The Mechanicsville Local-Rotary-Ruritan Parade 11/23/2022

STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN

project in over a decade

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity celebrated an exciting new addition to the nonprofit’s growing list of Habitat homes last week. Officially kicking off the start of their newest project on Friday, Nov. 18, Habitat additionally celebrated another milestone, as the new home will undergo the second renovation project ever performed by the local affiliate.

Under Habitat for Humanity International, the Hanover affiliate was first organized in 1990 and has since built 75 affordable homes, performed 32 critical repairs on local homes and rehabilitated one home. Soon an

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Hanover High School junior Jada Oakcrum has been selected as one of five Richmond Forum Scholars for the 20222023 season of the country’s largest nonprofit speaker series.

The Richmond Forum is a subscription

series that offers five programs each year held at the Altria Theater in Richmond, inviting some of the biggest and most influential names in the world to The Richmond Forum stage, including past presidents, sitting heads of state, leaders from the sciences, arts, business and more.

The Richmond Forum Scholars Program is a rare opportunity for five of

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hanover’s latest annual report reveals a positive trend in economic development over the last fiscal year. While the county continues to face challenges experienced nationally, ongoing growth in commercial real estate predicts a positive future for the local economy.

Economic Development

Director Linwood Thomas presented an overview of his department’s 2021-2022 annual report to the Hanover Board of Supervisors during the Nov. 9 meeting. Kicking of his presentation with a snapshot of the local economy, Thomas revealed how the county has and continues to overcome negative impacts of the pandemic.

see ECONOMY, pg. 15

the region’s highest achieving and most impressive high school juniors to volunteer behind-the-scenes at the renowned speaker series and interact with national and international leaders.

Jada’s fellow Scholars this year are Nina Argel of Monacan High School, Cameron Walker of Trinity Episcopal School, Lily

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Upcoming Habitat homeowner Ivy stands at the site of her future home on Dewey Street, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation for the next few months.

Jada Oakcrum serves as the Student Room moderator for the H.R. McMaster program and introduces McMaster to the students.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Morley for The Richmond Forum

The Mechanicsville Theatre Company is bringing the family-friendly nostalgic show “Bye Bye Birdie” to life Dec. 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. and Dec.

3 at 3 p.m. in the Mechanicsville High School Auditorium.

Mechanicsville High School to present ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ Contributed photo Shown is the Mechanicsville High School cast of the upcoming “Bye Bye Birdie” production. Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local Contributed Report The Local

top MECHANICSVILLE ROTARY-RURITAN CHRISTMAS PARADE see BYE BYE, pg. 5

The Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale is excited to present its 2022 Winter Concert: Star of Wonder and invites the community to enjoy holiday music with the entire family.

The concert will take place Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Richmond and on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. at Duncan Memorial Church in Ashland.

The performance will feature “The Christmas Oratorio” by Bob Chilcott and will include “Alpha and Omega 1, 2 and 3”

by Gwyneth Walker. Also included will be “Trinity Te Deum” by Eriks Esenvalds. The group will be accompanied by a brass quintet and organ.

Artistic director Ryan Tibbetts will again conduct the singers and instrumentalists. Nationally renowned Daniel Stipe will accompany and perform.

the Army, “Bye Bye Birdie” tells the tale of Albert Peterson, Conrad Birdie’s overworked songwriting manager, and his desperate attempt to get out of the debt that his pop icon has saddled him with. The Local Pick: Calendar ....................4 Obituaries ...............10 Sports ................17-18 Church Directory ....20 Classifieds .........21-22 www.facebook.com/mechlocal

Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale presents Winter Concert Forsubscriptioninformation ordeliveryquestionscontact: MichelleWall 804-775-2711 email:mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460TimesDispatchBlvd., Mechanicsville,VA23116

Advanced tickets are $10 for adults ($15 at the door) and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.Cvamc.org or by calling 1-883-3006. They may be purchased from any chorale member or at the Caboose Market & Café in Ashland.

The Hanover County Black Heritage Society, The Ashland Museum and the Pamunkey Library System welcomed Jean Folly, chairperson of the Hickory Hill Slave and AfricanAmerican Cemetery Board, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Atlee Branch Library.

Folly presented on the featured topic “African-American Cemeteries in Hanover” to a full and captivated audience. A sense of community was tangibly present throughout the room, as she conveyed oral histories regarding her family’s ancestral journey and the Cemetery Preservation Project. Spending her golden years

bringing new life to the cemetery gives her a sense of purpose, as she shared, “I feel like it’s up to us to do this for our families and ancestors to make sure they are properly recognized.”

Folly recounted memories of her childhood; family history passed on by her Grandmother Betty about her great-great grandparents, Hannah and William Tolliver; current conditions affected by overgrowth and Mother Nature; and her great appreciation for the “goodness of the community who have helped along the way,” noting that “there is still much more work that needs to be done.”

Folly spoke of the Hickory Hill - Wickham’s Plantation

and the journey for the historical preservation process of the cemetery. Through a field survey, 149 burials or interment sites were discovered. This finding was also supported by the meticulous records kept by William Fanning Wickham, engraved headstones, illegible headstones, foot stones and quartz rocks.

The late Virginia Shelton, an Ashland resident, was featured in a photograph with President Barack Obama at Wednesday’s Historical Exhibit. At 105 years old when the photo was taken on Sept. 29, 2010, Shelton was also a direct descendant of people who were enslaved at Hickory Hill and of people buried in the cemetery. Shelton was important to the research and documentation project that started in the late 1980s when development first threatened the cemetery. With thanks to researchers Dr. D. Rebel Dunkel, Joanna Green and the Department of Historic Resources, the Hickory Hill Slave and African American Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 12, 2020.

On Feb. 20, 2012, The Hanover County Black Heritage Society featured an exhibit and a historical presentation featuring Professor D. Reber Dunkel of Randolph-Macon College (R-MC) and a HCBHS board

Mechanicsville man dies in fi re

Contributed Report

The Mechanicsville Local

At 1106 hours on Sunday, Nov. 20, Hanover Fire-EMS crews responded to the 9300 block of Chamberlayne Road for a reported residential fire. While responding, crews were provided an update that bystanders reported a single occupant was still in the home. The first units arrived within six minutes of being dispatched and found

smoke coming from the singlefamily home. They immediately entered to conduct rescue operations. Crews were able to quickly locate the victim in a rear bedroom and had the subject removed within a minute of their arrival. Care was provided by the crews on scene and the subject was transported to VCU Medical Center in critical condition.

Despite the valiant efforts of responders, Vincent Keith

Watts (86) of Mechanicsville, succumbed to his injuries at VCU Medical Center. The incident remains under investigation by the Hanover Office of the Fire Marshal. Hanover Fire-EMS Department extends their deepest sympathy to the family involved.

Information submitted by Hanover Fire-EMS Public Information Officer David “DJ” Johnston.

member, along with Kenneth White, an R-MC senior student.

The presentation was entitled “Uncovering the Past: What we can Learn from Cemeteries, Genealogy and Other Non-Traditional Sources.”

Additionally, with a grant from the Hanover County Historical Commission, the Hanover County Black Heritage Society completed work on the preservation of the Rutland Slave Cemetery located on Route 301.

Clean up efforts for the Hickory Hill Slave and African American Cemetery happen several times throughout the

year. If you would like to volunteer to help during a cleanup effort, visit the Facebook pages for dates: Hickory Hill Slave & African American Cemetery. Donations are always welcome, which will be applied to the continuing efforts to help preserved the Hickory Hill Slave & African American Cemetery.

Donations may be mailed to: Hickory Hill African American Cemetery c 1820 – 1950, P.O. Box 932, Ashland, VA 23005 or make a donation with Zelle using the email address: HHAAC1820@gmail.com.

Generationally, family plots

and other properties continue to be used to provide resting places for loved ones across America and in Hanover from centuries-old traditions. The Hanover County Black Heritage Society continues to conduct research on African-American Cemeteries in Hanover County. Anyone interested in or who has knowledge and information regarding African-American Cemeteries in Hanover County, contact Dr. Alphine Jefferson, Mary Waddy and/or Francine Hunter of The Hanover County Black Heritage Society at 804779 - 2366.

Photo courtesy of Hanover County Black Heritage Society Jean Folly, chairperson of the Hickory Hill Slave and AfricanAmerican Cemetery Board, stands with the Hickory Hill African American Cemetery historic marker.

Thursday, Nov. 24

The Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center is offering food for families in need of Thanksgiving dinners from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for walkin guests. Curbside pickup will be available from noon to 2 p.m. for those who sign up online. Volunteer applications are now available. Visit www.thegivingheart.org for other volunteer and donation opportunities. Contact 804749-4726 for more information.

Friday, Nov. 25

The Grace United Family Church’s annual Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Hymn Sing will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at Historic Beulah Church located at 7252 Beulah Church Road, Mechanicsville. Join the church for a special time of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision. Sing with the church and share time together as a fam-

ily. For more information, call Pastor Glenn at 804-3356728.

Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4

Catholic Church of the Redeemer, located at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville, is celebrating its 15th annual “No Room at the Inn exhibit” with a weekend of events to raise money to build affordable houses in Haiti and support Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions. A Gala Preview will be held on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and invites adults to an evening of food, beverages, live and silent auctions, and music. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. All ages are invited on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $5 for adults and $1 for 18 and younger. For more information, visit: www.churchredeemer.org/no-room or call

the church at (804) 746-4911, extension 222.

Saturday, Dec. 3

The Community Salt Fish Breakfast will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at Enon UMC, 6156 Studley Road in Mechanicsville. The Buffet includes: salt fish, corn cakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, hash browns, sausage gravy, biscuits, waffles, apples, beverages and fellowship. Adults $10, ages 6 and under free with all profits going to Missions.

