The Mechanicsville Local – 01/04/2023

Students

Hanover County Online School students recently put their philanthropic lessons to action with Moments of Hope, delivering

trunks full of donated goods to gift a “moment of hope” to their neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Students in grades six to eight in Paula Fearnow’s “Make It Your

Business” class learned the difference between an entrepreneur and a societal entrepreneur last semester and were tasked with

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity officially broke ground on their Faith Build this week and will soon welcome another Habitat homeowner to the Ashland community.

The local affiliate broke ground on their Faith Build on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 510 Wesley Street in Ashland.

Faith Build is a partnership with local churches, faith-based organizations and businesses.

Local churches and friends of the faith community will gather to help build and fund a home for a local family. Thanks to First Baptist Church Ashland, Habitat was able to purchase the church’s neighboring lot at a discount.

“The church believes that

Future Habitat homeowner and Hanoverian Krystal stands with her daughter Nyla.

when we live out our faith, that will have an impact on our

CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN

Editor

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Paula Fearnow stands with students of her Hanover County Online School “Make It Your Business” class during their Dec. 14 field trip to Moments of Hope while holding signs to thank their pantry drive’s generous donors.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Here’s a great New Year’s Resolution: Do your part to honor the community contributions of others and nominate someone for a Spirit of Volunteerism award.

Nominations opened on Jan. 2. All nominees will be recognized at Hanover’s countywide Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration on May 16, 2023. Nomination forms and information became available on Jan. 3 at www.HanoverVolunteers.org. March 10, 2023, is the nomination deadline.

Hanover’s annual Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration is a free event that is open to

the public. This inspiring program will include music, award presentations and light refreshments. The Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration is a gathering for the Hanover community to celebrate active members of the community who have shared their kindness and compassion throughout Hanover County in service to various organizations, schools, faith-based and county programs.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, communications specialist for Hanover County

CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 10

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

| News, Updates & Listings

The Community salt Fish Breakfast will resume from 8 to 10 a.m. at enon uMC, 6156 studley road, Mechanicsville, Va 23116. The buffet includes salt fish, corn cakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, hash browns, sausage gravy, biscuits, waffles, apples, beverages and fellowship. adults are $10, ages 6 & under are “free” with all profits going to Missions.

TUESDAY, JAN. 10

TrinityLutheranChurch – AshlandCampus, locatedat 11515AshcakeRoad, Ashland willhold its annualHomemade CookieSalefrom 9 a.m.tonoon Therewill be lotsofhomemaker cookies – fillyourown box –as wellasothertasty holiday itemsforeating andgift-giving includingbakedgoods, jam,relish, applebutter,fudge, buckeye candyandmore.Cash orcheck only.Forfurtherinformation, contact Ellen at804-798-6937.

Mechanicsville aarP Chapter 5407 will be meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First u nion Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green rd. Mechanicsville, Va aar P Virginia state director Jim dau will be the guest speaker and new officers/ board members will be installed.

The Independence Ruritan Clubwillhost an all-you-can-eat Salt Fish Breakfast from 6:45 to 8:45a.m. to benefit the Western Hanover Emergency Action Team (W H.E.A.T) Breakfast includes: salt herring fillets, scrambledeggs,bacon,spiced apples,cornbread, grits,coffee and orange juice Costis$11 for adults.The Ruritan Building

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

Glowing s miles d entistry, located at 9097 atlee station road, suite 120 in Mechanicsville, is hosting its second annual Give Kids a smile event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is offering free dental care for children of low-income families. Call 804-559-3250 with any questions.

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) 4027701. 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

islocated behind Independence Christian Church, 14033 IndependenceRoad(off Route 54, west of Ashland). For more information,call 804-7985171 or contact Dave at e-mail wdtoney@mindspring.com.

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.

this event,contact Erin at 804730-2665.

contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at roma’s or Zoom connection information.

Sunday,Dec.11

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.

Fax submissionsto calendar to 344-8746, emailtoevents@mechlocal. com, ormailto8460 Times-DispatchBlvd.,Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursdayfor the following week’s issue.Calendar announcementscannot betakenbyphone. We reservethe right toedit all items submitted to The MechanicsvilleLocal.

Books, Beads& More, located at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville, has invited former Navy Chaplain and GraceChristian School teacher, DavidReid Brown, to conducta Christmas book signing event at theirstoreon from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Brown will be signing copies of hisdevotional book, “Lost Summer,” as well ashis seafaring personaljournal series, “Spirit Soundings.” These inspirational stories were born outof his globalexperiences innaval chaplaincy, spanning twenty-one years of peace, war, and three overseas deployments. If you have any questionsabout

Thefirst ever“FrostyFest” willbeheldfrom 10a.m.to 2 p.m. at 9204 CenterOakCourt inMechanicsville.FrostyFestis eventthatwillbenesFoundation intheirmissiontoprovidetech rar

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 804746-5081 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 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at roma’s resta urant at 7240 Bell Creek rd. in Mechanicsville. due to the pandemic,

communities.Over20 businesseswil TheRutlandCenter localfoodvendors,gift wrapping and more.The event isopen and freetothepublic.Formore information,visit www.codebluec oremail donate@codeblue es.org

Redeemer, loca wbridge Roadin invites all Advent/ Chr 3 p.m.

Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering

Thisconcert will feature Redeemer’s 35+member Adult Choir,RedeemerRingers-a 3 octave handbell choir, talented instrumentalists, and the Youth/Children’s Choir You’ll hear seasonal favorites and new choral pieces,sing-alongs and ! Theconcert is fr to we fe qu www

RedeemerMusicMInistry (804)746-4911.

Tuesday,Dec.13

The HanoverConcertBand ispresentinga Christmas Pops Concert atthe Hanover Arts andActivities Center at500 SouthCenter StreetinAshland from 7 to 8 p.m.Allarewelcometo bandplaysea-

alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at s h alom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove road Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@ gmail.com. new Highland Baptist Church

sonal favorites.Mechanicsville AARPChapter5407will bemeetingfrom10a.m.to p.m. ptist Church Mechani Hanover ChristmasMother, person fromSeniorConnectionwill beth rs,electio ofofficers boardmembe andanycommitteechairpersonspositions

Wednesday,Dec.21

BlueChristmasService willbeheldat 7 p.m.at MechanicsvilleUnited Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road inMechanicsville. A serthose who are blue,sad,grievingand

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.

experiencing loss thisChristmas season.Thisserviceoccurson theWinter Solstice,thelongest

haveexperiencedlos Nurseryprovidedforchildren

MechanicsvilleChurches Emergency FunctionsOne Stop Shop(MCEF OSS)isopenfor food,clothingandlinensfrom 9:30to11a.m.onMonday, TuesdayandThursdayand from6:30 to7:30 p.m.Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkwayin Mechanicsville (rear parking lot).Theshopis available for

see CALENDAR, pg.7

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FROM THE EDITOR

Fromtheeditor

The immeasurable va lue of than king ou r vetera ns

Where did the time go?

CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN Editor

I

But those visits to the national war memorialsalwayscarried their own significance, as even before truly learning of theirnature as a child, seeing them through my relatives’ eyes gave me another snapshot of the past– the relatives who would pause at a namewritten on the wall and remembera fallen friend

t feels like just yesterday when I sat down to reflect on the year to come. Perhaps some readers may recall a past column that reflected on the meaning of New Year’s resolutions at the start of 2022 and why, as adulthood arrives, these annual resolutions seem to escape us against the backdrop of our busy lives.ing effects on seemingly every part of our lives, Jan. 1 of 2023 inspired another hopeful drafting of New Year’s resolutions with the excitement of standing at the finish line and admiring the distance traveled – and the various roadblocks along the way.

Before my grandfatherpassed away, my father and uncle took him to the World War II Memorial for the first time. This visit has been recounted by my father throughout my life, as he fondly remembers the array of strangers thatapproached hisfather, asked for hisstory and thanked him for his service

World War II. Evendecades after his servicein a vastly different world,a simple “thank you” from a passing stranger lifted his spirits beyond recognition.

rowing up outside of Washington, D.C., visiting its plethora of museums and memorials was a common occurrence throughout my childhood through school field trips and family visitsThismemory came to mind whenspeaking with Steve Combs of Old Dominion Honor Flight (ODHF), one of the many Honor Flight Network “Hubs” across the country that honor the nation’s veterans with an all-expenses paidtrip to Washington, D.C. As Combs spoke of hispassion for the nonprofit’s mission of saying “thank you” in powerful ways, I began to recall my parents’ teachings of “the why” behind these memorials’ existence.

lowed the veterans throughout theirjourney– whetherin the form of a Virginia State Police escort to their first destination or in the hand-bakedcookies provided by Covenant Woods.

Above all, he remembers the glint of excitement inhis father’s eyes, who servedin the U.S. Marine Corps throughout

As mentioned before, this tradition – although tedious and requiring the difficult task of self-reflecting – is one that has been upheld by my family for years. Gathered around the breakfast table on the first morning of the year, my family of six reads aloud each resolution from the year prior and what boxes have been checked off.

