Mechanicsville-Ashland Local – 03/01/2023

Hanover ReStore plans anniversary open house

Local wrestlers impress at state tournament

Data may hold key to addressing ‘learning loss’

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

When it comes to helping identify and address student learning loss—broadly defined as a loss of knowledge stemming from a gap in a student’s educational program—Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) is letting the data do the talking.

Monument could come to Ashland

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Just in time for the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s historic Triple Crown of 1973, a majestic bronze monument entitled “Secretariat – Racing into History #2/2” by renowned sculptor

Jocelyn Russell may be placed in Ashland. At 21 feet long and 11.5 feet tall, this is the largest sculpture of Secretariat in existence, dramatically illustrating the Virginia-born champion’s largerthan-life presence as an equine

athlete and American icon.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Town of Ashland and Randolph-Macon College entered into a lease agreement on a location for the

As part of a pilot program initiated by the Virginia Department of Education, HCPS is one of 25 school divisions in the Commonwealth using data collected from students’ test scores to help identify and support students in danger of falling behind.

Bridging the Gap, an initiative unveiled by Gov. Glenn Youngkin at the beginning of the current school year, is now underway in two Hanover schools, Bell Creek Middle School and Beaverdam Elementary School.

“School divisions across the Commonwealth have stepped up and answered our call to action to provide real-time data on students’ learning loss and chart a path forward,” said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow when the initiative was announced last September. “This pilot is all about building partnerships – between schools and parents, between schools and our office.”

The program, described during its unveiling as “a critical piece of our efforts to restore educational excellence to Virginia’s public schools,” provides participating school divisions with access to individualized student data reports, support developing personalized learning plan models and continued training. It also

PHOTO BY WAYNE DEMENTI

Bob Lindgren, president of Randolph-Macon College; Kate Chenery Tweedy, Secretariat Monument campaign chair; Steve Trivett, mayor of the Town of Ashland; and Josh Farrar, Ashland town manager, announce the partnership of Randolph-Macon College and the Town of Ashland to provide a home for the Secretariat Monument.

Nominations open for Hanover County Spirit of Volunteerism awards

Friday, March 10 is the deadline for people to nominate an outstanding volunteer for a Hanover County Spirit of Volunteerism award!

Nominations can be submitted for the following categories: Spirit of One, Spirit of Family, Spirit of Inspira-

tion (an individual who has volunteered 20 years or more for a specific organization), Spirit of Youth, Spirit of Dedication (an individual 60 years of age or older), Spirit of Youth-Team, Spirit of Team, and Commitment to Community (business).

Nomination forms and information are available at www.HanoverVolunteers.org or by calling the Department of Community Resources at (804) 365-4300. All nominees will be recognized at Hanover’s countywide Spirit of Volunteerism celebration

on May 16 in the Atlee High School auditorium, with special guest host Simone Cuccurullo of NBC 12 News.

Hanover’s annual Spirit of Volunteerism celebration is a great tradition in Hanover and a free event that is open to the public. This inspiring

program will include music, award presentations and light refreshments.

If you know of any outstanding volunteer, nominate them by March 10.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County Public Information Officer.

Forsubscriptioninformation ordeliveryquestionscontact: MichelleWall 804-775-2711

email:mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460TimesDispatchBlvd., Mechanicsville,VA23116

205 England Street Ashland,VA 23005

Giveusacall: (804)401-7007 GetYourTickets!

April7 at 7pm

LOCAL GIRL SCOUTS HOLD ANNUAL COOKIE BOOTH SALES

Girl scout cookie booth sales kicked off last sunday at Lakeside Farmers Market with Patti, elsie, yashoda and emme of Girl scout 233 in Mechanicsville cookie booth sales will continue through March 17� Thank you for supporting them and helping them reach their goals�

MECHANICSVILLE — ASHLAND LOCAL PICK UP LOCATIONS

MECHANICSVILLE — 23111

360 coin Laundry & cleaners , 7040 Mechanicsville Tpke Truist — Lee davis, 7016

Mechanicsville Tpke

Books Beads & More, 8106 Mechanicsville Tpke colonial Pharmacy, 7510 Mechanicsville Tpke dorns Body & Paint, 8190 Mechanicsville Tpke essex Bank, 6316 Mechanicsville

Tpke

FcL Favor christian Life, 6501 Mech Tpke, ste 101

Gus’ Italian café, 7358 Bell creek road hanover cleaners, 8092 Mechanicsville Tpke healthLink chiropractic center, 7347 Bell creek road hometown realty, 7240 Lee davis rd, suite 200 Kroger, 6335 Mechanicsville

Tpke

TheLittleMermen, aDisneycoverband foundedbysinger-songwriterAlexisBabini,plays alltheDisneyhits,from TheJungleBook to The LionKing,andeven Frozen.Comeseetalented musiciansandDisneyprincessesreadytorock theirheartsout-andyours!

Purchasetickets&seeupcomingeventsat: ashlandtheatre.org

Lee davis B & P, 7051

Mechanicsville Tpke

Lee davis Pharmacy, 7016 Lee Park road

Little Bean coffee co , 7032

Mechanicsville Tpke

Mechanicsville drug store, 8077

Mechanicsville Tpke

Mechanicsville Library, 7461 sherwood crossing Place

Primis Bank (Mechanicsville), 8123 Mechanicsville Tpke

TGI Friday’s, 8100 creighton Parkway

The Ville, 7526 Mechanicsville

Tpke

Treats and Treasures, 5912 cold harbor road Village Bank (Old Mech), 8051 Mechanicsville Tpke West store, 4225 Mechanicsville

Tpke

MECHANICSVILLE — 23116

atlee Branch Library, 9212 rutlandshire drive

Balducci realty & Builders, 10173 chamberlayne road Bell creek Vet�, 8310 Bell creek road

dominion Women’s health, 8239 Meadowbridge road

hogg Professional Building, 9137

chamberlayne road

KidMed, 8356 Bell creek road Owens and Minor, 9120

Lockwood Blvd

Progressive dental, 8417 n run

Medical drive

Pulmonary assoc richmond, 7497 right Flank road

Primis Bank (Kings char ter), 9495 char ter Gate drive

Valero (atlee & sliding hill rds ), 10030 sliding hill road

ASHLAND- 23005

ashland Library, 201 s�railroad

ave

ashland Police dept , 601

england street

ashland Town hall, 101 Thompson street

ashland Visitor center,112 n� railroad ave

cross Brothers Grocery, 107 south center street

hanover community service, 12300 Washington hwy

hanover Parks and rec, 13015

Taylor complex Lane

henry clay shopping center, rt 54 rise n shine diner, 10372

Leadbetter road

sheetz/ashland, 12341 n� Washington hwy

sheetz/Leadbetter dr, 10037 sliding hill road

skateland, 516 n� Washington hwy�

Village Bank, 10035 sliding hill road, #101

ASHLAND — 23059

aw shucks country store, 6100

Pouncey Tract road

MONTPELIER — 23192

Fas Mart, 16575 Mountain road

Food Lion, 16615 Mountain road

Montpelier Library, 17205

sycamore Tavern Lane

Montpelier Pharmacy, 17128

Mountain road

Virginia Family Practice, 15028

Brown Pleasants road

GLEN ALLEN — 23059

aw shucks country store, 6100

Pouncey Tract road

essex Bank /Va center, 9951 Brook road

AYLETT — 23009

Primis Bank- central Garage, 20 commerce Lane

HANOVER — 23069

hanover county admin Bldg, 7516 county complex road

hanover co sheriff’s Office, 7522 county complex road

hanover Branch Library, 7527 Library drive

hanover Post Office, 13228

hanover cour thouse rd

Pamunkey regional Jail, 7240 cour tland Farm road

Wickham Bldg , 7515 county complex road

KING WILLIAM — 23086

citgo route 360 and 30, 5033

richmond-Tappahannock hwy

Valero (King William), 12132 King

William road

One stop Market, 2185

richmond-Tappahannock hwy

MANQUIN — 23106

Manquin Post Office, 2171 richmond Tappahannock

M & M Pizza — B&P station, 1418 richmond-Tappahannock hwy

STUDLEY — 23162 studley store, 5407 studley road

DENINE D’ANGELO, THE LOCAL

JAN. 28

„ d river did not report accident; damage over or equal to $250 was reported on the 7100 block of Brandy hill Trace.

„ dump trash on private property was reported on the 11000 block of richardson road.

„ a simple assault was reported on the 8200 block of atlee road.

„ dWI: 1st offense, blood alcohol content 15 to .20 was reported on the 15200 block of Mountain road.

„ concealment, price alteration of merchandise under or equal to $500 was reported on the 7400 block of Bell creek road.

„ Petit larceny in a building was reported on the 15100 block of Washington highway.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 6400 block of Lakevista drive.

JAN. 29

„ destruction of property, monument was reported on the 9400 block of Kings char ter drive.

„ dump trash on private property was reported on the 7300 block of cour tland Farm road.

„ Unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal was reported on the 10300 block of Lewistown road.

„ hit and run -personal injury was reported on the 15400 block of Washington highway/Taylorsville road.

„ Identity theft, identity to defraud less than or equal to $200 was reported on the 10000 block of doe run Place.

„ concealment, price alteration of merchandise under or equal to $500 was reported on the 7400 block of Bell creek road.

„ a simple assault was reported on the 7700 block of stand circle.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7900 block of Meadow drive.

JAN. 30

„ driver did not report accident; damage over or equal to $250 was reported on the 10300 block of Georgetown road.

„ d i stribute controlled substance on school property was reported on the 10300 block of chamberlayne road.

„ carrying concealed weapon first offense was reported on the 7500 block of coun ty c omple x road.

„ Grand larceny -$500 or more, not from a person was reported on the 10300 block of shellie Lee drive.

„ Threat to extort money was

reported on the 16200 block of Beaver dam road.

„ Identity theft, identity to defraud less than or equal to $200 was reported on the 7300 block of Margel drive.

„ Petit larceny of parts was reported on the 10200 block of Washington highway.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 12000 block of south anna drive.

„ credit card fraud less than $200 in 6 months was reported on the 7100 block of Brooks Farm road.

„ Petit larceny in a building was reported on the 6400 block of Lakevista drive.

„ False statement to obtain property or credit was reported on the 18000 Beaver dam road.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 10000 block of Johnson Town road.

