Mechanicsville-Ashland Local – 04/05/2023

SERVING ALL HANOVER COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Sheriff’s office holds awards ceremony PAGE 12

Second inning scoring barrage carries Hawks in Commonwealth Classic

PAGE 16

Library board votes not to label books

ROSLYN RYAN

Richmond Suburban News

When it comes to the type of reading material available at her local library, King William resident Sharon Landrum wants to make one thing clear: she doesn’t support banning or removing books from the shelves.

Instead, said Landrum, she would like to see a better system for helping parents know what books contain adult themes or material that might otherwise be considered inappropriate for young readers.

Principal earns leadership award

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

ASHLAND – Chris Martinez, the principal at Patrick Henry High School (PHHS), is the Hanover County Public Schools

winner of the 2022-23 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership by The Community Foundation. As a recipient, Martinez will receive a

$30,000 grant – a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant and $20,000 to be used for expanding a peer

“I’m simply talking about labeling and placement restrictions,” said Landrum, choosing her words carefully so as not to be grouped with those who in recent months have begun pushing libraries across the country to pull books featuring LGBTQ themes, sex-related content or challenging language permanently from library shelves.

For the past several months, a movement has been underway to get the Pamunkey Regional Library system—which serves

Hanover, King William, Goochland and King and Queen counties—to find a way to ensure that children are not able to access books featuring adult content or themes that might otherwise be considered inappropriate.

Landrum said she first began attending meetings several months ago, after finding books in her library featuring content that she found “appalling.”

On March 22, after hearing from at least six area residents who spoke in favor of labeling explicit material, the Pamunkey Reginal Library Board of Trustees voted 8-2 in favor of a Collection Development Policy that does not include labeling.

According to the new policy, which was not supported by Goochland board member Barb Young or Hanover member Ryan Martin, “Selection for the collection is not restricted by the possibility that children or adolescents may obtain or see materials their parents or guardians

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Chris Martinez, the principal at Patrick Henry High School, has won the 2022-23 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership.

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consider inappropriate. Responsibility for the reading material of children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal guardians. Library materials are not marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the content. No book or other item is sequestered except for the purpose of protecting it from injury or theft.”

Some have equated efforts to remove or label books to censorship, pointing out that the First Amendment protects the content as free speech. They also caution that any attempt to restrict access to books or other library materials would be the first step down a dangerous road.

Peggy Lavinder, who

spoke during the Feb. 22 board of trustees meeting, said she agrees that children should not have unrestricted access to material that is not ageappropriate. But she also insists that is parents’ responsibility to oversee what books their children read.

“For someone to ask the library, which is an institution created for free access to public information, to limit access to public information, is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole,” Lavinder said.

Landrum, for her part, thinks the library can do more to keep certain content out of the hands of children.

“To me, it’s a common sense approach,” she said. “Any civilization that does not protect its children is just barbaric.”

CULINARY STUDENTS SERVE UP PICTURE PERFECT DISHES

Hanover Center for Trades and Technology culinary students had a special guest last week. Talented local photographer Tyler darden gave a demonstration on food photography. students made tasty dishes and darden showed them photography techniques to really make them pop. The school division is incredibly thankful for community members who give back to Hanover’s schools.

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.

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 Charter), 9495 Charter 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

Henr y 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 Courthouse rd

pamunkey regional Jail, 7240 Courtland 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 richmondTappahannock Hwy. Studley — 23162 studley store, 5407 studley road

JAZZ BAND SHARES SWEET SOUNDS

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The patrick Henr y High school Jazz Band performed in the school’s library during lunches on March 27. students and staff were able to attend and enjoy some music while they dined.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FEB. 27

Grand larceny of a building was reported on the 7300 Bell Creek road.

damage of a catalytic converter was reported on the 8300 block of new ashcreek road.

damage of a catalytic converter was reported on the 13200 block of W. patrick Henry road.

driver not report accident with damage less than $250 11200 block of Cross Corner road.

a simple assault was reported on the 4100 block of parleys Mill road.

FEB. 28

petit larceny from auto was reported on the 15300 block of Binns road.

damage of a catalytic converter was reported on the 12300 block of Old ridge road.

exploit mental person for money more than $200 was reported on the 7000 block of autumn park Way.

dump trash on private property was reported on the 11200 block of Washington Highway.

possession of schedule i,ii controlled substance was reported on the 6100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/pebblepath park

embezzlement more than $200 was reported on the 12000 block of north lakeridge park.

a simple assault was reported on the 6700 block of Cold Harbor road.

Concealment, price alter merchandise more than $500 was reported on the 7400 block of Bell Creek road.

petit larceny shoplifting was reported on the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 16000 block of W. patrick Henry road.

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 6500 block of Creighton road.

MARCH 1

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 6300 block of Wilpat road.

possession of schedule i,ii controlled substance was reported on the 6100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

entering property with intent to damage was reported on the 00 block of Kings dominion Boulevard.

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 8400 block of Beatties Mill road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 8900 block of ringview drive.

petit larceny from auto was reported on the 13000 block of Woodside lane.

petit larceny at a building was reported on the 6600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Grand larceny of a building was reported on the7200 block of placida Circle.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported on the 9000 block of Brigadier road.

Trespass after being forbidden to do so was reported on the 9100 block of Od lafayette road.

possession of schedule i,ii controlled substance was reported on the 9400 block of Chamberlayne road/shady Grove road.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported on the 9500 block of Kings Charter drive.

Concealment, price alter merchandise less than $500 was reported on the 6400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Manufacture, sale, possession of a control substance — schedule i,ii was reported on the 15200 block of Terry road.

driver not report accident with damage >$250 was reported on the 7300 block of pole Green road.

Obtaining money by false pretenses less than $200 was reported on the 7400 block of pole Green road.

petit larceny from auto was reported on the 6300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 12000 block of Misty pines lane.

MARCH 2

petit larceny from auto was reported on the 7200 block of Battle Hill drive.

Grand larceny of an auto was reported on the 9400 block of atlee Commerce Boulevard.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 13100 block of Overhill drive.

identity thief, id to defraud less or equal to $200 was reported on the 7000 block of Wesbeam drive.

Credit card fraud less than $1000 in 6 months was reported on the 8100 block of Walnut Grove road.

Marijuana on school grounds was reported on the 9400 block of atlee station road.

Unlawful purchase or possess alcohol under the age of 21 was reported on the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

p etit larceny shoplifting was

reported on the 7200 Bell Creek road.

Marijuana on school grounds was reported on the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported on the 7200 Bell Creek road. profane, threatening language over public airway was reported on the 7100 block of Foxbernie drive. driver not report accident with damage more than $250 was reported on the 8200 block of atlee road

a simple assault was reported on the 12000 block of Cedar lane.

MARCH 3

dWi: First offense was reported on the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Brandy run drive. Carrying concealed weapon 2 nd offense was reported on the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ lee-davis road.

larceny of bank notes, checks was reported on the 19300 block of Beaver dam road.

driver did not report an accident with damage less or equal to $1000 was reported on the 8000 block of Meadowbridge road/shady Grove road.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported on the 18200 block of shiloh Church road.

petit larceny less than $500 not from person was reported on the 7200 block of atlee road.

Catalytic converter damage, etc. was reported on the 7400 block of rural point Court.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 14400 block of sT andrews lane.

dWi: First offense was reported on the 11500block of Howards Mill road/stone Horse Creek road. Under 21 illegally consume alcohol was reported on the 7400 block of pole Green road.

MARCH 4

Manufacture, sale, possession controlled substance was reported on the 10300 block of Washington Highway/south Cedar lane. Violation of protective order was reported on the 14400 block of saint andrews lane.

Unlawful purchase or possess alcohol under the age of 21 was reported on the 8000 block of Creighton park.

petit larceny of parts was reported on the 10200 block of ashcake road.

Please see REPORTS, Page 10

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LOCAL CALENDAR

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

The independence ruritan Club will be hosting an all you can eat Benefit Breakfast for Wings of Hope ranch from 6:45 to 9 a.m. 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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

Mechanicsville aarp Chapter 5407 will meet on, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Union Baptist Church, 6231 pole Green road in Mechanicsville. linda White, Hanover adult Center will be the guest speaker.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

register now to attend Hanover County’s largest active aging event devoted to seniors! Hanover’s fifth annual “Finding Value in your prime” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fairmount Christian Church 6502 Creighton road, Mechanicsville. The event is free but the deadline to register is april 5. par ticipants will be offered a complimentary light breakfast and boxed lunch and given the opportunity to meet representatives of services and learn about resources available to older adults. There will be presentations promoting active lifestyles and positive aging, along with various activities and door prizes. also offered during this event will be a special Centenarian recognition to honor Hanover residents who are 100 years of age or older. if you know someone living in Hanover County who will be 100 or older this year, we want to honor them. Call Community resources at 804-365-4300 or email volunteer@hanovercounty.gov. The deadline

FISH DAY!

Deliverywillbe:

Tuesday,April 18

KingWilliam10:00-10:45

@Southern States Ashland 11:45-12:30

@Ashland FeedStore

Montpelier 1:00-1:45

@MontpelierFeed&Seed

LIKEUSONFACEBOOK! FISHWAGON

ToPlaceanOrderCall

1-800-643-8439

www.fishwagon.com

to submit the information is March 24. To register for this event, visit www.hanoverparksrec.com and select events, key word: Finding Value in your prime (click on link). Consider bringing non-perishable, donated food items to the event to help benefit M.C.e.F. Food pantry. For more information, contact Hanover County Community resources at 804-365-4300.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

doswell ruritan salt Fish Breakfast will be held from 6 to 9 a.m. at the doswell ruritan Club, 16433 n. Washington Highway. all you care to eat salt Fish Breakfast to include scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrown potatoes, spiced apples, biscuits, cornbread, coffee and juice. Cost is $11 for adults, children 4010 years old are $5. Take-outs available.

a ‘decade of the 60’s reunion’ for all alumni of Hermitage High school for the classes of 1960 through 1969 will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at richmond east Moose lodge Ballroom, 7167 Flag lane in Mechanicsville. Music, food, plenty of tables, chairs, memories and old friends. Cash bar, casual attire. The event is limited to 400 attendees. The cost is $25 per person. To reserve your spot, make out your check to HHs 60’s reunion and mail to: HHs 60’s reunion, 7330 staples Mill rd. #249, Henrico, Va 23228. include your full name and address and which year you graduated.

For more information, contact sue Halsey Cox (Class of 1966) 804-387-9182 or suecox3@yahoo.com. Or contact dale Morris (Class of 1964) 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 Henr y’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 lane, Beaverdam. activities 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 openhouse 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-fiberfestival-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, sept. 26, Oct. 19, nov. 24 and dec. 26. you must schedule an appointment with the red Cross at redCrossBlood.org.