Speaking with Ronnie Rust,a Vietnam War veteran and participant of the ODHF trip, offered an especially powerful snapshot of “the why.”

moment of frustration over the lack of boxes checked off, which is quickly followed by a surge of determination as we begin drafting our next to-do list for the year. Knowing these new resolutions will not be seen again until the next year, it calls for each of us to truly remember our goals – no matter how big or small – as we navigate through another 12-month journey to the finish line.

Rust’s enthusiasm for the day was apparent, as he affectionately recalled the warmththat enveloped the trip, with communitymembers, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Hanover Fire-EMS and more offering a heartfelt “farewell” and “welcome back” display to the buses.The word “celebrity” even came to hismind, as showers of people saying “thank you” fol-

Rusthadnever seen anything like it – particularly after serving in a war that was widely condemned by the American public at the time. His return home was a period deprived of the welcomehome parades and gratitude ofprevious generations

I

But thisday brought instances of appreciation in every shape and size. Upon boarding the bus for their journey back home, Rust was handed an envelope reminiscent of hisdaysin the service whenletters sent from back home were like a “pot of gold” to a homesick soldier

t would be difficult to list the societal and cultural changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, but few would argue our lives were changed permanently from months of isolation, limited activities and untold hours alone in our homes.services, although I did utilize takeout services during the pandemic by calling in an order and having it delivered to my car minutes later.

Uponreturning home after histrip, Rust opened the envelope to findhandwritten thank you notes from children across the country for his service

I made another resolution last year – one that called for the recognition of its importance against the backdrop of any phase of our lives. But this past column was written amid a different time, as the year of 2021 brought more uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic than the start of 2022 could predict. With the world still uncertain of the future and if another lockdown lay ahead, perhaps writing resolutions could offer us the satisfaction of looking at what has been achieved and the courage to push further and remain hopeful of the future.

It’s almost become instinctive for us to bury ourselves in the present – whether from stress, mounting responsibilities or a touch of workaholic tendencies. When else, as we grow older, do we have the perfect time to take notice of ourselves and say, “Job well done” for the cluttered calendar days crossed off and feel inspired to add another daily task to the calendar days ahead – whether incorporating a trip to the gym, taking up painting classes or picking up a new instrument?

“I just couldn’t believe it,” Rust said, adding that evensmall tokens of appreciation hold an immeasurablevalue – one that brought the comforting reminder that the world has changed

But, I soon conceded that online ordering was more efficient and user-friendly than I had anticipated, and now, I regularly order online and pick up food to go at several local establishments.

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

You hear it all the time. It’s thelittle things that have the biggestinfluence on our lives. I’m not sure that worksall the time, butone certainly can’t discount the impact of seemingly insignificant eventsin our lives. Perhaps it’s that philosophy that

While we have not escaped the pandemic and its linger-

This always brings an uplifting image, as each family member always seems to find themselves astonished at what has been accomplished. The number of boxes checked off always seems to exceed what is first expected, as drafting a to-do list for the daunting 12 months ahead may seem like a tiresome feat at first.

prompted someone to say, “it’s the smallstuff that counts and it’s all smallstuff.”

One fictional example that comes to mind seems seasonally appropriate –a frightful broadcast that debuted on October30,1938,capturinga nation and evoking fears that sent some seeking professional help.

Or, in my case, it may sometimes bring a fleeting

Orson Welles’ radiodramatiza-

With the year 2023 officially underway and our own individual journeys just beginning, I highlight the importance of making New Year’s resolutions again. Because the start of 2023, just like every year, is a new beginning. With the doors of businesses open again, community gatherings and celebrations brought back to life, and daily calendars cluttered with the weight of everyday responsibilities, it is more vital than ever to pause and reflect on the distance traveled – including the various roadblocks along the way – and find comfort in the wonderfully linear nature of time.

tion of “War of the Worlds” relayed a tale of horror involvingan attack of alienkillermachines that seemed by allindications primed to destroy our planet. While the best and latest weaponry had noeffect on the invading machines, the smallestdetail eventually thwarted the invasion

Whether as big as climbing Mount Everest or as modest as making more time to see friends, the possibilities are endless for each of us and our individual journeys as we begin anew in 2023. I encourage readers to seize this meaningful opportunity for self-reflection and courage and write their own New Year’s resolutions lists.

Above all, these tokens of gratitude and appreciation

Publisher JoyMonopoli

Editorial & BusinessOfficeand Mailing Address: 8460 Times-DispatchBlvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116

It seems the killermachineshad an immunity to the smallest form of

bacteria, and the invading microbes eventually destroyed the menace the smallest of earth’s inhabitants destroying its largestenemy.

Even if it seems tedious today, imagine the second Christmas that will arrive on Jan. 1, 2024, when marveling at the boxes checked off and wondering, “Where did the time go?”

A recent story remindedme of justhow important the things we take for granted are to our futures; and how eventshappening many miles away can impact all of us.

Although I have no confirming information, I suspect that one of the most obvious impacts was on the takeout food service. It seems ordering online and picking up food to go has become more of the rule than the exception, and restaurants have adjusted menus to accommodate customers who prefer to gather their food and enjoy it in the comfort of their homes.

I’m not sure why I was hesitant to use these

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

Unintended consequences sometimes have the greatest impact

As temperatures plunged last week and I needed a day off from cooking, I ordered from a local eatery and headed out to pick up my dinner. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one seeking refuge from the kitchen – the place was packed.

Mechanicsville, va 23116

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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.

© 2022Richmond Suburban Newspapers All advertising and editorial matteris fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of thepublisher. CAC Audited Circulation:31,156.

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by Richmond suburban newspapers. all advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. cac audited circulation: 31,156.

VETER ANS,

Customers crowded the takeout section of the restaurant, while the dining room was relatively empty, perhaps confirmation that

scrambling to rescue orreplacemillions of honey bees destroyed or displaced by Hurricane Ida. Oneexpert surmised thousands of hives were lost in the storm and resulting flooding, threatening many of the state’s crops. According to the University of Florida, more than 380,000 registered bee hives were destroyed either by hurricane strength winds or the floods that followed.

Please

see IMPACT,

Surviving bees are now starving due to the lack of vegetation in the area, much of it blown away from the winds. Somegroups in the state are providing containers of syrup for beekeepers to distributeto assist the displacedhoney bees

So, how does the lack of honey bees in CentralFlorida affect a semi-retired columnistin Virginia? It’s no mystery that the lack of beesequates to aloss of harvest for farmers which leads to higher prices for all of us at the grocery

see IMPACT, pg.8 see

MHS celebrates students of the month

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Mechanicsville High School (MHS) emphasizes a culture of personal growth through character development in and out of the classroom. The character recognition program was developed by students and staff to honor students who model these traits daily. One of the 10 virtues is emphasized each month via inspirational quotes in daily announcements

and other areas of school culture.

November’s focal virtue was gratitude. Being recognized for gratitude means that a student expresses humility and thankfulness for the people, opportunities, gifts and talents afforded to them.

In November, 149 certificates were presented to students for embodying one or more of the virtues respect, courage, gratitude, integrity, responsibility, initiative, con-

fidence, compassion, perseverance or loyalty. Congratulations to the MHS Students of the Month for November 2022: Nadia Maxfield, Courtney Lewis, Jed Gonzales and Leala Gonzales.

In addition, students may nominate staff members for the Students’ Choice Awards: Congratulations to Jordan Cross who was selected for the Students’ Choice Award for November 2022.

Each month staff members can also nominate colleagues for Teacher of the Month and the Silver Star Award. Teachers of the Month are nominated based on exceptional instructional practices, enhancing student learning experiences and improving student achievement. Silver Star nominations are based on a staff member’s demonstrating the qualities of The Mustang Standard: character,

community, family.

Congratulations to Teachers of the Month Tabitha Amayo and Bob Rodgers, and to Silver Star Award recipient, Michael Pineda.

The MHS school community believes that they can make a difference in the school, the community and the world one person at a time.

Information submitted by Jan Campbell, MHS administrative assistant.

From 1

Hopesolving a school or community problem.

Aiming to solve a community problem, Fearnow and her students created their own nonprofit titled “Together We Stand” and focused their efforts on assisting the important mission of Moments of Hope.

Moments of Hope is a ministry that serves Hanover and Henrico counties along with areas of Richmond north of the James River. What began as a one-man outreach in late 2014 blossomed into a nonprofit organization in 2016 that aims to give hope to neighbors experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty through its outreach program, food pantry, mobile pantry and emergency shelter services.

Fearnow’s students were taught how to write formal letters and selected which businesses to reach out to in an effort to collect donated goods for the Moments of Hope pantry, with many even personally visiting the local businesses to solicit goods.

“We had a great turnout, and the back of the pickup truck was full,” Fearnow said. “And we didn’t just get canned goods – we got sleeping bags, gloves, stocking caps. I mean, it was just amazing.”

Fearnow and 10 students, along with parent chaperones, filled their cars with the accumulated donations on Dec. 14, including a van packed with donated blankets,

and delivered them to the pantry located at 13400 Hanover Courthouse Road.

In addition to helping unload the donations, students helped pack 300 bags for the nonprofit’s Saturday food pickup, which serves around 800 people a week, Fearnow said.