JAN. 31

„ Petit larceny less than $500 not from a person was reported on the 10900 block of r ichardson road.

„ concealment, price alteration of merchandise under or equal to $500 was reported on the 7200 block of Bell creek road.

„ Possessing of forged coin or bank notes over or equal to 10 was reported on the 12000 Fox Mill run Ln

„ Grand larceny -$500 or more, not from a person was reported on the 9100 block of Beaverdam Trail.

„ abuse, neglect of an incapacitated adult -1st offense was reported on the 9100 block of hudnall road.

„ Failure to perform construction after advance was reported on the 11100 block of Garland Park Lane.

„ Threat to extort money was reported on the 8000 block of Bell creek road.

„ e mbezzlement, more than $200 was reported on the 7400 block of Bell creek road.

FEB. 1

„ hit and run — attended property damage over $1000 was reported on the 5200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

„ Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported on the 9200 block of Braden Place.

„ Threatening a school employee was reported on the 8200 block of Lee-davis road.

„ concealment, price alteration

of merchandise under or equal to $500 was reported on the 7400 block of Bell creek road.

„ driver did not report accident; damage over or equal to $250 was reported on the 7100 block of Garden Park Lane

„ Grand larceny — auto theft was reported on the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

„ hit and run — attended property damage over $1000 was reported on the 11300 block of Gwathmey church road.

FEB. 2

„ a simple assault was reported on the 7400 block of Mechanicsville elementary drive.

„ destruction of property, monument was reported on the 8000 block of ellerson Wood drive.

„ Obtaining money by false pretense, larceny equal to $ 200 conspiracy was reported on the 10500 block of stony Bluff drive.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7200 block of Lee-davis road.

„ Fail to stop for a school bus with flashing lights was reported on the 7100 block of Lereve drive/ Lereve circle.

„ Fail to stop for a school bus with flashing lights was reported on the 6700 block of cold harbor road.

„ Breaking and entering with intent to commit felony, assault was reported on the 11500 block of Little Brighton court.

„ Manufacture, sale, possession of a schedule I,II controlled substance was reported on the 600 block of s. Washington highway/ashcake road.

FEB. 3

„ Violation of a protective order (general) was reported on the 7100 block of catlin road.

„ Failure to appear on felony charge was reported on the 7500 block of county complex road.

„ d river did not report accident; damage less or equal to $1000 was reported on the 16500 block of Pouncey Tract road.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7000 block of Marimel Lane.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7400 block of Brook Way cour t.

FEB. 4

„ Firearms, regardless of value, not from a person was reported on the 15200 block of Whispering Wind circle.

Please see REPORTS, Page 9

LEGALNOTICE

HANOVERCOUNTY,VIRGINIA NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARINGAND PROPOSEDREALPROPERTYTAX INCREASE

TheCountyofHanover,Virginiaproposestoincreasereal propertytaxlevies.

1.AssessmentIncrease:Totalassessedvalueofrealproperty, excludingadditionalassessmentsduetonewconstruction orimprovementstoproperty,exceedslastyear’stotal assessedvalueofrealpropertyby11.6percent.

2.LoweredRateNecessarytoOffsetIncreasedAssessment: Thetaxratewhichwouldlevythesameamountofrealestate taxaslastyear,whenmultipliedbythenewtotalassessed valueofrealestatewiththeexclusionsmentionedabove, wouldbe$0.73per$100ofassessedvalue.Thisratewillbe knownasthe“loweredtaxrate.”

3.EffectiveRateIncrease:TheCountyofHanoverproposesto adoptataxrateof$0.81per$100ofassessedvalue.Thisis thesameasthe2022taxrate.Thedifferencebetweenthe loweredtaxrateandtheproposedratewouldbe$0.08per $100,or9.9percent.Thisdifferencewillbeknownasthe “effectivetaxrateincrease.”Individualpropertytaxesmay, however,increaseatapercentagegreaterthanorlessthan theabovepercentage.

4.ProposedTotalBudgetIncrease:Basedontheproposed realpropertytaxrateandchangesinotherrevenues,the totalbudgetoftheCountyofHanoverwillincrease10.5% fromthatoflastyear.TheGeneralFundbudgetisincreasing by10.3%fromthefiscalyear2023budget.

APublicHearingontheincreaseandtheproposedtax ratelistedabovewillbeheldonWednesday,April5,2023,at 6:15p.m.intheBoardRoomoftheHanoverCounty AdministrationBuilding,7516CountyComplexRoad, Hanover,Virginia.

Theoptionsavailableforprovidingwrittenororalstatements arepostedontheCountywebsite:www.hanovercounty.gov. Relatedinformationisavailableforpublicinspectiononline andanyregularworkingdaybetweenthehoursof8:30a.m. and5:00p.m.intheOfficeoftheCountyAdministrator, 7516CountyComplexRoad,Hanover,Virginia,phonenumber (804)365-6005.

JohnA.Budesky,CountyAdministrator

LOCAL CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

a Blood drive will be held at from 1 to 6 p.m. at Pebble creek homeowners association located at 6069 Green haven drive in Mechanicsville. you must schedule an appointment with the red cross at redcrossBlood.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

The community salt Fish Breakfast be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at enon UMc, 6156 studley road in Mechanicsville. The Buffet includes: salt fish, corn cakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, hash browns, sausage

Data

From 1

provides the reports to parents and encourages them to take an active role in their children’s education.

“We must empower students, parents and teachers with timely, actionable and tailored data, as well as the tools and training to use that data to address learning gaps together,” said Virginia secretary of education Aimee Rogstad Guidera. “This transformational effort uses data as a flashlight to change conversations, decisions, actions and, most importantly, results.”

To Hanover County Public Schools’ assistant superintendent Jennifer Greif, the program seemed like a good fit from the beginning.

Essentially, “the state was looking for divisions that were interested in what we describe as co-building an airplane in mid-flight,” Greif says. “And we felt we had some good capacity to do this work.”

Bridging the Gap offers school divisions the oppor-

gravy, biscuits, waffles, apples, beverages, & Fellowship. adults $10, ages 6 and under free with all profits going to Missions.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

a Blood drive will be held at from 1 to 6 p.m. at honey Meadows homeowners association at 10004 Meadow Pond drive in Mechanicsville. you must schedule an appointment with the red cross at redcrossBlood.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

This March the Pocahontas chapter of the Virginia native Plant society is moving the meeting date to accommodate a very talented traveling guest, alonso abugattas. The chapter meeting will take place at 7 p.m. March 8 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in the robbins auditorium. abugattas will present “ethnobotany, Floral Folklore and Gardening for Wildlife.” ethnobotany is the study of how people relate to

tunity to hone in on specific subject matters, and in both of Hanover’s participating schools the chosen subject was math.

Using the data gleaned from prior testing, as well as the student growth assessment testing completed at the beginning of the year, teachers were able to see where individual students needed more support, and then offer “very precise remediation,” Greif explained.

Describing it as “going a little bit backward,” Greif said teachers have been able to look back and figure out exactly where a student got off track. They then work to fine-tune those skills.

As Greif explained, a teacher might notice that a student is lagging behind in math and ultimately figure out that the student may not have developed the ability to understand numbers—what she referred to as “number sense.” Addressing that issue will allow the student to overcome what had been a roadblock and ultimately find success at the next level of math.

and use plants in their lives, be it food, medicine, tools, and so many other ways. Learn about plant folklore and how people used locally native and commonly available plants in their lives and historically. The natural history of various plants will be discussed, along with some additional references to find out more about the various native plants that will be the focus of this presentation. how these and many other plants can be used in our gardens and landscapes, and how they relate to wildlife will be discussed, with time for questions. a Zoom meet and greet and Lewis Ginter gathering starts at 6:30 p.m. a short business meeting will follow the speaker. For more information, visit the state website, http:// vnps.org/.

Please see CALENDAR, Page 10

While the approach may be new, HCPS assistant superintendent Chris Whitley noted last week that the school division has always worked hard to identify and support students who needed extra help.

What’s different now, he and Greif agree, is the ability to use the data to figure out how to most effectively meet those needs.

Greif said she is also particularly excited about the fact that Bridging the Gap places a particular emphasis on working with families and helping parents play a more significant role in helping their children succeed.

“That was one of the biggest selling points for us,” Greif said.

Asked if there were plans to continue the program in the future, and to expand it to other schools, Greif confirmed both could be possibilities.

“We entered into this knowing that we wanted to scale it,” Greif said. “We didn’t come to it expecting it would be a short term solution.”

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OPINION

Misjudgement day: FBI memo an upsetting revelation

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

If only I had known.

To say the news came as a shock would be an understatement. But there it was, in black and white, the truth I might never otherwise have stumbled upon: I was raised by extremists.

Well, not extremists exactly, but Catholics. And if you happen to put much faith in an internal FBI memo that was recently leaked to the public, they are one in the same. Surely you know the kind of Catholics I’m talking about, even if you yourself don’t practice the religion—the kind who go

about pretending to work hard, provide for their families, serve their communities and then sneak off on Sundays to attend church services delivered in Latin and plot the demise of… well, I’m not sure.

In fact, the Catholics the FBI agents described in that now-rescinded and widely denounced memo—the “bad Catholics” who attend the Latin mass and want to take everyone back to the Dark Ages before the church became more open and inclusive—are probably not the people you will ever find on a most wanted list.

In my experience they are people who appreciate and find

comfort in tradition, and who enjoy communing with others who feel the same way. I’m sure you could probably find some who wouldn’t mind a return to the old way of doing things, but if looking back nostalgically on the “good old days” makes someone a threat, the FBI is going to have an awful lot of people to investigate.

The memo reportedly even floated the idea of recruiting people to sneak into churches and ferret out the “bad” Catholics. Should those people happen to be infiltrating the specific Latin mass my dad attends, I would caution them against asking him anything about na-

tional politics, or the Pacific campaign during World War II, or the VCU men’s basketball team’s recent performance at the free throw line. While doing this would offer a copious amount of information for their report, it will also give the actual extremists time to escape.

One other note to the FBI: no one is an extremist because they are a Catholic—they are extremists because they are extremists.

I’m not sure, to be honest, if the level of outrage some Catholics have expressed about this latest revelation is entirely warranted. No one has suggested, after all, that Catholics

be banned from the country, or that Catholicism promotes terrorism or that American Catholics ever gathered to celebrate the horrific deaths of thousands of people in a terrorist attack (each of these things has happened to Muslim Americans in the recent past).