Sunday, Dec. 11

The first ever “Frosty Fest” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 9204 Center Oak Court in Mechanicsville. Frosty Fest is a shop local event that will benefit CodeBlue Cares Foundation in their mission to provide technology to schools, libraries and rural communities. Over 20 artisans and businesses will be set up in The Rutland Center along with local food vendors, gift wrapping and more. The event is open and free to the public. For more information, visit the website, www.codebluecares.org, or email, donate@ codebluecares.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

The Hanover Concert Band is presenting a Christmas Pops Concert at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 South Center Street in Ashland from 7 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to hear the band play seasonal favorites. Mechanicsville

Battlefield Park Elementary health and P.E. teacher named top in state

2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Contributed Report

A Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) health and physical education teacher has been named the best in Virginia.

Julie Hudnall, the health and P.E. teacher at Battlefield Park Elementary School (BPES), was recognized by the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AHPERD) as its

“This kind of recognition is amazing for me on a professional level. However, for me, it was more of an honor to be able to represent Battlefield Park Elementary and Hanover County at the state level,” said Hudnall. “Growing up in Studley with my family raising acres and acres of Hanover tomatoes, winning a softball state championship at Hanover High School, and coming back and teaching at the elementary school both my parents attended, you couldn't write a more Hanover story. Having the opportunity to represent Hanover County, my school and my family was a humongous honor to say the least.”

Hudnall is in her 10th year teaching physical education and has spent the past seven years at BPES. She described her teaching style as “studentcentered, skill driven and focused on cooperation and teamwork.”

“When students leave the gym from P.E. class my goal is that they had fun, played safely and learned something new,” she said. “I connect with my students by knowing their names, all 393 of them, and by learning about their likes, dislikes and what motivates them inside and outside of class.”

BPES principal Jaclyn McCaleb said Hudnall goes above and beyond for her students.

“We are so proud of Mrs. Julie Hudnall and I am beyond thrilled that she is being recognized at the state level,” McCaleb said. “The students, staff and community at BPES knows that we have the best PE teacher in our building, and we are thrilled that those around the state will now know too!”

She added: “Mrs. Hudnall engages our students in innovative lessons that teach the importance of physical and mental health! In addition, she also teaches lessons on the importance of agriculture each fall to our students. Mrs. Julie

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 4

The original Broadway production of “Bye Bye Birdie” won the 1961 Tony Award for the Best Musical. Dick Van Dyke recreated his 1961 Tony Award-winning performance in the filmed production. The 1963 movie became a star vehicle for Ann Margaret and features songs like “Put on a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss” and “Kids.”

The MTC production features Garrison Cornwell as Albert Peterson, Dayna Francis as Rosie Alvarez, Dylan Parker as Conrad Birdie, Beth Patterson as Kim MacAfee, Tyler Adams as Mr. MacAfee, Kaeleigh Hughes as Mrs. MacAfee and Abby Kesling as Mae Peterson.

The performance is produced, choreographed and codirected by Meg Switzer, along with co-director Camilla Ridenour and music director Lydia Fisher-Lasky. The student production team includes production stage manager Jack Dompkowski, sound operator Bella Testerman, and co-stage managers Addison Drake and Lucy Greene.

AARP Chapter 5407 will be meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Union Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green Rd. in Mechanicsville. The Hanover Christmas Mother, a person from Senior Connection will be the guest speakers, election of officers and board members, and any committee chairpersons positions.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Blue Christmas Service will be held at 7 p.m. at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. A service of light for those who are feeling blue, sad, grieving and experiencing loss this Christmas season. This service occurs on the Winter Solstice, the longest

Hudnall inspires students and is a true leader in our building and community.”

Hudnall was recognized on Saturday, Nov. 5 at AHPERD’s annual convention.

Information submitted by Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent for Hanover County Public Schools.

night of the year. Invite those who have experienced loss and grief this year. All are welcome. Nursery provided for children 4 and under.

Ongoing

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 through Nov. 30.

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

Don’t miss “Bye Bye Birdie” on Stage. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://mhsva.booktix.com or at the door half an hour before the production. All seats are reserved. This is a fundraising event for the MTC Boosters; no passes or discounts will be offered. see CALENDAR, pg. 19

The Mechanicsville Local

Julie Hudnall describes her teaching style as “studentcentered, skill driven and focused on cooperation and teamwork.”

Photos courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools Julie Hudnall, the health and P.E. teacher at Battlefield Park Elementary School, was recognized by the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AHPERD) as its 2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year at the organization’s annual convention.

From the editor

A preserved 1862 newspaper and the questions it leaves behind

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Arecent visit back home offered an exciting and rather archeological discovery – one that the family journalist saved from destruction in the nick of time. As mentioned in an earlier column, my family is in the process of sorting through the many, many dusty boxes of gathered items from my late grandparents’ home. While endeavors like this can be painful, it has also invited a number of joyous and surprising discoveries that tell the many stories of my intricate and immense family tree.

My latest discovery told a different kind of story – one that offered a surprising comfort to the family journalist.

While sitting at the dining room table sifting through boxes with relatives, my aunt nonchalantly says, “We found an 1862 newspaper from your grandmother’s hometown.”

Immediately pausing and clarifying the date, I wondered aloud, “Where is it?” They delivered the shocking news that they had tossed it in the recycling bin, assuring me that there was “really nothing left of it.”

There’s no such thing as nothing left, as this discovery powerfully reminded me. The fragile, tattered and yellow-tinted paper with gaping holes across its pages would make the observer think nothing more of it – if not for the magic of the written word.

Pickleball takes America by storm

Words printed in the March 27, 1862 edition of the daily Youngstown, Ohio community newspaper stood the test of time in my grandparents’ attic. The Mahoning Register had fallen into the hands of a young newspaper editor 160 years after its ink dried to the page – in a community very far from its own. But perhaps the most remarkable feature of this tattered newspaper and its remaining few pages are the stories told in a time very different from our own.

Virtually every page is shrouded in the terrors and anxieties of the Civil War – a conflict that had begun just under a year before. Poems, opinion pieces and lengthy articles detail the horrifying events of the day, with everything from the sorrows of a soldier to elaborate updates on the movement of troops, victories and losses. These written words of a terrified people tell a powerful story in a way so much more personal than a history book or documentary, as even amidst the bloodiest war in the country’s history, these writings all carried a common message: hope.

Buried under the raining debris of a crumbling nation, perhaps readers could find hope in this small hometown newspaper. The detailed accounts of the war give the comfort of knowledge during a time masked in the unknown, and the somber words of neighbors give the comfort of a community joined together during a time of severance – inspiring the reminder of what a community newspaper should be.

Serendipitously, among the written words that stood the test of time was an opinion piece entitled “Newspaper Failures.” The short

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

Perhaps, no sport in recent history has captured the attention of Americans as quickly or intently as the latest game being played on courts across the history — pickleball.

The game, described as a mix between tennis and ping pong, has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years,

article shares the frustrations of a resident, as he speaks of the absurdity of struggling newspapers amid such a turbulent time. While only portions of the article were intact, enough remains to gather that this local newspaper was suffering along with many others, and its very existence was threatened by a lack of profitability during the difficult times of war.

Unbeknownst to the reader sharing with his community his fears of a hometown newspaper nearing its end, the Mahoning Register would live on for several more years. And one beat up old issue would persevere and fall into the hands of a curious observer – 160 years later.

The question of why my grandmother kept this edition of her hometown newspaper remains a mystery. Why did she hold onto it for all these years? While this question will never be answered, it is a comforting thought that maybe those written words, amid such a turbulent time, offered her this necessary comfort and sense of community, compelling her to preserve its pages knowing their historical significance.

And to my delight, my grandfather shared a similar compulsion. Somewhere buried deep in the attic is a box filled with newspapers collected over the course of his life, containing breaking news headlines of “World War II Ends!”, “President John F. Kennedy Assassinated” and countless others. This treasure trove has yet to be found in our piles and piles of family history, but my next visit home will of course be devoted to its discovery.

and it’s hard to find a community without at least one of the courts.

It’s a generational-friendly game that allows players of all ages to engage in intense competition while not requiring acute physical skills or hyped endurance to play and enjoy.

The game has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. According to estimates, as many as 5 million Americans

are taking a swing at the popular sport, and in the past two years pickleball has gained the title as America’s fastest growing sport.

Phone – (804) 746-1235 Editor – (804) 212-6266 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 Online: richmond.com/community/mechanicsville-local

Editor Christina Amano Dolan........................cdolan@mechlocal.com

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Mechanicsville residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Mechanicsville Local.

Send letters to: The Mechanicsville Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: (804) 344-8746 E-mail: news@mechlocal.com

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 © 2022 Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 31,156.

It’s an easy sport to love. While offering a fun and competitive form of exercise, the recent phenomenon also offers opportunities for like-minded paddlers to meet and interact. Leagues have formed in most communities, and a professional version of the sport is now available. It’s even been named the official sport of Washington state.

Legend has it pickleball was invented by two families who created the game while on vacation. Out of boredom, the group combined a ping pong paddle with a whiffle ball and headed to the nearest badminton court for the initial contest. Their dog Pickles provided the inspiration for the name.

And while the sport has somewhat been tagged as a senior domi-

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SANTA RUN 2022 SCHEDULES

Editors note: More 2022 Santa Run fire station schedules will be printed in future editions as they become available.

Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department

This year’s Santa Run for Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department Station 12 has released the following schedule for the beginning of December, with the schedule subject to change due to weather and/or calls:

Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m.

Starts at Beulah Church Road and Sandy Valley Road.

Beulah Church Road to Woody’s Hundred Subdivision and back to Beulah Church Road to Glenn’s Harbor Subdivision and back to Beulah Church Road to Old Travellers Lane and back to Beulah Church Road to Cold Harbor Rd to Flaherty Drive and back to Cold Harbor Road to McGee Outlook and back to Cold Harbor Road to Elder Ridge Lane and back to Cold Harbor Road to Turkey Hollow Subdivision and back to Cold Harbor Road to Market Road. Market Road to Range Road and back to Market Road to Falling View Lane and back to Market Road to Rockhill Road and stops.

Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Starts at Old Church Road and Flannigan Mill Road.