The pantry provides Hanover County residents enough groceries to prepare six meals, with staff assisting with applications for benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP.

Betty Jo, Moments of Hope pantry manager, said the students packed enough bags to last for two weeks and helped with clean up, organizing the shelves and other volunteer tasks throughout the afternoon.

“I think it was eye-opening. For several of them, they had no idea there were homeless people in Hanover County,” Fearnow said. “And it was just great. One of the parents even said, ‘This is the best field trip that I have ever been on.’”

Fearnow said that as a career and technical education teacher, she enjoys focusing classroom lessons more on life skills in her class’ curriculum.

“I really like it because you get to think outside the box as an educator, and you really get to hone in on their life skills, which I think is just so important for their future success,” she said.

Fearnow believes it is important for young students in today’s world to recognize needs in their communities and work collaboratively to address them.

“I think with the way our society and culture has changed as far as technology goes, we tend to put ourselves in our own little boxes, our own little world, and it’s a much bigger world out there,” she said.

“We need to get off devices, and we need to get out and do things for the community and be aware that there’s more to life than our own little box.”

Fearnow expressed how proud she is of her young students and their willingness to go above and beyond as community philanthropists.

“I think I got just as much joy out of it as some of the kids did,” she added. “Some of the kids were even asking if they could volunteer.”

Jo said it was a “true pleasure working with this group.”

“It truly was like uplifting to me to know that that they had listened to their teachers so well,” Jo said. “[Fearnow] had done such a good job of teaching them concepts and that they truly understood what she was doing.”

Jo added that “one little spark” was enough to draw various students to the pantry as volunteers even after the field trip.

“If we don’t raise productive members of society – people that are willing to help others, that are mindful of what needs to be done to make sure everybody has what they need – you know, we’re in trouble,” Jo said. “But it is wonderful to have young people that want to work, who want to help other people, who want to give back.”

Jo said Moments of Hope has

been “very fortunate” to receive support from various students in the area, including students of Grace Christian School, Chickahominy Middle School and Banner Christian School in Chesterfield. She noted how a group of local high school students ran a food drive and painted rocks for the pantry.

“It sounds small, but every person that came through that Saturday got a rock, and some of those people don’t get anything that makes them feel better, and that was just a little something that made them know that other people were thinking about them,” Jo said.

From running the Moments of Hope pantry for seven years, Jo has formed her own vision of the Moments of Hope mission.

“The mission of Moment of Hope is to truly bring one moment of hope to one person when you’re in that moment,” she said. “My goal when I work is to know that when I’ve left that one person – whether it’s to give them food, to just encourage them with words – that I’ve given them one moment of hope to know that things will get better, that things can be better, and that us working together will always create more moments of hope.”

Moments of Hope is primarily volunteer-run with 16 core volunteers helping with the pantry every week.

“I could not do anything without the volunteers,” Jo said, adding that the organization is always seeking more volunteers to help run the pantry or assist with other Moments of Hope services.

The pantry accepts canned goods, dry goods, fresh produce and new or unused toiletries by appointment only at 13400 Hanover Courthouse Road.

Donations can also be accepted at: Air Park Auto Service (10985 Richardson Road, Ashland); Beca’s Auto Repair (8091 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville); Brook Run Vision Center (5644 Brook Rd, Henrico); HCPS Transportation Dept. (11375 Lakeridge Pkwy, Ashland); Insurance Doctor of Ashland (10393 Sliding Hill Rd, Ashland); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Brookhill Shopping Center, 5320 Chamberlayne Rd., Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Fountain Square Shopping Center, 8030 W. Broad St. STE D, Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (John Rolfe Commons Shopping Center, 2224 John Rolfe Pkwy, Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Parham One Shopping Center, 8191 C Brook Rd., Henrico); Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (Staples Mill Plaza Shopping Center, 9189 Staples Mill Rd., Henrico); Pooh Corner Child Care Center (10251 Timber Ridge Dr., Ashland); Seafarer’s Restaurant and Seafood Market (109 Commerce Park Dr., Manquin).

For more information on how and what items to donate, visit the website, https://momentsofhopeoutreach.org/. Those interested in volunteering can apply through the same website or call the office at 804-913-9151.

For more information on Hanover County Online School, visit the website, https://hos.hcps.us/.

AARP Tax-Aide returns to Mechanicsville Library

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Mechanicsville AARP Tax-Aide site will be open in the Mechanicsville Library again this tax season. The library is located at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place.

Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and filing to older or low-income taxpayers. Many individuals miss out on credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation; TaxAide can help.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is the nation’s largest free, volunteerrun tax assistance service. It is sponsored by AARP and the IRS and is now in its 55th year. There are nine Tax-Aide offices in the Richmond area. The volunteers all have extensive tax training and experience in tax preparation.

The Mechanicsville site will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays just like last year. This year, the library hours have changed to Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first open day will be Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Tax returns will be pre-

pared by appointment. The library will not be using the online scheduler for tax appointments this year. All appointments must be made in-person with a Tax-Aide volunteer at the library.

Visitors may begin making appointments the week of Jan. 23 to 27. A volunteer will be at the library each day (except Wednesday) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make appointments. If it is not convenient to come in the week of Jan. 23 to 27, appointments can be made any time after the library opens on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Visitors may come in on any Wednesday or Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make an appointment.

The library apologizes that this is not as easy as doing it online or making a phone call, but it does not have the staff to handle those options this year and thanks the community for bearing with them.

Contact the library with any other issues or questions at 804-781-4535.

This year, participants do not need to pick up a packet of forms at the library before their appointment. Come a

few minutes early on the appointment day and fill out the forms then. When coming in for a tax session, visitors must bring a photo ID for both taxpayer and spouse; a Social Security card for everyone on the tax return (dependents included); all tax forms received such as W-2s and 1099s; health form 1095-A (if one was received); and any other “Important Tax Information” received in the mail. For those who want their refund directly deposited into their bank account, bring a check with the account and routing numbers on it. Additionally, bringing a copy of last year’s tax return with supporting documents is helpful in the preparation of this year’s return.

For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer tax return preparer, training for the current filing season is complete, but the program is always looking for new volunteers. If interested in volunteering for the 2023 filing season a year from now, apply at the website: TaxAide@ AARP.org. More information about Tax-Aide may be obtained at: 888-687-2277 or TaxAide@AARP.org.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Hanover County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) invites community members to join and learn how to help their families and neighbors in the event of an emergency.

In the months of January and February, Basic CERT classes will be held at the Ashcake Volunteer Rescue Squad, located at 8375 New Ashcake Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Classes will be on Thursdays between Jan. 19 and Feb. 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The final day to register is Friday, Jan. 13, by

5 p.m.

Topics will include emergency preparedness, basic first aid, fire extinguisher usage, search and rescue, terrorism and incident command structure. The classes will be taught by FEMAcertified CERT members. In order to graduate, attendance will be required for each class.

To participate, register by sending your email with a name and cell phone number to HanoverCoCERT@ gmail.com. Participants can be as young as 17 years with a parent present. As always, the training is free.

Over 250 Hanover residents have taken this class and 80 have gone on to join the CERT Unit as volunteers under Hanover Fire/EMS. Those Unit members assist in events and, with higher training, can also be deployed to incidents such as search and rescue, traffic control, etc.

Hanover CERT team members have assisted with the North Anna Nuclear Power Plant drill, the search for a missing boy around North Anna Battlefield Park, water and ice distribution after tornados, and the Louisa County earthquake.

Decorative Glass Solutions grows into commercial gigs

SEAN JONES

Richmond Times-Dispatch Decorative Glass Solutions has been making stained glass and glass products in Ashland for 43 years. The panels it makes using hundreds of styles of glass bend light to accent a space and add to its ambiance.

The company has always thrived on receiving requests to create things such as an accent panel above a home’s front doorway or stained glass for churches. It’s now trying to reach a new market — commercial jobs — after recently picking up a few high-profile gigs.

Diane Fairburn started Decorative Glass Solutions the week after she graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in crafts in 1979. What started with small projects and selling to smaller retailers, such as specialty gift shops nationwide, has blossomed into a full-scale production business. Fairburn’s glass studio at 10049 Lickinghole Road, Suite G, in Ashland largely produces glass panels for homes, buildings and churches in a range of styles.

Her custom work runs the gamut of styles, from traditional and contemporary looks to popular craftsmanstyle designs or glass inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous ideas.

Much like the way a sewing professional has a seemingly unlimited number of cloth styles to utilize, a glassmaker has hundreds of kinds of glass to work with among myriad colors, shapes and textures. One example is “tree glass,” which resembles tree bark with intermittent light and dark brown.

Fairburn discovered she wanted to work in glass when she was in high school in New Jersey. She undertook her first glassmaking project with a

family that owned a store in the same shopping center as her dad’s shoe store.

“They had a lighting store where they sold lights and chandeliers. The father was a mechanical genius,” Fairburn said. “He was enthralled by Tiffany lamps; they made their own and sold them in the store.”

He got her started on her first glass project: an orangeand-red Tiffany stainedglass lampshade cover.

Later, she traveled to upstate New York with the family to see what people were doing with glass besides lamps. She saw that people made glass boxes, mirrors, full glass panels and sun catchers. She was hooked.

