Mechanicsville-Ashland Local – 04/12/2023

Hanover students embrace Flexible Learning Day

Board hears from the public

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

HANOVER – The Hanover County Board of Supervisors continued to gather input from the public recently ahead of this week’s expected votes on the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget, 2023 real estate tax rate, five year capital improvement program (CIP) and other major financial decisions.

Public hearings were the focus of the board’s meeting on Wednesday, April 5 as the board continued to hear from the public on the important fiscal decisions it has to make for the next year and beyond.

The subjects of the April 5 public hearings, which the board is expected to vote on at its meeting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, include the county’s FY24 proposed budget, five-year

capital improvements program, five-year general fund financial plan and the proposed 2023 tax rates. The 2023 tax rates remain unchanged except for a decrease in the data center equipment rate (decrease from $3.57 to 45 cents) and the recycling service district (increase from $41 to $46).

The board is also expected to vote on four ordinances with varying purposes: to increase solid waste disposal fees (such as $5 increase for mattresses and box springs and $10 per ton increase for oversize logs, commercial and construction waste); increase water and sewer capacity and user fees (5% increases); change to the income thresholds for the tax relief for elderly and disabled program (increase each income level by $5,000 to allow for greater participation); and declare a financial surplus from real property taxes in the amount of $4 million for the 2023 tax year.

Atlee saves its best for championship victory

Retirement community garden featured on local TV series

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

The hard work of staff and residents of the Covenant Woods retirement community in Mechanicsville was recently showcased in an episode of local television series “Virginia Home Grown.”

Covenant Woods, which has a large plot of land at the community that grows produce and flowers, was one of two Virginia retirement communities featured in the season premiere aired March 28 highlighting senior gardening.

The local television series on VPM PBS is hosted and co-produced by Peggy Singlemann, owner of RVA Gardener LLC and director emeritus of horticulture for the Maymont Foundation. Co-hosts include

Randy Battle, Amyrose Foll, Serome Hamlin, Jen Naylor, Dr. Robyn Puffenbarger and Shana

Williams.

The program provides viewers with gardening tips and studio dem -

onstrations as well as video tours of public and private gardens. The mission of the series is to highlight the unique richness of gardens and natural ecosystems throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and to serve as a resource for the greater community.

Michael Scheff, director of dining services; Jennifer Alexander, farm manager; and resident gardeners were interviewed on campus in early March by Serome Hamlin. The day featured a tour of the farm and seedling program, resident interviews and a special presentation of fresh dishes created by Covenant Woods Executive Chef Craig Miller and his culinary team.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COVENANT WOODS Naomi Willey, Covenant Woods resident and garden volunteer, shows off the garden’s strawberry harvest.

UpcomingEvents:

205 England Street

Ashland,VA 23005

Giveusacall: (804)401-7007

The SuperMarioBros. Movie

April12-April15 at 7pm

April16 at 12pm

April19 at 7pm

April21 & April22 at 7pm

April26 at 7pm

April27 at 8pm

10AM ToddlerTakeover!

April 15 at 10am (FreeEvent)

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

Ashland Train Day 2023

April29 Starting at 10am (FreeEvent)

It’sthebestdayoftheyear in Ashlandandwe can’t waitto celebratewithyou!

Purchasetickets&seeupcomingeventsat: ashlandtheatre.org

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 ser vice, 12300

Washington Hwy

Hanover parks and rec, 13015 Taylor

Complex lane

Henry Clay shopping Center, rt 54 rise n shine diner, 10372 leadbetter road

sheetz/ashland, 12341 n� Washington Hwy

sheetz/leadbetter dr, 10037 sliding Hill road

skateland, 516 n� Washington Hwy Village Bank , 10035 sliding Hill road, #101

Ashland — 23059

aw shucks Country store, 6100 pouncey

Tract road

Montpelier — 23192

Fas Mar t, 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 richmondTappahannock 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

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS preschool students in Mrs� Tyler’s class at Henry Clay elementary school learned about ear thworms before spring Break

Sheriff’s office warns of email scams

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Recently, the United States FBI issued a warning about business email compromise (BEC) attacks by cybercriminals who are trying to steal physical goods, according to the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. BEC is when cybercriminals spoof business email accounts and impersonate executives to try and steal information, money or products from an organization.

In this recent BEC scam, cybercriminals start this attack by sending you phishing emails spoofing the domains of legitimate organizations, pretending to be employees of

SHERIFF’S REPORTS

MARCH 11

dWi: first offense was reported on the 16800 block of Mountain road/Bethany Church road.

MARCH 12

dWi: first offense was reported on the 100 block of Water Oak lane.

driver did not report accident with damage less than $250 was reported on the 13000 block of Mid pines drive.

stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 7000 block of Brooking Way.

petit larceny in a building was reported on the 7100 block of Catlin road.

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 6800 block of Joshua aaron Court.

Unauthorized use of vehicle, boat or animal was reported on the 10500 block of Comanche lane.

dWi: fir st offense, BaC.15-.20 was reported on the 8300 block of Walnut Grove road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 9200 block of Hanover Crossings drive.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 16100 block of pug swamp lane

MARCH 13

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

the organization. In these emails, cybercriminals will ask to buy your business’ products, trying to trick you into thinking they’re making a legitimate business purchase order. If you agree to the order, the cybercriminals will send you fake credit payment information. These payments look legitimate and are only known as fraudulent after the products have already been shipped. These scams can be hard to spot. So, it’s important to learn how to keep yourself and your organization safe.

Follow the tips below to stay safe from similar scams:

„ To verify the legiti-

False identify of self to law enforcement was reported on the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Credit card fraud of less than $200 in 6 months was reported on the 8100 block of Windsor drive. assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 8300 block of southern Watch place.

MARCH 14

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

Hit and run: with attended property damage more than $1000 was reported on the 8200 block of s hady Grove road/Meadowbridge road.

Failure to perform construction after advance was reported on the 11200 block of Weis lane.

Obtain money under false pretense, larceny of $200 conspiracy was reported on the 12400 block of summer ridge place.

Concealment of price, alter merchandise less than $1000 was reported on the 7400 block of pole Green road.

Obtaining money by false pretenses under $200 was reported on the 10400 block of a shcake road.

MARCH 15

damage of a catalytic converter was reported on the 9100 block

macy of an order request, reach out to the person who allegedly sent the email by phone or in person.

„ Even if the sender’s email address is from a trusted domain, the email could be fake. Cybercriminals can gain access to trusted domains to make their scams more believable.

„ When you receive an email, stop and look for red flags. For example, watch out for emails that were sent outside of business hours and emails that contain spelling or grammatical errors.

Information courtesy of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

of aaroe drive. Forging coin and bank note was reported on the 8100 block of Beatty Farm drive.

Grand larceny in a building was reported on the 4100 block of river road.

Breaking and entering at night with intent to commit felony was reported on the 11300 block of Washington Highway. driver did not report accident with damage over $250 was reported on the 9300 block of atlee road.

Concealment of price, alter merchandise less than $1000 was reported on the 10100 block of lakeridge park.

Marijuana on school grounds was reported on the 10300 block of Chamberlayne road.

a simple assault was reported on the 13200 block of Mountain road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 12200 block of Henley road.

MARCH 16

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

a simple assault was reported

Please see SHERIFF, Page 10

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LOCAL CALENDAR

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. participants 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 804365-4300 or email volunteer@hanovercounty.gov. The deadline 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 pantr y. For more information, contact Hanover County Community resources at 804-365-4300.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Hanover County public schools will hold the 46th Festival of the arts and sciences from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. a pril 15 at patrick Henry High school, 12449 W. patrick Henry road, ashland. For more information, contact 804-365-8000.