FRIDAY APRIL 28 & SATURDAY, APRIL 29

st. paul lutheran Church will sponsor its “everything for $1” two-day yard sale, from 7 a.m. to noon at 8100 shady Grove rd. in Mechanicsville. The inside/outside rain or shine event will include linens, kitchen,

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.

Toddler/preschool storytime at the ashland Branch library. Tuesday, april 11, 18, and 25, 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. Tuesday, april 11, 18 and 25, 11:30 a.m. to noon. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family stor ytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Mother Goose storytime at the ashland Branch library, Mondays,

april 10, 17 and 24, 10:30 — 11 a.m. Mother Goose is a stor ytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. We have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.

play and learn at the ashland Branch library, Monday, april 11 — 11:30 a.m. ages Birth-3. enjoy Mother Goose storytime at 10 a.m., then stay and play with toys and friends.

Big Bubbles at the a shland Branch library, Wednesday, april 5, 11 a.m. — noon. ages 3+. like blowing bubbles? Then you’ll lOVe blowing huge ones! spread some joy with bubbles as we play outside, weather permitting.

Big Bubbles at the a shland

home décor, clothes (children and adult), books, toys, lawn and garden, furniture and much more. For more information, call 804-427-7500.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

VFW post 9808 will hold a shred-it event on from 9 a.m. to noon at 7168 Flag lane in Mechanicsville. This event is for members and community residents. Come and share the date with your family and friends. note that no binders or boxes are allowed.

ONGOING

if you think you may have a drinking problem, aa can help. Visit aarichmond. org for meeting info in Hanover County and other areas or call the 24 hour hotline: 804-355-1212.

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 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. The Hanover Board of supervisors will hold public work sessions on the Comprehensive plan on

Branch library, Wednesday, april 5, 3 — 4 p.m. ages 12-18. Blowing large bubbles is part art form, part science. How big can yOU blow bubbles? Join us and find out, weather permitting.

r oll with i t! at the a shland Branch library, Thursday, april 6, 2 — 3 p.m. Grades K-5. explore the science of gravity, friction and inclined planes with ramps, pipes, wheels, balls and more!

all about Bees at the ashland Branch library saturday, april 8, 10 a.m. — noon. Why are honeybees important? What can we do to protect them? What should you do if you see a swarm of bees? Members of the ashland Beekeepers association will present a lively and

May 10 and July 26. The current schedule calls for the planning Commission to hold a public hearing on the proposed update in august, with the board’s public hearing to take place a month later. For information on the planning process, and how you can participate, visit www.envisionhanover.com. you can also follow the process on Twitter, instagram and Facebook.

The Hanover County sheriff’s Office will be hosting its 14th annual senior Citizens police academy. The senior Citizens police academy will take place april 11 to June 20. The academy will be held every Tuesday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at The Montpelier Community Center, located at 17203 sycamore Tavern lane, Montpelier, Va 23192. There will be no cost for the participants. Class size will be limited to the first 30 seniors who register. The program will be available to people 55 years of age or older who are residents, business owners or county employees. applicants must also be willing to submit to a background check. This academy is designed to give participants an inside look into law enforcement with the Hanover County sheriff’s Office. interested seniors are urged to download an application at http://www.hanoversheriff.com/199/senior-Citizens-police-academy or contact deputy evan povar at (804) 365-3363 for an application or additional information. also, the application needs to be notarized. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2023. Mechanicsville Churches emergency Functions One stop shop (MCeF Oss) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at

Please see CALENDAR, Page 15

informative program about these very important and often misunderstood social insects.

The 3 rivers livestock Club at the ashland Branch library, Tuesday, april 11, 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.

Hanover Quilting Circle at the ashland Branch library, Wednesday, april 12, 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, april 12, 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

Please see HANOVER, Page 23

mentoring program at the school, a wellness room for staff, and to further support a food pantry for students battling food insecurity.

One principal from each school division in the counties of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield, as well as the City of Richmond, receives the award annually. It serves to recognize principals who “go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.” The school community and the public submit the nominations.

“I am beyond humbled. Doing what is best for kids and providing them with what they need to be successful is what we do as educators,” said Martinez, who is in his fifth year as the principal at PHHS. “Being a principal is the best and most rewarding job I have ever had. We have some amazing school leaders and I am grateful to work alongside them. Though I am receiving this award, it is an absolute team effort!”

Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, surprised Martinez on Tuesday, March 28 with the news of the recognition during a meeting with division leaders from across the school division.

“Mr. Martinez is a dedicated leader who has a clear passion for serving students, staff, and the community with his continuous focus on building up the ‘PHamily’ of Patrick Henry High School,” Gill said. “This is a well-deserved honor for Mr. Martinez, and I am incredibly proud of his accomplishment. We are truly fortunate to have him on our team.”

Martinez said his favorite

part about being a principal is “the people.”

“I love working with our students, parents, staff and community members. It is the best reward to have a part in our students’ success,” he said. “The partnership with our families and community to support our students is a huge piece in how we meet our students’ needs.”

Martinez plans to use the grant funds to support both students and staff.

This school year, PHHS selected 24 students to serve as peer mentors, spending one block of their schedule as counseling assistants – being the first face in the school counseling office that other students see when they enter. These mentors help direct students to their school counselor or to the school’s calming room, which has benefitted students’ mental health. The mentors also assist with community outreach events at the school, such as a Trunk or Treat event at PHHS that attracted families from across the school division. With the R.E.B. funding, Martinez said these peer mentors will receive additional training and help with more community engagement activities.

Additionally, a portion of the funds will be used to create a “PHamily” wellness room for faculty and staff at the school, which will “provide staff with opportunities to focus on self-care and developing healthy coping strategies while reducing stress and anxiety.”

“Not only do PH students need support with mental health and wellness, but also PH staff,” Martinez said. “Supporting my staff is essential to helping the students reach their potential.”

He added: “The goal of a

wellness room is to support all staff with a calmer and more peaceful environment while also encouraging staff to work on their personal goals in life.”

Finally, the grant funds will support the expansion of “PHamily Pantry” to assist students who have reported to teachers and

support staff that they are hungry at school and don’t have food at home. Staff at the school created the pantry this year in response to the reported need. Since the pantry’s inception, PHHS staff members have partnered with local organizations and businesses to grow the pantry into a fully

stocked space with canned goods and perishable items.

Not only will the additional funding expand the pantry space, Martinez said he plans to add a freezer to the pantry and to have this resource for students include clothing.

Martinez, a Virginia Commonwealth Univer-

sity alumnus, taught math for 10 years and also served as both the math department chair and assistant activities director at Atlee High School (AHS) before becoming an assistant principal at AHS for three years. He was appointed to serve as principal at PHHS in 2018.

OPINION

EDITOR

Protecting children: Libraries are not the enemy FROM THE

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

Trust is not a given, and these days it seems a more precious commodity than ever. It’s hard to recall a time when there appeared to be less public trust in our political leaders, in our schools or in our justice system. What’s more,

this trust gap is now increasingly exploited for political gain.

Unfortunately, the recent debate over what content should be allowed in public libraries highlights more than just a lack of trust in librarians to know the difference between a classic novel and prurient junk. And it isn’t simply about a lack of toler-

ance toward the LGBTQ community (five of the most-often challenged books in 2021 dealt with sexuality and gender identity, according to the American Library Association). People have always been intolerant. What’s different now is how entitled some have become in asking public institutions to acqui-

Latest inventions could solve your problems

JIM RIDOLPHI

Contributing Columnist

Idon’t believe I envisioned living in a world where watermelons were priced at $12.99 at my local market last week while a guy on a television ad just bought a mountain bike for $11, but welcome to America.

I didn’t buy the watermelon, and I’ll bet you that guy didn’t get that mountain bike for $11 either, but the whole

encounter did get me thinking about truth in advertising.

We are bombarded with reports that Americans watch too much television or spend too much time on our phones. I don’t dispute that these complaints are valid and require research.

But, is it possible the influx of another genre of media bombardment called late night advertising could be the cause of a

whole new set of problems for troubled Americans.

I sometimes think that ads featured on late night cable television have been dumbed down to target a specific group of buyers, a group my grandmother would have described as those who don’t know any better.

Americans, at least the ones who respond to these advertisements, are kind

Please see INVENTIONS, Page 7

esce to their personal demands. Can we talk for a moment about inappropriate content? I hate to be the one to point this out, but American young people have been fed a steady diet of explicit content for decades. Sure there was a time when Lucy and Ricky Ricardo sharing a single bed was considered too risqué

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Ashland, Virginia — Center of Sprawl and Congestion?

Dear Editor, Ashland is on the fast train to become the center of sprawling commercial and warehouse development. The proposed Iron Horse Business Park is located in Ashland’s town limits on the eastern side of I-95 with a portion of it spreading over the line into Hanover County. The proposed 1.9 million square feet of “flex” warehouse space is the equivalent of 12 Walmart Super Centers like the one currently located in Ashland. This

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

for the viewing audience. And it’s hard for some of us to forget the time in 2003 when America lost its mind—and the FCC fined ABC $1.4 million—because an actor’s bare rear end made a cameo on national television. Mind you, this was five years

is more total square footage in Iron Horse than the Wegmans’ Distribution Center and more than the total square footage of the SanMar Corporation Distribution Center recently announced just north of Ashland.

Putting interstate commercial development — think gas stations, fast food, hotels, etc., along with the traffic from warehouse development — will destroy the quality of life of the existing rural and historic neighborhoods in this area.

These neighborhoods already experience traffic volume overload. There are frequent interstate

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

backups that result in significant delays and congestion. You may know Ashland as the “Center of the Universe.” Why would Town leaders make Ashland the “Center of Sprawl?”

There will be a joint Community Meeting of Town and County officials on Tuesday April 11, 6 p.m., at Copley Science Center, Room 100 — Randolph Macon College. Attend this meeting and speak up to protect our quality of life in Hanover and Ashland. Say no to more sprawl and congestion.

Martha S. Wingfield Ashland

News tips, story ideas, community events, photos, birth announcements, milestones, anniversaries

Novel takes reader back in baseball history

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Joyce A. Miller, a local Richmond author, will be signing copies of her books on Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Books, Beads and More in Mechanicsville. James River Greyhounds will have meet and greet

Protecting

after the President of the United States was impeached after becoming embroiled in a sex scandal, but even into the early years of this century it seemed there was still a line when it came to what children should and should not be exposed to.

At some point, however, and it’s hard to pinpoint

Inventions

From 6

spirited by nature, and if no one bought these products, I suppose we wouldn’t be deluged by the late night frenzies.

I have to honestly question what demographic is being targeted for some of these products, but my inquisitive nature hints that some of the advertising may be aimed at those consumers who are more susceptible to certain market techniques that seem to play over and over in most of these ads.