“My parents said, ‘If you want to do stained glass, that’s fine, but you have to get a college degree,’” Fairburn said. “I said, ‘OK, then I’ll major in crafts.’”

She opened a business checking account for Decorative Glass Solutions the day after she graduated.

Much of her work over the years has been in Tiffany stained glass. The 1900s technique — named for its inventor, Louis Comfort Tiffany — involves wrapping glass pieces in copper foil

and then soldering them together. It allows for smaller and more intricate stainedcolor designs.

The most popular orders are for transoms and sidelights on a home’s front door, which typically run around $1,500, depending on the complexity of the design. At the higher end, commercial jobs start around $12,000 and can rise into the tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of a space.

Her team of nine people, about six of whom are production staff, can handle about six to eight jobs at any given time. They ship to people all across the country and have videos they post on the company’s website or send to clients that explain to the customers or their contractors how to install a glass panel.

Although her jobs are typically split evenly between traditional and contemporary styles, clear glass has been a mainstay, she said.

“It doesn’t necessarily depend on the genre or what the project is. People like clear glass, because once it’s installed, it goes with everything,” Fairburn said. “Colors are nice, but they make for more artsy designs.”

The company has recently started branching into commercial jobs.

The most high-profile job it completed was an accent wall for the upscale spa at Keswick Hall near Charlottesville in November.

The wall itself is in the spa’s relaxation area where guests decompress after getting their treatments. The glass panes are designed to add peace and to separate the room from the rest of the spa.

The job was a massive undertaking, Fairburn said. The panes are made up of 700 glass rondels, which are 4-inch handblown pieces of clear glass that look almost like the bottom of a bottle. They were pieced together alongside 1,060 antique clear-glass triangles.

The rondels had to be ground by hand at the bottom to make the rounded edges flush with the straight-glass pane. It was “all hands on deck” for the company to finish the job, which took about a month from start to finish.

The spa’s architect, New York-based Hart Howerton Architects, commissioned the work.

Decorative Glass Solutions has also done several restaurant jobs. For the now-closed Spoonbread Bistro, it incorporated a giant glass “V” into the bar.

The company also made a 5-by-6-foot tall stainedglass door featuring the image of “The Tree of Life” for the Tikvat Israel Messianic Synagogue in Richmond. The door houses the temple’s Torah, which is read during services. The company did the glass over the temple’s front doorway, too.

“Light and glass are two beautiful things,” Fairburn said. “There are so many cool places to put glass, and it adds so much serenity. The value of what art can bring to life is a beautiful thing.”

Habitat

From 1

community and help our community to flourish,” said Jerry Heslinga, a member of First Baptist Ashland and Habitat board member.

Future homeowner Krystal and her 10-yearold daughter Nyla are Hanover locals. They are currently sharing a room at Krystal’s father’s house to save money to purchase her own home. Krystal says that being a single mom has been hard. It was a struggle to afford childcare while working full-time and attending classes at night.

Krystal’s favorite quote is “God may not come when you want Him, but He is always on time.” With that positive mentality she believes, as does Habitat, that God led her to Habitat to be the next Faith Build homeowner.

Habitat is still looking for area congregations to put their faith into action by getting involved in this local mission work. Habitat encourages faithbased organizations to support Habitat by either serving, praying, and/or giving. Groups can volunteer on construction, serve meals, pray over the new homeowners, and/or help fund the construction of the home.

Habitat seeks to raise $210,000, which is the estimated cost to build this home. The following churches have already signed up to financially support this project: First Baptist Church Ashland, $50,000 (equivalent to their land discount); Fairmount Christian Church, $15,000; Bridge Christian Church, Fisherville, $3,000; Ashland Christian Church and Mechanicsville Baptist

Church, $1,000; Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Independence Christian Church, Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church, Springfield Christian Church, Restoration Church; gifts of less than $1,000. Habitat has also received funds from the PDC Housing Development Program toward this home.

“Home is the center of every family. Home is where our most personal relationships reside, where memories are made and where faith is handed down and practiced on a daily basis. For these reasons, Fairmount Christian Church is excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity on its next Faith Build to help provide a local family with a home that they can enjoy and grow in for years to come,” said Chris Santasiere, associate minister at Fairmount Christian Church. Those interested in serving, praying or giving can visit www.hkwhabitat.org/faith-build/, to find additional resources and to sign up to participate. Call Amanda Gunter at 804-569-6108 x104 with questions and to talk about joining Faith Build.

Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity is a locally-run, independent affiliate of Habitat International and is responsible for Hanover and King William counties. For over 30 years, they built homes alongside families who pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat’s repair program addresses critical repairs around the home. With their help and the help of the community, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH

Owner diane Fairburn holds a picture of a recent commission inside of the spa at the luxur y Keswick Hall Hotel near Charlottesville. Fairburn’s love for glassmaking started in high school.

OBITUARIES

BABER, Lois Mae Walker, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, december 22, 2022. she was preceded in death by her husband, a shby Baber; daughter, Patricia renfroe; father, Lewis Walker; mother, Opha Walker; brothers, Brickey Walker and Howard “duck” Walker; and sister, Mary Cerveny. she is survived by her children, Kathy McGill, John amiss, Juanita Henderson, robert amiss, Kim Baber, Crystal amiss, david Baber, and Jenny new ton; brother, William “Bruce” Walker; and sisters, annabelle Mayer and Marjorie White; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mom touched the hearts of everyone that she met. she babysat throughout her life and helped raised many children. she loved and was loved by all. she will be dearly missed. The family received friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, december 28, 2022, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, where a funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Thursday, december 29, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the east Hanover rescue squad.

Joel E. Koss

KOSS, Joel E., 44, of Mechanicsville, Va., passed away in his sleep after a short illness on december 25, 2022. He is survived by his parents, James e. Koss and Vickie W. Koss; sister, amy Koss Lee (Chris), nephews, Cameron Lee and aidan Lee; grandmother, Helen P. Wright of Buena Vista, Va.; uncle, russell Koss (sandy); many cousins; as well as special friends, Marsha Barret, Jackie Howell, John and Tommy aiken, robert and darlene scott and their families. Joel was a kind soul who loved to be around others, and especially loved his family. In lieu of flowers, please honor Joel with a donation to the asPC a . For condolences, see www.blileys.com.

WINGROVE, Patricia Ann, 79 of Mechanicsville, Va., joined her family in Heaven on december 21, 2022. she was preceded in death by her parents, Columbus and Martha runyon; and her sisters, Joyce, Jean and Connie. she is survived by her son, Jeffrey Wingrove; daughter, Kimberley allen (ralph); four grandchildren, Jessica Marie Quinteiro (ramon), elizabeth Grace allen, Matthew Thomas allen and Olivia rae allen; two great-grandchildren, ramon Manuel Quinteiro and Zander Kane Quinteiro; and six sisters, Faye, Mary Jane, edith, nannie, debbie and naomi. Patricia was one of a kind. she loved spending time with her family, shopping and watching horse racing. she was a nurse for many years at the Veterans affairs Hospitals and several nursing homes. she was a natural-born caregiver with a great passion for nursing. a loving mother, sister and nana; this legacy we have from you. rest peacefully dear angel. a private service will be held in West Virginia.

Sheriffs

From 4

Aug. 21

Brandishing a firearm was reported in the 10100th block of Kings Dominion Boulevard.

Breaking and entering at night with intent to commit a felony was reported in the 8000th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Driver not reporting accident, damage less than $250 was reported in the 8900th block of Hollycroft Court.

Violation of a protective order was reported in the 9300th block of Staple Lane.

Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 9400th block of Chamberlayne Road.

Credit card fraud, less than $200 in six months was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way.

Hit and run with personal injury was reported in the 9100th block of Chamberlayne Road.

Aug. 22

Malicious assault, victim injured was reported in the

11500th block of Lakeridge Parkway.

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 14200th block of Canterbury Road.

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person was reported in the 8100th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Embezzlement, $200 or more was reported in the 10900th block of Air Park Road.

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person was reported in the 10500th block of Northlake Park Drive.

Vandalism was reported in the 8200th block of Hanover Wayside Road.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 10000th block of Sliding Hill Road.

DWI: Drugs, first offense was reported in the 8100th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Elm Drive.

Obtaining money by false pretenses, less than $200 was reported in the 19200th block of Woodsons Mill Road.

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 9200th

block of Monongahela Trail.

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 7200th block of Bell Creek Road.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 9000th block of Atlee Road.

Aug. 23

Simple assault was reported in the 16400th block of West Crescent Lane.

Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 8300th block of Old Richfood Road.

Violation of a protective order was reported in the 9300th block of Staple Lane.

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 9100th block of Hunters Chase Court.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 8100th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Elm Drive.

Abuse, neglect of incapacitated adult: First offense was reported in the 10000th block of Sliding Hill Road.

Grand larceny, $5 or more from a person was reported in the 7000th block of Mechan-

icsville Turnpike.

Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road.

Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 9100th block of Chamberlayne Road.

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 500th block of S Washington Highway.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 8200th block of Atlee Road.