But the report is disappointing, if only for the fact that it so flagrantly vilifies a group of people based solely on their religious beliefs.

Those charged with upholding our laws are duty-bound to protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans.

We must demand that they do better.

Choosing to recognize the value of a good man

JIM RIDOLPHI

Contributing

Columnist

Arecent conversation with friends reintroduced me to the cruelty of American public opinion when the topic of President Jimmy Carter arose.

The former president’s failing health evoked well wishes from all in my small

circle, but when I offered my observation on Carter’s single term as president, it was met with a bitter reality I knew existed, but somehow naively hoped had evaporated in the years since he left office.

I had incorrectly, in their minds, identified the former president as one of the best men to hold the office

LMechanicsville-Ashland

ocal

in my life, and this seemed to evoke an almost defiant reaction from my small circle.

A brief exchange left me wondering if the peanut farmer from rural Georgia had ever accomplished anything as my friends blamed him for everything from the Iran Hostage crisis to the gasoline short-

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

Classifieds cindy adams ..........................................cadams@mechlocal.com

age.

Even my feeble memory can recall difficult times during Carter’s presidency, including foreign and economic policy decisions where results fell short of expectations. And many viewed Carter’s dedication to his faith as a sort of a holier than thou elitism that irritated a large ma-

jority of voters.

It’s not that Americans mind being lectured, but they insisted on selecting who might be best to deliver messages on tough topics. Carter operated with a sense of good that was almost naïve in its approach, and he often credited his opponents with a far too compassionate view

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

of right and wrong.

But, all of that is political and that’s not what I was referring to when I exclaimed my allegiance to the former president. I was speaking to his position as a human being, his undying dedication to truth and justice and a real

Please see VALUE, Page 7

VADAR celebrates Washington’s birthday

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution (VADAR,) Regent’s Club of Richmond presented the 75th annual George Washington Birthday Luncheon Feb. 18 at the Meadowbrook Country Club in Richmond. This is a much-anticipated event; this year, with over 195 attendees, did not disappoint. The group, which includes members from across the region, celebrated the birth and life of George Washington (Feb. 22, 1732 – Dec. 14, 1799,) a general and commander in chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783,) the first and a two-term President of the United States (1789 to 1797.)

Prestigious members of the VADAR, including State Regent Laurie P. Nesbitt, were

present from all over the state. Lovely ladies, some in flamboyant hats or fascinators, were in attendance. The speaker was David O. Stewart, historian, and author of “George Washington: The Political Rise of the Found-

ing Father.” His presentation was enthralling and entertaining with many moments of joyful expression from the audience. A most successful celebration for the anniversary of the 291st birthday of George Washington.

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commitment to peace on earth.

Years ago, I had written a column on then Governor Jimmy Carter’s speech to lawyers at a Law Day event at the University of Georgia. At the time, the young Georgian was in his third year of his first term as governor. Not only did he pinpoint the challenges of public service, he addressed the group with a bare bones sense of reality in a South still not fully recovered from segregation and reluctant to accept the reality of equality.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was perhaps despised by many in this room

because he shook up our social structure that benefited us, and demanded simply that black citizens be treated the same as white citizens, wasn’t greeted with approbation and accolades by the Georgia Bar Association or the Alabama Bar Association. He was greeted with horror,” Carter told the stunned group.

“I don’t want to go on and on; I’m part of it. But the point I want to make to you is that we still have a long way to go. In every age or every year, we have a tendency to believe that we’ve come so far now, that there’s no way to improve the present system,” he continued in his address.

A man’s worth on this planet should surely be judged on the impact made

on the lives touched, and Jimmy Carter reached quite a few in a variety of ways from all walks of life. Perhaps, those who are unwilling to give this man the credit he is due are obscured by the blurred vision of politics and the cruel reality of public opinion.

But, those lawyers in Athens left Carter’s speech that day in 1974 with a crystal clear understanding of the man from Plains, his commitment to the good of mankind and his willingness to admit and acknowledge their shortcomings.

The message of hope was impactful, and Americans decided to trust the instincts of this good man. Less than two years later, Carter was elected president.

Trusts.“Norepresentationismadethatthequalityoflegalservicestobeperformedisgreaterthanthequalityoflegalservicesperformedby otherlawyers.”

NominationsStillOpenforthe Nominations Still Open for the 2023SpiritofVolunteerismAwards 2023 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards

Nominationswillbeaccepteduntil Friday,March10 forthe2023Spiritof Volunteerism Awards, anannual programthatrecognizesindividualsor groupswho have mademajor contributions to thequality oflife inHanover County throughtheir volunteerefforts.

Nominationsmay besubmittedinthe following eight categories:

SpiritofOne

SpiritofYouth

SpiritofYouth-Team

SpiritofDedication

SpiritofTeam

SpiritofFamily

SpiritofInspiration

CommitmenttoCommunity

Formoreinformation,visit https://www.hanovercounty.gov/ 1228/Spirit-of-Volunteerism.

Secretariat

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monument on the R-MC campus next to the CSX train tracks, across from the Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center.

The effort to bring the monument to Ashland is being led by Secretariat for Virginia (SECVA), a committee made up of Ashland residents, fundraisers and historians. Per the lease signed by the town and college, when and if funds are raised by the Secretariat for Virginia Committee to purchase the monument, R-MC has agreed to lease the selected property to the town. Once the monument is in place, the town and college will share fiduciary responsibilities for maintenance of this public artwork.

“Secretariat is a beloved American figure, and the Town of Ashland is very proud of our connection to him and the Chenery family,” said Steve Trivett, Mayor of the Town of Ashland. “We are pleased to join with Randolph-Macon College in presenting an accessible, high-visibility placement for this impressive work of art. Secretariat will bring long-term tourism benefits and further enhance our town motto as the Center of the Universe.”

“Randolph-Macon Col-

The legend of Secretariat

Here are a few reasons why Secretariat is so extraordinary and still relevant to racing.

„ secretariat, widely considered the greatest racehorse of all time, was born and trained at Meadow stable in caroline county, Virginia. The track records of his Triple crown races of 1973 – the Kentucky derby, Preakness and Belmont — have never been equaled.

„ esPn named secretariat as one of the Top 50 athletes of the 20th century, actually #35. his astounding 31-length win in the Belmont is universally hailed as one of the greatest moments in the world of sports. he was horse of the year in 1972 and 1973 and inducted into the national racing hall of Fame in 1974. In the List of the Top 100 U.s racehorses of the 20th century, secretariat is second only to Man O’ War. his birthplace at The Meadow, including the foaling shed and other

lege deeply values our longstanding ties to the Chenery family, many of whom attended R-MC, and with Meadow Stable,” said Robert Lindgren, R-MC president.

“This magnificent monument to Secretariat will be an exciting attraction for the public on our campus next to downtown Ashland, and an excellent reminder of the equine history of this region.”

The Chenery family, who owned and raced the legendary Thoroughbred, has deep ties to Ashland. Christopher

of ellerson Mill road.

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 4100 block of Parsleys Mill road.

barns, is even listed on the national register of historic Places and is a Virginia historic Landmark.

„ The majority of Thoroughbreds competing in today’s top races have secretariat in their pedigrees. For example, in the 2022 Kentucky derby, 17 of the 20 contenders were descendants of secretariat. Moreover, there have been only two Triple crown winners in the 21st century – american Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018 – and they both boast “Big red” in their lineage

„ secretariat was celebrated not only for his racing prowess, but for his equine physique. Many experts have declared that he had the rare gift of perfect conformation, with a flawless anatomy that equipped him with both speed and stamina. he also demonstrated an enormous

Chenery grew up in Ashland, attended RandolphMacon College, and in 1936 founded Meadow Stable in nearby Caroline County, where Secretariat was born in 1970. His daughter, Penny Chenery, who managed Secretariat’s spectacular career, was awarded an honorary doctorate from the college in 2011. Her daughter, author/speaker Kate Chenery Tweedy, a resident of Ashland, is leading the Secretariat for Virginia group.

“Secretariat’s story truly would come full circle if

on the 10400 block of Washington highway.

FEB. 6

„ driver did not report accident; damage over $250 was reported on the 12300 block of hanover cove Lane.

„ driver did not report accident; damage less or equal to $1000 was reported on the 11400 block of cedar Lane/Broken Bit Lane.

„ Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported on the 6300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

„ Urinating or defecating in public was reported on the 7100 block

FEB. 5

„ assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7300 block of Barnette avenue.

„ Petit larceny of parts was reported on the 6300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

„ destruction of property, monument was reported on the 8400 block of Whippoorwill road.

„ Violation of protective order was reported on the 3200 block of Longhorn drive.

„ a simple assault was reported

„ an assault, malicious with a victim injured was reported on the 9400 block of shelley drive.

„ an assault on law enforcement, court, doc, fire, medical was reported on the 11200 block of hill ridge court.

„ Identity fraud-financial loss more than $200 was reported on the 13200 block of Winston road.

„ Petit larceny in a building was reported on the 8200 block of atlee road.

„ Petit larceny from an automobile was reported on the 11000 block of air Park road.

racing stride that could cover over 25 feet in a single bound. But one of his most surprising physical attributes was his great heart, measured at his autopsy in 1989 at 22 pounds, the largest of any horse on record. It truly was the engine that powered his incomparable feats.

„ In 1973, secretariat hit a publicity trifecta, gracing the cover of TIMe, newsweek and sports Illustrated as “america’s super horse.” he transcended horse racing to emerge as a cultural icon. In 2010, the disney film secretariat introduced a new generation to the great horse and it remains a favorite movie of fans young and old. This year, the national celebration of the 50th anniversary of his spectacular Triple crown will add even more luster to secretariat’s enduring star power.

the monument is placed in Ashland,” said Tweedy. “How fitting it would be to see this happen during this

milestone Triple Crown anniversary.”

“I have always wanted this second edition of ‘Secre-

tariat – Racing into History’ to come home to Virginia,” said Russell. “This is literally where his history started.”

The first version of the monument was placed in Lexington, Kentucky in 2019. If the funding goals are met, this would be the first and only monument to Secretariat in Virginia.