I recently conducted a foray into the world of late night advertising, for research purposes only you understand, and was amazed at the number of

booth for meeting some fabulous adopted hounds and their wonderful volunteers.

“Joe Harris, The Moon” is historical fiction based on the true story of Miller’s granduncle who played baseball in the 1910s/1920s against Babe Ruth and Lou Geh-

exactly when, the tide turned. Something shifted. Suddenly sex was literally everywhere, or at least the suggestion of it, from television to advertising to popular music. Some of the most popular television shows of the past decade—including series such as “Game of Thrones” or “Bridgerton”—feature content that would have been unthinkable 20 years ago.

Churches have been

miraculous, innovative and magical (their descriptions, not mine) items that were actually available.

I encountered a parade of American entrepreneurship that included space age tools and gadgets, creams and jellies that eliminated lines, wrinkles, spots and over rolly parts of your bodies, detergents that worked miracles, glues with incredible strength, legal services and many other inventive, if not innovative, new products.

Many of them carried a familiar message I came to recognize: “But, wait. Order now and receive a second unit. Just pay a separate fee.”

Now, I’m not the most savvy consumer, but even my less than sharp mar-

rig. A great book to read on Jackie Robinson’s birthday, April 15. “Look! You’re Dancing, A Memoir of Dogs, Dance and Devotion” is about Miller’s time volunteering for a greyhound adoption group and performing canine freestyle, or dog dancing, with a few of her

rocked by sex scandals. Schools have become embroiled in debates focused on gender and sexuality. Last week a former President of the United States was indicted, accused of paying hush money to cover up an affair with a porn star. And we’re worried about the library? At this point, it may be one of the last places on Earth where explicit content isn’t served up on a silver platter. Sadly, the problem is

keting knowledge tells me this offer sounds suspicious. If I’m buying a second product and paying a fee, I’m not sure how that qualifies as a special deal. Another space age invention warned that the product was being discontinued due to a supply chain problem so consumers should waste no time in ordering. Sadly, the company was limiting each customer to a limit of up to four units.

Intermingled with this group of less-than-famous products, there were also informative advertisements for quality grills, cruise lines and other familiar and reputable products that I am convinced are legitimate and useful additions to many households.

greyhounds. April is Adopt-AGreyhound month and perhaps after reading this book there will be a few more greyhound adoptions in central Virginia.

Miller adopted six racing greyhounds over the past 20 years. Before she started writing, Miller

not that we don’t trust our librarians to make the right decisions.

The problem is that someone has managed to convince parents that children are not safe anywhere, and that the best way to spend their time is to seek out witches and stir up voters.

Parents have every right—and a moral responsibility—to protect their children and give them a framework to understand

But, I still have to question who exactly sees these products, establishes a need and orders this stuff. A few years ago my sister, a well-educated professional, bought a “miraculous” mop from a popular host on the infomercial circuit. She later admitted she bought the product because she liked the guy’s British accent. The mop, not so much!

I’m not sure who could possibly fall for the most outrageous of these over-the-top claims for products, all of them one-time-only deals that require immediate action, especially if you want free shipping and handling. Maybe, that guy who made the boat from plastic wrap and glue has the answer.

worked for over 30 years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory. When she’s not writing, Miller devotes her time to many interests. She paints, tap dances, does yoga and volunteers with her local greyhound adoption group, James River Greyhounds.

the world around them. And local libraries have always been, and should continue to be, a key part of

that process. Regardless of the storms raging elsewhere, let’s leave them out of the fray.

UpcomingEvents:

April8 at 2pm & 7pm

April9 at 12pm

April12-April15 at 7pm

April16 at 12pm

The LittleMermen

April7 at 7pm

TheLittle Mermen play Disney hits, from The JungleBook to TheLionKing,andeven Frozen Enjoy Disney-fuelednostalgiaand singalongs.

10AM ToddlerTakeover!

April 15 at 10am (FreeEvent)

Forages 1monthto6years, 1hour of cartoons& familyfriendly fare! Concessions willbeavailable andthetheatre lights willbe keptonduringthehour

Concert Ballet of Virginia to celebrate ‘Aurora’s Wedding’

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Concert Ballet of Virginia, headquartered in Hanover County, is proud to bring a classic tale to the stage this spring!

Experience the enchanting world of ballet with “Aurora’s Wedding”- a shortened version from the classic “Sleeping Beauty.” Let yourself be captivated by the beauty and grace of the dancers as they tell the story of Princess Aurora’s journey toward true love and magical wedding celebration.

The Concert Ballet of Virginia will begin its run of performances at the J.R. Tucker High School Auditorium Saturday, April 22 at 2:30 p.m., and again on Sunday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. More information and ticket sales are available online at www.concertballet.org

Event promotes active lifestyles, positive aging

CONTRIBUED REPORT

Register now to attend Hanover County’s largest active aging event devoted to seniors! Hanover’s fifth annual “Finding Value in Your Prime” will be held on April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fairmount Christian Church in Mechanicsville. The event is free but the deadline to register is April 5.

Participants will be offered a complimentary light breakfast and boxed lunch and given the opportunity to meet representatives of various agencies and learn about resources available to older adults. There will be presentations promoting active lifestyles and positive aging, along with various activities and door prizes.

Also offered during this event will be a special Centenarian Recognition to honor Hanover residents who are 100 years of age or older.

Hanover Arts and Activities Center offers painting classes

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Want to improve your painting, or begin to paint? Now’s the time!

To register for this event, visit www.hanoverparksrec.com and select events, key word: Finding Value in Your Prime (click on link). Consider bringing non-perishable, donated food items to the event to help benefit M.C.E.F. Food Pantry.

“Finding Value in Your Prime” is offered by the Hanover Council on Aging, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, AARP, Ashland Police Department, Hanover Triad and the Hanover County departments of Community Resources and Parks & Recreation.

Fairmount Christian Church is located at 6502 Creighton Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

For more information, contact Hanover County Community Resources at 804-365-4300.

information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information Officer.

Beginning in April, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center (HAAC) will offer a weekly studio art class for all levels (beginners to advanced) and in all media (oils, acrylics, watercolors or charcoal). Subjects will include a live model and still lifes.

Register now because the weekly class will be limited to 15, first come, first served. The class will be held on Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m., April 17 and 24 and May 1 and 8. The one-time fee is $80 for all four two-hour classes.

Some materials are not included. The instructor will send a supply list before the class. You may email him directly with questions at dkbartges@verizon.net.

Classes will be conducted by Dan Bartges (danbartges.com), a nationally-known artist and author whose artwork appears in the collections of several Fortune 500 companies and in many private collections.

Beginning in april, the Hanover arts and activities Center (HaaC) will offer a weekly studio art class for all levels (beginners to advanced) and in all media (oils, acrylics, watercolors or charcoal). subjects will include a live model and still lifes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANOVER ARTS AND ACTIVITIES CENTER

LEFT: Front row: Molly Hudson, allie davis, libbie Gonzales.

Back row: Maria shcherbakova, Zemi Turner, Harper Moody.

RIGHT: allie davis, a senior at atlee High school, will play princess aurora.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE DAVIS

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 s tor ytime at the atlee Branch l ibrary. Tuesdays, april 5, 12, 19 and 26, 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.

preschool storytime at the atlee Branch library, Mondays, april 10, 17 and 24, 10:30 — 11 a.m. enjoy a storytime of books, music, and fun for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers.

Toddler stor ytime at the atlee Branch library. Wednesdays, april 5, 12, 19 and 26, 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 library. Tuesdays, april 11, 18 and 25, 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.

Fun and Games at the a tlee Branch library, Wednesdays, april

5 and 19, 1 – 4 p.m. ages 18 and up. Meet up with friends and have a great time with card and board games.

a special reading of “Charlotte’s Web” at the atlee Branch library, Thursday, april 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. all ages. enjoy a special reading of the children’s classic, “Charlotte’s Web,” by e.B. White retired professor emeritus of Theater from randolph-Macon College, Joe Mattys, will read aloud a shortened version of this charming and ageless story. saturday Family storytime at the atlee Branch library, saturday, april 8, 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.

at lee le go Club at the at lee Branch library, saturday, april 8, 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.

atlee Book Group at the atlee Branch library, Wednesday, april 12, 11 a.m. – noon. Join us in-person or on Zoom for a lively book discussion. We will be reading “The

devil in the White City” by erik larson. you can pick up a copy of the book at the atlee Branch library Circulation d esk while supplies last. registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/9742335. 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, please contact the library. support nesting Birds in your Backyard at the atlee Branch library, Wednesday, a pril 12, 7 — 8:30 p.m. learn the dos and don’ts to support nesting birds in your yard, including what native plants to grow to make an oasis for avians.

pJ storytime (virtual program), Thursday, april 13, 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/9743459. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to the email registered before the event occurs. Contact the atlee Branch if you do not receive this email.

Chickahominy Colored p encil artists at the atlee Branch library , Friday, april 14, 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.

Hula dancing Class at the atlee Branch library, Wednesday, april 19, 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, april 20, 3:30 — 4:30 p.m. ages 18 and up. Join us for an in-person, lively book discussion! Contact the library for title and author information. 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 l ibrary, Thursday, a pril 20, 7:30 — 8:30 p.m. ages 12-18. Join the atlee library anime Club!

Meet teens with similar interests and watch cool shows.

Book Club for Kids at the atlee Branch library, Friday, april 21, 4 — 5 p.m. For ages 8-12. Join the atlee Kids’ Book Club! registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/9743500.

poetry on the patio at the atlee Branch library, Friday, april 28, 4 — 5 p.m. Celebrate national poetry Month with an open mic poetry slam on the atlee library patio. Bring a poem of your own choosing or select one from a group provided by library staff and prepare to captivate the crowd with your prose. no experience necessary.

poetry lovers and listeners of all ages are welcome.

stress Management seminar at the atlee Branch library, saturday, april 29, 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. ages 13 – adults. engage in a workshop to help alleviate stress. Categorize your stressors into groups to understand the “why” behind your anxieties. discover different ways to increase your well-being. and find meaningful strategies to live your life better! presented by afreen Gootee of Thoughtful Minds Consulting. at the atlee Branch for

ages as young as 13 years old up through adults! registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/10500787.