Petit larceny, less than $500 not from a person was reported in the 9100th block of Atlee Road.

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person was reported in the 13100th block of Overhill Lake Lane.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 8200th block of Meadowbridge Road.

Simple assault was reported in the 7000th block of Brooks Farm Road.

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

Lois Mae Walker Baber

Patricia Ann Wingrove

GRTC closing transit gaps in Hanover

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

GRTC has received Commonwealth Transportation Board approval to close transit gaps in rural and suburban areas of Richmond through microtransit, an on-demand system that allows people to book rides in real time and get picked up and dropped off in designated areas.

HanoverRuritan honors Vidunasfor outstandingservice astraffic engineer

GRTC will get $4,057,766 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) to fund the threeyear pilot program, which starts fall 2023.

Riders in parts of Powhatan, Henrico, Chesterfield, and New Kent counties, and the Town of Ashland, will be connected to existing high-frequency fixed routes.

The program will cost a total of $6.7 million with state and local funds. TRIP funds will apply to the Henrico, Chesterfield, and New Kent routes. Other sources will fund the Powhatan and Ashland routes.

The Ashland Microtransit Zone will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday through Saturday and require one to three vehicles. Major destinations and trip generators include RandolphMacon College, Ashland Junction Shopping Center and Ashland Hanover Shopping Center.

The Richmond region covers 2,165 square miles and is home to over one million people. However, GRTC’s fixed-route service area only covers 9% of that area, leaving much of the region without access to transit. Much of this unserved area is comprised of suburban and rural districts where traditional fixed-route transit service would be inefficient to operate.

“These parts of our region need more mobility options,” said GRTC Chief

Sulserscelebrate59thanniversary

Parks and Recreation launches 2023 programs

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF GRTC TRANSIT SYSTEM shown is the GrTC map of the richmond region Microtransit study, which includes an ashland Microtransit Zone.

Development Officer Adrienne Torres. “They are home to families sharing a single car, retirees wanting to age in place, and others that don’t have the option to make all their trips by single occupancy vehicle and need an alternative means of transportation.”

Is fitness or fun on this year’s list of New Year’s resolutions? Hanover County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce several group fitness, art and a variety of educational, youth and therapeutic programs beginning this month. These programs will help your mind and body get and stay fit. Preregistration required.

„ Yoga: Restorative – focus on a range of motion, strength, balance and flexibility in this gently paced class. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Jan. 10 at Northside Baptist Church.

Art:

Contributedphoto HanoverRuritanClub’s speaker foritsOctober meeting wasJosephE. Vidunas,traffic engineer forHanover County. Hespoketo the clubabout road improvements taking place and roundabouts.While a numberofdrivers don’t like roundabouts,they save lives asthey slow the traffic downandlessenthenumber of accidents, Vidunassaid. Hewas selectedbytheclub’s businessand professioncommitteeinappreciationforhisoutstanding servicetothecitizens of HanoverCounty inhis roleas transportationengineer. Vidunasis shown receivinghis award fromAnnJewell, Hanover RuritanClub president.

Group Fitness: „ Ageless Grace – a brainbody program designed for those aged 50 and up to support cognitive health and help you to be more alert, active and responsive through the activation of all five primary functions of the brain. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 10 at Martha Ann Fields Building at the Hanover Courthouse.

„ Art Expressions – bring your supplies and work on your own individual projects in a social and supportive environment. Mondays, beginning Jan. 9 at Pole Green Park.

„ Country School Quilters – enjoy Sewing Days on the second Saturday of each month and the Friday proceeding the second Saturday. Meets at Montpelier Park.

Hunter celebrates 80th birthday

Robotics: Super Hero Academy is the ideal way to spend some time building some fun out of school. Friday, Jan. 27 at Pole Green Park.

„ Child and Babysitting Safety – complete CPR with AED for adults, children, and infants will be taught along with everything you need to know regarding babysitting — from getting started to dealing with parents and children, to key safety, caregiving and first aid tips. Monday, Jan. 30 at Montpelier Park.

„ Homeschool Art Class –get messy and have fun in the new year with Bee Kreative. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17 at Taylor Park.

Contributedphotos

NormanandMary SulserofMechanicsville celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary of Oct. 26.Theyhavethreesons, Dennis, Chris and Brian,and threegrandsons, Brandon, ConnorandGrant.Norman servedontheHanoverCountySchool Board for16years andMary servedon the HanoverCounty CommunityServiceBoard for eightyears TheSulsersenjoyed theirtravels toall 50statesand14countriesinEurope.

LIBRARY

Continued from pg.8

1 p.m. Learn about a variety of homegardening topics from Virginia Cooperative Extension’s MasterGardeners. This session’s topic is"The Oaks of Hanover.” Learn about the stately historical trees right in yourbackyard.

The five microtransit zones are designed to maximize opportunities to connect to major regional employers, medical facilities, and government and community services for residents across the region that have limited or nonexistent transit options. They will provide transit service and regional connections to major employers such as Amazon and Randolph-Macon College; government services such as a Social Security office and Powhatan County courthouse; large shopping centers such as Brookhill Azalea Shopping Center and Ashland Hanover Shopping Center; and healthcare facilities such as VCU Health Emergency Center.

Fall Leaf Table Place Holders at the Atlee Branch

„ Line Dancing – with classes for beginners and those with a bit more experience, a variety of dance rhythms will be used to make this a fun-filled class. Mondays, beginning Jan. 23 at Laurel Meadow Elementary School.

Library. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Make beautiful and unique placeholders for the holiday table. Participants will be able to make up to sixdifferent placeholders Registration is required

„ Yoga: Seated Gentle –for those 50 and up looking for a gentle yoga practice to improve strength, flexibility, breathing, balance and relaxation. Thursdays, beginning Jan. 12 at Northside Baptist Church.

Preschool Storytime at the Atlee Branch Library. Mondays, Nov. 7, 14, 21, & 28,10 to 10:30 a.m Enjoy books, music, fingerplays and much more at pre-

„ Stained Glass UFO’s –finish your stained glass unfinished projects. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 24 at Pole Green Park.

Adult Enrichment:

„ Little Kookers – young chefs gather for some delicious fun. Monday, Jan. 30 at Pole Green Park.

school Storytime, for ages3-5 with a caregiver.

„ Concealed Carry – participants will receive a course completion certificate from this class that meets and exceeds the requirements for the Virginia Concealed Carry Permit. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Pole Green Park.

„ Parent & Me Dance –movement and creativity for your little one with 804 Dance. Offered Saturdays and Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 28 at 804 Dance Place.

Atlee BookGroup at the Atlee Branch Librar y. Wednesday, Nov. 9,11a.m. to noon Joinin-person or on Zoom fora lively book discussion on "Bittersweet" by Colleen McCullough. Pick up a copy of the book at the Atlee Branch

„ It’s Euchre Time – a social and fun time for all while playing this engaging card game. Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 11 at Montpelier Park.

Youth: „ Bricks 4 Kidz – Junior

see LIBRARY, pg 18

BY ROBERTHARLING

„ Tennis: Indoor – get started working on your backhand and forehand with Play Tennis Hanover before the weather warms up. Offered Tuesdays at Pearson’s Corner and Wednesdays at Cool Spring Elementary

Contributedphoto UrsulaHunter and family would liketo wishher husband of 58years, Clarence T. Hunter Sr., a happy80thbirthdaythat wascelebratedon Oct. 20.ThisHanovernative, whoproudlyserved 22years inthe U.S. Armywithtwo toursin Vietnam,epitomizesthe ideaof a father

ASHLAND/ WESTERN HANOVER

Ashland Ga rden Club celebrates 10 0 years

THE UNIVERSE FROM THE CENTER

New Year brings longer days after solstice

Contributed Report

TheLocal

DR. GEORGE SPAGNA Special to The Local

The AshlandGardenClub (AGC),foundedonOct. 12,1922,is celebrating its Centennialanniversary. Club members took a photo in SeptemberatRhodeen on the campusofRandolph-Macon College. Mary McDermott Beirne, foundingmemberand firstpresidentofthe AGC, lived atRhodeenandmany of herwhite daffodilscanstillbe seenbloominginthespring nearthehouse.

Happy New Year! Now that we’re past the solstice on Dec. 21, the time between sunrise and sunset will get a bit longer each day. The tilt of Earth’s axis is steady except for a long-term “precession” which takes some 26,000 year, and some shorter term “nutation” with a period of about 18 years. You won’t notice either in your lifetime – the precession moves the apparent direction of the north pole around a circle 47 degrees wide. The nutation angle is only a few seconds of angle (one second is 1/3600 degrees). Both motions are caused by tidal interaction with the sun and moon.

Ontheanniversary date, theclubhostedits Fall Fantasy fundraising event Nancy Hugo gave an exceptionalprogram on “TheExtraordinary Osage Orange.” Fall Fantasyproceeds are used to fundscholarships for students to attend events such asCampBloomand 4-HCamp, as wellas a $2,000 scholarshipfor a Patrick Henry High Schoolseniorwhoplans to study horticulture,agriculture, botany orenvironmental

Just some quick catch-up: Artemis I was successfully returned to Earth right on schedule on Dec 11. Artemis II will launch with a fourperson crew no earlier than 2024. The lunar landing mission of Artemis III will happen no sooner than 2025 and may be delayed if NASA doesn’t get the new lunar surface space suits finished or if the lunar lander isn’t ready. They’ve contracted with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for a version of the company’s “Starship.” Prototypes have mostly either crashed or exploded on test flights, and it has yet to even make Earth orbit, let alone to the moon.