Flannigan Mill Road to Babbling Brooke Lane and back to Flannigan Mill Road to Ettington Road and back to Flannigan Mill Road to Hopewell Road to the county line. Hopewell Road from county line back to Westwood Road. Westwood Road to Hidden Lake Estates and back to Westwood Road to Jordan Woods and back to Westwood Road to Boundary Run and back to Westwood Road to McClellan Road. McClellan Road to Crown Hill Road. Crown Hill Road to Parsleys Mill Road. Parsleys Mill Road to Tanglewood Court and back to Parsleys Mill Road to Camp Hanover and stops.

Friday, Dec. 9, beginning at 6 p.m.

Starts at Rockhill Road and Cold Harbor Road.

Rockhill Road to Confederate Hill Drive and back to. Rockhill Road to White Oak Ridge and back to Rockhill Road to Swan Lane and back to Rockhill Road to McClellan Road. McClellan Road to Papa Lane and Back to McClellan Road to Black Creek Estates and

back to McClellan Road to Peace Road Peace Road to Quaker Road to Dispatch Road to Fox Hunter Road. Fox Hunter Road to Market Road and back to McClellan Road. McClellan Road to Peace Road and stops.

Saturday, Dec. 10, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Starts at Crown Hill Road and Burnett Field Drive.

Burnett Field/Pine Knoll Subdivision and back to Crown Hill Road to Valley Oaks Subdivision and back to Crown Hill Road to Madison Estates and back to Crown Hill Road to Tall Cedars Lane and back to Crown Hill Road to Cold Harbor Road. Cold Harbor Road to Boatswain Lane and back to Cold Harbor Road to Hanover Farms Subdivision Hanover Subdivision and ends.

If your street or neighborhood is not listed, come to end of your road to see Santa.

Eastern Hanover Volunteer Fire Department

This year’s Santa Run for Eastern Hanover Volunteer Fire Department Station 3 has released the following schedule for December with new routes this year. If a Santa Run is canceled, it will be held the following Monday or Tuesday. Visit the website and Facebook page for important updates, details and to Track Santa live: www.EHVFD.COM and https:// www.facebook.com/EHVFD2/.

Due to safety, they ask all families who live at the end of short cul-de-sacs to come to the main road.

Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m.

Starting at Studley Rd at Spring Run Rd to Double Five Drive, Studley Farms, Summer Hill to River Rd (including Pinta and Cabin Ct), River Rd to Hanover Town Rd, Hanover Town Rd to Studley Rd (including Scotts Landing) to New Bethesda.

Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 5 p.m.

Starting at Spring Run Rd and Old Church Rd (toward West Store; cross over Mechanicsville Turnpike) to Studley Rd including Blakewood, Road, Linney’s Court, Spring Run Rd (right turn) cross over Mechanicsville Turnpike to Old Church Rd (left turn) to Piping Tree Ferry Rd Rd, Piping Tree Ferry Rd

Mechanicsville Local November 23, 2022

to Old Church Rd (Including Old Lafayette Rd, Epps, Pamunkey River Farms Drive, Retreat Dr. and Pamunkey Crest Dr), around the loop back to Old Church Rd.

Sunday, Dec. 4, beginning at 5 p.m.

Starting at Piping Tree Ferry Rd/Old Church Rd continuing to Green Retirement Ln, Candle Berry Drive, Christians Ridge Sub, left on McClellan Rd, right on Crown Hill Rd to Beattie’s Mill Rd into Sinclair Manor, end at Beattie’s Mill Rd/Sandy Valley Rd.

Friday, Dec.

to Mechanicsville Turnpike (including Hanover Meadow Dr). Mechanicsville Turnpike to West Haven Dr. Mechanicsville Turnpike to Old Calvary Dr - Battlefield Green Subdivision.

Henry Volunteer Fire Department

9, beginning at 6 p.m.

Sandy Valley (from Colts Neck Rd) to Little Florida Rd (including Creek Bluff Ln/Hobby Horse Ln), u-turn at the end of Little Florida Rd (including Shall Dr) and continuing onto Sandy Valley to Pepper Town Rd and back to 360.

Saturday, Dec. 10, beginning at 5 p.m.

Pole Green Rd (from Mechanicsville Turnpike) to Williamsville Rd (including Woodlawn Farm Dr), Williamsville Rd to Studley Rd (including Winsmith Farms, Prospect Hills, Pine Slash and Rainier Estates), Williamsville Rd across Studley Rd to River Rd, including Santa Maria, Summer Plains and Gould Hill.

Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at 5 p.m.

Pole Green Rd (from Rural Point Rd) to Walnut Grove (including Sherrington, Fieldshire, Pole Green Station, Raven Runs Dr, and Spice Tree Subdivisions), Pine Hill Rd.

Friday, Dec. 16, beginning at 6 p.m.

Start at Creighton and Walnut Grove, to Colts Neck (including Melissa Page), Colts Neck to Anvil Ln (including Stonewall Estates and Garden Estates). Left on Creighton Rd to Sandy Valley Rd. Sandy Valley Rd to Colts Neck Rd. Colts Neck Rd to Walnut Grove Rd. Walnut Grove Rd to Mechanicsville Turnpike. Mechanicsville Turnpike East to Station (including Hughes Rd, Orchard Lane, and Gethsemane Ct).

Saturday, Dec. 17, beginning at 5 p.m.

Pebble Creek Subdivision Sunday, Dec. 18, beginning at 5 p.m.

Start at Pole Green Rd and Walnut Grove Rd

This year’s Santa Run for Henry Volunteer Fire Department Station 6 has released the following schedule for November and December.

Saturday, Nov. 26, beginning at 6 p.m.

Laurel Grove, Powhickery, Blue Star Est, Huntington Woods, Hanover Crossings, Marley Est, Timberlake Commons

Sunday, Nov. 27, beginning at 6 p.m

Cool Spring Forest, Rutland, Craney Island Farms, Craney Island Estates

Monday, Nov. 28, beginning at 6 p.m.

Slash Church Area, Mandy Lane, Bowie, Stumpy Road, Pine Ridge, Lincoln Park Circle, Wheeling Circle, Hanover Small Farms, Patrick Henry HTS

Wednesday, Nov. 30, beginning at 6 p.m. Academy Drive/Culley, Sharon Park, Holly Ridge, Brianthorn, Stywalt, Hanover Heights

Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m.

Avondale East, Avondale West, Royal Grant, Robin Ridge, Beaverdam Trail, Swannanoa, Rural Point Farms

Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 6 p.m.

Garrison Manor, Berkley Forest, Quail Creek, Twin Oaks, Atlee Lakes/Springs

Sunday, Dec. 4, beginning at 6 p.m.

Mimosa, Pearson Corner, Henry Clay HTS, Holly Road, Knollwood, Cool Spring West Wednesday, Dec. 7, beginning at 6 p.m.:

GLESSNER, Harry A. Jr., went to be with his Lord on Monday, November 14, 2022. He was preceded in death by his son, Kurt; and daughter, Karen. He was the beloved husband of Pat; loving father of Kristen Klein (Travis) and Katie Burrow (Gregg); Grampie of Rylie, Raegan, Kylar, Sawyer, Evalyse and Gabriel; cherished brother to Vicki; and loved uncle, cousin, nephew, friend to many. Harry proudly served in the USMC 1967 to 1969, a Vietnam Veteran, Semper Fi! In lieu of flowers, please send a donation

to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Restoration Church of Mechanicsville, or Samaritan's Purse. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 18, at Bennett Funeral Home, Mechanicsville Chapel, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on November 19. Interment at Quantico will be private.

INGROFF, Lucille S. "Lucy," 86, of Mechanicsville, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, T. R. "Rudy" Ingroff Jr.; her parents, William and Georgia Soyars; her sister, Louise; her brother, William "Sammy"; and grandson, Shawn. Lucy is survived by daughters, Loretta (Tim), Connie (Steve), Glynis (Rick), and Tina (Jimmy); grandchil-

dren, Scott (Christa), Codi (Bryce), and Samantha; greatgrandchildren, Landyn, Sophie and Bennett; sisters, Lynne and Lois. Lucy worked for Molins Machine Company, Hanover County Public Utilities and retired from Henrico County Public Utilities. After retiring, she enjoyed serving on the Hanover Travel Commission, hosting "teas" with Arlene for her friends and Red Hat Ladies and spending countless hours at Walnut Grove Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member. Visitation was held Monday, November 21 from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8

p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road. A funeral service was held Tuesday, November 22 at 1:30 p.m., also at Bennett. Interment took place following the service in Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer's Association, Richmond Chapter, 4600 Cox Road, #130, Glen Allen, Va. 23060 or a charity of your choice.

KNIGHT, Patricia Poole, 83, of Hanover, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, November 12, 2022, after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Jane L. Poole; and a daughter, Janna K. Salvant. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Carl B. Knight; son, Brad Knight (Laurie); and grandchildren, Brandon Knight, Justin Salvant, Ashlee

Salvant, Emily Salvant and Megan Salvant; two brothers, James Poole Jr. and C. Michael Poole (Denise); and her forever friends, Glenn and Mary Lou Paine. Together with her husband, they founded an electrical contracting business and lighting supply business, where she worked until 2013 when she retired due to illness. Patricia enjoyed spending time at the river house, fishing and boating. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. The family wishes a special thank you to At Home Care Hospice, Jaritza, Samantha and Melanie. The family received friends 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, where a funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Friday, November 18, 2022. Interment followed at 1 p.m. in Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

SHORT, David Swanson, 82, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully into Heaven November 16, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Frank and Edith Jones Short. David is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joan Short; brother, Dennis B. Short; daughter, Kim Johnson (Reid); son, Brandon Short (Tammi); and four grandchildren who were the light of his life, Grant, Paul, Connor and Cameron. One of his joys in life was photography and sharing his pictures with family and friends. David lived a life of service, reflected in his family and friends, and the many organizations he served, including the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, the Masonic Order, the Shriners and local hospitals where he volunteered. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. The family received friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic Service that began at 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd. Funeral services, with a brief reception to follow, will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Fairmount Christian Church. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. in Dale Memorial Park.

