31 minute read
Obituaries
OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals
MEADE, Earl D., 81, of
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Mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice G. Meade; three children, Gail M. Godfrey, Angela D. Eller (Will) and John D. Meade (Jacquelyn); four grandchildren, Andrew (April) and Josh Godfrey, Johnathan and Faith Meade; three greatgrandchildren, Raelynn, Carson and Avery; a brother,
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MEADE
Bruce Meade; and three sisters, Shirley Hill, Shelva Meade and Sue Martin; also numerous nieces and nephews. Earl was a loving Christian husband and a great father. He retired from Westvaco and afterward drove a Hanover County School Bus for many years. He was a member of Meadowood Church of God for many years and a lover of gospel music. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, at the Atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Road. A graveside service will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, at Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meadowood Church of God, 325 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23227. Online condolences at www. woodyfuneralhomeatlee.com.
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MUDD, Robert Gardiner
“Bobby.” Bobby Mudd, 75, a lifelong Richmond resident and beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother and friend to so many, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 6, 2020. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Blair, to cherish him. Bobby was a gifted artist, a talented chef, a winning fisherman who occasionally exaggerated his catch
MUDD es, a Sudoku master, a collector of rods and reels and broken lawn mowers and just about anything else. He was a modern day Renaissance man who loved Hershey bars, caffeine free Diet Coke, Doritos and his family, although not necessarily in that order. He was also a tough but loving dad to Randy, Tommy and Brian. And he was Granddaddy/BopBop to his 10 grandchildren. He could fix anything or at least fiddle and fool with it until it was functional again. Bobby relied on his vast collection of spices and seasonings to whip up gourmet meals for his family, although his 10 grandchildren always looked forward to the specialty of the house when they visited hot dogs, mac and cheese and applesauce. He loved his grandchildren fiercely and was immensely proud of them, whether they were winning high school cross country races, hooking a big fish at their house in Mathews County, getting a perfect report card or following in his footsteps by creating beautiful art. He loved painting landscapes of rolling hills, river scenes, abstract oils. Some of his favorite pieces hang in his own private art space in the basement of his home in Mechanicsville. He and Blair spent hours together creating masterpieces with their friends with the Rivah Rat Painters group in Mathews. Bobby was born and raised in Richmond, just as his parents were. He met the love of his life, Blair, when they swam together for the Ginter Park Pool swim team. Bobby also was a proud Eagle Scout. Bobby and Blair both graduated from John Marshall High School, and then he went on to pursue degree in architecture at the University of Virginia. He worked at Fluor Daniel for 20 years and then at Circuit City until he retired in 2008. He traveled often but always came home in time to see every one of his three boys’ football and basketball games. Bobby had a rumbling voice and a wide grin that commanded attention. He was kind and creative, and he loved life and all its joys especially his family. He will be missed dearly and celebrated often by his wife, Blair; his three sons, Randy (Kristin) of Mechanicsville, Tommy (Regan) of Midlothian and Brian (Paige) of Mechanicsville. His grandchildren will continue to make Bobby proud through all of their achievements. They are all Mudds through and through: Andrew, Rachel, Daniel, Courtney, Beau, Dylan, Whitney, Presley, Townshend and Campbell. He is also survived by his brothers, Dick Mudd (Donna) and Bill (Gladys); and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at 11 a.m. at Mechanicsville Christian Center, 8061 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville. Masks are required.
