Nativities
CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN Editor
The Catholic Church of the Redeemer’s annual No Room at the Inn event returned for its 15th year this holiday season, furthering the fundraiser’s mission of offering safe and stable housing to local and Haitian neighbors in need. With the end of the year fast approaching, the initiative will have raised over $325,000, provided dozens of local families with safe housing and built 31 homes in Haiti.
Over 400 attendees visited the church, which is located at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville, on Dec. 2 through 4 to enjoy the weekend event’s impressive display of 233 nativities from all over the world.
The Gala Preview held Friday, Dec. 2 invited registered adults to enjoy an evening of food prepared by the church’s kitchen staff, beverages, live and silent auctions and music. All ages were welcome on Saturday and
Sunday to visit the exhibit and enjoy the children’s room, which included crafts, interactive nativities and games.
The event’s silent, live and online auctions returned this year with items donated by event sponsors, along with a Diamond Raffle that featured a diamond donated by Diamonds Direct and 100 chances at $25 apiece.
Paula Otto, member of the No Room at the Inn committee, said this year’s silent auction alone raised more than $8,000. While overall funds raised are still being calculated, as the church accepts donations throughout the month of December, Otto estimates over $35,000 raised in donations so far this year.
Martha O’Keefe, who has been a committee member since the beginning, said she remembers when they raised $5,000 in donations the first year and the excitement they felt, as it was
Michele Clements, the 2022 Hanover Christmas Mother, has been keeping busy around the community, spreading holiday cheer to those most in need. She spent the past week celebrating the important initiative with several community groups.
In the beginning of the month, Clements received a generous donation from the Junior Assembly and mingled with families at the Assembly’s Holly Ball dances.
Clements kicked off last week with a visit to the Hanover AARP Chapter on Dec. 6 and was serenaded by Hanover Harmony Men’s Choir, enjoyed lunch with group members and was presented with a generous donation by Hanover AARP.
On Dec. 7, the Montpelier Ruritans welcomed Clements with a dinner and presented a check donation to the Hanover Christmas Mother Program.
For more information on the program or to donate, visit the website, https://www. hanoverchristmasmother.org/donations, or submit to Hanover Christmas Mother, P.O. Box 39, Doswell, VA 23047.
SHERIFF’S REPORTS
AUG. 6
concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of bell creek road, mechanicsville.
carrying a concealed weapon, first offense was reported in the 7200th block of ann cabell Lane, mechanicsville.
AUG. 7
m aking threats to extort money was reported in the 9300th block of marlbourne Way, mechanicsville.
manufacturing/distributing schedule 6 controlled substance was reported in the 7300th block of bell creek road, mechanicsville.
d estruction of property, monument was reported in the 9100th block of shakopee Trail, mechanicsville.
Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 10000th block of sliding Hill road, ashland.
Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 6400th block of diamond cour t, mechanicsville.
assault and battery on a family member, third offense was reported in the 15200th block of Fountain road, ashland.
simple assault was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, doswell.
Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, doswell.
a ssault and battery on a
family member was reported in the 7100th block of s enn Way, mechanicsville.
Unlawful purchase or possession of alcohol, under 21 was reported in the 7000th block of dodsworth Lane/Harbor Hill drive, mechanicsville.
AUG. 8
Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 10400th block of design road, ashland.
Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 6500th block of creighton road, mechanicsville.
Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person was reported in the 8400th block of erle road, mechanicsville.
dumping trash on highway or private property was reported in the 8000th block of dunwoody road, mechanicsville.
driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 8100th block of atlee road, mechanicsville.
Obtaining money by false pretenses, less than $200 was reported in the 3000th block of michael ann cour t, mechanicsville.
d estruction of property, monument was reported in the 10000th block of Poplar Hall court, mechanicsville.
conspiracy, breaking and entering a building to commit larceny, assault and battery, etc. was reported in the 7300th block of atlee road, mechanicsville.
concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was
reported in the 7400th block of bell creek road, mechanicsville.
Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 7400th block of bell creek road, mechanicsville.
AUG. 9
assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 9200th block of Halifax Green drive, mechanicsville.
Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 10100th block of Kings dominion boulevard, doswell.
eluding police: Failure to stop, attempting to escape/elude was reported in the 8100th block of mechanicsville bypass/elm drive, mechanicsville.
Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7300th block of cadys mill road, Hanover.
manufacturing, selling, possessing schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 3700th block of m echanicsville Turnpike, mechanicsville.
Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 10300th block of agecroft manor cour t, ashland.
Identity theft with financial loss more than $200 was reported in the 9200th block of s helton Pointe drive, mechanicsville.
dWI: drugs, first offense was reported in the 12400th block of Hanover cour thouse road/cour tland Farm road, Hanover.
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a woman whose body was found at a local church.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, at about 2:16 p.m., deputies responded to 8175 Pleasant Grove Road, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, in reference to a body that was located by a citizen.
Once on scene, deputies located an adult black female, deceased, lying on the back patio of the church.
The female has been
identified as Andrea Thompson-Lambert, 56, of Richmond. Although there were no signs of foul play located at the scene, investigators are working diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding Thompson-Lambert’s death. Investigators are also working closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the actual cause of death.
The sheriff’s office extends their deepest condolences to the family of Andrea Thompson-Lambert
during this difficult time.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
TUESDAY, DEC. 20
The m echanicsville Tea Party will hold its second annual christmas potluck dinner social at 7 p.m. at Freedom services and Training, 6701 cold Harbor road in mechanicsville. It is directly across from dollar General and next to the creighton road traffic circle. There will be no guest speaker this month. Interested community members are welcome to bring their favorite dish. Fried chicken, pizza and drinks will be provided. meetings are open to everyone. contact Glenn baker with any questions at 804-752-8389. If he does not answer, leave a message and he will return your call.
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 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
mechanicsville churches emergency Functions One stop shop (mceF Oss) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 stonewall Parkway in mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.
Walnut Grove baptist church will be conducting 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 information, contact the church office at (804) 746-5081 or contact Frank at wgbcinfo@comcast. net or (804) 402-7701. The classes are free but students are asked to purchase the books required for the class.
SATURDAYS
Trinity Lutheran church, ashland campus, located at 11515 ashcake road in ashland 2 miles west of U.s 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor rev. dr. roy minnix. Visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.
SUNDAYS
all souls episcopal church celebrates Holy eucharist rite II at 9:15 a.m. at m essiah Lutheran c hurch at 8154 atlee rd. in mechanicsville. a nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. dougherty is the deacon in charge of all souls. Visit www.allsoulsva.org.
a Healing and recovery ss class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove baptist church at 7046 cold Harbor rd. in mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the northstar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The christian 12 steps and biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. all are welcome. contact 804-7465081 or contact craig simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.
Outside the Walls, a narcotics anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey regional Jail at 7240 courtland Farm rd. in Hanover. contact John shinholser, mcshin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http:// www.mcshin.org.
TUESDAYS
The Hanover concert band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, 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 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at roma’s restaurant at 7240 bell creek rd. in mechanicsville. due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at roma’s or Zoom connection information.
THURSDAYS
The ashland rotary club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse
restaurant at 100 s. railroad ave. in ashland. For more information, contact steve dunham at 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo.com. Overcomers Outreach & Women’s codependency is a christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. meetings are held at 7 p.m. at shalom baptist church at 8116 Walnut Grove road mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-3666524 or email mjfaith1@gmail.com. new Highland baptist c hurch hosts open basketball gym time for adults in the christian Life center (cLc) star ting 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. Visit hanover.vawg.cap.gov or contact capt James Wright at 804-551-3354 or james.wright@vawg.cap.gov.
FRIDAYS
The building bridges group of narcotics anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The group’s mission is to bring a message of hope and recovery to those suffering from addiction issues. They meet on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at mechanicsville United methodist church, 7356 atlee road in mechanicsville. 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. call Laurie Wagner at 804-781-0338.
enough to construct a home in Haiti.
O’Keefe said the idea for the annual event was “hatched in the living room of Nancy and Chris Maloney.” Nancy carried around a magazine clipping about a multi-church group in California that gathered every year around Christmas to raise money for people who found themselves homeless under the name, No Room at the Inn, “because there was no room at the inn for them either,” she said.