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, Thursday, april 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 — 11 a.m. enjoy books, music, fingerplays, and much more at preschool storytime! For ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

Mother Goose storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary. Tuesdays, april 11, 18 and 25, 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 storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch library. Tuesday, april 4, 11, 18 and 25, 11 to 11:30 a.m. enjoy a storytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Please see LIBRARIES, Page 23

Theresa Decker

deCKer, Theresa “Terri,” 64, of Mechanicsville, Va., went to be with her lord and savior, saturday, March 25, 2023. she was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and anne loeffler. she is survived by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 42 years, Jeff decker; three children, Katie Tanis (Matt), allison Combee (Matthew) and Jeffrey decker; the lights of her life, her grandchildren, emma, Brayden, Jules and Calla; five siblings, Bill (Marcy, deceased), Bob (Jacquie), Jack (Jean), Jan (richard, deceased) and Tom (sharon); and many cherished nieces and nephews, including her two goddaughters. The family received friends from 2 to 4 p.m., sunday, april 2, 2023, at the Catholic Church of the redeemer, 8275 Meadowbridge rd., Mechanicsville, Va. 23116, where a Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m., Monday, april 3, 2023. a private graveside service was held at Quantico national Cemetery the next day. in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the sarah Cannon Cancer institute or the Church of redeemer Haiti Ministry. Online condolences can be offered at www.monaghanfunerals.com.

OBITUARIES

Doris Atkinson Martin

MarTin, doris atkinson, 96, was called to be with our lord on Thursday, March 30, 2023. doris was born February 11, 1927, to Fletcher and Mattie atkinson in Hanover, Va., where she enjoyed spending much of her time playing softball. doris was preceded in death by her brother, Clayton; and husband, Willie. she will be remembered as a loving mother to Bill and wonderful grandmother to Jenny, Tess, Waverly, Mattie, sophie and Justin. she is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and a slew of beloved friends. doris leaves behind a legacy of loving selflessly and with her whole heart. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, april 4 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 lee-davis rd. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, april 5, 2023, at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church. interment will follow in signal Hill Memorial park.

Thomas M. Tucker

D. R. Sizemore

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TUCKer, Thomas M. “Tommy” Jr., 71, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the lord Wednesday, March 29, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce J. and Thomas M. Tucker; and is survived by his wife of 24 years, Victoria; children, Thomas M. Tucker iii (leilani), Carrie Johnson (Joe) and paige Harper (Thomas); six grandchildren, Jessica, Taylor, riley, Hayden, arlynn and sadie; great-granddaughter, lane; and brother, Tracy Tucker (anne). af ter graduating from lee-davis High school in 1970, Tommy served 12 years in the Va. air national Guard. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed gardening, particularly, growing Hanover tomatoes. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 lee-davis rd., where services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, april 7, 2023. interment will follow in signal Hill Memorial park.

siZeMOre, d r. “Cotton,” 83, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the lord sunday, March 26, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, dasil H. and er thel sizemore; sister, shelva Gitney; and brother, larry sizemore. Cotton is survived by his wife of 57 years, nancy; two daughters, Melissa Kennedy (Gregory) and rhonda Thrift (david); four grandchildren, aidan, Kathryn (Josh), andrew (Brittany) and sarah (Jake); two great-grandchildren, Kendra-lin and Jack; siblings, doug sizemore (Mary), Judy schneider, Bobbie-sue Kesner and rex sizemore (diane); as well as a large, loving extended family. a U.s. army Veteran, he retired from Virginia power. Cotton was past president of iBeW local 699, served as Business Manager for system Council U-1 and lobbyist for aFl- CiO. an active member of Mechanicsville Baptist Church, he served in many capacities including sunday school Teacher and deacon. Many people were blessed by his servant heart. Volunteer work included dover Men in Ministry, both national and international mission work and serving the underprivileged in our community. The family received friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 31 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 lee-davis rd. services were held 11 a.m. saturday, april 1, 2023 at Mechanicsville Baptist Church. interment will be private. in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to dover Men in Ministry, p.O. Box 154, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.

Reports

From 3

building to commit larceny/a&b/ etc. (conspiracy) was reported on the 19300 block of Beaver dam road.

Jane Quinn Yancey

damage of a catalytic converter was reported on the 14400 block of new Found road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 8000 block of Woodbridge road.

petit larceny at a building was reported on the 10300 block of Kings acres road.

petit larceny at a building was reported on the 9000 block of Times dispatch Boulevard.

petit larceny at a building was reported on the 6600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

driver not report accident with damage less than $250 was reported on the 10100 block of ashcake road/ashglade Court.

MARCH 6

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 9300 block of Chamberlayne road.

Mechanicsville 8014LeeDavisRd 746-8665

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yanCey, Jane Quinn, 94, of Mechanicsville, passed away on March 28, 2023. she was preceded in death by her husband, Willie yancey; daughter, Janice Marable; son, Billy yancey. she is survived by her granddaughter, lindsay Jones (Mike); son-in-law, James Marable. she will be greatly missed. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 lee-davis rd. a graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 31 at Washington Memorial park, 6217 Memorial dr., sandston, Va. 23150.

Obtaining money by false pretenses less than $200 was reported on the 7800 compass point ln

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 11000 block of Cobbs road.

petit larceny at a building was reported on the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

driver did not report an accident with damage less or equal to $1000 was reported on the 7200 Cold Harbor road/Brooking Way.

dWi: First offense was reported on the 8200 block of atlee road.

MARCH 5

Breaking and entering a

Grand larceny -$500 or more not from person 10300 block of ashcake road.

driver not report accident with damage >$250 was reported on the 11200 block of Howards Mill road.

Grand larceny of a building was reported on the 10300 block of Kings acres road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7200 block of Cold Harbor road.

identity theft, financial loss more than $200 was reported on the 9600 block of sliding Hill road.

Please see REPORTS, Page 11

7-YEAR-OLD HUNTER CATCHES FIRST TURKEY IN DOSWELL

during the spring Gobbler youth Weekend, audrey Mayers, 7, completed her first ever hunt on april 1 and got this turkey. The youth and apprentice spring Turkey Hunting Weekend was a statewide event held april 1 and 2. This turkey was harvested in doswell.

Reports

From 10

a simple assault was reported on the 10000 block of sliding Hill road.

Trespass on posted property was reported on the 19200 block of landora Bridge road.

driver did not report an accident with damage less or equal to $1000 was reported on the 4000 block of studley road.

petit larceny from auto was reported on the 7300 Bell Creek road.

petit larceny shoplifting was reported on the 10000 block of sliding Hill road.

Breaking and entering a building to commit larceny/etc., armed was reported on the 7400 block of stuar t drive.

p etit larceny from auto was

reported on the 10400 block of arapaho lane.

MARCH 7

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 14100 block of elletts Crossing road.

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 9000 block of pole Green park lane. profane, threatening language over a public airway was reported on the 9200 block of Chamberlayne road.

a simple assault was reported on the 5500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported on the 13300 block of Winston road.

Please see REPORTS, Page 21

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDRA MAYERS

Sheriff’s office holds awards ceremony

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

An awards ceremony honoring members of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the community was held Thursday, March 30 at Hanover High School. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Historic Hanover Tavern.

A total of 75 individuals from the sheriff’s office and the community were recognized for their outstanding efforts and contributions in making Hanover County a safe place to live, work and raise a family. Award recipient categories were Citizen Recognition, Excellent Service to Law Enforcement, Unit Citations, Meritorious Service, Excellent Service, Silver Star, Volunteer of the Year, Explorer of the Year, Reserve Officer of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Officer of the Year.

Deputies were joined by family, friends and members of the community to celebrate the many accomplishments of those committed to excellent service and community partnerships.

The sheriff’s office is extremely grateful to the Hanover Chamber of

Commerce and the business community for their sponsorship of this event. The office also thanked the Hanover Chamber of Commerce for its generous donation to the Hanover Sheriff’s Office Foundation.

“I continue to be amazed by the outstanding work of the men and women of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and of the community that supports them. This ceremony is an opportunity to publicly share their accomplishments and celebrate the strong partnerships that make our community exceptional. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Hanover Chamber of Commerce and community members for their continued support and sponsorship of this event in recognizing the men and women of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Last night’s ceremony was just another example of why Hanover County is an excellent place to live, work and raise a family. Once again, I’d like to thank the Chamber and our community for their generosity

austin Brown was honored as the rookie of the year

dennis edwards was honored as the Officer of the year

Harold Mcnamara was honored as the Volunteer of the year.

scott Olivo was honored as the reser ve Officer of the year.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Hanover sheriff, Colonel david r. Hines, center, presented dozens of awards from his office during an awards ceremony held March 30. shown here, deputy Matthew newton and Trooper B.d spangler each were recognized with a silver star. Please see CEREMONY, Page 20

COMMUNITY

VFW PRESENTS DONATION TO HCPS 6TH GRADERS

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9808 in Mechanicsville recently

all Hanover County sixth graders to visit Scotchtown, the Hanover home

Patrick Henry.

“The Voice of the Revolution," Scotchtown

the home

Henry

famous “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!” speech in Richmond’s St. John’s Church. Students from Liberty and Chickahominy Middle Schools were the first to visit and are pictured here.

Community conversation to focus on childhood trauma

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

BeWellVA, a collaboration of Central Virginia’s seven Community Services Boards (including Goochland, Hanover and Powhatan counties), is offering a free virtual book discussion on resiliency and overcoming childhood trauma featuring author Joye B. Moore (aka Joyebell), who is also known as the culinary creator of Joyebells Sweet Potato Pies.

The event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom on Thursday,

April 13. Free registration at https:// us06web.zoom. us/meeting/register/tZcof-qorjwvE9U0X2p5mc2gCNcP6X5mWEfr.

As a teen living on the streets of South Dallas because her home life was filled with physical, emotional and sexual abuse, young Moore stayed strong by believ-

ing that something better would come her way. Her book, Hopefully Beautiful: “I more than survived…I thrived!” gives readers a first-hand look at the trials of living with a parent who has an untreated mental illness as well as the long-term challenges faced by individuals who have been impacted by traumatic events known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Moore’s deeply personal memoir, while unsettling and harrowing at times, is a true testament to the

endurance of the human spirit and the ability to overcome obstacles and emerge triumphant.

Representatives of BeWellVA will share resources to help children and adults who have experienced ACEs and offer strategies for prevention in our communities.

BeWellVA is a collaboration of Central Virginia’s seven Community Services Boards whose mission is to bring awareness to the increasing number of deaths by suicide and promote wellness for

life. As experts in behavioral health and wellness, BeWellVA strives to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and those who struggle with mental health, substance use and thoughts of suicide. The resources and workshops provided by BeWellVA help people in Central Virginia find their path to emotional well-being. To learn more visit: https://bewellva.com.

Contact Octavia Marsh at BeWellVA04@gmail.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT SEIFERT, VFW POST 9808

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ASHLAND

Police chief seeks funds for new officer

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

To Ashland Chief of Police Troy Aronhalt, keeping Ashland residents safe comes down, in large part, to making sure that the local police department is adequately trained and staffed. In keeping with those goals, as the chief explained to the Ashland Town Council during a budget planning session on March 27, the department is seeking funding for another sworn officer to add to its current staff of 27 sworn officers and three civilian employees.