The cost of the Secretariat monument is $550,000, including transportation to the site. Installation and landscaping are additional costs, for which the group hopes to obtain in-kind contributions. SECVA is accepting pledges online and donations through the Ashland Museum, also a partner in the project.

Additional opportunities for public input on this project will be made available in spring 2023 with more details coming soon. For more information visit the SECVA website or contact the committee at Info@SecretariatForVirginia.com.

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Steven Eric Walls

WALLS, Steven Eric . The family of steven eric Walls announce his sudden passing on February 19, 2023. he was born on december 31, 1974, to Liz and Perk Walls; and brother, PJ. In addition to his mom, dad and brother, he is survived by his wife, hope; her children; amber (robert), Zachary (Kayla); and granddaughters, averie, autumn and ainsley; niece, Kristen (Josh); nephews, aaron (alexa) and ryker; stepmom, Brenda, Valerie, amy and their families. a celebration of Life will be held at the sandston Moose on March 4, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., where eric had been a member for over 20 years. a memorial service will be 2 p.m. sunday, March 12, at calvary christian church, 14196 a shland rd., Glen allen, Va. Following service, a meal and visitation with the family will be at Kitchen 33, 13155 Mountain rd., Glen allen, Va. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mooseheart charities, 155 s. International dr., Mooseheart, Ill. 60539, in eric’s name.

OBITUARIES

Roger W. Mitchell

MITCHELL, W. Roger, 88, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, February 22, 2023. he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Vanlandingham; and is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gay P. Mitchell; sons, Glenn Mitchell (Mandy) and cary Mitchell (Greta); granddaughter, riley Mitchell; great-nephew, ryan shipman; brother, aubrey Mitchell (Brenda); as well as several nieces and nephews. roger received a B.s. degree from Virginia Tech in 1956, which led many other family members to follow him there, including his brother, two sons, two daughter-

Calendar

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in-laws, one niece, two granddaughters and one great-nephew. he enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career as an educator in hanover county schools, retiring from Lee-davis high school, where he built an award winning FFa program. he also built a revered young Farmer’s program for the local agricultural community and was awarded a honorary american Farmer degree in 1975. he served the community through the Washington & henry Masonic Lodge #344, aF & aM and the hanover ruritan club for over 60 years each. he earned numerous awards for his service in the ruritan club. he loved Virginia Tech and Lee-davis sports and is a honorary member of the Lee-davis sports hall of Fame. Most notably, he led his community and family as an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor and patriarch. The family receives friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. saturday at the Mechanicsville chapel of the Bennett Funeral home, 8014 Lee-davis rd. services were held 3 p.m. sunday, February 26, 2023, in the auditorium of Mechanicsville high school. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the hanover ruritan club or the Lee-davis sports hall of Fame.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 9

“Living With Black Bears in Virginia” presented by Virginia Master naturalists, riverine chapter partnered with the Virginia dept. of Wildlife resources and hosted by doswell ruritan c lub will be held 7 p.m. at 16433 Washington highway in doswell. dWr receives a high number of “nuisance” calls from Virginia residents regarding problems with black bears. This free educational program provides information on how to prevent negative encounters and property damage due to black bears.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

The Independence ruritan club will be hosting an all you can eat Benefit Breakfast, from 6:45 to 9 a.m., for h anover s afe Place at The ruritan Building, located behind Independence christian church, 14033 Independence road (off route 54, west of ashland). Breakfast includes: salt herring fillets, scrambled eggs, bacon, spiced apples, cornbread, grits, coffee, and orange juice, just $11. for adults. For more information call 804-798-5171 or contact dave at e-mail: wdtoney@mindspring.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

a Blood drive will be held at from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at s hady Grove United Methodist church located at 8209 shady Grove road in Mechanicsville. you must schedule an appointment with the red cross at redcrossBlood.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Mechanicsville aar P c hapter 5407 will meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Union Baptist c hurch, 6231 Pole Green road, Mechanicsville, Va 23111. rachel Lawson with alzheimer’s association Greater richmond chapter will be the speaker. a Blood drive will be held at from 1 to 5 p.m. at Gethsemane church of christ located at 5146 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. you must schedule an appointment with the red cross at redcrossBlood.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

a monthly Blood drive will be held at from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) located at 7168 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. you must schedule an appointment with the r ed cross at redcrossBlood.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

civil air Patrol, hanover squadron, is hosting an Open h ouse 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 a merica. Observe and participate in h o nor guard and co lor guard, aerospace, search and rescue, d rill, 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 Lambert-stevens at

brandy.lambert-stevers@vawg. cap.gov, visit https://vawg.cap. gov/units/hanover or on Facebook (hanover composite squadron-civil air Patrol).

UPCOMING

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. c ash 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 hhs 60’s reunion and mail to: hhs 60’s reunion, 7330 staples 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) 804-3879182 or suecox3@yahoo.com. Or contact dale Morris (class of ‘64) at 804-897-7452 or brendale68@ yahoo.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Bring your family and join us as we celebrate spring, the shearing of the sheep and fiber production at Patrick h enry’s scotchtown! The program is growing and this year organizers have so much more to enjoy! The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at scotchtown, located at 16120 chiswell Ln, Beaverdam. acivities to enjoy throughout the day will include a ribbon cutting and presentation of the new floorcloth for the manor house hall; sheep shearer dave from delly’s delights

Farms will be here answering all your questions; members from clothos handspinners guild will be on-site demonstrating the process of wool production; antique carriage and wagon display; rMc archaeology active dig; sheepdog herding demonstrations; open house tours; a children’s activities area; demonstrations in the hearth kitchen featuring scotchtown’s spring garden; over 40 local crafters, vendors and community organizations; and food trucks. The open-house tour and fiber festival programs are both included at $10 for students, $12 for senior/aaa/Military, and $15 for General admission. Preservation Virginia members are $12 and children 6 and under are free. Purchase tickets at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/scotchtown-fiber-festival-tickets-494234557867.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

a monthly Blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) located at 7168 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. additional dates are May 23, June 20, July 27, aug. 24, s ept. 26, Oct. 19, n ov. 24 and d e c. 26. yo u must schedule an appointment with the red cross at redcrossBlood.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

VFW Post 9808 will hold a s hred-It ev ent on from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 7168 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. This event is for members and community residents. Please come and share the date with your family and friends. Please note that no binders or boxes are allowed.

Please see CALENDAR, Page 12

HCPS HONORS NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS

hanover county Public schools is incredibly proud of its newly pinned and renewed national Board cer tified teachers, who were honored during a special ceremony on Feb. 22. The division congratulates these outstanding educators for their hard work, dedication and professionalism.

FFA MEMBERS TEAM UP WITH HANOVER RURITANS

Last week was national FFa Week and to celebrate, members and advisers of the Mechanicsville high school FFa chapter partnered with the hanover ruritans to complete a service project, clearing out and mulching beds to help welcome visitors to Mechanicsville.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

David Hines seeks reelection as sheriff

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Col. David R. Hines, who currently serves as Hanover County Sheriff, has announced his intention to seek reelection.

Hines said he has had the

privilege of serving as Hanover County’s sheriff since September 2010 and he is continually appreciative of the outpouring of love and support his office receives from the community.

“It has been an honor to serve Hanover County for nearly 40 years. I am extremely proud of our record of excellent service, being internationally as well as state accredited, being fiscally

responsible, and being committed to the safety of our citizens,” he said. “The foundation of our crime prevention strategy has been, and always will be, the trust and support of those we serve.”

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Hanover County enjoys the lowest crime rate in the metro Richmond area, Hines said. The sheriff’s office believes this is due to its community policing based approach of building strong partnerships throughout the Hanover community. The office’s partnerships with neighbor hood watch, business watch and worship watch programs have paved the way for this unprecedented success. “Our philosophy has always been rooted in the understanding that we are only successful with the trust of our community.”

Recently, Hines was honored to be recognized as the “National Officer of the Year” by the American Legion. He accepted this award on behalf of the Hanover community and the entire sheriff’s office. An achievement such as this is only possible because of the support that the sheriff’s office continues to receive each day, he said. Also, in the past five years, Hanover deputies have had more than one and a half million citizen contacts. As a result of those contacts, the personnel received over 3,000 commendations for excellent service and only four founded citizen complaints; none of which were bias or racially motivated, he

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ONGOING

hanover county is working with residents, businesses, landowners and other community members to update its comprehensive Plan. called “envision 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

Although measuring past performance is important, this announcement is more about what the community will continue to accomplish together in the future. Hines is once again seeking the office of Sheriff for Hanover County in the upcoming election.

Hines

“Alongside the hardworking men and women of the sheriff’s office, I look forward to continuing my service with the citizens of Hanover County and building upon our successes,” Hines said. “Our mission of reducing crime through problemsolving tactics, coupled with our shared values, provides the right combination to maintain and improve the quality of life in Hanover County for years to come.”

Hines thanked his wife, Pat, and children, Reed and Sarah-Grace, for their encouragement. He also thanked citizens for their support of the sheriff’s office during his years of service and asks for “your continued support as together we meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

growth should look like. hanover residents’ feedback will shape the comprehensive Plan and decisions regarding growth, preservation and public investment for years to come. Based 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.

Hargrove to seek reelection

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Republican Frank Har grove Jr., Hanover County’s Circuit Court Clerk since 2000, has announced his intention to seek reelection.

“It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Ha nover County. My re-elec tion campaign will be based on my record over the past 23 years and my ambition to further improve clerk’s office operations,” he said.

During his current term, Hargrove sought to improve the clerk’s office in every area, but three important projects and the COVID-19 pandemic deserve special mention. In 2016, the clerk’s office moved to the new courthouse that provides appropriate storage space for the tens of thousands of files, books and boxes that make up the clerk’s office archive. To ensure success, the office inventoried and mapped to new locations the entire clerk’s office collection. COVID-19 presented unexpected challenges. Hargrove said he is proud to report that aside from one planning day, the clerk’s office remained open for business while making adjustments for health and safety concerns.

“In April 2022, the office completed a multi-year project and converted sev-

eral million digital images of land and court records and the associated electronic index to a state of the art records management system. The new system guarantees efficient access to public records and will accommodate workflows expected in the foreseeable future,” he said. “Finally, we are in the final stages of implementing new jury management software that will further automate the process of assembling the master jury list and allow prospective jurors and the jury coordinator to communicate electronically.”

