The Mechanicsville Local – 07/27/2022 by Mechanicsville-Ashland Local

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COMMUNITY ‘Wet Art’ at the Ashland Branch Library PAGE

Town of Ashland hosts community picnic Aug. 6

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Vol. 7 No. 47 | Richmond Suburban News | July 27, 2022

Habitat breaks ground on 75th home By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity has been keeping busy this summer in the community, most recently with the organization celebrating the groundbreaking last week of the nonprofit organization’s 75th Habitat home Keedra Reeders and her son, Damien, are set to be the newest local Habitat homeowners, and the community was invited to join the celebration of their milestone on Thursday, July 21. Joined by Habitat staff, family and friends, the duo officially see HABITAT, pg. 7

Local author’s newest book brought to life by visionary students By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Keedra Reeders and her son Damien perform the ceremonial groundbreaking to their new Habitat home in Doswell.

VFW Post 9808 launches ‘Band of Brothers’ community events By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9808 has launched a series of events in honor of the 20th anniversary of the “Band of Brothers” miniseries. The events, which will all be held at the post located at 7168 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville, will feature screenings of the award-winning TV show along with dinner, artifacts, speakers and historians highlighting World War II and the exploits of one Airborne Infantry Company in the conflict. Each event is open to all veterans and their guests and will offer an opportunity to socialize and learn more about

the accomplishments of WWII veterans. Bob Seifert, a VFW member and one of the events’ organizers, said that while the events are designed for veterans and their guests, anyone who’s interested is welcome. If a civilian who wishes to attend does not know a veteran to bring, they can contact the post to be provided with a veteran host. see POST 9808, pg. 8

Contributed photo

Shown is Bob Seifert’s collection of biographies inspired by the ‘Band of Brothers’ novel by Stephen Ambrose that were on display during Tuesday’s event. Ambrose’s book was also the inspiration for the widely-acclaimed and awardwinning HBO miniseries.

Local artist, teacher, pastor and retired Navy chaplain David Reid Brown’s latest book, “Lost S u m m e r ,” carries a message of loss and recovery inspired by his difficult journey through the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The book holds special significance for the Grace Christian School teacher, as the finished product is owed to the talented minds and creative vision of his very own students. Brown served as a U.S. Navy chaplain for 21 years. His first published work, “Spirit Soundings: A Chaplain’s Journal of Life at Sea,” was similarly inspired by his global experiences in the chaplaincy and navigating through 21 years of peace, war and three oversees deployments. Retiring from the chaplaincy in 2016, Brown began his teaching journey at a Christian school in Hawaii, where he taught art, government, history and Bible study to high school-aged

Photo courtesy of Grace Christian School

David Reid Brown, author of ‘The Lost Summer,’ reads aloud the newly-published book during the publication party held at Grace Christian School in March.

students. After five years, he transitioned to Grace Christian School in Mechanicsville to teach the same subjects. Brown shared his inspiration behind “Lost Summer,” which is a prayer devotional that has been in the works for many years. In the summer of 2005, Brown travelled to the Gulf of Mexico to participate in PANAMAX, a military exercise with various nations from Central America and South America. After six weeks of training and preparing to travel back home, they were advised see AUTHOR pg. 16

Events at the Hanover Tavern Wednesday, Aug. 3: Heritage Music Series featuring Nate Oyler at the Hanover Tavern with live music on the patio from 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Saturday, Aug. 6: Tap Takeover at the Hanover Tavern. Come meet the brews and brewers from Strangeways Brewing from 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations are required. Thursday, Aug. 18: Haunted Tavern Tour at the Hanover Tavern. Come for a guided ghost tour of the Tavern at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Friday, Aug. 19: Beer Pairing Dinner at the Hanover Tavern featuring four courses beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person. Reservations are required. All tickets are available for purchase through the website: hanovertavern.org. For any questions, submit a “contact us” form on the website or call: 804-537-5050.

‘Wet Art’ at the Ashland Branch Library Contributed photos

The Ashland Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library received a great turnout for the ‘Wet Art’ event on Wednesday, July 13. Children ages 3 and up spent the morning coloring the library’s sidewalks with wet art, with paintings of trains being the most popular design. When immersing sidewalk chalk in water, it produces vivid and engaging art. Children also discovered that they could add water to the sidewalk before drawing to further enhance the color and add water after drawing for blending.

Hanover Cares to host High in Plain Sight Workshop Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local Hanover Cares Coalition will host “High in Plain Sight” on Monday, Aug. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hanover County Administration, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, VA 23069. This workshop will provide attendees with the ability, knowledge and confidence to help prevent and identify individuals who are abusing drugs and/or alcohol. Attendees will also be taught the strategies and different terms that are consistent with alcohol and drug abuse. There are several identifiers, logos and terms that are commonly related to drug (illegal and over-the-counter) and alcohol abuse, marijuana abuse and drug concealment on school, home and work property. These items, along with much more, will be discussed. There is no cost to attend the workshop, but pre-registration is required and space is limited. Visit https:// tinyurl.com/ tallcop0815 to register. Hanover Cares is dedicated to eliminating

Cooling locations in Hanover County Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local With highs expected to approach 100 degrees over the next several days, Hanover County asks everyone to observe the following precautions: Stay hydrated Avoid strenuous labor in direct sunlight during peak temperatures Wear light color clothes Check on elderly neighbors and loved

see WORKSHOP, pg. 7

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

ones Make sure your outside pets have adequate shade and water For those without air conditioning in their homes, Hanover County branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library will open on Sunday as well as Saturday this weekend. Sunday hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The locations and other hours of the library branches can be found at www.pamunkeylibrary.org.

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Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local At 12:48 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash northbound I-95 at the 90-mile marker. Levi E. Braxton III, 70, of Saluda, Va., was operating a 2015 GMC Terrain traveling northbound on Interstate 95 in the area of the 90-mile-marker at a high rate of speed, according to state police. Braxton allegedly drove onto the right shoulder to pass another motorist. As Braxton entered onto the right shoulder, he allegedly struck a 2007 Nissan Sentra, which had become disabled on the right shoulder of the interstate. Braxton was transported

to and released from VCU Medical Center with nonlife-threatening injuries. The Sentra driver was inside the broken-down vehicle when it was struck. Angela Clements Hurley, 49, from Mechanicsville, died on the scene. Virginia State Police arrested and charged Braxton with involuntary manslaughter and driving while suspended after consultation with the Hanover Commonwealth Attorney’s office. The crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the First Division Crash Reconstruction team. Information submitted by Sgt. Jessica Shehan, Virginia State Police public information officer.

Sheriff ’s office seeks to identify victim of homicide Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is working to identify the body of a woman who was discovered at about 7:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, on the shoulder of the road near the intersection of Winns Church and Greenwood roads. She is described as a young black adult female, 18 years old to early 20s, 4 feet 11 inches tall, weight is approximately 102 pounds. Tattoos with the phrases “Serendipity” (left wrist), “Fly” (chest), “It is what it is” (left hip), “BAD HABITS,” “PACIFY HER,” and “LOVE ME” are located on her upper

body and arms. At this time, the identity of the female is unknown. The Medical Examiner has ruled the manner of death as a homicide. Anyone with information about this case, or who can assist with identifying this individual, is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue reported in the 11200th block of Cedar Lane/ Cedarlea Parkway, Glen Allen.

May 12

Giving a false statement to obtain property or credit was reported in the 14100th block of Scotchtown Road, Beaverdam. Eluding police: Endangering persons or a police car was reported in the 17400th block of Mountain Road/Rockford Road, Montpelier. Grand larceny, auto theft was reported in the 11200th block of Hopson Road, Ashland. Falsely identifying self to law enforcement was reported in the 15000th block of Brown Pleasants Road/Mountain Road, Montpelier. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 10000th block of Whitesel Road, Ashland. Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 10300th block of Rapidan Way, Ashland.

May 15

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 8000th block of Cut Lane, Hanover.

Annoying phone calls was reported in the 12000th block of Harley Club Drive, Ashland.

Hit and run with attended property damage more than $1,000 was reported in the 14500th block of Scotchtown Road/W Patrick Henry Road, Montpelier.

Simple assault was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Simple assault was reported in the 12100th block of Winns Church Road, Glen Allen.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 13100th block of Waltons Tavern Road, Montpelier. Identity theft, obtaining ID to avoid arrest was reported in the 10100th block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland. Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 13400th block of Liberty School Road, Ashland. Abuse, neglect of incapacitated adult: First offense was reported in the 10500th block of Comanche Lane, Glen Allen. DWI: First offense was

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Identity theft with financial loss more than $200 was reported in the 15400th block of Campbell Lake Road, Doswell.

