SERVING ALL HANOVER COUNTY COMMUNITIES Volume 39, No. 31
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Richmond Suburban News
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Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Hanover students embrace Flexible Learning Day PAGE 8
Atlee saves its best for championship victory PAGE 16
Retirement community garden Board hears featured on local TV series from the public LAURA MCFARLAND
Managing Editor
Most speakers request lower tax rate, budget 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. Please see BOARD, Page 15
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
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 inPHOTO COURTESY OF COVENANT WOODS terviews and a special Naomi Willey, Covenant Woods resident and garden presentation of fresh volunteer, shows off the garden’s strawberry harvest. dishes created by Covenant Woods Executive Randy Battle, Amyrose Williams. Chef Craig Miller and Foll, Serome Hamlin, The program provides his culinary team. Jen Naylor, Dr. Robyn viewers with gardening Puffenbarger and Shana tips and studio demPlease see GARDEN, Page 12
Call 804.420.9798 or visit HarmonyatHanover.com to Schedule a Tour.
ASSISTED LIVING INDEPENDENT LIVING MEMORY CARE