Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) announced last week an on-time graduation rate of 95.2% for the Class of 2022, the 10th straight year that Hanover’s graduation rate has exceeded 95%.
The rate is the fourth-highest on-time graduation rate in Virginia among the 15 largest
Doswell Ruritan Club recently announced Michele Clements as this year’s Hanover Christmas Mother. With the holiday season just around the corner, Clements is already jumping into her new role in hopes of spreading holiday cheer to everyone in the community.
The announcement came during the club’s annual tea on Wednesday, Oct. 5, which was attended by club members, families and former Hanover Christmas Mothers.
Doswell Ruritan Franklin Jones presented the history of the Hanover Christmas Mother during the tea, which was a role that was first established by the Doswell Woman’s Club in 1949. Ruth Wickham Smith, the
school divisions in the state, according to new data from the Virginia Department of Education. Overall, Hanover’s graduation rate for students who entered the ninth grade during the 2018-19 school year continues to outpace the state’s, where 92.1% earned a Board of Education-approved diploma.
Additionally, more HCPS students are graduating with
By Christina Amano Dolan Editor
For decades, Girl Scout Troops across the country have been uplifting communities with a steadfast devotion to making the world a better place. In Hanover County, there are young Girl Scouts who live out the role of a humanitarian every day,
empowering fellow females and uplifting the community with innovative service projects around every corner.
Hanover County celebrated Girl Scout Troop 5276 and their inspiring and special service project on Friday, Oct. 7. Ninth graders Lauren Hoehl, Katherine Alexander and Ashley Godwin officially
courtesy of The Hanover Tavern
Hanover Tavern hosted their annual
with Cops” events last week, inviting community members to mingle with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) over a cup of coffee from The Local Cup coffee truck. The annual meet-and-greet aims to express the community’s appreciation for
to the
of
and
while offering
with
able during early voting hours.
Saturday, Nov. 5 is the last day to vote an in-person absentee ballot.
The Hanover County Office of Voter Registration and Elections is committed to helping all eligible registered voters
the ability to cast a ballot in the upcoming Nov. 8, 2022, General Election.
absentee and vote by mail ballots are available beginning Sept. 23. You may request your vote by mail ballot or visit the Voter Registration and Elections Office in the Wickham Building at Hanover Courthouse from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. In addition, the office will be open on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to cast an in-person absentee ballot. Curbside voting is avail-
Monday, Oct. 17 is the deadline to register or make changes to your voter registration in time for the General Election. Check your voter registration to make sure it is correct.
Friday, Oct. 28 is the final day you can request an absentee ballot by mail. Your request must be received by your General Registrar by 5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. is the cutoff for voting an emergency-only absentee ballot in the Voter Registration and Elections Office.
Tuesday, Nov. 8 is Election Day. Polling locations will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. the Electoral Board will hold the canvass meeting to ascertain the election results and to rule on Provisional ballots cast. Monday, Nov. 14 at 12 p.m. (noon) is the deadline to cure your absentee ballot.
The Electoral Board will reconvene on Monday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m.
You can register to vote, update your information, and request an absentee ballot online at www.elections.virginia.gov/ citizen-portal/.
Your ballots can be dropped off beginning Friday, Sept. 23 through Tuesday, Nov. 8 until 7 p.m. These ballot drop off stations
DWI: Drugs, first offense was reported in the 10100th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.
DWI: First offense was reported in the 6200th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville.
DWI: First offense was reported in the 9400th block of E Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.
Personal trespassing by computer was reported in the 10300th block of Oak Shade Court, Mechanicsville.
Brandishing firearm was reported in the 2300th block of Westwood Road, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 10300th block of Colonial Estates Circle, Glen Allen.
DWI: First offense was reported in the 6400th block of Chenault Way, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.
Hit and run with attended property damage more than $1,000 was reported in the 7400th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 7100th block of Brook Way, Mechanicsville.
Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 16100th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Montpelier.
Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 18500th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.
Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 9000th block of Hopkins Branch Way, Mechanicsville.
Breaking and entering a house to commit larceny, assault was reported in the 13200th block of Greenwood
Church Road, Ashland.
Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 9400th block of Atlee Station Road/Hill Fork Drive, Mechanicsville.
Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 9200th block of E Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.
Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 8000th block of Ellerson Station Drive, Mechanicsville.
Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Abuse, neglect of incapacitated adult, first offense was reported in the 7100th block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.
Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
The Hanover NAACP will host a Citizens Community meeting with Hanover County Sheriff Hines at the Mechanicsville Branch Library from 6 to 7 p.m. All are welcomed at this event to ask questions of Hines and to get a better understanding of law enforcement in Hanover.
Registration for the 53rd Annual Ashland/Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade closes. The parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Registrations are only accepted online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Parade2022.
The Studley Ruritans, Salem Presbyterian Church and Enon Methodist Church present the Studley Community Festival
will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Salem Presbyterian Church, 5394 Studley Road in Mechanisville. Enjoy a familyoriented festival for the Studley community to meet and have a good time. There will be local craft, food vendors, a bouncy house and hay rides to a pumpkin patch. A historical exhibit will be on display about the local history of Studley. Live music will also be provided and those who attend are invited to bring their own musical instrument and join the group!
It’s time for Woodside Farms Fall Fest! Crank up the oompah, loosen your lederhosen and get ready to guten appetit at the Woodside Farms Fall Fest on Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 10455 Cedar Lane in Glen Allen. Shop with Hedstrom’s Homegrown, Stained Glass by Rachel Anton, Parallel Nursery, Krystle’s Kreations,
and of course Woodside Farms Farm Stand. You may also take a peek at The Farmhouse, Chickahominy Falls’ newest amenity, Tour our Award Winning Model Homes and Visit Esmerelda, the Horribly Wicked Witch! Join us as we clink steins with neighbors, support local makers, and take family pictures in front of the red tractor - come celebrate the season with us and Prost!
Walnut Grove Baptist Church Fall Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 and will feature the Carlisle Avenue Band, vendors, food trucks and a kids play area.
The Mechanicsville High School (MHS) Marching Band is hosting their annual Tournament of Champions Marching Band Competition
at the MHS football stadium, located at 7052 Mechanicsville Turnpike. Gates open at 10 a.m. and performances will last from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $10 at the gate, which will cover expenses associated with the event and support the MHS Band Booster program.
The Mechanicsville Tea Party will meet at at 7 p.m. at 6701 Cold Harbor Road in Mechanicsville It is directly across from Dollar General and close to the Creighton Road traffic circle. This month Rick Ryan will separate fact from fiction on both sides of the global climate change. debate Meetings are open to everyone. If you have any questions, contact Glenn Baker at 804-752-8389. If he does not answer, leave a message and he
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 The Mechanicsville Local.
will return your call.
Heritage Green invites the community to its senior living community, located at 7080 Brooks Farm Road, for an evening filled with wonderful music by The Elderly Brothers quartet at 6 p.m. The Elderly Brothers are members of the Norfolk and Richmond Chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society with a combined 160 years of experience. Seating is limited. RSVP by Oct. 17 and call: 804-746-7370.
The Hanover Humane Society’s eighth annual “GrowlO-Ween” Dog Halloween Event
will be held from from 2 to 5 p.m. at Center of the Universe Brewing Company at 11293 Air Park Road in the Ashland Airpark. The event is free to the public. Onsite parking is available. Dress up as your favorite canine in his/her Halloween costume and enjoy an afternoon with various dog-related activities and contests. Listen to live entertainment while bidding on silent auction items and enjoy food and golden beverages.For more information, visit GROWLOWEENVA. COM or contact COTU, info@ cotubrewing.com at 804-3680299 and the Hanover Humane Society info@hanoverhumane-
From the editor
attending the Doswell Ruritan Club’s tea last week, I was recently awarded the opportunity to learn of a meaningful, long upheld Hanover tradition.
This was no ordinary luncheon, as the annual occurrence introduces the beloved Hanover Christmas Mother of the year.
Yes, this is officially the time of year when holiday excitement begins to seep into neighborhoods, grocery stores, restaurants and radio stations – with those familiar jolly tunes seeming to appear out of nowhere. Surely, many readers similarly experience a shock every year at the mention of Christmas, as the lingering summer heat always seems to trick us into forgetting winter is just around the corner.
But while this holiday season may bring excitement to some, it may place a solemn weight on others – whether due to financial strain, absence of family, grief over a loved one, or the dispiriting and lingering effects of the COVID19 pandemic.
Travelling back in time to 1949, this need for holiday cheer was just as crucial – if not more. But as Hanoverians do, it wasn’t long before a group of inspiring philanthropists found a remedy.
The Doswell Woman’s Club listened with empathy as Nancy Price, the supervisor of the Department of Public Welfare of Hanover County in 1949, spoke of the difficulty she and staff were having in spreading any sort of Christmas cheer to those on relief rolls. Price believed the Doswell Club could provide an invaluable service to indigent residents by sponsoring and carrying out a program that would give these families a
Christmas.
Ruth Wickham Smith, a member of the Doswell Club, soon became Hanover’s first ever Christmas Mother and the program was officially born.
Headquarters were set up in the county’s welfare office; 215 letters requesting contributions were mailed to all organized groups and businesses; the Herald-Progress and Richmond Times-Dispatch printed any publicity stories sent in; and community contributions began to trickle in slowly.
In the two weeks before Christmas, the Christmas Mother and her committee packed and hand-wrapped gifts filled with clothing items, toys for every child under 14, and food for every family in need to place under their trees. Three Hanover banks donated Christmas money folders, and one containing a crisp $1 bill
see FIRST, pg. 8
Well, those midterm elections
heard about for the past two years are right around the corner, and early voting has begun in localities
the Commonwealth.
And right on cue, my absentee ballot showed up in the mail, a welcomed
to my normal voting routine
began when I cast my first ballot in the 1968 presidential election.
In the years that followed, I never missed an election day at the polls, and I approached the process with utmost respect and responsibility.
was something about the atmosphere at the polls that reinforced my belief in the system.