GDriver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 14000th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

May 13

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Forging was reported in the 11200th block of Central Drive, Ashland.

May 17

Failure of occupant to make a report of an accident was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland. Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the see SHERIFF’S, pg. 15

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Where the Crawdads Sing

Upcoming Events:

Virginia State Police investigating Hanover fatal crash

July 27 - July 28 at 7pm From the best-selling novel comes a captivating mystery.

DC League of Super-Pets July 29 at 2pm & 7pm July 30 at 11am & 2:30pm July 31 at noon

Delegate Danica Roem: Burn the Page. In Conversation and Book Signing. Presented in partnership with Fountain Bookstore.

July 30 at 6pm Broadberry Entertainment Group presents:

An evening with Adrian Belew August 1 at 7:30pm

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

ashlandtheatre.org

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022 3

CALENDAR Wednesday, July 27 – Thursday, July 28 Mechanicsville Baptist Church is hosting a Monumental Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Family Life Center for pottytrained preschoolers age three through rising sixth graders. Register online at mechanicsvillebaptist.org or call the church office at 804-746-7253.

Saturday, July 30 Local author Sara Condrey will be holding a book signing at Books Beads and More, located at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Condrey is the author of 16 books in various genres including children’s books, thriller, horror and light romance.

Ongoing Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions One Stop Shop (MCEF OSS) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland 2 miles west of U.S. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix. Visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-2709626.

Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. Visit www. allsoulsva.org. A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. Contact 804-7465081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com. Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. Contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin. org.

Tuesdays The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, midJanuary through mid-December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a nonstring instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

Sundays All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist

The American Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

Road in Mechanicsville, holds a “Meet and Greet, Coffee and Donut” event from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what they do for the community. Visit http://www. post175.org/.

Wednesdays Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma’s Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville. Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at Roma’s or Zoom connection information.

Thursdays The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo. com. Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove Road Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-6524 or email mjfaith1@ gmail.com. New Highland Baptist Church hosts open basketball gym time for adults in the Christian Life Center (CLC) starting at 7:30 PM. The church is located at 9200 New Ashcake Road in Mechanicsville. Use the side back entrance to enter. Contact Jeff Fitzgerald at jkfitzgerald@comcast.net with

| News, Updates & Listings any questions. Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Road, in Mechanicsville. CAP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train America’s next generation of Leaders. You’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, Leadership Training, Model Rocketry, Earning Rank & Awards, and much more. For more information, visit hanover.vawg.cap.gov. You can also call or email Capt James Wright at 804-551-3354 or james.wright@vawg.cap. gov.

Fridays The Building Bridges group of Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The group’s mission is to bring a message of hope and recovery to those suffering from addiction issues. They meet on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, visit rvana.org.

Second Mondays The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Road in Mechanicsville. It is one of several groups in the Richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the American Red Cross to distributed to those in need. Since its inception, the WEB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and glob-

Fax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to events@mechlocal. com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to Ashland-Hanover Local. ally. If you can make it, the WEB can use it. There are so many organizations in need of help. For more information, call Laurie Wagner at 804-7810338.

Third Mondays Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help and encourage those who have loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on Zoom. For more information, contact Jennifer Bean at 804-559-2805 or the church office at 804-746-9073. The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

Fourth Mondays The FeedMore Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing food from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First Shiloh Baptist Church at 8150 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Contact Heather at hshaheen96@ gmail.com. The Atlee Ruritan Club meets every fourth Monday at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Rt.301. Meetings, that include dinner and a program, begin at 6:30 p.m. Ruritan is a national community service organization dedicated to fellowship, goodwill, and community service. The Atlee Club welcomes both men and women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve your spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.

Second Tuesdays

The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and Aug.) at 10:30 a.m. in Room G110 of Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Bring a covered dish and join in with a group celebrating faith, fellowship, friends and fun. Meetings are cancelled if Hanover County Public Schools are two hours late or cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, call the church at 804-7469073. For more information, call Janet Lewis at 804-3988947. The Hanover County Historical Society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through December. The address is 13182 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. For more information, visit http://www. hanoverhistorical.org/index.

Third Tuesdays The Hanover Ruritan Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with dinner at 6.30 p.m. Ruritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill and community service. The first Ruritan Club was chartered May 21, 1928, in Holland, Virginia. Ruritan has grown throughout the United States of America, and in doing so has become. “America’s see CALENDAR, pg. 15

MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

The services and facilities you deserve at a price that makes sense. Contributed photo

Roudabush Group-Herff Jones was the first place tournament winner with a team featuring Chris Martinez, Ryan Molloy, John Corbin and Fielding Crawford.

24th annual HEF Golf Tournament raises over $33K Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local Twenty-three teams competed in the 24th Annual Hanover Education Foundation’s (HEF) Golf Tournament held at The Federal Club on June 20. The tournament raised over $33,890 to support Hanover County Public Schools. “We sincerely thank each of our sponsors for their generosity and ongoing support,” said Margaret Hill, executive director of HEC. “We also thank our hard working volunteers who helped to make this event a huge success.” The 2022 tournament winners are: First place: Roudabush Group-Herff Jones with Chris Martinez, Ryan Molloy, John Corbin and Fielding Crawford; Second place: TowneBank with Joshua Shrader, Brooks Lawson, Ty Crone and Patrick Johnson; Closest to the pin: Paul Dillard, and Longest drive: Bob May.

The following businesses, donors, teams, and sponsors supported this event: Aries Capital Management, Inc.; Atlee Station Family YMCA; Attronica; Bogeys Sports Park; Bradley Properties; Bunkie Trinite Trophies; Chick-fil-A (Ashland & VCC); Cigna; CodeBlue Technology; Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates Architects; Dan & Marcia Fryer; Doswell Limited Partnership; DreamBuilder Logistics; Fantastic Four; Fly Navy; Ginnina Eakle; Giovanni’s Restaurant; Half Way House; Hanover Country Store; Harris, Hardy, Johnstone, PC; Hobbs & Associates; Hopkins Properties; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; Moseley Architects; Patrick Family of Dealerships; PepsiCo Food Service; Rich’s Stitches; Roudabush Group – Herff Jones; RRMM Architects; Son Metal Fab; Stiles, Franklin, Inge, & Luck; The Dages Group; The Federal Club; The Hilton Hotel & Spa; The Supply Room; The V Team Paul Vecchione; TowneBank; TRANE; Trolley House Refreshments; Virginia Artesian Bottling Company; and Wells Fargo Advisors.

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OPINION | The Local Views From the editor

Exploring the stories behind our local creators By Christina Amano Dolan Editor It was bittersweet leaving Pole Green Park as the Hanover Tomato Festival’s festivities came to a close. This two-day bash marked the end of the summer of beloved Hanover festivals that finally, after years of isolation, returned in memorable color. Each experienced left a lasting impression on this first-time Hanover community festivalgoer. Leaving the Tomato Festival, the strongest and most lasting impression aside from the blistering July sun from the many displays of community supporting community, which is a common theme that runs through Hanover County’s summer of fun and entertainment. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Tomato Festival was its emphasis on local handcraft vendors. As you walk the festival grounds, it can be easy to see the goods on

display and make a snap judgement – pause and look around or keep moving? But sometimes just as fascinating as the goods on display are the people behind them, and if you take the time to listen, you may discover fascinating stories behind the various creations. The first stand that caught my attention was a booth adorned with handmade wreaths of all shapes and color. The creator, Cheryl Foster, spoke of her longtime love for crafts, saying she was recently inspired to return to her forgotten hobby of 36 years, which was inspired by her former mother-inlaw’s own artistic passions. Today, Foster has found joy in picking up her beloved hobby anytime she has a day off from her busy work schedule. Afton Turner, owner of Magnolia Dream Designs, similarly found inspiration from her mother to dive into her artistic passions. After her mother passed away, she decided to start up her own crafts business as a nod to

A healthy dose of separation anxiety By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

As I sat in a dormitory room and gazed out of a window overlooking Monroe Park, I wondered just how long it had been since I’d been on the VCU campus. After pondering the question, I realized this was my first time on the campus since my graduation decades ago. And for sure, the campus has changed quite a bit since my days spending more time that I should have sitting in Shaffer Court, and