“So it fit right in with what we wanted to do as a parish and as a commitment to our neighbors in Haiti, as many of them live in terrible conditions,” O’Keefe said.
The church formed a relationship with a Haitian ministry over two decades ago, specifically partnering with a group of Haitian women who help further their mission abroad of providing safe housing to those in need.
“We became aware of the housing crisis and just the extraordinary need for safe, stable housing,” Otto said.
The committee initially made the commitment to build at least one home in Haiti a year through the fundraiser, but that number has quickly climbed to transform the lives of dozens of families. This year’s proceeds will help build two more houses in Haiti, which are made from cinderblock to provide greater stability through frequent hurricanes and rain storms.
O’Keefe, who has visited Haiti to witness the construction of several homes, said many houses are held together with sticks and banana leaves, which often results in mudslides that devastate the mountainous area’s unstable homes.
“When the storms are coming, they gather all their neighbors – as many people
as they can fit into a house –and they don’t mind being in cramped quarters because they can ride out the storm a lot better,” O’Keefe added.
Separate from the event, the church supports Haitian schools and even constructed and painted the current school they have partnered with.
“You know, the poverty is just almost unimaginable,” Otto said. “I can remember a few years ago, we learned that the school did not have enough spoons for each child to eat the meal that is provided to them, which is usually beans and rice, and they were sharing spoons. And so we had a spoon collection.”
“But we also always want to balance what we’re doing abroad in Haiti with local needs,” she added.
Since the first No Room at the Inn event in 2008, the fundraiser has benefited Ashland Supportive Housing, Hanover Safe Place, Safe Harbor, Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions (MCEF), CARITAS and My Path Forward. Funds this
year will benefit MCEF and My Path Forward.
Otto said she learned from Greta Harris of The Better Housing Coalition a quote that has stuck with her over the years in a powerful way:
“If you don’t know where you’re going to lay your head at night, then it’s very challenging to meet your educational goals, to protect your family, to move forward.”
“We can’t forget that we have neighbors who have housing insecurity, and so being able to help our neighbors in Mechanicsville, it’s a blessing that we’re able to come together and do this in a very meaningful way,” she added.
O’Keefe said she has enjoyed seeing the new nativity displays every year, with many handmade by fourth grade students at Our Lady of Lourdes in Henrico County.
Every year, the students construct their own nativities with a shoebox and natural materials. Their families receive a ticket to come and
Michael Gill welcomed as guest speaker at HRSEA's fall meeting
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
The Hanover Retired School Employees Association (HRSEA) held its first in-person fall meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic at The Hanover Center for Trades & Technology. The Oct. 27 meeting’s guest speaker, Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, shared information about the successful progress of Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS). Refreshments were prepared and served by The Hanover Center for Trades & Technology Culinary Arts students.
The first HRSEA meeting was held at Elmont Elementary School 53 years ago on Sept. 1, 1969. The group has two meetings per year in the spring and fall to fellowship and discuss ways to help retired teach-
members of the Hanover retired school employees association (Hrsea) welcome HcPs superintendent michael Gill to their Oct. 27 meeting.
ers volunteer and support the staff and students of HCPS. Through membership and dues, a scholarship is presented in May to a HCPS graduating high school senior who plans to major in the field of education.
HRSEA membership is open to anyone who has
been employed in HCPS in any capacity. The HRSEA spring meeting will be held in March 2023. The HRSEA is currently accepting membership applications from current and new retirees. Those interested in joining can contact HRSEA President Deborah Roane at hrsea.org.
HCSO recruits graduate
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
On Dec. 9, five of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office’s newest recruits graduated from the Hanover County Criminal Justice Academy at a ceremony held at Life Church in Mechanicsville.
Col. David R. Hines delivered an address, as well as presented them with their certificates and awards. All of the graduates will enter into their final phase of their training as patrol deputies where they will spend at least 15 weeks with a field training officer.
In addition to the five Hanover graduates, one recruit from the Ashland Police Department graduated from the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Justice Academy.
Over the past 22 weeks, each graduate successfully completed over 820 hours
shown are the newest recruits that graduated from the Hanover county sheriff’s Office academy on dec. 9.
of instruction. In addition, the recruits were tested on over 1300 training objectives established by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Anyone interested in learning more about a career in law enforcement with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is encour-
aged to contact them at 804-365-HCSO or visit the website at https://vahanovercountysheriff.civicplus.com/174/CareerOpportunities.
Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.
Past
we peered through a department store window on what resembled a space age version of an old familiar tradition.
Calendar
From 4
I similarly recall an excited visit to a small, usually empty lot now transformed with rows of light bulbs illuminating what seemed like an endless supply of Christmas trees. My sister and I watched with anticipation as my father searched for the perfect one, the selection always followed by a conversation just loud enough for us to overhear. It was a conversation the attendant more than likely had with all the fathers – a sort of negotiation that always ended with a few dollars off the price and a continued assurance that our Dad had gotten the best deal possible.
When I look at the beautiful artificial trees available today, I think back to my first experience with non authentic variety now more popular than the original. It was what we called an aluminum tree – all silver with aluminum foil like tinsel. We marveled as
The aluminum trees were usually decorated with balls of only one color – usually blue – and were further made unworldly by a small reflecting panel that sat on the floor near the tree. A light bulb placed behind the revolving wheel provided the illusion of changing colors, certainly impressive but never capable of evoking the sense of seasonal cheer provided by the smell of a fresh tree or warm cider.
Like the progression of lights experienced in years of Christmas seasons, we all evolve. Perhaps Christmas is the perfect opportunity to combine the spectacular brilliance of our present day holidays and the memory of those dimly lit porches that remain. Perhaps, Christmas is truly a time to appreciate the present but still maintain a healthy reverence for the past.
As Faulkner wrote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
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 804-559-2805 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 s hiloh b aptist c hur ch at 8150 Walnut Grove rd. in m echanicsville. contact Heather at hshaheen96@ gmail.com.
The a tlee r uritan c lub meets every fourth monday at Hillcrest baptist c hur ch on r t.301. m eetings, 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 c lub 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 m echanicsville Fellowship c lub meets each month (excluding July and a ug.) at 10:30 a.m. in r oom G110 of shady Grove United methodist c hurch 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. c all Janet Lewis at 804-398-8947.
The Hanover county Historical society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover cour thouse on the Historic cour thouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through december. The address is 13182 Hanover cour thouse road in Hanover. Visit http://www. hanoverhistorical.org/index.
THIRD TUESDAYS
The Hanover ruritan c lub meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at Walnut Grove baptist c hurch with dinner at 6.30 p.m. r u ritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better a merica through fellowship, goodwill and community service. The first r uritan c lub was chartered may 21, 1928,
in Holland, Virginia. ruritan has grown throughout the United states of america, and in doing so has become. “america’s Leading communit y s ervice Organization”. membership in ruritan is an honor and privilege. To learn more about ruritan, how to become a member, request a membership application or with questions, please call, 746-5728 or by letter to, Hanover ruritan, P. O. b ox 625, m echanicsville, Va 23111. To be a guest of the club, call the numbers listed above. The club welcomes both men and women.
SECOND WEDNESDAY
Hanover communit y services board says if you are a family member or friend of someone who has a mental illness, you are not alone. There is support. Hanover communit y services board offers a family support group on the second Wednesday of every month from 7p.m. to 8:30 p .m. at the b ell c reek location, 8475 b ell c reek road in mechanicsville. Facilitators rebecca strader and Heidi brown invite you to attend this group that follows nam I principles of confidentiality, respect, empathy and support to one another. no sign up or registration is required. con tact rebec ca at 804-365-6746 or Heidi at 804-365-6769.
REAL ID enforcement deadline extended
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
announcement and engagement submissions
Virginians interested in obtaining a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card now have two additional years to apply before federal identification requirements change at America’s airports.
submitting an engagement or wedding, Cindy Adams at 804-775-4616 cadams@mechlocal.com
engagement submissions
submitting an engagement or Adams at 804-775-4616 cadams@mechlocal.com
Robbins & Lomerson
804-643-4414, ext. 3 paidnotices@timesdispatch.com
Friday for the following week’s issue.