I hope going to the polls still holds that intrigue for most Americans, but, honestly, I’ve found that absentee and early voting has a certain appeal, especially for those who no longer are enamored by the crowds and confusion of the polling place.
Early voting has gradually become the choice for many Americans, and proponents of the process assert the
relaxed voting schedule has opened the process to more Americans.
In fairness, there are many arguments both in favor of or against early voting and reformed absentee requirements, but it’s hard to dispute the convenience and ease the adjustments made to the system have produced.
see VOTING, pg. 21
Dear Editor:
Too often, people feel disconnected from their elected officials and the decisions they make in Washington. Now more than ever, we need strong leadership in Washington. That is why I am proud to support Congressman Rob Wittman in November as our representative for Virginia's First District. Since coming to office, Rob has consistently displayed true commitment to serving his constituents, and we are lucky to have him as our advocate in Washington.
Rob has always put his constituents first, and when he isn't in Washington, he can be found around the First District meeting with folks to hear their concerns and thoughts on how he can best represent them in Washington. Rob always advocates for policies that will help our families and businesses thrive in this hurting economy. Rob is also a strong advocate for our nation's service members and veterans and works tirelessly to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. Additionally, Rob has spent his entire career working to protect the environment, including preserving the health of the Chesapeake Bay - he recognizes that our waters, lands and natural resources must be properly managed and maintained to continue to serve the needs of Virginia and the nation. It’s clear that no matter the issue, Rob understands Virginians’ priorities and uses them to guide his actions in Washington.
Rob is an example of a leader that doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. I am proud to support him in November's election, and I urge my neighbors to support him as well.
Daniel Baumann Mechanicsville
Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce their next project will be a Faith Build in partnership with faith-based organizations.
Faith Build is a partnership with local churches, faith-based organizations and businesses. Local churches and friends of the faith community will gather to help build and fund a home for a local family. Habitat is inviting area congregations to put their faith into action by getting involved in this local mission work.
Habitat is built on a foundation of faith. Its mission is to build safe, affordable housing with people in Hanover and King William counties, and that comes from a desire to put God’s Love into action.
Habitat is offering a tangible experience that will allow individuals to engage the people around them, live their faith and offer a unique opportunity to love their neighbor.
Habitat’s upcoming project is in Ashland and will be a Faith Build. Habitat’s goal is to have this home fully staffed and funded by the faith-based community.
Habitat wants faith-based organizations to choose a way to support Habitat - serve, pray, and/ or give. Groups can volunteer to build or serve meals, pray over the new homeowners and/or help fund the construction of the home. Habitat seeks to raise $210,000, which is the estimated cost to build this home. The lot they are building on is from First Baptist, Ashland, so the church will be this homeowner’s new neighbor.
Consider how your congregation, organization
or business can help. Learn more at www.hkwhabitat.org/faith-build/, see other resources created for this event and sign up to participate. Call Amanda Gunter at 804-569-6108 x104 with questions and to talk about joining Faith Build.
Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity is a locally run, independent affiliate of Habitat International and is responsible for Hanover and King William Counties. For over 30 years, they built homes alongside families who pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat’s repair program addresses critical repairs around the home. With their help, and the help of the community, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
first ever Hanover Christmas Mother, helped raise over $777 in donations to purchase presents, clothes and food for over 200 families in need.
Last year, the Hanover Christmas Mother program helped 497 families, 1,275 children and 76 senior citizens. This year, they plan to give each child a $75 gift card for toys and clothes, $50 to $100 food gift cards for families depending on the size, and each senior citizen a $75 gift card.
Betty Lee Stanley, 2010
CHRISTMAS,
are located at the Wickham building of the Hanover County Government Complex and on Election Day in all polling locations.
The Hanover County Voter Registration and Elections Office is in the Wickham Building, Room 119, of the Hanover County Government Complex. The phone number is (804) 365-6080. The e-mail address is hanovervoting@hanovercounty.gov.
Information submitted by Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Walking Civil War Williamsburg Tour will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hanover Tavern and does not include transportation for the walking tour. The cost is $50 per person with lunch included.
Oct. 23, 24 and 25: Ghosts Walk at Night at the Hanover Courthouse Complex and Hanover Tavern will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on each date. Join the tavern for guided tours of the tavern, Historic Courthouse and Old Stone Jail. The cost is $15 per person.
Sunday, Oct. 30: Once Bitten: A Halloween Cider Paired Dinner will be held at the Hanover Tavern from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Join the tavern for a Halloween-themed, four-course dinner and cider pairing. Costumes are encouraged. Reservations are required and the cost is $50 per person.
society.org.
Registration for free by Oct. 31. for workshops offered at the Nov. 12 Hanover Book Expo. Preregistration is required. To register, visit website at www.hanoverbookfestival.com and click on “Workshop” tab at top right of the page. Choices of workshops are:“Finish! How to Complete Your Novel” -- How to go from talking about being a writer to finishing your novel or “Tightening Your Prose Without Becoming Hemingway” – Tips on how to improve the flow of your writing. On the registration form, circle the workshop or workshops you wish to attend and email to joliggan@gmail.com. More informa-
Emiliothanksallhisvalued customersforcontributingto hissuccess.“Ilookforward totheopportunityofhelping ourcustomersinthefuture.”
was sent to each senior, blind person or physically handicapped person named on the relief rolls.
Hanover’s first ever Christmas Mother Fund amounted to $777.21 in total cash contributions.
Price sent a letter of appreciation to the Doswell Woman’s Club – one that had been valued deeply and archived by club members who, surely, knew they made history.
“The Christmas Mother, the Committee, the members who volunteered time and effort in soliciting, purchasing and wrapping are to be congratulated for their splendid work,” Price wrote in the letter. “…Hanover can now look forward to a good Christmas program to aid the needy.”
“I should like to add my personal, heartfelt thanks to all of you for a grand job well done,” Price added in recognition of the Doswell Woman’s Club’s inspiring work. “We look forward to
the pleasure of working with you again this year.”
But of course, it wasn’t just another year.
Seventy-three years later, Hanover Christmas Mothers throughout time welcomed Michele Clements to the meaningful role while reminiscing over their own joyous experiences.
Betty Lee Stanley, the 2010 Christmas Mother, said it was the most enjoyable and rewarding experience of her life.
This affection for the Christmas Mother seemed
to envelope the room, as I watched Christmas Mothers stand, one-by-one, and proudly share the year they served. It could be felt in the surge of clapping as the room rejoiced over what was to come.
With the many neighborhoods, grocery stores, restaurants and radio stations beginning to jump into this holiday excitement, consider how the most powerful display of Christmas spirit is spreading it to those who need it the most. Consider the devotion of the Doswell
Woman’s Club to this cause, and how their visionary program has changed countless lives through the decades and established a timeless, beloved Hanover tradition.
Most importantly, consider how you can help.
For more information on the Hanover Christmas Mother program or to donate to this year’s effort, visit the website, https:// www.hanoverchristmasmother.org/donations, or submit requests to Hanover Christmas Mother, P.O. Box 39, Doswell, VA 23047.
Christmas Mother, introduced Clements to attendees and gave special recognition to the former Christmas Mothers in attendance, adding that she couldn’t “think of an experience that would be more valuable” than serving in the honorable role.
“And how you feel when you see that child with a toy, or a box of food, or some new clothes – it just warms your heart,” Stanley said.
Clements offered her own remarks to the crowd and thanked the Doswell Ruritan Club for their support.
“I am honored to be this year’s Christmas Mother,” she said to attendees. “I’m really looking forward to it and I’ve got a lot of big shoes to fill.”
Clements, who grew up in Chesterfield, has lived in the Central Virginia area her whole life. She attended Mary Baldwin University for biochemistry; went on to work in various banks throughout her career; and raised two children with her husband, Bernard, in Hanover County. Today, the couple is blessed with two grandchildren.
Now a Hanover County resident of 22 years, Clements holds a special fondness for the area. Along with an extensive network of family members living in
Hanover throughout her life, she attributes this fondness to the community’s philanthropic spirit.
“I think that Hanoverians don’t shy away from hard work,” she said.
“Everybody is just so neighborly and everybody helps everybody, and you can’t help but get drawn into that.”
She didn’t waste time diving into this philanthropic spirit and joined the Atlee Ruritan Club shortly after her arrival. She has been a member for 22 years and has served as the club’s secretary for around 20 years.
The Atlee Ruritans organize a number of activities and fundraisers throughout the year, such as hosting a Brunswick stew sale twice a year to fund the club’s scholarship program. Each year, the club grants one to two scholarships to Atlee and Hanover High School students.
Clements’ unwavering passion for community service drove her to the Hanover Christmas Mother program many years ago. She fondly recalled the holidays she and her two children spent sorting cans for the program’s canned food drive.
“I wanted them to see that need in the community and try to understand that sometimes, this is all some people might have for Christmas,” she said. “And I’ve always felt that everybody should have a little something under the tree.”
Now serving as the newest Christmas Mother, she said she most looks forward to spreading holiday cheer and “seeing the hope and joy that it might bring a family or a child.” She added this need for cheer is especially important now in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You know, I’ve had such great Christmas memories myself, and it saddens me that everybody doesn’t have that,” Clements said. “And if I can help in any little way, I will.”
Clements is eager to begin her important work and is already making appearances at several Ruritan clubs and community organizations, including an upcoming visit to the Covenant Woods retirement community.
Her goal is to offer help wherever it is needed. She said if there are any community organizations that are interested in hosting the new Christmas Mother or need assistance in any way, she will be there.
“I know we can work together to bring a bit of joy and Christmas spirit to all who want and need it,” she said.
For more information on the Christmas Mother program or to donate to this year’s effort, visit the website: https://www. hanoverchristmasmother.org/donations, or submit requests to Hanover Christmas Mother, P.O. Box 39, Doswell, VA 23047.
