02/27/19

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DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Vol. 35, No. 43 | Richmond Suburban News | February 27, 2019

STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN

Piland, Clark receive top fire service awards Staff Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – Hanover County’s Fire-EMS chief has been recognized by Gov. Ralph Northam with a 2018 Governor’s Fire Service Award. Jethro Piland was named the recipient of the Excellence in Virginia Fire Services for surpassing his role as a fire services PILAND executive after four Hanover FireEMS firefighters were struck while responding to a crash on Interstate 295 during Hurricane Michael on Oct. 11, 2018. Among the four was Lt. Brad Clark, who succumbed to his injuries and died on the scene; two of the firefighters were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The

fourth firefighter suffered minor injuries. Throughout the night of Thursday, Oct. 11, and the days that followed, Chief Piland and his dedicated staff worked to meet the family’s needs while also quickly pushing out information to the public. Piland’s leadership and interaction with constituents exemplifies CLARK how a fire chief should be in today’s climate. Lt. Clark posthumously received the Virginia Career Firefighter of the Year honor. Without question, Northam said the selfless actions of Clark on Oct. 11, 2018, were heroic. Like he had so many times see AWARDS, pg. 8

Hanover County Board of Supervisors continues budget work; presentations made by superintendent and HR director of Hanover County Public Schools. turn to page 4.

Local mom appearing in cancer awareness campaign Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

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Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141

EW YORK – Mechanicsville resident Robin Hill will be one of the 29 people featured in a new PSA in Times Square next month for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Hill, a Stage III rectal cancer survivor, is an awareness ambassador for Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), the country’s leading advocacy organization focused on colorectal cancer policy and research. The PSA will launch during the NASDAQ Opening Bell Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28. Hill’s story will be featured on Fight CRC’s Facebook page and blog on Tuesday, March 12. Colon and rectal cancers (colorectal cancer) make up the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined. Sixty percent of colorectal can cer deaths could be prevented with screening. Hill has dedicated a year of volunteer time to Fight CRC to raise awareness about the impor-

tance of screening using her story in an effort to save lives. “I advocate for awareness. I want people of all ages to know the symptoms, and to not be afraid to ask a medical professional about screening. I want more screenings for more people at no cost. I want people to know that colorectal cancer is not only treatable, but it’s preventable,” Hill said. Her story is one of many stories launching the annual March Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaign, a movement uniting the over one million survivors of colorectal cancer and their loved ones to get behind a cure and prevent future cases with screening. “Each year we select a group of ambassadors to represent our community of over one million survivors four our March Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaign. Each year, our group of ambassadors bravely rally to raise awareness for this disease,” Anjee Davis, president of Fight CRC, said. “We hope their stories resonate with the over 30 million people 50 and over who have not been screened. And compel them to talk to their doctor about their screening options.” see CANCER, pg. 4

Robens seeks Beaverdam District seat Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- Crystal Robens is announcing her candidacy for the Hanover County Board of Supervisors for the Beaverdam District. For the past 50 years, the residents of the district have had only two men represent them, most of those years running unopposed. “I ROBENS want to bring new leadership to the county, drawing on my strong background solving federal government problems in my career,” Robens said. She is a native Hanoverian, having lived here for most of her life. “We have raised six boys who attended Hanover County Public Schools and I want to keep our schools strong for my grandchildren and our future generations.,” Robens added. “I will work hard to keep Hanover rural, while making the necessary improvements see ROBENS pg. 4


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