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Atlee Branch Library
In-Person Programs
Outdoor Family Storytimes at the Atlee Branch Library. Monday, May 16, 10:30 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays, May 24, 4 to 4:30 p.m. Join the library for an outdoor, all ages Storytime. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Storytime will be held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather.*
Atlee Bridge Group at the Atlee
Branch Library. Tuesdays, May 24 and 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages 18 & up. Every Tuesday the Atlee Bridge Group meets to play Social Rubber Bridge. All levels welcome, from beginner to expert.*
Chickahominy Colored Pencil
Artists. Friday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Join the Chickahominy Colored Pencil Artists at a monthly meeting to share ideas, techniques and skills in using colored pencils. Bring your own individual supplies and projects and enjoy a time to sketch and make new friends. This is not an instructional class.*
PageTurners Book Club at the
Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, May 19, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Join the library for an in-person, lively book discussion on "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton. Pick up a copy of the book at the Atlee Branch Library while supplies last.*
Fitness Video Games for Adults at the Atlee Branch Library. Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Have you been feeling down in the dumps? Join the library to play different Wii sports and fitness games with one another. Find out how uplifting getting moving can be.*
Take & Make Programs
Gratefulness Pin-ups, Pickups begin Monday, May 16. What are you grateful for? Display photos, sayings or keepsakes on any metal surface with your handmade decorative clothespins. Pick up a kit at the library to turn a functional object into a work of art while supplies last.*
Virtual/Hybrid Programs
Atlee Book Club. Wednesday, May 11, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 18 & up. Join the library in-person or on Zoom for a lively book discussion on "As I Lay Dying" by William Faulkner. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8869916. This program is presented in-person and hosted virtually through Zoom. The meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don't receive your reminder email, contact the library.* *Call 804-559-0654 or visit the library at 9212 Rutlandshire Drive for more information.
Mechanicsville Branch Library
In-Person Programs
Hula Dancing Class,at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Mondays, May 16 and 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Ages 16 & up. Exercise your body and brain as you learn about hula dancing and culture at the library. Wear clothing you can dance in easily! Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.*
Night Readers at the Mechanicsville Branch Library.
Outdoor Family Storytimes, at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Mondays, May 12 and 26, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Join the library for an outdoor, all ages Storytime! Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Storytime will be held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather.*
Mechanicsville Book Club at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Wednesday, May 18, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 18 & up. Bring your ideas for discussion and escape to a world of pure imagination.*
Puzzle Palooza at the Mechanicsville Branch Library.
Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Unwind and relax for a couple of hours making puzzles to calm your mind.*
see LIBRARY, pg. 17
Atlee HS hosts annual State Drill Competition
Photo courtesy of Charlie Schmetzer
Atlee High School hosted the annual Air Force JROTC drill meet on Saturday, April 30. Fourteen schools from across the state competed in seven events. The Air Force Drill Team from Washington, D.C. performed a routine after the meet.
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| Also serving the communities of Montpelier, Beaverdam, Rockville and Doswell
Ashland awarded Virginia Tourism Grant for “Center Your Universe" marketing campaign
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
The Town of Ashland is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). The grant will help fund the Town’s “Center Your Universe” marketing and visitor experience campaign expected to launch in 2022 and continue throughout 2023.
As part of the campaign and in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association and the Ashland Museum, the Town will develop and launch a new interactive visitor app, which will include storytelling and audio tour features, as well as highlight Ashland’s events, restaurants, shops and hotels to visitors. The app will also give visitors the ability to build custom trip itineraries for their time spent in the Center of the Universe.
“We truly appreciate Virginia Tourism’s investment in Ashland’s growing tourism economy,” said Martha J. Miller, community engagement manager for the Town of Ashland. “These funds will enable us to expand our marketing reach and develop assets in keeping with the interests of the next generation of travelers.”