In a news release this month, the federal government announced the extension of the enforcement deadline for REAL ID to May 7, 2025. The REAL ID enforcement deadline was May 3, 2023. Nearly 2.8 million Virginians now have a REAL ID
OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS
AARP
compliant driver’s license or identification card.
The new enforcement deadline means that, beginning May 7, 2025, Virginians who want to use their state-issued driver’s license or identification card to board a domestic flight will have to present a REAL ID compliant version of the credential, displaying a small star in the upperright corner, when passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings. Several other forms of ID, including a U.S. Passport, a Passport
Card, and some military IDs, will also be accepted for federal identification.
“Although the deadline has been extended, we still encourage Virginians interested in REAL ID to apply sooner rather than later. If your driver’s license or ID expires before May 7, 2025, that’s a great time to upgrade,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford. “Visit dmvNOW.com/REALID to prepare the documents you need for service, complete your application online and make an appointment to come see us
at your convenience.”
In order to obtain a REAL ID, customers must visit DMV in person with certain documents which show proof of: Identity and Legal Presence (e.g. unexpired U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or unexpired permanent resident card);
Social Security Number (e.g. Social Security card or W-2 form displaying full nine digits). Note: If you’ve lost your Social Security card but know the number, DMV may be able to verify the number electronically;
Residency – two proofs required and must display name and current Virginia residential street address (e.g. recent utility bills, mortgage statements, valid Virginia driver’s license); and
Any name changes (e.g. marriage certificates or divorce decrees). Note: If the name on your identity document is different from your legal name, you must show proof of your name change. Multiple documents may be necessary if your name has changed more than once.
issues
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@ timesdispatch.com
SUBMISSIONS paidnotices@timesdispatch.com following week’s issue.
Sarah Kathryn Lomerson and Austin Wayne Robbins were united in marriage on August 27, 2022, at New Kent Winery Vineyard Estates. Sarah is the daughter of Drew and Michael Lomerson of Mechanicsville, the granddaughter of Mrs. Patricia Smith and the late John Smith and the late Mr. and Mrs. Roland Lomerson, Sr. Austin is the son of Michael and Sherry Robbins of Charles City, the grandson of Mr. Michael Robbins, Sr., the late Becky Robbins and Mr. Ray Snyder and the late Diane Synder Hill. Maid of Honor was Miss Brooke Davis and Best Man was Mr. Brandon Selleck. Pastor Daniel Suenkel officiated.
Holiday shopping, like most shopping these days, has moved online, and that poses unique risks, according to a new AARP survey. More than 75% of U.S. con-
sumers reported that they have experienced some kind of fraud and a similar share of consumers failed a ninequestion safe shopping quiz.
The AARP holiday scams survey also identified three
specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balances and stolen packages. Here are tips to avoid these specific scams this holiday season: When shopping online,
visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Avoid
Christina Amano Dolan, or call (804) 212-6266
Mechanicsville Local details.
For information on submitting an engagement or wedding, contact Cindy Adams at 804-775-4616 or email cadams@ mechlocal.com
OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS
Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices @timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.
Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue. The sports.
Advertise in The Mechanicsville Local Call 746-1235 for details.
OBITUARIES
Brian Allen Klopp
KLOPP, Brian Allen, 64, went to be with the Lord december 5, 2022, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born June 21, 1958, in Hershey, Pa., to the late robert and marjorie Klopp and was raised in Woodbridge, Va. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, dianne b. Klopp; son, br yan L. Garbett (Laura); daughters, Lisa K. Peterson (charles) and Lauren d. Klopp; grandsons, ma xwell L. Garbett and cooper J. Garbett; brothers, robert Klopp Jr., darryl Klopp, craig Klopp and Jeffrey Klopp; sisters, Karen ammen, sherry barb and michelle Higgins; mother-in-law, Juanita br yan; many nieces, nephews and devoted friends. brian served in the army, as a military police officer, from 1976 to 1979. brian graduated from VcU, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal Justice and then served as a Henrico county police officer for 27 years from 1984 to 2011. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., saturday, december 17, at Fairmount christian church, 6502 creighton rd., mechanicsville, Va. 23111, memorial to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VcU massey cancer center at support.vcu.edu or mail to VcU, P.O. box 843042, richmond, Va. 23284-3042.
Jean Tate Ellis
ELLIS, Jean Tate, 90, of mechanicsville, went to be with our heavenly Lord december 5, 2022, her husband’s birthday. she was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl Gibson Tate and John Tate; her husband of 71 years, Lonnie a ellis sr.; daughter, cheryl Lynn Hager; brothers, John Tate Jr., Wilton Tate sr., raymond Tate and James Tate; and sisters, elsie Tomlin, evelyn Goin, Laverne Tate and Vivian Lovette. she is survived by her two daughters, cindy marshall and Teresa Wade; son, Lonnie ellis Jr.; three grandsons, ryan Wirsch, derek Wirsch and Logan Hager; eight granddaughters, Gina altman, morgan ellis, Jami Habermehl, brooke Hyer, alana Kirk, amanda Kozell, Peyton ellis and savannah collins; as well as eight great-grandchildren. mrs. ellis was a member of Fairmount United methodist church, where she taught sunday school for 36 years. she was a very christian lady who walked with God every day of her life. she taught all her family to believe, have faith, be kind to one another, show respect and to always be loyal. she adored her family, friends, church family and loved helping people. she loved cooking, sewing, making her children’s clothes, shopping, going to the river, vacations, visiting relatives and friends, reunions, country music, gospel and hymns. she worked different jobs with richmond dairy, General electric and babysitting. she will always be a precious gift from God for all who knew her. The family received friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, december 9 at the mechanicsville chapel of the bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee davis rd., where services were held 11:30 a.m. saturday, december 10, 2022. Interment followed in signal Hill memorial Park. a celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to st. Jude children’s research Hospital.
Stuart Curtis Bolton
BOLTON, Stuart Curtis, 72, passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with cancer on november 29, 2022. He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 50 years, michelle bolton; daughters, a shlie morris (Kevin) and marcie Hortz (bill); grandchildren, Jaxson Hortz and skyler morris. He is also survived by siblings, dr. Frank bolton (Kay), denise blake (bobby); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Virginia bolton; and brother, steven bolton. stuart graduated from Henrico High in 1968 where he loved playing defensive end for the Henrico Warriors football team. He then at tended University of richmond and served in the army. stuart had immeasurable love for his family. He loved spending quality time with them, either at home or on vacation. stuart loved being a grandfather; whether it be playing chess with Jaxson, doing art with skyler, watching them play sports, or building forts, it brought him pure happiness. stuart and michelle laughed, worked and lived together 24/7, which was a rare occurrence these days. michelle never questioned his love and devotion for her and their family. His humor (although sometimes eccentric) was loved and appreciated by all that met him and was still visible until his final days. stuart owned acme dental Laboratory for 39+ years until retirement. He traveled extensively, learning and lecturing about dental ceramics. In their early years of marriage, stuart enjoyed farming, hunting, chopping/selling wood and buying kit cars. Throughout his life, stuart loved playing golf and watching sports. His creative and artistic abilities were shown through his paintings, jewelry making and many other projects. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. a celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Virginia Home for boys and Girls or st. Jude.
OBITUARIES
Helen Thomas Melton
MELTON, Helen Thomas, 91, of richmond, Va., passed away on december 2, 2022, after a long battle with neuropathy. she was predeceased by her husband, charles W. melton. she is survived by her children, charles douglas melton (sheree), debra melton Willis and diane melton Foran (Gerry); her grandchildren, chad, Jeb, cally and erin melton and amber campbell (cory); two greatgrandchildren, sage and Lily campbell; as well as several nieces and nephews. Helen was born in nelson county, Va. and came to richmond with her sister, Lucille, to work at c&P Telephone. Helen was a dedicated homemaker, but also worked part-time at miller & rhoads downtown for 15 years. she was active in the mechanicsville Little League and served in the Greetettes at the acca Temple shrine. The family will receive visitors to honor her life from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, december 13, 2022 at mechanicsville chapel of the bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee davis road, where services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, december 14, 2022. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the masonic Home of Virginia, P. O. box 7866, Henrico, Va. 23231-0366. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the masonic Home of Virginia for their care and support over the years.