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Mechanicsville Local November 23, 2022

SHORT

Waehner of James River High School, and Tahlia Wright of Highland Springs High School.

Sandra Wheeler, the director of student programs for The Richmond Forum, said the program was formed in 2013 when staffing was limited. Looking for extra hands, the organization saw an opportunity to engage with some of the area’s most impressive high school juniors.

Wheeler said the program’s competitiveness is largely due to the “big role” that students play in the forum, such as being paired with one of the featured speakers of their preference and socializing at each forum’s corporate dinner.

“So making sure that we’ve got really impressive high school juniors that are mature and comfortable working and interacting with adults – those are really important factors for us,” Wheeler said

Attracting around 40 to 50 applicants a year, Wheeler said the pool of students is becoming increasingly competitive. Looking for stu dents who show an active interest in leadership and volunteering, excel academically, and can juggle multiple extra-curricular activities, Jada’s impressive resume and application caught Wheeler’s immediate interest as it exhibited her exceptionalism in virtually every area of school and community involvement.

Holding a current GPA of 4.469, Jada has maintained a rigorous academic, extra-curricular and athletic schedule since her freshman year, participating in varsity basketball, varsity outdoor track and field, and JV soccer while

helping to found Inclusion Icons, founding and leading the Young Democrats Club, serving as a student representative for the Superintendent Advisory Council and more. In her sophomore year, Jada introduced the IB Chemistry course after petitioning for interest and presenting her proposal to the Hanover County School Board

“Jada’s piece around her advocacy at the school board was a defining reason why we chose her,” Wheeler said, adding that it exhibited her willingness to stand before leaders and present a heavily-researched and persuasive case.

Tracie Oakcrum, Jada’s mother, said the announcement of Jada’s acceptance into the program was an exciting moment for the family.

“Of course, as a parent, I could not be proud er,” Oakcrum said. “She works so hard at everything she does, and I know this is a competitive opportunity that would be beneficial to so many students, so we’re really fortunate that she was chosen.”

Never shying away from hard work, Jada only recently discovered the program and immediately applied, spending around 20 hours total forming her application and video essay while maintaining her rigorous schedule.

“This program has taught her that ‘Wow, there’s things out here that I didn’t even realize, and it’s on me to actually seek them out rather than to wait for them to come to me,’ ” Oakcrum said of her daughter.

Jada discovered the program after being invited, as president of the Young Democrats Club, to a Richmond Forum program last year that featured Michelle Obama. She sat in the

Photo courtesy of Kevin Morley for The Richmond Forum Four out of the five Richmond Forum Scholars for the 2022-2023 season stand with H.R. McMaster after his program at the Altria Theater. Pictured from left to right are Tahlia Wright, Nina Argel, H.R. McMaster, Lily Waehner and Jada Oakcrum. Scholar Cameron Walker is not pictured.

Fairmount Christian Church is offering free performances of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’

Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local

During the first two weekends of December, Fairmount Christian Church’s drama ministry is staging the Broadway hit, “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Called the funniest play Broadway has ever seen, this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania. The public is welcome to opening night of the murder at Haversham Manor, where things go quickly from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything, including their lines, it’s comic gold for the whole family and sure to bring down the house.

As a gift to the community, all shows are free and no ticket is required. Doors will open an hour before show time. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as previous productions have often resulted in large crowds.

The shows will be staged in Fairmount’s Worship Center that features 900 theater-style

FORUM

Continued from pg. 11

forum’s Student Room, where she was able to interact with the former First Lady in an intimate setting with other area students.

The Student Room provides the opportunity for students to view sold-out Richmond Forum programs in a separate room from the main theater and even interact directly with the speakers through their own Q+A program. The room can hold up to 100 students and is free admission. Students can apply for the room through The Richmond Forum website.

One of the primary responsibilities of the Scholars is introducing speakers to students in the Student Room and moderating the discussion.

Jada served as the moderator for this season’s first

seats.

Eight performances will be staged over the first two weekends in December. Sunday shows have childcare for 3 years and under. Show schedules are as follows:

Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, at 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m.

“Everyone has had days where everything goes wrong. Well, this show takes that concept literally,” said show director Bob Weirup. “It’s non-stop mayhem and has been called a comedic masterpiece of malfunction. It’s a fun show, and I hope everyone will have a smile on their face at the end of the show... that is if we make it to the end of the show. Who knows what might go wrong?”

Fairmount Christian Church is located at 6502 Creighton Road in Mechanicsville, VA 23111, just off the interchange of I-295 and Creighton Road (East). They can be reached at (804) 559-8070 or online at fairmountcc.org.

program held on Nov. 12, which featured Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster (USA, Ret.) and his program, “The State of Play: Geopolitical Actions, Reactions & Consequences.” McMaster holds 34 years of military service, was president for National Security Affairs from 2017 to 2018 and currently operates from the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

“She commented that General McMaster was so down to earth and pleasant, and that she really enjoyed meeting him and was surprised at how relatable he was,” Oakcrum said, adding that exposure to diverse viewpoints of the various speakers, VIP guests and even fellow Scholars is the greatest benefit of the program.

Other benefits of the program include building confidence in public speaking,

inspiring intellectual curiosity and offering a plethora of networking opportunities.

Oakcrum added that the program is preparing Jada for her future career in countless ways, as she currently plans to major in finance and mathematics and eventually become a CFO. Oakcrum believes that Jada’s growing ability to conduct herself with different people will prepare her well for the business world.

Attracting a variety of students who hold different career interests, Wheeler said the program prepares students for success in many areas –especially with its rich network of scholar alumni who have or are attending universities such as Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia and more.

“The main benefit is your ability to hone your leadership

Harrison celebrates 90th birthday

Hanover Parks and Recreation receives state awards

Contributed Report

The Local

Over 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers and volunteers from around the state gathered in early November in Virginia Beach for the 68th annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society. The conference is a learning exchange and provides an opportunity for parks and recreation professionals to discuss areas of common interest, emerging trends and professional development strategies.

Contributed photo Virginia “Ginny” Harrison of Mechanicsville celebrated her 90th birthday on Nov. 21. She and her husband, Woody, have one daughter, Lisa Harrison, who lives nearby. Over the years, Virginia has been a wife and mother who also worked in numerous fields, ultimately retiring from Bon Secours Home Health Care after 15 years. She celebrated with members of her family in Gloucester, where she was born in 1932.

Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. This state-wide program honors individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in several areas during the previous year. More than 60 nominations were submitted vying for awards in 15 categories. Judged by a jury of its peers, Hanover County Parks and Recreation was recognized with the following awards:

Best New Renovation/Addition (Bricks and Mortar): Hanover County Museum of History and Culture

The Hanover County Museum of History and Culture was established

when the Historic Clerk’s Office was converted from office space to a public museum. The museum highlights notable periods, events and figures that played pivotal roles in county history. The museum was one of only six locations in Virginia to host a Smithsonian Institutes Travelling Exhibit Services exhibition.

Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways, or Trails): Matthew and Daniel Barton Memorial Hockey Rink

The Matthew and Daniel Barton Memorial Hockey Rink has served Hanover County residents for

more than 20 years. In desperate need of renovation, Hanover Parks and Recreation partnered with the Barton Family, Doswell Energy and the Washington Capitals to completely renovate the rink. Much of the site work and initial construction was completed in-house by department staff. Through generous donations from the Washington Capitals and Doswell Energy, combined with community contributions, the renovation was completed without the use of any taxpayer funding.

Distinguished Service Award: Deputy Director Dan Smith The Distinguished Service Award

is one of the Society’s most prestigious honors. Deputy director Dan Smith has held a variety of roles within VRPS including past president, board member, education committee chair, founding member of the Parks Operations Resource Group, and others. Smith guided the Society through its most difficult period at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Dan began his career in the parks and recreation field in 1988 and has held a variety of roles within several localities across the state.

Hanover County Parks and Recreation thanks the community for its continued support of the department.

Hanover County Parks and Recreation strives to improve overall health and well-being throughout the community while fostering social engagement and igniting community pride. The department offers hundreds of classes and activities each year and oversees more than 1,200 acres of parklands across the County.

For more information about department programs or facilities, visit www.hanoveverparksrec.com, call 365-7150 or email parksandrec@ hanovercounty.gov.

Proactive Massage and Bodywork to celebrate 20 years in community

Contributed Report

The Mechanicsville Local

Proactive Massage + Bodywork is approaching a significant milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in the Mechanicsville community on Sunday, Dec. 11.

A celebration is planned for Dec.11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Proactive Massage + Bodywork clinic, which is located in the Rutland Shopping Center at 9225 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. There will be free

services, giveaways, discounts, classes and light refreshments.

They are thrilled to invite the entire community to join in the celebration of their 20th anniversary, as well as the thousands of clients they have helped overcome pain, anxiety and chronic conditions over the past two decades.

Proactive Massage + Bodywork began as a solo medical massage therapy practice in 2002 by owner Pamela Heavner. Heavner began hiring other licensed massage therapists and pro-

viding them with advanced training in the field of medical massage after witnessing the high demand for massage therapy for pain management and being unable to keep up with the demand for her services.

Heavner has since devoted her time to studying the science of pain management and biohacking. This pursuit led her to Lotus College, where she served as an educator and director of the massage therapy department. She has been featured in international webinars and maga-

zines, and she recently published her first book aimed at assisting other clinic owners in her field.

Heavner and her management team have scoured the globe in search of the most innovative and effective wellness products and services capable of delivering exceptional results for Proactive's clients.

“Over the last 10 years, Proactive Massage + Bodywork has experienced exceptional growth and development,” Heavner said. “Moving forward, our focus will remain on

providing a personalized experience through a combination of cuttingedge wellness services combined with manual therapies that are proven to be effective. Our programs are intended to reduce long-term health risks and strengthen the body's defense system, allowing our clients to feel better and have more energy to do the things they love.”

For more information on Proactive Massage + Bodywork and their services, visit www. ProactiveRVA.com

Photo courtesy of Hanover County Parks and Recreation Hanover County Parks and Recreation staff stand with their state awards received in the 68th annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society.