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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

The Mechanicsville Tea party will meet between 7 and 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Freedom services and Training, 6701 Cold Harbor road in Mechanicsville – directly across from dollar General and close to the Creighton road traffic circle. This month we will have one or both of the candidates for the republican nomination for the Board of super visors from the ashland district in our final episode of Meet the Challengers for the primary campaign season. at the time of this writing, each candidate will be interviewed and take questions from the audience separately. This will be not be a debate between the 2 candidates. Meetings are

open to everybody. if you have any questions, call Glenn Baker at 804-752-8389. if he does not answer, please leave a message and he will return your call.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Bring your family and join us as we celebrate spring, the shearing of the sheep and fiber production at patrick Henry’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/Militar y, 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, 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 p ost 9808 will hold a s hred- i t 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 p lan. Called “ e nvision Hanover,” the plan is the county’s long-range vision of Hanover over the next 25 years, addressing land use, housing, economic development and natural resources. it also provides guidance on where growth may be appropriate throughout the county and what that growth should look like. Hanover residents’ feedback will shape the Comprehensive plan and decisions regarding

growth, preservation and public investment for years to come. 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 inperson meeting or webinar, depending upon their schedules. The Hanover Board of supervisors will hold public work sessions on the Comprehensive plan on 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

Please see CALENDAR, Page 21

Nominees sought for Beaverdam, Henry District School Board seats

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors is seeking nominations for the School Board seats representing the Beaverdam and Henry districts. Candidates must be nominated on Wednesday, April 26, when the board will hold its public hearing on the appointments.

In Hanover County, the board of supervisors is responsible for making appointments to the Hanover County School Board. The voters of Hanover County, in accordance with provisions of Title 22.1 of the Code of Virginia,

decided that the board should appoint members of the school board.

Members of the school board have staggered terms, and each term is for four years. Each year, the board appoints at least one school board member. Each of Hanover’s seven election districts has a member on the school board, which sets policy for the Hanover County Public School system.

State Code requires that the board cannot appoint a school board member until after a public hearing has been held to re-

ceive and consider nominees. The board’s rules provide that the board will hold that public hearing at its fourth Wednesday meeting in April, which this year falls on April 26. The board will not be making its appointments on April 26. Rather, the appointments will take place on May 24. This will allow time for the board, and especially the supervisors in the Beaverdam and Henry districts, to consider the nominees.

The board welcomes individuals who might be interested in serving to reach out to board members or to county adminis-

tration to learn more about the position, including eligibility requirements, and to indicate their interest. If you would like to submit your name for consideration prior to the board’s meeting on April 26, you are welcome to call the county administrator’s office at 804-365-6005 or email ct y adm@hanovercounty.gov beginning on April 19. However, even if a person reaches out to a board member or administration prior to April 26, their name must be placed into nomination on April 26 for that person to be eligible for appointment. Those

who seek the position are invited to speak on their own behalf and have supporters speak for them. The board’s meeting on April 26 will begin at 6 p.m.

The board looks forward to hearing from those interested in serving on the school board. J. Robert Monolo is the supervisor representing the Beaverdam District. He can be reached at jrmonolo@hanovercounty.gov or 804-690-2792. Sean Davis is the supervisor representing the Henry District. He can be reached at smdavis@hanovercounty.gov or 804-439-2289.

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For TikTokers, future is still bright

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

Virginia senator Mark Warner doesn’t like TikTok. What’s more, if that fact puts him at odds with the roughly 150 million Americans currently using the app on a daily basis, he doesn’t seem particularly concerned.

“As chairman of the intelligence committee, I believe TikTok poses a national security threat, and before all the potential bad action takes place, we ought to act,” Warner said in an interview with Politico recently.

Warner, of course, is no stranger to the sweeping influence of social media, though YouTube seems to be his preferred method for reaching the masses (Warner remains, to date, the only elected official in American history to achieve internet infamy vis-à-vis a tuna sandwich). So perhaps it comes as no surprise that,

Same old response to tragedy falls short

when asked what would become of the current crop of content creators who count on TikTok for their income, Warner did not seem overly concerned. They’ll find another platform, Warner said, and possibly do even better. But while this might in fact be true, it fails to take into consideration the fates of those who can’t imagine sharing hairstyling tips, fashion advice, political advice, marital advice, lip-synch demonstrations, life observations, tasteless jokes, recipe tips, parenting advice, product recommendations, I-hate-myjob rants, fitness programs, travel diaries and videos of pets doing funny things in any other social media realm.

Sen. Warner, what about them? Don’t they deserve a say?

As a public service, and as a show of support for all those professional TikTokers who may very well soon be out of a job, I’d like to

offer a few suggestions on how they might put their skills to good use once time runs out for TikTok.

1. Serve as the new Roundabout Ambassador for VDOT: No, this position does not technically exist…yet. But with as much influence as TikTok creators seem to wield, it’s a good chance they could help the Commonwealth sell citizens on the one idea almost all of them love to hate. An added bonus? What better place to show off your viral dance moves than the center island of a new traffic circle?

2. Arts in the Park: It’s tough to ignore the performative aspect of TikTok, even if you’re not a regular user. Those who compile the most views often do so by acting out scenes or participating in selfdirected skits (I once saw a woman engaged in a vicious pretend fight during

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing Columnist

For the next few weeks, we will all be exposed to a ritual that has become a familiar routine. Following every school shooting in America, the same process begins and everyone will talk about how horrible the latest incident truly was, and how we as a nation must find solutions to better protect our students while they are in the classroom.

After years of this same coverage, routine statements from politicians are easily predictable by whichever side of the aisle they sit; and one might surmise that change is on the way. We hope that reasonable adults can enact common sense measures that reduce the number of guns in America and restrict the use of assault rifles. All of these measures will predictably be discounted by gun proponents and the same old arguments will fall on deaf

ears.

We will see photos of the victims, hear their life stories and learn of the immense sadness suffered by their families.

Politicians aligned with a free access to firearms under a strictly interpreted Second Amendment will publicly express the ineffectiveness of gun control, and how, in this case, it would not have prevented a shooting.

Opponents to that gun lobby will cite the increasing number of mass shootings in America, many of them involving children in schools and some even committed by underage offenders. Calls for the banning of assault type weapons and enhanced background checks will again fall on deaf ears; and a nation will continue on a predictable path of gun violence.

And those of us listening to the arguments will be left with what seems like a binary decision — no

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

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

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.

guns or guns. Many on both sides will argue with that position and call for measures that attempt to impede the growing trend of violence.

And neither side will listen to the other. Few will realize that many gun opponents do not advocate for the elimination of guns and agree with common sense measures to restrict access to those who shouldn’t own guns. On the opposite side, gun proponents will argue that group is attempting to eliminate guns in the United States. Both extremes probably do not represent the true views of citizens who genuinely support gun control or defend the Second Amendment with no restraints.

Both groups realize there is a problem with guns in America, and with more than 400 million of them registered nationally, the problem is not going away.

editor@mechlocal.com

Students give pillows a personal touch

Future

From 6

which she played both parts. All three of us lost). Would it be such a stretch to have these TikTokers

Same old

From 6

Many, including myself, who think it is too easy to obtain an automatic firearm in most states, don’t advocate for gun bans or buy backs, and do not consider all guns bad. Some of them

perform for their communities? Picture summerstock but with more toilet humor and catchier music. The product placements might be a bit distracting, but come on—this can’t be the first

time you’ve seen Hamlet and Ophelia delighting in a $300 juicer.