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

their shared passion for creation – a business that immediately “took off” and has seen great success since the beginning, she said. Turner’s booth was colorfully decorated with her custom-designed tumblers, T-Shirts, pens, glasses and more. The connection between mothers and daughters with a shared love for crafts was also evident at the stand of Tiara Nicole’s Candles. Nicole and her 11-year-old daughter, Tiara, beamed when describing their creations. Their creatively-crafted candles and fun designs offered their own unique charm – especially their popular “cereal candles” that were indistinguishable from the real thing. These small yet meaningful encounters exemplify one of the most enjoyable aspects of Hanover’s community festivals – the opportunity for our local creators to share their passions with a bustling crowd of festivalgoers. Stopping to chat with the

vendors of some of the most eye-catching, colorful and unconventional local vendors offers an experience far more meaningful than shopping at a commercial store, as each candle or custom tumbler is crafted from the hands of a local artist with their own unique inspiration. With the summer of community festivals coming to a close, these small encounters have offered a memorable expression of community creativity, reflecting the amazing amount of locally-crafted creations found in Hanover’s community. While it was impossible to fully explore the wide variety of local vendors, with Friday boasting over 50 total vendors and Saturday featuring more than 70, the plethora of community stands left a first-time Tomato Festivalgoer eager for the next community celebration. Christina Amano Dolan may be reached at cdolan@mechlocal.com

what was once a disjointed collection of buildings has transformed in to a beautiful campus, something only envisioned when I attended. My twins, Jack and Emma, are attending VCU this fall, and Jack has enrolled in the Summer Scholar Program to get a head start on his studies. As I visited with Jack and listened to his excited conversations regarding his classes

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local. Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

and the start of a new adventure, I was overcome with a sense of pride as I watched him. I’m sure it’s the same sentiment felt by most parents as they watch their children embark on new journeys, begin new adventures and stand on the brink of numerous possibilities and challenges. Whether it’s watching a child move to dormitory or seeing them begin new careers or pursue other interests, it’s a time of transition for both children and parents. But, in Jack’s case, that sense of accomplishment seems more important as I sat in his room and considered the challenges he’s faced on his journey to this college dormitory. I thought back to a dire diagnosis more than a decade ago when every obstacle seemed so impossible and solutions seemed too distant to consider. In the depths of despair those see SEPARATION, pg. 10

HABITAT Continued from pg. 1

began their exciting journey to homeownership after a year of anticipation. “We are so blessed to be able to partner with families like Keedra, and we’re so grateful for all the hard work she has already put in,” said Renee Robinson, executive director of Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity. “She’s been in our program a long time, this has been a long time coming, and we are glad that it is finally here.” Robinson, standing before the foundation of what will be the Reeders’ new home, said they broke ground and thanked attendees for joining the ceremony. With Habitat staff and volunteers working diligently on the site every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they anticipate completing the home this upcoming December. “We’re able to do the work that we do with support from community members like you all and are honored to get to work with those like Keedra,” Robinson said. Kimberly Bell, director of family services for Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity, offered an introduction to the homeowner from working closely with the Reeders family since the start of their Habitat journey. “[Keedra] is so sweet, and she has been so patient and flexible while we’ve been working through major land shortage over the last year,” Bell said. “And we were just trying to find a spot that was going to be buildable and affordable.” Bell said the plot of land they eventually found for Keedra’s new home was “meant to be.” “Sometimes I think that the land actually picks the homeowner, and I think that that was definitely the situation in this case,” Bell said. Keedra, who currently lives in Ashland, has held many ties

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Dietric Edwards, Keedra Reeders’ cousin and deacon at Jerusalem Baptist Church, offers an invocation and scripture reading, prayer of blessing and leads a groundbreaking litany before attendees.

Shown is the site of the newest Habitat home located on North Telegraph Road in Doswell. Volunteers had already broken ground and built the foundation a week prior to the groundbreaking ceremony.

to the Doswell community over the years. She is currently a member of the Jerusalem Baptist Church, which is located just up the road from the site of her new Doswell home, where she teaches vacation bible school and serves as a member of the church’s dance team. “Just to have these resources right next door and to have that support system surrounding her – that’s going to result in long-term success for her and Damien,” Bell said. In addition, Keedra will be

surrounded by a network of family members who reside in Doswell. She said one of the main benefits of the spot is its close proximity to her grandmother. Among the family members who joined Thursday’s celebration was her cousin and deacon at Jerusalem Baptist Church, Dietric Edwards. He offered the ceremony’s invocation, scripture reading, prayer of blessing and led a groundbreaking litany with attendees joining in blessing the land.

“I thank Habitat for Humanity for stepping up and doing God’s work and helping out those in need,” Edwards said. “…By doing so, I know you touch [Keedra] in so many ways, and I know she’s a giver. She has a big heart, big smile, she’s always doing stuff for the church, stuff outside the church… not just talking the talk but also walking the walk. So I thank you all for that.” Together before the crowd, Keedra and Damien dug their golden shovels into the ground, marking the official groundbreaking of their new home. “This is hard-earned on Keedra’s part,” Robinson said. “She’s put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity with us. I’m sure she’s going to be on site and maybe recruiting some of you all to come out on site as we build on this.” Keedra expressed her gratitude to Habitat for giving her the opportunity to live out her lifelong dream. “I’m so grateful to Habitat for working with me to be able to build my first home,” she said excitedly. “Being a homeowner was so important for me, it’s something that I wanted to do for years, but the market has been tough. So I’m just grateful that they gave me the opportunity.” She said Damien is especially excited for his new home. Thanks to the site’s convenient location, he is able to remain in the same school district with his friends. Hanover and King William Habitat continue to work diligently to provide affordable housing to qualified applicants. Applications are open until the end of the month for two available lots located in King William and Ashland. For more information on how to apply to be a homeowner or other services that Habitat provides, including the critical repairs program, visit the website: https://www. hkwhabitat.org/.

Hanover Youth Service Council holding annual school supply drive Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local In the middle of their summer vacation, members of Hanover’s Youth Service Council (HYSC) are coordinating a countywide school supply drive. All supplies benefit Hanover’s elementary, middle and high school students in need. This signature service project has been conducted by HYSC for the past 22 years. Through Aug. 15, the public can donate generic backpacks, composition books, supply boxes, two-pocket folders, glue sticks, erasers, dividers, durable binders, supply boxes, pencil pouches, notebooks, hi-lighters, crayons, pencils, markers, colored pencils, loose leaf paper, scissors, sanitizing wipes, dry erase markers, hand sanitizer, tissues, index cards and any other school supplies for all grade levels. Items can be dropped off for donation at the following locations:

Ashland Ashland Library –201 S. Railroad Avenue Community Resources – 12310 Washington Highway

Mechanicsville Mechanicsville Library – 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place Atlee Library –9161 Atlee Road

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the use of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs among Hanover County youth, through education and community collaboration. You can learn more

Hanover Hanover County Administration Building – 7516 County Complex Road Hanover County Martha Ann Fields Building – 7515 Library Drive Emergency Communications Building – 7501 Library Drive Hanover Library –7527 Library Drive

Montpelier Montpelier Library17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane Local churches and businesses interested in supporting the school supply drive by hosting a collection box are asked to contact the Department of Community Resources at 365-4300 or email volunteer@ hanovercounty.gov. Families needing school supplies for the coming school year should contact their school’s guidance counselor. HYSC is comprised of 25 middle and high school students from throughout Hanover who plan and lead various service projects to address local needs. For more information about the HYSC, contact the Hanover County Department of Community Resources, 365-4300 or email volunteer@hanovercounty.gov. Information submitted by Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County.

at www.Hanover-Cares.org. Hanover Cares is excited to bring this event to Hanover for the first time and partner with Tall Cop Says Stop and Hanover County Community Services Board.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022 7

Town of Ashland hosts community picnic Aug. 6 The Town of Ashland will host a community picnic from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Carter Park & Pool (1112 Maple Street). Ashlanders of all ages are invited to gather with neighbors and friends, new and old, for food, drinks, games and a refreshing swim in Carter Park Pool, which will offer free admission during the event. Organized by the Town’s Community Engagement and Parks & Recreation Departments, the idea for the event originated from a caring and committed community member. “I called and said I had an idea for a picnic where everybody comes together, no matter their color,” said Gloria Arnold, a longtime Town of Ashland resident. “I believe when we come together over good food and good conversations, we see each other for who we really are.” “We’ve spent a lot of time physically separated from one another over the past two years and I’ve been looking for an opportunity to gather,” said Martha J. Miller, community engagement manager for the Town of Ashland. “When Ms. Arnold called me in June with her vision for a community picnic, I loved the idea and knew we needed to make it happen.”