ASHLAND/ WESTERN HANOVER

| Also serving the communities of Montpelier, Beaverdam, Rockville and Doswell

Bocrie receives citizen recognition from APD

Chief Aronhalt

Ashland Museum holiday guided walking tour

Contributed Report

The Local

and Potomac Railroad.

Each 60-minute walking tour will end with a reception at 905 S. Center St. This Greek Revival home was built in 1872 by Richard Irby, Secretary and Treasurer of Randolph-Macon College.

various ways. “This is a fine example of community involvement with the

Aronhalt said. “All of our goals are the same - to make the community safer and still do this day, his business has continued to do that.”

The Ashland Museum holiday guided walking tour will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. The museum will share some history and architecture about the southern end of S. Center Street. These lots that face onto the railroad tracks were some of the first developed by the Richmond, Fredericksburg

Details and registration are on the website, ashlandmuseum.org. Email the museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast. net or call 804-368-7314 with any questions.

Town of Ashland adjusts personal property and real estate tax bill due date

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

Ashland Town Council unanimously approved an adjustment to the town’s personal property and real estate tax bill due date during their meeting last Tuesday. The adjustment will give town residents more time to file their tax bills.

The ordinance revision changes the annual due date from Jan. 15 to Feb. 5 of each year, or the next business day if the due date falls on the weekend. The upcoming tax bill due date is Feb. 6, 2023.

Deputy Town Manager Matt Reynal offered an overview of

the challenges with the Jan. 15 due date to councilmembers during the Nov. 15 meeting.

The Town is presented information by the Commissioner of Revenue necessary to generate the annual tax bills around Dec. 1 of each year. Town staff must verify the information is accurate, create the bills in the town’s accounting system, and submit the town’s bill files to a printing service to create and mail the bills to residents. Before the change in the due date, this process would occur by Dec. 9 to 10 in order for bills to be delivered to the taxpayer by Dec. 15 to provide 30 days for the taxpayer to make a payment without penalty.

The change in the due date will provide staff with additional time to generate and mail the bills before the end of December and will provide additional time (a minimum of 35 days) for taxpayers to make a payment without penalty. It will also align with Hanover County’s due date with personal property tax bills, which has generated confusion for town residents and businesses in the past.

“We have heard a few times that taxpayers in town have gotten confused by the tax due dates, and then they inadvertently not pay their town tax bill on time because they just had the Hanover tax due date in their mind,” Reynal said.

Photo by Christina Amano Dolan

Citizen Jim Bocrie was recognized by Ashland Police Department (APD) Chief Troy Aronhalt during last week’s Town Council meeting for his community policing efforts. Bocrie began speaking with the APD about vehicle thefts in town and how they can develop proactive solutions. He and Officer Chip Watts developed a plan to place signs in strategic places around town to remind residents to hide their valuables from sight if left in the car, take their valuables with them from the car, or to lock up their vehicles. Aronhalt additionally noted how his family business has supported the department over the years in

police,”

Photo courtesy of Ashland Museum Shown is 905 S. Center Street, which will be the end destination on each of the Ashland Museum’s holiday walking tours.

PICKLEBALL

nated sport, only about 20% of participants are seniors. There’s no doubt the fast action attracts former tennis players who can no longer cover a full tennis court but can still handle a racket at close range.

The court is about a fourth as large as traditional tennis courts, and many recreational areas are opting to replace some tennis courts with pickleball courts.

Some large cities have pickleball facilities where food and drinks are available – even one chain calling itself Chicken and Pickle.

Combine the social aspect of the popular sport with its obvious health benefits and it’s easy to see why some are calling pickleball a national phenomenon.

Professional athletes like Tom Brady and Lebron James have purchased teams in the new professional league, and ex-Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is an avid participant in the sport.

So, what’s not to like about pickleball? Well, apparently the sound of a plastic ball hitting a plastic racquet produces a unique sound that

ECONOMY

Continued from pg. 1

One of the most significant challenges the county faced was a spike in the county’s unemployment rate in 2020 to 4.8%. In 2021, the rate dropped to 3%, and Thomas said he believes it is now at 2.5% from recent data.

“It’s great to tout our unemployment rate, but I think it is equally important to understand that under about 4% of businesses have trouble finding labor, so it’s a blessing and a curse, so to speak,” Thomas added.

The county also experienced a dramatic drop in its labor market in 2020, with 3,246 jobs lost across all industry sectors similar to national trends. In 2021, the county rebounded and added 1,962 new jobs to the market.

Thomas said while the county continues to rebound from the loss, current data is “very promising” and they hope to add at least another 2,000 net

is annoying to some residents who live near the facilities. Also, some tennis aficionados have complained that more and tennis courts are being gobbled up to make more room for pickleball.

The emerging sport has even acquired its own lingo – a unique blend of terms known only to the most committed. For example, a live shot is called a dillball, and dinks and flapjacks are terms used to describe various shots in the game. The non-volley portion of the court is called the kitchen, and players yell pickle to mark the start of a volley.

With USA Pickleball estimating there are more than 35,000 courts nationwide, there’s a good chance there’s a venue near you. You won’t be able to miss it. Unlike the quiet and dignified atmosphere surrounding most tennis courts, picklers can be loud and expressive.

It never hurts to try new things, and pickleball has certainly captured the attention of a large segment of our population. Experts predict it’s only the beginning, and before it wanes, most of us will have experienced the exciting prospect of being pickled, (a term used to describe a match where you score no points); or maybe not.

new jobs in 2022.

“A lot of those jobs are coming from outside of our community, so it’s interesting to see the dichotomy of that,” Thomas said.

Thomas outlined the industry sectors that the county has experienced significant growth in since 2018, with the most growth seen in the industrial space with a 10.7% increase in the number of available square feet on the market.

“While some communities’ office and retail markets are struggling, we’re seeing some of the lowest vacancy rates that we’ve ever seen on record in Hanover,” Thomas added, with the county’s office vacancy at 5% and the retail vacancy rate at 2.6%.

“To me, this tells a bigger story – not only are we building it, but it’s being occupied and it’s having success,” Thomas added.

The industrial vacancy rate is the only increase from 2020 and holds a current rate of 1.3%, which is partly due to the county’s constant

stream of new product, he said.

“If we toured you around our community by air, you would see a lot of these new buildings being developed –either close to finish or just coming out of the ground,” he said.

The amount of new industrial product that is either queued up, coming out of the ground or near approval has increased by about 45% since 2018, he said. Based on the most conservative assessments, the estimated value of new industrial real estate is over $430 million, which equates to almost $3.5 million in net new real estate tax revenue, he added.

“So I think it’s important to know that as we have needs in our community, that these tax revenues will be helpful in going to pay for those,” Thomas said.

Thomas also outlined the county’s consistent growth in new commercial announcements, with 151 new business

FORUM

skills and communication skills with adults,” Wheeler said.

She said the Scholars “thrived” in this season’s first forum as they successfully checked guests in for the corporate dinner, distributed wristbands and engaged in conversation with the guests seated at their assigned tables. Scholars even went “above and beyond” in their roles, as they promptly addressed an urgent medical situation in the theater.

Scholars are gearing up for the season’s next forum on Jan. 21, 2023, featuring 2021 Nobel Prize winner and journalist Maria Ressa. The remainder of the season will feature Ella Al-Shamahi on Feb. 18, an accomplished philanthropist, National Geographic Explorer and stand-up comic; John Lithgow on March 18, a prolific actor who holds two Tony’s, six Emmy’s, and two Oscar nominations; and philosophers Dr. Cornel West and Thomas Chatterton Williams on April 29.

“I feel so privileged to have been accepted as a Richmond Forum Scholar this year,” Jada said. “I’m excited to be exposed up close and personal to such a diverse group of speakers on topics that are of importance even to my generation, while getting to serve and cultivate friendships with Scholars.”

“While all of the speakers are great, I am most excited to meet Dr. Cornel West and Thomas

Chatterton Williams,” Jada added. “They will be speaking on a ‘redemptive cultural that transcends polarization’ and the importance of tolerance on both political and cultural views, which I find especially important in today’s world.”

Wheeler said Scholars have commonly referred to the program as a “life-changing experience” and encourages upcoming high school juniors to apply for upcoming seasons.

“We would love for people to spread the word, and we’re always looking for engaged students – Hanover has a ton of them,” Wheeler said.

She said she finds joy in watching the Scholars grow and diversifying The Richmond Forum audience with the presence of future leaders.

To sign up for The Student Room, a Richmond Forum membership, or for more information on the Scholars Program and organization in general, visit https://richmondforum..

Photo courtesy of Kevin Morley for The Richmond Forum Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster answers questions asked by Student Room attendees.

