Junior college provided boost for many students

JIM RIDOLPHI

Contributing Columnist

The late 1960s and early 70s provided the perfect opportunity for every graduating high school senior to seek further education at any of the small colleges and junior colleges that emerged in Virginia and North Carolina. That motivation prompted an exodus of students from states where higher education options were limited, and junior colleges were rare; so many sought admittance to schools that in unison, seemed to form a new trend in higher education, the junior college community.

In actuality, it was more than a trend and could better be described as a culture, a small slice of Americana now lost, seldom recalled or chronicled, and per- haps, better forgotten as a lost era. But, to those who flocked to those junior colleges, the two years spent on small campuses is a memory that deserves recognition, a portion of their lives when amazing transformations occurred.

When I mention junior college today, most of my friends immediately associate the term with community college and

LMechanicsville-Ashland

Publisher Joy Monopoli jmonopoli@Rsnva com

Managing Editor laura McFarland ...................... lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

Sports Editor Robby Fletcher rfletcher@powhatantoday.com

Production Manager denine d’angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Sales Representative Tom haynie ............................................ thaynie@mechlocal.com

Classifieds cindy adams cadams@mechlocal.com use it almost interchangeably. In actuality, they are two distinctly different institutions.

The nation’s community college system has achieved remarkable results, offering training programs, associate programs and technical training that opened opportunities for millions of Americans. They offer affordable training to all students, all funded by public funds

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

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

send letters to: The Mechanicsville-ashland Local 8460 Times-dispatch blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: (804) 344-8746 e-mail: editor@mechlocal.com well spent. It’s also important to note that many of these junior colleges eventually became community colleges and played internal roles in that system’s creation.

But, the junior colleges I am describing were located on real campuses, and although miniaturized, availed students of

Please see JUNIOR, Page 7

Sheriff's

Impersonating Law Enforcement Officer was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road.

Grand larceny — auto theft was reported in the 10000 block of Lewistown Road/Ashcake Road.

Monument: Intentional

Junior

every aspect of college life; and most students lived on campus in dormitories, a vital part of the survival model for small schools who depended on those charges to survive in a highly competitive educational arena.

Many of the schools were affiliated with various religious denominations while many others were private institutions run by governing boards.

Many of those prevalent junior colleges transitioned to four-year institutions, and other shuttered their doors. Still more transformed under an expanding community college system in the United States. Today, that

Mechanicsville

From 4

Damage, Value above $1000 was reported in the 12000 block of Yowell Road.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 10300 block of Colonial Estates Circle.

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

Jan. 9

Grand larceny — auto system educates millions of American students who would not have that opportunity if only fouryear options were available.

For many of us, that JUCO experience represents our first memories of college life – an introduction to the experience of leaving home to attend college. Junior college provided the inspiration, or the extra kick in the pants, to continue our education.

Those who experienced junior college during that era have special memories of a time when time seemed to pause, and life revolved around a small campus in a rural town.

It’s difficult to explain to those who weren’t present the attraction of a pair of farmer’s khaki pants theft was reported in the 10200 block of Ibis Drive, Ashland. cut off mid calf partnered with knee high dress socks and Johnston and Murphy tasseled loafers. Combined with a heavily starched dress shirt, the ensemble became the JUCO uniform of the day.

Violation of a protective order (general) was reported in the 17200 block of El Capone Way, Beaverdam.

Credit card fraud more than or equal to $200 in 6 months was reported in the 9200 block of E Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

I’m not sure if any of these two-year residential colleges exist today. As I mentioned, many of them like Chowan and Ferrum are now well respected four-year colleges.

Today, Louisburg College claims to be the only two-year residential college in North Carolina, a position unchanged since (and long before) my days on the junior college circuit, the last remaining remnant of a lost culture, a slice of college culture gone but not forgotten.

Virginiarep Center

JessicaM.Bogese Theatre

4204HermitageRoad participants! We’re working as a team to discuss “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” from this year’s Reading Olympics list. Let’s go for reading gold together! For participants in Hanover County Schools Reading Olympics. The program will focus on discussion about the book as a group to prepare for the Reading Olympics Challenge. Knowledge of the book or reading the book ahead of the program is strongly encouraged.

Adult Storytime at the Mechanicsville submitted by Carolyn Garner, adult public services coordinator.

