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Vol. 36, No. 9 | Richmond Suburban News | July 10, 2019
Bourassa and Axselle take top school board offices By Jim Ridolphi for the Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND -- In a unanimous vote, Hanover County School Board members tapped Mechanicsville District representative Roger Bourassa to chair the panel for the upcoming 12 months. During its annual regular reorganization meeting, the board also selected John Axselle, Beaverdam District, to serve as vice chair for the upcoming year. Bourassa, who was appointed to the board in 2014, has served as vice chair for the past two years. “I want to thank my fel-
low board members for their support and I look forward to working with Dr. [Michael] Gill [superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools and the [Hanover County] Board of Supervisors to continue our tradition of excellence in HCPS as our residents have come to expect over the years,” Bourassa said. He cited continuation of the technology plan and the construction of a new elementary school in Ashland as pressing issues for the upcoming year. Outgoing chair Bob Hundley, Chickahominy District, said Bourassa’s two years as vice chair prepared
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Roger Bourassa, left, and John Axselle have been elected chair and vice chair of the Hanover County School Board.
him well for the challenges he will face now that the gavel is his. “I think Roger will do a great job,” Hundley said. “I think he has learned a lot over the last two years as vice chair and he’s ready to step into this role,” Hundley added. Hundley wrapped up his sixth term as chair since he began serving on the school board in 2004, and said he is sure Bourassa will continue to lead the board in its quest for equity and excellence. Hundley noted that this board is seeing the fruit of its labors as programs like the Advanced College Academy mature.
Peace concedes; Wyatt Tomato Festival kicks off Friday now faces Washington By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local MECHANICSVILLE — After six months of intraparty bickering that defined the Republican nomination process, the 97th District has an official candidate for the November House of Delegates race. Thirteen-year incumbent Chris Peace finalized that process last week with a concession statement that left no questions regarding who is
the Republican candidate for the seat. That left Scott Wyatt as the last man standing in a battle that tested unity in both the local Republican committee and the state’s GOP party. Wyatt, a retired Verizon operations manager and current vice chair of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors representing the Cold Harbor District, has steadfastly maintained his claim to the nomisee WYATT, pg. 7
MECHANICSVILLE -- As the calendar turns past the Independence Day holiday, the Hanover Tomato Festival will fill the second weekend of July for Hanoverians again this year. Pole Green Park at 8996 Pole Green Park Lane in Mechanicsville will be filled with artisan and local business vendors, delicious food vendors, Hanover Tomato tomatoes, children’s activities, regional sounds and friends and families celebrating Hanover’s famous fruit. The Hanover Tomato Festival will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 12, and 9
Photo submtted by Marcy G. Durrer
Yum! Fried green tomatoes will be among the tasty treats avilable at the Tomato Festival.
a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Hanover Tomatoes bring us together, so be sure to stop by the festival tent, near the tram stops, to get a tasting of Hanover Tomatoes or a bag to take home. As always, the tomatoes at the
festival are delivered directly to the event from Hanover farmers. This year’s tomatoes are from Rosa’s Garden (Mechanicville) and Hanover Vegetable Farm (Ashland). If you prefer your tomatoes as part of your meal, check out the food vendors serving delicious tomato cuisine like fried green tomatoes, caprese salad, tomato burger, BLTs, tomato pies and so much more. For those who are more creative, the vendors are encouraged to participate in the Most Spirited Vendor competition. Check out their passion for the see TOMATO, pg. 11
“With respect to the accomplishments I would point to, the graduation of our first ACA class from Reynolds Community College,” Hundley said. “I checked the numbers; we had 39 earn associate degrees in May. Subsequent years will be closer to 50 students, but, since these students started as sophomores, their cohort was smaller.” He pointed to other accomplishments. “I think the other efforts I’d like to highlight include the work Jennifer Greif led on our Mental Health Initiatives Task Force (which may be the first see BOURASSA, pg. 5
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Cover design by Denine D’Angelo
Inside today’s edition is a special supplement dedicated to the Hanover Tomato Festival. Included are a map of the Pole Green Park grounds and a listing of vendors.