“Our historic downtown and theatre, variety of annual community events, and strategic location along the I-95 corridor already make Ashland a compelling draw for day-trippers and regional travelers,” Miller added. “Pair these existing attributes with the forthcoming Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park and future completion of the Fall Line Trail, of which Ashland will serve as its northern trailhead, and I believe we’re looking at a very strong and exciting tourism economy for this community in the future.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that VTC awarded more than $2.7 million for 259 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism. Within the Town of Ashland and Hanover County, additional grant recipients include Downtown Ashland Association, $5,000; Center of the Universe Brewing Co, $6,700; and Green Top Sporting Goods, $30,000.
“These grant funds provide an important opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth to accelerate recovery efforts and continue with their best-inclass marketing initiatives to attract new travelers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism. “Increased visitation translates directly into revenue generation, underscoring tourism’s important role in stimulating economic growth and expansion”
The VTC Regional Marketing Program aims to help Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), such as the Town of Ashland, drive overnight visitation and to supplement funding for economically significant special events and festivals in order to increase overnight visitation. The DMO funding is projected to drive more than 125,000 room nights over the next 18 months.
Information submitted by Martha Miller, community engagement manager for the Town of Ashland.
Upcoming programs at the Ashland Museum
Guided Walking Tour of Historic Woodland Cemetery. Thursday, May 12 at 6 p.m. The Ashland Museum will offer a guided walking tour of Woodland Cemetery. Join Susan Tucker, Woodland Cemetery administrator, for a look at the history and stories found at Woodland. Members are free and non-members are $15. Reservations and information are available at ashlandmuseum.org.
Ashland Museum Trivia Night. Thursday, May 17 at 6 p.m. The Ashland Museum’s trivia team is researching a new list of questions for their Trivia Night at Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland. Come and have fun with no reservations needed. For information, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net.
Photo courtesy of Ashland Museum
Ashland Museum will offer a guided walking tour of the Historic Woodland Cemetery.
Upcoming Programs at Hanover Area Libraries
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
In-Person Programs
Teen Hangout at the Ashland Branch Library. Monday, May 16, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Ages 12 to 18. Get together with other teens and do some fun activities.
Outdoor Family Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, May 24, 11 to 11:30am.
Join the library for an outdoor, all ages storytime at the Carter Park pavilion located in Ashland. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Carter Park is located at 1112 Maple Street, Ashland. Storytime will be held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather.
Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, May 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up.
Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join the library for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing on each of this month. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.
Mushroom Beds and Logs 101 at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, May 12, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ages 18 & up.
Learn how to grow edible mushrooms in beds or on logs. What do you need? Where do you get materials and supplies? Experiment with growing your own mushrooms.
Water-Wise Home Workshop at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to noon. Ages 18 and up.
Stormwater runoff carries pollution into local streams, rivers and Chesapeake Bay, harming water quality and fragile aquatic ecosystems. These three easy make-and-take practices all help prevent pollution from reaching our waterways. Learn how to make Rain Barrels, Vermicomposting Bins and Pet Waste Digesters. One of each will be given away as a door prize.
Afternoon Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Monday, May 16, 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 18 and up.
Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.
Evening Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, May 17, 7 to 8 p.m. Ages 18 and up.
Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. *
In-spa-ration at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday,
see HANOVER pg. 17
Continued from pg. 15
Tissue Paper Painting at the Mechanicsville Branch Library.
Tuesday, May 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Ages 12 to 18. De-stress and create a painting using tissue paper and sharpies.*
Adult Storytime at the
Mechanicsville Branch Library. Friday, May 27, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Ages 18 & up. You’re never too old to listen to a good story. If you are, or are the caregiver of, an adult who would enjoy the lively reading of picture books and lighthearted stories, join the library for Adult Storytime.*
Water-Wise Workshop at the Mechanicsville Branch Library.
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. to noon.
