Gov. Bob McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell took time out of a busy schedule Thursday to visit a class of fifth-graders at Battlefield Park Elementary School in Mechanicsville.

The visit was prompted by a personal written request composed by Tori Proost, a member of the class.

“I thought it would be cool if he could come to our school and read,” Proost said. After posing for pictures with the governor, Tori said the event “was very exciting.”

In December, Tori wrote the governor and asked him to read to her class from a book featuring the story of Jamestown.

With Reading Across America in full swing last week, the governor made good on his promise and was greeted by a class of elated students.

Fifth-grade teacher Pam Franklin and Special Ed teacher Wayne Saunders said the governor is not the first notable figure to visit the language arts class.

“Superintendent (Dr. Stewart D.) Roberson is coming tomorrow, and we had Nutzy the Squirrel (mascot from the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team) come and visit,” Franklin said.

Saunders said the class wrote letters in December as part of an assignment.

“One of the writing assignments was to write a letter inviting folks to come and read to the class. The governor accepted and he and his wife came to read.”

The governor, 45 days into his administration, told the students to have high expectations and the possibilities are endless.

“I hope you all will dream big,” McDonnell said. “When I was a young person, I never thought I’d grow up to follow in the footsteps of Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.”

The governor read from “Jamestown, the First English Colony,” and the First Lady also took a turn followed by a question and answer period.

The students were ready with precise and relevant questions that even impressed the governor.

“I think you guys practiced on this,” McDonnell said. “You’ve asked some great questions. Unlike some reporters, the questions are short and to the point,” he joked.

Some of the questions revealed a portion of the governor’s life often ignored by the mainstream media. When asked about his favorite food, McDonnell immediately answered “Spaghetti, but close behind is Chinese food,” he said.

Another student asked the governor how school has changed since his days in fifth grade at Woodley Elementary in Fairfax.

Although the desks and books look basically the same, McDonnell said school has changed.

“We didn’t have the Internet or personal computers,” he said. “The world had changed tremendously since I was in fifth grade and it will be dramatically changed with the advances in technology and medicine in the 40 years it will take you to get my age.”

McDonnell said his dream job as a child was to be an astronaut, but he’s resigned to earth-bound pursuits for now.

The governor answered every question and then went row to row signing an autograph for every student.

He even took time to lead a chorus of “Happy Birthday” to the class teacher.

The governor ended the event by suggesting students consider a career in public service, a choice he believes is vital to our nation and state’s future.

“In the end, you want to look back and think did I do something that helped other people. Did I make my community, my family, my neighborhood, my state and my country a little better? I encourage you to dream big.”

Battlefield Park principal Judith Bradley said the visit will make a lasting memory for her school and its students.

“March 4 will be a day that Battlefield Park Elementary will never forget,” she said. “The students were thrilled and full of joy that the Governor and the First Lady accepted the invitation to come and read to Mrs. Franklin’s class.  As a principal I am so proud of our students and their achievements. This will be one experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”  

Jim Ridolphi
Tori Proost, left, invited Gov. Bob McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell to visit Battlefield Park Elementary School to read to her fifth-grade class.

Last week, Crook and senior teacher Frances Joyner-Warnick talked about the excitement surrounding this milestone.

“We pretty much have finished our planning phase for the 20th,” Crook said. The upcoming event, he said, “is more of our celebration. This is where we recognize our dignitaries, our Board of Supervisors, School Board, former students and a lot of faculty that graduated from Patrick Henry that also teach at Patrick Henry.” He noted one staff member has worked there 37 years.

Joining community leaders will be the 2010 valedictorian, the Student Council Association president, and a group Crook called “The Blast from the Past” representatives from each decade who will reflect on their time at PHHS.

Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, will deliver the keynote address. John F. Axselle III, chairman of the Hanover County School Board, will recognize a former Patrick Henry coach.

The anniversary is being chronicled by Michelle Gary’s mass communications class.

Students started videotaping with the Tomato Bowl, the annual Patrick Henry-Lee-Davis football rivalry.

“It is incredible,” Crook said of the project. “She [Gary] has reflections from people from the Tomato Bowl, former principals, students, business partners.”

He said she has “been talking to everybody — it is going to be an awesome video.”