3. Town Crier: Admittedly, it’s been many, many years since this once-vital community role faded away. And it’s

going to feel a bit stuffy to have to start every sentence by yelling out “Oyez, oyez, oyez!” But with their penchant for sharing news, gossip, advice and whatever else, unemployed TikTok stars

will find plenty to love about this job. Yes, the annual salary is $0. But the outfit is totally chic in a retro, Old English sort of way and the big brass bell is going to be every influencers’ must-have item

for summer.

TikTok friends, it’s going to be alright.

Keep creating, keep dancing, keep being utterly ridiculous, no matter the platform. We’ll keep watching.

own guns.

Virginia Lt. Governor Winston Sears recently appeared on Bill Marr’s Overtime show and clearly expressed her opinion on gun ownership in the Commonwealth. “If you’re breaking into my home while I’m waiting on the police to come, I’m gonna shoot you.

That’s just the way it is. I’m gonna pray for you, but I’m gonna shoot you,” she said. Although the lieutenant governor and I would be hard pressed to find areas of agreement on a variety of subjects, I found her direct answer more appealing and coherent than many of the positions claimed by both

sides of the gun control controversy. Her comments were loudly applauded by Marr’s audience, which is usually packed with liberals.

I take solace in the fact that reasonable people can disagree, and perhaps that’s the problem we’re having when it comes to gun

control. Finding consensus among two polar opposite opinions is not easy, but compromise among those willing to concede that each side has merit is much easier.

The point is, there is room for consensus regarding gun control and other social issues. Change won’t

come in monumental doses, but small advances can evoke new solutions. And if those small compromises save one life from irresponsible gun violence, it’s a start in the right direction. It at least could begin a conversation that seeks solutions as opposed to political punchlines.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Students at Battlefield Park Elementary School did a wonderful job making self portrait pillows and giving them a good snuggle afterward.

Hanover students embrace Flexible Learning Day

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

As part of The Hanover Promise, Hanover County Public Schools is committed to ensuring that students leave Hanover schools with skills beyond those measured by academic stan-

dardized tests. Educators want Hanover students to be empowered learners, responsible citizens, globallyengaged communicators and resilient individuals.

Flexible Learning Days, which were first used in the

school division in the 202021 school year, are designed to make that promise a reality. These days empower students to take control of their own education — making choices about what they want to learn while also

giving them dedicated time to explore, grow, and serve — and grant the division’s hardworking educators time to plan and learn themselves.

A Flexible Learning Day is a day where students learn from home. Before the

Flexible Learning Day, students choose from a menu of activities that they will complete anytime before the Friday following the day from home. As students are engaging in the activities from home, educators are

given a day to participate in professional learning activities, plan future lessons and evaluate the individual needs of students, among other things. A recent Flexible Learning Day was held March 31.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

reid and elliot, students at atlee High school and Cool spring elementary school, respectively, took a trip to the american Civil War Museum and Belle isle for their Flexible learning day.

aaron, a second grader at pearson’s Corner elementary school, was up at dawn on the Flexible learning day to go on a chartered boat tour of the James river to learn about the bald eagles.

Caius and Miles, students at Washington-Henry elementary school, did a sensor y walk in Florida for their Flexible learning day. They even found some unique items like a palm leaf.

These two Kersey Creek elementary school students had a terrific Flexible learning day by working together to make a very large math game. This added up to a wonderful day!

Maris and Meriwether, students at patrick Henry High school, helped welcome the secretariat statue to the Town of ashland as par t of their Flexible learning day.

Andrew Ray Slade

slade, andrew ray, 40, of aylett, passed away on april 2, 2023. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty and pete slade; and aunt, sue slade. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Gwendolen slade; siblings, Matthew (erica), Brittany (Tony), peter (sam); nieces and nephews, Joseph Jr., edward, William, Conner, Jasper, Olivia and dalton; and many aunts, uncles and extended family members. andrew was always helping others, whether it be cooking for them or lending a hand. He had a passion for music. andrew loved to cook for his family and loved ones, playing the guitar, watching basketball, reading and collecting shoes. The family received friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, april 7, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 lee-davis rd., where a funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on saturday, april 8. Online condolences may be registered at www. bennettfuneralhomes.com.

OBITUARIES

G. Wayne Brannan

Brannan, G. Wayne, 75, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the lord, surrounded by his family, saturday, april 1, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Valerie; two children, Jamie Brannan (Cindy) and Kathy archambault; granddaughter, Beth Thorpe (Michael); and greatgranddaughter, alyssa Thorpe. Wayne was a 1968 graduate of Hermitage High school, joining the U.s. nav y after graduation and was a proud Vietnam veteran. He then went into a career in plumbing. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m., Wednesday, april 12, 2023 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 lee-davis rd. interment will be private. in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the veterans organization of your choice.

Michael Rodgers

Sheriff

From 3

on the 7700 block of stand Circle.

a stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 9200 block of east Wenlock drive.

a stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 8100 block of perrincrest place.

a stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 8200 block of lansdowne road.

petit larceny from an auto was reported on the 11200 block of Hopson road.

a stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 11000 block of leadbetter road.

possession of a schedule i,ii controlled substance was reported on the 7400 block of Bell Creek road.

reported on the 10100 block of lewistown road.

MARCH 17

petit larceny from an auto was reported on the 7000 block of lantana lane.

Tamper, injure a vehicle, boat, aircraft was reported on the 8000 block of Gold pebble Way.

Unlawful purchase or possession of alcohol under the age of 21 was reported on the 10300 block of Chamberlayne road. a simple assault was reported on the 6100 block of pole Green road.

Failure to appear on felony charge was reported on the 7500 block of County Complex road. profane, threatening language over public airway was reported on the 17300 block of Beaver dam road.

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rOdGers, Michael, 94, of Mechanicsville, went home to his lord and savior sunday, april 2, 2023. Born January 21, 1929, in edinburgh, scotland to the late patrick and sarah rodgers; he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle rodgers. Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 73 years, Janet rodgers; children, Heather Gray (William) and James rodgers (Brenda); grandson, Jaime rodgers (devon); great-granddaughter, Thea rodgers; sister-in-law, Georgia Foster; nephew, scot; and niece, lisa. ser vices will be private.

Robert Fleming Willis

Willis, robert Fleming, son of William Melville Willis and emma louise pulliam Willis, passed away on the morning of March 25, 2023 after a sudden and brief battle with acute myeloid leukemia, at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Wonderley Willis; his sister, anne B. (Willis) Carmody; his mother-in-law, Given Huffman Wonderley; his brotherin-law, John Hasper sponaugle; and his father and mother, William and emma lou. He is survived by son, david Fleming Willis; son, William Wonderley (ley) Willis and husband, John Huggins; daughter, anne elizabeth (lissie) Willis Van leunen and husband, Tommy Van leunen; sister-in-law, pamela Wonderley sponaugle; father-in-law, Franklin Wonderley; and a host of other relatives and friends. a graveside memorial will be held on Thursday, april 13, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Hollywood Cemetery. We encourage all family and friends to attend.

identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported on the 2000 block of Brian Court.

a simple assault was reported on the 12400 block of West patrick Henry road.

Firearms, regardless of value, not from a person were reported on the 17200 block of Journeys end land.

Urinating or defecating in public was reported on the 11300 block of air park road.

Failure to perform construction after advance was reported on the 10400 block of King Braxton Court.

Obtain money under false pretense, larceny of $200 conspiracy was reported on the 8000 block of sherwood Crossing place.

