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Vol. 37, No. 31 | Richmond Suburban News | November 10, 2021
Residents express concern, support for policy revisions Board wrestles with new guidelines regarding transgender students Jim Ridolphi / The Local
By Jim Ridolphi For The Mechanicsville Local
Hanover Election Day poll workers check in voters as poll watchers monitor the activity.
Voters encounter few delays on Election Day
A
number of Hanover citizens showed up at last month’s School Board meeting to express their opinions on a policy revision regarding transgender students on county campuses. Many of those attending did not have the opportunity to speak during a public comment period due to time restrictions, and others were forced to view the meeting remotely due to capacity in the meeting room. With an expanding list of speakers already signed up for this week’s regular see RESIDENTS, pg. 18
Candidates react to race results in Hanover Jim Ridolphi / The Local
An overflow crowd attended last week’s special meeting of the school board to gather input on a proposed policy regarding the treatment of transgender students. An evenly divided crowd filled the meeting room, forcing many to view the meeting remotely. At one point, there were more people in the parking lot than in the meeting room. School board members will consider the revisions at their November meeting.
‘Light Up the Tracks’ begins in Downtown Ashland Starting Nov. 6, Downtown Ashland has transformed into a vintage Christmas village with Light Up the Tracks, presented by Dominion Energy — a light display and special events welcome visitors for a unique small town holiday experience. “Light Up the Tracks invites visitors to enjoy the quaint set-
ting of our historic downtown,” said Maggie Longest, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “Customers will find excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment with friendly, small town charm.” Downtown buildings are outlined in twinkling white lights, along with historic homes and
Randolph-Macon College. The whole of Ashland’s Center Street is illuminated, giving visitors a chance to step into a real-life holiday postcard. Plus, local merchants and community groups offer special events all season long. “We are proud to be a part of this one-of-a-kind celebration,” see LIGHT, pg. 12
By Jim Ridolphi For The Mechanicsville Local By 1 p.m. on Election Day, more than 1,500 voters had already cast a ballot at
the Atlee High School Polling Precinct, and it was evident that this off year election was drawing a lot of attention from the voting public. Unusually cold temperatures and a misting rain could not deter a steady stream of see ELECTION, pg. 15
Jim Ridolphi / The Local
Downtown Ashland and Dominion Energy kicked off the annual Light Up the Tracks program with a tree lighting held on the lawn of Town Hall. Members of the Randolph-Macon Concert Choir sang Christmas carols as an excited crowd counted down the seconds until the Town’s tree was lit.