Event highlights include: Free pool admission Food and drinks: Hot dogs from Ashland Kiwanis, barbeque with all the fixins’ from Around the Table, Mexican paletas (popsicles) from Los Regios Dulceria y Neveria and ice cream

POST 9808 Continued from pg. 1

Admission is free with the option of an $8 dinner provided by VFW Post 9808. Seifert said the series of events are designed to cater to anyone’s busy schedule by offering multiple opportunities for those interested to attend. The first event was held at 6 p.m. July 26 and included a presentation by the Virginia National Guard’s Command Historian Al Barnes, tables displaying World War II artifacts and a large screen showing of the first two episodes of “Band of Brothers.” Organizers plan to feature a local World War II veteran at as many of the events as possible. The Aug. 2 event will feature episodes three and four and Aug. 9 will feature episodes five and six, with both events similar to the first event but with different artifacts, historians and more The doors open for each event at 5 p.m. with an $8 dinner served until 6:30 p.m. A presenta-

sundaes from Sweet Sharae’s. Beer and Wine Garden: Organized by Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Games: Ashland-themed bingo, piñata, lawn games, basketball, soccer and giveaways. Music and dancing: DJ Melvin Gates will play. “This event aligns with my goals to grow and expand the inclusivity of the town’s parks and rec programming,” said Emmy Houck, parks and recreation coordinator. “Carter Park Pool is one of Ashland’s best assets, so I’m thrilled to be able to offer free admission during the event.” “Due to the pandemic, I think we’ve all come to value human connection even more and the role one’s community can play in getting us through hard times,” Miller added. “I want everyone to feel

tion will be given at 6 p.m. with the screening of the two featured episodes following. Attendees can come and go as they please. The Aug. 13 event will simulcast the all-day Band of Brothers’ 20th Anniversary Symposium at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans for viewers to experience the celebration remotely at the post. The “Band of Brothers” miniseries, originally broadcast on HBO on Sept. 9, 2001, depicts the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army. “The story and series are world famous and they resonate with veterans for obvious reasons,” Seifert said. “The series was just so well done and is such an amazing story – the story of an elite U.S. Army unit that participated in the largest amphibious attack ever, the largest airborne assault ever, fought in the largest battle ever, in the largest conflict ever and at the end of the conflict, they

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

were assigned to occupy the Eagle's Nest, Adolph Hitler's vacation home.” Seifert said it is amazing how many people who have never served in the military are struck by the show’s inspiring story. “It’s really easy to take World War II for granted, having been so close to our time and people still being alive that fought in that,” Seifert said. “It was the largest war that’s ever been, and so we should definitely know a lot about it, and we’re still feeling the effects of it.” Seifert and Jay Ellis, another longtime VFW member and event organizer, expressed their desire to generate interest among younger community members and provide engaging educational programming on the largest war in history. “It’s an opportunity for people that haven’t experienced that particular miniseries to come out and have an opportunity to watch it, and especially possibly having people in the audience that can comment on it,” Ellis said. “And obviously, we will

Contributed photos

Carter Park Pool, located at 1112 Maple Street in Ashland, will have free admission during the community picnic on Aug. 6, which organizers hope will bring people together.

welcome, seen, and supported here. This is our invitation to all residents to come, meet someone new, and celebrate Ashland, together.” Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets as picnic tables are limited. Pack a picnic or purchase food, drinks, or sweets from the vendors listed above. Parking is available at Carter Park Pool, with additional parking available along Maple Street, South Center Street, and the Patrick Henry YMCA (217 Ashcake Rd). Walking, biking and carpooling are highly encouraged. Visit ashlandva.info/picnic.

have historians that will be there to help set the stage and help people understand or answer questions as it goes along.” In addition, they hope the events will attract new membership to the VFW among younger generations, as VFW Posts across the country have seen a drop in membership over the years. “So part of this is to try and get younger members and show them there are things that would appeal to them at the VFW,” Seifert said. “I mean, with any organization today, it’s really challenging to get membership,” Ellis said. “But hopefully, this will be something that will be of interest and possibly, if it works out… to keep it moving forward and do it quarterly, monthly – whatever makes sense.” Seifert said as they have never held events like this before, they hope to make the series long-term and hold similar events surrounding different wars. He said they are currently thinking about holding a series of

movie screenings on the Korean War. Ellis added that, along with attracting new membership, they aim to establish the events as an opportunity for the community to come together. “The object of this whole endeavor is to generate some community involvement and bring out some of the veterans that may or may not qualify to be a VFW member, but at least get everybody together and gather as a community,” Ellis said. Seifert encourages anyone interested to try attending one or more of the upcoming “Band of Brothers” events for an evening of socializing, fun and meaningful discovery of the inspiring stories of World War II. “They’re going to have a great time, they’re going to find it really interesting and really inspirational,” he said. For more information on the upcoming “Band of Brothers” events or Post 9808, visit https://vfwpost9808.com/ or contact contact@ vfwpost9808.com.

HEF Scholarships awarded to Class of 2022 graduates Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local Hanover Education Foundation (HEF) Scholarships totaling over $179,500 were awarded to 73 seniors in Hanover County Public Schools as they continue to pursue training and educational opportunities beyond high school. This year’s scholarships and recipients are: Alex Moore Memorial Scholarship awarded to Campbell Doughty of Hanover High School. Ashland Garden Club Scholarship awarded to John Stansbury of Patrick Henry High School. Atlee Raiders Generations Scholarship awarded to Alexandros Kamaratos of Atlee High School. Beth O’Brien Hubbard Memorial Scholarship awarded to Alexander “Xander” Epperson of Atlee High School; De’Shawn Goodall of Hanover High School; Abigail Dawes of Mechanicsville High School, and Zachary Fernandez of Patrick Henry High School. Bette J. Harmon Memorial Scholarship awarded to Brandon Bateman of Atlee High

School and Thomas Richman of Mechanicsville High School. Bodie and Faye Memorial Art Scholarship awarded to Sydney Endicott and Jayden Stanley of Patrick Henry High School. Channel TV99 Scholarship awarded to Caroline Metheny of Atlee High School. Charles Frederick League Future Educator Scholarship awarded to Zoie Melton of Hanover High School and Christian Lanier of Mechanicsville High School. Clay & Christine Overbey Virginia Tech Scholarship awarded to Jamie Mills of Patrick Henry High School. Derek Crytser Memorial Scholarship awarded to Jace Wheeler of Atlee High School and Matthew Woldeab of Hanover High School. Doswell Limited Partnership Scholarship awarded to Zoe Dreyfuss of Patrick Henry High School. Eleanor J. Sydnor Honor Award awarded to Braelyn Blackstone and Cameron Elam of Patrick Henry High School. Henry Clay Elementary – Teresa M. Keck Scholarship awarded to Cassidy Jackson of Patrick Henry High School. J.K. Samples Scholarship awarded to

Daniel Letter, Will Rittenhouse and Emma Roberson of Atlee High School; Henry Atkinson, Cameron Bates and Matthew Woldeab of Hanover High School; Lydia Elkins, Victoria Novak and Tyler Rankin of Mechanicsville High School; and Katherine (Katie) Johnson, Edgar Ocanas Lopez and Eli Ortiz Rivera of Patrick Henry High School. James Pierce “Punkie” Kegley Jr. Memorial Scholarship awarded to Christian Adams and Makayla Newell of Patrick Henry High School. Kevin Ritz Memorial Scholarship awarded to Katelyn Dworak of Mechanicsville High School. Kings Dominion Scholarship awarded to Tyler Geist of Atlee High School, Caleb Mittelstaedt of Hanover High School, Kayla Rucker of Mechanicsville High School, and Elaila Anderson of Patrick Henry High School. Mario Colon Rivadeneria Memorial Scholarship awarded to Jackson Berry of Atlee High School and Daniel Huggins of Hanover High School. Mason Garrett Kirby Scholarship awarded to Kyle Newman of Atlee High School and Charles Balderson IV, Bronson Davis, Turner Fitzpatrick, Chase Sanford and Kyle Woodall

Companies expand into global markets with Commonwealth’s Trade Accelerator Program Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that 11 companies across the Commonwealth have graduated from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. VALET, which now has more than 350 graduated companies, assists Virginia exporters that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy. “The success of Virginia businesses both at home and abroad is key to maintaining a strong and resilient economy,” Youngkin said. “The VALET program equips companies in Virginia with the resources they need to enter today’s global marketplace and increase trade opportunities for Virginia products. I congratulate these 11 graduating Virginia companies on their impressive export sales and am confident that their international success will contribute to the economic vitality of our Commonwealth in the years to come.”