Grand larceny of $500 or more, not from a person was reported on the 13100 block of Mountain road.

identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported on the 15400 block of Campbell lake road.

p ossession of a schedule i , ii controlled substance was reported on the 10300 block of south Cedar lane/Cedar lane.

driver not report an accident with damage less or equal to $1000 was reported on the 11300 block of Old elmont road.

a simple assault was reported on the 7700 block of stand Circle

p ossession of a schedule i , ii controlled substance was

identity theft to defraud more then or $200 was reported on the 8100 block of Greenview road.

driver did not report accident with damage over $250 was reported on the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

profane, threatening language over public airway was reported on the 10200 block of a ppaloosa Trail.

Uttering was reported on the 9600 block of sliding Hill road.

Obtain money under false pretense, larceny of $200 conspiracy was reported on the 15100 block of Clazemont road.

possession of a schedule i,ii controlled substance was reported on the 7500 block of Cold Harbor road.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported on the 8100 block of Marley drive. destruction of property, monument was reported on the 7100 block of ellerson Mill Circle. assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7200 block of lee-davis road.

MARCH 18

petit larceny, shoplifting was reported on the 10100 block of Kings dominion Boulevard. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported on the 7400 block of lexington drive.

Brandishing a firearm was reported on the 7200 block of Garden park lane

Please see SHERIFF, Page 11

Sheriff

From 10 Firearms, regardless of value, not from a person was reported on the 15500 block of robert Terrell road.

petit larceny from an auto was reported on the 19200 block of Whistling drive.

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

dW i : drug s, first offense was reported on the 7700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

dWi: first offense was reported on the 10200 block of Chamberlayne road.

MARCH 19

dWi: first offense was reported on the 10300 block of Cedar lane/ Washington Highway.

Concealment, price alteration of merchandise less than $500 was reported on the 11300 block of air park road.

p etit larceny, shoplifting was reported on the 7200 block of Bell Creek road.

Grand larceny in a building was reported on the 10400 block of rosebud lane.

Grand larceny from an automobile was reported on the 9000 block of pole Green park lane. assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 17000 block of Will James lane.

dWi: fir st offense, BaC .15-.20 was reported on the 4500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/pole Green road.

MARCH 20

destruction of property, monument was reported on the 9000 block of pole Green park lane.

petit larceny from an automobile was reported on the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

a simple assault was reported on the 300 south James street . assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 8200 block of eller son drive.

Credit card fraud less than $1000 in 6 months was reported on the 7400 block of Bell Creek road.

i dentity fraud-financial loss more than $200 was reported on the 20300 block of Beaver dam road.

Grand larceny -$500 or more, not from a person was reported on the 8200 block of east patrick Henry road/pamlico road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 10200 block of lakeridge square Court.

Threat to extort money was reported on the 1400 block of dressage Way.

a simple assault was reported on the 900 block of pole Green park lane.

p etit larceny from a building was reported on the 7400 block of Bell Creek road.

Threat to extort money was reported on the 7400 block of lexington drive.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7200 block of ellerson Mill Circle.

MARCH 21

a stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 11100 block of air park road.

Grand larceny of parts was reported on the 8000 block of sherwood Crossing place.

Fail to appear on a felony charge was reported on the 7500 block of County Complex road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 18300 block of Taylors Creek road.

Grand larceny -$500 or more, not from a person was reported on the 11000 block of north lakeridge park.

Hit and run with personal injury was reported on the 15300 block of Henry Forest Way.

p etit larceny from a building was reported on the 7200 block of Walnut Grove road.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 7400 block of deborah drive.

MARCH 22

a stolen catalytic converter was reported on the 9200 block of iv y Banks drive.

larceny of certain animals was reported on the 14200 block of Canterbury road.

Threats in writing was reported on the 8000 block of sherwood Crossing place.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 6000 block of pole Green road.

larceny of bank notes, checks was reported on the 11200 block of Hopson road.

Breaking and entering a house to commit larceny, assault was reported on the 13100 block of Cedar lane.

assault and battery on a family member was reported on the 6100 block of Winding Hills drive.

During this episode, Alexander, who joined the Covenant Woods team as farm manager in 2019, gave co-host Hamlin a tour of the 12,000-square-foot garden and explained how it has grown exponentially since it first opened in 2017 and fully lived up to its name as a farm-to-table program.

The first year, when the garden was only 4,000 square feet and just getting off the ground, it produced about 2,200 pounds of food, Alexander, a local resident and Master Gardener graduate, said in the video. The garden runs on a fiscal year calendar, and from April 2022 to March 2023 it produced 4,750 pounds of produce.

While walking through the resident portion of the garden, Alexander pointed out that some of them had been farmers, so this provides them the opportunity to keep growing what they love. They then cook and eat what they grow or share it with other residents.

One of the residents interviewed, Lee Bedsole, said when people come to visit her, she always brings them to the garden because she is so proud of it.

“We’ve really got it well organized and Jennifer has done a great job of making sure that the plants get what they need. It is a wonderful thing for this institution,” she said.

Vegetables, herbs and berries from the production garden, which residents also help tend, are used by Covenant Woods dining staff in the food it serves. Scheff said he loves the farmto-table program, which serves the dual purpose of giving his chefs incredibly fresh food to use in their dishes and creating an outdoor environment where residents can get to know each other and staff as they work side by side.

“Allowing them to be outdoors and work with Jen, I think it keeps them young, it keeps

them vibrant and it is wonderful for both the staff, the residents and the community,” Scheff said

in the episode.

In a separate interview, Scheff said the farm-to-table program

is progressing better than he could have ever imagined. Each year allows staff the opportunity

to learn and understand what varieties thrive and what varieties struggle.

“There is a respect for Mother Nature; she has ultimate control,” he said. “Our first two years of the farm produced mostly tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. This year, in addition to tomatoes and peppers, we have several different varieties of potatoes, onions, lettuces, herbs, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus and greens. This is a true farm-to-table program. Additionally, what makes the farm so special is the wonderful resident and staff relationships that have prospered over the years. It’s not just delicious food that comes from the farm, it also provides beneficial therapeutic opportunities, including physical, mental and social healing. It’s part of a holistic approach to enjoying life.”

Scheff added that the opportunity to be highlighted on “Virginia Home Grown” was an amazing experience. “The amount of work that went into the farm’s inception and the preparation of the land makes the attention the farm gets even sweeter. It’s a dream come true.”

Covenant Woods staff Jen alexander (farm manager), Craig Miller (executive chef), Mike scheff (director of dining ser vices) and Blake Holcomb (sous chef) show ingredients grown in the garden for residents to eat.

Flowers bring beautiful pops of color to Covenant Woods’ garden.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COVENANT WOODS Kale starting to grow in Covenant Woods’ seeding shed under grow lights were purchases with residentraised funds.

MECHANICSVILLE-ASHLAND LOCAL

COMMUNITY

Ashland Library celebrates bubbles galore

CO NTRIBUTED REPORT

People of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, enjoyed creating enormous bubbles at two Big Bubbles programs at the Ashland Library during spring break. Participants used homemade wands made of bamboo or drinking straws, yarn and a weight (to hold open the yarn). They dipped their yarn into the special bubble solution and lifted the wands, held them wide, and hoped that the wind didn’t chose that moment to pick up. “There was a whole lot of exploration and experimentation going on,” said children’s librarian Awnali Mills. “The best part was seeing families playing together. I love when I can get a too-cool-for-school dad to pick up a wand and join in the fun. They’re the biggest kids of all!” The library held children’s programs every day of spring break except for Friday, giving families who chose to stay in town an option to keep kids occupied. “There just isn’t a better place to find entertainment than the library.”

