Hanover Night a home run for local Rotary Club

from The Mechanicsville-Ashland Local – 06/07/2023

SAWMILL NOW HIRING CD L-A DRI VE RS

RYAN Editor

Spending time with your friends and neighbors is always nice. But how about taking in a baseball game with 7,800 of them?

That’s exactly what Hanover residents had the opportunity to do last Thursday during the inaugural Hanover at the Diamond Night with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Organized by the Mechanicsville Rotary Club, the event drew thousands for an evening of fellowship, fundraising, fireworks and, of course, baseball. By the end of the evening, the club had raised around $85,000 for several local organizations, including the Hanover Safe Place, the Hanover Education Foundation and the Rotary Club Foundation. They also managed, according to Mechanicsville Rotary Club member Phil Englander, to have a very, very good time.

“It’s great when you’re walking around a baseball game and you keep running into your neighbors,” said Englander, calling it “an amazing display of togetherness.”

The event was a departure from the club’s traditional Casino Night fundraiser, and an effort to find a way to include families in the fun.

It was also an opportunity to honor a number of local first responders, including Dennis Edwards, Hanover officer of the year.

When the time came to touch off the fireworks display that punctuated the evening, Hanover Fire Chief Jethro Piland was tapped to do the honors.

Rotarian Aaron Pierce, who spearheaded the planning of the event, said the idea for Hanover Night came about when the club began thinking of ways to get as many people involved as possible in celebrating the county.

“We wanted to engage all of Hanover and have it benefit as many people as possible,” Pierce said. “And we really wanted to celebrate what is so special about Hanover.”

To Englander, who moved from California to Hanover three years ago, a large part of Hanover’s charm comes down to its people.

“I feel more of a sense of community in Hanover than any place I’ve ever lived,” he said.

Planning is now underway for next year’s event, though Pierce pointed out that those who didn’t attend Hanover Night this year can still contribute to their favorite local organizations. Anyone wishing to donate can text the word “tomato” to 53555 and a link will direct them to the donation site.

The Mechanicsville Rotary, which has been active in Hanover for more than 30 years, meets every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Cold Harbor Restaurant (8153 Mechanicsville Turnpike). For more information on the club’s activities, including Hanover Night at the Diamond 2024, visit the club’s website at www.mechanicsvillerotary.org.

Martha Miller, Ashland’s community engagement manager, says it’s best to create a threshold that shields smaller properties. “Those are the least likely to be impacted by traditional marketing and group sales done by RRT,” she says.

At least 51% of hotels in the jurisdiction needed to support the plan before it could be petitioned to the Council. In Ashland, 88% of hotel operators supported it. The plan officially takes effect July 1. It will run 10 years before re-approval is required.

While the TID is designed solely for larger lodging properties, the money generated from fees will be used to assist this train-centric community in various ways.

“Those revenues directly enhance the quality of life for our residents and businesses by enabling the town to continue providing … high-quality services, such as public safety, sidewalks and parks,” Miller says.

Council Member Kathy Abbott says the goal is to attract as many people as possible to Ashland. “We basically survive as a town on local revenue, so the goal is to bring more people here to stay at hotels,” she says. “It’s not only great economically, [it’s also great] for folks to discover what Ashland offers.”

One local business that looks forward to a potential boost is the Ashland Theatre. The non-profit has been a community sta- ple since its reopening in 2018. The theatre not only shows a variety of films, but hosts events like book signings, concerts and familyfriendly options like Toddler Takeover. The new plan could help increase tourist awareness of the theatre and its unique offerings, especially during the holidays.

“Because we’re a train town, during the holidays we run several Polar Express showings,” says Courtney Caldwell, general manager. “A lot of people take the train from Downtown Richmond to Ashland to come watch it. It’s a really cute event.”

Author Tara McClar y Reeves

To speak at Shalom Baptist Church

Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.

On Sunday, June 11th, at 12:30 p.m. you are cordially invited to come and hear Tara McClar y Reeves, co-author of the devotional book, The Chosen for Kids. This event is free, and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by June 8, by calling the church office at 804.746.7737.

Shalom Baptist Church is located at: 8116 Walnut Grove Rd. Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Office: 804.846.7737

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Mechanicsville Baptist Church is hold a workshop, engaging Brain Change, understanding dementia from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 8016 atlee Road in Mechanicsville. This impactful learning event will be held in the Family Life Center behind the main church building. Become “dementia aware” and gain better understanding of brain changes that occur with alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Light refreshments will be provided by dowda senior Consultants. signup was due at office@mechanicsvillebaptist.org or 804-746-7253 by a summer art show at Woodside Farms will be held from from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our Chickahominy Falls Open House Market day and art show located at 10447 Woodside Farms drive in Glen allen. Tour model homes and 5-star, award-winning clubhouse. explore miles of walking trails and shop at the Woodside Market for locally sourced, market-fresh offerings, as well as delicious seasonal produce. Listen to live music and browse the unique creations available for sale by our local vendors.