BALTHASER, Mrs. Virginia "Ginny" Nelson, born Oct.ober 7, 1968, went to be with Jesus on September 29, 2022. She fought a long battle with cancer and received her perfect and complete healing. She was a devoted Christian, wife, mother and friend. She taught private and public school and homeschooled her two children. She loved well and deeply. She is survived by her hus-
band, David Balthaser; her children, Rebekah and John; her parents, Jane and Jack Nelson; and her sisters, Betsy Rountree and Nancy Wayland. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family members whom she loved deeply. Her Celebration of Life service was held October 7, 11 a.m., at Mattaponi Baptist Church, 13466 The Trail, King and Queen Court House, Va. 23085. Please wear bright colors as she would want us to celebrate her life and her healing. Flowers may be sent to B.W. White Funeral Home, 7837 Richmond Tappahannock Hwy., Aylett, Va. 23009. Donations may be made to For His Children Ecuador or the Blessing Box Project.
HASSELL, Brenda Rose, 78, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2022. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kattie Fuller; her father, Claude Fuller; her six sisters, Mary, Lilly, Rosie, Betty, Dorthy and Ruby; and three brothers, Carl, Charles and Joe. She is survived by her children, Jeff, Mike, Wade, Ricky, Cindy and Timothy; grandchildren, Kerri, Kacie, Josie, Nikki and Brandi; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, two of whom she was especially close to, Thomas Morefield (Moe) and his two children, Michel and Dee-dee and Connie McFadden. Brenda was a strong lady and she lived life to the fullest. She loved her family, friends and her cats. There's no more pain; spread your wings and fly high. We love you forever in our hearts. A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd. Online condolences may be registered at bennettfuneralhomes.com.
years, Elizabeth "Libby" Lewis of Mechanicsville, Va.; his son, Steven Lewis; his daughter-in-law, Kristen Lewis; his granddaughter, Liliana Lewis, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; his daughter, Joanna Lewis of Mechanicsville, Va.; his sister, Helen Chandler of Dublin, Va.; as well as two nieces, a nephew; and a friend of more than 70 years, HP Beets and his wife, Dee, of Morristown, Tenn. Charles had a lifelong love of education, working at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College and the Virginia Community College System. He found a love for cruising later in his life, which he was able to enjoy with family and friends. His quiet, reserved demeanor coupled with a wicked sense of humor will be missed. There will be no public services. If you wish to make a memorial donation in his name, please consider the National Kidney Foundation, your favorite local library or church.
LEWIS, Charles Steven, 72, of Mechanicsville, Va., passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, Elwyn Lewis; his mother, Anna Belle Lewis; and his brother, William "Billy" Lewis of Morristown, Tenn. He is survived by his loving wife of 48
MASON, Hendree Osborne Fitzgerald, 77, of Carrboro, N.C., formerly of Richmond (Mechanicsville), Va. passed away on September 28, 2022, while bravely battling cancer. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years, Paul H. Mason USMCR; and her par-
ents, Stuart C. and Hendree O. Fitzgerald. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Dr. Hendree J. Lensch and her husband, Erik M. Lensch; granddaughter, Ashley Carter Lensch; grandson, Davis Matthew Lensch; her faithful dog, Trapper; and independent cat, Inky. She was blessed with a beautiful circle of neighbors and friends from both Richmond and Carrboro. Hendree graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University Fine Arts (Drama) class of 1966. Her motto was "How can I help you?"
As a public school teacher for over 30 years she influenced the lives of hundreds of the younger generation and served her community as a member of the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad. She shared her love of reading and adult literacy as a volunteer at the Richmond Read Center. Hendree "marched to the beat of her own drum" and was a fierce advocate of women's rights. She would also "bend the rules" to advocate for and support her students. She loved to make history come alive for students and led creative tours for Agecroft Hall & Gardens for many years. A cherished highlight for her was that she relished being found innocent in the reenactment of the Salem witch trials. The love for her family was always foremost in her life. It was this emotion that motivated her relocation to Carrboro, N.C. in 2015, even though she said would only move, "when pigs fly."
right home in Carrboro when she found a sculpture of a pig with wings next to the trashcan there which she proceeded to rescue and hang in a place of honor in her home for all to see. She made new friends easily and continued to serve her community as a volunteer librarian and substitute teacher at Carolina Friends School. She maintained a lifelong interest in animal welfare and was a well-known Carrboro community figure for walking her dog, feeding the deer and participating in the weekly outdoor Qigong sessions. Her friends described her spirit as one of passion, love, devotion to family, loyalty and curiosity. She had a remarkable way of making each person feel like they were the most important person in the room. Hendree had an incredibly generous heart, she was giving, loving and accepting of everyone she met from all walks of life. When people described her as feisty she would often ask why people labeled her that way. Yet, she was the epitome of the definition of feisty- small in stature, lively, determined and courageous. Hendree had a wickedly keen mind and sense of humor. She loved vultures and her first meeting with each hospice team member would always include her stated wish for her body to be eaten by vultures. Her cancer fight taught her to be the "Queen of Plan B" and given her vulture plan would not work, she delighted in the idea of a natural green burial and will be laid to rest at Blue Stem in Cedar Grove, N.C. She was a lifelong teacher and taught her family and close friends the pain and beauty of the dying process with humility, grace, wit and love. The family wishes to express sincere
She knew she found the
to the many steadfast friends and faithful caregivers who have so selflessly rendered such loving kindness and support during this recent time of illness. Funeral services private. Memorial donations may be made to https://www.crisisdogsnc.org/ A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on October 15, 2022, at her daughter's home in Chapel Hill, N.C. You may send condolences and sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.
MOYER, John Douglas. Heaven gained a warrior on Sunday, September 25, 2022, with the passing of John Douglas Moyer after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully at home following a Washington Nationals win with his loving wife of 51 years, Nadine, by his side. He lived an eventful 74 years. Doug was born in Richmond, Va., to John and Shirley Moyer, who preceded him in death. He leaves to carry on his name and legacy his sons, Brian (Moe) Moyer of Pompano Beach, Florida and John David Moyer of Roanoke, Va. He was so proud of them. He dearly loved his daughterin-law, Laurie Beth and his precious grandsons, Xander and Liam of Roanoke, Va., who loved their Pop. He will be missed by his brother, Larry Moyer (Cathie) of Richmond, Va.; and sister, Debbie Quinter (Bill) of Cocoa Beach, Florida; and many nephews, nieces
and cousins. He was a math teacher for 26 years and varsity baseball coach at Henrico High School. He was also honored to be a student athlete in baseball and football, as well as an assistant football coach at his alma mater, Randolph Macon College. He was inducted into the RM-C Hall of Fame 1968 undefeated football team last year on September 25; a day we will never forget. He lived a full and wonderful life, enjoying his family, friends, his home, the outdoors, gardening, cutting wood, golfing, fishing and duck hunting. He has the best and most loyal friends any one could wish for. He loved them dearly. A special thank you to Hunter and Debbie Freed, neighbors who are family, Joe McCue, Ziggy Ziglocke, Mike Fyock, Sam Alexander and his brother, Larry, who traveled this journey with him. A celebration of his well-lived life will be held on the campus of Randolph Macon College on November 6 in Birdsong Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Doug requested in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the Randolph Macon Athletics Department, P.O. Box 5005, Ashland, Va., or www.rmc.edu. Online condolences may be registered at bennettfuneralhomes.com. His burial will be private on the land that he loved. May his memory always be a blessing.
the mother of his children, Rosa Martin. He is survived by his daughters, Michelle and Sherry Rankin; sons, Timmy and Edward "Bubba" Rankin (Beth); grandchildren, Leah, Mason, Eric, Kimber, Tyler and Conner. Kenny served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He loved to travel and was an avid hunter. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 13 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee Davis Rd. Online condolences may be registered at bennettfuneralhomes.com.
RANKIN, Kenneth Wayne "Kenny," 82, of Mechanicsville, passed away on September 28, 2022. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annette; granddaughter, Jessica; and
SMILEY, Phyllis Hale, 82, of Mechanicsville, fought a valiant battle with cancer, but sadly passed away on October 3, 2022. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Ralph James Smiley; her daughter, Anita Ward (Glenn) of Mechanicsville; two sons, Chris of Chesterfield and Todd (Brenda) of Mechanicsville; her brother, Grover Hale (Betty); and her sister, Ruby Walker. Her grandchildren, Mackenzie, Madison, Ciara, Sydney, Haley, Blake and Emily, all called her "Meme" and she spent the last 25-plus years being a full-time nanny, taxi driver to their events, learning permit co-pilot (riding five to six hours at a time), a "let's go to the riva" volunteer and their biggest cheerleader. Spending time with her grandkids was always the highlight of her day and usually ended with one of them begging to
sleep over with Meme. Early after marriage, she worked for Thalhimers Dept. Store as an Administrative Jr. Executive and Safety Director and later, worked in the banking industry until she left the business world to become a nanny for her grandchildren while also working at their preschool. When she was not working full-time, she literally drove her three children to baseball, ice hockey, ballet and baton twirling practices or competitions, never stopping to relax. Even during her hospice care, she continued the never-ending tasks of cleaning up, sometimes hours after midnight, including taking care of her husband while he recovered from COVID pneumonia. She was ALWAYS being a mom to someone. She was an extremely hard-working woman, wife, mother, grandmother and sis-
ter throughout her entire life. She loved you hard and we always knew she would tell it like it was. She will be truly missed. May she rest in peace and be welcomed into heaven by her parents, Grover Douglas and Annie Goodman Hale; her sisters, Anne Douglas Kellam and Margaret Hale Grey; and her brother, John B. Hale. The family received friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2022, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, where a funeral service was held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2022 with interment following in Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Children's Hospital of Richmond.
SMITH, Ronnie, 74, of Mechanicsville, passed away suddenly on October 1, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Dorothy Smith. He is survived by his sisters, Donna Reynolds (John) and Kathy Healey (Mike); five nieces and nephews, Dorothy, Nick (Amanda), Dustin (Erin), Mark and Paul (Shannon); and five greatnieces and nephews. The family received friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, with a funeral service and reception followed at 5 p.m. In
lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to your local Special Olympics or Hanover ARC.
