ride back to the museum at the 2 p.m. tour.

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The Mechanicsville Local

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November 30, 2016

Photo submitted by Dale R. King 419398-01

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8235 Mechanicsville Tnpk Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804)746-7781

Cindy King and her girlfriends, April Ware and Tammy DeLeo (also known as The Party Starters) took a copy of The Mechanicsville Local with them to Cancun, Mexico.

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Photo submitted by Bruce Haynes

Bruce and Maureen Haynes took The Mechanicsville Local along on their recent visit to Lucerne. Switzerland.

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The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

OBITUARIES Continued from pg. 13

WILLIAM LACKER William Ralph Lacker, 87, of Richmond, the son of the late Charles Lacker and Jeannette Galloway Lacker and husband of the late Marion Pharis Spears (“Mern”) Lacker, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2016. He was preceded in death by Charlie, his beloved wire-haired dachsund. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Lacker; his son, Jeffrey Lacker and his wife, Lisa LACKER

Halberstadt; his grandsons, Benjamin Lacker and Daniel Lacker and his wife, Maria Abascal. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bill attended

Transylvania University (“first college west of the Alleghenies”) in Lexington, Kentucky, where he studied under Austrian-born artist, printer and typographer, Victor Hammer. After work in retail and broadcasting, in 1960 he and his young family moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City, where he went into marketing and commercial printing. In 1974, Bill, Marion and Jennifer moved to Hollis, New Hampshire. After he and Marion retired, they moved to the Richmond area in 1997 to be near their children. William Lacker was a skilled woodworker and cabinet maker with an artistic sensibility and a fine eye for detail. He was a Master Gardener and in his retirement years took great pleasure in volunteering at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and in gardening around his home near Hanover Courthouse. He held strong, contrarian views about funerary prac-

tices, among many subjects. In an addendum to his will, he stipulated that there were to be no funeral or memorial services, no flowers, no contributions in his memory, and no public notices, and he suggested that his cremated remains be stored in a used coffee container. He wrote, however, that he recognized “that at the time these decisions are finally made I will be quite dead and therefore not a viable noisy participant in the decision making process.” While the family respects his wishes, they have decided to take advantage of his absence in order to publish this well-deserved notice, and to ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (lewisginter. org) or Beth Sholom Lifecare Community (bslcc.org).

DAVID SAUNDERS David Kelly Saunders, 58, of Chesterfield Virginia, went to be with the Lord on

ging r r n i t abt ra YeYaea r leCbele01t1h9th 1 r o1ur

Wednesday, November 23, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Jean Saunders. David is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Saunders; his loving children, Ashley Saunders Williams (Josh), David Saunders, Jonathan Saunders, Lindsey Gray, Ryan Saunders and Justin Saunders; his brother, Todd Saunders (Lisa); nephews, Brett Saunders (Deniz) and Trey Parrish; his niece, Krista Parrish; grandson, Jack Williams; and many other friends and family. His humorous and humble personality will be greatly missed. A SAUNDERS memorial service was held at noon Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the Mechanicsville Baptist Church at 8016 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Burt Olsen of Monaghan Funeral Home in Mechanicsville wasin charge of arrangements.

JERRY E. TATE Jerry E. “JET” Tate, 75, of Mechanicsville, passed away following a brief illness

Thursday, November 24, 2016. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Gray Wright Tate, and is survived TATE by his wife, Janis Bell Tate; son, J. Gray Tate and wife, Vickie; TATE daughter, Jeannette Eva Tate and fiancé, William Childress; three grandchildren, Kirsten, Sydney and Regan Tate; two stepdaughters, Julie Bell Petrak and husband, Chris, and Mary Curry and husband, Dave; two stepgrandchildren, Jenna and Sydney Curry; as well as many nieces and nephews. JET was a U.S. Army Vietnamera veteran and retired after over 35 years of service from Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield. For the last three years he served as Service Officer for American Legion Post 175 in Mechanicsville, also volunteering with his wife at McGuire Veterans Hospital filing disability claims for veterans. The family will

receive friends from 2 to 5 pm Saturday, December 3, 2016, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home at 8014 Lee-Davis Road. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 175, 8700 Bell Creek Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116.

MARY WILLIAMS Mary Perkins Williams, 90, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully in her home on November 22, 2016, and has been reunited with her husband and love of her life, Ralph M. Williams Jr., who passed away April 9, 2015. She was born in Richmond on February 16, 1926, to Joseph E. Perkins and Madeline Thorpe Perkins, also of Richmond. She was predeceased by her baby brother, Egbert Joseph Perkins. She was a devoted and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, WILLIAMS motherin-law, great-grandmother and sister-in-law. She is survived by her daughters, see OBITUARIES, pg. 25

MCEF to house ministries, oﬃces under one roof Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

www.bennettfuneralhomes.com 20

The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

MECHANICSVILLE — For the past 40 years, the MCEF (Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions) ministries (food pantry; clothing closets for adults, teens, children, infants and linens; financial assistance; and rides for seniors) have been housed in various Mechanicsville churches. Many of the closets are running out of space to support the donations they receive and the hours for each of these ministries vary by location. By consolidating its services, those in need

will have access to all the ministries in one location, volunteer resources will be much more efficient, and it will provide MCEF with a “face” in the community. The MCEF Advisory Board recently approved the location and funding proposal to house all ministries and offices under one roof at a leased space located at 7199 Stonewall Pkwy. in Mechanicsville. Donations are being accepted to help fund the build-out, the rent and overhead expenses of the new space. Donations should be mailed to MCEF, P.O. Box 604, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

Rabies vaccinations to be oﬀered Dec. 10 by county HANOVER -- All dogs and cats (including so-called “barn cats”) are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies at four months of age. For dogs, you also must have tags and a valid license proving the vaccination. Hanover Animal Control makes it easy for people to get their pets vaccinated by holding rabies vaccination clinics in the fall and winter. Vaccines will be administered at a cost of $8 per dog or cat.