Musical performances, Joyner-Warnick said, will be presented by the school’s string, band and chorus.

In addition to athletics and music, academics will be featured in the celebration. Crook said former administrators, as well as supervisors and School Board members, will share “some very interesting stories” about the school. Joyner-Warnick also said the event will provide an opportunity for alumni to tell why Patrick Henry took them in a particular direction and “why so many people want to come back to Hanover County to live, to contribute as a leader, parent or community member.”

The March 20 program is scheduled to get under way at 5 p.m. at the school, which is located at 12449 Patrick Henry Road in Ashland.

A month later, on April 17, the school will present The Spring Fling, bringing the community together.

Crook said the goal is to welcome the feeder schools throughout the western part of Hanover County and residents from around the county.

“We want people who drive by Patrick Henry every day to just enjoy the campus and being with the student body,” Joyner-Warnick said.

The Spring Fling will include Patrick Henry athletics, crafts, local business exhibits “and make you love and support Patrick Henry — show your Patriot pride,” she added.

The words “Tradition, Excellence, and Patriot Pride” adorn the entrance to the school and serve as the school’s motto, Crook added.

“We are all Patrick Henry,” he continued.

The school’s art department is creating a mural with that slogan, “which is really our unifying cry, because we’re all in this. Students get the best high school experience that they can with all the extracurricular and academics.”

From an academic standpoint, Patrick Henry is riding high this year. The valedictorian has been accepted at Yale University and the salutatorian is heading to the University of Michigan. “We’ve got some very high achieving students,” Crook said. Sixty-two students have grade point averages of 4.0 or higher.

When the 2010 Class of Patrick Henry High School receives diplomas on June 19, excerpts from the video will be featured.

Crook already expects “a pretty special graduation.”

“We just want people to come out and celebrate with us,” Joyner-Warnick said.

Patrick Henry, Crook said, is building on what Lee-Davis High School did during the 2008-2009 school year when principal Mike Bishop spearheaded 50th anniversary events.

“We want to make sure that we celebrate the great things at Patrick Henry,” Crook said. “We want ours to be focused on the community, the alumni. We wanted all 50 classes to be recognized here. Memorabilia will be posted throughout the building. People can take a walk down memory lane.”

“We really want to celebrate the great support that we have from our community. We have some very involved parents,” Crook said, pointing to the academics, booster programs, band, athletics and PTA. “They’re all very supportive of Patrick Henry and we’re really lucky out in the western part of the county to have the support.”

Next month’s Spring Fling, which will be held rain or shine, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The general public will be admitted free of charge.

For more information, contact Frances Joyner-Warnick at 365-8000 or fwarnick@hcps.us.

Thanks to Lori Rozecki, whose husband Paul heads up the bands at Atlee High School, Lindsey now holds the title of 2010 Miss Mechanicsville.

The 18-year-old was a first-time contestant when she entered the pageant, which was held on Feb. 27 in the auditorium of Atlee High. A Mechanicsville resident, Lindsey is a senior at Atlee.

A staple in the community, the Miss Mechanicsville Pageant is sponsored by the Pamunkey Junior Women’s Club, of which Lori is a member.

Lindsey said Lori kept urging her to enter to pursue the scholarship monies awarded.

“She kept en-couraging me to do it for the scholarship money and the laptop,” Lindsey said last Thursday. “It’s not based on beauty, it’s beauty on talent, community service – that’s what got me into this one, so I have her to thank.”

Thanks to Lori’s persistence, Lindsey now has $2,500 toward her college education. She also won a laptop as the winner of the Community Service Award. Additional prizes were presented for her patron board, which was recognized as the People’s Choice award; talent – she performed a waltz on the flute; and selling the most tickets.

“I didn’t expect any of it,” she said. “The competition was just so great – I didn’t expect it.”

Backstage, she said, she was “very excited. All the girls were jumped around, ‘We’re ready, we’re ready.’ We were very excited about the dance.” The pageant opened with the contestants dancing to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

“I have never had to present myself in that way before,” she said. “I’ve always been very behind the scenes, not wanting to be up front and in front of people like that.”

She admitted she was nervous during the question portion of the pageant. “I’m more used to speaking with my peers rather than people I don’t know, but it was a lot of fun.”