When it comes to how the department spends the money allocated to it by the council, almost 90% of the funds are directed toward salaries, benefits and other line items associated with staffing. As Aronhalt noted during his presentation last week, “We put our money where it counts, in our people.”

To that end, the department this year is asking for an additional 7.6% to increase current salaries and benefits and to cover the cost of the additional position, a move Aronhalt said would help keep staffing in line with the town’s recent population growth.

The requested $3,686,077 in funding for the police department represents a 5.1% increase over last year’s $3,506,004 budget request.

Included in this year’s budget is a $2,500 increase to cover the cost of dues for the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, increases in utilities and telecommunications due to rising fuel costs and inflation, and funding to cover an uptick

in requests for court-appointed counsel.

An additional $70,000 is being requested to upgrade the department’s current dispatch system—a move that is needed in order to maintain connectivity with the recently upgraded Hanover County Sheriff’s Department system. As Aronhalt explained, around $50,000 of that cost has already been recouped from savings due to American Rescue Plan Act funds.

While the dispatch system and other line items are important, maintaining staffing levels remains critical, Aronhalt said. Current staffing shortages have created a ripple effect in the department, leading to some officers being diverted from core responsibilities to cover open shifts on the road, as well as increased overtime and lost holidays.

Aronholt pointed out that 21 officers have left the Ashland Police Department since 2018, and that it typically takes just over five months for a new certified candidate to reach the point where they can handle calls.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Aronhalt reported that the department continues to maintain an exemplary level of service for town residents.

The following numbers represent how the department was able to serve Ashland residents last year: 6,636 calls for service (down 0.7%); 23,284 property checks (down by 3.2%); 5,795 park, walk and talk foot patrols (up by 16.2%); 2,339 traffic stops; 321 arrests; 301 school visits; 39 Adopt a Senior visits; and 1,741 In-service training hours.

THE UNIVERSE FROM THE CENTER Understanding

DR.

GEORGE SPAGNA

Special to The Local

The Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College will hold public viewing on Thursday evenings, 7 to 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 (804-752-3210).

We left the future Sun as a red giant last month. Core hydrogen fusion ceases and the restarted hydrogen fusion occurs in a thin shell around the helium core. In the language of stellar evolution, we say that the post main sequence star has “ascended the red giant branch.” (Stellar evolution refers to changes over the “lifetime” of a single star, unlike biological evolution which refers to changes in species.) As the outer layers expand, they also get cooler, hence the yellow Sun becomes red. Its luminosity increases because of the vastly larger surface area. What’s next?

Just as ashes in a fireplace fall to the bottom of the fall to the bottom, the product of hydrogen fusion (helium) settles through the shell source to the core. As the helium core grows in mass it also gets hotter. When it reaches 100 million kelvins, the next phase of fusion begins. Three helium-4 nuclei can fuse to make a single carbon-12, releasing energy for the same reason fusing hydrogen to helium released energy. Some of the carbon can fuse with helium to make oxygen-16. This growing core is still “fed” with helium from the shell source, but it can’t physically contract due to something called degeneracy pressure. (Degeneracy is essentially because you can’t push electrons but so close together.) So, we have a helium fusing core

the creation of the Sun

at 12:13 a.m.; and First Quarter on the 27th at 5:20 p.m. All times are Eastern Daylight.

Mercury is visible to the west at evening dusk until midmonth. Venus is visible to the west at dusk, setting before midnight. Jupiter is lost in the Sun’s glare. Mars is high to the southwest and sets at 2 a.m. Saturn rises at about 4 a.m.

(We say that he star is on the “horizontal branch”) which will eventually become a carbon and oxygen core surrounded by a helium fusing shell surrounded by that hydrogen fusing shell. The star is now on the “asymptotic giant branch.”

Helium fusion doesn’t release as much energy as hydrogen fusion, and it also doesn’t last as long. Core hydrogen fusion for a solar mass star lasts about 10 billion years – we’re halfway through that stage. Helium fusion will last only a few million years. Then, for the Sun, we’re essentially done. The outer envelope of the star will be ejected to form a planetary nebula (you can google lots of beautiful images) and leave behind that hot carbonoxygen core. Planetary nebulae have nothing to do with planets, rather to how they can appear in a small telescope. Anyway, that’s where the Sun will be in another 5.5 billion years, at a stage of stellar evolution referred to as a white dwarf. This will contain perhaps half the Sun’s mass in a dense sphere about the size of Earth. It will take many billion years to cool off, eventually leaving behind an inert ball of degenerate carbon and oxygen.

Lunar phases for April: Full Moon on the 6th, at 12:35 a.m.; Last Quarter on the 13th, at 5:11 a.m.; New Moon on the 20th

About two hours after sunset at mid mid-April, your view to zenith will be … not much! Leo Minor is overhead, but as the name suggests, it is not a prominent constellation, and there are no really bright stars to call it to attention. Not so as your attention moves south from zenith. Leo himself is about 70 degrees above the southern horizon, with bright Regulus at the Lion’s heart, and Denebola at the tail. That bright star setting to the southwest is Sirius, actually the brightest star visible from Earth (other than the Sun!). It’s actually a binary, with its companion white dwarf too faint to see without a good telescope. Orion is setting to the west-southwest. Before it finally disappears, use bright red Betelgeuse to find Castor and Pollux, in Gemini. They will be directly above Betelgeuse at about 50 degrees. To the north, the familiar asterism of the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major hangs inverted, high above Polaris. You can find the Pole Star by following the two end stars in the “bowl” of the dipper toward the horizon.

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 Randolph-Macon College but will continue these columns and use of that email address for the foreseeable future.)

METRO CREATIVE CONNECION

POLE GREEN ELEMENTARY FOCUSED ON FITNESS

Pole Green Elementary School recently hosted its Family Fitness Night, bringing together families, students and staff for a night full of fun and activity.

PHOTOS

7235 stonewall parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

Walnut Grove Baptist Church will be conducting Free adult english Classes (esl) and Citizenship Classes (passing the Test) Wednesday mornings with open enrollment through May 17, 2023. Classes will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 7046 Cold Harbor road, Mechanicsville, Va 23111. For more

information, contact the church office at (804) 746-5081 or contact Frank at wgbcinfo@comcast.net or (804) 402-7701. The classes are free but students are asked to purchase the books required for the class.

SATURDAYS

Trinity lutheran Church, ashland Campus, located at 11515 ashcake road in ashland 2 miles west of U.s. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with pastor rev. dr. roy Minnix. Visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.

SUNDAYS

all souls episcopal Church celebrates Holy eucharist rite ii at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah

lutheran Church at 8154 atlee rd. in Mechanicsville. a nursery will be available for infants and toddlers. Katherine G. dougherty is the deacon in charge of all souls. Visit www.allsoulsva.org.

a Healing and recovery ss Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor rd. in Mechanicsville The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the northstar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. all are welcome. Contact 804-746-5081 or contact

Craig simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.

Outside the Walls, a narcotics anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the pamunkey regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm rd. in Hanover. Contact John shinholser, Mcshin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www. mcshin.org.

MONDAYS

a Grief support Group through Griefshare will be starting on Monday, May 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Meadowbridge sda Church, 7400 antique lane, Mechanicsville, Va 23116. This is a 13-week session cycle and you are welcome to begin attending

at any point in the cycle. The group will provide help and encouragement to those mourning the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. let us help you on your journey from mourning to Joy! There is a registration fee of $25 to help cover the cost of the workbook, which is paid at the church (you can pay in increments if need be so don’t let that stop you from coming). register at www.griefshare.org searching for us by entering the zip code 23116. refreshments will be provided. For more information, reach out to the program

Please see CALENDAR, Page 18

COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Second inning scoring barrage carries Hanover in Commonwealth Classic

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Seeing multiple delays to the start time due to rain and battling through 30 mph winds made for a difficult experience on the field for the reigning state champion Hanover Hawks in the opening matchup of the inaugural PBR Virginia Commonwealth Classic, but despite it all, they still looked like a team that can play highlevel baseball in any conditions.

The two-day tournament featuring top teams across the state allowed for the Hawks to play host on Saturday, April 1, with their first matchup coming against the reigning VISAA Division II state champion Highland Hawks as the first game of the afternoon.

Led on the mound by an impressive performance from sophomore Evan Nix, Hanover executed early with quick outs despite the gust making the ball move in unpredictable ways, and found themselves with eight runs in the second inning alone to take a big lead that they’d hold onto the rest of the game despite some late life shown from the opposing Highland Hawks.

That second inning outburst started when the Hawks got bases loaded with no outs thanks to a well-executed bunt to third base from freshman Brady Elrod that resulted in a confused H ighland defense not getting anyone out. The first run came off an RBI single from senior Darryl Husband II, followed by a bouncing grounder from junior Tavis Spiller leading to a costly error and two more runs to make it 3-0 with one out.

After sophomore Tyler Woodson’s RBI single grounder and a two-RBI double from senior Nolan Williamson that toed the third base foul line and resulted in another Highland error where an outfielder slipped on the wet grass reaching for the ball, it became 6-0 in the blink of an eye.

Forced to make a change at pitcher, Highland’s second thrower Owen Winebarger got

a kindly welcome from Hanover with two more runs before he could get his defense off the field, the first on a RBI single from senior Cole Elrod and the last from a Brady Elrod deep shot.

With so much damage done, Highland desperately needed some big hitting in their longawaited offensive appearance in the top of the third, and while they got three big shots down the field in a row, Cole Elrod squashed that temporary life by leading a double play where he caught a deep ball down left field

and made a precise throw to second to get the base runner out.

Highland did finally get on the board in the fourth inning with a single run, but a Nix strikeout on a 3-2 count killed that momentum-building inning as well to keep the score at 8-1.

The fifth inning became Highland’s best of the afternoon, as it scored four runs and nearly added a fifth on a mad scramble to home that was tagged out in a controversial call that could’ve used a slow motion instant replay. Up 8-5 entering the bot -

tom of the fifth, Hanover did respond with a run by senior Jacob Brooks off a error in which the right fielder threw a wonky short pass to first base that allowed Husband to reach that bag while earning another RBI in the process.

Cole Elrod ended up coming in as the third pitcher of the day for Hanover, closing out the sixth and seventh innings well by allowing only one run while his Hawks added two more runs to their final score. The Hawks once again found themselves with

bases loaded facing a single out, and they converted on the ideal situation with a score off a bunt from Woodson and a run for freshman Anthony Kinard II off a hit by Brady Elrod.

In the top of the seventh with the last chance to tie or take the lead, Cole Elrod and the defense delivered with a game-ending double play to beat Highland and advance to the Commonwealth Classic semifinals. The Hawks are now set to take on the Benedictine Cadets in the semifinals.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Hanover sophomore evan nix earned the win at pitcher against the Highland Hawks, helping his team hold off the reigning Visaa division ii champs in an 11-5 win on april 1.