NORMAN, Joseph Henry
Jr., 85, of Mechanicsville, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 15, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy. He is survived by his sons, David (Susan), Gary (Stacia), Steve
NORMAN (Karol) and Rob; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; brother, Dr. Robert Daniel Norman; and a very close family friend, Donnie Statzer. Joe devoted his life to his family, friends and community. He had a lifelong career as a professional structural engineer where he was one of the founding principals of Harris, Norman & Giles Consulting Engineers in Richmond, and president of Hanover Engineers. He served his community as a former member of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, a Deacon at Mechanicsville Baptist Church and as a mentor to many young men as a former Boy Scout Leader and Scoutmaster for Troop 544 in Mechanicsville. The family received friends on Sunday, September 20, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where a funeral service was held on Monday, September 21, at 3 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLINE SERVICE may be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/y28ojbnh. Interment followed in Walnut Grove Baptist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Food Bank, 8270 Richmond Tappahannock Hwy., Aylett, Va. 23009 or to Feedmore, 1415 Rhoadmiller
see OBITUARIES, pg. 11
Continued from pg. 8
Renaming panel member speaks out on process
(Editor’s note: The following was addressed to “Dear Citizens and Community”.)
I wrote a letter dated Sept. 2, 2020, in the Mechanicsville Local, informing the community about what was happening with the name-changing process of former Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School.
Since the school board met and did not take a vote, this gives the community more opportunity to bring forth other popular nominations, including Mechanicsville.
This letter below is a student’s perspective on the process of being a member of the school renaming committee. Dear Hanover Community,
I appreciate the chance to write this letter. I want to thank the school board and school officials for their service and
OBITUARIES
Continued from pg. 10 Street, Richmond, Va. 23220. Online condolences may be registered at www.bennettfuneralhomes.com.
SMITH
SMITH, Raymond L.
“Ray,” 60, of Mechanicsville, took his final ride to meet Jesus on September 15, 2020. He was preceded in death by all they do in the community. I am a current student at the high school, formerly known as Lee-Davis. I was selected to be on the renaming committee and was honored to accept this role. The process was challenging and had many ups-and-downs. As a group, we did meet and discuss close to 10 hours, not counting the extra time spent researching between sessions. The process was a learning experience, yet was not as anyone anticipated. As a group, we had a strong voice and worked together; however, key decisions were heavily influenced by the Hanover superintendent’s office, and our work as a committee was compromised.
Sincerely,
Current high school student
The committee members were requested to give presentation feedback to the top school names selected. This information below was considered for the school board presentation (includes county official’s wording and select committee members’ wording) Although Mechanicsville was the community’s overall his parents, Raymond and Elva Smith; and sister, Barbara Perrin. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, best friend and wife of 40 years, Debbie; proud father of his sons, Travis (Lindsay) and Cory (Ali); Papa to his grandsons, Chaysen Coates and Bryant Smith; sisters, Sandra Loving (Brooken) and Linda Frye (Bill); sister-in-law, Donna Sinnery; several special nieces and nephews. A 1980 graduate of Lee Davis-High School, a diehard fan of Oklahoma Sooners and a cowboy at heart. He loved his horses, his dogs and most importantly, his family. Ray worked for 40 years in a leadership role in the steel industry. The family received friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, at the Mechanicsville chapel top choice for both the middle and the high school name, it would create a situation where about 20% or more of the students would attend the samenamed school for elementary, middle, and high school. This scenario is not tradition-based and does not exist in any other corridor in Hanover County. The committee was strongly in favor of providing students with unique background names for each school, spanning their academic careers from grades K-12. The final poll data demonstrated that Creek Run Middle School and Twin Rivers High School, separately or as a combination, were the top selections by the renaming committee, and strong second choices in the community, especially for current students, parents, and faculty. The committee wanted to present Creek Run Middle and Twin Rivers High to the school board, yet essentially aligned with the community to include one school named Mechanicsville.