Octavia Amy Miller
MILLER, Octavia Amy, 85, of mechanicsville, died saturday, december 3, 2022. she was preceded in death by her husband, John e miller. she is survived by her son, michael miller (Jennie); and daughter, Pattie Katcham (michael); two granddaughters, catherine and amy miller. The family will receive friends 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, december 15, 2022, at the atlee chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 9271 shady Grove road, mechanicsville, where a funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The massey cancer center. Online condolences at www.woodyfuneralhomeatlee.com
Cecil F. Vencill
VENCILL, Cecil F., 90, of mechanicsville, Virginia, passed away on sunday, december 4, 2022, in his home. cecil retired in 2009, after 50 years, from the automotive repair business. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, hunting and training hunting dogs. cecil was preceded in death by two loving daughters, mrs. deborah Lewis and mrs. Judith Purcell. He is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his three sisters, betty sue stanley, Patricia bowyer and Louise Luck; his daughter, cherry drinkard; and his two sons, Gene Vencill and dale Vencill; 10 wonderful grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The family received friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, december 8 at affinity Funeral service mechanicsville chapel. a funeral service was held at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment followed in signal Hill memorial Park in Hanover, Virginia. Online guestbook at affinityfuneralservice.com.
OBITUARIES
Obituaries
Continued from 11
Georgie Anne Pasker
PASKER, Georgie Anne, 88, of mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, december 6, 2022. she was preceded in death by her husbands, Lester F. “sammy” strickland Jr. and Leonard W. “Len” Pasker. Georgie is survived by three children, Frank strickland (anne), robyn Fulwider (bill) and Lori braun (Tom); seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. a memorial service will be held 10 a.m. saturday, January 14, 2023 at Fairmount christian church. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be registered at bennettfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hanover animal shelter, 12471 Taylor complex Ln., a shland, Va. 23005.
Wanda Stout Powell
POWELL, Wanda Stout , 85, of mechanicsville, passed away peacefully on december 1, 2022. Wanda was preceded in death by both parents, seven siblings; and her husband, James “Jimmy” Powell. she is survived by her sister, charlotte stout; her son, cory Powell (merideth); and granddaughters, abby and maddie, whom she loved more than anything. a graveside service was held at Forest Lawn cemetery, 4000 Pilots Lane, richmond, Va. 23222 on Thursday, december 8 at 3 p.m. and officiated by family friend, dan mcFaden. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the alzheimer’s Foundation of america would be greatly appreciated.
Amy M. (Garner) Rodgers
RODGERS, Amy M. (Garner), 53, passed monday, december 5, 2022, at UPmc Harrisburg Hospital. she was the wife of daniel L. rodgers. amy was born september 8, 1969, in concord, n.c ., the daughter of bobby W. and barbara a . (brown) Garner of mechanicsville, Va. amy was a 1987 graduate of Lee-davis High school in mechanicsville. In addition to her husband, daniel; and parents, bobby and barbara; amy is survived by a sister, susan a . Garner of mechanicsville, Va.; her father-in-law, donald rodgers of abbottstown, Pa.; a sister-in-law, deb Pelaia and her husband, Paul, of spring Grove, Pa.; three nephews, Thomas Garner, robert Garner and alex Pelaia; a niece, Lauren Pelaia; and her yorkie, cuddles. she was predeceased by her first husband, Lowell call; and her mother-in-law, darlene rodgers. a memorial service to celebrate amy’s life will be held on saturday, december 17, 2022, at 2 p.m. at st. John’s Lutheran church, 100 e. Water st., abbottstown, Pa., with rev. shawn berkebile officiating. a visitation will be held at the church on saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. memorial contributions may be made to Gary sinise Foundation, P.O. box 40726, nashville, Tenn. 37204, or to best Friends animal society, 5001 angel canyon rd., Kanab, Utah 84741. Feiser Funeral Home, Inc, 302 Lincoln Way West, new Oxford, is in charge of arrangements. memories may be shared at feiserfuneralhome.com.
Carolyn Shortt
SHORTT, Carolyn, 83, of mechanicsville, passed peacefully at her home, december 5, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. she was preceded in death by her brothers, edward and charles crew; lifelong friend, betsy davis; and her grandson, aaron shortt. she is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Wayne “butch” shortt; sons, Gary (debbie) and rick (Kimberlee); grandchildren, Lindsey and emmett; and niece, Terry cooper (steve). The family will receive friends from 1:30 — 3 p.m., sunday, december 11, 2022, at monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 creighton Pkwy., mechanicsville, Va. 23111, where a celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the american cancer society.
CASA volunteers sworn in
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Hanover County’s newest class of court appointed special advocates (CASA) was sworn in by Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Shannon O. Hoehl on Dec. 2.
The newest CASA members are Peggy Depew, Jayne Flowers and Gwen Green.
CASA volunteers meet one-on-one with abused and neglected children who are involved in cases being heard by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Last year, 34 children were served by volunteers who contributed nearly 1,600 hours of service to the youth served by the program. That represents $46,478 in valueadded benefit to the community, said Melanie Baker, CASA program coordinator.
“To me, CASA volunteers are the most admirable and respected people in our whole judicial system,” Hoehl told the new class members. “My role is hard, but I can’t imagine how much harder it would be to be hands-on with our children as you are. Sixteen hundred hours – that’s truly amazing!”
Peggy depew, from left, Jayne Flowers and Gwen Green make up Hanover county’s newest class of court appointed special advocates (casa).
“I never miss reading a CASA report,” Hoehl added. “I find it the most important piece of evidence I read on a case.”
The volunteers were also thanked by Jim Taylor, deputy county administrator, as well as Baker.
“These CASA volunteers will use countless skills in advocating for what is in the best interest of every child to whom they are assigned,” Baker said. She noted that these volunteers had shown their commitment by com-
pleting intensive training sessions of about 43 hours, including two all-day Saturday trainings.
The training sessions included child welfare, the history of our laws as they pertain to abuse and neglect, poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, inequities that exist within systems, adverse childhood experiences, conflict resolution, interviewing skills and how to write court reports, she said. They also learned about the Children’s
PROGRAMS AT MECHANICSVILLE AREA BRANCH LIBRARIES
Atlee Branch Library
Atlee Bridge Group at the Atlee Branch Library. Tuesdays, Dec. 20 and 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Every Tuesday the
Atlee Bridge Group meets to play Social Rubber Bridge. All levels welcome, from beginner to expert.
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to noon. Join the library inperson or on Zoom for a lively book discussion on “Very Valentine” by Adriana Trigiani. Pick up a copy NOW ENROLLING Earlychildhoodschool forages 6weeks-12years.
Services Act, the role of the guardian ad litem, what it is like to be a CASA volunteer and services that are available at the Hanover Community Services Board.
“Hanover CASA exists to be a voice for abused and neglected children in court, to educate the community on child welfare issues, and to advocate for safe and permanent homes for all children,” Taylor said. “I, along with county administrator John Budesky as well as the board of supervisors, support and endorse the Hanover County CASA Program. Congratulations to our new CASA training class on their achievement and their dedication to the children of Hanover County.”
For more information about Hanover’s CASA program, call Melanie Baker, coordinator, at 365-4296 or e-mail her at mdbaker@ hanovercounty.gov. The CASA program is part of the Department of Community Resources.
Information submitted by Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County.
Holiday fun at the library
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
On the evening of Dec. 2, around 50 parents and children enjoyed a Gingerbread Holiday Celebration at the Mechanicsville Branch of Pamunkey Regional Library (PRL). Visitors had fun making gingerbread houses with graham crackers, decorating paper gingerbread people, playing BINGO and pin the button on the Gingerbread Man. They even made reindeer hats with antlers.
“We’re so excited to have families enjoying our children’s programs again and have much more planned for 2023,” said Youth Ser-
vices Specialist Carolyn Lewis.
“This event was a passing of the baton moment for us as the Mechanicsville Branch says farewell to longtime children’s programmer Carolyn Lewis and hello to the new youth services specialist Ashley Harper. Many parents have expressed their appreciation for Carolyn’s 20 plus years of service to the Mechanicsville community. She has now transitioned to her new position as the youth specialist at the Upper King William branch of PRL,” said Kate Eminhizer, branch manager of the Mechanicsville Branch.