Yellow Jackets lacrosse cruises in wind swept sweep

ROB WITHAM

Special Correspondent

Ashland – With the calendar now in April, Old Dominion Athletic Conference matches dot the Randolph-Macon lacrosse schedule. To be successful, you need to win at home and steal a few victories on the road.

Both the Yellow Jacket women and men dominated play at Day Field Saturday, April 1 as the ladies defeated Randolph 23-4, and the men raced out to a 16-2 halftime lead en route to a 22-10 triumph over Guilford.

While both teams were expected to win, you still have to take the field and execute. For the women, their first period was almost perfect, as six different players scored, with Rianna Lowery grabbing the first two goals of the afternoon as the Yellow Jackets went on a 7-0 run in the final 9:39 for a 9-1 advantage after a quarter.

A slow second period start ended seven minutes in with freshman Lilly Fowler’s second goal, followed quickly by Jordyn Schwartz’s first tally of the season. Randolph’s Olivia Richards scored her second goal off free position with 1:48 left, sending Randolph-Macon (2-0 ODAC, 6-4) to halftime with a 12-2 advantage.

There was no sputtering in the third as Taylor Mittelstadter scored 13 seconds into the period, and again two minutes later. The Chesterfield native ended the match with three goals and two assists, while Annie Bartley, from nearby Henrico, led the Yellow Jackets with three goals and four assists.

It was a total team effort for head coach MK Geratowski’s squad, which was a point of emphasis in practice.

“These last two weeks, we’ve been able to rest people who needed it,” Geratowski explained. “I think overall we’re pretty healthy. We’ve been doing some things differently conditioning wise, and I think we’re in really good shape. But we’re asking a

lot of the girls in practice.”

Liberal substitutions allowed the Yellow Jackets to give significant time to players like freshman Kiley Kurcoba, who scored the first two goals of her RandolphMacon career, and goalkeeper Gillian Gladden, who made four saves over two periods after taking over from starter Emma Taylor.

That ability allows for experience, and confidence, as the team hits the meat of their schedule beginning with Wednesday’s showdown with Christopher Newport at Day Field at 4 p.m.

“They’re definitely fast. They also play a really tight defense,”

Geratowski said about the Captains. “We’re really different offensively when we play against a man (defense), so the next two days we’ll spend getting our attack ready to face that.”

After the women’s triumph, the men took to Day Field, battling the fierce winds that howled all day in Ashland, matching the women’s first period output with a 9-1 run, which also included seven straight tallies in the final 6:52, leading to a 22-10 win which saw Guilford score the last six goals of the contest when the match was no longer in doubt.

Leading the way was Austin Payne, who started the 7-0 run

with a goal off a pass by Yellow Jackets’ leading point producer this season Jack Smith, then adding two unassisted goals back to back to open the second quarter, and earning another with 4:09 left before intermission putting Randolph-Macon (2-1 ODAC, 7-4) ahead 15-2.

The men also got to play practically the entire available roster, with 17 different players scoring. Smith’s two goal, four-assist performance gives him 25 goals and 30 assists in eleven games. Cade Fick took time in the face-off, earning five of 11 draw opportunities. Matthew Sutty, spelling Smith, doubled his season out-

put of goals with two early in the fourth period.

A bright spot for Guilford (0-3, 4-4) was a Hanover High graduate, senior Jax Atkins, who won 20 of 34 face-offs for the Quakers.

The road gets tough for Randolph-Macon with conference road trip to No. 12 Washington & Lee on Wednesday, April 5. After a trip to Ferrum Saturday, the Yellow Jackets return to Day Field to face Virginia Wesleyan, who is just a half-game behind RandolphMacon in the standings.

The Yellow Jackets are currently fourth, behind Roanoke (4-0), Hampden-Sydney (3-0) and No. 11 Lynchburg (3-0).

PHOTO BY ROB WITHAM

lilly Fowler (10, center) fires a shot toward randolph goalkeeper Taylor Batty (9, right) during randolph-Macon’s 23-4 win over the Wildcats on saturday, april 1 at day Field. Fowler continued her strong freshman campaign with two goals and three assists, bringing her season goal total to 21.

Calendar

From 15 director, Beth dyakon at 804-304-1165.

TUESDAYS

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid-december, at the Hanover arts and activities Center at 500 s railroad ave. in ashland, just south of U.s. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

The american legion post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek road in Mechanicsville, holds a “Meet and Greet, Coffee and donut” event from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what

they do for the community. Visit http:// www.post175.org/.

WEDNESDAYS

Hanover rotar y meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at roma’s restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek rd. in Mechanicsville. due to the pandemic, contact president penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at roma’s or Zoom connection information.

THURSDAYS

The ashland rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the iron Horse restaurant at 100 s. railroad ave. in ashland. For more information, contact steve dunham at 804496-6093 or sandrdunham@yahoo.com.

Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove road Mechanicsville. For more

information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@gmail.com.

new Highland Baptist Church hosts open basketball gym time for adults in the Christian life Center (ClC) starting at 7:30 pM. The church is located at 9200 new ashcake road in Mechanicsville. Use the side back entrance to enter. Contact Jeff Fitzgerald at jkfitzgerald@comcast.net.

Civil a ir patrol, Hanover s quadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor road, in Mechanicsville. Cap is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train america’s next generation of leaders. you’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, leadership Training, Model rocketry, earning rank & awards, and much more. Visit hanover.vawg.cap.gov or contact Capt James Wright at 804-551-3354 or james.wright@ vawg.cap.gov.

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FRIDAYS

The Building Bridges group of narcotics a nonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The group’s mission is to bring a message of hope and recovery to those suffering from addiction issues. They meet on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 7356 atlee road in Mechanicsville. Visit rvana.org.

FIRST THURSDAYS

The ashland Beekeepers association (aBa) meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at First Baptist Church 800 Thompson st in ashland. it is one of several beekeeping groups in the richmond area offering educational programs and Q&a sessions about honey bees and beekeeping. all are welcome to attend. The aBa is now taking registrations for its annual Beginning Beekeeping classes which start February 4. For more information on meetings or

Todd’sLawnCare GrassCutting&Trimming CallTodd804-366-3628 or804-366-8185

GuyStinchfieldPainting&Repair Int./Ext.Painting,Carpentry,Drywall Repair,PressureWashing,Wallpaper Removal.Lic/Ins.20yrsexperience Refereneces.FreeEst.804-439-7700

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classes, visit http://ashlandvabeekeepers. org or call ron at 804-651-3504.

SECOND MONDAYS

The WeB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan road in Mechanicsville. it is one of several groups in the richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the american red Cross to distributed to those in need. since its inception, the WeB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and globally. if you can make it, the WeB can use it. Call laurie Wagner at 804-781-0338.

THIRD MONDAYS

The Community senior Citizen Meeting known as — studley seniors will meet at 10:30 a.m. at enon UMC, 6156 studley road in Mechanicsville s cheduled dates are april 17, May 15 and June 19.

Please see CALENDAR, Page 20

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HanoverEvangelicalFriends

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Rick Raines,SeniorMinister; Chris Santasiere,AssociateMinister; SethWortman,Associate Minister; TracyThomas,Worship &MusicMinister;BillNicol,Associate WorshipMinister;Davis Ellenberger, YouthMinister; Ashley Sears,Children’sDirector fairmountcc.org

GethsemaneChurchofChrist

5146MechanicsvilleTurnpike

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StPaulLutheranChurch(LCMS)

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

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6930ColdHarborRd.,23111

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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 Wed.nightsat6:00p.m.

Pastor,StephenKendrick blackcreekbaptistchurch.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 SundaySchool9:30AM, Worship10:45AM BibleStudy/Prayer

Youth&Childrenactivities

6:30pm,Wednesday www.newbethesda.org

ShalomBaptistChurch

8116WalnutGroveRd. Office:746.7737

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

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

WalnutGroveBaptistisaChurch committedtofollowingJesus& lovingpeople.Youcanfindusat wgva.church7046ColdHarborrd

LebanonUnitedMethodist Church

8492PeaksRoad,746-0980

SarahSealand,Pastor WorshipInPersonandon

FacebookLive: 10:00ameachSunday www.facebook.com/LebUMC

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

MechanicsvilleUnitedMethodist Church

7356AtleeRoad746-5118

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

ShadyGroveUnitedMethodist

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

In-personWorshipSundaysat 8:15,9:45,&11:15a.m., Onlineat9:45a.m. Programsforallages. Rev.WayneSnead,Pastor info@shadygroveumc.org

ChurchoftheRedeemer 8275MeadowbridgeRoad 746-4911 www.churchredeemer.org

Masscelebratedon Saturday5:30PM Sunday8:00&10:00AM

PUBLICNOTICE

Noticeisherebygiventha ttheHanoverCountyPlanningCommission hasset Thursday,April20,2023,at6:00 P.M., intheBoardRoom oftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuilding at HanoverCourthouse, Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time,andplacefor apublichearing toconsiderthefollowingcases, at whichpubliccommentswillbe accepted:

CUP2023-00002,8130,L.L.C.

Request(s)anamendmentinaccordancewithSection26-130.16ofthe HanoverCountyZoningOrdinancetopermit arevisiontotheelevations approvedwithCUP2021-00012,8130,L.L.C.,onGPIN8704-74-6281, consistingof approximately0.95acres,zonedB-3,GeneralBusiness District,andlocatedontheeastlineofElmDrive(StateRoute1108) approximately500feetnorthofitsintersectionwithMechanicsville Turnpike(U.S.Route360).Thesubjectpropertyisdesignatedonthe GeneralLandUsePlanMa pasIndustrial.(PUBLICHEARING) Magisterial District:Mechanicsville

REZ2022-00027,HOWARDSMILLROAD,L.L.C.