VERMEER, Norma Giannatelli, 88, of Chester, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Norma was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Dick Vermeer. Norma and Dick were a perfectly devoted couple whose marriage spanned nearly 60 years. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth, Catherine and David (Terecia); and grandchildren, Charles, Jeanetta
(Ruevon), Anna, Mary, Sarah and Jytte. Norma's love for her family was the most important facet of her life. Professionally, she had a passion and commitment towards teaching elementary school children the knowledge and skills they would need as they went forward in their lives. In order to provide the best enrichment to all the children she taught over a 30-year career, Norma obtained a master's in education to enhance that obligation. After retiring from the Petersburg Public School system in the 1990's, she focused her devotion on her children and grandchildren. Norma's Catholic faith was another especially important aspect of her life which supplied her great wisdom and guidance for those she loved. Her deep adoration of family and ever patient insight will be missed. There will be a void in all of those who knew and loved her. Norma will be laid to rest at a private ceremony with family at St. Mary's Columbarium and Consolation Garden in Henrico, Virginia.
WASHINGTON, Raleigh L. Jr., 83, of Glen Allen, Va., went to be with the Lord Saturday, October 1, 2022. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Merle C. Washington; and his parents, Raleigh L. Washington Sr. and Marion Beatrice Stanley. He is survived by his daughter, Anita Washington Sharpenstein (Tony); his brothers, Charlie Washington (Bettie), Frank Washington (Jennifer) and Andy Washington (Debbie); a sister, Bonnie Prokopis (Gus); and many nieces and nephews. Raleigh enjoyed fishing, woodworking and music. He played the piano, tuba and the upright bass. He loved country swing music and The Quebe Sisters. He proudly served his country in the National Guard. He was also a member of Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad. He spent his life working in the telecommunications industry. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed. The family received friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, where a funeral service was held Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., with interment following in Signal Hill Memorial Park.
5,
a
aerosols
total
Contributed Report
Ashland-Hanover Local
On Thursday, Oct. 27, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) will once again host a
the Hanover County Board Room,
within the Administrative Building, where they will discuss “Civilian Response to an
Shooter.”
This presentation has been presented to thousands of individuals within the community and region. The information that will be provided will assist community members in becoming better aware and prepared should an active shooter
or any emergency event occur. Presenters will also focus on historical case studies and current best practices. This event is designed to provide important safety information to the community.
This presentation is for everyone. Join Hanover County Sheriff Hines and his team on Thursday, Oct. 27. The doors open at 6 p.m. for registration and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Seating is limited, so register to Kitami Newby by email at kanewby@hanovercounty.gov or by phone at 804-365-6324.
Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
The Mechanicsville Local
Glo Fiber, powered by Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (“Shentel”) (Nasdaq: SHEN), announced that they have reached agreements with municipal officials to deploy next generation fiber-to-thehome (FTTH) broadband services to Hanover County and the town of Ashland.
Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2023, bringing a future-proof fiberto-the-home network to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout the county over a two-year construction timeline. To check the status of their neighborhood and receive updates, interested residents and businesses can preregister at www.glofiber.com.
“Hanover County is pleased to welcome Glo Fiber to our community,” said Hanover County Administrator John A. Budesky. “This company has demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to high levels of customer service and
support. Glo Fiber’s plans to expand their fiber network are also consistent with our Connect Hanover initiative and efforts to get the entire county covered in the next 36 months. Their high-quality internet service will provide additional options to our residents and support our overall goal of universal broadband to all of our residents.”
Assistant Town Manager of Ashland Matt Reynal said, “We have witnessed how important broadband service is for every household over the last few years so we’re excited to welcome Glo Fiber to, as what we like to call, the Center of the Universe. Fiber services will provide Ashland residents with a diversity of options to access the internet and connect with the world.”
Glo Fiber provides unlimited multi-gigabit internet access with symmetrical upload and download speeds, streaming TV and phone services in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Using Shentel’s 7,900-mile regional fiber network, Glo Fiber can ensure high speeds,
low latency and fair pricing. The company has earned a reputation for providing superior local customer service across its markets, including the growing list of communities in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware.
“Greater Richmond is growing exponentially and we are proud to partner with both Ashland and Hanover County to assist in this growth with our fiber-to-the-home service,” said Chris Kyle, vice president of regulatory and industry affairs at Shentel. “Providing citizens with a competitive, allfiber choice for their internet, TV, and phone will help them more easily work, learn, and play – and do so more reliably. This will also provide the municipalities with a strong economic development bargaining chip when discussing why companies and people should relocate to the area.”
In addition to Glo Fiber internet service, Glo TV service is delivered via an app and is compatible with Apple
completed their project of creating a warm and welcoming environment for children testifying in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in the county.
Alongside the troop and Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, county officials helped unveil the new waiting room with a ribbon cutting ceremony. What was once an empty room is now adorned with an ocean-themed mural painted
by the girls, television set, collection of movies, an easel for coloring and other décor bought by Troop 5276 using collected donations and contributions from the county.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Shannon Hoehl joined in the celebration alongside her daughter, Lauren, and thanked county administrator John Budesky for helping to facilitate the project. Hoehl was instrumental in identifying a need for a welcoming environment for children in the courts.
Hoehl said attending court can be
stressful for anyone but particularly children. Creating a child-friendly area in which to wait will instead lessen the trauma associated with a child’s appearance in court, she said.
“And so what these girls have done is going to go a great distance in helping those kids to feel comfortable when they have to come to court,” Hoehl said, commending the countless hours the girls spent fundraising for supplies and decorating the room.
“Lauren’s mom, Shannon, was the one that gave us the opportunity to paint and do something special for
our kids,” said Godwin. “And really, the design is just to take them to a happy place, so the beach was our first idea.”
The project earned the three girls their Silver Award, which is awarded to Girl Scout Cadettes who successfully research an issue, develop a plan to address it, and take action to ultimately improve their communities.
They expressed their excitement for working toward their Gold Award, which is the highest award in Girl Scouts and is given to Seniors and Ambassadors who develop and carry
out lasting solutions to issues in their neighborhoods and beyond.
These Girl Scouts are just one troop of many in Hanover communities that are venturing into their communities to instill important change. There are currently 16 troops in the Western Hanover Service Unit with around 100 scouts and 36 troops in the Chickahominy Service Unit with around 300 scouts.
Girl Scouts of the United States of America is the largest leadership organization for girls in the world and
GIRL SCOUTS,
Contributed
The Mechanicsville High School (MHS) Marching Band will be hosting their annual Tournament of Champions Marching Band Competition on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the MHS football
stadium, located at 7052 Mechanicsville Turnpike.
Gates open at 10 a.m. and spectators can enter through the main gate used for football or the gate closest to Bell Creek Middle School. The first band is scheduled to perform at 10:30 a.m. with performances lasting until 3:30 pm.
Currently, there are 13 marching bands scheduled to compete.
Admission is $10 at the gates, which goes to cover expenses associated with the event as well as supports the MHS Band Booster program. The MHS Marching Band hopes to see all interested community members there.
Contributed photo
The Atlee Branch Library celebrated its 25th birthday last week. The library invited community members on Wednesday, Oct. 5 to join in the birthday celebration with storytimes, crafts, coloring bookmarks, cupcakes, ice cream and other treats. The library’s 3D printer demonstration was a crowd favorite in particular, and an Atlee scrapbook was on display with pictures from the old building across the street. The staff and patrons even joined in to sing Happy Birthday to the library.
Contributed Report
Local
Friends of Mechanicsville Library held a Drive-Thru Book Donation Drive last month. This drive solicited donations of books and other print materials to be sold at their Fall Book Sale to
Drive-Thru Book Donation
The members of the Lee Artists Association have each taken a 4x4 section from a print of one of Van Gogh's sunflower paintings to paint their own interpretation and develop a unique presentation of his masterpiece. As the sunflower symbolizes the strength and beauty of the Ukrainian people, it became the motivation for this project as well as an ongoing contribution of money from the members and visitors to help this worthy cause. The total was given to Mercy Partners for Ukraine. This beautiful work of art shows the talent of each of the artists in this group while attempting to visualize Van Gogh's thought process and his unique style of painting. The painting can be seen at the Mechanicsville Library for the month of October and November and then will be given to Teressa Pearson in gratitude for the many hours she has served the Lee Artists Association and the Windemere Art Gallery.
Information submitted by Judy Motley
parking will be available.
Celebrate the Halloween season by joining the Hanover Humane Society on Saturday, Oct. 22, for the eighth annual “Growl-O-Ween” dog event at Center of the Universe (COTU) Brewing Company, 11293 Air Park Road in the Ashland.
The event is free to the public and runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Onsite
Dress up your favorite canine in his or her Halloween costume and enjoy an afternoon of various dogrelated activities and contests, such as the Best Trick Contest and the Howling Contest. Listen to live entertainment, bid on silent auction items and enjoy food and golden beverages.
While cash is preferred, Paypal, Venmo, and all major credit cards will be accepted. All proceeds for this event will benefit the Hanover Humane Society.
For more information, visit GROWLOWEENVA.COM or
contact COTU (info@cotubrewing.com) at 804-368-0299 and the Hanover Humane Society at info@ hanoverhumanesociety.org.
This event is sponsored by the following entities: Widespread Solutions (Platinum sponsor), Julie Whitaker-State Farm Insurance (Platinum sponsor), Stepping Stone Chiropractic (Platinum spon-
sor), Rachel Koehler Dog Training (Platinum sponsor), Commonwealth Boat Brokers (Gold sponsor) and Airpark Auto (Silver sponsor).
The Hanover Humane Society is a 501( c) 3 non-profit entity located in Ashland, Virginia. The Hanover Humane Society provides animal adoption, education and prevention services for residents in Hanover County and the surrounding counties.
offer special events all season long.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 19, Downtown Ashland will transform into a vintage Christmas village with Light Up the Tracks, presented by Dominion Energy. A light display and special events will welcome visitors for a unique small town holiday experience.