Library Circulation
supplies last. Registration is required at
of NOW HIRING Joinourteam. Industry-leading benefits!
THE UNIVERSE FROM THE CENTER
Discussing the successful launch of Artemis I
DR. GEORGE SPAGNA Special to The LocalArtemis I successfully launched on Nov. 16. Some readers may recall that the long delay from the originally-scheduled debut of the Space Launch System (SLS) in August was due to a number of technical glitches and two hurricanes. There were some issues we might sympathize with, like the failure of a Wi-Fi connection. Range safety radar going off-line is perhaps less likely to gain our understanding. Hydrogen fuel leaks are dangerous and hard to rectify. (Hydrogen is the lightest element, and even in molecular form its molecules are smaller and lighter than the next lightest helium atoms).
The launch around 1 a.m. on Nov. 16 was saved by a “red team” of technicians who fixed one last hydrogen leak.
This mission carries no crew, although satirist Andy Borowitz wrote that the manikins in the Orion capsule were there to discover if the moon was safe for department stores. It’s an engineering test of all systems in a deep space environment before launching a human crew on Artemis II, which is planned for 2024. Artemis II will carry a fourperson crew on a repeat of
this mission’s trajectory.
There have been a few things to work on. Communications dropped out briefly but recovered quickly. Thruster firings apparently threw off the star tracking (navigation) system – also quickly recovered. And the launch of the most powerful rocket ever launched by NASA blew off the elevator doors at the launch pad.
Artemis I successfully inserted into an elliptical lunar orbit at 4:25 p.m. EDT on Nov. 25. This orbit is “retrograde,” or in the opposite direction from the moon’s orbital path. At its highest point (apolune), it is 92,000 km beyond the moon, making this the greatest distance
a crew-capable vehicle has been from Earth. It held this orbit for about two weeks before returning to Earth on Dec. 11 when it splashed down in the Pacific off the California coast. This final phase tested the heat shield and parachutes.
Lunar phases for December: Last Quarter on Dec. 16, at 3:56 a.m.; New Moon on Dec. 23, at 5:17 a.m.; and First Quarter on Dec. 29, at 8:20 p.m. All times are Eastern Standard.
Mars will be visible all night. Jupiter is to the south at sunset. It sets around midnight. Saturn is to the southwest at sunset and sets in the early evening. Mercury is visible to the
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT HANOVER AREA LIBRARIES
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library
Sew Ready to Learn at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5 to 8 p.m. Join the Hanover Sewing Group to work on various projects as a seasoned quilter talks about various quilting methods,
ways to run a guild and combining quilting with other hobbies.
Hanover Quilting Circle at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grab a sewing machine, supplies and current project. This group meets the second
Wednesday of every month to share ideas, fabric, skills and stories. Beginners, experienced quilters and those curious about the hobby are all welcome to drop in. Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up.
southeast at dusk.
The midmonth view about three hours after sunset finds few bright stars near zenith. The Andromeda Galaxy is about 10 degrees to the southwest. About 2.2 million light years distant, this is the most distant object to be seen without telescope or binoculars. The Great Square of Pegasus lies below Andromeda. Turning to the southeast, you’ll notice the familiar “Subaru” asterism of the Pleiades about 60 degrees above the horizon, and above and to the right of Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus. It will be hard to miss Orion to the east, with the stars of the “belt” almost vertical above the horizon.
To the northeast you’ll notice Castor and Pollux trailing Orion. Turning to the northwest, Cygnus is moving closer to the horizon in the orientation that gives it the alternate name of the Northern Cross.
If readers have questions about astronomy in particular (or science in general) that you would like covered in one of these columns, feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu. (I have retired from RandolphMacon College but will continue these columns and use of that email address for the foreseeable future.)
Ashland Museum offers options for holiday shoppers
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
The Ashland Museum will feature special Ashland-themed gifts this holiday season. The museum has an Ashland tea towel and poster designed by Ashland artist Kate Melson that features downtown landmarks and the railroad tracks. For those looking for an Ashland ornament for the tree, see the Moravian stars handmade with train papers.
The museum has several books including “Ashland, Ashland” by Rosanne Shalf and the meticulously-researched book, “Leaving Neither Wife, Child Nor Father,” about the beginning of Woodland Cemetery. Author James Upton has recorded the first soldiers buried there and the groundpenetrating radar done in the oldest section. For anyone interested in the stories about Ashland, the yearbook “Ashland Virginia 150 Years” is a great collection of family histories along with the histories of organizations, schools, churches and businesses.
The ashland museum is selling custom tea towels by artist Kate melson and moravian stars handmade with train papers.
Join the library for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing on each of this month. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.
Consider giving the gift of a museum membership or a gift certificate to be used at the museum. Contact the museum by emailing ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or calling 804-368-7314 for help with either of these gifts.
Take a break from holiday shopping and join the monthly Trivia Night
on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. at Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland. Fire pits will be going. MC Woody and DJ Brent are working on a set of festive questions for the evening. Then start the new year with a musical HistoryTalks. Singersongwriter Glenn Birch will talk about events in history followed by a ballad about each on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at 7 p.m. at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry St., Ashland. This is free and open to the public.
The Ashland Museum thanks the public for their support of their programming this year. Stop by the Ashland Museum at 105 Hanover Ave., Ashland on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804-368-7314 with any questions.
Homes
From 5
view their work on display, which include cards that detail their construction method and what the nativity means to each student.
“It’s always wonderful to read descriptions and their feelings about the season and the nativities, and the pride that they have when they come in to the church hall and see the display,” Otto said.
In addition to the 28 student-made nativities, the exhibit featured hundreds of nativities from around the world that were loaned by families.
“And that’s the most extraordinary thing – that we have nativities from all over the world and they are nativities that have special mean-
ing to the people who loan them to us,” Otto said.
O’Keefe said they “take a lot of pride and care” in ensuring the safety of these prized nativities, with Knights of Columbus members even spending the night over the weekend so they’re “never left alone in the building.”
“The thing about the nativities is it’s a universal expression of joy in the birth of the Christ child, and it crosses all kinds of socio-economic groups,” she added.
“I think that’s true across many faiths and around the world. I mean, that’s the universal part, and I think one of the really neat things about the display is seeing the interpretation of the manger and the nativity that different countries bring,” Otto said.
Local churches across multiple denominations visit and offer their support every year. The event always features a centerpiece nativity donated by a local church, with this year’s donated by St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Richmond.
Otto said they look forward to seeing new faces and furthering the event’s important mission next year.
“You know, that excitement is contagious and it stays with you, and it’s some of the most rewarding work I think I’ve done,” O’Keefe said. “It’s very special.”
For more information on the annual event, how to donate or on the church in general, visit the website, www.churchredeemer.org/ no-room or call the church at (804) 746-4911, extension 222
Reports
From 3
credit card theft was reported in the 9100th block of burkwood club drive, mechanicsville.
Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 7100th block of brandy Hill Terrace, mechanicsville.
simple assault was reported in the 9000th block of new ashcake r oad/Linder wood d rive, mechanicsville.
Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 10100th block of Kings dominion boulevard, doswell.
AUG. 10
no endangerment was reported in the 10400th block of cobbs road/ Washington Highway, ashland.
Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 8000th block of meadowbridge road, mechanicsville.
Uttering was reported in the 9600th block of sliding Hill road, ashland.
Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7200th block of Fairview drive, mechanicsville.
driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 13200th block of Hanover cour thouse road/e Patrick Henry road, Hanover.
reported in the 5300th block of cold Harbor road, mechanicsville.
Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 6200th block of rolling Forest circle, mechanicsville.
Impersonating a law enforcement officer was reported in the 12200th block of stancroft road, rockville.
dWI: First offense was reported in the 8200th block of shady Grove road, mechanicsville.
AUG. 12
dWI: First offense was reported in the 8000th block of cold Harbor road/mechanicsville Turnpike, mechanicsville.
dWI: First offense was reported in the 4200th block of mechanicsville Turnpike/Old church road, mechanicsville.
Forging public records was reported in the 3700th block of mechanicsville Turnpike, mechanicsville.
driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 7200th block of mechanicsville Turnpike/ bell creek road, mechanicsville.