Branch Library, Friday, Feb. 24, 10:45 — 11:45 a.m. Ages 18 and up. You’re never too old to listen to a good story. If you are, or are the caregiver of, an adult who would enjoy the lively reading of picture books and lighthearted stories, join us for Adult Storytime!

Pokémon Day at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Celebrate the anniversary of Pokémon with a variety of fun activities, crafts, and a showing of Pokémon: The First Movie! All ages welcome!

FEB RUARY17-MA RCH12

Script and lyricsby AdamTob in Musicby DeborahWicksLa Pu ma

Adapted fromtheb oo kwrittenby Chelsea Cl in to n and illustratedby Al ex and raBoiger

BasedonChelseaClinton’sbestsellingbook, joinfourthgraderNaomiinthispowerfulmusical asshetimetravelstomeetfemaletrailblazers HarrietTubman,Dr.VirginiaApgar,RubyBridges, FlorenceGriffithJoyner,andSoniaSotomayor.

Local Calendar

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

The Hanover County board of supervisors has extended the informal assessment review period until Feb. 1, 2023. Previously, the assessor’s Office had been available to discuss individual property assessments with the property owner through Jan. 20. The strong real estate market in

Hanover has led to increases of value for homes throughout the county this year. Members of the Hanover board of supervisors thought that providing additional time for citizens to discuss their assessments would be appropriate. The board unanimously extended the informal review period through Feb. 1. any resident

ForallyourRealEstateneeds,call

StEvEAdAmS

RealEstateProfessional

ServingCentralvirginia

6150mechanicsvilleturnpike mechanicsville,vA23111

Cell:804-370-5009•Office:804-746-1850

Fax:804-730-4286 steven.adams@lnf.com is invited to contact the assessor’s Office at 804-365-6029 with concerns about the assessed value given to their property.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

The Pocahontas Chapter is one of 12 Virginia native Plant society chapters, and serves the counties of amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico,

King William, new Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, and the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and richmond. at 7 p.m. Feb. 2, join ben Kessler of Little bluestem and the “by the seed of Our Plants” podcast for a conversation about cultivating beneficial ecological change over time, preserving genotypic diversity, building

Budget

refugia, and other projects for working with nature in a time of extinction. Little bluestem is a local genotype native plant nursery and nonprofit organization for community education about ecology. This will be a Zoom presentation because the

Please see CALENDAR, Page 18 additional special education teachers and two additional English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers. on Jan. 24, Gill said that presenting a budget overview in the early stages of the process is “very normal” for schools in the region, and stressed that there would be many opportunities for feedback before the final budget adoption by the school board in May.

“We thank all citizens for taking their valuable time to weigh in on this and we do invite continued engagement from now until the budget is adopted,” Gill said. “This process will include, as it has every year, a very concerted effort with regard to transparency on the use of taxpayer dollars.”

Gill said a line item budget will be part of the process, “as it has been in the past and will continue to be.”

As part of this year’s proposed budget the schools will be requesting a 5% salary increase for all employees, as well as funding to cover 100% of the increase in healthcare premiums for calendar year 2023. Salary enhancements will also be aimed at increasing recruitment and retention for certain positions, including senior teachers, assistant principals, student activity directors, transportation support personnel, maintenance employees and social workers. The division is also looking to increase stipends for teacher mentors from $225 to $500 and provide improved incentives for career switchers. New requested positions include 13

The school board is expected to vote on adoption of the proposed plan on Feb. 14, and that budget will be presented to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 22. That presentation will be followed by the opportunity for more community input, with a final decision by supervisors expected in April.

The following are key dates for the 2024 Hanover County Public Schools budget process:

„ Feb. 14 – School board meeting, during which school board will vote on the FY2024 approved budget.

„ Feb. 15 – Board of supervisors meeting, which will include the county administrator’s budget presentation to supervisors.

„ Feb. 22 – Board of supervisors meeting, during which the school board’s approved budget will be presented to supervisors.

„ Feb. 24 – The HCPS Teacher Advisory Council and Classified Advisory Council will present the school board’s approved budget.

„ April 5 – Board of supervisors public hearing on the proposed FY2024 budget.

„ April 12 – Board of supervisors meeting, during which the board will adopt the FY24 Budget.