Above, Centennialbyplanting daffodilsinpublicspacesaround Ashland.MembersofThe Ashland GardenClub,September 2022in frontof Rhodeen.

and First Quarter on Jan. 28 at 8:20 p.m. All times are Eastern Standard.

studies.The Ashland Museum opened a new exhibitabout the AGC that will run through January 2023.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

three parts.” Ask a Latin teacher if you don’t get it!

Ashland Museum presents musical HistoryTalk

C ONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Ashland Museum will host singer-songwriter Glenn Birch for a program of original music highlighting historic events, many of which took place in Virginia.

The songs tell stories of Hurricane Camille, Henry “Box” Brown, the Bedford Boys, and others. This program will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry Street on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not needed.

Additionally, clubmembers are planting525daffodilbulbsinpublicspaces around Ashland thisfall as

The Parsons’Cause Foundation seeking donations for summer 2023 programs

Contributed Report

TheLocal

There was some breathless press noise about Lawrence Livermore Labs achieving ignition in a test fusion reaction. While the science is pretty good, there’s a lot of engineering needed before we can claim to have routine fusion power to replace fossil fuels (or even current nuclear fission reactors). I’ll have more to say about fusion in general and this “breakthrough” in particular in next month’s column.

Aftera two-yearhiatusdue to theCOVID-19pandemic,the Parsons’ Cause Foundation was pleased to presentshowsduring thesummerof2022. In all,741 peopleattendedashowthispast summer.

Lunar phases for January: Full Moon on Jan. 6, at 6:08 p.m.; Last Quarter on Jan. 14, at 9:12 p.m.; New Moon on Jan 21 at 3:53 p.m.;

Thefoundationisnow settingtheirsightson br inging a superb lineupofperformers to the Historic Hanover Courthousein thesummerof2023. To doso,they

Mercury returns to the predawn sky around mid-month. Look to the southeast for a bright “morning star.” Venus is the bright “evening star,” which will set around 7 p.m. Mars will be due south (“crosses the meridian”) at about 9 p.m., setting before dawn at 4 a.m. Jupiter is already up at sunset, crossing the meridian at 5 p.m. It will set before midnight. Think of Saturn as another evening star, but not as bright as Venus, setting at 7 p.m.

Looking overhead about two hours after sunset, you will find the constellation Perseus at zenith. Its two brightest stars are Mirphak and Algol. The latter is a multi-star system whose third component was discovered by my undergraduate advisor, Dr. Alan Meltzer. He had a wry sense of humor, and his joke on this was especially witty for those Latin students who have read Caesar’s commentaries on the gallic wars – “Algol is divided into

are requestingassistancefromthe communityandaskthat residents considerthefoundationfortheir endofthe year charitable contributions.

Taxdeductibledonationscanbe sent to thefoundationatthefollowingaddress:The Parsons'Cause Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 364, Mechanicsville, VA 23111-0364.

The Parsons’Cause Foundation BoardofDirectorsthanksthe communit y fortheirsuppor t and considerationand wishesalla Merr y Christmasandaprosperous 2023.

a cheer y springtime gift to the town for years to come. Areas planted to date include

Monthly Trivia Night will continue on the third Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. at a location to be determined by the weather. Watch the museum’s Facebook page or visit the website (ashlandmuseum.org) for a final notice. MC Woody and DJ Brent are busy working on questions to test participants’ knowledge.

the Ashland TrainStation, AshlandLibrar y, Hanover Arts & ActivitiesCenter, the

events this year or in the museum, 105 Hanover Avenue in Ashland. The museum’s winter hours begin this weekend on Friday and is open from 12 to 2 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Ashland Police Station, Henry Clay Elementary Schooland the town parks.

Upcoming programs atAshland branch library

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland

Branch Library

That bright star to the east of zenith is Capella in the constellation Auriga. It’s the sixth brightest star as seen from Earth. Below zenith and to the southeast we have a wonderful alignment. Sweeping your attention downward, you’ll find the Pleiades, then the constellation Taurus with its brightest star Aldebaran as the heart of the Lion. Below Taurus, Orion is rising. Gemini is to the east with Castor above Pollux its two brightest stars. Cygnus is setting to the northwest in an orientation that makes clear why it is known as 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, please feel free to contact me at gspagna@ rmc.edu. (I have retired from Randolph-Macon College but will continue these columns and use of that email address for the foreseeable future.)

A Royal Stor ytime at the AshlandBranch Library. Thursday, Dec 8,6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Calling all Princess and Princesses fora Royal Storyime Dressin your best royal outfit and join the library for stories and crafts befitting your highnesses. Register fora reminder athttps:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Mad aboutMahjong! at the AshlandBranch Library. Fridays, Dec. 9,10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Looking for experienced players to play with? Join other Mahjong enthusiastsin

The museum thanks the community for their support in 2022 and hopes to see resident at their

playing the culturaltilegame at the Ashland Library.

GRTC

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Email the museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804-368-7314 if you have questions about any of these events.

Santa’s Workshop Family Escape Room at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday, Dec 10, 11a.m. to noon,1 to 2p.m., 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jack Frostistrying to ruin the holidays by hiding Santa’s magic sleigh key. Can yourfamily figure out the clues to find the key and save the holidays?Register fora time slot athttps://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/.

Torres said the program should also reduce traffic congestion.

“Since microtransit service is anticipated to be used by citizens with limited vehicle access who may have had to rely on others to help make their daily trips, it should provide an overall reduction in single occupancy vehicle trips in the region as it replaces these trips with shared rides.”

The program will replace a

3 Rivers Livestock Club at the AshlandBranch Library. Tuesday, Dec. 13,6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ages5-18. Would you like to participate in

planning community service events and hone yourexpressive arts skills? At the library’s meetings,learn how toget involved incommunity and public affairs,how to be a good role model,how to give backtoyour community, and how to use time management skills to enjoy every part of life.

peak-only fixed-route bus line with all day microtransit service. Where zones are contiguous to the GRTC service area, microtransit will provide connections to GRTC stops, giving patrons access to the wider Richmond-area transit network.

Sew Ready to Learn at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Dec 14, 5 to 8 p.m. Join the Hanover SewingGrouptoworkon various projects as a seasoned quilter talks about various quilting methods, ways to runa guild and combining quilting with other hobbies.

GRTC received TRIP funding in fiscal year 2022 to continue offering free fares and its local bus ridership has exceed pre-pandemic levels. It expects systemwide ridership to recover to 2019 levels by 2023 and grow by 2% per year each year through 2027.

| Also serving the communities ofMontpelier, Beaverdam, Rockville and Doswell

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ASHLAND MUSEUM singer-songwriter Glenn Birch is featuring his original music in The ashland Museum’s next HistoryTalk program on Jan. 12.

Library of Virginia’s 200th anniversary exhibit

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Library of Virginia, one of the oldest state libraries and archives in the nation, will mark its bicentennial in 2023 with a free exhibition — “200 Years, 200 Stories,” running Jan. 24 through Oct. 28. The exhibition and multimedia experience celebrate 200 Virginians whose fascinating narratives are housed in the library’s collections and together reflect the stories of Virginia.

The Library of Virginia was founded by the General Assembly on Jan. 24, 1823, to organize, care for and manage the state’s growing collection of books and official records — many of which date back to the early colonial period. Since then, the collection has grown to 2 million books, newspapers, maps, prints and photographs, as well as 130 million manuscript

items, making the Library of Virginia the most comprehensive resource in the world for the study of Virginia history, culture and government.

“We’ve been fortunate to play such an important role in preserving Virginia’s history and culture for two centuries,” said Librarian of Virginia Sandra Treadway, Ph.D. “This exhibition provides a great opportunity to educate the public about the significance of our collections and engage them in exploring the past while reflecting on how it connects to the present and our next century.”

Rather than a top 10 or a who’s who, “200 Years, 200 Stories” profiles Virginians of all stripes: heroes and villains, the famous and infamous, the powerful and the powerless. Stories feature Virginians like Ethel Bailey Furman, one of the

shown is an archived photograph of the Furman Contractors made up of builders and tradespeople hailing from historically black neighborhoods that will be featured in the Library of Virginia’s “200 years, 200 stories” exhibition.

first black female architects in Virginia; David Martin, founder of the Martin Agency and creator of the famed tagline “Virginia is for Lovers”; Chinese im-

migrant Ow Chuck Sam, who became a naturalized citizen and served in the armed forces during World War II; and many more.

History and art special-

Ridolphi

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America’s dining habits are changing.

A long row of chairs was placed along the wall to accommodate those waiting for orders, but they remained empty except for one gentleman, who sat nervously on the edge of his seat.

After periods of inactivity, the man would suddenly wave his arms as if he was speaking to a large group of people, but never uttering a sound.

