Avery Point Is NOW OPEN!

Welcometovibrantliving atAveryPoint,℠ the highlyanticipatednewEricksonSeniorLiving®managedcommunity NOWOPENinShort Pump. Discoverthecarefreelifestyleyou deserveina location you’lllove!

•Experiencethebeautyandprivacyofourlush, 94-acrecampus.

•Choosefromavarietyof spacious, modern apartmenthomes

County.

A 20212 Nissan Altima driven by Cameron Marcel Jones, 29, of Ashland, was involved in a crash with a 2020 Dodge Ram driven by Justin Mavin Canaday, 36, of Chadbourn, North Carolina.

Jones succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

Canaday was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both drivers were wearing a seatbelt. submitted by sgt. Jessica b. shehan, VsP division 1 richmond Public Information Officer.

This crash is still under investigation.

•Enjoy resort-style amenities likeapool,fitness center,andmultiplerestaurants.

•Benefitfromon-siteservicesto enhanceyour health andwell-being

Discovervibrantsenior livinginShortPump!

Profane, threatening language over public airway was reported on the 9400 block of atlee station road.

Petit larceny parts was reported on the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Obtaining money by false pretenses under $200 was reported on the 7200 block of bell Creek road.

Concealment, price alteration of merchandise under or equal to $500 was reported on the 7400 block of bell Creek road.

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported on the 9500 block of Chamberlayne road.

Concealment, price alteration of merchandise under or equal to $500was reported on the 7400 block of bell Creek road. a s sault on law enforcement, court, doc, fire, medical was reported on the 14600 block of b lunts b ridge road/ n ew Found road. dWI: 1st offense was reported on the 16000 block of Mountain road. dWI: 1st offense was reported on the 10200 block of r adford Mill Trace. d WI, blood alcohol content greater than .20 1st offense was reported on the 5900 block of

Please see SHERIFF'S, Page 16

Call 1-800-485-1013 orvisit AveryPointCommunity.com for yourFREEbrochure.

THURSDAY, FEB. 16 s tories fr om the COT u Podcast with b arclay d uPriest will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Performing arts in blackwell auditorium, 205 Henr y street in ashland. The reception will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m., and conversation from 7 to 8 p .m. While there is no charge for this event, barclay requests that you consider a gift of $25 to benefit r-MC athletics in memor y of her son, Tad. For reservations and donation visit https://www. rmc.edu/alumni/alumni-events/ an-evening-with-barclay-dupriest.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

The doswell ruritan salt Fish breakfast will be held from 6 to 9 a.m. s aturday, Feb. 18 at the d oswell r uritan Club, 16433 n Washington Highway. The all-youcare-to-eat salt Fish breakfast will include scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrown potatoes, spiced apples, biscuits, cornbread, coffee and juice. Take-outs available. Cost is $11 for adults.

MONDAY, FEB. 20

Members of the Pamunkey Woman’s Club will meet at 1 p.m. at Mechanicsville baptist Church, 8016 atlee road in Mechanicsville. The speaker will be Marsha rettig from Moments of Hope Ministry, who will share some of the programs that the ministry is involved with. For more information, contact the membership chairman bonnie Walter, 804-650-0391.

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

The Mechanicsville Tea Party will hold a meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Freedom services and Training, 6701 Cold Harbor road, Mechanicsville, across from dollar General. It is close to the Creighton road traffic circle. The guest speaker will be sheriff david Hines. He has been a member of the law enforcement community in Hanover County for almost four decades. sheriff Hines will be speaking about various topics and, time permitting, answer questions. Meetings are open to everybody. If you have any questions, call Glenn baker at 804-752-8389. If he does not answer, leave a message and he will return your call.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23, FRIDAY, FEB. 24 & SATURDAY, FEB. 25

The Friends of the atlee Library will hold their book sale at the Pamunkey regional Library — atlee branch located at 9212 rutlandshire drive in Mechanicsville from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on saturday. a $5 bag sale on will be offered saturday where buyers are asked to bring their own bags. all proceeds from the sale with be used to support the atlee Library. For more information, call the library at 804-559-0654.

Upcoming

THURSDAY, MAR. 2 richmond area speleological society will meet at 7 p.m. at the atlee Library located at 9212 rutlandshire drive. Come hear about caving (spelunking) and how to join future trips to enjoy Virginia caves. They have trips for all ages and experience levels. For more information, visit the website, rass. caves.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Civil air Patrol, Hanover squadron, is hosting an Open House from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor road in Mechanicsville explore what CaP’s fantastic program has to offer for youths, ages 12 — 21 in the cadet program; as well as for adults who care about america and want to serve in training the next generation of Leaders for america. Observe and participate in Honor guard and Color guard, ae rospace, s e arch and re scue, drill, and Leadership demonstrations, with many hands-on activities for all ages. Come out and see for yourself how you, too, can be a part of the us air Force auxiliar y, Civil air Patrol. For more information, contact Lt. brandy Lamberts te vens at brandy.lambert-stevers@vawg.cap.gov, visit https:// vawg.cap.gov/units/hanover or on Facebook (Hanover Composite squadron-Civil air Patrol).