“Light Up the Tracks invites visitors to enjoy the quaint setting of our historic downtown,” said Maggie Longest, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association. “Customers will find excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment with friendly, small town charm.”
Downtown buildings are outlined in twinkling white lights, along with historic homes and Randolph-Macon College. Ashland’s entire Center Street is illuminated, giving visitors a chance to step into a real-life holiday postcard. Plus, local merchants and community groups
“We are proud to be a part of this one-ofa-kind celebration in Ashland,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “It’s a great opportunity to support the community and spread holiday cheer.”
Visit Downtown Ashland throughout November and December for holiday events and specials. The calendar of events includes:
Light Up the Tracks Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m.
Ashland Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jolly Jaunt Bar Crawl on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Light the Way to 2022 on Friday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m.
Stroll Ashland’s main street and enjoy an old fashioned holiday. Find handmade gifts and decor at local shops, and warm up with a glass of wine or hot chocolate at Downtown
Ashland’s many restaurants.
“Whether it’s family fun or a grown-up
getaway, Light Up the Tracks makes your holiday season merry and bright,” Longest said.
Dr. Jan Meck, author of “The Life & Legacy of Enslaved Virginian Emily Winfree,” will be the guest speaker for the Ashland Museum’s HistoryTalks on Wednesday, Oct. 26.
Meck is a native Virginian and a long-time
resident of Richmond. In 2017, along with her friend and colleague, Virginia Refo, she began researching Emily Winfree. They tell the true story of an African American woman who lived through enslavement, the Civil War, Reconstruction and Jim Crow in Central Virginia. Their book was published in November 2021.
Join the museum to hear the remarkable story
at the SunTrust Theater at Brock Commons, 304 Henry Street on the Randolph-Macon College campus, Ashland, at 7 p.m. This is free and open to the public.
For information on this and other events, contact the Ashland Museum by email: ashlandmuseum@comcast.net, call 804-368-7314, or visit the website: ashlandmuseum.org.
By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor
MECHANICSVILLE —
Hanover struck early and often.
The Hawks, hosting the latest iteration of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, scored four unanswered touchdowns in the first half and held on in the second for a 39-12 win over visiting Mechanicsville Friday night.
Hanover was led by quarterback Beau Sahnow, who completed 10-of-18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns and ran 12 times for 67 yards and another TD.
The Hawks (5-1) could have taken their winless opponents lightly but, from the opening kickoff, it was clear they meant business.
“You watch them on film, they play hard,” Hanover head football coach Sam Rogers said of the Mustangs. “Obviously they’re in a tough situation this year. I respect those guys for coming out and competing every day. It’s not easy to have the public spectacle they had and still play hard every week. I really respect that about them.”
Rogers was referring to the brief suspension of the Mechanicsville football program during a hazing investigation at the beginning of the school year.
Sahnow was only one of a talented cadre of leaders who led the Hawks in their win. Thomas Wingfield Jr. led six Hanover rushers with 13 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown. Sahnow had five receivers to choose from and chose them
Above, Hanover quarterback Beau Sahnow (1) gets away from a Mechanicsville defender in the Hawks’ 39-12 win over the visiting Mustangs Friday. Sahnow led the Hanover offense, completing 10-of-18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns and rushing 12 times for 67 yards and an additional TD. Top right, Sahnow goes airborne to go airborne for a completion. Bottom right, Mustang Evan Buchanan (2) leaps into the arms of teammate Carter Winston (50) after Buchanan scored Mechanicsville’s first touchdown.
well.
Malachi Madden led the receiving corps with two receptions for 58 yards. Austin Howze had three catches for 46 yards and a touchdown — and one of his catches, which ended in a fumble at the Mechanicsville 10-yard line, ended up anoth-
er Hawk touchdown when Madden scooped it up and carried it across the goal line.
Peyton Seelman had two catches for 31 yards (he also scored a rushing TD) and Cole Elrod had a pair of receptions for 18 yards, one of them an 11-yard score. Zachary Tyler
had one catch for 12 yards.
Rogers praised his team leaders.
“They’re doing an awesome job. It’s fun to have those guys. You can do a lot of different things with them,” he said. “They’re all leaders, too. They all work really, really hard. So
those guys do a really good job.
“The offensive line does an awesome job, too. They’re the unsung heroes. I’m proud of those guys as well.”
Nevertheless, the Mechanicsville defense got some huge stops, picking up momentum as the first half
wore on. The Mustang defense was led by Colby Messe with eight tackles (seven solo, two assists). Yousef Murshed and Nathan Westfall had six solo tackles apiece, including one each for a loss. Chris Drozdowicz had five (two solo, six assists), and Aaron Maxie and Max Bidou were credited with four tackles apiece.
Offensively, Mechanicsville was led by quarterback Ben Payne, who went 13-of-21 for 143 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His touchdown tosses were to Evan
By Tim Pearrell Richmond Times-Dispatch
Their jersey numbers are 0, 1 and 2, but that wouldn’t necessarily be the finishing order in a footrace among Highland Springs’ Caron Ferguson (0), Jakyre Henley (1) and Takye Heath (2).
That depends on the day.
“We have our little competitions here and there,” Heath said. “Magician [Henley] has the edge sometimes, but everybody gets [their turn]. He has his days, I have mine. Then Caron will sneak in some days.”
All three receivers had their day on Friday, using their speed and big-play ability as No. 1 Highland Springs racked up another decisive win, this one 48-3 over visiting Patrick Henry.
Henley turned a short pass into a 22-yard touchdown and had a 57-yard TD run. Ferguson had a 44-yard TD on a reverse.
Heath took a short pass and generated a 50-yard TD, one of four receptions in a 127-yard night for the senior who has committed to Virginia Tech.
Exceptional speed is one thing all three have in common: They all cover the 40 in around 4.4 seconds.
Size is another: Ferguson, a senior, is 5-foot-7, 150 pounds; Henley, a junior, is 5-8, 170; and Heath is 5-9, 160.
And there’s something else: The feeling that something electric can happen anytime they get their hands on the ball. Heath says that’s more than a feeling.
“We feel like we can score on any down,” he said. “Any time the ball is in any one of our hands, it can go all the way for 6.”
Case in point: On Heath’s 50-yard TD, Highland Springs
was looking at third-and-31. He caught a pass on an out route with a few defenders in the vicinity, deked one along the sideline and outran the others.
“Those guys have been working extremely hard, doing everything they need to do,” Highland Springs coach Loren Johnson said. “Then you get results that seem magnificent,
but in all honesty, the guys are just putting in hard work and they made a play and got rewarded for the effort and the time they put in.”
It helps when you’ve got a quarterback who can zip the ball with authority and almost effortlessly flick bombs on the money. Junior Khristian Martin (6-4, 190) was 12 of 14
for 224 yards and three TDs. His third was a well-placed 37-yard throw to senior Braylon Johnson, a Virginia Tech recruit as a defensive back, near the goal-line flag.
Martin, Johnson and Heath are among several high-level recruits for the Springers (7-0), who are playing like a team intent on regaining a state title.
Joel Klein for The Local
After four consecutive state championships from 2015-18, Highland Springs has been unable to grab another the past three seasons. It did get to the title game in 2020, falling to Stone Bridge 13-10 in overtime.
The Springers’ only close game this season was a 26-20 season-opening victory over North Carolina power Julius
Chambers. West Virginia power Martinsburg went down 34-3. No one else has kept the margin under 40.
With all those skill players, a powerful running back in Aziz Foster-Powell (5-9, 215), an experienced line and plenty of depth, Highland Springs is averaging 48 points. The defense has allowed just 33 total.
Patrick Henry (4-2), though, trailed only 21-3 at halftime after giving the Springers some problems in the second quarter. The Patriots drove to the Highland Springs 22 before getting pushed back and punting. Their next possession reached the 9 before getting a 31-yard field goal from Richard Crabbe.
The second half was all Highland Springs.
‘We can’t get too happy,” Heath said. “We know what can happen. It’s happened to us the past two years where we lost in big games [in the state playoffs]. … We’re just going to keep rolling, keep our heads down and keep pushing every week.”
Tim Pearrell can be reached at tpearrell@timesdispatch.com.
P. Henry 0 3 0 0 — 3
H. Springs 14 7 21 6 — 48
HS — Henley 22 pass from Martin (Anderson kick)
HS — Ferguson 44 run (Dent kick)
HS — Heath 50 pass from Martin (Anderson kick)
PH — FG Crabbe 31
HS — Martin 9 run (Dent kick)
HS — Bra. Johnson 37 pass from Martin (Anderson kick)
HS — Williams 8 run (Dent kick)
HS — Henley 57 run (kick failed)
RUSHING
PH: Ross 14-47, Johnson 12-27, Others 5-minus-18; HS: FosterPowell 9-68, Henley 2-59, Ferguson 1-44, Williams 4-16, Others 9-17.
PH: Brown 7-12-93-1; HS: Martin 12-14-224-0, Henley 1-1-60, Bolar 1-1-5-0.
PH: Ross 3-52, Grant 2-31, Roose 2-10; HS: Heath 4-127, Bra. Johnson 2-49, Henley 2-28, FosterPowell 1-15, Others 5-16.
MECHANICSVILLE — Camden Metzger is going to the World Series.
The eighth grader at Oak Knoll Middle School isn’t going because his parents, Tripp and Amy Metzger of Mechanicsville, had the cash to buy tickets.
Instead, he earned his own ticket. Camden won the regional MLB Pitch, Hit & Run competition at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. His 1,600 points earned him a spot in the national Pitch, Hit & Run competition, which will follow Game Two of the 2022 World Series.
As a result Camden and a parent will fly out to the opening location of the World Series on Oct. 28, attend a watch party during Game One and attend the game in person during Game Two. The next day, while the teams are traveling to the next city, the national Pitch, Hit & Run championship will be held.