„ May 9 – School board meeting, during which the school board will vote on the FY2024 adopted budget.

Upcoming Programs At Hanover Libraries

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library

Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.

Uncovering the History of the Hickory Hill Slave and AfricanAmerican Cemetery at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 to 8 p.m. Join the library to welcome Jean Folly, chairperson of the Hickory Hill Slave and African-American Cemetery Organization, and listen and glean words of wisdom from hearing personal encounters of the discovery of African-American cemeteries and the historical journeys of recognizing and preserving them.

Beginning Chair Yoga at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 10:30 –11:30 a.m. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga which is done with the assistance of a chair for those with physical challenges or adults who don’t want the rigor of a typical yoga session. Attendees should wear loose clothing and bring a small blanket. Space is limited.

70th Anniversary of Barksdale Theatre at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursday, Feb. 2, 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. Join us and Bruce Miller, artistic director for the Virginia Repertory Theater, for a hilarious and heart-warming presentation on the founding of the Barksdale Theater at Hanover Tavern. Miller has been in the organization since 1971 and has seen in grow and develop over the years. In 2012, Barksdale merged with Theatre IV to create Virginia Rep, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary this summer.

Mad about Mahjong! at the Ashland Branch Library, Friday, Feb. 3 and 17, 10 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Looking for experienced players to play with? Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game at the Ashland Library!

Instant Shakespeare at the Ashland Branch Library, Saturday, Feb. 4, noon — 5:30 p.m. Adults and teens welcome! Immerse yourself in Shakespeare! Spend a day reviewing, discussing, and preparing for a dramatic reading of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” End the day with the dramatic reading with props. Scripts and props are provided. Bring your own lunch and snacks. (Or — 30 minute break to go get your own lunch). For more information and to request a role, contact Becki Jones at theshakespearelady@hotmail.com.

Mother Goose Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Mondays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Mother Goose is a Storytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. Have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.

A Brief History of the Universe at the Ashland Branch Library, Monday, Feb. 6, 6:30 — 8 p.m. All Ages. Kick off “Celebrating Space in the Center of the Universe Week” with a presentation by Dr. George Spagna on a brief history of the universe.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Family Storytime at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 11:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Hanover Quilting Circle at the Ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 5:30 — 8:30 p.m. Grab your sewing machine, supplies and current project! This group meets the second Wednesday of every month to share ideas, fabric, skills and stories! Beginners, experienced quilters and those curious about the hobby are all welcome to drop in.

Comets and Impactors at the Ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 — 8 p.m. All Ages.

Join Dr. Rachele Dominguez and Dr. Michael Rodruck from Randolph Macon College for an interactive lesson on comets and impactors. Part of “Celebrating Space in the Center of the Uni- verse Week”

Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join us for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing on each of this month. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.

Stomp Rockets at the Ashland Branch Library, Thursday, Feb. 9, 4 — 5 p.m. For grades two to eight. How high can a rocket fly? Make some stomp rockets to celebrate space in the Center of the Universe! Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9682991. Part of “Celebrating Space in the Center of the Universe Week”

3 Rivers Livestock Club at the Ashland Branch Library, Tuesday,

Please see LIBRARIES, Page 14

UpcomingEvents:

205 England Street Ashland,VA 23005

Giveusacall: (804)401-7007

80 forBrady

February2 & 3 at 7pm

February4 at 2pm & 7pm

February5 at 12pm

February8- 10 at 7pm

10AM ToddlerTakeover!

February4 at 10am (FreeEvent)

Forages 1monthto6years, wewillshow 1hour ofcartoons& familyfriendly fare!

EverythingEverywhere

AllAt Once

February 17 at 7pm OneNightOnly!

A hilarious&big-heartedsci-fiaction adventure.

TheBanshees ofInisherin

February 18 at 7pm OneNightOnly!

LifelongfriendsPádraic &Colmfindthemselves atan impassewhen Colmendsthefriendship.