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 a ‘decade of the 60’s reunion’ for all alumni of Hermitage High s chool for the classes of 1960 through 1969 will be held from 4 to 9 p. m. at richmond east Moose Lodge ballroom, 7167 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. Music, food, plenty of tables, chairs, memories and old friends. Cash bar, casual attire. The event is limited to 400 attendees. The cost is $25 per person. To reserve your spot, make out your check to HH s 60’s reunion and mail to: HHs 60’s reunion, 7330 s t aples Mill rd . #249, Henrico, Va 23228. Please include your full name and address and which year you graduated. For more information, contact sue Halsey Cox (class of ‘66) 804-387-9182 or suecox3@ yahoo.com. Or contact dale Morris (class of ‘64) at 804-897-7452 or brendale68@yahoo.com.

Ongoing

Hanover County is working with residents, businesses, landowners and other community members to update its Comprehensive Plan. Called “ e nvision Hanover,” the plan is the county’s long-range vision of Hanover over the next 25 years, addressing land use, housing, economic development and natural resources. It also provides guidance on where growth may be appropriate throughout the county and what that growth should look like. Hanover residents’ feedback will shape the Comprehensive Plan and decisions regarding growth, preservation and public investment for years to come. b ased upon the feedback received, the project team has been working to identify key concepts related to land use, economic development and historic resources. These preliminary ideas will be introduced at a series of events scheduled in January and February. residents will be able to share their ideas by participating with an in-person meeting or webinar, depending upon their schedules. The public participation in-person meetings (presentation + open house, all from 6 to 7:30 p.m.): Thursday, Jan. 26, Montpelier Center for arts and education; Monday, Jan. 30, red barn at Chickahominy Falls; Thursday, Feb. 2, Mechanicsville Library; Thursday, Feb. 9, berea b aptist Church ( rock ville). Webinar only: Monday, Feb. 6, (6 to 7 p.m.) — log-in information to be posted. The county will also offer these “stop and chat” events in which community members can informally chat with project team members on the following days, locations and times: Wednesday, Feb. 1, (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), atlee Library; Tuesday, Feb. 7, (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), ashland Library; and Thursday, Feb. 9, (3:30 to 5 p.m.), rock ville Library. The Hanover b oard of s upervisors will hold public work sessions on the Comprehensive Plan on March 8, May 10 and July 26. The current schedule calls for the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on the proposed update in august, with the board’s public hearing to take place a month later. For information on the planning process, and how you can participate, visit www. envisionhanover.com. you can also follow the process on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

The Hanover County sheriff’s Office will be hosting its 14th annual senior Citizens Police academy. The senior Citizens Police academy will take place april 11 to June 20. The academy will be held every Tuesday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at The Montpelier Community Center, located at 17203 sycamore Tavern Lane, Montpelier, Va 23192. There will be no cost for the participants. Class size will be limited to the first 30 seniors who register. The program will be available to people 55 years of age or older who are residents, business owners or county employees. applicants must also be willing to submit to a background check. This academy is designed to give participants an inside look into law enforcement with the Hanover County sheriff’s Office. Interested seniors are urged to download an application at http://www.hanoversheriff. com/199/senior-Citizens-Policeacademy or contact deputy evan Povar at (804) 365-3363 for an application or additional information. also, the application needs to be notarized. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2023.

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 b aptist 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

all souls episcopal Church celebrates Holy eucharist rite II at 9:15 a .m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 atlee rd. in Mechanicsville. a nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. dougherty is the deacon in charge of all souls. Visit www. allsoulsva.org.

a Healing and recovery ss Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the northstar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 steps and biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. all are welcome. Contact 804746-5081 or contact Craig simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.

Outside the Walls, a narcotics anonymous group, meets from 6

Please see CALENDAR, Page 15 his service in the Army Reserve.

As part of the surprise, members of the Virginia Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Hanover School Board, and Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, recognized Mullens as a recipient of the distinguished award while celebrating Relyea and his service to the nation.

Reached via email after the event, Relyea said when he first learned of his deployment, he was nervous about how it was all going to play out. At that point he had yet to meet Mullens, who was the new principal, but he knew he had to tell her.

“I am keenly aware that there is a teacher shortage and I knew that I would be putting her and the school into a bind,” he said. “When I told her she was, without hesitation, 100% supportive. She never made me feel like I was causing anyone any sort of inconvenience; she set my mind at ease right away and that really helped me focus on what was important.