Ages 18 and up. Discover three easy make-and-take practices that all help to prevent pollution from reaching our waterways. Presented by Karen Fetty, Education Specialist at the HanoverCaroline Soil & Water Conservation District.*
Take & Make Programs
Robot Hand at the Mechanicsville Branch Library
Pickups start on Monday, May 16. Ages 12 to 18. Stop by the Mechanicsville Branch Library to pick up a kit of supplies and educational materials to make your very own robot hand, available while supplies last.*
Author Chat with Evie Hawtrey. Wednesday, May 18, 7 to 8 p.m. Join the library on Facebook Live for an exciting chat with Evie Hawtrey, author of “And By Fire.” This program will be hosted virtually on Facebook Live at https://www. facebook.com/PamunkeyLibrary. If you would like a reminder email sent to you one day before the program, please register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/8878834. If you don't receive your reminder email, please contact the library.*
Call 804-746-9615 or visit the library at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place for more information.
R-MC
Continued from pg. 12 said the new facility will not only benefit music and theater majors but all students interested in the performing arts.
“The performing arts now have a home at Randolph-Macon,” Doering said. “And that doesn't just mean for students that are here to major in music or theater… Students might be majoring in the sciences but they still want to sing or they still want to play their violin, and that's something they can do here. And the space is inviting and gives us a spot to do that in ways that benefits all of campus.”
“It’s nice to have both additional faculty and the opportunity for students to participate,” Lindgren said. “And then of course, as they participate and as they perform, they create programming that’s a benefit to both the RandolphMacon community but also to the greater Ashland community and beyond.”
R-MC finished up their final performances of “Peter and the Starcatcher” this season, which were held in the CobbKesler Theater from May 4 through 7 following the weekend’s dedication ceremonies.
With this season’s school performances coming to a close, Doering said to “stay turned for exciting events next year” as they begin to fully utilize and grow within the new and improved space and plan for upcoming productions.
Ethan Lynne receives scholarship from Hanover Democrats
Contributed Report news@mechocal.com
Ethan C. Lynne of Ashland is the winner of the 2021 Melissa J. Dopp/ Bobby Ostergren Scholarship, which is awarded yearly by the Hanover Democratic Committee (HDC) to graduating Hanover County seniors with the highest level of participation and involvement in Democratic campaigns and activities.
Lynne, a graduating senior at Patrick Henry, is winning a $1200 scholarship award. He is the son of Andy and Karen Lynne of Ashland. Lynne plans to attend The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. to pursue a degree in Political Communications.
He has an extensive background in participating in Democratic Party causes. In 2019 he interned with the Democratic Party of Virginia in their Richmond office. In 2020 he ran textbanks for the Biden, Warner, Rashid, McAuliffe campaigns, texting thousands of voters. His textbanking work continued into 2021 when he led High-Schoolers for Terry (McAuliffe) and texted over two million Virginians. From June 2020 to the present, he has served as the co-chair of Virginia Teen Democrats, leading members and coordinating multiple events. Throughout 2021 he served as a digital intern with the DPVA, writing fundraising letters and designing graphics. Lynne also registered numerous voters at his high school for the 2021 election.
The scholarship was established to honor the late Bobby Ostergren, the former Hanover County registrar for many years, and the late Melissa Dopp, a longtime activist in the Hanover Democratic Committee.
“We are proud that Ethan has been a shining example of how teens can support Democratic candidates and causes,” said Daniel McGraw, chair of the Hanover Democratic Committee.
HANOVER
Continued from pg. 16
May 19, 6 to 7 p.m. Ages 12-18.
Ready for a mental break? Create some bath bombs to relax.*
Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, May 20, 10 to 11 a.m. Ages 18 and up.*
Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.*
Your Local Habitat and Why it
is Important at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 18 and up.
Wish you had more birds, bees and butterflies where you live? Virginia Master Naturalist Sheryl Smith will discuss how to improve the habitat using native plants, whether you have a traditional yard, container garden or community space.*
Summer Safety at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, May 26, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up.
Learn about some common safety concerns that occur in the warmer months with tips and tricks to keep everyone safe. They will focus on water safety, hydration, prevention of skin cancer and much more. Presented by the Hanover Health Department.*
Take & Make Programs
Gratitude Journals at the Ashland Branch Library. Pickup started Monday, May 2, 10 to 11 a.m. Ages 12 & up.