While she expressed her appreciation for the scholarship, laptop and other gifts, the tiara, Lindsey said, “is beautiful. I get to keep it and I think it’s awesome.”

As for the laptop, “I’ve never had my own computer. I’ve had to share with my mom and my sister and now I can just plug in the laptop and go.”

For the talent portion, Lindsey took advantage of the years of flute lessons. She said she has been studying about seven years.

Earlier that day, Lindsey had auditioned for the All-State Band. She left Atlee High at 5 a.m. en route to James Madison University in Harrisonburg.

“I give flute lessons to two students – one is in elementary and one in middle school. They’re both beginner flute students; they’re both very sweet girls and very dedicated to the flute and that’s why I love teaching them so much.”

Music may be included in her higher education. She’s considering Virginia Tech, JMU and Virginia Commonwealth University when she heads to college in the fall. At this point, “I’m waiting to hear back” from her top three choices. She hasn’t quite decided on a major. “I keep switching back and forth. I love culinary arts and music education.”

She recently auditioned at VCU for the Music School.

Her mother, Eileen, plays the flute, which led to Lindsey’s interest in the instrument. “I love playing duets with my mom. I’ve heard her all my life. I imitate her sound. I enjoy playing with her.”

With music, it’s a family affair: dad Skip plays the guitar and Lindsey’s fraternal twin Ashley sings and plays the guitar and the piano. Lindsey also plays the piano.

“I take both flute and piano lessons. I’ve been taking piano lessons for 11 years,” Lindsey said. Her piano teacher, Jennifer Estabrook, accompanied her during the talent competition of the pageant. “She’s definitely my best friend,” Lindsey said of her teacher.

At Atlee High, her involvement with the band program includes the wind ensemble, which she said is the top band; marching band, of which she is “heavily involved.” She has been serving as the band’s drum major for two years.

School activities also include being a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and varsity swim team.

A member of the New Hanover Presbyterian Church, Lindsey is a member of the orchestra, which performs every Sunday. “I do a lot of children’s ministries, especially our Creative Arts Camp. We just teach kids different parts of the arts.” She teaches culinary arts. She also helps with the Food for Thought fellowship dinner that is held on Wednesday nights.

Lindsey also is a member of the Greater Richmond Youth Wind Ensemble, which meets every Monday. “Our big concert is in May.”

She participates in the Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond, which brings together different religions, ethnicities and races. “They ask each school to choose a student that has demonstrated compassion and caring,” as well as a background of interacting with different religions and races.

The experience, she said, “was really neat.” She said they received “input from other students that had the same mentality as I do. We got to find out about our likes and dislikes and then compile them into common interests that could be given to the community through a service project that we’re hopefully going to have in May.”

Plans are under way for an open mic night and bake sale, which will benefit Haiti.

Her foray into the pageant scene sparked only positive comments. “The Pamunkey Junior Women’s Club did a very good job running the pageant. They made the process so nice for us.”

She also mentioned the Junior Miss and Little Miss Mechanicsville winners: Courtney Gravatt and Brooke Elmore. “I’m just very excited to work with Courtney and Brooke.”

In the small world category, Lindsey said she knew Courtney before the pageant. Courtney’s brother Chris is in the Atlee High band with Lindsey.

Submitted photo
Lindsey Martin is shown with some of the prizes she won during the 2010 Miss Mechanicsville Pageant on Feb. 27. As the new Miss Mechanicsville, she received a $2,500 scholarship. She also won a laptop computer for her Community Service.

Suffering from cirrhosis, the confirmation was bittersweet for the Cherrydale resident. ‘I should have been on the list a long time ago.”

Her form of cirrhosis stems from what is called a fatty liver, with non-alcoholic influences.

She was diagnosed in July, although she has dealt with liver issues for a decade.

Bundled in a blanket in a recliner at her parents’ home, she said she thinks her name should have been placed on the transplant list years earlier. “And I would have never had to go through all this.”

She speaks softly and becomes easily winded. “I’ve been in the hospital 15 times since July.”

At 44, the mother of 13-year-old Joshua has moved in with her parents, Judson and Inez Tyler, from her King William home. The family works to maintain Joshua’s routine, which includes keeping him in his school in the neighboring county.