The clerk’s office’s success would not be possible without a team of talented, hard-working, experienced deputy clerks and our partnership with the sheriff’s department, commonwealth attorney and county government, Hargrove said. From the regular compliments he receives, he said he knows the public recognizes his deputies’ commitment to service and the benefits of an experienced team across county government.

“If re-elected, my first

goal will be to maximize the potential of the new records management system,” he said. “That may require electronically indexing 19th century and 20th century land records and wills starting in 1865. When that multi-year project is completed, the change from paper indexes and books to electronic records will be largely completed. Of course, my plans do not stop there. In the coming months I look forward to receiving feedback concerning clerk’s office operations and discussing the possibilities for the future.”

Among its many duties the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is responsible for recording land records, probating wills, issuing marriage licenses and concealed handgun permits, qualifying notaries public and collecting fines and court costs.

Prior to serving as clerk, Hargrove practiced law and worked in private business. He also served on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Ashland Planning Commission. He lives in Ashland with his wife, Elizabeth. They have three grown children. He is a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church and the Ashland Kiwanis Club.

Clay Spring Garden Club embraces Valentine’s Day

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Clay Spring Garden Club of Ashland held their monthly meeting and celebrated Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Everyone was in a festive mood as they displayed their Valentine-themed floral designs and enjoyed the sweet treats and savory

goodies supplied by members Laura Follo and Mary Wiblin.

The two floral design exhibit themes, specifically chosen for the holiday, were “Black, White and Red All Over,” a creative line mass design and “Be My Valentine,” a design using hearts. A floral design exhibit Best-

in-Show award tie does not happen very often but it happened on Valentine’s Day! The two winners were Barbara Boor and Karen Fritter. They both created dazzling black, white and red designs! Dale Cannon won a horticulture BestIn-Show for her tiny, perfect crocus.

Hargrove Jr.

MECHANICSVILLE-ASHLAND LOCAL

Hanover ReStore plans anniversary open house

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

In March, the Habitat ReStore will have been at its new space for a year! The new location on Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville has been a wonderful space, and it’s time to mark a year of successes. To celebrate, the ReStore will have a special open house on March 11. The entire day is filled with activities and sales, so plan to come out and have fun.

The ReStore is nonprofit home improvement store and donation center. The store sells community donations of new or gently-used items at a discounted price, such as furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials. Everything in the store is donated by either community members or local businesses. All proceeds go directly toward Habitat’s community service programs, including its homeownership program and critical repairs program.

At 9 a.m., there will be refreshments and the first 50 customers will receive a special coupon. Take

part in a store scavenger hunt or grab a coloring book for the kids. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., there

UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT MECHANICSVILLE LIBRARIES

ATLEE BRANCH LIBRARY

Call 804-559-0654 or visit the library at 9212 Rutlandshire Drive for more information.

Mother Goose stor ytime at the atlee Branch Library. Wednesday, March 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:30 — 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.

Fun and Games at the at lee Branch Library, Wednesdays, March 1 and 15, 1

– 4 p.m. ages 18 and up. Meet up with friends and have a great time with card and board games.

hanover Master Gardeners’ home Gardening series at the atlee Branch Library, saturday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. Learn about a variety of home gardening topics from Virginia cooperative extension’s Master Gardeners. This session’s topic is “Tips for Preventing disease in hydrangeas.”

Make your Own Miniature Garden at the atlee Branch Library, saturday, March 4, 2 — 3:30 p.m. create a miniature garden in your own terrarium. seats are limited,

sign up required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9742976.

Preschool storytime at the atlee Branch Library, Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 — 11 a.m. enjoy a storytime of books, music, and fun for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers.

Toddler storytime at the atlee Branch Library. Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 11 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 22, March 1, 8, 15 and 22, 11 to 11:30 a.m. enjoy a storytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

atlee Bridge Group at the atlee Branch

will be two food trucks on site. Purchase your lunch, snack or dessert from the Hibachi Mobile or Funcakes-Fun Food 4 U. At 1 p.m., the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy and Nutasha will stop by for an hour so your family can grab a great photo.

Don’t forget to purchase your raffle tickets! Tickets are only $1 each, and the winner receives half of the funds. The winner will be announced at 2 p.m. on March 11, so stop by the ReStore now until then to purchase your chance to win.

Interested in seeing where Habitat for Humanity’s staff work? Stop by the administrative office that Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon and see where the magic happens. In the office, staff work with clients to purchase affordable homes or make critical repairs; they help raise funds to support those programs and communicate volunteer

Library. Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ages 18 and up. every Tuesday the atlee Bridge Group meets to play social rubber Bridge. all levels welcome, from beginner to expert. atlee Book Group at the atlee Branch Library, Wednesday, March 8, 11 a.m. — noon. Join us in-person or on Zoom for a lively book discussion. We will be reading “Gray Mountain” by John Grisham. you can pick up a copy of the book at the atlee Branch Library circulation desk while supplies last. registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9742334.

needs and events. It’s a wonderful space that helps make a difference in people’s lives.

The ReStore hopes everyone can stop by. Come be a part of a thrift store where proceeds help families in the community build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

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.

This program is presented in-person and hosted virtually through Zoom. The meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email, contact the library.

dnd heist at the atlee Branch Library, Thursday, March 9, 5 — 7 p.m. ages 12-18. celebrate the new dnd movie with a fun heist adventure. Bring your level 3 character. register at https://pamunkeylibrary.

Please see MECHANICSVILLE, Page 23

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The habitat restore will celebrate its one year anniversary on stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville with a special open house on March 11. The entire day is filled with activities and sales, so plan to come out and have fun.

ASHLAND

Understanding the power of the Sun

DR. GEORGE SPAGNA

Special to The Local

The Keeble Observa-

tory at RandolphMacon College will hold public viewing on Thursday evenings, 7 –9 p.m. For more information check their website (www.rmc.edu/Keeble), Instagram page (https:// www.instagram.com/ keebleobservatory) or call the information line (804752-3210).

Last month we discussed the “breakthrough” hydrogen fusion reaction achieved at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, in which the fusion released more energy than the laser energy which triggered it. That reaction is not ready to produce energy for our use any time soon, since the inefficiency of lasers meant that far more energy

went into producing the laser beams than the ultimate reaction produced.

We compared that experiment to the fusion powering the Sun, essentially converting four hydrogen nuclei into a single helium. This fusion takes place at the inner 10% of the Sun (it’s “core”) where the temperature is about 20 million kelvins. (One kelvin is the temperature equivalent of a Celsius degree, measured from “absolute zero” at minus 473 degrees Celsius.) Since only the outer 20% or so of the Sun is convective, there is no mixing of new “fuel” into the core nor helium mixing out to the surface. Which means that once the concentration of core hydrogen is too low, the “fire” will go out.

Five billion years ago,

when the Sun first formed and the fusion started, the core was about 70% hydrogen by mass – the same as the current sur-

face composition. Ninety percent if you’re counting nuclei. Modeling tells us that the concentration there is now closer to

35% and hydrogen fusion should continue for another 5 billion years before the concentration of hydrogen is so low that collisions between hydrogens become so rare that fusion essentially stops. What then? That energy release has led to a balance between the outward gas pressure and the inward force of gravity. When the fusion stops, gravity gains the upper hand and the core will begin to contract. That contraction releases gravitational potential energy which causes the core to get hotter! That will ignite hydrogen fusion in a thin shell around the core, which because it’s hotter will actually increase the total energy released causing the outer layers of the Sun to swell up and cool off. The Sun will become

a red giant whose outer surface will approach or even overwhelm the size of Earth’s orbit. Our home world will be toast – or vapor. Time to sell real estate and move!

Next month I’ll continue the story – because it’s not finished yet!

Lunar phases for March: Full Moon on the 7th, at 7:40 a.m.; Last Quarter on the 14th, at 10:08 p.m.; New Moon on the 21st at 1:23 p.m.; and First Quarter on the 28th at 10:32 p.m. All times are Eastern Standard.

Mercury returns to evening dusk late in the month. Venus and Jupiter will be within a halfdegree of each other on the 1st – look west after sunset. They’ll be the

Please see UNIVERSE, Page 23

Town Council votes to close Route 54 median crossing

ROSLYN RYAN

Richmond Suburban News

Craig Norris knew there was a problem when the tow truck driver started laughing at him.

Norris had just been involved in a vehicle accident as he was trying to turn left from Route 54—locally known as England Road— into the Ashland Hanover Shopping Center.

As it turns out, Norris is one of dozens of motorists who have been involved in

a crash at that exact spot, a crossing so well-known for accidents that even the responding officers told him not to feel too bad about the incident.

Norris was one of several people who addressed the Ashland Town Council on Feb. 21, urging them to permanently close the Route 54 median crossing into the shopping center.

After a brief discussion, the council voted unanimously to do just that.

The vote finally put to rest an issue that has come before the council several times in recent months as officials and town staff worked to find a solution that would protect motorists without negatively impacting businesses located in the shopping center.

The problem was first brought to the council’s attention in early 2022, when Ashland Police Department officials noted that a high number of accidents

were being recorded at the crossing.

Part of the issue, officials determined, was that many drivers trying to cross over into the shopping center did not see that there is a third lane of traffic coming at them from the right. This led to numerous crashes in which motorists trying to cross England Road were hit on the passenger side.

“The only way to cross that intersection is to creep, and creep and creep,” Nor-

ris said, noting that the third lane of traffic is often blocked by other vehicles.

In response to the report from Ashland police, which noted a total of 25 accidents at the crossing between 2018 and 2022, staff members with the town’s Public Works Department began doing field reviews of the crossing and making suggestions for how better to alert motorists of the potential danger.

They added striping and

made signage changes, and even considered closing the crossing during the high traffic volume hours of the day.

As Ashland’s director of public works Mike Jennings pointed out during his presentation to the council last week, England Road sees around 23,000 vehicle trips per day, making it the town’s busiest roadway after Interstate 95.

Please see COUNCIL, Page 23

METRO CREAVITE GRAPHICS

LITTLE MISS MAVERICK MEETS FIRST LADY OF VIRGINIA

HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE SUN

BUDDY READING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Mrs. Kanne’s class at

elementary school took advantage of the beautiful weather last week to do buddy reading in the school’s courtyard.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

sydney, a first grader at Kersey creek elementary school, received a special invitation from the First Lady of Virginia, suzanne youngkin, to have lunch with her last week. sydney is the Little Miss Maverick of the Virginia high school rodeo association, representing all children in rodeo fifth grade and under.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Beaverdam elementary school students recently tested out their solar panels and they worked! Great job, Beavers!