Camden, a veteran of Atlee Little League and a multi-sport athlete at Oak Knoll, said he was nervous when he stepped on the field at Nationals Park.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking at first,” Camden said. “But once I got the first competition over with — it was the pitching part — I was fine.”
The Pitch, Hit & Run competition consists of three tasks: throwing strikes from 45 feet, hitting off a tee for distance, and
Continued from pg. 18
Buchanan (three catches for 77 yards) and Messe (three catches for 20 yards). Josh Morris had three receptions for 28 yards.
Mustang head football coach
running the bases as quickly as possible. Camden began his trip to the World Series by
Shane Reynolds has worked hard to keep his team focused despite the distractions at the beginning of the season, which began with allegations of hazing, the suspension of the football program pending two parallel investigations, and transfer of players to other schools given
winning a local competition at Atlee Little League. That wasn’t enough, however, to qualify
doubts over resumption of the Mechanicsville season.
“We’re just trying to get our team better,” Reynolds said. “We’re trying to get better every week, trying to go out and win a football game.”
The Mustangs next host Henrico while Hanover trav-
for the regional competition at Nationals Park.
“His score got sent to the
Washington regional and then the Washington regional pulled the top four 13- and 14-year-old scores and his was one of the top four,” said Camden’s father, Tripp Metzger. “So he went to Washington Nationals Park and competed against the other three kids and he won that one.”
That victory wasn’t enough to automatically earn a bid to the national competition. Camden had to await the results of 16 other regional competitions before learning his fate.
“His score got submitted to MLB,” the elder Metzger said. “They pulled the top four and his was one of the top four of those [17]. So that qualified him for the World Series.”
Camden had to wait for an
email from MLB to learn he was headed for the national finals.
Camden and his family — including his sister, Chloe — were sitting at the dinner table when the message arrived. When his dad handed him a cell phone with the email, Camden first dropped the phone, then picked it up and read the message. He was initially speechless, mouth slightly open and a “Woah!” look on his face. He then looked around the table and read the e-mail aloud to his family. He then pumped his fists into the air.
“Let’s go!” he shouted. “We’re going to the World Series!”
Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
els to Highland Springs and Atlee to Varina on Friday night. Patrick Henry’s game at Armstrong was moved up to Thursday. All games start at 7 p.m.
Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
Continued from pg. 16
be held in the meeting rooms at the library, located at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place, on Oct. 28 and 29.
“We had a steady line of neighbors dropping off donations of books during the drive,” said Friends of Mechanicsville Library President Janet Adams. She thanked all who stopped by to donate and talk books; their participation in the book drive made the day a great success. At the end of the book drive, the Friends book drop-off trailer was nearly full of gently-read books on history, fiction, cook books, young adult readers as well as a wealth of children`s books.
The Friends of Mechanicsville
Library extend an invitation to all book aficionados to drop by the Mechanicsville Library on Friday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make their selections and do some early Christmas shopping. There will be many titles in all literary genres to choose from. The Friends advise visitors to come early.
All funds raised from the sale go toward supporting the library and library programs. Find the Friends of Mechanicsville Library on Facebook for details as the sale gets closer.
For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Mechanicsville Branch Library at 804-746-9615.
And it’s also important to note that with record numbers of Americans taking part in the process, it’s hard to imagine just what polls would look like if all of us were required to show up in person.
Not surprisingly, the debate regarding extended early voting and no excuse absentee access is divided among party lines.
Some contend that voters who wait until Election Day to cast a ballot benefit from additional access to information regarding the candidates. Those who
Embezzlement, less than $200 was reported in the 7200th block of Hanover Green Drive, Mechanicsville.
Fraudulent application for credit card,
oppose the expansion of early voting also point out the increased cost to campaigns when extended voting periods are available.
Supporters of expanded early voting point to clear indications that the process increases access for many groups of Americans and reduces congestion at the polls.
And few could refute the increased popularity of early and absentee voting. In 2020, more than 45% of Americans chose to vote either by mail or early at the polls, and experts predict that number will increase.
As one of millions of Americans who
less than $200 was reported in the 2000th block of Old Church Road, Mechanicsville.
Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 8400th block of Sherrington Drive, Mechanicsville.
Driver not reporting accident with
choose to access the absentee system, I submit the benefits outweigh the risks, a belief reinforced by the belief that the more citizens participate in the voting process, the more representative the outcome.
But I still recognize and remember the feeling of standing in line with neighbors at the local firehouse and feeling that immense pride that accompanies what seems like more than just a civic duty.
For those who have not registered or have not cast a ballot in years, make this the year you take that step to sign up and vote.
For early voting information, contact you county registrar for open dates and hours of operation.
damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 14200th block of Greenwood Church Road, Ashland.
Violation of protective order was reported in the 7100th block of New Hunter Road, Mechanicsville.
HanoverEvangelicalFriends 6420MechTrnpk.804-730-9512, friendlychurch.org
Worship:Sun.10:30AM
SundaySchool@9:15AM
AdventCommunityChurch Mechanicsville,8079StudleyRd, (804)746.0895or746.0279 Worship/Children’schurch10am adventcommunitychurch.com
FairmountChristianChurch, 559-8070
6502CreightonRd. SundayAMWorshipTraditional 8:00&10:15,Contemporary9:00, Modern11:15,BibleSchoolat 9:00,10:15,&11:15. RickRaines,SeniorMinister; ChrisSantasiere,AssociateMinister;SethWortman,Associate Minister;TracyThomas,Worship &MusicMinister;BillNicol,AssociateWorshipMinister;Davis Ellenberger,YouthMinister; AshleySears,Children’sDirector fairmountcc.org
GethsemaneChurchofChrist
5146MechanicsvilleTurnpike SundayAMWorshipServices (Checkwebsitefortimes) 804-779-2044 BillWines,SeniorMinister www.gethsemanechristians.org
StPaulLutheranChurch(LCMS) 427-7500 ∂ 8100ShadyGroveRd, saintpaul-lcms.com Rev.RodneyBitely,Pastor;Sun. Sch.9:15am,Worship10:30am
HOPECOMMUNITYCHURCH
HomeofAtleeChristianAcademy&HopeNowCounseling. info&more:www.hopenow.cc
BlackCreekBaptistChurch, 6289McClellanRoad SundaySchool-9:00a.m. SundayWorship-10:15a.m. AdultBibleStudy&YouthGroup Wed.nightsat6:00p.m. Pastor,StephenKendrick www.blackcreek.org orcall(804)781-0330
BroadusMemorialBaptist
804-779-2700 www.BroadusChurch.org
1Churchin2Locations
FairfieldPresbyterianChurch 6930ColdHarborRd.,23111 8:45&11:00amservices www.fairfieldpcusa.org
MeadowbridgeSeventh-Day AdventistChurch 7400AntiqueLaneMech., SaturdayServices: SabbathSchool,9:45am. WorshipService,11am. WednesdayeveningPrayer Meeting,6:30pm. Churchphone:746-2788 meadowbridgesda.org meadowbridgesdachurch@gmai l.com
WorshippingonSundays! In-person&onFacebook!
5351PoleGreenRd. Mechanicsville,23116 PhilPeacock,Pastor SundaySchool9a.m. Worship10a.m.
3407KingWilliamRd. Aylett,23009 JeffPoythress,Pastor Worship9:30a.m. SundaySchool10:30a.m.
Makingeachoneawitness!
CoolSpringBaptistChurch 9283AtleeStationRd. Forinfo,activities&worship timesvisit www.coolspring.org orcall746-0800
FellowshipCommunityChurchof Mechanicsville After10yearsatHanoverHigh Schoolwehavepurchasedour ownbuilding.Wecontinueto teachtheWordofGodand watchforthemiraculous. JoinusSundaymornings9:45am at8505BellCreekRoad,SuiteK. www.fellowshipcc.com
GraceUnitedFamilyChurch
"WhereGraceUnitesUs" 7252BeulahChurchRoad (HistoricBeulahChurch) Mechanicsville,23111
Sundays,10:30AM& Wed. Dinner,Study,Prayer: 6:00-8:00p.m. Forinfo,call335-6728
"LoveGod,Learn theBible,CareforPeople" GlennHawkins,Pastor
MechanicsvilleBaptistChurch 8016AtleeRd. Office:746.7253
Worshipinperson andLiveStreamedonYouTube &Facebook onSundaysat8:30&11:00a.m. WednesdayNightSuppersat 5:00p.m. andBibleStudyat6:00p.m. Findusonthewebat mechanicsvillebaptist.org
NewBethesdaBaptistChurch 9019NewBethesdaRd.779-2101
CalebBittler,Minister SundaySchool9:30AM, Worship10:45AM BibleStudy/Prayer Youth&Childrenactivities 6:30pm,Wednesday www.newbethesda.org
NewHighlandBaptistChurch 550-9601,9200NewAshcakeRd newhighland.org,9:15AMBible Study,10:30AMWorshipInPerson&online.Rev.LarryFrakes
ShalomBaptistChurch 8116WalnutGroveRd. Office:746.7737 Worshipinperson andLiveStreamedonYouTube &Facebook onSundaysat8:30&11:00a.m WednesdayNightSuppersat 5:30p.m. andBibleStudyat6:15p.m. Findusonthewebat shalombaptist.net
WalnutGroveBaptistisaChurch committedtofollowingJesus& lovingpeople.Youcanfindusat wgva.church7046ColdHarborrd
LebanonUnitedMethodist Church 8492PeaksRoad,746-0980 SarahSealand,Pastor WorshipInPersonandon FacebookLive: 10:00ameachSunday www.facebook.com/LebUMC 9:00amSundaySchool Formoreinfo,checkusoutat www.lebanonumc.org
MechanicsvilleUnitedMethodist Church 7356AtleeRoad746-5118 ReverendAmyDunn,pastor 10aminpersonworshipor Facebooklive@MechUMC ChildrensandYouthPrograms CubScoutsPack517 www.mechumc.org
ShadyGroveUnitedMethodist 8209ShadyGroveRd. atthecornerofMeadowbridge Rd.,Mechanicsville,804-746-9073 shadygroveumc.org
In-personWorshipSundaysat 8:15,9:45,&11:15a.m., Onlineat9:45a.m. Programsforallages. Rev.WayneSnead,Pastor info@shadygroveumc.org
ChurchoftheRedeemer 8275MeadowbridgeRoad
www.churchredeemer.org
TruthBaptistChurch,627-2170
COME&SEE! Allinfoat: www.truthbaptistchurch.com
Graduates from all four high schools earned a higher rate of advanced diplomas than the state average, including among economically disadvantaged students.