Purchasetickets&seeupcomingeventsat: ashlandtheatre.org

Andrea “Andie” Lee Buch

BUCH, Andrea “Andie” Lee, age 76, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Mechanicsville on January 13, 2023. she is survived by her children, Joel buch, Vicki Ferreira (Paul), Kimberly buch Wells (robert) and Jamie Leigh White; grandchildren, alexandra buch, Courtney buch, delany buch, Walker White and Wyatt White; her sister, Merle epstein (Mitch) and their children, evan, Howard and randi. andrea was a loving, giving and selfless mother, grandmother, sister and friend. she grew up in Pennsylvania, got married and started a family before relocating to Virginia in 1986. andrea was a caring homemaker, avid Philadelphia eagles fan and enjoyed spending time with her close friends and family. andrea will be missed, but there is comfort knowing that she will be joining her parents, Helen and reuben; and her husband, Herbert in the afterlife. services will be private.

CREASY, Kay Crawley, 85, of Mechanicsville, Va., passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Mrs. Creasy graduated from Grace Hospital school of nursing as a registered nurse and remained in her profession until retirement. she was preceded in death by her husband, robin d. Creasy Jr.; and daughter, deborah davis; a grandson, Taylor Cagle.; her late sister, del Winston; and late brother, arnold Crawley. she is survived by her two stepsons and their wives, alan and andrea Creasy and ross and adrianne Creasy; her grandchildren, skyler Cagle, Presley and samantha Creasy; her two sisters, Jane C. Mehaffey and dot scruggs. The funeral service was at the atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 9271 shady Grove rd., in Mechanicsville, Va., at 11 a.m. on saturday, January 28, 2023.

Online condolences at www.woodyfuneralhomeatlee.com.

Servingallfaithssince1897

CharlesD.Morehead,president

–Whypre-planyourfuneral?–

Peaceofmind: pre-planningtakestheburdenofmaking importantdecisionsoffofyourlovedonesduringadifficulttime.

–Whypre-payyourfuneral?–

Financialassurance: pre-paymentofyourfuneralthrough

BennettFuneralHomewillrenderthecostsassociatedwithyour finalexpensesinflationproof.

–WhyBennettfuneralhome?–

Longevity: BennettFuneralHomehasbeenlocallyownedand operatedsince1897.Foroveracentury,Richmondershaveturned touswithtrustandconfidenceintheirtimeofneed.

Forafree,noobligationconsultation, calloneofourfourconvenientlocations:

Central 3215CutshawAve 359-4481

Mechanicsville 8014LeeDavisRd 746-8665

West 11020WestBroadSt 270-6321

Chesterfield (OffWinterpockRoad) 14301AshbrookPkwy 639-4975 www.BennettFuneralHomes.com

SIMMONS, Col. Franklin David Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on January 25, 2023, at the age of 86. He was married to his high school sweetheart, shirley, for 65 years. He was preceded in death by his daughter, alicia ann Haufler. He is survived by his wife, shirley; son, david (Jacque); daughter, Karen Harrison (Chris); and his grandchildren, Conner and Kaitlyn Harrison, Carrie, nicholas, Hope and Grace Haufler. Frank graduated summa Cum Laude with a degree in Human resources administration from st. Leo College. a s a Field ar tillery Officer, he attended OC s at Fort sill, Okla., the Command and General staff College and the army War College. He served 40 years in the Virginia army national Guard and retired with the rank of Colonel. af ter retiring from the Guard, Frank served in the Finance department of the International Mission board for 7 1/2 years. Frank served as President of the Virginia Jaycees from 1970 -1971. In 1969 he was honored by the Jaycees as one of six outstanding Vice Presidents in the nation. He served as Virginia campaign chairman for the Virginia Heart association and the easter seal society. Frank was an active member of shady Grove uMC in Mechanicsville since 1974 where he served as a stephen Minister and leader, bible study facilitator, member of the senior adult Council, alzheimer’s Ministry Team, and Grief support Team. He cherished the relationships with his brothers and sisters in Christ at shady Grove uMC, Mechanicsville Christian Center, the Christian Counseling and Training Center. He also volunteered for many years leading bible studies at the Pamunkey regional Jail in Hanover. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 1 at bennett Funeral Home in Mechanicsville, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. a funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 2 at shady Grove united Methodist in Mechanicsville at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in signal Hill Memorial Park in Hanover. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to shady Grove uMC, 8209 shady Grove road, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, or the Christian Counseling and Training Center, 3602 Floyd avenue, richmond, Va. 23221.