Kersey creek

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Local wrestlers impress at VISAA State Wrestling Tournament

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

While the Mechanicsville High School wrestling team was off at the Virginia Beach Sports Center competing in the Class 4 State Championships, a few local wrestlers were closer to home competing in another top tournament.

Mechanicsville locals Daniel Cozzolino and Corban Schmandt from Grace Christian along with Benedictine’s Brady Bollander were found squaring off against the top talent of the VISAA in the Benedictine-hosted VISAA State Wrestling Tournament.

All three made it to the finals of their respective weight classes, with Cozzolino winning the 126-pound bracket outright with a brilliant performance.

Cozzolino (37-4) opened his tournament-winning run with three consecutive matches that never made it out of the first period, first taking down Daniel Barnett from Pope John Paul the Great Catholic with a pin in 1:04 and then earning a spot in the quarterfinals with a pin in just 45 seconds over Woodberry Forest’s Sullivan Barnett.

In the quarterfinals against Blue Ridge wrestler Aito Omura, Cozzolino again needed less than a minute to earn a win, taking 45 seconds for the second straight time to pin down his Blue Ridge opponent.

The next two rounds saw Cozzolino needing all three rounds to take home the victory, first having to get past Fishburne Military’s Ryan Barone. The Grace Christian star opened strong with a 6-1 lead at the end of the first period, earning two takedowns and a two-point near fall. After an early escape in the second from Cozzolino, Barone was able to settle down and earn a takedown and a point off a penalty to make things interesting, though Cozzolino was able to finish the job and earn a spot as one of the last two wrestlers standing.

The final against Thomas Montgomery from Peninsula Catholic appeared to look like a low-scoring affair early on with Cozzolino picking up the only points of the first period with a takedown, but things started to heat up soon after. He led 6-1 at the end of the second, earning separation with a reversal and a second takedown, and though Montgomery threatened to come back with two takedowns of his own, Cozzolino claimed his gold medal with escapes after both of those takedowns to hang on and place himself atop the podium. His teammate Schmandt nearly joined him as a first place finisher with an excellent tournament of his own,

but he ultimately finished as the 165-pound runner-up after Norfolk Academy’s Nolan O`Boyle gave him a rare defeat in the state finals.

Schmandt (41-2) ended a memorable year with three dominant showings leading up to the championship, first pinning Greenbriar Christian Academy’s Ethan Gosman just before the end of the first period and then pulling off a 12-1 major decision against Episcopal’s Michael Zito in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals against Jason Seeber from The Potomac School, Schmandt won with a 16-0 tech fall highlighted by an outrageous scoring barrage in the first period that featured

three near falls and a takedown. Meanwhile for Bollander in the 144-pound class, the Cadets star helped his team place third in the tournament with his second place finish. He kicked off the tournament at his home gym with a 14-6 major decision win against Woodberry Forest’s Cayden Sanchez then proceeded to pin Catholic High’s Cooper Green right before the end of the first period to advance to the quarterfinals.

He held St. Stephens’ Aidan Koch scoreless in that matchup while earning eight points of his own, including a three-point near fall with 1:15 left in the match that could’ve given him another pin.

He then held his next opponent to just one point in the semifinals, beating Norfolk Academy’s Tucker Gaddy 8-1 and again picking up a threepoint near fall at the same time as his previous matchup.

In the final, he met a wrestler that finally had the skill to beat him, with St. Christopher’s Tyler Hood winning first prize with a 14-5 victory, though Bollander went out admirably with four escapes in the final period.

With the season over, these Mechanicsville locals came away with medals around their necks and some historic moments on the mat as they represented their schools at the very top level of wrestling competition.

FILE PHOTO

Benedictine’s Brady Bollander placed second at the VIsaa state Wrestling Tournament while competing in the 144-pound weight class.

Hanover’s defense the difference as late comeback knocks out Monacan

WELDON BRADSHAW Special correspondent

Who would have thought?

Really, now. Who would have ever thought that the Hanover Hawks would defeat a solid, wellcoached Monacan team (and on the road, no less) by scrapping their tried-and-true, tested-byfire, man-to-man defense and switching to, gulp, your basic ol’ 2-3 zone? Strange as that might sound to those who know coach Dave Butler’s penchant for relentless play, defense-createsoffense pressure, and running the floor with purpose, that’s exactly what his crew did Tuesday night to dispatch the Chiefs 56-49 in the quarterfinal round of the Class 4, Region B playoffs.

“We like to go man-to-man because we’re deep and we like to try and out-depth people,” Butler said. “We feel like we can put in anyone on our bench and get the job done.”

That wasn’t happening in the first half, though, as the Chiefs, No. 10 in the Times-Dispatch Top 10, controlled the action and went into the locker room with a 29-21 lead, 33-19 rebounding advantage, and confidence generated by a defensive effort that harried the Hawks into 6-of-27 shooting and seven costly turnovers.

“They were getting into the interior too much, and we had to find a way to adjust,” Butler continued. “Our coaches brought up the idea (of switching to 2-3). Our players were receptive to the change. We went with it. We stuck with it.

“I was fully prepared to go back to man, though. Sometimes, I don’t love our zone.”

This time, Butler did.

Against the Chiefs’ man-toman, Kaycee Doughty opened the third quarter with a bucket off a sweet inside move at 7:49, Hali Harris hit 2 of 2 free throws at 7:17, and Izzy Murphy followed with a 3-pointer from the left wing at 6:38 to pull the Hawks to within a point at 29-28.

At 3:33, they took their first lead (32-31) on a chip-shot bucket by Jada Oakcrum. Though they out-

scored Monacan 16-9 in the third quarter, the Chiefs went into the fourth with a tenuous 38-37 lead.

Defense was the tone-setter and difference-maker for the Hawks.

“It was so we could cover everybody and not have to worry about switching or getting out of place,” said Harris, a 6-0 junior who scored 13 points. “We could stay intact and rebound together and play together as a team.

“We had to stay true to ourselves

and focused and keep our heads and play Hanover basketball.”

Despite Monacan’s full-court, man-to-man pressure, the Hawks regained the advantage when Doughty hit a soft jumper from the right elbow at 7:29. After another lead change, they went up for good (44-42) on Harris’s 15-foot jumper from just to right of the key at 5:52.

MacKenzie Swayne hit 1 of 2 from the line enabling the Chiefs to close to 44-43 at 5:40.

Meredith Atkinson scored off a Harris assist at 4:40, and Doughty’s transition layup at 4:10 put Hanover up 48-43.

Harris hit a layup and converted the and-one at 1:30 to break a 49all tie. Then, the Hawks hit 4 of 8 free throws and held the Chiefs scoreless in that last 1:30 to ensure a joyous bus ride back to eastern Hanover County.

“We tried to be strong with the ball and make sure we looked

before we passed it and not give it away,” said Doughty, a 6-foot sophomore. “I just tried to stay calm. If something goes wrong, regroup, move on, keep going.

“Our mindset is that we believe in ourselves. That was the mindset all day, all week.”

And the mindset as the clock ticked down and victory was assured?

“Amazing,” Doughty said. “So exciting. A special feeling.”

PHOTO BY JOEL KLEIN hanover junior forward Jada Oakcrum, seen stealing a ball from atlee’s Morgan Talbert on Jan. 27, made an instrumental impact on hanover’s win against Monacan, chipping in eight points and helping them advance in the region tournament with a 56-49 win.

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.

Mad about Mahjong! at the a shland Branch Library, Friday, March 3, 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!

celebrate seuss! at the ashland Branch Library. s aturday, March 4, 11 a.m. —

12:30 p.m. enjoy a Family storytime, followed by games, crafts and treats that celebrate dr. seuss. sponsored by the henry clay Women’s club

Play & Learn at the ashland Branch Library, Monday, March 6, 11 — 11:30 a.m. ages Bir th-3. enjoy Mother Goose stor ytime at 10 a.m., then stay and play with toys and friends.

Mother Goose storytime at the ashland Branch Library. Mondays, March 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.

Toddler/Preschool storytime at the ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, March 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, March 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, March 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. Must Love Words at the ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, March 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.

Virginia native Plants for a small Garden at the ashland Branch Library, saturday, March 11, 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Many people would like to plant native plants in their yards, but don’t have a lot of space. This presentation, by a certified Virginia Master naturalist, will highlight Virginia native plants that stay small and spread slowly. Includes mostly perennial flowers, with some grasses, ferns and shrubs.

3 rivers Livestock club at the ashland

Branch Library, Tuesday, March 14, 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. ages 5-18. Would you like to participate in planning community service events and hone your expressive arts skills? at our meetings, you can learn how to get involved in community and public affairs, how to be a good role model, how to give back to your community, and how to use time management skills to enjoy every part of your life.

a night for swing at the ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, March 15, 7 — 8:30 p.m.

“swing dancing” is an umbrella term for the many styles of dance that developed in response to the exciting new swing music of the 1920s and 30s. The “Lindy hop,” “Balboa,” “collegiate shag,” and “charleston” are a few of the more popular swing dances. Join an instructor from rVa swing to learn about the history of swing dancing and to learn a few basic steps. Be prepared to learn, dance, and have fun!

s ummer c amp Fair at the a shland

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Since1983.NewResidential,Light Commercial,Renovations,Additions& Service.Wedoitall!SeniorCitizen Discounts.Forfreeest.804-746-5030

Branch Library, saturday, March 18, 1 –3 p.m. It’s not too early to begin planning for summer! stop by the library to meet with representatives and learn about unique summer camps and activities in ashland, hanover county and beyond. From arts and crafts to dance to sports, there will be something to interest everyone!

afternoon Book c lub at the ashland Branch Library, Monday, March 20, 1– 2 p.m. ages 18 and up. read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

so you Want Fresh eggs? at the ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. Learn the basics of raising chickens at home, including the best variety of chickens to choose, providing adequate housing, good nutrition

Please see LIBRARIES, Page 22

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Roofing-AllTypesofInstallation& Repair.40+yearsofexperience. Licensed/Insured.BBBA+Rating! JimMartin804-347-3812

STUMPGRINDING 804-387-5797 Mechanicsville

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Tile/Kitchens&Baths FreeEst.Licensed&Insured. Call264-9352

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HanoverEvangelicalFriends

6420MechTrnpk.804-730-9512, friendlychurch.org

Worship:Sun.10:30AM

SundaySchool@9:15AM

FairmountChristianChurch, 559-8070

6502CreightonRd. SundayAMWorshipTraditional 8:00&10:15,Contemporary9:00, Modern11:15,BibleSchoolat 9:00,10:15,&11:15.