The county graduated 1,397 students this year with a 2.5% dropout rate, one of the four lowest dropout rates among the 15 largest school divisions in the state.
“We are incredibly proud
of our members of the Class of 2022, both for their many accomplishments inside and outside the classroom as well as their resilience with a significant portion of their high school education being disrupted by the pandemic,” said Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of schools. “Our students’ success also demonstrates the exhaustive efforts of our devoted educators and support staff through the most challenging times we have ever faced in modern history. They work each and every day to support each student and help ensure our Tradition of Excellence continues.”
Here are some quick facts on the Hanover County Public
Schools Class of 2022:
1,397 graduates
95.2% on-time graduation rate
88.1% on-time graduation rate among economically disadvantaged students
GLO FIBER advanced diplomas, with 68.3% of 2022 graduates completing high school with the advanced diploma as compared with 67.2% for the Class of 2021.
68.3% Advanced Diploma 26.9% Standard and Other Diploma 2.5% dropout rate
More information can be found in the Virginia Department of Education’s School Quality Profile for Hanover County Public Schools.
Information submitted by Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent for Hanover County Public Schools.
Continued from pg. 14
TV, Amazon’s Fire Stick, and many smart TVs with embedded streaming software. Optional Wallto-Wall WiFi is available, allowing customers to connect anywhere in their home or business. There are no contracts, and pricing is straightforward with affordable options for individuals and families relying on the internet for work, school, and play.
To learn more about Glo Fiber, visit www.glofiber.com or
1-800-IWANTGLO (1-877-492-6845). For more information about Shentel, visit www. shentel.com or call 1-800-SHENTEL (1-800743-6835).
Glo Fiber (Glo) provides next-generation fiber-tothe-home (FTTH) multigigabit broadband internet access, live streaming TV, and digital home phone service powered by Shentel (Nasdaq: SHEN). Glo provides the fastest available service to residents leveraging XGS-PON, a state-of-the-art technology capable of symmetrical internet speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) provides broadband services through its high speed, state-of-the-art cable and fiber-optic networks to customers in the Mid-Atlantic United States.
The Company’s services include: broadband internet, video, and voice; fiberoptic Ethernet, wavelength and leasing; and tower colocation leasing. The Company owns an extensive regional network with over 7,900 route miles of fiber and over 220 macro cellular towers. For more information, visit www. shentel.com.
GoodNeighborFenceInc
HomeMaintenance&Repairs
NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanoverCountyBoardofSupervisorshasset Wednesday,October26,2022at6:00P.M., orassoonthereafterastheBoard’sconsideration oftheadministrativeagendapermits.IntheBoardRoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuildingatHanoverCourthouse,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time,and placeforapublichearingtoconsiderthefollowingcases,atwhichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:
REZ2022-00022,MARYHELENANDJEFFREYC.CROWDER
Request(s)torezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistricttoRS(c),SingleFamilyResidentialDistrictwithconditionsonGPIN7768-45-3682,consistingofapproximately11.74acres, andlocatedonthenorthlineofRockyRidgeRoad(StateRoute648)atitsintersectionwithDoeCrossingLane(privateroad).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneral LandUsePlanMapasSuburbanGeneral(1.5to3dwellingunitsperacre).Theproposedzoningamendmentwouldpermitthecreationofoneadditionalbuildinglotforfamily foragrossdensityofone(1)dwellingunitper5.87acres.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna
CUP2022-00015,GAYLEANDJEFFSTONEMAN
Request(s)anamendmenttoCUP2020-00016,GayleandJeffStoneman,whichwaspermittedinaccordancewithSection26-20.14oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinance. ThepurposeoftherequestistoamendthesketchplantoincreasetheareaoftheConditionalUsePermitfortherecreationfacility/eventvenuetoincorporateanexisting structureandaddapaviliononGPIN7822-78-2097(part),consistingofapproximately90.9acres(CUPareawillbelimitedtoa5.29-acreportionofthesubjectparcel),zoned A-1,AgriculturalDistrict,andlocatedonthenorthlineofRobertTerrellRoad(StateRoute712)approximately1,750feetwestofitsintersectionwithWestPatrickHenryRoad (StateRoute54).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasAgricultural.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam
CUP2022-00014,GENERATIONCHURCH
Request(s)aConditionalUsePermitinaccordancewithSection26-120.1oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermitaplaceofworshiponGPIN8714-87-6877(part), consistingofapproximately7.86acres(CUParealimitedto0.21acres),zonedB-3(c),GeneralBusinessDistrictwithconditions,andlocatedintheBrandyHillPlazaShopping CenteronthewestlineofLeeDavisRoad(StateRoute643)approximately550feetsouthofitsintersectionwithMechanicsvilleTurnpike(U.S.Route360).Thesubject propertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasCommercial.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Mechanicsville
CUP2022-00013,WINDINGBROOKEATERIES,L.L.C.
Request(s)aConditionalUsePermitinaccordancewithSection26-174.1oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermitaprivatetennisfacilityonGPIN7788-63-3927, consistingofapproximately1.69acres,zonedM-2(c),LightIndustrialDistrictwithconditions,andlocatedonthewestlineofLakeridgeParkway(StateRoute782) approximately0.67milessouthofitsintersectionwithLewistownRoad(StateRoute802).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasDestination Commerce.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna
REZ2022-00019,DAVIDN.HAMILTON,ETAL.
Request(s)torezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistrictandAR-6(c),AgriculturalResidentialDistrictwithconditions,toAR-6(c),AgriculturalResidentialDistrictwithconditions onGPINs7871-10-9202,7871-02-8509,and7871-11-9890,consistingofapproximately170.81acres,andlocatedontheeastlineofIndependenceRoad(State Route669)approximately600feetsouthofitsintersectionwithBluntsRoad(StateRoute716).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapas Agricultural.Theproposedzoningamendmentwouldpermitthecreationof27buildinglotsforagrossdensityofone(1)dwellingunitper6.33acres.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam
Request(s)aConditionalUsePermitinaccordancewithSection26-20.14oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermitaneventvenueonGPIN7853-77-7755, consistingofapproximately105.58acres,zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,andlocatedonthesouthlineofOldRidgeRoad(StateRoute738)approximately0.47mileswest ofitsintersectionwithNewMarketMillRoad(StateRoute685).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasAgricultural.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam
SE2022-00023,S&DINVESTMENTGROUP,L.L.C.
Request(s)aSpecialExceptionPermitinaccordancewithSection26-21.18oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermitacontractor’sequipmentstorageyardon GPIN7778-85-5167,consistingofapproximately18.08acres,zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,andlocatedonthesouthlineofCobbsRoad(StateRoute801)approximately 900feeteastofOldScotlandRoad(StateRoute2259).(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna
CopiesoftheabovecasemaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,MondaythroughFriday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m.,pleasecontactthePlanningOffice oryoumayalsogotohttps://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcoming-and-Archivformoreinformation.
NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanoverCountyPlanningCommissionhasset Thursday,October20,2022,at6:00P.M., inthe BoardRoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuildingatHanoverCourthouse,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time,andplace forapublichearingtoconsiderthefollowingcases,atwhichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:
Request(s)anamendmenttotheproffersapprovedwithrezoningrequestC-2-04(c),CF Investments,L.P.,etal.,on GPIN7787-545339,consistingofapproximately5.69acres,zonedB-3(c),GeneralBusinessDistrictwithconditions,andlocatedonthenorthline ofKingsAcresRoad(StateRoute835)approximately350feeteastofLakeridgeParkway(StateRoute782).Theproposedzoning amendmentwouldamendtheprofferrelatedtosignage.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:SouthAnna
REZ2022-00009,ROSESTUBBSFLEMING,ETAL.
Request(s)torezonefromB-3,GeneralBusinessDistrict,andR-1,Single-FamilyResidentialDistrict,toRM(c),Multi-Family ResidentialDistrictwithconditions,onGPINs8705-84-2275,8705-84-4273,8705-84-6144,8705-84-3039,8705-83-4904, 8705-83-4862,and8705-84-9046,consistingofapproximately8.46acres,andlocatedonthesoutheastquadrantof MeadowbridgeRoad(StateRoute627)andShadyGroveRoad(StateRoute640).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneral LandUsePlanMapasMulti-Family.Theproposedzoningamendmentwouldpermitthecreationof120apartmentunitsfora grossdensityof14.2dwellingunitsperacre.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Chickahominy
Request(s)toamendCUP-5-06,inaccordancewithSection26-20.11oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinance,toreducethe areaoftheConditionalUsePermitfrom23.1acresto19.6acresonGPIN8725-04-0233(part),zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict, andlocatedontheeastlineofLee-DavisRoad(StateRoute643)atitsintersectionwithLaurelMeadowSchoolRoad(StateRoute 9239).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasSuburbanGeneral(1.5to3dwellingunitsperacre). (PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Henry
Request(s)aConditionalUsePermitinaccordancewithSection26-20.11oftheHanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermita firestationonGPIN8715-84-9477,consistingofapproximately3.49acres,zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,andlocatedonthe eastlineofLee-DavisRoad(StateRoute643)atitsintersectionwithLaurelMeadowSchoolRoad(StateRoute9239).Thesubject propertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasSuburbanGeneral(1.5to3dwellingunitsperacre).(PUBLICHEARING)
MagisterialDistrict:Henry
AnOrdinancetoamendtheHanoverCountyCode,Chapter26,ZoningOrdinance,Article5,SiteDesignRegulations,Division8, RegulationsforSpecificUses,andArticle3,DistrictRegulations,toaddprovisionsregulatingtheinstallationanduseofbattery energystoragesystems.(PUBLICHEARING)
CopiesoftheabovecasesmaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,MondaythroughFriday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and 5:00p.m.pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogotohttps://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-CommissionUpcoming-and-Archiveformoreinformation.