“My liver won’t let anything happen,” Sheila said. “My ammonia levels get really high.” When that happens, Inez added, “She goes into like a semi-coma. It’s happened about three times.”

“If I go into one of these semi-comas and no one’s around I could die with nobody around to help me,” Sheila said.

Her frustration grew as she waited to be placed on the list, because there were people waiting to get tested.

Fluid retention is a problem Sheila encounters. She has posted a weight gain of 52 pounds due to the swelling. She loses her appetite and becomes nauseous.

As a patient needing a liver, Sheila has a daily regimen of about 20 medications. “I throw up a lot,” she said, adding most medications cause drowsiness and dizziness.

For more than 10 years Sheila was employed by Jack Woodfin. As her illness progressed, she said she “couldn’t stay awake, couldn’t concentrate. I was starting to mess up.” She also said she has experienced “a lot of confusion. I can’t remember anything.”

She calls her former employer “a really good guy” and said the company has been supportive of her in her time of need.

She said her liver problem worsened after she underwent gastric bypass surgery.

“I lost 215 pounds in eight months.”

She said she was told not to drink alcohol or soft drinks, “but not that it was a lethal dosage.”

Inez said the speed of the weight loss accelerated the process of the liver issue.

Her liver, Sheila said, is about six times the size it should be. Her spleen also is very enlarged.

She said the pain “kills my back and stomach.”

Inez said there are days when it appears Sheila is doing better “and then it starts just like from the very beginning.”

“I’m tired of feeling bad. I’m tired of my son having to see it. It seems like he’s always there when it happens. Poor little guy,” Sheila said of Joshua.

Sheila is not receiving any income. “I applied for disability and that’s been over nine months ago and I still have not heard a word.

“Doctors say there is no way I can work. I really miss working.”

To help with medical expenses, a benefit gospel concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at Hanover Friends Church at 6420 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville.

Amy Ladd and Friends will be performing.

A love offering for Sheila will be taken during the concert.

According to Inez, an account has been established in Sheila’s name at the Wachovia Brandy Hill Plaza Financial Center at 7085 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville.

Inez also said that anyone interested in being tested as a donor can contact VCU Health Systems’ coordinator of donor services at 828-4104.

A work session will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the same location.

The Easter Bunny will be on hand for the fun beginning at 10 a.m. in Pole Green Park at 8996 Pole Green Park Lane in Mechanicsville; and again at 3 p.m. in Montpelier Park at 17203 Sycamore Tavern Lane in Montpelier.

These free events are open to the public and designed for children up to 8 years old.

The events will feature children’s activities and an opportunity to have photos taken with the Easter Bunny.

A few days later, Parks and Rec will celebrate it’s mascot’s first birthday. Taylor the Chipmunk invites all children to come to his very first skating birthday party, to be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, Ashland Skateland at 516 N. Washington Highway in Ashland. 

The party will be filled with music, skating, light refreshments and cake.

The cost is $5 per child, parents are free and encouraged to stay.

Pre-registration is required and registration information along with forms are available in the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring 2010 “Discover Recreation” brochure or visit the Parks and Recreation page at http://www.co.hanover.va.us/parksrec. 

Send in your registration form along with payment to Hanover County Parks & Recreation, P.O. Box 2440, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. 

For additional information on either of these events, e-mail parksandrec@co.hanover.va.us or call 365-7150.

The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

The Freedom Award is particularly significant because only members of the Guard and Reserve or their family members are eligible to nominate their employers for the award.

Nearly 2,500 Guard and Reserve service members, or their families, from across the country nominated their employers for outstanding support.
Nominated employers, ranging from small to large businesses and public sector employers, demonstrated support by providing continued benefits, differential pay, and family assistance.

A national selection board comprised of senior defense officials and business leaders will select up to 15 recipients for the 2010 award.
The Department of Defense will announce the 2010 Freedom Award recipients this summer.

Recipients will be presented the Freedom Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 23.

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About ESGR and the Freedom Award

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve Service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflict through mediation. Since 1996, only 130 companies have been presented with the prestigious Freedom Award. Previous honorees include Microsoft, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Sears, Home Depot, the State of Delaware, the Santa Ana, California Police Department and the family owned farm Augustine & Sons in Rose Hill, Iowa. For more information, visit http://www.FreedomAward.mil

All proceeds benefit volunteer firefighter training and the fire company’s operating needs.