MARTIN, Elizabeth “Liz” Clark, 86, died Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at home. she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, edgar “ed” Martin; and her son, Larry Martin. she is survived by her sons, Chris Martin (late wife, Colleen), Michael Martin (donna); daughterin-law, susan Martin; granddaughters, danielle bell (david), amber Walker, savannah Walker; grandsons, Ian Martin, Zachary Walker (rachel), Jacob Walker; great-granddaughters, Taylor bell and Morgan bell. special thanks go to her caregivers, Tiffany romaine, Tamara Harris, donna Coughlin, Patricia snead, sandra adams and Lisa bennet. Mrs. Martin served as the a ssistant Organist for 46 years at Grace and Holy Trinity episcopal Church. she enjoyed playing bridge, golf and tennis as well as Ikebana flower arranging. a memorial service will be held at Grace and Holy Trinity episcopal Church, at 11 a.m. saturday, February 11, 2023. The family will receive friends for visitation after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the music program at Grace and Holy Trinity episcopal Church, 8 n. Laurel st., richmond, Va. 23220.

Please see OBITUARIES, Page 11

From

Barbara Gibson Shope

SHOPE, Barbara Gibson, of Mechanicsville, was received into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on January 24, 2023. also known as “nannie,” “the one that will always be remembered as a strong-willed and outspoken woman and could find the sunshine on a cloudy day, but most of all for showing her undying love for her family.” born in richmond, Virginia on May 22, 1938, the youngest child of Melvin Gibson and alice Gibson’s two children, she was preceded in death by her parents, alice Hawthorn and Melvin Gibson; her grandsons, Mark shope and brian Mallory; her daughter-in-law, Margaret Martin; and her sons-in-law, James brooks and Michael davis. she is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, edward “bucky” L. shope Jr.; sons, edward L. shope III (Lynn) and Timothy K. shope (debbie); daughters, Tammy s brooks, debra s. Mallory and sherry s. Heinly (Jason); 10 precious grandchildren, Kenny, steven (Mary), Jared (Lisa), Kemper (Jessica), scott, Chelsi (ariel), Keith (Tiffany), adam (adrienne), Joshua and Cole; and three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Cole and Waylon. barbara grew up in richmond’s north side and graduated from John Marshall High school, class of 1957. she converted to Catholicism and became a devoted Catholic, and she chose to teach those values to her children. she later worked at saint Paul’s Catholic school as a gym teacher and school bus driver when power steering on buses didn’t exist. she possessed a gift for teaching and making ceramics. she shared her talent with many folks for over 30 years. she then became an established “yard sale” entrepreneur and cherished her findings, especially bird houses. barbara was a charter member of the Mechanicsville recreation Center and gave many hours of her time and support for her children’s and grandchildren’s youth and high school activities. In addition, she started the Mechanicsville santa breakfast, which raised money for children with cancer. she had a great love for flowers and loved working in her yard. she enjoyed working as an assistant bus driver for over five years and became very fond of her special needs children. she treasured and was most proud of her 21 years of volunteer time at bon secours regional Memorial Medical Center. More importantly, she was the glue that held our family together as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always sympathetic, encouraging and providing advice from her own experiences. she loved her family gatherings at the pool during the summer, weekend/holiday cookouts, tailgating at football and softball games, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays and any other activity where she could bring the family together. God has taken you into his loving arms and ended your suffering ‘til we meet again you will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the caring staff at bon secours Hospice for compassionate care in her final weeks and days. The family received friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2023, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111. a Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at the Catholic Church of the redeemer, 8275 Meadow bridge rd., Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116. Interment followed in signal Hill Memorial Park. a reception was planned for friends following the interment at Monaghan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of barbara shope online to the Grace Christian school Capital Campaign at https://grace-school.net/expansion/support.html or sent to GC s at P.O. box 215, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.

John H. Stolte Sr.

STOLTE, John H. Sr., 67, of Mechanicsville, beloved husband, father, brother, and “Poppy” passed away suddenly the morning of the 12th. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard F. stolte and Lorraine d stolte and survived by his wife, Cindy stolte; brothers, scott stolte (Georgia) and Kent stolte (sue); sister, Tracey Funiciello; daughter, starr Lipinski (Matt); sons, Christopher stolte (rebecca) and John stolte II, as well as many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The family will hold a private celebration as he would have wanted.