I feel it is morally responsible to share some of the of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where a funeral service was held at 12 p.m. on Monday, September 21. The family requested casual or jean attire, in honor of Ray. Interment followed in Signal Hill Memorial Park. The service can be viewed after 12 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, at www.reellyfeproductions.com for those that are not able to attend. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Ray can be made to Bon Secours Hospice. Memorial gifts can be made online at bsvaf.org/ supporthospice or mailed to Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation, 5008 Monument Avenue, 2nd Floor, Richmond, Va. 23230. Online condolences may be registered at www.bennettfuneralhomes. com. tactics that were indirectly or directly used to influence the renaming committee’s decisions. The renaming committee collectively considered all options and discussed many diverse choices to propose two school names that went against the names the superintendent’s office had envisioned for the proposal. The name of Mechanicsville for both the middle and high school was repeatedly pushed onto the committee and has been influenced and entertained in the community through the media since the school board voted to remove the names this past summer.
In the first meeting, the committee clarified (early in the process) with the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Jennifer Greif that names did not have to be selected based on the number of nominations they received. The group decided to take off current school names from the prospect list that included Battlefield, Beaverdam, Cold Harbor, and Mechanicsville. There was a solid proposal and valid reasons as to why the committee did not want to duplicate names in the county. Towards the end of the meeting, it was determined by Ms. Greif, that Mechanicsville had to stay on the list against the committee’s wishes. Since this was decided, then the committee should have been allowed to include other current school names on the list.
Throughout the first meeting, the committee thought two lists (one each per school) were being proposed (including 12 to 15 names per list). After three hours of meeting, Ms. Greif said, “The rules were changing.” She decided and informed the group that they would not be presenting two lists as planned, yet would be proposing only one combined list for the community to vote on. At this time, about 30+ names had to be narrowed down to 14 in a hurry. The first meeting was supposed to meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. but ran past 6 p.m. Several committee members (including students and adults) had to leave because of other obligations, and the final list of 14 names was voted on without the permission of the ones who left.
Significant nominations got voted off for reasons like the neighborhood, business, and street names were potentially biased and that some in the community would possibly be offended if certain locales were selected over others. Some streets were eliminated for certain committee members though they did not represent a large enough area of Mechanicsville, Bell Creek and Walnut Grove, strong contenders throughout the process, were eliminated with a small percentage of committee backing. Popular in community nominations, indigenous names like Pamunkey, Pamunkey River, and Totopotomoy were eliminated. Of the student’s original pro
see LETTERS, pg. 12
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Continued from pg. 9 each school with some overlapping), only two names besides Mechanicsville remained in the top 14 selection. The last part of the meeting seemed micromanaged by Ms. Greif, and many favorite names were eliminated from the final list. Here are many nominations that got eliminated throughout the whole process: Bell Creek, Brandy Creek, Brandy Hill, Cherrydale, East End, East Hanover, Freedom, Gaines Mill, Heritage, Meadowbridge, Old Hickory, Pamunkey, Turnpike, and Walnut Grove.
In the second meeting, the committee had to narrow down the list of 14 to the top three names for each school. This meeting was on time with a rigid agenda; however, many people were cut off from discussion for the meeting had to stay on pace. Many committee members felt rushed and could not research the final names as planned. Once again, the committee did not have Mechanicsville for either school in its top three proposals. There was a heavily implied tone that Mechanicsville had to remain on the list even though the committee had strongly disfavored it from moving on. Not to ruffle feathers and have an executive decision overrule the committee, it was decided to keep in Mechanicsville. However, the committee should have had the opportunity to submit its top three choices and not have to replace a choice with Mechanicsville for both lists.
KELLEHER OIL HEAT
The committee understood the significance to include Mechanicsville, yet it had multi-criteria to eliminate, and it would be unfair to keep it, especially since other names were previously eliminated by single criteria. Besides wanting to propose unique names for each school, the group considered there would be general confusion for Mechanicsville Elementary School students not all going to the samenamed middle and high schools. They looked at safety concerns with having two or three county schools named the same, especially if emergency vehicles had to be dispatched. The committee also discussed the length of a single name that would be placed on signage, class rings, sports uniforms, etc. Questions were
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asked on how to arrange the letters of the name --possibly to separate Mechanics from ville (ville aligned under Mechanics).