Hanover Christmas Mother thanks generous community donors

Contributed Report

The Local

The Hanover Christmas Mother would like to thank the following community members for their generous donations to the program: Harris Allen; Robert Bailie; Cynthia Balderson; Lisa Bane; Margaret Barlow; Janice Barrett, in memory of James and Louise Spicer, Madelene B. Cutting, Tommy Barrett and Janice S. Barrett; Cheryl Blanton; Mr. and Mrs Ted Boyette, Jr.; Janette Bridgers; Mr. and Mrs. David W. Brooks: Elsa and Randall Brooks; Harold Brown; C. T. Purcell Excavating, Inc. ; Evelyn D. Cage; W. Thomas Cage; Mary Ann B. Campbell; Hill Carter; Gay Cauthorn; W. A. Cauthorn; David J Chapin; Albert Christiansen; T. Bernard Clements Family, In Honor of Hanover Christmas Norment; Faye Coppage; Susan Darling; Patricia B. Davis; Mr.and Mrs E. R. Deffenbaugh; Barbara S. Dixon; Virginia E. Dressler; Juanita and John Dunkum; Betty N. Elmore; Ken and Teresa Essigman; Pamila Faggert; Martha Fearnow; Donald W. Fender; George and Martha Flint; Frank Flippo; Kathy Flowers; Joan M. Floyd; Virginia and Thomas Foster; Judith A. Glenn, in honor of Gabie Crutchfield, 1995 Hanover Christmas Mother; Barry R. and Miriam Green; Robert R. and Betty Grose; Hanover Ruritan Club; John C. Hart; Hill Electrical, Inc.; Wylyn Hodnett; The Cecil R. and Edna S. Hopkins Family Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Walter B. Howard; Barbara Hultz; Debbie Hunt, in memory of Newell Hunt; Mrs. Mary Hutcheson; J. H. Knighton Lumber Co., Inc. ; Melissa M. Jarvis; Elsie Jennings; Patricia J. Jester; Johnson & Johnson, Attorneys At Law, PC.; Carol B. Johnson; Charles and Betsey Johnson; Lois S. Johnson, In memory of Jimmy Johnson; Gordon and Charlotte Johnson; Jane and Yancy Jones; Marion Jones; Robert G. Kay; Hilda Kelly; Nell and Earl Kelley; Mr. R. Kent; Irv Kenyon; Janet Kinker; Samuel C. Kirby; The Kroger Co.; Mary Ann G. Landi; Judy Lane; Ann Lawrence; Donna Lewis; Regina Long; Jack and Shearer Luck, In Honor and Memory of all Christmas Mothers; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lumpkin; Glenn A. Martin; Kathleen Martin; Roger D. and B. S. Martin; McCaul, Martin, Evans & Cook P. C . Attorneys at Law.; Fredric I. McGhee; J. B. and Elaine McGhee, in honor of Gabie Crutchfield and Hilda Kelly, former Hanover Christmas Mothers; Linda McKittrick; CQ and Brenda Meadows; Lewis V. Mills, Sr.; Gay and Roger Mitchell; Jane P. Mitchell; J. Harrison Moncure; Shirley and Marshall W. Morris;

John Montaigne; Clarence and Lynn Noel; James and Patricia Perkins; The Ponds: Robin F. Priddy; Margaret K. Pugh; Reco Foundation; Constance Ritt; Fran M. Sadler; The Schalow Family; Betty G. Schwab; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Schwartz; A. C. Schwerdtfeger; Dorothy F. Seal; Richard and Sandra Shirey; Helen Singleton, in honor of Gabie Crutchfield and Hilda Kelly; Lee and Amanda Sloppy; Robert L. Smith; Gary and Mary Spruill; Andrew and Mona Stahling; Studley Ruritan Club; Howard Lee Stanley; John and Sigrid Suddarth; William Suttles, in memory of Lorraine Suttles; Pamela and Jon Teates; Wayne and Deborah Tennent; A. L. Tenser, Jr. The Senior Companion, Inc. DBA Covenant Home Care; Linda Tignor, In memory of Alvin L. Tignor; Tompkins Jewelers, Inc.; Marjorie M. Tucker; Janice H. Tudor; Robin Underdown; W. W. Vaughan; Veteran of Foreign Wars Battlefield Post 9808; George and Mary Wagner; Jane Wait; Wayne K. Waldrop; Mr. and Mrs. James H. Watts; Charles Whitlock; James E. Wickham, Jr.; M Catherine and Ron H. Williams; Gregory Alan Willis; Rev. and Mrs. Richard Wills, Sr. Wayne and Sandy Wood, in loving memory of their parents, Arthur and Carolyn Campbell and Emmett and Alma Wood; Mr. and Mrs. H. Graham Woodlief, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. John H. Woods; Roberta and J. Leslie Wright; Jeannine Yowell, in honor of Lindsay Ryland; the Al Schalow Family, in honor of 2022 Hanover Christmas Mother Michele S. Clements; American Legion Aux. Unit 175; Mary Atkinson; James O. Attkisson; Jean T. Barlow; David Beazley; Sandra W. Beck; Joseph Black; Pattie Bland; Faye Booker; Boschen Masonry, Inc.; Timothy & Teresa Boschen; Carolyn T. Bost; Jill Brown; Marguerite and James G. Bruce, III, in honor of Mark and Christy Booker and in honor of The Bridge Broads; Randy Burcham; Von and Diane Campbell; Eleanor Campbell; Barbara Camper; Carter Properties and Investments; Wade L. Carter; The Church of the Redeemer; Katherine L. Clark; Cold Harbor Ruritan; Linda Cook; Stuart V. Cook; Joyce Corker; John Crockett; Pauline Cronin; William Davis, in memory of Myra H. Davis; Michael and Judith Dellaripa; Carol DePuy; Joanne Diana; Harry R. Dixon; Darlene Dooley; Sam Dunn; Eagle Point Farm; Linda English; Herbert and Brenda Fearnow; Julia Meade Ferguson; First Shiloh Baptist Church; Aubrey and Ellen Fletcher; Nancy Flippen; T. Nelson Flippo; Jane Glazebrook; Brenda B. Gouldin; Carolyn P.

Hawks see season end in region semifinals

By Billy Felin For The Local

Four years ago when the current Hanover Hawk seniors were freshmen, they endured a 2-8 campaign with only 39 players in uniform–a season that could have set the tone for their high school careers.

However, Hawks coach Sam Rogers said that those players became the keystone for what kind of program Hanover has evolved into in 2022.

“I’m so proud of them,” Rogers said. “We ramped up in the offseason with practices and hard work. Because of that, they’ve reaped the rewards and were able to get here. We wish we could have kept playing together. It’s been cool to see Hanover get back to where they should be and hopefully we can keep pushing it further.”

Those seniors led the Hawks to a memorable campaign that came to an end on Nov. 19 in a 49-12 loss to Dinwiddie in the Region 4B semifinals.

The final score didn’t reflect the close, defensive struggle that the first half was. Hanover’s defense forced a fumble on Dinwiddie’s opening drive which led to a 45-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Elrod to Austin Howze for a quick 6-0 lead after a missed extra point.

Both defenses dug in on the next two drives, forcing consecutive punts before

Dinwiddie’s Harry Dalton burst out of the backfield for a 49-yard run to set up his first of six touchdowns on the day, this one from 1 yard out for a 7-6 lead.

The scoring ceased there for a while, with both offenses bogging down during their respective drives.

Hanover’s defense had a big stand against the Generals, repelling them on four straight plays within the 5-yard-line to keep Dinwiddie at bay.

Rogers said that the defense’s play was stellar in the first half, which traces back to defensive coordinator Tyler Snow who, along with coach Dave Butler, Rogers credits with being key coaches who have stuck out the rough times with the program to get them to where they are today.

“The defense plays with (Snow’s) attitude,” Rogers said. “(That attitude) goes into the leaders on that defense in Grady Fahed, Carlito Kinney and those guys.”

Dalton scored from 30 yards out just before the end of the first half for a 13-6 lead at the break.

Unfortunately for the Hawks defense, they couldn’t contain Dalton and the Generals offense in the second half.

After a long Hanover drive to begin the second half, the Hawks were forced to punt and a penalty backed the Generals up to their own 8-yard-line. It took Dalton just one play to outrun the Hawks en route to a 92-yard score and a 21-6 lead.

The quick strike scoring occurred again on Dinwiddie’s next drive as he scored from 23 yards.

Dalton added scores of 11 yards and 40 yards with Raphael Tucker adding one from 1 yard out.

Elrod did find Beau Sahnow for a 23-yard touch-

down pass for the final Hawks touchdown of the season.

Sahnow was under constant pressure from the Generals defense throughout the game and was struck with some hard hits several times. He left the game at one point, but returned to the field for the Hawks.

“(He’s) tough, gutsy, athletic and a playmaker,” Rogers said of his quarterback. “He never quits and is a great leader. He’s one of the best players and people I’ve been around. I’m gonna miss coaching Beau.”

The season ends for the Hawks with a 9-3 record and qualifying for the region semifi-

nal. However, the team will lose 15 seniors, including players and leaders like Sahnow, Elrod, Howze, Fahed and Kinney.

“I hope it builds some momentum,” Rogers said of his program. “We’re losing some good guys. We’re going to take a breather for a month and get back after it in January.”

Billy Felin for The Local

Hanover’s defense held Raphael Tucker (5) and the Generals offense largely in check in the first half, but Dinwiddie was able to engineer quick-strike scores in the second half for a 49-12 win in the Region 4B semifinals.

Randolph-Macon’s grit carries Jackets to NCAA tournament victory

By Rob Witham Special Correspondent

Randolph-Macon football coach Pedro Arruza echoed the late Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler in lauding his Yellow Jackets’ effort to shut down a SUNYCortland team that scored 28 points in the first half, holding them off the scoreboard for a 35-28 win in the first round of the NCAA Division III football championship Saturday afternoon.

The Yellow Jackets’ defense, which seemed helpless in stopping the Red Dragons’ highpowered passing game before intermission, used pressure on the quarterback and a pair of key interceptions to erase a 28-21 halftime deficit to earn the second NCAA playoff victory in program history.

The offense kept RandolphMacon (11-0) in the game when SUNY-Cortland (9-2) scored on four consecutive possessions in the first half, the last a 75-yard drive that took 56 seconds, resulting in a 7-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Zac Boyes to C.J. Messina with 11 seconds left for the 28-21 advantage.

Both Boyes and Yellow Jackets quarterback Drew Campanale threw three touchdown passes, Campanale finding David Wallis for a 71-yard score to open the scoring, then hitting Zach Bowman from 44 yards and Joey Hunt from 25 yards to keep pace with the Red Dragons.

After both teams punted on their first possession of the second half, a Campanale run for 12 yards and a late hit on Cortland put RandolphMacon at its 47. Seven plays later, Nick Hale crashed through the line for a 7-yard score to tie the game at 28 mid-

way through the third period.

As SUNY-Cortland approached midfield, a Boyes pass was deflected by freshman cornerback Max Richardson and intercepted by Jackson Deaver. With a short field, and thanks to two costly Red Dragon penalties, Andrew Ihle finished a drive with a 1-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter for the eventual winning score.