Failure to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500th block of county complex road, Hanover.
Grand larceny, building was reported in the 14200th block of mountain road, Glen allen.
driving with revoked license,
assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 9400th block of sir michael Lane, mechanicsville.
AUG. 11
Violation of protective order was reported in the 7200th block of courtland Farm road, Hanover.
Larceny of bank notes, checks was reported in the 8000th block of elm drive, mechanicsville.
Identity fraud with financial loss more than $200 was reported in the 5400th block of sandy Valley road, mechanicsville.
Violation of a protective order (general) was reported in the 8000th block of Woodbridge road, mechanicsville.
Hit and run with attended property damage more than $1,000 was
Illegally consuming alcohol under 21 was reported in the 5300th block of mechanicsville Turnpike, mechanicsville.
assault on law enforcement, court, corrections, fire or medical personnel was reported in the 8100th block of Tavern Keepers Way, mechanicsville.
e ntering property with intent to damage was reported in the 16200th block of beaver dam road, montpelier.
driving with revoked license, no endangerment was reported in the 3700th block of mechanicsville Turnpike, mechanicsville.
Failure to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500th block of county complex road, Hanover.
Flat-screenTVsusetinyspeakerswithtinnysound.Somany peoplehavetouseclosed-captioningtowatchamovieor sportingevent.Ourpatentedhearingaidtechnologylifts voicesoutofthesoundtrackandclarifiesthem.Theresult isremarkable.TheAV157has12levelsofvoiceboost –incaseyouneedextraclarity.Only17”wide,itfitsjust aboutanywhere.Hookupissimple–oneconnectingcord.
Frosty
From 1
beyond through technology.
Held on Sunday, Dec. 11, at Center Oak Court in Mechanicsville, the free holiday event featured over 25 vendors from near and far with a variety of handmade items, food trucks and a raffle with donated items from vendors perfect for special holiday gifts. The CodeBlue Cares gazebo additionally gift-wrapped items for visitors who donated toward the foundation’s mission.
The nonprofit formed four years ago out of CodeBlue Technology’s commitment to utilizing the company’s skills and resources to better the communities they serve. Founded in 2003 by Trey Hayden, chief executive officer, CodeBlue Technology serves the computing and information technology needs of businesses throughout Central Virginia and has over 450 active clients today.
“CodeBlue Technology has always had a focus on giving back in some way, shape or form,” Hayden said, adding that over the years, CodeBlue
Technology has sponsored Little Leagues, charity events and utilized any opportunity to give back.
Hayden, who grew up in Hanover County, said he always found it important throughout his life to find ways to benefit his community.
“And so as a leadership team, we were sitting around and thought it would make sense for us to try to formalize our charitable efforts so that we can multiply it and do more, and that’s where the CodeBlue Cares Foundation came from,” Hayden added.
Hayden said the foundation’s core principal is that
“technology can be an equalizer.”
“If you’ve got the right technology with the right parameters in the hands of young people, what the young people can do with that technology is almost universal,” Hayden said.
He said they wanted to focus on areas where technology was underserved, whether in schools, businesses or communities that face obstacles due to technology needs.
One initiative of the foundation was building a school’s computer lab to be utilized as a community hub for needed computer access.
“And at the time, jobs were harder to come by and the community needed a place to go with computer access simply to be able to search for jobs,” Hayden said. “There was no library in that community, there was no other place besides the school in order to provide technology and a gateway to helping people be able to do the things they needed to do.”
Hayden said the COVID-19 pandemic presented various obstacles for the foundation in executing this project and others.
“It was a great project and we were really excited about it and sorry that too many obstacles got in the way for us to be able to execute it, but that’s an example of the type of opportunities we look for,” Hayden said.
Their search for similar opportunities begins “close to home” in the Central Virginia area and branches out as far as Southern Maryland and North Carolina, he added.
“It’s not a lack of funding in a particular community that could provide it – it’s a true need,” he said.
He said they have achieved smaller initiatives but hosted Frosty Fest as a pathway to “go bigger.”
“Frosty Fest is a reboot of sorts,” he said. “Let’s put a little more in the coffers. Hopefully, a lot of the challenges
that have been around for any business over the last several years are mostly behind us, and we can start to focus on that part of us again.”
Brittany King, CodeBlue operations manager, said the Frosty Fest vendor fee was entirely donated to the foundation. Manning the CodeBlue gazebo, King and volunteers accepted monetary and any other donations throughout the event, including nonperishable food items to gift as Christmas presents to soldiers through United Service Organizations.
The foundation additionally donates discarded technology to troops every three months, with a majority donated by the local community.
“Our whole model is returning thanks,” King said.
“The community has helped us so much in making CodeBlue Technology who we are today, so this is our way of saying, ‘Thank you,’ back to our community, and we’re going to do everything we can to give back.”
King said she hopes Frosty Fest will become an annual tradition of “returning thanks” to the community while furthering the foundation’s mission.
For more information on CodeBlue Cares or to donate, visit the website, https://codebluecares.org/.
Spor ts
Upcoming Events
Youth, High School,College, Recreational& Professional
Mustangs stampede past Foxes, move to 3-0
NICK VANDELOECHT Special Correspondentleader.”
Patrick Henr y rumblespastMechanicsville inhigh-scoring64th matoBowl
A phenomenal turnaround season last year is beginning to look like the central building block to a potential multi-year stretch of dominance, as Mechanicsville’s varsity girls basketball program is off to yet another fast, highscoring start to the winter.
By AdamCheek for Richmond Times-DispatchArowdy Me ch anics vi lle crowd ontheopposite sideofthefield,plus anabnormallywar m November eveningat Patrick Henr y High School, didn’t stopthe Patriots from rolling over the Mustangs 48-27athome to close outthe regular season.
The Mustangs improved to 3-0 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 with a dominant 54-20 rout of King George. As of Dec. 11, they were averaging 64 points per game and a winning margin of 44.3 points per game.
“The girls came into the gym all summer long, worked hard,” head coach Alvin Puller said after Tuesday’s victory. “They learned how to play together, complement each other, have each other’s back. It’s just awesome. They’re an awesome group.”
The64theditionofthe Tomato Bowlwas wagedmostly onthe ground. PH, 6-4headinginto next week’s Region 4B playoffs, recorded 366 rushing yards,20 more than Mechanicsvillehad passingand rushing combined
The Mustangs this year have the best of both worlds with experienced senior leadership showing the way and first-year freshmen immediately taking command of their roles on the court to help elevate their team.
“I always like to run the ball, kind of see where we’re at,” Patrick Henr y coach Ken Wakefieldsaid. “We know thatthey’ve gotsome guysthatgottaplay bothsidesofthe ball,so you kindofleanonthem a littlebit.”
Another freshman, Carys Khan, chipped in 10 points, netting six off of one of her two steals, an offensive rebound and an impressive layup where she looped the ball around and up through the hoop. Her other two shots came off assists from sophomore Elizabeth Hardwick, who netted six points, and sophomore Maddie Frantz, who made one of the team’s two 3-pointers on the night, with Santos landing the other.
Khan was laser-focused on the net as she shot 5-of-7 from the field.
Sophomore Kate Carlton contributed to the team’s depth on both sides of the ball with eight points, five steals and two rebounds.
Six-foot junior and captain Ashley Owens denied the Foxes’ offense on four blocks and made two points from the free-throw line.
Onseniornight,itwasappropriatelytheseniorsthatshonethe brightest:both Gracyn Rossand Shamar Williams recordedtwo touchdowns apiece.
Rossandjuniorquar terback Grayson Johnson were explosive early, bothhittingthe100-yard rushingmark by theendofthefirst half— Rossat100and Johnson at103.
Freshman Kedelin Santos was a central part of Mechanicsville’s versatile offense, lockdown defense and unselfish play against the Foxes as she contributed team-leading marks of 13 points, 10 steals, seven rebounds and six assists. She set the pace early on the rebounding side, with the Mustangs ultimately hauling in 25 boards and excelling at nabbing the missed shots off the glass on both ends of the court.
several of those chances into easy buckets.