At the third meeting, the committee’s job was to recommend one name each for the middle and high school. The committee discussed all options, looked at the data polls, and collectively selected Creek Run (representing the creek running behind former SJMS) for the Middle and Twin Rivers for the High school. Taking in all considerations, the committee’s theme was that creeks run into rivers as a natural flow for our students to grow and develop from middle to high school. The names seemed to blend, and both schools with initials CR and TR could be cheered on easily by students and fans alike. Creek Run and Twin Rivers
CHAMBER
Continued from pg. 1 continuance has only occurred two to three times since our organization’s initiation in 1980. But 2020 has been a unique year and we felt this, if acceptable to our members, would allow for greater continuity throughout the pandemic. I was glad, though not completely surprised, that both Amanda (Porch) and Mark (Lea) agreed to continue in their executive roles.”
A unanimous vote secured the Chamber leadership team for 2020-2021 as Returning Board President: Amanda Porch of Village Bank, Returning Vice President: Mark Lea of Richweb Inc., Returning Past-President: Kenny Janes of UBS Financial Inc., and Serving as Treasurer: Cary Moore of Best Version Media.
Five new leaders also were welcomed to the 15-person Board of Directors — Barrie Bowers of FutureLaw II, Phil Englander of Hart Nissan, Jean Pollard of The Roberts Insurance Group, Laurie received a strong second-place percentage in the community and the committee’s majority vote with all in favor against one to be the top choices.
Later in the third meeting, the committee was told by Ms. Greif, that, in good conscience, she could not take the committee’s choices to her supervisor, Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools. After a small break, Dr. Gill joined the meeting. He had not attended the other two meetings before this. The committee presented their top choices to him and it was obvious that Dr. Gill was not prepared to move forward with the committee’s proposal, as is. Dr. Gill said he would not endorse the names as Creek Run for the middle and Twin Rivers as the high school. It was apparent if the committee did not receive Dr.
Ursiny of Hanover Habitat for Humanity, and Megan Underwood of Closet Factory.
In her remarks, Porch said she has been most proud of what the Chamber has been able to do in 2020 that wasn’t planned for; “Our Chamber is about more than just networking, and the past months truly speak to the full value of involvement.” When the pandemic hit in March, the Chamber’s focus immediately targeted gathering and sharing key information with the business community.
This began with timely emails with data and links to printable/downloadable mandates, guidelines and signage, funding updates, regional resources, and member updates. The Hanover Chamber was 1 of 25 regional organizations and localities to team up to create and distribute PPE Toolkits to help businesses reopen.
Personal Protection Equipment Toolkits included masks, gloves, sanitizer and signage; over 300+ were distribGill’s endorsement that the school board would probably vote against the committee’s selections. At that time, it was asked directly to Dr. Gill if Mechanicsville was considered as one of the school names would he endorse the committee’s names? Dr. Gill said he would endorse the committee’s decision with the addition of Mechanicsville; therefore, the committee reconsidered their proposal. Even though the committee was unified to have unique names for both schools, the committee decided (under the guidance of the community’s overall top choice and weighing Dr. Gill’s endorsement) they would present one of the school names as Mechanicsville. The committee took a vote and decided to name the middle school
see LETTERS, pg. 20
uted in Ashland and Hanover, and over 2,000 regionally.
The Coalition Series, eight weeks of free webinars with local experts on succeeding through and out the pandemic, was the first programming of its kind in the area with coordinated effort from seven Hanover and Ashland business organizations (Hanover County Economic Development, Town of Ashland, Dominion Energy Innovation Center, Downtown Ashland Association, Market Ashland Partnership, Hanover Chamber and the Chamber’s Foundation). The first sessions were well-attended, and a fall series is in discussion.