J. Edwin Givens Fund awards 16 scholarships

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The J. Edwin Givens Scholarship fund supports deserving staff who choose to continue their education. On Thursday, March 16, the newest scholarship recipients were awarded. Sixteen employees were granted awards that will allow them to continue their

education to become CNA’s, LPN’s, RN’s, lawyers and more. Since its inception in 2009, the fund has awarded 112 scholarships totaling $178,000 to young people. It was named in honor of J. Edwin Givens, who gave more than 40 years of volunteer service to Covenant Woods.

The 2023 recipients are Cameron Barrett, Brittany Barton, Sierra Black, Destiny Bradby, Hitomi Fortune, Chaka Fraierson, Mya Hall, Alicha Harper, Emma Keys, Bailey Loscomb, Shavonta McKeever, Afton Miles, Abby Seiders, Crystal Stephens, Victoria Stevens and Katie Yates.

The 2023 J. edwin Givens scholarship recipients, starting from the top left, are: shavonta McKeever, Brittany Barton, sierra Black, Chaka Fraierson, Victoria stevens, Thom Wright (president and CeO), (bottom left) natalie Kent (board member), Hitomi Fortune, Bailey loscomb, abigail seiders, Cameron Barrett, afton Miles, Katie yates and alicha Harper. recipients not pictured are: destiny Bradby, Mya Hall, emma Keys and Crystal stephens.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COVENANT WOODS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLAND LIBRARY

MECHANICSVILLE-ASHLAND LOCAL

Scouts spruce up Pufferbelly Park

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF ASHLAND

The Town of Ashland sent out its heartfelt thanks and high fives to Scouting BSA Troop 709-G members who recently completed a clean-up of the Community Garden at Kiwanis Pufferbelly Park, including painting the garden plot boxes. They did a great job and made a sunny spot in town shine even brighter.

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.

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 to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred.

Mad about Mahjong! at the a shland Branch l ibrary, Friday, a pril 14 and 28 , 10 a.m . — 12:30 p.m looki ng for

experienced players to play with? Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game at the ashland library!

Mother Goose storytime at the ashland Branch library, Mondays, april 17 and 24, 10:30 — 11 a.m. Mother Goose is a storytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. We have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.

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.

Please see HANOVER, Page 23

Board

The financial surplus will be applied to taxpayers’ June real estate bills in the form of the 2 cent rebate if approved.

A little over a dozen people spoke April 5 over the course of two public hearings. While there were a few speakers who asked the board to pass its budget as proposed, the majority of the citizens asked the board for relief in the face of high inflation and staggering reassessment figures.

The FY2024 proposed all funds budget total is $679 million, which is up $64.3 million or 10.5% over the prior year, Shelly Wright, director of the budget division, recapped for the board before the public hearings.

Another key figure she outlined was the proposed real estate tax rate of 81 cents. Huge jumps in 2023 real estate assessments (Hanover’s total assessment increase is 11.6%) mean the county’s equalized tax rate – the tax rate Hanover County needs to create the same amount of revenue as the previous year – would be 73 cents per $100 of assessed value for 2023. That means 81 cents, while unchanged from last year, represents an effective tax increase of 8 cents or 9.9%.

However, among the votes the board is expected to take Wednesday is a proposed 2 cent rebate off the 2023 real estate property bills that will only be seen on the June bill. This would make the effective tax rate 79 cents.

Wright highlighted that the tax rate has remained the same since 2007 despite both highs and lows in changes in reassessments.

“The county could have equalized the tax rate every year, up or down, but 1% growth in real property revenue cannot sustain the community’s needs in the areas of education, public safety and infrastructure alone,” she said.

Wright also pointed out that the county is investing those dollars in projects such as new schools, public safety, public works and public utilities.

The board is also expected to pass a five-year CIP worth more than $593 million. The FY2024 portion of the total amount is $150 million, with almost half of that dedicated to the school improvements fund.

Of those who spoke in favor of the board passing the budget and tax rates as proposed one speaker was focused on fulling funding the Community Services Board and a few others on supporting the school division’s budget, particularly the proposed 7% raises.

On the flip side, a recurring theme among speakers in support of lowering the tax rate and budget total was the huge increases they saw in their reassessments, with several of them citing jumps of 20% or more –and one lady saying hers went up 28%. Speakers talked about the incredible strains of facing these increases while living on fixed incomes; seeing their assessments go up without any commensurate increases in services such as good roads in their areas or broadband access; and feeling the county wasn’t being responsible to the taxpayers.

The board thanked the citizens who spoke during the public hearings for their input as well as all who have shared their thoughts at previous meetings, in person and via email.

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 tory time at the atlee Branch l ibrary. Tuesdays, a pril 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.

Toddler s tory time at the a tlee Branch l ibr ary. Wednesdays, a pril 12, 19 and 26, 11 to 11:30 a.m. e njoy a story time of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

atlee Book Group at the atlee Branch library, Wednesday, april 12, 11 a.m. – noon. Join us inperson or on Zoom for a lively book discussion. We will be reading “The d evil in the White City” by e rik l ar son. you can pick up a copy of the book at the atlee Branch l ibrary 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. s upport n esting Birds in your Backyard at the a tlee Branch l ibrary, 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 a tlee Branch if you do not receive this email.

Chickahominy Colored p encil a rtists at the a tlee Branch l ibrary , Friday, a pril 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. a ges 18 and up. Join the Chickahominy Colored p encil a r tists 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.

p reschool s to rytime at the atlee Branch l ibrary, Mondays, a pril 17 and 24, 10:30 — 11 a.m. e njoy a storytime of books, music, and fun for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers. atlee Bridge Group at the atlee Branch library. Tuesdays, april 18 and 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ages 18 and up. every Tuesday the atlee Bridge Group meets to play s ocial rubber Bridge. all levels welcome, from beginner to expert.

Fun and Games at the a tlee Branch library, Wednesday, april 19, 1 – 4 p.m. a ges 18 and up. Meet up with friends and have a great time with card and board games.

Hula dancing Class at the atlee Branch library, Wednesday, april 19, 10:30 a.m. – noon. a ges 18 and up. Join us to exercise your brain and body as you learn about hula dancing and culture at the atlee Branch l ibrary.

page Turners Book Club at the atlee Branch l ibrary, Thursday, a pril 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 a nime C lub at the atlee Branch l ibrary, Thursday, a pril 20, 7:30 — 8:30 p. m. a ge s 1218. Join the atlee l ibrary a nime Club! Meet teens with similar interests and watch cool shows.

Book Club for Kids at the atlee Branch l ibrary, Friday, a pril 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 l ibrary, Friday, a pril 28, 4 — 5 p.m. Celebrate n ational p oetry 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. n o experience necessary. p oetry lovers and listener s of all ages are welcome.

stress Management seminar at the atlee Branch l ibrary, s aturday, april 29, 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. a ges 13 – a dults. e n gage in a workshop to help alleviate stress. Categorize your stressors into groups to understand the “why” behind your anxieties. d iscover different ways to increase your well-being. a nd 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. p reschool s to rytime at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary, Thursday, a pril 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. s cience s aturday at the Mechanicsville Branch library, saturday, a pril 15, 10 a.m. — noon. a ll ages welcome! Calling all future scientists! discover the wonders of science as professors from J. s argeant reynolds Community College lead you through hands-on demos.

Hula d ancing C lass at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary,

Mondays, a pril 17 and 24, 10:30 a.m. – noon. ages 16 and up. exercise your body and brain as you learn about hula dancing and culture at the library. Wear clothing you can dance in easily!

Mother Goose s tory time at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary. Tuesdays, april 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 story time at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary.