The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 10 years and under. Takeout orders are available.

The menu features Irish Beef Stew, breads, desserts, coffee and tea.

In addition to the meal, the event will include tours of the firehouse.

Residents are encouraged to learn about the fire company’s emergency preparedness and ask about volunteering.

For more information, call 365-4905.

This is the fifth consecutive year that NAFE has recognized Bon Secours in its awards program, which honors organizations whose policies and practices encourage women’s advancement and whose numbers at the highest levels of leadership demonstrate that commitment. About 85 percent of Bon Secours’ more than 7,100 employees are women and 14 of its nearly 35 corporate executives are women.

Bon Secours is only one of 10 nonprofits in the country to receive this honor and was ranked at No. 5.

NAFE will honor the Top Companies at a luncheon in New York on March 25. That morning, senior women executives from the NAFE Top Companies will meet at the closed-door NAFE roundtable to discuss critical business issues, including how to ensure an increase in women-run operations.

Toni R. Ardabell, chief executive officer of Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, has been invited to participate in the roundtable event. She is one of Bon Secours newest executives, joining the health system in March 2009.

“The environment at Bon Secours is one where women are fully incorporated into the cellular level of the organization,” Ardabell said. “Perhaps this is due in part to the 12 Catholic sisters who began the health care ministry at Bon Scours about 200 years ago. There have been women executives at Bon Secours long before women were traditionally in executive roles. I am following a path they started and am honored to work for an organization where everyone is seamlessly welcomed and valued.”

NAFE’s list serves as an annual benchmark for Corporate America. The number of women responsible for running operations (profit-and-loss, or P&L positions) at the NAFE Top Companies has reached 26 percent, significantly more than the 11 percent at Fortune 500 companies as counted by Catalyst.

At 13 of the NAFE Top Companies, women run a third or more of billion dollar-plus operations. When it comes to board membership, women at the NAFE Top Companies occupy 23 percent of seats, compared to the Fortune 500’s 15 percent.

To be declared a NAFE winner, companies must have at least two women on the board and track gender in P&L jobs.

In naming Bon Secours Virginia in Richmond as one of the nation’s leading supporters of women, NAFE evaluated the health system on its representation of women executives; diversity; professional advancement; and assisting not only female executives, but all employees, particularly in the development of work-life balance programs.

“At Bon Secours, executives report that being female doesn’t enter their thinking because women are integral to the organization,“ Dr. Betty Spence, NAFE president, said. “In such an environment, women fill the upper ranks and family-friendly is second-nature, offering a terrific place for women to work.“

The NAFE award is among many prestigious recognitions the Bon Secours Virginia Health System in Richmond continues to receive from organizations that include Modern Heatlhcare, AARP, Alfred P. Sloan, Companies That Care, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Wellness Councils of America and Working Mother magazine.

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About NAFE

The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), founded in 1972, serves 20,000 members nationwide with networking, tools and solutions to strengthen and grow their careers and businesses. NAFE magazine publishes the annual Top Companies issue and the annual Women of Excellence issue. NAFE.com provides up-to-date information, community for women in business and access to member benefits. NAFE is a division of Working Mother Media and Bonnier Corporation.

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About Bon Secours Virginia in Richmond

Bon Secours Richmond is a part of Bon Secours Virginia (BSV), the fourth largest and only faith-based health system in Virginia, which is comprised of Bon Secours Richmond and Bon Secours Hampton Roads. Bon Secours Virginia includes seven award-winning hospitals: four in Richmond (St. Mary’s Hospital, Memorial Regional Medical Center, Richmond Community Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center) and three in Hampton Roads. Bon Secours brings together a network of hospitals, primary care practices, ambulatory care sites and continuing care facilities to provide quality health care services to thousands of Virginians. The not-for-profit Catholic health system employs nearly 11,000 people, 7,000 in Richmond and 4,000 in Hampton Roads. Bon Secours Virginia hospitals offer a full-range of services, including cardiac, women’s, children’s, orthopaedics, oncology, neurosciences, and surgery.