The Chamber also worked with Hanover County Economic Development’s office and county leaders to ensure a business grant program was established to give aid to local businesses; the Chamber spoke in favor of the program to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and was thrilled to see a 7-0
see CHAMBER, pg. 13
HISTORIC
Continued from pg. 1
Recreation will share the “clue link” on Oct. 17. Note that only those that complete the challenge through Scavify, will be eligible for the special prize for being the first to complete the challenge.
To pre-register, visit https:// tinyurl.com/HanoverChallenge.
For more information, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation at 804-365-7150 or email parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov.
Information submitted by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation.
CHAMBER
Continued from pg. 12 vote in favor of the Hanover Business Resiliency Grant Fund in June.
“Each of us —,individually and by company — have done our best to take on the change of 2020 one piece at a time. This is also true for the Hanover Chamber of Commerce,” said Chamber Executive Director Melissa Haley. “It has been strange to un-plan our iconic events and programs, but I’m glad to be able to serve our community in other ways. Hanover’s local businesses are so resilient and it’s our privilege to help support them any way we can.”
Adult education classes available through HCPS
Staff Report news@mechlocal.com
ASHLAND -- English classes and GED® test preparation classes are available at various locations throughout Hanover County.
The fee for the year is $60 and $35 for fall only and spring only. Distance education options are available.
To register, call 804-723- 3471.
Photo and logo submitted by Marcy G. Durrer
Will Patrick Henry’s home Scotchtown be included in the Historic Hanover Challenge? You’ll hae to take part to fi nd out what historical clues are being offered -- and whether you’ll become a winner with the Hanover Parks & Recreation’s unique contest.
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The top five reasons to choose Heritage Green: #1 More intimate community with everything located on one floor It’s easy to get around in our community and make friends #2 Heritage Green supports the local community By hosting community events such as blood drives and document shredding, supporting senior centers, and raising funds for local charities #3 Recently renovated building All apartments and commons spaces were upgraded just a short while ago when the building was expanded #4 A Postive Approach to Memory Care Our Memory Care staff has been trained using the Positive Approach® to Care developed by Teepa Snow, one of America’s leading dementia educators.Join us for a free webinar with Teepa on October 16 at 10:30am #5 Award-winning and experienced staff Our experiencedstaff has won multiple awards and recognition for outstanding care from organizations such as Caring.com and SeniorAdvisor.com
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Hanover Chamber Foundation releases details about Oct. 19 Golf Tournament
StaffReport news@mechlocal.com
ASHLAND – The 2020 Golf Tournament of the Hanover Chamber Foundation will getunderway with a1p.m. tee-off on Monday, Oct. 19, at the Hanover Golf Club at 14314 Country Club Dr . in Ashland.
Thescheduleincludes : 11:30a.m.Registration open (multipletents) 12 p.m. Putting and rangecontests 1 p.m. Shotgunstart 5:30p.m.Awardspresentation
Details of the tou rnamen t include: Safeand healthy practicesinplaceall day Multipleregistration areas to limit group gatherings No banquet dinner and no outdoor activities – instead Food pavilions
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The day also will include: Captain’s Choiceplay “Stock Your Bar” Wheelbarrow Raffle Driving Range Contest intothe100-yard baby pool
Putting,LongestDrive, and Clos est -to-Pin Contests Awards presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place teams intwoflights Stableford Scoring – Internationally recognized scoring system using points
To register online, go to https://www.hanoverchamberfoundation.org/even t39 08341.
The team and sponsor packet can be found at https://hanoverchamberva. com/resources/Hanover%20 C ham be r% 20Golf% 20 Tournament%202020%20 packet.pdf.
Hanover CSB Same Day Access connects residents with services
HANOVER -- With rates of depression and anxiety ontherise, MarthaLambert,coordinator of Behavioral Health Wellness at the Hanover County Community Services Board (CSB), wants residentsto know the CSB providesservicesthat ca n helpthem navigat ethese difficulttimes.