Wednesday, May 31 with your name, phone number and the number of people planning to attend.

The Chickahominy Falls art Guild is showcasing a beautiful collection of paintings, jewelry, photography, quilts, pottery, metalwork, and hand-blown glass. saturdays have never been more inspired at Chickahominy Falls, where creativity is always homegrown. for more information email: info@woodsidefarms.net shalom Baptist Church Children’s Ministry will hald a ‘Touch a Truck’ event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8116 Walnut Grove Road in Mechanicsville. Touch-a-Truck is a handson learning experience for children to explore a variety of large trucks, first responder vehicles,

Career and Technical Education

Summer Academy

5-day teen summer camp

Chickahominy Tribal Center

July 17 to 21, 2023 construction vehicles and much more. Children will be able to get behind the wheel of their favorite vehicles, honk the horns, work the lights and sirens and meet the professionals who build, protect and serve our community. Martial arts World of Glen allen will be on onsite to perform. Lazy Cow Ice Cream will also be on site with ice cream treats available to purchase.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11 author Tara McClary-Reves, coauthor of the devotional book, “The Chosen for Kids” will speak at 12:30 p.m. at shalom Baptist Church, 8116 Walnut Grove Road in Mechanicsville. you are invited to come and hear her talk. The event is free and lunch will be provided. Please RsVP by June 4, by calling the church office at 804-746-7737.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

Mechanicsville aaRP Chapter 5407 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richmond east Moose Lodge 147’s pavilion, 7167 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. The rain date is June 20, 2023.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

Hanover County Va naaCP Juneteenth Celebration will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Road in Mechanicsville. Fun activities are Car show with old cars, trucks. Bikes, corvettes & others. 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for Kids & adults. Corn Hole Tournament for kids & adults. e mail hanovernaacp2@ gmail.com to participate. Honoring Hanover;s unsung hereos, Mr. Hosea Fox — Hanover’s Promoter, Mr. spencer Curtis — Hanover ‘s Black Volunteer Fire Leader from Coatesville, Brook s Brothers- 6 Hanoverian Veteran brothers, Jock Jones- 1st Hanoverian drafted into the nFL, The 8 students who integrated Patrick Henry & the former Lee-davis High school, now Mechanicsville High shool. Musical guests will be on stage. Vendor spots available to for profits (we reserve the right to deny permission if products don’t reflect our values & mission) email hanovemaacp2@ gmail.com for more information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

The Parsons’ Cause Foundation, Inc. will present Freedom’s apostles: The Trial of the spotsylvania Baptists. all performances begin at 10 a.m. at 13182 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. It is the first of the summer 2023 program of free performances at the Historic Hanover Courthouse. For more information visit parsonscause.org.

Ongoing

a re you the parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes? Parenting a teen with Type 1 diabetes in Hanover. We all understand how demanding this life is. Which is one of the reasons Tara Gray is setting up a meet and greet and a group for have monthly meetings. Please send an email to grays708@yahoo. com with your name and information if you would like to join.

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.

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.

Hanover County is working with residents, businesses, landowners and other community members to update its Comprehensive Plan. Called “envision Hanover,” the plan is the county’s long-range vision of Hanover over the next 25 years, addressing land use, housing, economic development and natural resources. It also provides guidance on where growth may be appropriate throughout the county and what that growth should look like. Hanover residents’ feedback will shape the Comprehensive Plan and decisions regarding growth, preservation and public investment for years to come. Based upon the feedback received, the project team has been working to identify key concepts related to land use, economic development and historic resources. Residents will be able to share their ideas by participating with an in-person meeting or webinar, depending upon their schedules. The Hanover Board of supervisors will hold public work sessions on the Comprehensive Plan on 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.

Saturdays

Trinity Lutheran Church, ashland Campus, located at 11515 ashcake Road in ashland 2 miles west of u.s. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. dr. Roy Minnix. Visit www.trinityrichmond. net or call 804-270-9626.

Sundays

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

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

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

Mondays

a Grief support Group through Griefshare will be starting on Monday, May 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Meadowbridge sda Church, 7400 antique Lane, Mechanicsville, Va 23116. This is a 13-week session cycle and you are welcome to begin attending at any point in the cycle. The group will provide help and encouragement to those mourning the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. Let us help you on your journey from mourning to Joy! There is a registration fee of $25 to help cover the cost of the workbook, which is paid at the church (you can pay in increments if need be so don’t let that stop you from coming).

Summer sales are under way and homes are st ill selling for even more t han t hey were last year! But we st ill need more houses to pop up! If t here’s a seedling t hought of selling or buying and you have quest ions ions about where t he market is heading in our area, cont act me today for local guidance you can t rust . My team and I have collect ively sold well over 550+ homes in Hanover Count y alone (we also sell in 60+ ot her zipcodes t hroughout Richmond Met ro) and would love t he chance to earn your business. Call or tex t any t ime.