Request(s)torezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,toAR-6(c), AgriculturalResidentialDistrictwithconditions,onGPIN 7729-82-4061,consistingof approximately161.73acres,andlocated onthewestlineofHowardsMillRoad(StateRoute673) approximately 550feetnorthofitsintersectionwithStoneHorseCreekRoad(State Route670).ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLand UsePlanMa pasAgricultural.Theproposedzoningamendmentwould permitthecreationof25buildinglotsfor agrossdensityofone(1) dwellingunitper6.47acres.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict: SouthAnna

ORDINANCE23-06,ACCESSORYHOUSINGUNITSIN CASESOF MEDICALHARDSHIP

AnOrdinancetoamendtheHanoverCountyCode,Chapter26,Zoning Ordinance,Sections26-6,26-21,26-36,26-46,26-60,26-73,and 26-280andtoaddSection26-280.1tomodifytherequirements foraccessor yhousingunitstoallo wforaccessor yhousingunitsfor non-familymembersinthecaseofmedicalhardship.(PUBLICHEARING) CopiesoftheabovecasesmaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice, Mondaythrough Friday,betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m. pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeoryoumayalsogoto https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-CommissionUpcoming-and-Archiveformoreinformation

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SOUTHERN BAPTIST

LEGALDISPLAYADS

TOWNOFASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe12thdayofApril,2023,at6:00p.m.attheAshland TownHall, 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland, VA,theAshlandPlanningCommissionwillconduct publichearingspursuanttoVirginiaCodesection15.2-204forthepurposeof receivinginput, andmayprovide recommendationsonthefollowing:

REZ23-0228 &ORD2023-03FLAGSTOPCAR WASH JamieNester,ofRVA WashHoldings, LLC, requests arezoningfromResidentialRural(RR-1)toHighwayCommercial(B-2)forthe propertyidentifiedasGPIN#7789-06-0359,#7789-06-0449 &#7789-06-0548,locatedon thewestsideof WashingtonHighway,approximately300feetsouthfromtheintersectionof AshcakeRoadand WashingtonHighway.Thethree(3)parcelsmeasure3.473acresintotaland arecurrentlyundeveloped,with afuturelandusedesignationofMixedBusiness. Aportionof thenorthernmostlotiscurrentlyzoned(B-2), resultingin arequestof3.219acrestobe rezoned. CUP23-0228FLAGSTOPCAR WASH JamieNester,ofRVA WashHoldings,LLC, requestsapprovalof aConditionalUsePermit(CUP)forthepropertyidentifiedas GPIN#7789-06-0359,#7789-06-0449 &#7789-06-0548,locatedonthewestsideof Washington Highway,approximately300feetsouthfromtheintersectionofAshcakeRoadand Washington Highway.Theapplicanthas filedanapplicationtoconsolidatethethreeparcels,whichmeasure 3.473acres,withintentiontodevelop acarwash.Theparcelsarecurrentlyundeveloped,with afuturelandusedesignationofMixedBusiness.The requestfor aCUPispursuanttosection 21-101(l)oftheZoningCode,whichpermits acarwashwith aconditionalusepermitwithinthe HighwayCommerical(B-2)district.

Copiesof REZ23-0228,ORD2023-03, &CUP23-0228 maybeobtainedbycontacting TownHall at(804)798-1073,MondaythroughThursday,7:30a.m.to6:00p.m. Writtencommentsmaybe submittedtoplanning@ashlandva.govormailedto TownofAshland,POBox1600,Ashland, VA 23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendandexpresstheirviews.Anypersonwith adisability requiringassistanceinorderto participateinthispublichearingisaskedtocontact TownHall inadvance,sothatappropriatearrangementscanbemade.

TOWNOFASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Pleasetakenoticethatonthe18thdayofApril,2023,at6:30p.m.attheAshland TownHall, 121ThompsonStreet,Ashland, VA,theAshland TownCouncilwillconductpublichearingsforthe purposeof receivinginput,andmayprovide recommendationsonthefollowing:

ORD2023-04 VACATIONOFRIGHTSOF WAY HaleyMeadows,LLC,seekstovacateParcels A&B whichareunimprovedstreetsandsubstitute anewrightofwaywhichisidentifiedasParcelC.Theplat showingtheidentifiedparcelsdatedMarch17,2023,andtitled TwoRights-Of-Way To BeDedicatedtothe TownofAshland,Virginiaisavailableat TownHallforviewing.

ORD2023-05PROPOSEDSALEOFUNIMPROVEDRIGHTSOF WAYHALEYMEADOWSSUBDIVISION HaleyMeadows,LLC,seekstoacquireParcels A&Bwhichareunimprovedstreets.Parcel Awouldbe transferredforthesumof$20.00andanagreementto relocatethe roadasshownontheplatbelow; Parcel Bwouldbesoldforthesumof$13,928.60.Theplatshowingtheidentifiedparcelsdated March17,2023,andtitled TwoRights-Of-Way To BeDedicatedtothe TownofAshland,Virginiais availableat TownHallforviewing.

CopiesofORD2023-04,ORD2023-05,theproposeddeedandanyotherassociateddocuments maybeobtainedbycontacting TownHallat(804)798-1073,MondaythroughThursday,7:30a.m.to 6:00p.m. Writtencommentsmaybesubmittedtoplanning@ashlandva.govormailedto Townof Ashland,POBox1600,Ashland, VA 23005.Allinterestedpersonsmayattendandexpresstheirviews. Anypersonwith adisability requiringassistanceinordertoparticipateinthispublichearingisasked tocontact TownHallinadvancesothatappropriatearrangementscanbemade.Followingthepublic hearing,theAshland TownCouncilmaytakeactiononthematter.

Calendar

From 18

They will share fellowship, a business session and a program (entertainment by guests/ministries, information/education of “senior” concerns, or fun-time games). after sharing a “covered-dish” lunch we return home “blessed.” so, come one and come all, but the question is: will you join us for “The MidMonth Ball?!” For more information call 804-746-4719.

alzheimer’s/dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help and encourage those who have loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on Zoom. Contact Jennifer Bean at 804-559-2805 or the church office at 804-746-9073.

The Hanover County Community s ervices Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in ashland.

FOURTH MONDAYS

The FeedMore Mobile Food

Ceremony

From 12

and support in hosting this event,” said Colonel David R. Hines, sheriff.

Recipients recognized by the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at the ceremony were:

Officer of the Year: Dennis Edwards

Rookie of the Year: Austin Brown

Reserve Officer of the Year: Scott Olivo

Cadet of the Year: Chase Lamb

Volunteer of the Year: Harold McNamara

Silver Star: Matthew Newton and VSP Trooper

B.D. Spangler

Citizen Recognition: Sean Fahed, William Frick, Johnny Gregory and John A. Gregory

Excellent Service to Law Enforcement: Mark Binshtok, HCSO Chaplains, Luca Marcheletta

pantry will be distributing food from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First shiloh Baptist Church at 8150 Walnut Grove rd. in Mechanicsville Contact Heather at hshaheen96@ gmail.com.

SECOND TUESDAYS

The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and aug.) at 10:30 a.m. in room G110 of shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 shady Grove rd. in Mechanicsville. Bring a covered dish and join in with a group celebrating faith, fellowship, friends and fun. Meetings are cancelled if Hanover County public schools are two hours late or cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, call the church at 804-746-9073. Call Janet lewis at 804-398-8947. The Hanover County Historical s o ciety will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through december. The address is 13182 Hanover

Please see CALENDAR, Page 21

Unit Citation: Records Safe Streets

Purple Heart: Brian Carlucci

Meritorious Service: TJ Daneker, Jamie Faircloth, Amanda Jones, Jason Luck, Kitami Newby, Gina Parknow, John Parrish, Maricel Fister, Karen Godfrey, Tyler Ponte and Evan Povar

Excellent Service: Jamie Baynes, Adams Clarke, Justin Hall, Seth Mahler, Lowell Lantz, Nicholas Berna, Richard Cox, Ryan Konings, Kevin Martin, Bryan McIntee, Steve Tomlinson, Travis Powell, Tim Papenfuse, Derek Wade, Tom Hamner, Shane Wickham, Braxton Reed, TJ Woody, Kat Russell, Matthew Newton, Brandon Sandridge, Mike Sandford, Bryan Sparks, Cameron King, Jonathan Bottoms, Bryan Cvengros, Matt Stewart, David Swanson, Alexander Wilson, Brandon Sandridge and Tom Hamner.

From 20 Courthouse road in Hanover. Visit http://www.hanoverhistorical.org/ index.

THIRD TUESDAYS

The Hanover ruritan Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with dinner at 6.30 p.m. ruritan is a national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better america through fellowship, goodwill and community service. The first ruritan Club was chartered May 21, 1928, in Holland, Virginia. ruritan has grown throughout the United states of america, and in doing so has become. “america’s leading Community service Organization”. Membership in ruritan is an honor and privilege. To learn more about ruritan, how to become a member, request a membership application or with questions, please call, 7465728 or by letter to, Hanover ruritan, p. O. Box 625, Mechanicsville, Va 23111. To be a guest of the club, call the numbers listed above. The club welcomes both men and women.

SECOND WEDNESDAY

Hanover Community services Board says if you are a family member or friend of someone who has a mental illness, you are not alone. There is support. Hanover Community services Board offers a family support group on the second Wednesday of every month from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bell Creek location, 8475 Bell Creek road in Mechanicsville. Facilitators rebecca strader and Heidi Brown invite you to attend this group that follows naMi principles of confidentiality, respect, empathy and support to one another. no sign up or registration is required. Contact rebecca at 804365-6746 or Heidi at 804-365-6769.

SECOND THURSDAY

The Hanover-ashland Triad meets the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the new atlee library, 9212 rutlandshire drive, Mechanicsville. The Hanover-ashland Triad is a program that focuses on providing information to seniors to improve their quality of life. The Hanover-ashland Triad is a joint venture involving the

Holiday closing

Hanover County’s

Hanover County sheriff’s Office, ashland police department, aarp, Hanover County governmental agencies, human services agencies, civic groups and seniors themselves.

THIRD THURSDAYS

The ashland Museum holds Trivia night on the third Thursday of each month at Origin Beer lab, 106 s railroad ave., ashland, 6pm. Free, no reservations needed. Follow us on instagram (@ashlandmuseum) or facebook. For information, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or call 804-368-7314.

FOURTH MONDAY

The atlee ruritan Club meets every fourth Monday at Hillcrest Baptist

Church on route 301. Meetings, that include dinner and a program, begin at 6:30 p.m. ruritan is a national community service organization dedicated to fellowship, goodwill and community service. The atlee Club welcomes both men and women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve a spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.

LAST SATURDAY

January through October, The american legion post 175 hosts a “Community Breakfast” from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The breakfast is open to the public and is located at 8700 Bell Creek road, Mechanicsville.

PublicNotice

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors hasset Wednesday,April12,2023 at2:00 P.M.astheday,date,and timefor aRegularBoardMeeting.

ThePublicHearingwillbeheldin theBoardRoomoftheHanover CountyAdministrationBuildingat HanoverCourthouse,7516County ComplexRoad,Hanover,Virginia.

Reports

From 11

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 7100 block of Brandy Hill Trace.

Manufacture, sale, possession of a controlled substance — schedule i,ii was reported on the 100 block of Hill Carter park. a simple assault was reported on the 8200 block of atlee road. destruction of property, monument was reported on the 7200 block of Garden park lane.

MARCH 8

identity theft, obtained id to

avoid arrest was reported on the 7100 block of Cold Harbor roadd/ pond Way, i dentity theft, id to defraud less than or $200 was reported on the 17000 block of north Telegraph road.