RickRaines,SeniorMinister; ChrisSantasiere,AssociateMinister;SethWortman,Associate Minister;TracyThomas,Worship &MusicMinister;BillNicol,AssociateWorshipMinister;Davis Ellenberger,YouthMinister; AshleySears,Children’sDirector fairmountcc.org

GethsemaneChurchofChrist

5146MechanicsvilleTurnpike

SundayAMWorshipServices

(Checkwebsitefortimes) 804-779-2044

BillWines,SeniorMinister www.gethsemanechristians.org

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

StPaulLutheranChurch(LCMS)

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

HOPECOMMUNITYCHURCH

HomeofAtleeChristianAcademy&HopeNowCounseling. info&more:www.hopenow.cc

FairfieldPresbyterianChurch

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

Call804-746-1235 to hearaboutTheLocal’s upcomingadvertisingopportunities!

MeadowbridgeSeventh-Day AdventistChurch

7400AntiqueLaneMech.,

SaturdayServices:

SabbathSchool,9:45am. WorshipService,11am.

WednesdayeveningPrayer Meeting,6:30pm. Churchphone:746-2788 meadowbridgesda.org

meadowbridgesdachurch@gmai l.com

BlackCreekBaptistChurch, 6289McClellanRoad

SundaySchool-9:00a.m.

SundayWorship-10:15a.m. AdultBibleStudy&YouthGroup

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Pastor,StephenKendrick www.blackcreek.org orcall(804)781-0330

CoolSpringBaptistChurch

9283AtleeStationRd. Forinfo,activities&worship timesvisit www.coolspring.org orcall746-0800

FellowshipCommunityChurchof Mechanicsville

After10yearsatHanoverHigh Schoolwehavepurchasedour ownbuilding.Wecontinueto teachtheWordofGodand watchforthemiraculous. JoinusSundaymornings9:45am at8505BellCreekRoad,SuiteK. www.fellowshipcc.com

MechanicsvilleBaptistChurch

8016AtleeRd. Office:804.746.7253

Worshipinperson andLiveStreamedonYouTube &Facebook onSundaysat8:30&11:00a.m.

SundaySchool9:45a.m.

Findusonthewebat mechanicsvillebaptist.org

NewBethesdaBaptistChurch

9019NewBethesdaRd.779-2101

CalebBittler,Minister

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8116WalnutGroveRd. Office:746.7737

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WednesdayNightSuppersat 5:30p.m. andBibleStudyat6:15p.m. Findusonthewebat shalombaptist.net

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UNITEDMETHODIST

LebanonUnitedMethodist Church

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9:00amSundaySchool Formoreinfo,checkusoutat www.lebanonumc.org

MechanicsvilleUnitedMethodist Church

7356AtleeRoad746-5118

ReverendAmyDunn,pastor 10aminpersonworshipor Facebooklive@MechUMC ChildrensandYouthPrograms CubScoutsPack517 www.mechumc.org

ShadyGroveUnitedMethodist 8209ShadyGroveRd. atthecornerofMeadowbridge Rd.,Mechanicsville,804-746-9073 shadygroveumc.org

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ChurchoftheRedeemer 8275MeadowbridgeRoad 746-4911 www.churchredeemer.org

LEGALDISPLAYADS

NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanoverCountyPlanningCommission hasset Thursday,March16,2023,at6:00 P.M., intheBoardRoom oftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuildingatHanoverCourthouse, Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time,andplacefor apublichearing toconsiderthefollowingcases,atwhichpubliccommentswillbe accepted:

REZ2022-00034,DIANEC.ANDALPHEUSKAYKIRBY Request(s)to rezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,to AR-6(c),AgriculturalResidentialDistrictwithconditions,onGPIN 8726-98-0237,consistingofapproximately52.40acres,andlocated attheterminusof aproposed road,whichintersectswithWilliamsville Road(StateRoute615),approximately1,000feetnorthofits intersectionwithPineSlashRoad(private road)andwestoftheRainier EstatesSubdivision.ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneral LandUsePlanMapasAgricultural.Theproposedzoningamendment wouldpermitthecreationof asix(6)buildinglotsfor agrossdensityof one(1)dwellingunitper8.73acres.(PUBLICHEARING) Magisterial District:Henry

REZ2022-00026,GRANDMAMITCHELL’SPLACE,L.L.C. Request(s)anamendmenttotheconceptualplanandproffersapproved with rezoning requestREZ2020-00019,GrandmaMitchell’sPlace, L.L.C.,onGPINs7884-10-0166and7884-10-6499(part),consisting ofapproximately13.5acres,zonedM-2(c),LightIndustrialDistrict withconditions.Thepropertyislocatedonthesouthwestquadrant oftheintersectionof VerdonRoad(StateRoute684)and Washington Highway(U.S.Route1).Thesubjectpropertyisdesignatedonthe GeneralLandUsePlanMapasIndustrial.Theproposedzoning amendmentwouldallowforself-storagewarehousesandvehicle storage.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

Copiesoftheabovecasesmaybe reviewedinthePlanningOffice, MondaythroughFriday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and 5:00p.m.pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogoto https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-CommissionUpcoming-and-Archiveformoreinformation

PublicNotice

NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanover CountyBoardofSupervisorshasset

Wednesday,March8,2023 intheBoard ofSupervisorsConferenceRoomon thesecond flooroftheHanoverCounty AdministrationBuildingatHanover Courthouse,7516CountyComplex Road,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date, time,andplacefor aComprehensive Plan WorkSessiontobeginat12:00 P.M. followedby aRegularBoardMeetingto beginat2:00 P.M.intheBoardRoom.

TOWNOFASHLANDNOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe21stdayofMarch,2023, at 6:30 p.m. at theAshland TownHall,121 ThompsonStreet,Ashland, VA,theAshland TownCouncilwillconductpublichearings forthe purposeof receivinginput,andmayprovide recommendationsonthe following:

CPA2022-06IRONHORSE BUSINESS PARK

Property owner,TradeportAshlandLandLLC, by letterof attorney,requests acomprehensive plan amendmenttothefuturelandusemaptochangethefuturelanduseclassificationsfromInterstate Commercial, TraditionalNeighborhood, TownEdge,andOpenSpacetoInterstateCommercial, Office/IndustrialandOpenSpace.Thepropertyiscommonlyknownas“EastAshland”andislocated alongthesouthernlineofEast PatrickHenry Road(State Route54), approximately700feet west ofitsintersectionwith WoodsideLane(GPINparcels7880-61-7681,7880-61-4768,7880-60-4701, 7880-61-6987,7880-72-0523,7880-60-1053,and7880-60-4343).Thepropertyincludes existing zoningofPlannedUnitDevelopment(PUD),PlanningShoppingCenter(PSC),Highway Commercial(B-2)and RuralResidential(RR-1).The existinguseofthepropertyissingle-family residential,farmland,andopenspace.

CopiesofCPA2022-06maybeobtained by contacting TownHall at (804)798-1073,Mondaythrough Thursday, 7:30a.m.to6:00 p.m. Writtencommentsmaybesubmittedtoplanning@ashlandva.gov ormailedto TownofAshland,POBox1600,Ashland, VA 23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattend and expresstheirviews.Any personwith adisability requiringassistanceinordertoparticipatein thispublichearingisaskedtocontact TownHallinadvance,sothatappropriatearrangementscan bemade.

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Libraries

and hydration, how to protect your brood, and what you need to know to be compliant in your area.

From the heart stitchers at the ashland Branch Library. Thursdays, March 23, noon to 4 p.m. From the heart stitchers began in 2001 making chemo hats for the Massey cancer center and today has over 1,899 stitchers making thousands of items for service groups across the commonwealth. sew, knit, crochet or loom anything from blankets to shawls and everything in between. Bring a sewing machine, knitting needles, etc. and supplies, and make items for From the heart every fourth Thursday. see https://fromtheheartstichers.org/ for more information about this organization. hanover county history 1860-1980 at the ashland Branch Library, Thursday, March 23, 7- 8:30 p.m. Through the presentation of images of historic plats, court orders, pleadings, exhibits and other documents filed in hanover county from its earliest days in the 1700s to the time immediately preceding the civil War, circuit court clerk Frank d hargrove Jr. provide unique insight into the early history of hanover county, Virginia. he also will share information about ongoing efforts to conserve and digitize the

county’s historical records.

Instant shakespeare: King Lear at the ashland Branch Library, saturday, March 25, 1 — 5:30 p.m. Immerse yourself in shakespeare! spend a day reviewing, discussing, preparing for a dramatic reading of King Lear. end the day with the dramatic reading with props. scripts and props are provided. registration is required by Wednesday, March 22. a minimum of 8 participants will be necessary for the program. For more information and to request a role, contact Becki Jones, the shakespeare Lady, at theshakespearelady@hotmail.com.

are There Monsters in Virginia? at the ashland Branch Library, Wednesday, March 29, 7 – 8 p.m. are there monsters in Virginia? do Bigfoot, the Wampus cat and cryptids exist? Why is norton, Virginia considered a sanctuary for Bigfoot? hear stories about reported sightings of monsters in Virginia and Washington, d.c. and decide for yourself if these monsters are real!

HANOVER BRANCH LIBRARY

Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive for more information. Family Storytime at the Hanover Branch Library. Friday, Feb. 24, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. spring cleaning Tips and Tricks at the hanover Branch Library, Wednesday, March

1, 7 – 8 p.m. ages 18 and up. Learn some tricks and tips for your spring cleaning this year. Make a cute calendar that lists your chores in a fun to follow way. registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/10064893.

Family storytime at the hanover Branch Library, Fridays, March 3, 10, 24 and 31, 10:45 — 11:15 a.m. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more! Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

h anover Playgroup at the h anover Branch Library, Tuesday, March 7, 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. Moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers! socialize with other adults while your children make new friends at our Tuesday Playgroup, held the first Tuesday of every month at the hanover Library. all ages are welcome. refreshments will be provided.

