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Vol. 36, No. 45 | Richmond Suburban News | February 3, 2021
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
County offering COVID vaccines By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND— Hanover County is proceeding at full speed pace to vaccinate its citizens, and those efforts were greatly bolstered last week with the opening of an on-site vaccination clinic located at the old Food Lion in Ashland. Officials opened the facility that offers vaccines on an appointment basis only to residents already registered and signed up for the shots with a press conference last Friday, where officials said the county is focused on getting as many shots in arms as possible. “We have some limitations in terms of supply of the vaccine itself,” said County
BUDESKY
Administrator John Budesky. “But we have no limitations on the commitment of our employees and volunteers to make this our No. 1 priority. We want every resident who wants a vaccine to get a vaccine and we will work at this until the need is
addressed.” The county administrator praised the efforts of Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland and his staff in managing the new facility that will not feature regular daily hours and
provide vaccinations by appointment only. Budesky praised the efforts of many county departments, the school system and numerous volunteers for making the clinic opening possible, and also commended Food Lion and the Town of Ashland for their cooperative efforts to open the facility. “This clinic is separate, but coordinated with the clinics being offered by the CHD (Chickahominy Health District) and our regional partners,” Budesky told the gathSubmitted photo ering on Friday. LOVE is the word for Valentine’s Day 2021 as Hanover County Budesky was joined by CHD director continues to celebrate last year’s 300th birthday. Dr. Thomas Franck and Hanover County Board of Supervisors chair Sean Davis for
LOVE coming to county Public input on school budget mostly supportive to celebrate 300th birthday By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND — Hanover County School Board members held their second public hearing regarding the proposed FY2022 budget. Since the first public hearing took place before Dr. Michael Gill announced details of the proposed spending plan last week,
this week’s hearing provided an opportunity for the public to comment on the details of the FY2022 plan. Several speakers expressed support for Gill’s $215.5 million proposal, most pointing to the teacher and staff salary increases and increased funding for mental health and counseling demands. Both Hanover profes-
see VACCINES, pg. 8
sional teachers organizations endorsed the plan and noted the positive momentum outlined in the FY2022 proposal. President Gene Matthews said his organization as well as Hanover Professional Educators polled their members to gauge reaction to Gill’s presentation last week. “Our members appreciate the hard work that was
put into this budget as well as the collaboration that took place between Dr. Gill and County Administrator [John] Budesky,” Matthews said. “Our associations emphatically support the improvements in the teachers‘ salary scale.” Matthews points out the 2.5 percent across-the-board see BUDGET, pg. 12
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- Hanover County will host Virginia Tourism’s life-sized LOVE artwork on the lawn of the Hanover Branch Library, located at 7527 Library Dr. in Hanover, at Hanover Courthouse from the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 10, through the morning of
Whether a Bookworm, a Bling Girl, or a Fashionista we have gifts to please your Valentine. Choose a gift as unique as your Valentine 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike across from the windmill in the old Degoff’s building BooksBeadsandMore.com | 804-730-2665
Monday, Feb. 15, as part of the #HereinHanoverVA campaign to recognize the county’s recent 300th birthday. The #HereinHanoverVA campaign on social media offers a fun, interactive way for Hanoverians to showcase achievements of the past, the vitality of the present and the promises of a bright future as see LOVE, pg. 8