Learning to express gratitude is critical to mental health. Use this journal to express your thankful thoughts. Stop by the Ashland Library to pick up a kit of supplies and educational materials to make your very own Gratitude Journal, available while supplies last.* *Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.
Hanover Branch Library
In-Person Programs
"13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
Book Talk at the Hanover Branch Library. Monday, May 16, 1 to 2 p.m.
Join the library for a Mental Health Month book discussion of "13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher.* *Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive for more information.
Lois Wickham Jones/ Montpelier Branch Library
In-Person Programs
Outdoor Family Story Time
at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursdays, May 12, 19 and 26, 4 to 4:30 p.m. Join the library in the Rose Garden to sing songs, learn rhymes and listen to stories. Each session will have an engaging craft to take home. Feel free to bring a chair, towel and sunscreen. Storytime is held weather permitting. . Register at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather. for more information.
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
In-Person Programs
Take & Make Programs
Sit Spots for Grownups at the Montpelier Branch Library. Pickup started Monday, May 2.
Give yourself a time out with a guided 30-day mindfulness program that will help you rediscover your essential bond with nature. Pick up a kit at the Montpelier Branch Library. This video premieres on May 2 on the library’s website: https://tinyurl. com/prladults; YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ pamunkeylibrary; and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ PamunkeyLibrary/.* *Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane
Meditative Practice: Crochet
at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Saturday, May 14, 2 to 3 p.m. Ages 12 and up. Crochet a simple, repetitive pattern and allow your mind to drift. All supplies provided, no experience needed. Finished pieces will be displayed in the library to spread the peace and joy.*
Meditative Painting: Sunflower
at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library Saturday, May 21, 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 14 & up. Follow along to create a beautiful Sunflower painting. No art experience needed. * *Call 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. The Mechanicsville Local May 11, 2022 17
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Christina Amano Dolan/The Local
Chuck Hurd, Battlefi eld District Vice Chairman, presents Hanover County Commonwealth’s attorney ‘Trip’ Chalkley with this year’s Spirit of Scouting Award.
CHALKLEY
Continued from pg. 1 Council members and local scouting supporters.
The Heart of Virginia Council delivers scouting to over 8,500 youth and adult members in 24 counties of the Central Virginia and Richmond area. The Battlefield District, in particular, covers Henrico and Hanover counties east of Interstate 95, including the counties of New Kent and Charles City.
Chuck Hurd, Battlefield District Vice Chairman, presented Chalkley with this year’s Spirit of Scouting Award.
Hurd said the recipient is an individual who was nominated by a committee of local scouting volunteers and does not have to have a scouting background. Instead, the recipient of the award needs to represent and live by the characteristics that embody the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Hurd recited the Scout Oath to the crowd.
“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight,” he said.
He also recited the Scout Law, which consists of 12 goals for each scout to live up to every day. According to the law, a scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
Hurd said Chalkley as embodies all of these virtues and discussed his impressive background in law.
Chalkley has been an active member of the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Association of Commonwealth Attorney’s, National Attorneys Association and the Hanover County Bar Association, where he served as president from 1997 to 1998. He has also been affiliated with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mechanicsville Ruritan Club and the University of Richmond Spider Club.
Chalkley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Richmond in 1973, majoring in both history and political science while minoring in classics. He received his law degree from T.C. Williams School of Law in 1976.
Following graduation, he served in a private practice from 1976 to 1978, served as assistant Commonwealth’s attorney for the City of Richmond from 1978 to 1979 and for Hanover County from 1980 to 1983. He started a private practice specializing in criminal defense from 1984 to 2007 and eventually assumed the role of the Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2008 – a position he maintains today.
“He’s committed to protecting the innocent, prosecuting the guilty, and he believes that a well-trained and dedicated law professional is the best friend of an innocent person,” Hurd said.