BY NICK VANDELOECHTPassing among the players was airtight, with Santos sprinkling in a couple of successful no-looks, and players were quick to jump on the ball and cover one another if a teammate made a mistake.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCHAftera three-and-outfrom Mechanicsville to start the game, Patrick Henry got going immediately with a rushing touchdown from Johnson,whose76-yard rumbleput the Patriotsontheboard with8:28 to play intheopeningquarter.
Caeden Waltershit Aaron Maxie
Santos, who shot 6-for-9 from the field, could find the net for the layup after converting on her rebounds and takeaways into fast breaks, but oftentimes, once she made it to the basket, the 5-foot-7 point guard would dish out a quick pass to a teammate in the post. Her teammates turned
for a 65-yard Mechanicsvillescore, but the Patriots respondedless than a minute later with a 71-yard Ross touchdown run.
Both teamsputup 14inthe openingquar ter, Mechanicsville eveningthings up with a 2-yard Colby Messe touchdown run.
Santos’ exceptional play beyond her years might be new to the varsity court, but Puller, who coached Santos and her teammates in middle school, knew what he had coming. And while Santos led the way, her strengths extended to the rest of the team.
PH took control inthesecond
Mechanicsville had pressured
King George relentlessly on defense, snatching 22 steals, and it also helped one another find the basket on 13 assists.
quarter on a pairoflongpass touchdowns,one a 47-yard bombfrom theirotherquar terback, Jayden Brown, to Cole Sylvia,andthe other from Johnson to Williams.
Senior captain Bennett Carlton showed leadership early and often on the floor, and she was a defensive menace to the Foxes at the apex of the perimeter, disrupting their rhythm and forcing them into turnovers all game long. The
senior point guard and captain, who has worked with coach Puller since sixth grade, poured in 12 points, hauled in five offensive rebounds, nabbed four steals, made three assists and added a block.
“They play well together and they love each other,” Puller said of the Mustangs’ players. “They complement each other and [they have each other’s backs]. The team’s together all the time and go out to eat all the time. It’s a family atmosphere. It’s awesome.”
Eventhen,the Patriots’ groundand-pound offense ruled,and PH led28-14atthehalfwhilethepassing game putup just63 yards.
Oncethe secondhalf began, PH put together a series thatshaved nearly 5 minutesofftheclock,featuring a fourth-down conversion that eventuallyled to a Greg Foster Jr touchdown
“She’s an awesome player. She believes in the team,” Puller said of Bennett Carlton. “She brings them together and makes them what they are. She’s a great
Despite anothe r meticulous Mechanicsvillescoringdrive that tickedoff more than 7 minutes
and a successfulonsidekick, Patrick Henry’s defenseheldfast to force a punt.
After hisearlier visit to theend zone, Rosswassitting at 19 touchdowns ontheseason. Johnson aired itout to Rossfor a passing touchdown andthe20-score milestone, making thelead 41-21
Mechanicsville set its sights on improving to 5-0 with road games against Freeman and Godwin. Then, the Mustangs will host a holiday tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 28 and Thursday, Dec. 29. Mechanicsville’s first tournament game is tentatively set for 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 28 against King William.
Hosting Patrick Henry wins Patriot Revolution
ROBBY FLETCHER Sports EditorAs the host team of the Patriot Revolution wrestling tournament, there was a lot on the line for Patrick Henry as it took on a field of 12 teams invading its home gym on Saturday, Dec. 10.
With a chance to show their opponents who’s boss as the hosting school, the Patriots stepped up and did just that, finishing with 268.5 team points to win the tournament and hoist the trophy for an early-season tournament championship.
Patrick Henry was ahead of second place Goochland by 42.5 points and third place Varina by 47.5 points to take the victory. Rounding out the top-5 is Colgan in fourth place and Glen Allen in fifth place.
Patrick Henry had two wrestlers finish in first place in their respective weight classes and seven more who finished within the top-3 to help the team gather enough team points for the win.
The two winners, 106-pound Ryan O’Keefe and 132-pound Dylan O’Keefe, were dominant in their championship runs.
After opening with a firstround bye, Ryan O’Keefe was a force on his home mat, winning both the quarterfinal and semifinal with first period pins. The first came against Goochland’s Camron Hardy, who he defeated by fall in just 90 seconds, while the semifinals victory came in just 1:59 against King William’s Haley Viars.
In the final bout against Varina’s Jayon Moore, O’Keefe didn’t win by pin this time, instead going the full three periods to demonstrate his dominance. The Patriots star wrestler won with a 19-2 tech fall victory to take the Patriot Revolution crown, setting the tone for the Patriots as Dylan O’Keefe soon stepped on the mat for his own first place run. Ryan now has a perfect 9-0 to start to his season.
Dylan also started off with a first round bye in his class and won his title with two pins and a tech fall. He opened with a quarterfinals win by fall over Colgan’s Macguire
Leck in 1:33, then won the semifinals matchup against L.C. Bird’s Manny Evans with a 17-2 victory.
In his final, O’Keefe took on James River’s Sam Deyerle, who lasted just one period against the Patriots wrestler, who won with a pin in 1:28.
Another big showing came from 113-pound Blake Deschamps, who made it down to the first place matchup, where he came up just short despite an excellent day of wrestling. Des-
champs started things off with a convincing 21-6 tech fall victory in the quarterfinals over Glen Allen wrestler Thomas Stottemyer, and then booked his ticket to the first place game with a semifinals victory against Varina’s Trevon Rogers with a pin that occurred 10 seconds into the second period.
In the final, Deschamps took on Mohammed Zanganeh from Glen Allen, who proved too much to handle and ultimately took the title with a 19-7 major decision
victory that ended Deschamps’ day with a second place finish.
Other notable third place finishes from Patrick Henry came from Landon Morris in the 120-pound class, Jeremy Paul in the 126-pound class, Daniel Harris in the 138-pound class, Chase Glenn in the 144-pound class, Michael Butcher in the 165-pound class and Jason Cooper in the 215-pound class.
Patrick Henry will hit the mats once again when it goes to the
Mechanicsville Holiday Classic, hosted by Mechanicsville High School. That tournament will take place on Dec. 16 and 17. After the way they played against some stiff competitors in the Patriot Revolution, the Patriots will enter the holiday classic with a lot of momentum and a chance to add another tournament title to their name.
robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.
Calendar
From 8
SECOND THURSDAY
The Hanover-a shland T r I ad meets the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the new atlee Library, 9212 rutlandshire drive, mechanicsville. The Hanover-ashland TrIad is a program that focuses on providing information to seniors to improve their quality of life. The Hanoverashland TrIad is a joint venture involving the Hanover c oun ty sheriff’s Office, ashland Police department, aarP, Hanover county governmental agencies, human services agencies, civic groups and seniors themselves.
THIRD THURSDAYS
The a shland m useum holds Trivia n ight on the third Thursday of each month at Origin beer Lab, 106 s r ailroad av e., a shland, 6pm. Free, no reservations
needed. Follow us on Instagram (@ashlandmuseum) or Facebook. For information, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804-368-7314.
FOURTH MONDAY
The atlee ruritan c lub meets every fourth monday at Hillcrest b aptist c hur ch on r oute 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 c lub welcomes both men and women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve a spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.
LAST SATURDAY
January through October, The american Legion Post 175 hosts a “communit y b reakfast” from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The breakfast is open to the public and is located at 8700 bell creek road, mechanicsville.
Hanover Emergency Communications re-accredited by international agency
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
The Hanover County Department of Emergency Communications has earned the unique honor of being re-accredited by the international organization that is the world’s premier standard-setting and certification organization for emergency communications centers.
Hanover became the first agency in Virginia to receive Triple Ace Accreditation, which means the department has been accredited in all three disciplines: Medical, Fire and
Police. While Hanover was previously accredited in all three disciplines, this time the department submitted for all three re-accreditations at once.
Hanover County is the 16th agency in the world to receive the Triple Ace Accreditation. It was the 14th in the world to receive the Fire Accreditation; the 16th in the world to be accredited in Police; and the 123rd in the world to be accredited in Medical.
The re-accreditations demonstrate that Hanover County emergency
communications officers have mastered the protocols in all three disciplines – Medical, Police and Fire.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment and one of which we are all proud,” said deputy county administrator Jim Taylor. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our residents, and I think this reinforces the fact that our emergency communications officers, who are the first of the first responders, are the best of the best.”