Black Creek Baptist Church, 6289 McClellan Road in Mechanicsville, will have a special Veterans Day Celebration at 10:15 a.m. during a morning worship service to honor all veterans. There will be a special speaker that day; Guest Speaker Col. John Miller will present Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins, Pastor Stephen will give a brief sermon and the Mechanicsville High School JROTC will provide the Color Guard. The church asks the community to pass the word to any veterans, so they can be recognized and thanked for their service.
The Mechanicsville Library located at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place in Mechanicsville will feature the Lee Artists Association. “New Directions in Art.” The artwork will be on display Nov. 1 through Nov. 30.
The Hanover Youth Basketball League (HYBL) has open registration for boys and girls in Pre-K through 12th grade through Wednesday, Oct. 26. Visit www.hanoverbasketball.org to register!
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.
Walnut Grove Baptist Church will be conducting
Continued from pg.
Free Adult English Classes (ESL) and Citizenship Classes
the Test)
with open enrollment
17, 2023. Classes
meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. For more information, contact the church office at (804) 746-5081 or contact Frank at wgbcinfo@ comcast.net or (804) 402-7701. The classes are free but students are asked to purchase the books required for the class.
The men of Mechanicsville United Methodist Church will be preparing and selling Brunswick stew again this year for $10 a quart. They strongly encourage you to preorder your stew by calling the church office at 804-746-5118 starting on Oct. 3. Church office hours are Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. Pick-up will be on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. Stew not sold in the preorders will be available for purchase on Saturday morning along with delicious baked goods prepared by the women of the church. The women of the church will also be selling their fabulous baked goods on Saturday morning! Contact the church office with any questions.
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 804-270-9626.
All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist 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.
The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January 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 non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.
The American Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek 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/.
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.
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 804-496-6093 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 804-366-6524 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 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
Wednesday, October26,2022at6:00P.M., inthe BoardRoomoftheHanoverCounty
Noticeisherebygiventhat,pursuanttoVirginiaCode Section15.2-2507,theHanoverCountyBoardof Supervisorswillholdapublichearingonanamendment totheFY23Budgetintheamountof$12,017,327. ThesefundswillbeusedbytheHanoverCountyDepartment ofPublicWorkstocompletetheRt.360/LeeDavisRd IntersectionProject.Thispublichearingwillbeheldon Wednesday,October26,2022at6:00p.m.intheBoard RoomoftheHanoverCountyAdministrationBuilding, 7516CountyComplexRoad,Hanover,Virginia.Atthattime, interestedpersonsmaypresentwrittenororalstatements andaskquestionsregardingtheproposedbudget amendment.Theoptionsavailableforprovidingwrittenor oralstatementsarepostedontheCountywebsite: www.hanovercounty.gov.
HanoverMotel,11563HanoverCourthouseRd.$185perweekor$675per month,Heat,A/C,microwave,cable, full-sizedrefrigerator,laundryon premises.NoAnimals.CallorText Charlie804-477-2652orDaniele804916-0750.
LegacyPark CommunityGarageSale, Sat.October15th,8am-1pm. Sellingalittlebitofeverything!Legacy Parkis2blocksEastofPoleGreen MarketturnrightontoMiddayLane. NoEarlyBirds!
NeighborhoodYardSale
Sat.Oct15th,8-12noon YorkePointeSubdivision IntersectionofColdHarborand LighthousePlace,23111 RainDateOct22nd
YardSale-Sat.October15th,2022at 8am-2pm,7017BirchbarkLane,23116. StrawhornSub.(offRuralPointRoad) RainCancels!ChristmasBooks, Clothes,children’svintagefurniture, CDs,lotofhouseholditems&much more!
ElevanceHealth,Inc.seeksBUSINESS
INFODEVELOPERCONSULTANTinRichmond,VAtodevelopdecisionsupport systemstoprovidedatatomakeeffectivebusinessdecisions.Applyat www.jobpostingtoday.comref#26395.
LookingforaCNA,LPNorRNtohelp takecareofaFemaledisabledveteran locatedinMechanicsville.FT,40-hrs
HillElectrical,Incishiring
CNA -Igiveprofessional,dependable, qualitycare,etc.Formoreinformation &availablehours,call804-321-2024.
L&LCleaningServices-Wecreate
FREETIMEforbusypeople!
Recurringservice,deepcleans, movingcleans&one-timecleans Calltodaytoschedule! Bonded&Insured. AccreditedA+RatingBBB! 804-305-4068LLCleans.com
Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 7200th block of Battle Hill Drive, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 6000th block of Perryville Drive, Mechanicsville.
Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 7100th block of Brandy Hill Terrace, Mechanicsville.
Burning or destroying personal property was reported in the 7300th block of Barnette Avenue, Mechanicsville.
Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 11400th block of Bienvenue Road, Rockville.
Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.
Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Uttering was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 9300th block of Marne Court, Mechanicsville.
Embezzlement, $200 or more was reported in the 10900th block of Richardson Road, Ashland.
Entering property with intent to damage was reported in the 17100th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.
Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 6300th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 10900th block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland.
DWI: BAC .15 to .20, first offense was reported in the 8000th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
james.wright@vawg.cap.gov.
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. Visit rvana.org.
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 globally. If you can make it, the WEB can use it. There are so many organizations in need of help. Call Laurie Wagner at 804-781-0338.
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 804-5592805 or the church office at 804746-9073.
The Hanover County
Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.
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.
strives to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, more than 50 million American women alive today participated in Girl Scouts growing up, according to a 2020 report by Girl Scouts of the USA.
Amy Buchanan, service unit director for Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, said they aim to encourage leadership among older Girl Scouts when planning service projects.
“One of the things that the Girl Scouts want to do is make sure as the girls are getting older in the scouting program, they are taking the lead in organizing these events versus the adults doing all the work,” she said, which in turn develops long-lasting skills for the young girls when entering college, a career and other paths.
Currently, Girl Scout troops across Hanover are get-
ting ready to craft turkey box donations for Thanksgiving. This project will similarly challenge older scouts to take the lead in donating supplies to make turkey boxes, coordinating with counselors at Hanover County Public Schools to identify how many families are in need of a Thanksgiving meal, and assembling and decorating the boxes for the families.
Buchanan said there has been a loss of participation over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an effort to reestablish the area as a robust Girl Scout network, they hope to bring more awareness to the program and its countless benefits for girls aged kindergarten through 12th grade.
In addition to service projects, every troop offers special experiences for their scouts throughout the year, such as organizing camping trips and other outdoor activities.
Most recently, the Girl Scouts hosted Camp Evening Shade for its 30th year in Hanover County in August. The camp invites scouts in the
area to engage in a number of outdoor activities, such as scaling the camp’s new climbing tower, archery, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and more.
Each Girl Scout troop additionally works on a number of badge and journey programs individually or in groups throughout the year.
Buchanan’s daughters in Troop 233 have been working on earning their safety badges. The troop learned fire safety tips courtesy of a visit from Hanover Fire-EMS officers last month and even toured a firetruck and ambulance. Other safety lessons for the girls have included a visit from a local nurse to discuss medical safety and other necessary skills, such as learning their parents’ phone numbers in case of an emergency.
She said the diverse network of leaders within Girl Scouts enhance the experience for their troops.
“The only way we can have these troops is because of these leaders that are willing to lead,” Buchanan said.
They are seeking willing adults in the community to become a troop leader in an existing troop or even start their own trip within their respective service unit, highlighting that Girl Scouts establishes long-lasting connections among leaders and participants.
“I think one big benefit, which is true for myself, is building out your network of other empowering females,” she said, adding that she has formed lifelong friendships with other troop leaders and parents along with making surprising connections with fellow former Girl Scouts.
Kay Godwin, leader of Troop 5276, founded her troop when her daughter, Ashley, was in kindergarten. She has fondly watched her daughter form lasting friendships with her fellow scouts over the years and has remained in her leadership role since the beginning.
“The fun part is just working with the girls and watching them grow,” Godwin said. “And for us, it’s the friendships
we’ve been able to form with other moms over the years.”
“It’s really a sisterhood,” said Lauren Hoehl. “You never really lose the friendships that you make, even when people leave.”
Buchanan said they are always open to new participants throughout the year and place girls based on troop size and age.
Those interested in becom-
ing a troop leader, starting a troop, volunteering, joining Girl Scouts or more information in general can visit the website: https://www.comgirlscouts.org/; or contact Theresa Henderson, senior community engagement manager for Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by email at thenderson@comgirlscouts.org or phone at 804746-0590 x324.
a2cargarageTheeatinkitchenisupgradedwithgranite countertops,shakercabinets,farmhousesink&stainless steelappliances.Ithasluxuryplankedvinylflooring throughoutthekitchen,livingroom&baths.Theliving roombringsinlotsofnaturallight&hasaceilingfan.The primarybedroomhasawalk-inclosetandfullbathwitha walk-inshower.Theother2bedroomsareontheopposite sideofthehousewithcarpet.Ontheexteriorthereisa frontcountryporchandareardeckwithaprivateshower forthosebeachdays.Thelargerearyardisfencedandis greatforkidsandpets.Asanaddedbonusthereisapull downatticwithamplestorageinthegarageaswellasa niceshedwithelectricityandaleantowithallthelawn equipmentyouwillneed.Thebeachaccessisjustaquick rideonthegolfcartoranicewalkawaytoenjoywhenever youwant.ThiswillmakeagreatAirBNBorsecondhome!
Lovelyhomeinoneof
driveway,detachedshedwithattachedcarportandstables/barn;perfectfor horses.Newroof,newdualzoneHVAC,newwellpump.