In addition to the races, families can visit a variety of fitness stations and participate in a raffle.

The cost for registration on or before Saturday, March 6, is $10 for the 1-mile race and $15 for the 5K race.

After March 6, the prices will increase by $5 per race.

Prizes will be given for the winners of each race.

For registration, race information and course map details, visit the South Anna PTA Web site at http://www.SouthAnnaPTA.org.

Officers with the Ashland Police Department is inviting all drivers—young and old—to join them as they kick off “Checkpoint Strikeforce” and “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving: St Patrick’s Day impaired driving awareness campaign”.

The event also is being held in conjunction with Randolph Macon College’s “Spring into Safety Campaign” and is sponsored by its Residence Life, Office of Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Campus Safety Office.

Officers and representative from Mother Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) organization will be on hand to educate drivers as to the dangers and consequences of driving impaired.

Volunteers will wear “fatal vision goggles” while maneuvering a golf cart through traffic cones to simulate the effects that alcohol has on a person who operates a motor vehicle under the influence.

Officers also will offer field sobriety tests to the volunteers after they complete the driving course.

Also during this month, the Ashland Police Department will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in an effort to remove impaired drivers from our roadways.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that in 2008, there were 134 crash fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day. Out of that number, 50 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. 

Please remember that “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.” Designate your sober driver before the St. Patrick’s Day parties begin.

The annual pageant, sponsored by the Pamunkey Junior Women’s Club, was held at Atlee High School.

Martin, who received four awards that evening, covered her face when she heard her name called as the new Miss Mechanicsville. Gravatt reacted similarly, while Elmore beamed before the crowded auditorium.

Before the announcement of her new title, Martin was named the recipient of the Community Service Award, People’s Choice for her patron board and talent. She also was recognized for selling the most tickets.

Gravatt received an award for selling the most tickets in her division. She was named the winner of the essay competition. The essay theme was “If I Were President.”

Also winning awards in the Miss division were: Kelsey Hall, most ads sold; Taylor Fay, congeniality; Miranda Robinson, talent runner-up; Brandy Kieper, evening gown; and Brandy Kieper, fist runner-up Miss Mechanicsville.

In the Junior division, awards were presented to: Rebecca Hester, most ads sold; Bella Moncure, People’s Choice for her patron board; Meagan Shuford, congeniality; and Bella Moncure, first runner-up Junior Miss Mechanicsville.

Little Miss awards went to: Jillian Moncure, People’s Choice; and Victoria West, first runner-up Little Miss Mechanicsville.

The evening opened with the contestants performing a dance routine to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

Competing for the title of Miss Mechanicsville were: Kimberly Caccia, Taylor Fay, Kelsey Hall, Megan Isabelle, Brandy Kieper, Lindsey Martin, Ashely Reynolds and Miranda Robinson.

Vying for Junior Miss Mechanicsville were: Courtney Gravatt, Morgan Hensley, Rebecca Hester, Kendall Leek, Bella Moncure and Megan Shuford.

Contestants for Little Miss Mechanicsville were: Kayla Beazley, Brooke Elmore, Madeline Jackson, Brooke James, Lilly Lutton, Jillian Moncure, Abigail Powell, Mackenzie Taylor and Victoria West.

Brittany Maiden, who reigned as the 2009 Miss Mechanicsville, displayed her twirling skills in a performance that opened with one baton and ended with three. A video reviewed her year and she addressed the gathering about what the experience meant to her.

Chelsea Acree, the 2009 Junior Miss Mechanicsville, also presented photo images of her year and talked about the rewards of volunteerism.

Kylie Wilkins, the 2009 Little Miss Mechanicsville, said she learned about community service through the year.

The evening also featured a performance by the Atlee High School Jazz Ensemble.

Brooke Elmore, was named Little Miss Mechanicsville

Starting at 7 p.m., the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will receive public comment during a hearing on the budget.

County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. has submitted a proposed budget for all funds in the amount of $388.8 million, which is a 3.2 percent or $13 million decrease, and a general fund budget of $198.2 million, a 2.8 percent or $5.8 million decrease.

In addition to the budget, the supervisors will conduct public hearings on the FY11 five-year Capital Improvement Plan, FY11 Five-Year General Fund financial plan, 2010 tax rates and fees, vehicle decal fee increase, stormwater management fee increase, and water and sewer consumption fee increase.