Hurd added Chalkley is most proud of his
see CHALKLEY, pg. 24
Sports
05 11
2022 Prep softball: King William at Hanover 6:00 p.m.
05 12
2022 Girls lacrosse: Powhatan at Mechanicsville 7:30 p.m.
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Hawks prevail in dust-up with Mustangs
By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor
MECHANICSVILLE — When two of the top teams in the Richmond metropolitan area meet, fans can expect fireworks. When those two teams happen to be cross-county rivals, fans can expect plenty of fireworks.
Fans of Mechanicsville and Hanover were not disappointed by the amount of action when the Mustangs visited the Hawks’ diamond Thursday night. Mechanicsville’s fans may have been disappointed with a 9-8 loss to the Hawks, but what happened on the field had plenty of entertainment value. Both teams had plenty to be proud of.
“Thursday night was a great game,” wrote Hanover head baseball coach Tyler Kane in a text lightly edited for style and clarity. “Mechanicsville scored three in the first and we responded with four in the bottom half (of the inning). Cannon Peebles hit a ball off the center field wall to lead off the bottom half of the first inning.”
The game was moved up from Friday because of anticipated adverse weather, and the Mustangs had no chance to rest arms after earning a 3-2 win over Mills Godwin the previous evening.
“It was wild. It was ‘Wow!,’” said Mechanicsville head baseball coach Tyler Johnson. “Playing in Hanover back-toback days two of the top teams here in Richmond, two of the top teams around on back-toback nights, is a test a little bit.
Th e ’Ville stymies Eagles
By Clark Forster For the Times-Dispatch
Joel Klein for The Local
Mechanicsville catcher Grayson Moore shows the umpire he has control of the ball after tagging Hanover’s Wade Shepherd out at the plate on the back end of a double steal in Hanover’s 9-8 win over the Mustangs in a battle of county rivals Thursday night.
I think on Wednesday with the big win against Godwin 3-2, that was a huge confidence boost.
“Even though we lost to Hanover … it was a good game. It could have gone either way. The way our guys competed it ended up being a fun week.”
Both starters took time to settle down, beginning their outings with big hits to the first batter each faced. Hanover starter Levi Huesman gave up a line drive to center field by Mechanicville’s Ethan Serrano. Mechanicsville starter Sam Owens gave up the long ball to Peebles for a double.
In the Mustang first, Cam Lamb followed up Serrano’s single with a bunt single. Aaron Maxie walked, and Trevor Loving knocked in Serrano with a groundout to first. With Dallas Hairfield at the plate, Lamb scored on a passed ball which allowed Maxie to advance to third, then Hairfield knocked in Maxie on a sacrifice fly to center field.
“I think everybody was kind of shocked,” Johnson said. “It seemed like they were dead and their fans were shocked. But even going in to our dugout, it was kind of like, ‘What just happened?’ We didn’t expect to do that. But then they came right out and we just made so many mistakes early on in the game that cost us later in the game.”
In the Hawk first, Peebles scored the first of his two runs in the game on a botched pickoff attempt. Seth Keller reached on a single to left field and stole second and third. Brett Alvis walked. Cole Elrod singled in Keller. One out later, Nolan Williamson hit a single to center field to drive in Alvis and Elrod and make the score 4-3.
The Hawks added a run in
see PREVAILS, pg. 20
MECHANICSVILLE — Mills Godwin and Mechanicsville put on a good, old-fashioned pitcher’s duel Wednesday night.
And as pitcher’s duels often go, it was one lone moment that made the difference in a 3-2 Mustangs home victory.
Godwin pitcher Garrett Mason was dealing early as he kept the Mustangs offense off-balance.
But in the bottom of the fourth, Mustangs second baseman Trevor Loving was finally able to connect.
The University of Lynchburg commit blasted a 2-run homer over the right field fence to give Mechanicsville a 3-2 lead that would stand the rest of the way.
“We just needed something to happen,” Loving said, as the Mustangs could muster only two hits versus a dominant Mason. “He threw a pitch right down the middle. I took the best
see STYMIES, pg. 21