Tuesday, a pril 18 and 25, 11 to 11:30 a.m. e njoy a story time of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers. s enior Bingo at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary, Wednesday, april 26, 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. ages 55 and up. n eed to get out and do something that’s both fun and relaxing? s top by the library for a game of themed Bingo for s eniors! p resented by s hanna Beaumont, Membership Growth Consultant at JenCare senior Medical Center.

a dult s torytime at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary, 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 story time!

introduction to Genealogy databases at the Mechanicsville Branch l ibrary, s aturday, a pril 29, 10:30 a.m. – noon. a ges 18 and up. i nterested in genealogy but don’t know where to start?

Join us for a brief introduction to pamunkey regi onal l ib rary’s genealogy databases: a ncestry l ibrary e dition and HeritageQuest! registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/9726204.

submitted by Carolyn Garner, adult public services coordinator.

tip, story idea, community events, photos, birth announcements, 40th anniversaries & above or 80-year -old birthday & above announcements submissions can be emailed to events@mechlocal.com

MECHANICSVILLE-ASHLAND LOCAL

Atlee saves its best for championship victory

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

The first inning of work for Atlee starting pitcher John Best Wednesday night against Deep Run was a beautiful harbinger of what was to come.

The first two pitches yielded comebackers to the Raider lefty. The final batter struck out. Eight pitches total.

Best finished an 83-pitch performance with a two-hit shutout, striking out nine as Atlee captured the championship of the 2023 Deep Run Spring Break Baseball Tournament, 6-0.

“That really helps when I can find the zone right away,” Best noted. “I know I have my team behind me. They’re really good fielders all around.”

The victory completed a threeday period with three wins, besting Matoaca 5-2 in Monday’s opener, then downing St. Christopher’s 13-7 in a Tuesday semifinal. It was also Atlee’s second win this year over Deep Run after beating the Wildcats in their season opener three weeks prior, 7-4.

The 6-1 start is impressive for a Raider squad that sports seven seniors, but also six freshmen and four sophomores. Their only defeat was by a run at Glen Allen in a game suspended by lightning in the sixth inning tied at 5-5, and finished the following day.

The toughest moments for Best came in the second and third innings. Best walked Caleb Dillon, then allowed a single to Parker Noonan with one out in the second. But the left-handed senior retired the next two batters.

In the third, Deep Run opened with a single from Vinny Porcaro. An Atlee error on a Sam Bennett grounder made it first and second with nobody out. The next three batters yielded a groundout to third,

a fielder’s choice that caught Porcaro in a rundown between third and home plate and a Best strikeout of Trey Gauch.

With two bullets dodged, the Raiders got the bats cooking in the bottom of the third with singles from Maddox Bowles and Shane

Lawlor and a walk issued to Will Haynie. With one out, Gunner Stromberg sent a single to left to bring home Bowles and Haynie. Then Seth Jones laid down a sacrifice bunt to send Lawlor to the plate for a 3-0 Atlee lead.

Deep Run would get only three

on a hard hit single off the glove of Porcaro at second base which sent the ball into shallow center field.

Atlee added two insurance runs in the fifth as Jones and freshman Cooper Molloy both rounded the bases. Lawlor led the offensive attack going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, Maddox Bowles went 2-for-3 with a run, while Stromberg and Jones each had two RBIs.

Atlee head coach Michael Morris singled out senior first baseman Jacob Hines for his leadership in helping these young lions win six of their first seven games.

“It’s definitely getting me ready for life, I’ll tell you that,” Hines said of his newfound responsibility. “I’ve never been put in a leadership position like this. I’m loving every minute of it. We have a lot of younger talent.”

Taking the tourney title required a deft combination of offense when needed, pitching by committee to outscore the Saints in the semifinal and the exclamation point from Best. Next up will be their biggest challenge yet when the Raiders host archrival and defending Class 4 state champion Hanover on Friday, April 14.

The Hawks are off to a 6-2 start, but have lost two straight, 6-3 to Mills Godwin last Monday, then 4-1 against Cherry Hill West of New Jersey at home on Thursday afternoon.

more batters on base, one each in innings four through six, thanks to a walk, a hit by pitch, and a dropped third strike. Atlee stayed hot at the plate with Chase Chamberlain singling to lead off the fourth. Courtesy runner Barrett Bucholz stole second, then scored two batters later

Also at the Deep Run Tournament, Mechanicsville went 1-2 for the week, falling in the first round on a walk-off hit for Midlothian in a 3-2 victory for the Trojans. The Mustangs bounced back in the consolation semis to down Caroline 26-1, scoring 16 runs in the fourth inning, then falling in the fifth place game in a slugfest against Cosby 10-8. Mechanicsville is now 4-3 and will host Patrick Henry (1-5) on Friday.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Junior outfielder Joseph lawlor makes a throw to first base in atlee’s semifinals win over st. Christopher’s in the deep run-hosted baseball tournament.

Mechanicsville’s Livesay named All-Metro Gymnast of the Year

MOLLY MISCHLER

For the Richmond TimesDispatch

Being successful at gymnastics requires hours of hard work, determination and sacrifices, and in the case of Mechanicsville’s Ally Livesay, quite a bit of perseverance.

Livesay is this year’s Times-Dispatch All-Metro Gymnast of the Year. She was also a member of the first team last year as a junior.

Livesay had an incredible senior season to close out her high school gymnastics career. At the region meet she placed second all-around and finished in fourth place or better in each event. At the state meet, she placed second in the all-around. Her score of 37.625 broke the Mustangs’ school record.

Her high school coach, Kat Olifiers, said Livesay is an incredibly dedicated student-athlete who others look up to.

“Ally works very hard in school and in the gym”, Olifiers said. “She is a great leader on this team and is always encouraging others to do their best.”

Her dedication and love for the sport is evident, but it was challenged at a young age.

While training as a Level 8 gymnast (the sport classifies on a 1-10 scale), Livesay fractured her ankle.

That was only the beginning, though, as she fractured her L5 vertebrae, a serious back injury that landed her in a hard-shell cast and kept her away from gymnastics.

“Because of the long recovery, I made the decision for my own sake to step back,” Livesay said. Eventually, though, she

changed her mind. She felt that she could not yet leave the sport she truly loved and made the decision to come back.

“The love for the sport brought me back,” she said. “It’s a commitment, but I told myself I’m gonna come back and finish what I started.”

This journey began at the age of 3, when her mom

placed her in gymnastics and was her coach. Livesay says she fell in love with the sport right away and always wanted to improve.

“It was awesome having my mom as a coach”, she said. “I always wanted her to watch what I was doing – but she still always reminded me to point my toes.”

Livesay went on to com-

pete for Aerial East Gymnastics. She credited her coaches there for her success, as well as helping her return to the sport after her injury.

“This was my home away from home, and the coaches encouraged and pushed me to do my best,” she said. “Having their support is what kept me in this sport so long, and they were my

family outside of my actual family.”

This is the seventh time the Times-Dispatch has selected an all-metro team, and the sport continues to grow at the VHSL level.

Although she is not competing at the collegiate level, Livesay ended a fantastic high school career with a result in which she and her coach take great pride.

“Finishing my senior season with a bang was a heartwarming moment for all of us, and it is something that I will never forget,” said Livesay.

Livesay was one of two Mustangs to make it on the All-Metro first team, joined by junior Jordan Gregory. Gregory finished first at regions in the floor and seventh on the beam at states.