Harris used the theme of “Preserve Key Services and Realign Staff Resources” in his budget plans.

Marcy Cotov, budget division director, addressed the supervisors last Wednesday, saying the proposal calls for the following tax rates to remain the same:
- Personal property tax rate $3.57.
- Aircraft personal property tax rate at $0.50.
- Volunteer fire and rescue personal property tax rate at $1.78.
- Disabled veterans vehicle personal property tax rate at $1.78.
- Machinery and tools tax rate at $3.57.
- Merchants’ capital tax rate at $1.90.
- Generating equipment tax rate at $0.55.
- Real property tax rate at $0.81.
- Mobile home tax rate at $0.81.

Under fees, the proposal again calls for them to remain the same:
- Hanover County Recycling Service District fee, $22.80 per lot.
- Atlee Manor Sewer Service District fee, $780 per lot.

In fee changes, the vehicle decal fee would increase from $3 to $10 and the stormwater management fee would increase from $1,250 to $1,700 per equivalent residential unit (ERU).

Other proposed fee changes include:
- A water consumption fee increase of three percent.
- Sewer consumption fee increase of one percent.
- Technical adjustments – mandatory sewer connection exceptions; new construction, winter quarter adjustment; and non-owner occupied premises payment guarantee.

Other budget approvals involving items that do not require a public hearing are:
- Increase EMS recovery program fees.
- Increase Cannery fees.
- Amend refuse regulations.
- Amend personnel policy.
As the budget process continues, Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, reviewed the school system’s proposal. He told the supervisors “Our record is what it is because we have taken time to get to where we are and have committed resources.”

He said “When I consider the challenge that we are all facing in this economy, it is absolutely daunting.”

He referred to “the value of the asset of which we are all entrusted,” as well as “the opportunity to work with the people in the community. It’s the tremendous service which is provided daily by our public school system that we can all find our true north in tough times.”

Roberson has used a theme of “Preserving a Caring High Performing School Culture” in his budget proposal.

“If you maintain a vision of what you want to look like in tough times — and especially after tough times have passed — you want to retain an image worth replicating and vision to always pursue.”

With success in AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) performance, graduation rates, Governor’s Awards and major investments in No Child Left Behind, the superintendent said “It is a culture which has been noted and praised from the outside for over a decade. Hanover is still viewed as the jewel in the crown in the Richmond localities.”

He said the district is retaining its vision.

When the Hanover County School Board adopted the budget on Jan. 26, Roberson said “We knew that we can reasonably anticipate revenue losses” from the years 2008 to 2012.

He said there is “hope that the House (of Delegates) and Senate budgets will provide relief for us.”

Revenue issues also have been affected by enrollment trends, with fewer kindergartners entering the system as graduates leave. “We have to assume that more children of school age will come to our county.”

Roberson said a surge has been seen in business partnerships. He also praised the “remarkable” work of parent leaders.

Before Roberson’s presentation, the chairman of the School Board thanked the supervisors “for your continued support and work.” John F. Axselle III commended them for “the wonderful support you give the children, the education system of Hanover County. You as a group have made up a difference in some really tough times.”

“We have a great community. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish these great feats,” Axselle said.

“And it’s the worst of times, the perfect storm is here. Budget times are extremely tough. How do we maintain this school system? These cuts hurt deeper and how do we minimize the long-term impact this could have on the children of Hanover.”

Standing before the supervisors, he said, “I know that you have very difficult decisions to make. Some will have a short-term impact. We will eventually have a strong economy again and things will begin to be restored. But I ask you as you deliberate during this tough time to think about the impact it will have on the children of Hanover.”

Supervisor John E. Gordon Jr. thanked those representing the school district “for all that you do. I admire your work. I envy your work. The children of Hanover County are in good hands because of the work that you do. I believe in you and I believe in your commitment and I believe in the work that you do. And I know that the children will continue to excel.”

He also said “I believe it’s a responsibility of each of us to provide young people with the tools and the skills so they can grow to achieve that full potential and I know that you are all committed to that.”

The two schools held their annual curriculum night last week, but decided to add some flair to this year’s event with a variety of hands-on activities for the grades K through 5 kids.