He wasn’t as old as he looked, evidenced by his frothy full head of white gray hair, and I was immediately intrigued by his actions.

There was no wait for my food, and it was sitting ready

on a shelved unit marked Online Orders. I turned to thank the person working behind the busy counter.

“Is he OK?” I asked shifting my eyes toward the man in the chair.

“He’s just in here getting warm,” the employee said. “I’m trying to let him stay as long as I can until someone complains.”

I grabbed my bag and exited, heading to my car and eventually the comfort of my warm house, but something would not let me leave the parking lot.

I re-entered the restaurant and immediately took the seat beside the man.

“Hello there. How are you?” I asked him.

He replied with a big smile but no words. But, something in his eyes revealed a dignity not easily

recognizable at first glance. I returned his gesture with a smile.

“I’m going to get you something to eat. Is that OK? You stay warm and have a happy holiday,” I said patting him softly on his shoulder.

The smile returned and he looked at me and nodded.

I headed back to the counter and told the employee that I would like to buy the man a sandwich and a cup of soup. When I reached for my wallet, the clerk said no payment was required, and he ordered the food.

I thanked the counter person, waved goodbye to the man in the chair, and headed home. The takeout food was great, and I sat and thought of the man in the chair as I enjoyed it.

Make no mistake, my

small act of kindness deserves no recognition and my gesture was uneventful in the general scheme of things; but, the plight of the man is important.

He, most likely, represents only one of America’s walking wounded who survive on the fringes living on the edge. I’m certainly not naïve enough to believe the problem can be solved by one specific act of kindness; or vain enough to pat myself on the back for a humane act I would expect from any of my fellow citizens.

But regarding compassion, one-on-one is not a bad place to start, and as my Mother always advised, when it comes to kindness, you always receive more than you give.

It just might be contagious.

ist Susan Glasser served as guest curator, helping to bring an outside perspective and select content that would reflect the diversity of Virginia’s narratives.

“We want exhibition visitors to experience the joy of discovery felt by our patrons every day when they encounter the treasures within our collections,” said Greg Kimball, Ph.D., the Library’s director of public services and outreach.

The exhibition begins in the lobby with montages of individuals featured in the stories, a large map of Virginia on the lobby floor identifying the locations of the featured individuals, and an interactive kiosk for visitors to explore the evolution of the Library’s physical site or enjoy a look at the institution’s internal workings.

Once visitors enter the Exhibition Gallery, another

interactive kiosk presents the stories of 200 Virginians, searchable by themes and location, while “discovery drawers” allow visitors to explore ephemera collections with items such as travel brochures, posters and more.

The exhibition is one of several key events and initiatives planned to celebrate the Library’s bicentennial in 2023. Look for the full 200th anniversary event schedule in the coming weeks on the Library’s calendar at https://www.lva.virginia. gov/eventscalendar/ or the website at lva.virginia.gov.

The Library of Virginia is the state’s oldest institution dedicated to the preservation of Virginia’s history and culture.

The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

Parks

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Schools, beginning the week of Jan. 17.

Therapeutic: These programs are designed for persons with disabilities or special needs.

„ Art and Movement – exercise your mind and your body as you join us for a small group session of simple exercises and crafts. Offered Mondays at Montpelier Park and Tuesdays at Pole Green Park, beginning the week of Jan. 23.

„ Cake Pops Like a Boss – decorate delicious and

decorative cake pops like a pro. Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Pole Green Park.

„ Winter Beach Party – it’s an “aloha” worthy party to take the chill off of your winter blues. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Church of the Redeemer.

To learn more about these and more program offerings and register online, please visit www.hanoverparksrec.com.

Contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation with any questions by phone number, (804) 365-7150 or email parksandrec@hanovercounty. gov.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA

Mechanicsville hosts holiday basketball tournament

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Just days before the new year, Mechanicsville High School played host for two days of non-stop basketball action as they welcomed teams like New Kent, Grace Christian and King William for the The Ville Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament on Dec. 28-29.

The Lady Mustangs entered the tournament an undefeated defensive juggernaut and left it just the same, moving to 7-0 on the season and winning the tournament with wins over New Kent and King William that left little doubt of just how talented a group these Mustangs have proven to be to start the season.

A common theme with the Mustangs this season has been the way that they turn good defense into easy transition offense. That was evident in both games, as they constantly bother the ballhandler with traps and well-timed help defense as soon as they cross midcourt.

In the opening matchup against King William, Mechanicsville ran away with the lead early, jumping out to a 22-4 lead thanks to that reputable defense that included an early steal and block from junior Ashley Ownes and a stealand-score from freshman Kedelin Santos.

That lead grew to 50-11 by halftime, with the Mustangs out-running the Cavaliers with their breakneck pace and harassing defense.

On one play that embodies just how good their defense was, Santos ripped the ball from the hands of a Cavaliers guard and drove in for a layup through contact for a 3-point play.

By the second half, the Mustangs were able to maintain their large lead, clear out the bench and cruise to their sixth victory of the season, 78-20.

The next day, the Mustangs took on the New Kent Trojans (5-3), who sought to halt the home team’s pace and stop their fast break opportunities. It worked fairly well in the first quarter, with the game seeing a lot of stop-and-start play and few

chances for the Mustangs to run the floor, but the Mustangs had a 7-4 foul advantage and did well at the free throw line to take a 19-7 lead into the second quarter.

The next quarter, the Mustangs were able to get back to what they do best: push the pace and force turnovers.

Santos, who finished with a team-leading 24 points, was at the forefront of the attack, kicking the second quarter off with a top-ofthe-arc triple.

Next to her was a 13-point first half from senior Bennett Carlton, who finished with 17 points on the night. New Kent struggled to contain Carlton without fouling, and she scored six points from the free throw line on eight attempts.

With a 41-12 halftime lead, it was again a drama-free second half for the undefeated Mustangs as they took care of business and got to hoist the tournament trophy at midcourt after their win.

The boys team lost both of its matchups in the tournament, though both games went down to the wire and nearly resulted in

Mustangs victories.

The Mustangs clawed back from a double-digit deficit against the King William Cavaliers, but the Cavs hit two late free throws to take a 51-49 win.

Led by a 13-point second half from junior guard Joe Evans and 10 points from junior Nolan Harris, the Mustangs turned things around

after a tough second quarter thanks to good work on the glass and some impressive ball movement to outscore the Cavaliers 13-7 in the third quarter to make it a 37-32 deficit entering the final eight minutes. After Evans soared past his defenders for an early-quarter layup, that deficit became just three points, and the Mustangs and

Cavaliers traded baskets as it stayed within a seven-point game down to the final three minutes.

With 37 seconds left, a wild sequence saw senior Josh Morris follow his own missed shot, battle for the offensive rebound and kick to an open Evans, who nailed a three on the wing to make it a two-point game. After an intentional foul sends a King William shooter to the line, he only made one and saw his second hit the rim three times and fall out, allowing the Mustangs to push the pace off the miss and tie the game up with 13 seconds left off a Harris 3-pointer.

The Cavaliers regained the lead for good though after a foul on the ensuing inbounds gave them a goahead free throw. They got another point via free throw soon after to make it a two-point game, and on the last possession of the game, junior Brady Barton and Harris each had a chance to score that didn’t go their way.

The next day, the Mustangs found themselves again in a close battle against the Grace Christian Warriors, who won in a 58-53 thriller.

The Mustangs trailed early to a Warriors team that relied upon their 3-point shooting to gain the edge, but after entering the third quarter down eight, the Mustangs chipped away to make it a six-point game entering the fourth quarter.

The deficit went down to just three points multiple times over the final eight minutes, but the Warriors continued to respond with shots that gave them the slight edge they needed to pull out the road win.

With three minutes left, an offensive rebound from senior Julian Jones led to a kickout to Jamil Mashore, whose 3-pointer made it a 54-52 game. The Mustangs wouldn’t get any closer than that, and another well-timed 3-point response from the Warriors was enough to prove the outcome.

Next up for the boys team is a meeting at home against Essex on Jan. 4 while the girls team hosts Patrick Henry on Jan. 6.

PHOTOS BY ROBBY FLETCHER

sophomore Kate Carlton soars in for a layup against King William at The Ville Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament on dec. 28-29.

Junior Brady Barton takes a mid-range jumper against King William on dec. 28.

Youth baseball continues to grow in Mechanicsville

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Interest in the sport of baseball has always been high in Mechanicsville, but in recent years, that interest level has steadily increased at the youth level.

Much of that has to do with the high school programs continuing to develop college-level talent and competing with the best in Richmond, but it also has to do with the emphasis placed on quality coaching within the youth travel programs in the area. Programs like Mechanicsville’s RBA 360, coached by Robin Rochelle, have done well in building up-andcoming baseball players into even better athletes, and it’s no coincidence how.

“Baseball in Mechanicsville is doing very well. I think Hanover County could be considered a hotbed for baseball,” Rochelle said of the state of baseball in the area.

Rochelle’s coaching background dates back to 1984 when he worked with Tuckahoe Little League. In 1995, he started working in the travel circuit with a team made up of Tuckahoe Little League players as well as his youngest son. That 15U team featured multiple players that were later drafted out of high school or college baseball into the MLB Draft, and it was named the 15U national champions out of the United States Specialty Sports Association.