PHOTO BY EVA RUSSO

Mechanicsville senior ally livesay nearly gave up on gymnastics after a back injury sidelined her, but returned and set a school record in the all-around this year as a senior

Walking the path of those who came before

YENNY GUTIERREZ

For the Local

As Easter has just come and gone and bunnies and baskets and eggs still abound, I can’t help but see the holiday in a new way this season. This past October, a small group from our church took a trip to Israel, the Holy Land, and it forever changed how I will view Easter – the day we Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

My husband and I spent months saving for our trip, and we expected it to be special. What we didn’t expect was the level of impact it would have on seemingly everything involving our

faith. The Bible and its stories came to life as we saw Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives, the Via Dolorosa and Jesus’ tomb. We’ve read about these for years – we’ve pictured and discussed them – but being in the very places where Jesus and His disciples ate, fished, walked and witnessed brought a weightiness and a realness that often left me speechless. And we weren’t the only ones. I was pleasantly surprised to see people from so many different countries (including my native Peru), ethnicities and backgrounds who’d traveled to experience the same thing as us – history and faith coming together

– where we could see and touch and feel closer to God. Perhaps nothing made me feel this more than when we walked the Via Dolorosa, which means “The Way of Suffering.” It’s said to be the path that Jesus walked on His way to His crucifixion. Walking the route where Jesus endured so much pain and brutality on our behalf from the stones and stairs and jeers and mockery – and eventually the cross – is something I’ll never forget. It was a long walk for me, and I can’t imagine carrying the weight of a cross (and our sins) the entire way.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO yenny and doug Gutierrez traveled to israel Oct. 10 to 21, 2022, and took along a copy of their The Mechanicsville local.

TOWNOFASHLAND NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Please take notice that on the 18th day of April, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA,the Ashland Town Council will conduct public hearings for the purposeof receivinginput,andmayprovide recommendationsonthefollowing:

ORD2023-04 VACATIONOFRIGHTSOF WAY HaleyMeadows,LLC,seekstovacateParcels A&B which areunimproved streets and substitute anew right of way which is identified as Parcel C. The plat 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.

PublicNotice

Notice is hereby giventhatthe Hanover County Board of Supervisorswillgatherfor ademonst ration by theSheriff ’s Depart ment at 4:30 p.m. at theSheriff ’s Depart ment Firing Range. TheBoard will then recess to theReg ular Meetinginthe Board Room

TheReg ular Board Meetingisset forApril 26,2023at6:00p.m.The BoardMeeting will be held in theBoard Room of theHanover County Administ ration Building at Hanover Cour thouse,7516Count yComplex Road, Hanover, Virginia.

HanoverEvangelicalFriends

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

Worship:Sun.10:30AM

SundaySchool@9:15AM

FairmountChristianChurch, 559-8070

6502CreightonRd.

SundayAMWorshipTraditional

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

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

GethsemaneChurchofChrist

5146MechanicsvilleTurnpike

SundayAMWorshipServices (Checkwebsitefortimes)

804-779-2044

BillWines,SeniorMinister www.gethsemanechristians.org

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

StPaulLutheranChurch(LCMS) 427-7500 ∂ 8100ShadyGroveRd, saintpaul-lcms.com

Rev.RodneyBitely,Pastor;Sun. Sch.9:15am,Worship10:30am

HOPECOMMUNITYCHURCH

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

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

MeadowbridgeSeventh-Day AdventistChurch

7400AntiqueLaneMech., SaturdayServices: SabbathSchool,9:45am. WorshipService,11am. WednesdayeveningPrayer Meeting,6:30pm. Churchphone:746-2788 meadowbridgesda.org meadowbridgesdachurch@gmai l.com

BlackCreekBaptistChurch, 6289McClellanRoad SundaySchool-9:00a.m. SundayWorship-10:15a.m.

AdultBibleStudy&YouthGroup 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

NewHighlandBaptistChurch 550-9601,9200NewAshcakeRd newhighland.org,9:15AMBible Study,10:30AMWorshipInPerson&online.Rev.DerekNicksich

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

LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS

PUBLICNOTICE

Notice is hereby given tha tthe Hanover County Planning Commission 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 MEDICAL HARDSHIP

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

PUBLICNOTICE

Notice is hereby given thatthe Hanover County Board of Super visors has set Wednesday, April26, 2023at6:00 P.M., orassoonthereafterasthe Board’s considerationoftheadministrative agendapermits,intheBoardRoomoftheHanoverCountyGovernmentBuilding at Hanover Courthouse,Hanover,Virginia,astheday,date,time,andplacefor apublichearingtoconsiderthe followingcases, at whichpubliccommentswillbeaccepted:

SE2023-00005, DONALD S. HERNDON

Request(s) aSpecialExceptioninaccordancewithSection26-21.11oftheHanoverCountyZoning Ordinancetopermit aprivategarageformorethanfour(4)vehiclesonGPIN8707-37-4548, consistingof approximately5.15acres,zonedA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,andlocatedonthesouth lineofWhippoorwillRoad(StateRoute653) approximately450feeteastofitsintersectionwith CharlestonRoad(StateRoute1225).(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

SE2023-00006,CEBELLEHOLDINGSCORPORATION

Request(s) aSpecialExceptioninaccordancewithSection26-184.3oftheHanoverCounty ZoningOrdinancetopermit afencemorethanfourfeet(4’)highintherequiredfront yardfor securitypurposes,onGPIN7787-88-4635,consistingof approximately0.85acres,zoned M-3,HeavyIndustrialDistrict,andlocatedonthewestlineofLeadbetterRoad(StateRoute 1261) approximately175feetnorthofLeadbetterPlace(StateRoute1308).(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Ashland

SE2023-00008,HEARTOFVIRGINIA AVIATION/HANOVERCOUNTYAIRPORT

Request(s) aSpecialExceptioninaccordancewithSection26-175.1oftheHanoverCountyZoning OrdinancetopermitoutdoorpromotionalactivitiesonGPINs7798-21-6554,7798-21-4903,and 7798-30-1875,consistingof approximately20.59acres,zonedM-2(c),LightIndustrialDistrict withconditions,andlocatedonthewestlineofSlidingHillRoad(StateRoute656) approximately 1,200feetsouthofitsintersectionwithNewAshcakeRoad(StateRoute643).(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Ashland

SE2023-00002,JAMONTBRAY

Request(s) aSpecialException PermitinaccordancewithSection26-21.18ofthe Hanover CountyZoningOrdinancetopermit acontractor’sequipmentstorage yardonGPIN8708-68-7842, consistingof approximately2.0 acres,zoned A-1,AgriculturalDistrict, andlocatedonthenorthline of PeaksRoad(StateRoute657) approximately1,275feetwestofHillcrestRoad(StateRoute649). (PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Beaverdam

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

Request(s)anamendmenttotheconceptualplanandproffers approvedwithrezoning requestREZ2020-00019,GrandmaMitchell’sPlace,L.L.C.,onGPINs7884-10-0166and 7884-10-6499(part),consistingof approximately13.5acres,zonedM-2(c),LightIndustrial Districtwithconditions.Thepropertyislocatedonthesouthwestquadrantoftheintersection of VerdonRoad(StateRoute684)and WashingtonHighway(U.S.Route1).Thesubjectproperty isdesignatedontheGeneralLandUsePlanMapasIndustrial.Theproposedzoningamendment wouldallowforself-storagewarehousesandvehiclestorage.(PUBLICHEARING) Magisterial District:Beaverdam

REZ2022-00034,DIANEC.ANDALPHEUSKAYKIRBY

Request(s)torezonefromA-1,AgriculturalDistrict,toAR-6(c),AgriculturalResidentialDistrict withconditions,onGPIN8726-98-0237,consistingof approximately52.40acres,andlocated at theterminusof aproposedroad,whichintersectswithWilliamsvilleRoad(StateRoute615), approximately1,000feetnorthofitsintersectionwithPineSlashRoad(privateroad)andwest oftheRainierEstatesSubdivision.ThesubjectpropertyisdesignatedontheGeneralLandUse PlanMapasAgricultural.Theproposedzoningamendmentwouldpermitthecreationof asix (6)buildinglotsfor agrossdensityofone(1)dwellingunitper8.73acres.(PUBLICHEARING) MagisterialDistrict:Henry

CopiesoftheabovecasemaybereviewedinthePlanningOffice,Mondaythrough Friday, betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and5:00p.m.,pleasecontactthePlanningOfficeoryoumay alsogotohttps://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcoming-and-Archivfor moreinformation.