“VEDP’s VALET program continues to have tremendous results helping Virginia businesses of all sizes expand into global markets,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “International trade fuels the economy and VALET is an invaluable tool that enables companies to develop increased revenues, and we are excited about the growth these graduates will experience as a result of their time in the program.” “The VALET program positions Virginia businesses for success utilizing a proven combination of knowledge and resources to catalyze global sales,” said VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “International trade makes companies stronger, more resilient, and more competitive in the global marketplace, and VALET is a critical vehicle to facilitate connections. We look forward to many more years of global success for these VALET program graduates.” The graduating companies are: Aeroprobe Corporation (Montgomery County) see PROGRAM, pg. 15

of Atlee High School. Ragan T. Phillips “Adventures in Learning” Grant awarded to Edgar Ocanas Lopez of Patrick Henry High School. Robert W. & Helen M. Parker Scholarship awarded to Shauntrea Anderson, Dillan Baskind, T’Niyah Baylor, Ayonna Bennett, Bryce Brooks, Evan Cooper, LaShanti Freeman, Shahla Hassan, Katherine Johnson, Vivian (Wren) McLaughlin, Logan Nuckols, Anastasia Rubis, Grace Speed, Sophie Teets and Nicole Zhang of Patrick Henry High School. Rockville Ruritan Club Scholarship awarded to Esthefanny Flores Gonz lez of Patrick Henry High School. RWM Scholarship awarded to Ziona Tucker of Patrick Henry High School. Serve and Learn Scholarship awarded to Julia Baitinger of Atlee High School, Sydney Waldrop of Hanover High School, Samuel Matthews of Mechanicsville High School and Sydney Endicott of Patrick Henry High School. Shane Adcock Memorial Scholarship awarded to Madilyn Herskovitz of Atlee High School. The Insurance Doctor awarded to Corinne Delgado and Kennedy Rowsey of Patrick Henry High School.

Hanover County comprehensive plan update continues with upcoming public workshops Hanover County is currently working with residents, businesses, landowners, and other community members to update the Comprehensive Plan, which is the County’s long-range vision for the future. The plan addresses a variety of topics, including land use, housing, economic development and natural resources. It identifies objectives and strategies that can be implemented to realize the community’s vision for the future, serving as a guide for growth, development and preservation. As part of the Comprehensive Plan update, two interactive workshops are scheduled for late July and early August. At these interactive workshops, citizens will work together as a group to discuss future land uses throughout Hanover County. Both workshops will include the same interactive activities, so interested participants can attend the date/location that works best for their schedule. Pre-registration is encouraged. Visit www.envisionhanover.com or call (804) 365-6171 for registration and more

information. Thursday, July 28 (5:30 to 7 p.m.) Montpelier Center for Arts and Education 17205 Mountain Road Montpelier, VA 23192 Wednesday, Aug. 3 (5:30 to 7 p.m.) Atlee Branch Library 9212 Rutlandshire Drive Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Updating the Com-prehensive Plan will be a multi-year effort. There will be significant opportunities for public engagement as the updated plan continues to be developed. It is anticipated that the final document will be reviewed and adopted by the Board of Supervisors in the summer of 2023. For more information, visit www.envisionhanover.com. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022 9

Regional transportation planning boards elect new leadership Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local PlanRVA and the two transportation planning and financing organizations that it supports – the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO) – have elected new board leadership roles. PlanRVA elected the following people for its Fiscal Year 2023 officers during a July 14 meeting: Sean Davis, Hanover Board of Supervisors is chair; Michael Byerly, Powhatan Board of Supervisors is vice chair; Patricia Paige, New Kent Board of Supervisors is treasurer; and Daniel McGraw, Ashland Town Council is secretary. As the region’s lead planning agency, PlanRVA focuses on community development, emergency management, the environment and transportation. PlanRVA represents the town of Ashland and Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan counties, and the city of Richmond. PlanRVA provides the staffing to

the CVTA and RRTPO, managing both organizations’ administrative, compliance and project management activities.

CVTA elects Chesterfield supervisor Carroll as chair Chesterfield Supervisor Kevin Carroll was elected chair and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney was elected vice chair of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority during its July 15 meeting. A list of CVTA jurisdiction members for Fiscaly Year 2023 (FY2023) can be found here: https://planrva. org/wp-content/uploads/CVTAMembership-List-3.pdf Hanover County Supervisor W. Canova Peterson and New Kent Supervisor Patricia Paige were elected to the CVTA finance committee. They join members Kevin Carroll (Chesterfield), Frank Thornton (Henrico), and Mayor Stoney (Richmond) on the committee. Representatives from the three larger communities are standing members of the committee per the Virginia

Code. A list of CVTA finance committee members for FY2023 can be found here: https://planrva.org/ wp-content/uploads/CVTA-FinanceCommittee-FY23.pdf. Established by the General Assembly of Virginia in 2020, the Authority directs funding for priority transportation investments across the region. CVTA includes membership from the Town of Ashland and Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan counties and the city of Richmond, as well as representatives from the Senate of Virginia, House of Delegates, Commonwealth Transportation Board, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Port Authority, GRTC Transit System Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Capital Region Airport Commission.

Goochland supervisor Lumpkins named RRTPO chair Goochland County Board of

Supervisor John Lumpkins, Jr. was elected chair of the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization. Hanover County Supervisor Peterson was elected vice chair. An updated list of RRTPO policy board members can be found here: https://planrva.org/ transportation/board-tpo/. Created in 1974, the RRTPO helps facilitate collaboration and cooperation among residents and stakeholders related to funding and planning the future of the region’s transportation network. The RRTPO’s voting members include the Town of Ashland, the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, the City of Richmond, Capital Region Airport Commission, GRTC Transit System, Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Virginia Department of Transportation. Non-voting members include the Community Transportation Advisory Committee, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Ridefinders, Inc., Virginia Department of Aviation, and Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation.

Authorized Verizon retailers to donate 140,000 backpacks full of school supplies Contributed Report Ashland-Hanover Local Round Room, LLC., the nation’s largest Verizon Authorized Retailer, announces that its TCC and Wireless Zone stores are donating 140,000 backpacks full of school supplies in the upcoming milestone tenth annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. In its ten years of occurrence, the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway has provided more than 1.2 million backpacks full of school supplies to children across the U.S. as they prepare for their upcoming school years. On Sunday, July 31, between 1 to 4 p.m. local time, more than 1,200 TCC and Wireless Zone nationwide stores are inviting local families to their locations to pick up a backpack filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, a ruler and glue. One backpack per child present will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The Wireless Zone of Mechanicsville is among the stores participating, which is located at 9225 Atlee Road, Suite 5107. In addition to the backpack donations, families can

enter their students in a sweepstakes to win a $10,000 college scholarship through the giveaway’s Big Impact. Children in grades K-12 are eligible for entry and can be registered at their local TCC and Wireless Zone stores during the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway event. Five scholarships in total will be awarded to randomly selected winners. “For the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway to reach its tenth edition is truly monumental for all of us at Round Room, TCC and Wireless Zone. This event is now an annual staple in communities nationwide and we couldn’t be more proud of how much we’ve been able to positively impact students these last ten years,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room. “The rising costs of school supplies have made it immensely difficult for many families to adequately prepare their children each school year. Our goal is to alleviate these challenges for as many families as we can through this annual give back event.” According to the National Retail Federation, American families with school-aged children spent an average of $849.90 on school supplies in 2021 – totaling $37.1 billion spent in America last year

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

on school supplies alone. Round Room is working to ease the strain of rising school supply costs with this annual program through its TCC and Wireless Zone stores nationwide. To find your nearMetro Creative Services est TCC or Wireless Zone store to attend a School Rocks Backpack Giveaway event, visit https:// locations.tccrocks.com/search.html and https://shop. wirelesszone.com. Any leftover backpacks at School Rocks Backpack Giveaway events will be donated to local schools of each store’s choice. Supporters of the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway are encouraged to use hashtags #BackpackGiveaway and #10DaysOfGiving on Instagram and Twitter to help spread the word. To learn more about TCC and Wireless Zone visit www.RoundRoom.com.

