DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Vol. 34, No. 21 | Richmond Suburban News | September 27, 2017
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Panel sought deferral on rail plan By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local RESTON — Director of Transportation AubreyLaynetoldapackedCommonwealth Transportation Board meeting in Reston that the panel sought a deferral on a decision to pick a preferred route for the Ashland portion of a high-speed rail, but the request was denied by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). “We asked FRA if we could exclude this and bifurcate this decision for all the reasons many of the speakers brought out today and they declined,” Layne said. Layne, who also serves as chairman of the CTB, said the panel was confronted with the same issues that challenged the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and a special Community Advisory Committee (CAC) formed to study alternative routes. “Obviously, this issue is a difficult one
and it’s going to impact people not just economically but their lives regardless of whether it’s built today or 20 years from now,” Layne said. “Whatever decision is
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
The Ashland-Hanover Visitor’s Center is located in the heart of the town that is proud of its train heritage.
made is going to leave a cloud over whatever preferred alternative is taken.” The secretary noted many of the arguments presented seemed valid in his
mind. “I agree with most of the statements made today and that’s what makes these decisions so difficult,” Layne said. The Feds said a decision on the entire route was required before any consideration of funding for crucial improvements on the northern edge of the Richmond to Washington route. “They said we must select a preferred alternative in order to get the EIS (environmental impact study) forward and be able to move forward with the track improvements,” Layne said. In addition, not making a decision would not preclude the FRA from making a selection without that input. Layne said the board would consider all information regarding the selection of a preferred alternative to present to the FRA. see RAIL, pg. 13
School bus mechanic wins first place in competition
Photo submitted by Tom Harris
Timothy Hammock captured first place honors in the Virginia’s Best School Bus Technician Competition Virginia Association of Pupil Transportation. He is an automotive technician with Hanover County Fleet Services.
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
ASHLAND — Timothy Hammock, a school bus mechanic for Hanover County Fleet Services, is the best in the state at what he does. Hammock, an automotive technician, recently won first place in the Virginia’s Best School Bus Technician Competition Virginia Association of Pupil Transportation (VAPT) at the association’s annual conference. Hanover Fleet Services pro-
vides services to 1,100 vehicles, including 313 school buses. Hammock specializes in school bus maintenance and repair. He is one of 12 mechanics, five of which work on the school buses. He didn’t expect to win. “I went for the experience,” he said. “I didn’t care where I placed.” In the competition, Hammock and his fellow comsee MECHANIC, pg. 7
Blessing of Animals
Photo submitted by Neal Hanchey
As autumn arrives, so does the annual blessing of pets. A procession of animals, including dogs and cats, are usually led into a church for a special ceremony called a Blessing of Pets. This custom is in remembrance of St. Francis, whose Saint Day is Oct. 4. All Souls Episcopal Church invites members of the community and their pets to a procession at the grassy area at Rutland for a pet blessing at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. There will be pet prizes and fun for the entire family. A spokesman for the church said, “We respect the special bond between pets and their human servants, and hope to see you on Oct. 1 at the Pet Blessing.” Don Alexander is shown with his blessed friend.
Oct. 16 deadline to register to vote Monday, Oct. 16, is the deadline to register or make changes to your voter registration in time for the Nov. 7 General Election. The Hanover County Voter Registration and Elections Office reminds you to check your voter registration to make sure it is correct.
The Voter Registration and Elections Office will have special Saturday hours on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for In-Person Absentee voting. Saturday, Nov. 4, will be the last day you can vote in-person see VOTE, pg. 13