The next rabies vaccination clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Hanover County Administration Building. The Administration Building is located at 7516 County Complex Rd. at Hanover Courthouse. The final rabies vaccination clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the East Hanover Rescue Squad. The East Hanover Rescue Squad is located at 8105 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville.

At each of these clinics, the veterinarian will administer the shots to the pet at your vehicle; do not bring pets into the building. You will complete your registration inside the facility and return to your vehicle. Drive to the area designated for vaccination. You will be expected to leave the vaccination area as soon as you are done. Only healthy, non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated. No wolf hybrids or animals other than domestic dogs or cats will be vaccinated.

The vaccination is good for up to three years unless the pet has never had a rabies vaccination before, in which case it is good for one year. Put the rabies tag on the dog’s collar and keep certificates for proof of vaccination. For more information about rabies or the upcoming rabies vaccination clinics in Hanover County, call Animal Control at 804365-6485. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

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The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

CELEBRATIONS | Births, Engagements, Weddings & Anniversaries

Married 50 years

Miss Milby, Mr. Crowder exchange vows on July 30 he marriage of Miss Tracy Marie Milby, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Milby of West Point to Mr. James “Jay” Wilson Crowder Jr., the son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crowder Sr. of Mechanicsville, took place Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Poroporone Baptist Church in Shacklefords. The Reverend Doug Davis officiated. The bride is the grandaughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Walton and the late Mr. Andrew Walton of Shacklefords and Mr. Vernie Taylor and the late Mrs. Jennie Taylor of Newport News. The groom is the grandson of Mrs. Ada Parsley and the late Henry Hunter Parsley Jr. and also Mr. and Mrs. Leroy David Crowder, all of Mechanicsville. The bride was escorted by Photo courtesy of Shot With A Bow Photography her father and given in marMR. and MRS. JAMES ‘JAY’ WILSON CROWDER JR. riage by her parents. the former Tracy Marie Milby Miss Noel Cline, best friend of the bride since grandfather, Mr. Vernie Groomsmen were third grade of West Point, Taylor. Hank Parsley and served as the bride’s maid The reception was held Michael Rickman of of honor. Bridesmaids at the Vintager Inn in New Mechanicsville, cousins of were: Lisa Weatherford of Kent. the groom, Travis Milby of Northern Virginia, Chelsea The bride teaches at West Point, brother of the Christian of New Kent, and West Point Elementary bride, and Sean Bolinskey Kristin Bertram of Illinois, School in West Point and the and Patrick Michie, all friends of the bride, and Groom farms on his family friends of the groom of Becca Watkins of New Kent farm, Crowder Farms, in Mechanicsville. and Ashley Wright of King Mechanicsville. A special musical William, both cousins of the The couple honeyarrangement was performed mooned in Key West, by Miss Annabelle Porter. bride. A special scripture readFlorida, and now reside in Mr. James W. Crowder Sr. ing was recited by the bride’s Mechanicsville. served as his son’s best man.

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

The Mechanicsville Local

November 30, 2016

Christmas Pops concert to be held at HAAC

Photo submitted by Patricia Clevinger

Herbert and Pat Clevinger of Mechanicsville celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on October 4, 2016, with a family dinner. They have three children: Carter Clevinger, Susan Womble and John Clevinger. They also have six grandchildren: Taylor Clevinger, Brooke Clevinger, Tyler Womble, Brandon Womble, Will Clevinger and Calli Clevinger.

The Hanover Concert Band, a community band of volunteers known as “The Musical Ambassadors for Hanover County,” will perform its annual Christmas Pops concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the end of the 26th year of providing music for audiences in the Metro Richmond area. The one-hour concert of Christmas music will be held in the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. The concert will feature musical selections of the Christmas season. The evening is described as “uniquely casual with complimentary light food, and beverages provided by the musicians.” Concert-goers are invited to enjoy the snacks during the concert. The concert is free, but band asks that attendees bring nonperishable food items for the Central Virginia Food Bank. The Hanover Concert Band is a 501(c)(3) organization. All cash or check donations to help fund its expenses are appreciated and are tax deductible.

New Highland Baptist welcomes senior pastor Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE — New Highland Baptist Church has welcomed a new senior pastor, Freddie Paul “Rusty” Mullins Jr. Rev. Mullins officially joined the congregation in his lead role on Monday, Nov. 21. Prior to joining NHBC, Rev. Mullins was the pastor at

North Fork Baptist Church in Blacksburg. An installation service is planned for early January. Rev. Mullins will live in Mechanicsville with his wife Jennifer and their children. The couple each received a master’s degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Rev. Mullins may be reached at rusty.mullins@ newhighlandbaptist.org or at

804-550-9601. New Highland Baptist Church is located at 9200 New Ashcake Road in Mechanicsville. NHBC invites the community to its Christmas cantata, which will feature a 25-piece orchestra and full choir, at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11. For more information about church service times and events, go to newhighlandbaptist.org.

WEDNESDAY EVENING 4 PM 4:30 5 PM