SEPARATION Continued from pg. 6

days presented, it was Jack who led me from the darkness of hopelessness to the reality of life and the gift it provides each day. Giving up was always too easy for Jack and never considered an option. He began a steady and determined drive to achieve his dreams, because, in Jack’s mind, not only was anything possible – everything was possible. Certainly, I’m not the only parent saying farewell to children heading to college or other pursuits, and I’m sure the separation anxiety is an emotion felt by parents throughout time. No matter how confident we are in our childrens’ abilities to succeed, it’s always hard to stand back and watch from a distance. Jack’s independence is no different from the thousands of students making the same transition, and our feelings as a family are no more significant than any of those individual stories. But realizing my son’s limitations, the first few days haven’t been easy for those who love and support him. His sisters have taken turns spending evenings and nights with their brother, and his mother makes numerous trips each day to assist Jack. It’s a process, but Jack assures us he’s ready to begin his journey as an independent adult, and we’ve learned not to doubt his tenacity and determination. At the risk of sounding like an over indulgent parent who can’t stop bragging about their kids, seeing Jack in his dorm is one of the proudest moments of my life, and I exited the building with a single thought ran through my mind. You can’t hide happy!

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

30 2022

GRAL swimming: Champs meet at SwimRVA 9:00 a.m.

31 2022

GRAL swimming: Champs meet at SwimRVA 9:00 a.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

GRAL swimmers now focus on Champs By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — The area’s Greater Richmond Aquatic League teams wrapped up their regular season last week. Plenty of fun was to be had, but there was serious business to be attended to as well: qualifying for the league’s annual Champs meet. Hanover’s GRAL teams will be sending a host of swimmers to Champs this weekend. The meet will be held Saturday and Sunday, with 12-and-unders competing Saturday and swimmers 13-and-up competing Sunday. Action both days begins at 9 a.m. County teams qualified 367 swimmers for Champs. Burkwood will be sending nearly half of its roster — 93 Buccaneers — qualifying for this weekend’s action, 25 more competitors than the next-largest GRAL contingent, Church Run. “We had 220 swimmers registered this year. That is the most swimmers we have ever recorded on the team since I began coaching here,” said Burkwood head coach Karen Seeber. “We scored a grand total of 11,052 points across our six meets. If you divide that out by swimmer, then every swimmer would have contributed approximately 50 points to the team.” Seeber said the accomplishments of her swimmers so far are all the more impressive given that — while they could practice in Burkwood’s indoor

its home pool early in the season. To keep a team of more than 200 swimmers together on pool decks each week despite the uncertainty was quite an achievement. Another achievement is the 27 records — 24 team records, three GRAL regular season records — set by Buccaneer swimmers this season. The next largest groups of Champs qualifiers from Hanover County are those from Ashland and Rockville/Dolphin Club, with 31 swimmers apiece. Twenty-eight Kings Charter swimmers qualified, as did 25 from Old Church and 23 apiece from AshCreek, Pebble Creek and The Federal Club. Atlee Recreation Association’s Gators had 22 swimmers qualify, with 20 from nearby Milestone and 16 each from Hanover Country Club and Mechanicsville Recreation Association, 10 from Bell Creek and six from Battlefield Green. Burkwood wrapped up the regular season with its sixth win, a 2,080.5 2-1,459.5 rematch win over Church Run. The Buccaneers were led by quad winners Braden Amiss, William Conland, Chandler Rose, Harrison Welsh and Briggs Zyglocke; and by triple winners Faith Baird, Bret Bednarczyk, Tyler Bishop, John Cristman, Anna Cross, Avery Joel Klein for The Local Cross, Dylan Croxton, Megan Federal Club quadruple winner Charlotte Bruning breaks her own Greater Richmond Aquatic League-record time in the 9-10 girls Davis, Andrew Eisele, Noah 100-yard individual medley with a time of 1:11.50 in a GRAL meet against visiting Pebble Creek on July 19. Engler, Allison Everhart, Peter Frame, Olivia Godard, Harrison well and Burkwood was kind one was able to always host.” pool — they have not been able deck. The need to adjust lasted Hammer, Bradley Reynold and “We never had our pool this enough to rent NOVA for us to compete in their home pool this season because of renova- season,” she said. “But the kids because we were trying to find into the season. Burkwood had tions to Burkwood’s lower pool and their parents adjusted real places to swim and not every- hoped to be hosting events at see GRAL, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022 11

GRAL Continued from pg. 11

Lilly Ziglocke. Kings Charter knocked off AshCreek 1,150-983. Quad winners William Cope, Henry Crain, Madison Goodman, Kaden Kinner, Karys Kinner, Sophia Tricoli and Hutton Wells led the Tidal Waves. Kings Charter also had triple winners Jordan Adams, Maggie Caten, Tyler Caten, Megan Lane, Tommy Lane, Chloe Lutton, Hudson Lutton, Kaleb Robinson and Autumn Walls. Four quad winners led the Crocodiles: Eva Couch, Zoey Regensburg, Brock Rempe, Ben Schumacher. AshCreek also had a number of triple winners: Blaze Bittner, Jake Collawn, Cere Duplissey, Will Guest, Braiden Owen and Landon Viar. Fellow Division 2 team Ashland fell to Wyndham in a squeaker 1,277-1,252. The Barracudas were led by a trio of quad winners Ashlyn Arnold, Andi Medei and Gavin Yonce and by triple winners Caden Arnold, Kathryn Balut, Briar Blankenship, Chloe Brown, Duke Flanagan, Jerrin Flinchbaugh, Kara Gantz, Andrew McCall, Eloise McCall, Tyler McDaniel, Skylar Metzinger, Brette Metzinger, Brette Nicely, Penelope Rose and Alannah Simmons. In Division 3, The Federal Club defeated Pebble Creek 1,049.5-671.5. A trio of quad winners led the Eagles: Delaney Brown, Caroline Bruning and Charlotte Bruning. Pebble Creek also had triple winners Ainsley Agee, Brannan Agee, William Barnard III, Amanda Barnard, Taylor Oliva Brown, McKayla Carey, Ian DeRose, Charlotte Dunning, Ira Emmerling, James Knox, Brady Rhodes, Leah Sculthorpe, Sadie Smith and Cooper Waldron. Quad winners Trey Davis III, Mason Hill, Tyler Hill, Jackson Magill, Olivia Minton, Kenzie Strohhacker, Reagan

Joel Klein for The Local

Above, Federal Club triple winner Brannan Agee wins the 11-12 boys 100-yard individual medley in 1:18.03 in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet against visiting Pebble Creek on July 19. Top left, Federal Club’s Brady Rhodes (left) and Caroline Bruning (right) are all smiles after Caroline’s victory in the 8-under girls 100-yard individual medley. Bottom left, Pebble Creek quadruple winner Reagan Strohhacker hits the water on the way to her 11-12 girls 50-yard backstroke victory in 31.04.

Strohhacker and Jude Volles led the Piranhas. Pebble Creek also had triple winners Keath Amidon, Wesley Hill, Zachary

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

Rockville/Dolphin Club Lehman, Izzie Lindsey, Avery Minton, Sydney Minton, slipped past Chestnut Oaks Caitlyn Robertson and Dillon 920.5-895.5. The combined Racers/Dolphins team was Strohhacker.

led by quad winners Avery Carlson, Mia Feierabend, Janey Ferry, Jared Fraser, Brighton Hollender, Christopher Matthews, Avery Owens and Bailey Owens and by triple winners James Ferry, John Ferry, Sean Larkin, Anna Vogel and Breckin Worthington. Atlee Recreation Association fell to Goochland YMCA 1,162815. The Gators were led by triple winners Emma Allison, Christopher Bergreen, Reagan Brittle, Nate Hession, Grayson Milliron, Lauren Stainker, Matthew Stockbridge, Claire Sweet, Emmy Trumbore and Claire Whitlock. In cross-county meets in Division 4, Milestone beat Bell