“This re-accreditation
MECHANICSVILLECHURCHES
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
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!
MeadowbridgeSeventh-Day AdventistChurch
7400AntiqueLaneMech., SaturdayServices: SabbathSchool,9:45am. WorshipService,11am. WednesdayeveningPrayer Meeting,6:30pm. Churchphone:746-2788 meadowbridgesda.org meadowbridgesdachurch@gmai l.com
5351PoleGreenRd. Mechanicsville,23116 PhilPeacock,Pastor SundaySchool9a.m. Worship10a.m. 3407KingWilliamRd. Aylett,23009 JeffPoythress,Pastor Worship9:30a.m. SundaySchool10:30a.m.
Makingeachoneawitness!
CoolSpringBaptistChurch 9283AtleeStationRd. Forinfo,activities&worship timesvisit www.coolspring.org orcall746-0800
FellowshipCommunityChurchof Mechanicsville After10yearsatHanoverHigh Schoolwehavepurchasedour ownbuilding.Wecontinueto teachtheWordofGodand watchforthemiraculous. JoinusSundaymornings9:45am at8505BellCreekRoad,SuiteK. www.fellowshipcc.com
GraceUnitedFamilyChurch "WhereGraceUnitesUs" 7252BeulahChurchRoad (HistoricBeulahChurch) Mechanicsville,23111
Sundays,10:30AM& Wed.Dinner,Study,Prayer: 6:00-8:00p.m. Forinfo,call335-6728
"LoveGod,Learn theBible,CareforPeople" GlennHawkins,Pastor
MechanicsvilleBaptistChurch 8016AtleeRd. Office:746.7253
Worshipinperson andLiveStreamedonYouTube &Facebook onSundaysat8:30&11:00a.m. WednesdayNightSuppersat 5:00p.m. andBibleStudyat6:00p.m. Findusonthewebat mechanicsvillebaptist.org
NewBethesdaBaptistChurch 9019NewBethesdaRd.779-2101
CalebBittler,Minister SundaySchool9:30AM, Worship10:45AM BibleStudy/Prayer Youth&Childrenactivities 6:30pm,Wednesday www.newbethesda.org
NewHighlandBaptistChurch 550-9601,9200NewAshcakeRd newhighland.org,9:15AMBible Study,10:30AMWorshipInPerson&online.Rev.LarryFrakes
ShalomBaptistChurch 8116WalnutGroveRd. Office:746.7737 Worshipinperson andLiveStreamedonYouTube &Facebook onSundaysat8:30&11:00a.m WednesdayNightSuppersat 5:30p.m. andBibleStudyat6:15p.m. Findusonthewebat shalombaptist.net
WalnutGroveBaptistisaChurch committedtofollowingJesus& lovingpeople.Youcanfindusat wgva.church7046ColdHarborrd
is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff,” said Cheryl Buchanan, director of emergency communications. “They see people through their worst day and do so with professionalism and compassion each time as proven by this honor.”
The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) is the world’s premier standard-setting and certification organization for emergency communications centers, with over 66,000 members in 46 nations.
LebanonUnitedMethodist Church 8492PeaksRoad,746-0980
SarahSealand,Pastor WorshipInPersonandon FacebookLive: 10:00ameachSunday www.facebook.com/LebUMC 9:00amSundaySchool Formoreinfo,checkusoutat www.lebanonumc.org
MechanicsvilleUnitedMethodist Church 7356AtleeRoad746-5118
ReverendAmyDunn,pastor 10aminpersonworshipor Facebooklive@MechUMC ChildrensandYouthPrograms CubScoutsPack517 www.mechumc.org
ShadyGroveUnitedMethodist 8209ShadyGroveRd. atthecornerofMeadowbridge Rd.,Mechanicsville,804-746-9073 shadygroveumc.org
In-personWorshipSundaysat 8:15,9:45,&11:15a.m., Onlineat9:45a.m. Programsforallages. Rev.WayneSnead,Pastor info@shadygroveumc.org
ChurchoftheRedeemer 8275MeadowbridgeRoad 746-4911 www.churchredeemer.org
TruthBaptistChurch,627-2170 COME&SEE! Allinfoat: www.truthbaptistchurch.com
Masscelebratedon Saturday5:30PM Sunday8:00&10:00AM
Libraries
From 13
https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/9350283. This program is presented in-person and hosted virtually through Zoom. The meeting link will be sent to the email registered a day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email, contact the library.
Page Turners Book Club at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, Dec. 15, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Join the library for an in-
person, lively book discussion on “Eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld. Place the book on hold and pick it up at the Atlee Branch Library. New members are always welcome.
Atlee Anime Club at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, Dec. 15, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 12-18. Join the Atlee Library Anime Club to meet teens with similar interests and watch cool shows.
Hanover Master Gardeners’ Home Gardening Series at the Atlee Branch Library. Saturday, Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about a va-
riety of home gardening topics from Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners. This session’s topic is “Rain Gardens.” Learn how to create a beautiful oasis in the yard. Topics change each session.
Super Dooper Sock Snowmen at the Atlee Branch Library. Saturday, Dec. 17, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Make a Super Dooper Sock Snowman for holiday decorating. These fun figurines are as fun to make as they are to display. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/9353321.
Noon Year’s Eve/Day
Party at the Atlee Branch Library. Friday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. to noon. Join the library for some daytime Noon Year’s Fun featuring crafts, dancing and storytime activities complete with a balloon drop at the stroke of 12:00 p.m. Call 804-559-0654 or visit the library at 9212 Rutlandshire Drive for more information.
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Adult Storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Ages 18 and up. If you are, or are
the caregiver of, an adult who would enjoy the lively reading of picture books and lighthearted stories, join the library for Adult Storytime.
Anime Club at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Friday, Dec. 16, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Ages 12-18. Join the Mechanicsville Library Anime Club to meet teens with similar interests and watch some cool shows.
Introduction to 3D Printing at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn about new developments in 3D printing, how to create a 3D file, and create a
custom keepsake. Attendees must be at least 13 years old or 10 years old if accompanied by an adult. Proficiency using a computer mouse, keyboard and internet is required. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/.
Mechanicsville Book Club at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 18 & up. Bring ideas for discussion and escape to a world of pure imagination. Call 804-746-9615 or visit the library at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place for more information.
TheAshlandPoliceDepartmentisinpossessionofunclaimedproperty.Allpersonshaving avalidclaimtopropertyshouldcontactthe department.Reasonableproofofownership willberequired.Anypropertyleftunclaimed willbesold,destroyed,converted,ordonated. For acompletelistingandhowtoretrieve itemspleasegoto www.ashlandva.gov/527/Found-Property.
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, no matter how much you try to tip the odds in your favor, this week is much more about the luck of the draw. Keep a positive outlook and things may turn out in your favor.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, if winter’s chill is getting you down, you may want to plan a getaway to somewhere warmer. That may be just what you need to recharge.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
The two sides of your personality are lately at odds with one another, Gemini. You have to make an important decision, so seek out a friend for advice.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you lean toward an optimistic view on most things, but it is alright to be realistic at some points along the way, or even slightly skeptical. Balance is key.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, if you are feeling under the weather this week, you will have to put on a smile and push through. It is the holidays, after all. Seek as much help as others can muster.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you are on borrowed time regarding your finances. Take a careful look at your budget this week and make the tweaks necessary to stay afloat if income wanes.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
A companion animal in your life needs some attention, Libra. There may be some vet bills to contend with, but luckily you can handle that without much issue.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
The activity you have been turning to provide mental stimulation just may not be cutting it any longer. Start to explore some other options and see if there may be a better fit, Scorpio.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
A health issue that has been getting the better of you for some time will be resolved for in the days to come, Sagittarius. It’ll be birthday good news. Start celebrating.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, after a tumultuous few weeks, things in your life finally settle down. Embrace the opportunity to rest and do not take on any new projects until next year.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, things may not be going completely according to plan on the professional front. But at home you have gotten into a solid groove. Use this win to boost your mood.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
There is much more to a situation than meets the eye, Pisces. Delve deeper to learn about a person’s true motivation.