Concealment, price alteration of merchandise less than or $1000 was reported on the 11100 block of Chamberlayne road.

embezzlement, less than $200 was reported on the 6100 block of Brashier Boulevard.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 11200 block of Washington Highway.

MARCH 9

rX fraud obtained by forgery or fraud was reported on the 8200 block of atlee road.

identity theft, id to defraud less than or $200 was reported on the 8000 block of ellendale drive. stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 12600 block of Old ridge road.

Threat to extort money was reported on the 9100 block of pembridge drive.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7500 block of dress Blue drive.

Please see REPORTS, Page 23

PUBLICNOTICE

NoticeisherebygiventhattheHanoverCountyBoardofZoning Appealshasset Tuesday, April11,2023at6:00 P.M.,intheBoard RoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuilding at Hanover Courthouse,Hanover, Virginia,astheday, date,time,andplace forapublichearingtoconsiderthe followingcase,atwhichpublic commentswillbeaccepted:

VAR2023-00001, RTWCONSTRUCTIONCORP. Requests avariancefromSection26-26.1(d)oftheHanoverCounty ZoningOrdinance,whichspecifiesthatlotsintheA-1,Agricultural District, whenlocatedon a50-footultimateright-of-way,shallbe requiredtomaintain aminimumfront yard setbackofsixty(60)feet. The requestis fora15.35-footfront yard variance,which wouldallow aminimumfront yard setbackof44.65feet.Thepropertyisidentified asGPIN7814-16-3481,consistingof approximately1.99acres,and locatedontheeastlineofShilohChurch Road(State Route680) approximately2,500feet at itsintersectionwithLandmarkCedar Road(State Route722).Thesubjectpropertyisdesignatedonthe GeneralLandUsePlanMapasAgricultural.Theproposed variance wouldpermittheconstructionofadditionsto alegalnon-conforming dwelling.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

Copiesofthe abovecasesmaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice, Mondaythrough Friday, betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00 p.m.pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeor youmay alsogoto https://ww w. hano verc ounty.gov/696/Planning-CommissionUpcoming-and-Archive formoreinformation.

C. JasonHazelwood Code ComplianceSupervisor

Hauling-AllTypesofLightHauling Trash-Brush-Junk-CleanOut GaragesandSheds-Etc. ReasonablePrices. Call804-347-4943or804-746-8653

Apartment referralservicecompaniesselllists of availableapartments for rentin yourarea. Please readcontracts thoroughlytoensure that youunderstandand agreetoalltheterms andthecancellation policyofthecontract.

Smalllocalinsurancefirmseeks part-timeadmin,typing,answeringphone,call804-746-2656or faxresumeto804-746-8255

L&LCleaningServices-Wecreate FREETIMEforbusypeople! Recurringservice,deepcleans, movingcleans&one-timecleans Calltodaytoschedule! Bonded&Insured. AccreditedA+RatingBBB! 804-305-4068LLCleans.com

to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.

Mad about Mahjong! at the a shland Branch library, Friday, april 14 and 28, 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!

afternoon Book Club at the ashland Branch library, Monday, april 17, 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.

ashland evening Book Club at the ashland Branch library, Tuesday, april 18, 6 — 7 p.m. ages 18 and up. Join the ashland evening book club by reading the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about the book. share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

p oetry on the p laza at the a shland Branch library, Wednesday, april 19, 6 — 7 p.m. Celebrate national poetry Month at Open Mic poetry night on the plaza outside the library. Bring a poem of your own choosing or select one from a group provided by library staff and prepare to captivate the crowd with your prose. no experience necessary. poetry lovers and listeners of all ages are welcome!

ashland Morning Book Club at the ashland Branch library, Friday, april 21, 10 — 11a.m. 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.

What’s Going On With amphibians in Virginia? at the ashland Branch library, saturday, april 22, 2 — 3:15 p.m. recommended for grades 5 – adults. Join a local Virginia Master naturalist and learn all about our native amphibians. Have some fun learning about their characteristics, importance, threats and conservation. you will also learn how to id local frogs/ toads by listening to their calls.

From the Heart stitchers at the ashland

Reports

From 21 identity theft with financial loss of more than $200 was reported on the 6100 block of Brashier Boulevard.

Unlawful purchase or possession of alcohol under the age of 21 was reported on the 10300 block of Chamberlayne road. driver did not report accident, with damage less than or $1000 was reported on the 100 south Hill Carter park

Branch library, Thursday, april 27, noon — 4 p.m. From the Heart stitchers began in 2001 making chemo hats for the Massey Cancer Center, and today has over 1899 stitchers making 1000’s of items for service groups across the Commonwealth. you can sew, knit, crochet or loom anything from blankets to shawls and everything in between. Bring your sewing machine, knitting needles, etc. and supplies, and we will make items for From the Heart every fourth Thursday. see https://fromtheheartstichers.org/ for more information about this organization.

songs and stories of Old railroad days at the ashland Branch library, saturday, april 29, 11 a.m. – noon and 3 – 4 p.m. (two performances!) all ages. Join us on Train day for songs and stories about the railroad way back when, featuring the wit and wisdom of Mathew dodd.

songs and stories of the american Hobo at the ashland Branch library, saturday, april 29, 1 — 2 p.m. all ages. Join us on Train day for songs and stories about the american hobo, featuring the wit and wisdom of Mathew dodd.

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, Fridays, april 7, 14, 21, and 28, 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.

adult Coloring night at the Hanover Branch library, Wednesday, april 5, 6:30 — 8 p.m. let’s all relax and color! Bring your own coloring project or use provided supplies. Bring a friend or a group and enjoy some calming music while we color. registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/10064950.

Hanover Book Club at the Hanover Branch library, Tuesday, april 18, noon — 1 p.m. do you like to read? Join our fun group to enjoy a good book and discuss it among peers. april’s title is “The Butterfly’s daughter” by Mary alice Monroe. registration is required for the Zoom portion at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/10523845. The meeting link will be

driving after forfeiture of license was reported on the 17000 block of Washington Highway/Verdon road.

a simple assault was reported on the 7100 block of studley road.

a simple assault was reported on the 8200 block of lee-davis road.

a simple assault was reported on the 5200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 9200 block of susquehanna Trail.

d r iver did not report accident with

sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. if you don’t receive your reminder email, please contact the library.

LOIS WICKHAM JONES/MONTPELIER BRANCH LIBRARY

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

Family s t orytime at the Montpelier Branch library, Thursdays, april 6, 13, 20, and 27, 4 — 4:30 p.m. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more! Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

library Transcribe-a-Thon at the Montpelier Branch library, Friday, april 7, 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.

Mystery Book Club at the Montpelier Branch library, Monday, april 10, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. ages 18 and up. Join us for a monthly discussion on our favorite mystery titles.

Montpelier Writer’s Group at the Montpelier Branch library, Tuesday, april 11, 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.

pUp readers at the Montpelier Branch library, Wednesday, april 12, 6 — 7:30 p.m. Grades K-3. ready to transform from reluctant reader to ready reader? sign up for a 20-minute session with Chrissie, a pUp readers reading education assistance dog.

The sex lives of plants at the Montpelier Branch library, saturday, april 22, 12:30 — 1:30 p.m. ages 18+, please. prepare to be scandalized! a fun examination of how plants reproduce will open your eyes to what’s really going on outside this spring.

damage over $250 was reported on the 7100 block of sugar Oak Court.

profane, threatening language over public airway was reported on the 12400 block of West patrick Henry road.

dWi: first offense was reported on the 10300 block of leadbetter road.

MARCH 10

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

Fail to appear on felony charge was reported on the 7500 block of County

discover the Fun of reader’s Theater at the Montpelier Branch library, saturday, april 29, 11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. ages 13 and up. reader’s Theater is a drama without the need for costumes or props. learn to use your voice by using your creative expression to help us tell our tale. refreshments will be provided. registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/9779421.

COCHRANE ROCKVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY

Call 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 pouncey Tract road for more information.

Family storytime at the Cochrane rockville Branch library. Fridays, april 7, 14, 21, and 28, 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, Fridays, april 7, 4 — 6 p.m. round up the neighborhood crew and catch a full-length feature film the first Friday of every month!

read 2 rover at the Cochrane rockville Branch library, Thursday, april 20, 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 library at 804-749-3146 or visit the library for more information to register for this rewarding program!

paint a Triptych Cherry Tree at the Cochrane rockville Branch library, saturday, april 22, 1 — 2 p.m. ages 14 and up. it’s springtime! Join us as we paint a cherry tree triptych (3 paintings in one!) using common household items.

Black Out poetry at the Cochrane rockville Branch library, saturday, april 22, 3 — 4 p.m. Celebrate national poetry month at the rockville library by making poetry using old book pages. This not only creates a fun poetic challenge, but also a visual work of art! Bring a friend, have some snacks, and be creative!

submitted by Carolyn Garner, adult public ser vices coordinator.

Complex road.

Hit and run: attended property damage more than $1000 was reported on the 8000 block of elm drive.

Breaking and entering at night with intent to commit felony was reported on the 12400 block of Moates drive.

dWi: first offense was reported on the 12000 block of Washington Highway/sliding Hill road.

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

adult storytime at the Mechanicsville Branch library, Friday, april 28, 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!

Hula dancing Class at the Mechanicsville Branch library, Mondays, april 3, 10, 17 and 24, 10:30 a.m. – noon. ages 16 and up. e xercise your body and brain as you learn about hula dancing and culture at the library. Wear clothing you can dance in easily!

playdough par ty! at the Mechanicsville Branch library, Friday, april 7, 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. ages 3-12 welcome! looking for a spring Break Boredom Buster? Keep the mess out of your house! roll, flatten, squeeze, and sculpt to your heart’s delight at our playdough party!

Upcycled Crafting at the Mechanicsville Branch library, saturday, april 8, 11 a.m. – noon. ages 18 and up. Have any craft ideas you wanted to make with recycled materials but don’t have any saved up? stop by the library and create some upcycled crafts using our recycled materials! if desired, you may bring your own recycled materials! science saturday at the Mechanicsville Branch library, saturday, april 15, 10 a.m. — noon. all ages welcome! Calling all future scientists! discover the wonders of science as professors from J. sargeant reynolds Community College lead you through hands-on demos. senior Bingo at the Mechanicsville Branch library, Wednesday, april 26, 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.

introduction to Genealogy databases at the Mechanicsville Branch library, saturday, april 29, 10:30 a.m. – noon. ages 18 and up. interested in genealogy but don’t know where to start? Join us for a brief introduction to pamunkey regional library’s genealogy databases: ancestry library edition and HeritageQuest! registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/9726204.

submitted by Carolyn Garner, adult public ser vices coordinator.