Creek 753-538 and Hanover Country Club defeated Battlefield Green 686-515. Milestone had a host of quad and triple winners. The Makos were paced by quad winners David Blanco, Hudson Brush, Kaylee Hues, Jeremy Masinick, Michael Sabo and Molly Sabo. Their triple winners were Liam Fairbanks, Brandon Harvey, Heath Kyllingstad, Tamia Marshall, Riley Spaulding, Jeffrey Sproull, Molly Sproull, Emily Stevens, Jenna Stevens and Kate Waters. Quad winners Caitlin Stearns and triple winners Grayson Corker, Callan Cotton and Beckett Sandefur led Bell Creek. Hanover County Club was led by a host of quad winners: Grant Cardaropoli, Samantha Cox, Hudson Droppleman, J.J. Droppleman, Aiden Gilbert, Mikaela Gilbert, Eastern Kaefer, Kaleb Kashinejad, Oliva Massimino and Zack Zedaker. It triple winners were Caroline Cox, Chance Greene, Nora Marr, William McAdoo, Ryder Robinson and Grace Working. Old Church defeated Wembly 971-498. The Otters’ quad winners were Charley Brooks, Gracie Brooks, Baker Bugin, Graham Frye, Liz LaPrade, Kelsey Sutton and Keelyn Underdown. The Otters’ triple winners were Joelle Agee, Henry Atkinson, Alex Brehm, Katie Brehm, Liam Brehm, Rachel Durrer, Bryden Hurtubise, Kenley Jones, Nathan Kelly, Elliott Owen, Alex Piland, Gabriella Sanchez, Kendall Underdown, Ty Williams and Nate Wyatt. Mechanicsville Recreation Association fell to Tuckahoe Village West 838-616. The Marlins had a number of triple winners: Aydan Butler-Gee, Jordyn Dillard, Tyler Earley, Ciara Lewis, C.J. Lewis, Preston Lewis, Alex Pruemer, Bella Seward and Leah Silva. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 10th day of August, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct public hearings pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide recommendations on the following: CPA2022-03 LUCK FARM MARKET Todd D. Rogers of Rogers-Chenault, Inc., requests a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the future land use classification from Open Space to Neighborhood Commercial for the property identified as GPIN #7870-25-2549. The property is approximately 3.642 acres in size and is located along the western line of West Patrick Henry Road/ Thompson Street (State Route 54) and along the southern line of Luck Brothers Drive. The applicant intends to develop a restaurant and farmers market-style grocery store. REZ22-0414 & ORD2022-04 LUCK FARM MARKET Todd D. Rogers of Rogers-Chenault, Inc., requests a rezoning from RR-1 Residential Rural to B-4 Neighborhood Commercial with proffers for the property identified as GPIN #7870-25-2549. The property is approximately 3.642 acres in size and is located along the western line of West Patrick Henry Road/Thompson Street (State Route 54) and along the southern line of Luck Brothers Drive. The applicant intends to develop a restaurant and farmers market-style grocery store. The future land use is Open Space. CUP22-0627A & CUP22-0627B LUCK FARM MARKET Todd D. Rogers of Rogers-Chenault, Inc., requests approval of two (2) Conditional Use Permits (CUP) for the property identified as GPIN #7870-25-2549. The property is approximately 3.642 acres in size and is located along the western line of West Patrick Henry Road/Thompson Street (State Route 54) and along the southern line of Luck Brothers Drive. The applicant intends to develop a farmers market-style grocery store (CUP220627A) and a restaurant over 2,500 square feet (CUP22-0627B), which are permitted uses with conditional use permits pursuant to Ashland Town Code Section 21-112 (ae) and (al) in the B-4, Neighborhood Commerical zoning district. CPA2022-05 WILTON ACQUISITION Richard J. Knapp of Richard J. Knapp & Associates, P.C., representing Wilton Acquisition, LLC, requests a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the future land use classification from Town Edge and Mixed Business to Traditional Neighborhood. for the properties identified as GPINs #7880-53-9192 and #7880-63-9486. The properties are approximately 30.578 acres and 29.749 acres in size, respectively, for a total of 60.327 acres, and are located along the eastern corporate limits of the Town of Ashland, just north of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54), east of Interstate 95, and west of Woodside Lane. The new land use designation allows for a density of 1-4 units per acre.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 16th day of August 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct a public hearing pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-2204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide a recommendation on the following: CUP22-0524, 817 England Street Fueling Station & Carwash Tim Kowalewski of The Wills Group on behalf of the property owner SMO Inc. and the Ashland Economic Development Authority are requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for a fueling station pursuant to Section 21-101(x) of the Ashland Town Code, which permits fueling stations within the B-2 Highway Commercial district with issuance of a CUP and a carwash pursuant to Section 21-101 (l) to construct and operate a carwash at 817 England Street and 99 S. Carter Road. The site is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of England Street and South Hill Carter Parkway (GPIN parcels 7880-21-6208 and 7880-21-6152). The site is within the B-2, Highway Commercial district. The future land use designation is Interstate Commercial. Copies of CUP22-0524 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Copies of CPA2022-03, REZ22-0414, ORD2022-04, CUP22-0627A, CUP22-0627B, and CPA2022-05 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022 13

CLASSIFIEDS Business & Service Directory ADULT CARE CNA - I give professional, dependable, quality care, etc. For more information & available hours, call 804-321-2024.

Announcements YARD & ESTATE SALES Estate Sale for the Estate of Frank & Marie Cassell, 14115 Horseshoe Bridge Road, Ashland, 23005, Saturday, July 30th, 9am-2pm. Tools, Furniture, Houseware Items, glassware & more!!

Recruitment HEALTHCARE

For full job descriptions and to apply visit

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FAX: (804) 344-8746 or classiﬁeds@mechlocal.com

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Benefits of this part-time, contract opportunity with the Richmond Times-Dispatch team: • Manage your own schedule and free up most of your day; work only 3-4 hours between 1-6 a.m. daily • Excellent supplemental income – Earn up to $1,800 per month All you need is a dependable vehicle and a valid Virginia driver’s license for consideration. Signing bonus is for a limited time, so don’t miss out. Contact us NOW at Richmond.com/Carriers or (804) 649-6872 to learn more.

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CONCRETE & BRICK

TREE SERVICE

Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair. Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured. References. Call or Text 804-874-9184

PLUMBING Paul Brown Plumbing - in Business Since 1983. New Residential, Light Commercial, Renovations, Additions & Service. We do it all! Senior Citizen Discounts. For free estimate, 746-5030

TREE SERVICE

Full Service Tree Company. (Removal, trimming, topping, stump grinding & firewood bundle delivery) Offering free estimates and providing fully insured work.

Bernard’s Tree Service Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Landscaping, Cleanout, Mulching, Planting & More! Free Est. Licensed & Insured References. Call or Text 804-874-9184 Trimming & Take Downs. Stump Grinding. If it’s tree work we do it! Insured. Free Est. BBB THANK YOU!!! MC/VISA/Discover. Tree & Shrub Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding. Health/Risk Assessments. Insured. Free Estimates. 804-779-2170 Certified Arborist and MD LTE

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY CUST. SERV. & CALL CENTER Town of Ashland Customer Service Representative (Part-time) The Town of Ashland Finance Department seeks a motivated and outgoing professional to assist the organization with providing friendly and high-quality customer service to residents, businesses, and visitors. The preferred candidate will have retail or accounts receivable experience. For more information and to apply please see the Town website at www.ashlandva.gov. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

INSTALLATION & REPAIR Hill Electrical, Inc is hiring Electricians & Helpers. Drivers License & own Transportation Required. Call 804-746-3122

Roofing Standard Roofing Co. 746-5110 Hotline 837-7240 No job too small - all types of roofing FREE Estimates

Licensed/Insured

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 4

Leading Community Service Organization”. Membership in Ruritan is an honor and privilege. To learn more about Ruritan, how to become a member, request a membership application or with questions, please call, 746-5728 or by letter to, Hanover Ruritan, P. O. Box 625, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. To be a guest of the club, call the numbers listed above. Hanover Ruritan wel-

comes both men and women.

Second Wednesday Hanover Community Services Board says if you are a family member or friend of someone who has a mental illness, you are not alone. There is support. Hanover Community Services Board offers a family support group on the second Wednesday of every month from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bell Creek location, 8475 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville.

Facilitators Rebecca Strader and Heidi Brown invite you to attend this group that follows NAMI principles of confidentiality, respect, empathy and support to one another. No sign up or registration is required. Contact Rebecca at 804-3656746 or Heidi at 804-365-6769.

Second Thursday The Hanover-Ashland TRIAD meets the second

Patriot3, Inc. (Spotsylvania County) Shockoe.com, LLC (City of Richmond)

PROGRAM Continued from pg. 9

Avondale Decor, LLC (Louisa County) Federal Pacific (City of Bristol) Morooka America, LLC (Hanover County) Titan Systems Corporation (Loudoun County) TMEIC Corporation Americas (Roanoke County) Troika Solutions, LLC (Fairfax County) Phoenix Integration (Montgomery County) Phoenix Group (City of Chesapeake)

SHERIFF’S

reported in the 11000th block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

Continued from pg. 3

12400th block of Newfound Falls Lane, Doswell.

Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 11500th block of Sun Shade Lane, Ashland. Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 14400th block of Stillmeadows Road, Montpelier. Simple assault was reported in the 12000th block of North Lakeridge Pike, Ashland.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 15300th block of Greenwood Church Road, Montpelier. Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was

VALET is a two-year international business acceleration program that provides participating companies with international sales plan development services, assistance from a team of experienced international service providers, international business meetings with potential partners, educational events, and customized market research. There are currently 50 companies participating in the VALET program and 404 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the program since its incep-

Hanover.