Now the Yellow Jackets

The Mechanicsville Local November 23, 2022

defense took center stage. Sacks by KU Htoo and Jacob Hutchinson on consecutive plays forced a punt. The Red Dragons went for it on fourthand-2 near midfield on their next drive, entering the game leading the country in fourthdown efficiency at 83.3%.

Ricky Thompson’s open-field tackle of Rashad Tucker left the Red Dragons a yard short.

The SUNY-Cortland defense held, handing posses-

sion back to Boyes with 3:02 left. But on second down, Boyes’ pass downfield was intercepted by freshman Alex Biddle, who turned and made a diving catch over the intended receiver. The Yellow Jackets earned a first down with 1:55 left to seal the win.

“Just really proud of the effort we gave today. Things didn’t go our way for a good part of the first half, but the kids kept fighting,” Arruza

said. “I just thought we played better. Richardson did a really good job. I told our guys all week, if we want to win these games, we have to make plays.”

Indeed, a game filled with big plays was, as usual, won on the line of scrimmage. The defense registered six quarterback sacks while the veteran offensive line finally wore down the Red Dragons as the second half progressed, earning 84 of Randolph-Macon’s

112 rushing yards in that span.

“By the time we got the interception, their hands were on their hips, and I thought we had them,” senior offensive tackle Will Jackson said of the SUNY-Cortland defensive front.

The Yellow Jackets advance to face Delaware Valley next Saturday at noon. It will be the second time in five seasons that Randolph-Macon will play for a spot in the national quarterfinals.

“The team, the team, the team.”

Rachel Witham for The Local

Nick Hale scores a third-quarter touchdown in Randolph-Macon’s NCAA Division III football tournament opener against SUNY-Cortland in Ashland.

Continued from pg. 5

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 Free Adult English Classes (ESL) and Citizenship Classes (Passing the Test) Wednesday mornings with open enrollment through May 17, 2023. Classes will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. For more informa-

SANTA RUNS

Continued from pg. 8

Strawhorn, Springhill Acers, Pine Slash, Hartford Oaks, Greywood, Breckenridge, Shelton Point, Woodlands, Pebblebrook, Enon Church

Friday, Dec. 9, beginning at 6 p.m.

Pollards Creek, Fire Lane, Georgetown, Shannondale, Oakdale, Greenway, Colonial Forest, Lindsay Meadows

Saturday, Dec. 10, beginning at 6 p.m.

Crown Colony, Royal Glenn, Rutland Grove, Timberlake Commons, Marley Drive Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at 6 p.m.

Giles Farms, Atlee Manor

Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department

This year’s Santa Run for Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Station 7 has released the following schedule for December.

Special note to the community: Listed are the estimated times for each day and there will be two Santas splitting the routes. The streets/neighborhoods listed are not necessarily in the order they will follow each night. You should hear them coming and they will give a little notice, so they ask the community to please pardon the noise. The station’s tentative “make-up” date is Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m., and they will make every effort to get to any areas missed due to inclement weather. Visit the Facebook page for any weather-related updates: https://www.facebook.com/mechanicsvillefire.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6 to 9 p.m.

Adams Farm, Aspen Hills, Brandy

tion, contact the church office at (804) 7465081 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.

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

see CALENDAR, pg. 20

Creek, Brandy Hill Apartments, Buff Ridge, Cambridge Square Apartments, Cold Harbor Farms, Creekside Village, Gaines Mill, Jackson Arch, Lereve Manor, Liberty Hall Hills, Lincoln Hills, Locust Hills, Travelers Run, Walnut Grove

Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 to 9 p.m.

Bishops Park, Brooks Hollow, Covenant Woods, Cherrydale, Cherrydale West, Christian Village, Cypress Tree, Davis Place, Dogwood Knoll, Fox Lair, Hanover Grove, Laurel Meadows, Legacy Park, Meredith Farms, Summer Grove

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 to 7 p.m.

Autumn Ridge, Barnette Oaks, Battlefield Farms, Beaverdam Bluff, Beaverdam Creek Apartments, Beaverdam Park, Berry Pointe, Brookshire, Bruces Estates, Burnside Farms, Chickahominy Bluffs, Cold Cove, Cold Harbor Meadows, Ellerson Farms, Ellerson Station, Elwin Place, Haden Estates, Harbor Square, Harbor Hill Farms, Hunters Crossing, Hunters Woods, Mayfield Farms, Meadowbridge, Mill Trace, Mill Valley, Pond Way, Rose Hill Estates, Summer Walk, Tangle Oaks, The Pines Apartments, Thompson/Carneal, Timberlake Place, Walgrove Court, York Point

Sunday, Dec. 11, 4 to 9 p.m.

Bell Creek, Bell Creek Estates, Cherry Grove, Chime Court, Coolwell, Green Oaks, Fullview Manor, Loralea, Meadowgate, Old Grove Glen, Ridgeview Estates, Seven Springs, Shady Brook, Shady Grove Forrest, Sherwood Crossing, Spring Meadows

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6 to 9 p.m.

Highpoint Farms, Jackson Avenue Apartments, Mechanicsville Farms, Mechanicsville Heights, Milton Woods, Oakley, Signal Hill, Sledd Run, Virginia Manor, Windmill Way, Windsor, Windy Hills

The Mechanicsville Local November 23, 2022 19

DONORS

Continued from pg. 16

Griffin; The Griggs Family; Margaret A. Gwaltney; Linwood E. Hailey; Barbara D. Haney; Beverly Harding; Robert Q. Harris; Lynda Hawkins; Dixie L. Heckel; Barbara Hines; Conde Hopkins; Joann Lee Hufner; Letitia D. Iorio; Elizabeth Irby; Nancy Jett; Judy Johnson; J. E. Jones, Jr.; Barbara Kammeter; Kevin Lane; Loving’s Auto Body; Arthur and Ethel Lucas; Erskine N. Lythgoe; William K. Lythgoe; Elaine and John Mallory, In memory of Gwen Bennett; D. and J. May; Carl Mitchell; John and Jo Mitchell; Montpelier Pharmacy; Betty Moore; Brenda Moses; Janet and Frank R. Muntean, Jr.; Pamunkey Woman’s Club; Barbara Perry; Ann Persinger, in memory of Tom Persinger; Marilyn K. Pollard; Ruby K. Pugh; Dena Pully; Darrell and Marsha Rettig, in memory of our daughter Ginny Rettig; Rosen

& Underdown, CPA’S; Jeannie and Tom Rummel; Ruth Open Door Class; Darlene Sadler; Jeff Sagle; T. E. and Leslie Shelton; Betty Smith; Connie and George S. Smith; Shirley Smith; Faye Snipes; Edward B. Southard; Virginia W. Stanley; J. C. Stiles, III; Oscar Stills; Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Street; Mr. and Mrs. James Sturgill, II; Elvin L. Talley; Robert J. and Julie Tate; Taylorsville Baptist Church; Louise Tignor; Joy Tiller; R. J. Tilley Plumbing & Heating, Inc.; Trio Fasteners, Inc.; Stanley Tucker; Mr. and Mrs. George Tunstall, Jr.; Mary Vass; Mary Lee Vinson; Charles W. Waldrop; Walter Weber; Louise T. West; Mary Wiblin; Carey Winston; Stephen Winters; Stan and Karen Wright; Disciples Women of Zion Christian Church.

Those interested in making a donation to the Hanover Christmas Mother can mail donations to: Hanover Christmas Mother, P. O. Box 39, Doswell, VA, 23047.

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 19

or call 804-270-9626.

Sundays

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 804-746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.

Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. Contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin. org.

Tuesdays

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, 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/.

Wednesdays

Hanover Rotary meets from

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

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

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

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

Announcing:OldFashioned Hymnsing! HistoricBeulahChurch 7252BeulahChurchRoad Mechanicsville,23111 Friday,November25, 7:00-8:00p.m. Starttheholidaysoffright! Bringyourfamily! GivethankstoGod. Forinfo,call804-335-6728

MechanicsvilleBaptistChurch 8016AtleeRd. Office:746.7253 Worship inperson 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

TruthBaptistChurch,627-2170 COME&SEE! Allinfoat: www.truthbaptistchurch.com

ChurchoftheRedeemer 8275MeadowbridgeRoad 746-4911 www.churchredeemer.org Masscelebratedon Saturday5:30PM Sunday8:00&10:00AM

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

Thursdays

The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-

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 804-3666524 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.

Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Road, in Mechanicsville. CAP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train America’s next

generation of Leaders. You’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, Leadership Training, Model Rocketry, Earning Rank & Awards, and much more. For more information, visit hanover.vawg. cap.gov. You can also call or email Capt James Wright at 804-551-3354 or james. wright@vawg.cap.gov.

Fridays

The Building Bridges group of Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The group’s mission is to bring a mes-

sage 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.

Second Mondays

The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Road in Mechanicsville. It is one of several groups in the Richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the American Red Cross to distributed to those in need.

Since its inception, the WEB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and 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.

Third Mondays

Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help and encourage those who have loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on Zoom. Contact Jennifer Bean at 804-559-

CALENDAR, pg. 23

The Mechanicsville Local November 23, 2022 21

NOTICE

PleasetakenoticethatonSeptember8th, 2022,StephanieBallard,byCounsel,pursuant toSection64.2-2304oftheCodeofVirginia, 1950,asamended,filedaPetitionwiththe HanoverCountyCircuitCourtseekingaDeterminationofDeathforherhusband,Michael HenleyBallard.

AHearingwillbeheldonthismatteron January3rd,2023@9:00amintheHanoverCounty CircuitCourt.

StephanieBallard By:Counsel

JasonL.Shaber,EsquireVSB#96186 Dankos,Gordon&Tucker,P.C. 1360E.ParhamRoad,Suite200 Richmond,Virginia23228 Telephone:(804)377-7427 Facsimile:(804)262-8088 CounselforPetitioner

ECONOMY

and expansion announcements in the past year.

Based on commercial construction permit values alone, the county saw consistent growth from fiscal years 2018 to 2021 but experienced an unusual spike in 2022 with an estimated $297 million value – over a 371% increase from fiscal year 2021.