That all led him to the Richmond Baseball Academy, which was founded by coach Bob Smith, a well-respected baseball figure who coached at VCU and in the SEC before committing to youth baseball development. It was there that Rochelle was a coach for RBA when it was the only showcase team in Richmond.

Rochelle also worked with Smith as his assistant coach for the Petersburg Generals of the Coastal Plains League, a wood bat college summer league.

Today, his work with the Mechanicsville-based RBA 360 team has led to yet another successful endeavor, and has become a symbol of the interest and growth for

rBa 360 won a usssa fall tournament that was held at atlee Little League Field in november with a perfect 3-0 record in a single elimination bracket.

the sport in the area.

One of the biggest recent successes from RBA 360 came from their 12U team, who recently won in an inspiring fashion at a USSSA fall finale tournament held at Atlee Little League Field in November. It was the kind of performance that Rochelle says showed the resilience and adaptability of his young pupils.

After a rough first day at the tournament where the team lost two games and entered the final day needing three straight wins in a single elimination bracket, the players answered the call, braved a brutally cold November day and ran off wins of 7-1, 8-2 and 9-3 to win the championship. Six

different pitchers had to cover 18 innings in one day, an impressive feat at any level, and even more impressive was the fact that the team made few in-game mistakes despite the brutal temperatures and heavy workload of playing three games in one afternoon.

Rochelle says while the game is still the same compared to when he used to play, the methods for coaching and working with young athletes has evolved rapidly thanks to advancements in game data and analytics.

“Baseball has become more specialized in the way it’s taught even though baseball is played the same,” Rochelle said.

With high speed video that al-

lows coaches to hone in on bat swings or arm actions, Rochelle and his fellow coaches have been able to use these advancements as additional teaching tools that ultimately help their Mechanicsville baseball players improve on their craft and see exactly how they need to improve.

“Kids playing travel baseball at our academy in Mechanicsville are taught more than just baseball fundamentals,” Rochelle said. “There’s an element of hard work and sacrifice that goes into learning baseball at an advanced level.”

That element of hard work pertains to things outside of the game as well. A focus on family and school work has always been a

priority with the team, with baseball working its way into the picture behind them. Demonstrating strong character, a respect for the other athletes on the field and an understanding of how the game should be played are priorities programs like RBA 360 have instilled in their young players early on in their baseball careers.

There’s a lot that goes into this thriving era of youth baseball in Mechanicsville. From the coaching down to the new ways to break down the game, it’s culminated in positive developments for the players taking the field.

robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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FairmountChristianChurch, 559-8070

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StPaulLutheranChurch(LCMS) 427-7500 ∂ 8100ShadyGroveRd, saintpaul-lcms.com Rev.RodneyBitely,Pastor;Sun. Sch.9:15am,Worship10:30am

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FairfieldPresbyterianChurch 6930ColdHarborRd.,23111 8:45&11:00amservices www.fairfieldpcusa.org

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TheHanoverCountyBoardof Supervisorswillconduct aStrategicPlan Workshopon Wednesday,January 11,2023from12:00 –2:00 P.M. This workshopwillbeheldintheBoardof Supervisors’ConferenceRoominthe HanoverCountyAdministrationBuilding atHanoverCourthouse,7516County ComplexRoad,Hanover,Virginia.This meetingwillbeopentothepublicbutit isnotanticipatedthatpubliccomment willbetakenattheworkshop.

PUBLICNOTICE

Noticeisherebygiventha ttheHanoverCountyPlanningCommissionhas set Thursday,Januar y19,2023,at6:00 P.M., intheBoardRoomofthe HanoverCountyGovernmentBuilding at HanoverCourthouse,Hanover, Virginia,astheday,date,time,andplacefor apublichearingtoconsiderthe followingcases, at whichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:

REZ2022-00023,CHRISTIH.ANDEDWIN DAVIDADAMS

Request(s)torezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,toAR-6(c),Agricultural ResidentialDistrictwithconditions,onGPIN8733-64-9815(part),consisting of approximately10.98acres,andlocatedontheeastlineofColdHarbor Road(StateRoute156) approximately0.25milessouthofitsintersection withMcGheeHouseRoad(privateroad).Thesubjectpropertyisdesignated ontheGeneralLandUsePlanMa pasAgricultural.Theproposedzoning amendmentwouldpermitthecreationofoneadditionalbuildinglotfora familymemberfor agrossdensityofone(1)dwellingunitper5.49acres.

(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:ColdHarbor

REZ2022-00026,GRANDMAMITCHELL’SPLACE,L.L.C.

Request(s)anamendmenttotheconceptualplanandproffers approved withrezoningrequestREZ2020-00019,GrandmaMitchell’sPlace,L.L.C.,on GPINs7884-10-0166and7884-10-6499(part),consistingof approximately 13.5acres,zonedM-2(c),LightIndustrialDistrictwithconditions.The propertyislocatedonthesouthwestquadrantoftheintersectionof Verdon Road(StateRoute684)and WashingtonHighway(U.S.Route1).Thesubject propertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMa pasIndustrial. (PUBLICHEARING)

MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

REZ2022-00010,7147MECHANICSVILLETURNPIKE,L.L.C.,ETAL.

Request(s)anamendmenttotheconceptualplanandproffers approvedwith rezoningrequestC-11-17(c),MDCBrand yHill,L.L.C.,onGPIN8714-871189,consistingof approximately19.7acres,andlocatedonthesouthline ofBrand yRunDrive(StateRoute1070) approximately600feetsouthofits intersectionwithMechanicsville Turnpike(U.S.Route360).Thisamendment includes arequesttorezoneadditionalacreagefromB-1,Neighborhood BusinessDistrict,toRM(c),Multi-FamilyResidentialDistrictwithconditions, onGPIN8714-77-2332,consistingof approximately6.5acres.Thetotal acreageforthisrequestwouldincreaseto approximately26.19acres. ThesubjectpropertiesaredesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMap asMulti-Family(8to15dwellingunitsperacre).Theproposedzoning amendmentwouldpermitthecreationof144 age-restricted apartments. Thetotalnumberofdwellingunitsforbothdevelopmentswillconsistof 351unitson26.2acresfor agrossdensityof13.4unitsperacre.(PUBLIC

HEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Mechanicsville

CopiesoftheabovecasesmaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,Monday through Friday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m.pleasecontact thePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogotohttps://www.hanovercounty. gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archiveformoreinformation.

LAURELWOODS APARTMENTS

Featuring One(1)andTwo(2)Bedroom Apartmentswithwalltowall carpetandcentralairandheat. Applicationsmaybepickedupat 211N.CottageGreenDr., Ashland,VA.23005 Officehours:Mon-Fri,8am-4:30pm (804)798-7368 ChabertonEnergyispleasedtoinvite allmembersofthecommunityaswe presentourplansfor aplannedCommunitySolarprojectlocatedinMechanicsvilleonRockhillRoadnearthe intersectionofSwansLane.Theproject willhave afootprintofapproximately 17acreson apreviouslyclearedapproximately40acreproperty,andlandscapingwillbeaddedtoeffectively screentheproject.Weintendforthe projecttobepartoftheSharedSolar Program,inwhichthesolarenergy producedbythesystemwillbeoffered directlytoresidentsat aguaranteed discount,withmostofthesavingsallocatedtoLowtoModerateIncomecustomers.Thecommunitymeetingwillbe heldMonday,January9that6:00pmat theoldBlackCreekFirehouselocated nexttoBlackCreekBaptistChurch 6229McClellanRoad,Mechanicsville.

endsoff.401Koffered.Please callBobbyPerkins804-338-6028.

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Sometimes you have to hold some things in to safeguard others from sticky situations. It can be tricky keeping secrets, but this week it is for the best.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, there are a lot of people in your corner right now who are willing to pitch in when you need help. If you encounter an obstacle, just ask for assistance.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, change your schedule or your scenery, especially if you feel like you are in a rut. All it may take is one modification to bring on an entirely new perspective.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

If a person comes to you needing a friend in the next few days, resist the urge to offer advice. Simply listen and provide companionship. This is all the person needs at the moment.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Prioritize getting your finances in order, Leo. Make this one New Year’s resolution that you maintain; otherwise, you may have financial troubles in the months to come.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

A few opportunities are coming your way in regard to your career, Virgo. Sort through all of the offers and figure out what works best for your situation.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, there is a lot of momentum around you, but for some reason you cannot find your footing. Sooner than later you’ll find your path and will be moving along.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Take charge of your priorities, Scorpio. It can be easy to get swept away in other people’s drama. Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish and start working.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, people are expecting much of you this week, especially higher-ups at work. You may need to find the motivation to keep going. The end result will be worth it.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Family time is a hot commodity for you right now, Capricorn. Even after the holidays, you have a few other events on the calendar that will bring relatives together.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

It can be difficult to let things go and trust other people. However, the free time that you’ll get will enable you to tackle other items on your todo list, Aquarius.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

If you are thinking about going back to school or learning a new skill, this is the time to do it, Pisces. Start shopping around for programs.