“We try to get the schools together for a fun night once a year,” Henry Clay principal Teresa Keck said.

The two adjacent schools are in somewhat of a unique situation in that all other elementaries in Hanover County serve K through 5 students. In Ashland, K through two students go to Henry Clay while third, fourth and fifth graders attend Gandy.

The theme of this year’s event was “Once Upon a School”, an evening of magic and fun featuring storytellers, physical activities and other fun and educational activities.

“The kids get to dress up and we’re going to give them crowns when they come in,” Keck said. “They get to play some PE games and go to the technology labs as well as other activities,” she added. There also were stations for mathematics and reading.

Keck said the curriculum night serves as an introduction for Clay students to get the feel of their next campus. “We think it makes the transition much easier for them when they feel comfortable. It takes some of the anxiety out of changing schools,” she said.

The younger students feel the natural exhilaration associated with a new and bigger campus, Keck sad. “The Henry Clay children are so excited just to come over and see the big school with a big campus,” she said.

While one group headed for story time, another took off for the library for math activities; another headed for the gym for some cart relay races. “We wanted to make it fun for everyone tonight,” Keck said.

“We want family involvement and this is a good way to accomplish that,” she added.

Keck said combining educational activities in a fun environment means the campuses are better connected and families feel a sense of community. “We want to form these relationships and this was a fun and educational way to do that.”

Gandy principal Leigh Finch said the joint effort works well for both campuses. “The two schools get together each year but we wanted to make it more than just reading and math,” Finch said.

Students entered the gym through a reception of teachers in costume to the fairy tale ball, and then proceeded to the varying stations for different activities. Adding a bit of a royal flavor the event, trumpeters from Lee-Davis High School greeted each group with an announcing blast of brass.

“We really appreciate them sending some of their band members over to participate,” Finch said.

She said since the two schools share so much in common, it’s logical to combine activities for curriculum night. “We have the same families and the same challenges and strengths so we’re just trying to make this a community type setting.”

Carrie Lindley, of the MOMS Club, described the fundraiser as “fabulous.” She also said “The atmosphere at the event was wonderful, with great music, plenty of food, crafts, kids, and dancing — including an adorable appearance by the Headliners Dance Fairy.”

Proceeds from the silent auction, ticket sales, photo sales and donations totaled $5,866.46 for CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation.

Roger and Rachel Reynolds lost their 4-year-old daughter Charlotte to a brain tumor in January. The foundation was established in her memory.

Among the donors supporting the Thumbs Up Ball and CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation were:
Gold Heart $200-plus:  O’Banks Cafe & Grill; The Inflatable Palace; Domino’s, Romp N Roll, Virginia Center; CiCi’s Pizza; St. James the Less Episcopal Church; Papa John’s; Wellesley Animal Hospital; and Capt. Thomas Hassell.

Silver Heart $100 to $199: Aloft Hotel; Stroller Strides; Hotel Sierra; Pictures By Deb; Caboose; Premier Jewelry, Carrie Vera; Residence Inn; Airpark Auto; Doubletree Hotel; Kindermusik; Godwin Pumps; Pizza Fusion; The Happy Gardener, Jennifer Bateman; Romp n’ Roll, West End;  Mise En Place; Children’s Museum; Cakes by Favienne; and Fit Fusion.

Red Heart $50 to $99: ClinQs; McDonald’s; Tastefully Simple, Heather Mundie; Ashland Coffee & Tea; Sugarfoote; Pampered Chef, Robin O’Sullivan; Headliners Dance Company, Tina Oster; Whole Foods; VCU; Massage Within, Lori Raybould; and Usborne Books, Jackie Bonham.

Lindley also extended special Thanks to: Triad, Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Brittany Barrafato with Headliner’s Dance Studio, and Mary Fisk with The Art of Photography.

Roger and Rachel Reynolds, center, are joined by the children of some of the mothers who organized the ball. Also shown are MOMS Club, Cool Spring members, from left, bottom in the group photo, Deb Harper, Sarah Webster and Robin O’Sullivan, administrative vice president. Roger and Rachel Reynolds’ 4-year-old daughter Charlotte died in January after battling a brain tumor. The foundation was established in her memory.