“In any given year, even without the pressure of a pandemic, one in four Americans will experience a diagnosable mental illness,” Lambert said. “Mental health problems aren’t character defects; they are health problems that requir e treatment from a healthcare professional. Unfortunately, most people do not seek treatment. The average time between onset of symptoms and treatment is 10 years. That’s a long time to suf f er from something that could beeffectively treated.”
Lambert’s team, which includes Behavioral Health Wellness SpecialistsLauraRobertsonand Dana Gaskin teach Mental Health Fir st Aid, a course that helps participants identify the signs and symptomsof mental illness.
“Sometimespeople don’trecognizethey have sy mp- toms.
continue to the best T h e y cope they
Metro Creative Services
ca n, but lif e is much harder. They may experience panic attacks, feel perpetually exhausted or feel that things won’t get better. They may
see ACCESS, pg. 17
NAMES
Continued from pg. 13 noaction wasrequired butthe board reached consensus on a 30-day delay.
“I think we should vet this and really look hard it at it,” Axselle said. “We need to listento thiscommunity. Weare hea ri ng yourconcern.”
In a related action, the board approved a budget amendmentallotting $495,000 to be used in the renaming effort.
That appropriation funds gym floor resurfacing, athletic uniforms, new signage and otheradjustmen ts necessitated by therenamings.
Assistant superintendent Terry Stoneasked board members to approve a plan that transfers $280,000 from the contingency fund and moves funds from othercatego ries to su pply theremaining funds.
The board unanimously approved therequest.
| Education, Business & Celebrations
Image submitted by George Gagnon
George Gagnon’s efforts to raise money in the fi ght to eliminate childhood cancer were recognized on a jumbotron in Times Square in New York City. He is still raising money for the Great Cycle Challenge.
Gagnon keeps pedaling to get funds to beat childhood cancer
By Melody Kinser
Managing Editor
MECHANICSVILLE – As the deadline nears for the Great Cycle Challenge #GCCUSA, Mechanicsville resident George Gagnon is determined to reach his goal of cycling 600 miles to raise money to fund cancer research and eradicate childhood cancer.
The Great Cycle Challenge also helps kids who are fighting cancer.
“I'm that guy you have seen riding a bright red bicycle with lights flashing around the neighborhood for what seems like a very long time,” Gagnon said.
With his commitment of riding 600 miles – 1,200 laps around his neighborhood – he said he hopes to receive donations through his web page, https://greatcyclechallenge. com/riders/georgethomasgagnon.
“I lost a son to cancer,” he said, “and this has just got to stop. Too many children are fighting cancer and not living a fun-filled live as they should.”
According to Gagnon, 15,700 children are diagnosed yearly and 38 die every week.
In asking his neighbors to financially support his efforts, he also said, “If you are considering a donation, there is still time to ‘Kick Cancers Butt’.”
“Our fundraising effort does continue to the end of September. If you prefer donat
see GAGNON, pg. 20
Taylor hosting drive-in movie, reverse trick-or-treating event
ASHLAND -- Taylor, Hanover County Parks and Recreation’s lovable mascot, is hosting a Spooky Fun drive-in movie and reverse trick or treating event.
Taylor also has invited some of his friends, including Nutzy & Nutasha from the Flying Squirrels and Princess Aurora and Princess Tiana to help with the trick or treating. Decorate your vehicle for your chance to win prizes and be sure to wear your favorite costume. Once parked, be sure to place your treat bucket outside your vehicle so that Taylor and his friends may deliver your treat while safely social distancing.
Before the drive-in showing of Hocus Pocus, enjoy the "at your vehicle" dance party hosted by Richmond Urban Dance group.
These are free event but reservations are
required, as space is limited. Only one reservation needed per vehicle.
For more details, to pre-register and reserve your space, visit https://tinyurl.com/ SpookyFun2020.
Make plans to join Taylor and his friends on Friday, Oct. 16, at Poor Farm Park or Friday, Oct. 23, at Pole Green Park. Events begin at 6 p.m., with arrivals required between 5 and 5:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation at 804-365-7150 or email parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov.