HanoverCountyDepartmentofPublic Works

PoleGreenRdWidening

CitizenInformationMeeting

Tuesday,May9,2023,6-7:30pm

PoleGreenElementarySchool

8993PoleGreenParkLn,Mechanicsville, VA 23116

HanoverCountywillhold aCitizenInformationMeeting(CIM)on Tuesday, May9,2023,beginningat6:00pmatPoleGreenElementarySchool,8993Pole GreenParkLn,Mechanicsville, VA 23116concerningtheproposedwideningof approximately1.63milesofPoleGreenRd(Rt.627)betweenBellCreekRd(Rt.642)and RuralPointRd(Rt.643).

Thepurposeofthismeetingistopresentthecurrentdesignincludingthe roadalignment, intersectionlayouts,stormwatermanagement,bicycleandpedestrianfacilitiesand proposedright-of-waylimits.Theplansandotherinformationareavailableonthe County’swebsiteathttps://www.hanovercounty.gov/816/Roads-and-Transportation.

TheCIMwillbeginwith apresentationfollowedby aquestionandanswersessionafter whichtherewillbeanopportunitytoengageone-on-onewithCounty representatives. CommentswillbeacceptedatthemeetingormaybesubmittedtotheattentionofJoseph E.Vidunas,ProjectManager,Dept.ofPublic Works, P.O.Box470,Hanover,Virginia 23069orviaemailtojevidunas@hanovercounty.gov.Please reference“PoleGreenRd CIM”inallcorrespondence.Commentsmustbe receivedby5:00pm,May19,2023to beincludedinthemeeting record.

HanoverCountyensuresnondiscriminationandequalemploymentinallprograms andactivitiesinaccordancewithTitleVIandTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964. Anyone requiringspecialassistancetoattendandparticipateinthismeetingmay contactJosephE.Vidunasat(804)365-6176orTTY/TDD711orviaemailat jevidunas@hanovercounty.gov.

Project:VDOTProject#0627-042-873,P101,R201,C501(UPC109260)

FederalAidProject#RSTP-5A27(721)

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But the most encouraging thing was knowing that that road of suffering wasn’t in vain; it ended with an empty tomb. Death was not the end of Jesus the Messiah –He defeated it through His resurrection, and He now sits at God’s right hand, waiting to return to gather His church. And His feet will once again stand on the Mount of Olives, but this

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an inside look into law enforcement with the Hanover County sheriff’s Office. interested seniors are urged to download an application at http://www.hanoversheriff. com/199/senior-Citizens-policeacademy or contact deputy evan povar at (804) 365-3363 for an application or additional information. also, the application needs to be notarized. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2023.

Mechanicsville Churches emergency Functions One stop shop (MCeF Oss) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 stonewall parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

Walnut Grove Baptist Church will be conducting Free adult english Classes (esl) and Citizenship Classes (passing the Test) Wednesday mornings with open enrollment through May 17, 2023. Classes will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 7046 Cold Harbor road, Mechanicsville, Va 23111. For more information, contact the church office at (804) 746-5081 or contact Frank at wgbcinfo@comcast.net or (804) 4027701. The classes are free but students are asked to purchase the books required for the class.

SATURDAYS

Trinity lutheran Church, ashland Campus, located at 11515 ashcake road in ashland 2 miles west of U.s. 1, holds its church ser vice at

time in completed victory! So while I encourage everyone to visit Israel for its bastion of religious experiences, God invites us to experience a relationship with Him now, wherever we are, through a personal relationship with His risen Son, Jesus Christ. And while Easter bunnies are baskets are a fun tradition, the true meaning of Easter is rooted in The Way of Suffering and the empty tomb – promises of new beginnings and eternal life with God in Christ.

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 a ntique l ane, 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,

Please see CALENDAR, Page 23

Toddler/ p reschool s tory time at the a shland Branch l ibrary. Tuesday, a pr il 18 and 25, 10:30 to 11 a.m. e njoy a s tory time of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Family storytime at the a shland Branch l ib rary. Tuesday, a pril 18 and 25, 11:30 a.m. to noon. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and more. Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

ashland evening Book Club at the ashland Branch library, Tuesday, april 18, 6 — 7 p.m. ages 18 and up. Join the a shland e vening 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.

poetry on the plaza at the ashland Branch library, Wednesday, april 19, 6 — 7 p.m. Celebrate national poetry Month at Open Mic p oetry n ight 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, a pril 21, 10 — 11 a.m. read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. s hare views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

What’s Going On With amphibians i n Virginia? at the a shland Branch l ibrary, s aturday, a pril 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 Branch library, Thursday, april 27, noon — 4 p.m. From the Heart s titchers beg an 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. (t wo performances!) all ages. Join us on Train d ay 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 l ibrary, s aturday, a pril 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 s tory time at the Hanover Branch l ibrary, Fridays, a pril 14, 21 and 28, 10:45 — 11:15 a.m. e njo y a fun time with books, signing, rhymes and much more! Family story time is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Hanover Book Club at the Hanover Branch l ibrary, Tuesday, a pril 18, n oon — 1 p.m. d o y ou 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 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.

p U p read ers at the Montpelier Branch library, Wednesday, april 12, 6 — 7:30 p.m. Grades K-3. ready to transform from reluctant r eader to r ea dy r ea der? sign up for a 20-minute session with Chrissie, a p U p read er s reading education assistance dog.

Family storytime at the Montpelier Branch library, Thursdays, april 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.

The sex lives of plants at the Montpelier Branch l ibrary, s aturday, 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.

d iscover the Fun of r eader’s Theater at the Montpelier Branch l ibrary, s aturday, a pril 29, 11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. ages 13 and up. r eader’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. r efreshmen ts 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 s tory time at the Cochrane rockville Branch library.

Fridays, april 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. read 2 rover at the Cochrane rockville Branch library, Thursday, a pril 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. s pace is limited. Call the rockville Branch library at 804749-3146 or visit the library for more information to register for this rewarding program!

paint a Triptych Cherry Tree at the Cochrane r ockville Br anch l ibrary, s aturday, a pril 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 p oetr y at the Cochrane rockville Branch library, saturday, april 22, 3 — 4 p.m. Celebrate n ational p oetr y 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.

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 w ww.griefshare.org searching for us by entering the zip code 23116. refreshments will be provided. For more information, reach out to the program 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 rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at roma’s restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek rd. in Mechanicsville. d ue 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 r estaurant at 100 s . r ailr oad ave. in ashland. For more information, contact steve dunham at 804-496-6093 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.

n ew Highland Baptist Church hosts open basketball gym time for adults in the Christian l ife 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 air patrol, Hanover squadron, 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.

FRIDAYS

The Building Bridges group of n arcotics a non ymous 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 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 a merican red Cross to distributed to those in need. s i nce 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 s enior Citizen Meeting known as — studley seniors will meet at 10:30 a.m. at enon UMC, 6156 studley road in Mechanicsville. scheduled dates are March 20, april 17, May 15, & June 19. 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.” s o, 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 804-5592805 or the church office at 804-746-9073.

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

FOURTH MONDAYS

The FeedMore Mobile Food pantry will be distributing food from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Fir st 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 p ublic s chools 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 society 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 Courthouse road in Hanover. Visit http://www.hanoverhistorical.org/index.