Thomas said this spike is due to a number of projects that were announced in previous years now coming to fruition after project delays posed by the pandemic. He clarified that this jump is an outlier and while the county will see a sustained growth in coming years, that growth will be slowed due to a projected economic down turn.

Performance Food Group Company, Wegmans and Cascades Inc. are among the various companies who announced major projects in the past few years. Cascades Inc., which announced in 2018 a $275 million investment to establish a lightweight recycled containerboard operation in Hanover, is now ballooning to a $450 million

investment after permitting delays – one of the county’s largest economic development projects on record.

Walgreens is in the process of developing a micro-fulfillment center in the county, totaling a $34.2 million investment that will generate 240 new jobs.

Thomas said it is important for the county to focus on other industries they can attract that generate well-paying jobs, noting recent growth in the finance/insurance and professional/technical segments of the market.

While the county’s average annual wages have increased by almost 15% over the last five years, Hanover continues to “lag behind in the region.”

As the county has attracted an influx of warehouse and distribution projects, it is important to strategize what types of industries to attract in the future, he said.

“I think it’s important to look at what other industry sectors we can compete for that pay good wages to the local citizens of our community,” he said.

He noted how the county is seeing a “cluster” of businesses growing and expand-

ing in the community that touch the pharmaceutical and medical industry segment of the economy, including the recent expansion of ITL in Ashland, which is an international company that manufactures medical devices and offers other services to the pharmaceutical industry.

Thomas said the county’s ongoing initiatives of Connect Hanover and Envision Hanover continue to facilitate Hanover’s economic development in coming years.

Connect Hanover is a private partnership formed to address all unserved broadband areas of Hanover County. Thomas said providing all citizens the opportunity to work from home could facilitate the emergence of new small businesses.

He thanked the board of supervisors for their ongoing support of small businesses in the community. The annual report additionally honors former Beaverdam Supervisor Aubrey M. “Bucky” Stanley for his support of the business community.

To view the full annual report, visit the website: www. hanovervirginia.com/aboutus/reports/.

HABITAT

abandoned house on Dewey Street in Ashland will become the second rehabilitated home, transforming the lives of Ivy and her family for the better.

Kimberly Bell, Habitat director of family services, introduced Ivy and her family to the crowd of supporters at the rehab kickoff ceremony on the site of her new home. Habitat officials were joined by Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett, Vice Mayor John Hodges, town councilmember Anita Barnhart, friends and family to celebrate Ivy’s journey toward homeownership.

Ivy is currently living in Richmond but works in a retirement community in Mechanicsville. The site of her upcoming home will offer her an easier commute to work, Bell said.

“Ivy’s situation really stood out to us,” Bell said. “She told us her biggest concern was the violence in the neighborhood that she was living in.”

Ivy first approached Habitat in July after attending an informational session. Just prior to applying to the Habitat homeownership program, there was a deadly shooting in front of her apartment that occurred while her daughter was home alone. She showed Habitat officials the bullet holes that were left in her walls and car.

“They really desire a safe and stable place for their future, and we’re hoping that Dewey Street will give you guys some sense of peace after everything,” Bell said as she turned to Ivy and her family.

and renovate the vacant Dewey Street home.

“We were down to the last minute in the auction and we won it, and we were so excited because we’ve only ever done one other renovation project in the history of our affiliate,” Robinson said.

Continued from pg. 21

2805 or the church office at 804-746-9073.

The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

Fourth Mondays

The FeedMore Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing food from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First Shiloh Baptist Church at 8150 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Contact Heather at hshaheen96@gmail.com.

The Atlee Ruritan Club meets every fourth Monday at Hillcrest Baptist Church on

Rt.301. Meetings, that include dinner and a program, begin at 6:30 p.m. Ruritan is a national community service organization dedicated to fellowship, goodwill, and community service. The Atlee Club welcomes both men and women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve your spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.

Second Tuesdays

The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and Aug.) at 10:30 a.m. in Room G110 of Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. Bring a covered dish and join in with

a group celebrating faith, fellowship, friends and fun. Meetings are cancelled if Hanover County Public Schools are two hours late or cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, call the church at 804-746-9073. For more information, call Janet Lewis at 804-398-8947.

The Hanover County Historical Society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through December. The address is 13182 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. Visit http:// www.hanoverhistorical.org/ index.

Habitat executive director Renee Robinson said the safe and friendly Ashland neighborhood will surely offer the family a sense of comfort, as neighbors have already approached Habitat officials thanking them for rehabilitating the home, which has been sitting vacant for over two years.

Robinson said the home had been sitting as an untouched foreclosure for some time after suffering from a house fire and was auctioned off to nonprofit organizations.

“They offered it to nonprofits first, before opening it up to the general public, as a way to make sure that it’s going to be an affordable home that can be developed for the community,” Robinson said. “So we jumped in on that, and we were only able to do that because of the ARPA funding that the Town of Ashland provided us.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Ashland Town Council presented a check in the amount of $100,000 in secured American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity to purchase

Habitat didn’t waste any time after closing on the house, as they immediately began cleaning up a “dumpster-full” of overgrown bushes and piles of debris in the backyard. They additionally called in a forensic engineer to evaluate the damages to the home’s interior from the fire, which revealed significant damage to several trusses above the former kitchen.

“So that is a big thing right now for us, is trying to fix the trusses because obviously, we need to have a stable roof,” said Amanda Gunter, Habitat director of community engagement.

Robinson said they hope to officially turn over the keys to Ivy and her family in a few months.

“I just thank everyone for coming and I thank God,” Ivy said to the crowd. “I know that God works, because I’ve been trying to do this for a long time, and I finally did it.”

The crowd erupted into applause as Ivy performed the demo, tearing off a tattered window shutter to officially kick off the newest Habitat home’s rehabilitation.

For more information on Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity and its Homeownership and Critical Repairs programs, visit the website, hkwhabitat.org.

Photos by Christina Amano Dolan Ivy begins the demo on her new Habitat home by tearing off a worn window shutter.

Continued from pg. 1

File photos by Joel Klein for The Local

SantawillappearBEFOREtheparadearoundtheJudges

1VFWBattlefieldPost9808

2HanoverSheriff-DavidHines

3HanoverFire/EMS-FireChiefJethroH.Piland,III

4GrandMarshall-AmeraHudson

5MechanicsvilleRotary&RuritanPresidents

6CongressmanRobWittman

7SenatorRyanMcDougle

8DelegateScottWyatt(97thDistrict)

9SeanDavis-HenryDistrictSupervisor

10HanoverChristmasMother

112023VirginiaFutureLittleMissUSAgricultureAnnieKateRawlings

12MissHanoverAbilities/HanoverCommunity SupportServices

13AtleeMarchingRaiders

14TheWheelmen

15ABetterUnderstanding

16CubScoutPack553

17Chickadee’sEscape

18PickleballHanover&CoolSpringsRecJazzercise

19HanoverNight@TheDiamond(AtleeInteract)

20McGruff&DarrentheDareLion(HanoverCo Sheriff)

21C&FMortgageCorporation

22HighlandSpringsHighSchoolMarching “Battalion”

23OperationPurpleHeartTruck

24ACCAShriners(AUnit)

25CubScoutPack544

26TexasRoadhouse

27JunkluggersofCentralVA

28HanoverPatriots

29CubScoutPack503&BSATroop503

30OldMechanicsvilleHealthSpa

31BonSecoursMemorialRegionalMedicalCenter &CommercialElectric

32MechanicsvilleLittleLeague

33GraceChristianSchool

34ChancellorWytheChapterofNSDAR

35CubScoutPack502

36NewSongUnitedMethodistChurch

37King&QueenCHSJROTC

38TruthBaptistChurchofMechanicsville

39PupsNSudz

40DoBaton!DanceTwirlTeam

41JulieWhitakerInsuranceAgency

42ACCAShriners(BUnit)

43MechanicsvilleHighSchoolDanceTeam& MarchingBand

44HartNissan

45AshlandDanceCompany/JumpStartDance

46HanoverCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam (CERT)

47RichmondTwisters

48OperationPawsforHomes

49MechanicsvilleYouthFootball&Cheer (TheHornets)

50MechanicsvilleHighSchoolNJROTC

51InnovationDance

52MechanicsvilleVolunteerFireDepartment

53AshcakeVolunteerRescueSquad-Station13

54EastHanoverVolunteerRescueSquad

55Robinson’sTowing&Recovery

56DennisJones

57RobertKidd-1947FordFlatheadSedan

58FortilineWaterworks

59PhilChristian 60RiverCityWranglerz

61CurtisContracting 62HanoverCruisers

63VillageBank 64J.D.SextonLLC

65GlenAllenTowing 66RichmondTowing

67Lett’sDoHair

68HanoverHighSchoolFFA

69SilverStirrups4HClub

70DavidMartin

71MechanicsofFaith

72OleTimersClassicCars

73ColdHarborRuritanClub

74BillTalley

75Individuals

76AshworthElectrical

77BlazerHeatingandAir

78GraceCommunionHanover

79TheZehringerFamily

80RichmondMetropolitanAntiqueCarClubof Virginia(RMACC)

81Aaron’sTowing

82CentralVirginiaMustangClub

83HanoverHistoricMachineryClub

84BlueStarCowboysFootball&Cheer

85AtleeHighSchoolAirForceJROTC

86OldCootsonScoots

87HanoverCountyParks&Recreation

88JenkinsRealEstateGroup

89EasternHanoverFireDept-Station3

90MechanicsvilleVolunteerFireDepartment

91ERAWoodyHogg&Associates

92DaltonRealtySusanCompton&KarlaGarland

93Karnes&StanleyHeating&Air,LLC

94DavidKirk

95TheHarmonyCollectionatHanover

96VirginiaTrafficControl

97TheScreamingHawksofHanoverHighSchool

98All-StarsPestControl

99AmericanLegionPost175

100HarborChristianAcademy

101SANTA!MechanicsvilleVolFireDepartment

102EndofParadeSheriffDeptCar