Information submitted by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation.
‘Digital Marketing -- Paid Search’ Zoom webinar to be held Tuesday
RICHMOND -- SCORE sis on building a beautiful webRichmond will present the site that no one visited. Tips will workshop, “Digital Marketing II be offered on getting noticed. – Paid Search”, from 6:30 to 8:30 Registration costs $25 and is p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, via available at www.Richmond. Zoom webinar, with an emphaScore.org and 804-350-3569. The Mechanicsville Local September 23, 2020 15
ASHLAND/WESTERN HANOVER | Also serving the communities of Montpelier, Beaverdam, Rockville and Doswell
Council delays storage ordinance; OKs fi ber optic
Photo and image courtesy of Downtown Ashland Association
Ed Trask’s steam train mural is an homage to the signifi cance of trains in Ashland. Coincidentally, a CSX locomotive was making its way through the town.
Railroad Park will bring new life, more tourists into town with historic exhibits
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com A SHLAND -- Picture this: A traveler on Interstate 95 passes a highway sign before the Ashland exit that reads “The Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park”. Whether it is because of genuine curiosity or the squirming children in the back seat, the traveler takes the Ashland exit and makes her way into the town.
As it’s envisioned, the Park will be hard to miss because its railroad history exhibits will create a walking tour through Downtown Ashland.
“Once completed, the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park will welcome visitors to stroll through the historic district and enjoy an exciting variety of sights and exhibits,” said Dan Bartges, a Downtown Ashland Association volunteer who originally proposed the idea of creating the Park.
Exhibits will include a 1923 train station, an authentically restored 1926 red caboose, Hanover County Black Heritage Society exhibit, the Ashland Museum, America’s longest railroad mural, special presentations about major railroad inventions and innovations, and, of course, the more than 60 mighty freight and passenger trains traveling the East Coast's main rail artery through the heart of downtown.
Special exhibits will include 19th and 20th century advances in locomotive engines, Eli Janney’s knuckle coupler and the revolutionary wheel truck, or “bogie”.
see RAILROAD, pg. 17
By Melody Kinser intensive and the facility Managing Editor should be fully enclosed with ERARD ASHLAND – An issue with outdoor storage in an ordinance pertaining to industrial site usage delayed action last week by Ashland Town Council. Town legal counsel Andrea Erard advised council to take not any action at the Tuesday, Sept. 15, regular meeting. Her recommendation was that the Planning & Community Development staff revises the ordinance accordingly. Nora Amos, director of that department, had presented council with two text amendments, representing M-1 and M-2. She said they referred to outdoor storage uses in relation to the Comprehensive Plan. She said there were additional supplemental sections for uses that have been added. According to Amos, M-2 is industrial in a more intensive type of use such as higher truck traffic and manufacturing truck terminals. She did note that areas designated as M-2 are not near residences but could be close to water and sewer. The zoning component, she no outside activities. Amos mentioned Hill Carter Parkway as an example. She said the Ashland Planning Commission had discussed what determined new uses as part of M-1 and M-2. “Several deal with food and food processing,” she told council. A commercial kitchen could be added into the zoning ordinance. Amos said a distribution center, similar to one on U.S. 301, could be added to a freestanding department. She said she “would love to have one” created with the definition. Amos also said the ordinance needed to define medical office, as well as a repurposing center that could be used for recycling. With the latter, she said old car parts could be brought to the site, cleaned, and recycled out. It would be all interior work, which needs a definition. With a medical office, it would be a stay that is no longer than 24 hours; a hospital would cover over 24 hours. There is an existing definition for a truck terminal in M-2, but it needs to be updatcontinued, is due to more regued. Truck terminal would be lations meeting the intent of clarified so there would not be the Comp Plan. any confusion with a distribu- With M-1, the site is less see COUNCIL, pg. 17