“She gave me control over when and how we told the faculty and the parents and got everything sent in to central office for me so that I didn’t have to do anything. Being a member of the Army Reserve is seen by some employers as a liability, but not here,” he said.

Mullens said later that as she was presented with the award, she felt like Relyea is the one who really deserved it.

“I am so grateful to him for the sacrifices he is making to serve our country. I am glad he felt supported as he prepared for deployment. I just tried to make the process as easy for him as possible so he could focus on taking care of arrangements for his family,” rober t barnette, chair of the Virginia Committee of employer support of the Guard and reser ve, presents allison Mullens, principal of Cold Harbor elementary school, with a Patriot award for her and the school’s support of Master she said.

Prior to his departure, the school supported Relyea through planning and assisting with school-related tasks and finding out information about the leave process. As a school, they surprised him with signs and cards thanking him for his service on his last day.

Staff donated money so they could purchase a gift card for his family to have a meal out together and hopefully have some left toward an additional meal for his family in his absence, Mullens said. His address was shared with the staff, and cards were sent during the holidays. They are also making plans for a future package with cards, treats and supplies to send.

“The students and staff of Cold Harbor Elementary School are so proud to have (Master Sgt.) Relyea serving our country,” Mullens said.

“His service has brought a very real connection to service to our students. They have learned so much from him about the military, even getting to try MREs during a Veteran’s Day activity he led. Additionally, it has underscored the importance of serving others whether on a local or national scale. He’s our hero!”

Relyea said those gestures from Cold Harbor – the posters all over the hallways and his classroom, the cards, the gift cards – didn’t stop with his departure.

“They have since sent me emails, texts, packages, cards, and letters from teachers and students in the building. In many ways it feels as though I haven’t had to leave,” he said.

Michael Gill said it is an incredible honor to have Relyea as part of the Hanover County Public Schools team. He has not only taught students about the freedoms this nation holds so closely but is defending them overseas, he added.

“We have a long history in Hanover County of celebrating and supporting our service members and our veterans. It was a sincere privilege to both recognize Master Sgt. Relyea for his service and highlight the support that Mrs. Mullens, as well as the Cold Harbor and Hanover County Public Schools community, have provided during his time abroad. He is a hero and it is our honor to support him as such,” Gill said.

Robert Barnette, chair of the Virginia Committee of Employer Support of the

Guard and Reserve, said that recognizing supportive employers like Hanover County Schools is vital to ESGR’s mission.

“The Virginia ESGR State Committee actively promotes awards as a key ele- ment in furthering employer support, while strengthening relationships between service members and employers,” he said. “These Department of Defense awards honor the sacrifices made by so many employers year after year.

BeforemovingtoRichmond,Virginiain1999,Dr. BehnazMovahedhadlivedinDallasandPhiladelphia. ShepursuedherstudiesatVCUSchoolofBusinessand graduatedmagnacumlaudewith adegreeofBachelorofScienceinaccountingin 2003.Afewyearslater,Dr.Behnazdecidedtopursue dentistryduetoherloveofworkinginhealthcare, helpinghercommunity,andinteractingwithpeople. ShegraduatedinMayof2018fromVCUSchool ofDentistry.

Someofherfondestmemoriesindentalschoolwere herexternalrotationsthroughoutVirginiawhereshe, alongsideherclassmates,offeredfreedentalcareto patients.Shehasalsoenjoyedvolunteering forunderservedcommunities suchasVirginiaDental Association’sMissionofMercy projectsinWiseCounty andGrundy,Virginiaas wellasparticipatingin theVCUJamaicaProject wheresheprovidedfree dentalservicestotheir community.

Congratulations Mrs. Mullens.”

Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent of community engagement and legislative affairs, contributed to this article.

Dr.Behnazhas devotedthe majorityofher timeandskills sincegraduation workinginpublic healthdentistry.Shehasalsoprovided dentalhealthservicesatMilitaryReadinessevents throughoutVirginia.Shestrivestohaveastrong andtrustingrelationshipwithherpatientsandto empowerthemtoachieveoptimaloralhealth.Sheis dedicatedtopursuingcontinuededucationinvarious fieldsofdentistrytostayabreastofthenewresearch andtechnology.SheisamemberofSeattleStudy Club,AmericanDentalAssociation,VirginiaDental Association,RichmondDentalSociety,andAcademyof GeneralDentistry.

Whennotintheoffice,Dr.Behnazenjoysspending timewithhertwochildren,family,friends,andherdog. Someofherhobbiesincludecooking,photography, gardening,listeningtopodcasts,andwatchingmovies (especiallyMarvel)!