Kumihimo at the hanover Branch Library, Thursday, March 16, 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. ages 12-18. Learn the Japanese braiding art of kumihimo. all materials provided to make one necklace. registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9745971. refreshments provided.

hanover Book club at the hanover Branch Library, Tuesday, March 21, noon – 1 p.m. do you like to read? Join our fun group to enjoy a good book and discuss it among peers. March’s title is “The alice network” by

Kate Quinn. registration is required for the Zoom portion at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/10303353. The meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email, please contact the library.

you will go on bold adventurers and confront deadly perils. refreshments will be provided. registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9779431.

LOIS

WICKHAM JONES/ MONTPELIER BRANCH LIBRARY

Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information.

Family s tor ytime at the Montpelier Branch Library. Thursday, March 2, 9, 16 and 23, 4 to 4:30 p.m. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Library Transcribe-a-Thon at the Montpelier Branch Library, Friday, March 3, 3-4 p.m. ages 16+. Looking for a meaningful way to support the library? Why not join the Transcribe-a-thon and enhance access to Library of Virginia collections covering 400 years of Virginia history, people, and culture. Working from a digital image of an original document, you will create a typed version while enjoying refreshments and the company of friends.

dungeons & dragons at the Montpelier Branch Library, saturday, March 11, 10:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. For ages 13 and up. Join us to create an exciting story where

Mystery Book club at the Montpelier Branch Library, Monday, March 13, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. ages 18 & up. Join us for a monthly discussion on our favorite mystery titles.

Montpelier Writer’s Group at the Montpelier Branch Library, Tuesday, March 14, 4 – 5 p.m. ready to share your love of words? Whether our stories are already published or locked away in a drawer, every writer can benefit from the support and encouragement of other writers. you don’t need a work-in-progress to begin! This monthly workshop is led by Valerie Forde-Galvin, Writer’s digest award winner and published author.

Get a hobby: Linoblock Printing at the Montpelier Branch Library, Thursday, March 23, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. need a new craft obsession? Try your hand at the ancient art of block printing. We’ll create original designs on paper using linoleum and ink. Beware: the tools are sharp! ages 18+ COCHRANE ROCKVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY c all 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Please see LIBRARIES, Page 23

Mechanicsville

libcal.com/event/9743470.

c hickahominy colored Pencil artists at the atlee Branch Library, Friday, March 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ages 18 and up. Join the chickahominy colored Pencil artists at a monthly meeting to share ideas, techniques and skills in using colored pencils. Bring your own individual supplies and projects and enjoy a time to sketch and make new friends. This is not an instructional class.

saturday Family stor ytime at the atlee Branch Library, saturday, March 11, 11 — 11:30 a.m. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more! Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

atlee Lego c lub at the atlee Branch Library, saturday, March 11, 3 — 4 p.m. For Grades K-5. Join us at our Lego club to meet and talk with other kids and builds some fantastic Lego creations! Located in the children’s Programing room upstairs.

Paint night at the atlee Branch Library, Tuesday, March 14, 78 p.m. ages 18 and up. Grab your friends or come solo and create your very own floral masterpiece! all materials included and instructions provided. register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/9749626.

hula dancing class at the atlee Branch Library, Wednesday, March 15, 10:30 a.m. — noon, ages 18 and up. Join us to exercise your brain and body as you learn about hula dancing and culture at the atlee Branch Library.

Page Turners Book club at the atlee Branch Library, Thursday, March 16, 3:30 — 4:30 p.m. ages 18 and up. Join us for an in-person, lively book discussion! We will be reading “a Man called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. you can place the book on hold and pick it up at the atlee Branch Library. new members always welcome!

atlee anime club at the atlee Branch Library, Thursday, March 16, 7:30 — 8:30 p.m. ages 12-18. Join the atlee Library anime club!

Meet teens with similar interests and watch cool shows.

h a nover Master Gardeners’ h ome Gardening s eries at the atlee Branch Library, saturday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. — 1 p.m., Learn about a variety of home gardening topics from Virginia

cooperative extension’s Master Gardeners. This session’s topic is “reasons to avoid Pesticides in your Landscape.” Topics change each session.

PJ storytime (virtual program), Thursday, March 21, 7 — 7:30 p.m. ages: 0-7. Get ready for bedtime with PJ storytime. songs, rhymes, and bedtime stories. registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9743250.

This program is hosted virtually through Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to the email registered before the event occurs. Please contact the atlee Branch if you do not receive this email. dance Party at the atlee Branch Library, Friday, March 24, 4 — 5 p.m. ages 8-12. Get your grove on at the atlee dance Party. Fun, music, and snacks will be provided.

Plant swap on the Patio at the atlee Branch Library, saturday, March 25, 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. Meet us on the patio at atlee for a plant swap! Bring your extra cuttings or plant divisions to share and get some new ones for your home or garden.

crafternoon for Teens: space coasters at the atlee Branch Library, s aturday, March 25, 3 — 4 p.m. ages 12-18. Go far beyond infinity with this fun space coasters craft! r egister at h ttps:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/9743197.

MECHANICSVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY

Call 804-746-9615 or visit the library at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place for more information.

Preschool storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23, 10:30 — 11 a.m. enjoy books, music, fingerplays, and much more at preschool stor ytime! For ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

Tabletop Gaming at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m., ages 18 and up. Join us at the library for a fun session of tabletop games! have fun with a variety of tabletop roleplaying games and learn more about one-shot adventures and longer campaigns!

h ula d ancin g c lass at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m. – noon. ages 16 and up. exercise your body and brain as you learn about hula dancing and culture at the library. Wear clothing you can dance in easily!

Mother Goose storytime at the

Mechanicsville Branch Library.

Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 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.

Toddler stor ytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library. Tuesday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 11 to 11:30 a.m. enjoy a stor ytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

senior Bingo at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, Friday, March 10, 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., ages 55 and up. need to get out and do something that’s both fun and relaxing? stop by the library for a game of themed Bingo for seniors!

Presented by shanna Beaumont, Membership Growth consultant at Jencare senior Medical center.

Philosophy in Film n ight at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, Monday, March 13, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m., ages 18 and up. Put your thinking caps on as we watch a short film from 1984 about a dog brought back to life and have a short philosophical discussion about the movie afterwards!

saturday Family stor ytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, saturday, March 18, 11 — 11:30am, enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more! Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Building challenge at the Mechanicsville Branch Library saturday, March 18, 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. For ages 2-12. Join us for an afternoon of sTeM exploration as we offer multiple building supplies for your children to build whatever they can imagine!

Paint night at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m., ages 18 and up. Join us for a night of painting as we celebrate the start of spring! registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/9725858.

adult storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch Library, Friday, March 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, please join us for adult storytime!

submitted by carolyn Garner, adult public services coordinator.

Libraries

From 22

Family storytime at the cochrane rockville Branch Library. Friday, March 3, 10, 24 and 31, 10:30 to 11 a.m. enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and more. Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

First Friday Films at the cochrane rockville Branch Library. Friday, March 3, 4 — 6 p.m. round up the neighborhood crew and catch a

Universe

From 15

brightest “stars” to emerge from twilight. Venus will move higher on the sky as the month progresses, Jupiter lower. Mars is high to the south, almost at zenith at sunset. It crosses the meridian at about 7 p.m. and sets at 3 a.m. Saturn returns to predawn twilight late in the month.

Our overhead view at midmonth, roughly three hours after sunset, finds the view toward zenith remarkably empty of bright stars. Castor and Pollux are perhaps the closest, high to the west and above Orion. Jupiter is near Aldebaran in Taurus, and is actually brighter than this bright star. Lower and to the southwest we see Sirius for what should be our last chance until its return

Council

From 15

When the additional signage and other measures failed to stem the number of accidents—five more occurred in 2022, after those steps were taken—local leaders decided that a threeweek test closure would be the best path forward.

With the crossing blocked by large barrels from Nov.

full-length feature film the first Friday of every month!

Travel in a Post-covid World at the cochrane rockville Branch Library.

Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. The travel industry is booming but booking that trip has changed in a post covid world! “how can I get the most for my travel dollar?” and “do I really need that travel insurance?” Before you book that flight, come to the rockville branch and get your questions answered by stella capocelli carter, president of Tour Plan International Ltd.

next winter. Ursa Major is inverted, with the “Big Dipper” asterism high to the northeast. This is a good time to check out the middle star in the “handle.” It’s actually a complex binary with its two brightest constituents Mizar and Alcor close enough that you may have difficulty resolving them without binoculars. A better telescope reveals that each of these is also binary. The end star in the handle is called Alkaid, yet another Arabic name. On a clear moonless night, binoculars may enable you to see the Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51 for its place in Charles Messier’s catalog of objects not to be confused with comets. It will be found about 5 degrees above and to the right of Alkaid. You should be able to pick it out with binoculars, while a larger telescope will give you a sense for

14 of last year to Dec. 5, the accident rate dropped to zero. Even better, most of the feedback coming from residents was positive.

Town staff continued to meet with business owners to see how the town could help mitigate any impact on local businesses in the shopping center, but the data was hard for local officials to ignore. The matter was deferred on Jan. 3 to allow staff to gather more

read 2 rover at the cochrane rockville Branch Library. Thursday, March 16, 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. Grades K-2. read 2 rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to colby or Pepper, our therapy dogs. space is limited. call the rockville Branch at 804-749-3146 or visit the library for more information to register for this rewarding program!

submitted by carolyn Garner, adult public services coordinator.

why it’s called the whirlpool, but your best view will be to find a deep image on line. The bright spiral arms tracing out regions of star formation may be the byproduct of a near collision with its companion galaxy. This spiral structure was first noted by the Earl of Ross with his 72-inch telescope in 1845. We now know that a massive black hole lies at the core of M 51, much as a four million solar mass black hole occupies the center of our own Milky Way.

If readers have questions about astronomy in particular (or science in general) that you would like covered in one of these columns, feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu. (I have retired from RandolphMacon College but will continue these columns and use of that email address for the foreseeable future.)

information, and in the meantime another accident occurred on Jan. 13.

As Jennings pointed out, the crossing would not meet safety standards today. With the matter concluded, officials asked last week that the crossing be blocked off once again and remain closed until it can be permanently closed off. Signage will be placed at the location to warn drivers of the change.