May 19

May 18

Eluding police: Endangering persons or a police car was reported in the 8900th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover. Grand larceny, parts was reported in the 11000th block of Old Washington Highway, Glen Allen. Use of profane or threatening language over a public airway was reported in the 13400th block of Chase Lane, Doswell.

May 20

Assaulting malicious victim injured was reported in the 13200th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen. Forging public records was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road,

Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the new Atlee Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Drive, Mechanicsville. The Hanover-Ashland TRIAD is a program that focuses on providing information to seniors to improve their quality of life. The Hanover-Ashland TRIAD is a joint venture involving the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, Ashland Police Department, AARP, Hanover County governmental agencies, human services agencies,

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 15300th block of Beaver Dam Road, Montpelier. Simple assault was reported in the 7200th block of Grace Lane, Mechanicsville. Making threats to extort money was reported in the 13600th block of Old Ridge Road, Beaverdam.

DWI: BAC more than .20, first offense was reported in the 16400th block of Washington Highway/

The Atlee Ruritan Club meets every fourth Monday at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Route 301. Meetings, that include dinner and a program, begin at 6:30 p.m. Ruritan is a national community service organization dedicated to fellowship, goodwill and community service. The Atlee Club welcomes both men and

Breaking and entering a house to commit larceny, assault was reported in the 12300th block of New Market Mill Road, Beaverdam.

May 23

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 10000th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell. Destruction of property, monument with a value of 1,000 or more was reported in the 9300th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland. Grand larceny, parts was reported in the 11500th block of Sun Shade Lane, Ashland. Credit card fraud, $200 or more in six months was reported in the 9500th block of Kings Charter Drive, Ashland. Driver not reporting accident

women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve a spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.

Last Saturday January through October, The American Legion Post 175 hosts a “Community Breakfast” from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The breakfast is open to the public and is located at 8700 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

tion in 2002. Virginia exports over $35 billion in goods and services annually. Exports of the Commonwealth’s products and services are critical to economic growth, supporting more than 257,000 jobs and generating $2 billion in annual tax revenue. VEDP offers numerous programs to assist Virginia companies with selling into the global marketplace and has a network of international market research consultants covering 85 countries around the globe. More information on the VALET program is available at: https://exportvirginia.org/service/programs-and-grants.

with damage more than $250 was reported in the 16100th block of Beaverdam School Road, Beaverdam.

May 22

May 21

Fourth Monday

Doswell Road, Doswell.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 11100th block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland.

civic groups and seniors themselves.

the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

May 24

Credit card theft was reported in the 10400th block of Yankeetown Road, Hanover.

Entering property with intent to damage was reported in the 13300th block of Flowering Gooseberry Drive, Ashland.

May 25

Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person, was reported in 12400th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Possession of burglary tools was reported in the 12500th block of Harley Club Drive, Ashland.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 10200th block of Lakeridge Square Court, Ashland.

Unlawful filming or photographing of another was reported in the 17300th block of Belsches Road, Bumpass.

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 17000th block of Annfield Road, Beaverdam.

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 16600th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Bomb or burn threat was reported in the 13100th block of Waltons Tavern Road, Montpelier.

Embezzlement, $200 or more was reported in the 7200th block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7300th block of Cedarcrest Road, Hanover.

Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022 15

Photos courtesy of Grace Christian School

Author and Grace Christian School teacher David Reid Brown stands with the seven students who contributed to his latest book, ‘Lost Summer,’ during the publication day party, in order from left to right: then-sophomore Yoon Lee, senior Stephen Storey, junior Jared Filegar, sophomore Alicia Brown, senior Emma Dayton, junior Campbell Kirby and senior Hanna Rountree.

AUTHOR Continued from pg. 1

to remain in the Gulf outside of New Orleans, Louisiana until the incoming storm, Hurricane Katrina, “blew over.” “But after it went through New Orleans, the rest became history,” Brown said. Brown and fellow officers remained in the Gulf for six weeks following the devastating aftermath of the storm. In just the first few days, they rescued 300 people by helicopter from their rooftops due to the risen water level, which became an aroundthe-clock relief effort for the next few weeks until the water began to recede and naval ships could finally come ashore. Those rescued were brought to Brown’s ship for processing, food and medical attention. As one of two chaplains aboard the ship, Brown led many prayers that summer during the “Evening Prayers at Sea,” which is a time when the chaplain prays over the ship’s intercom to the thousands of sailors and

The ‘Lost Summer’ publication day party held at Grace Christian School featured a cake for students, families and school officials to enjoy.

marines aboard and leads a deeper reflection at the end of each day to “remind them that God is present and God is with them.” Brown saved these prayers and kept them stowed away for 16 years. One day in 2019, he said he received a spiritual calling to finally compile the saved prayers into a meaningful story. In the years following while crafting the manuscript, he stumbled upon inspiration among his students that ultimately elevated the book beyond

Ashland-Hanover Local July 27, 2022

his initial vision. Earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia State University, Brown’s primary area of focus is art. During his first few days of teaching art at Grace Christian School last year, he came across a student who exhibited a “unique gift with drawing and painting” that struck him immediately. He received another unexpected spiritual calling to use this young student’s talents for the cover of “Lost Summer.” Hannah Rountree, a senior in the Class of 2022, eagerly accepted the challenge, utilized his vision of the book and painted her own “hauntingly beautiful” vision for the cover. “I use the word hauntingly beautiful to describe this cover because it is,” Brown said. “It’s very haunting but it’s very beautiful. It’s very inviting. It has everything in a nutshell that a book cover needs to be. You can’t take your eyes off of it.” Brown said Rountree’s impressive depiction of a sun setting perfectly captures the book’s imagery of a loss

of light that invites powerful reflections in its absence – a message that aims to resonate with anyone in the face of loss. “It came out at the right time because of COVID,” Brown said of the book’s release this spring. “I mean, the book has been doing well because so many people have lost either personal space or personal time… or actual people lost their lives because of COVID. So at this time that it was published, I just felt that it was just a really pertinent story to be able to tell.” Following this overarching message of loss and recovery, Brown sought to conduct readability tests among his students to see if it resonated with younger readers. “I wanted to make sure I was able to hit teenagers because teenagers struggle with a whole lot of stuff that doesn’t get well publicized,” Brown said. He gave six copies of the manuscript to six students from grades 10 through 12 whom he believed “had the spiritual maturity and writing skills to add something to it.” Yoon Lee, Stephen Storey, Jared Filegar, Alicia Brown, Emma Dayton and Campbell Kirby provided their insights from analyzing the book’s 29 sections, which each contained three reflection questions at the time. Their most impactful suggestion that ultimately transformed the book was adding a fourth reflection question to each section about the future, which Brown never before thought to include. “That fourth question is really owed to them, their insights and what they wrote back was so beautiful, and things I didn’t think about because I’m not 16 and I’m not 15,” Brown said, expressing how proud he was of his students. Their contribution to his book is noted in the acknowledgments section. In celebration of their combined efforts, the school threw a “Publication Day Party” to celebration the book’s publication on March 15, with the students, school’s principal, executive director and families enjoying a day of cake and book signing. Brown reflected on what he enjoyed most about the collaboration. He said knowing them and being their teacher has been a blessing on its own, but watching their willingness to

The seven Grace Christian School students who participated in the book’s publishing were gifted the first seven copies of ‘Lost Summer,’ with each signed by author David Reid Brown and a written “#4” on the inside in honor of their contribution.

participate and work together was the most enjoyable. “That’s the joy of teaching, is guiding and coaching and mentoring people so that they flourish,” Brown said. “And so I would say those are the biggest and the best aspects that I enjoyed.” He said he also enjoyed seeing the impact left on the students who witnessed the work come to life. He received positive feedback from the students on how much they enjoyed participating and their gratitude for being part of the project. He said the overwhelming smiles on the day of the Publication Day Party exhibited how joyous the venture was. “Just seeing them excited to be a part of something… They saw the fruits of their labor, the fruits of their participation. So I just think they were really stoked by it,” Brown said. “Lost Summer” is available for eBook and paperback purchase on the website: www.GetMyNewBook. com. Brown is currently scheduled to appear for book signings at the National Naval Officer’s Symposium in Annapolis, Maryland today through Friday, July 29 and at the Williamsburg Book Festival on Oct. 1. For updates on book signings, general book details and more, follow Brown’s Facebook pages: @ SpiritSoundings3vols and @ LossandRecovery.