Proclamations

Eagle Scout Metcalf of Troop 503 was recognized by Mr. Peterson and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Metcalf carried out a community project by building a bridge across the creek to improve a trail at the BARK facility in Hanover County. In the picture with Eagle Scout Metcalf is his family.

Mr. Via and the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution recognizing Alan Wright upon the occasion of his retirement after 26 years. Mr. Wright served the County in positions including Purchasing Agent, Director of Purchasing and General Services and Purchasing Division Director, achieving an excellent record of compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and with the highest ethical standards. Mr. Wright built the Purchasing Department into a highly respected team furthering the County’s interests in the areas of procurement, risk management and other management services and successfully managed the transition to prepare for his retirement and other changes in the County structure. He also instituted numerous improvements in business practices, including use of the Commonwealth of Virginia's electronic procurement portal eVA for bid lists and vendor notifications to promote vendor competitiveness, efficiency and cost savings for the County. His accomplishments included drafting and implementing the Motor Vehicle Safety Policy promoting County driver safety; managing insurance procurement and administration of claims and initiating establishment of risk management as a distinct function of the General Services Department; advising the High Speed Internet Committee appointed by the Board of Supervisors to study internet service in the County; participating in reviews and updates in County government telephone and wireless services as the technology and cost factors changed over the decades; and drafting and implementing numerous revisions to the County's procurement policies and effecting changes in practices to achieve compliance with legal requirements, to improve efficiency, and to make County procurement as competitive and objective as possible. The Board thanked Mr. Wright for his dedicated, able, and consistently excellent service to the County and its citizens and offered its best wishes for a long, healthy and happy retirement.

Mr. Stanley and the Board of Supervisors recognized Joseph D. Exline for his contributions to Hanover County. Mr. Exline was a founding principal and President of the Beaverdam Heritage Days Foundation from 1996 through 2011. Beaverdam Heritage Days Foundation is a non-profit Foundation helping to support local organizations in fund raising activities and to bring community awareness of the unique history and cultural contributions leading to the development of the present-day village called Beaverdam, Virginia. Active in the leadership of Beaverdam United Methodist Church, Mr. Exline also serves in community outreaches and on local civic association boards, including the volunteer project to construct a museum and learning center in Beaverdam.

Eagle Scout Rehmer-Stephens of Troop 505 was recognized by Mr. Via and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Rehmer-Stephens carried out a community project by building eleven (11) boxes to be used as storage lockers at the Freedom House. Accompanying Eagle Scout Rehmer-Stephens were his mothers.

Eagle Scout Hohman of Troop 544 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Hohman raised needed funds by organizing a successful car wash to carry out a cleanup project at Camp Hanover to restore a family graveyard of the original land owner. Pictured with Eagle Scout Hohman are his father and scoutmaster.

Mr. Stanley and the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution expressing its sympathy on the passing of the late Lois Wickham. The resolution stated that Mrs. Wickham was an invaluable resource to generations of Hanoverians and visitors to the County through her leadership in the Hanover County Historical Commission, which she served for 22 years, and the Hanover Historic Courthouse Area Advisory Committee, which she served for 9 years. Mrs. Wickham "had an exceptional interest and desire to preserve the historical resources in Hanover County and has left an indelible impact on the preservation of Hanover County’s history that will benefit and serve future generations," the Board’s resolution stated. Mrs. Wickham was also recognized by the Board last August. Receiving the resolution was Mrs. Wickham’s nephew, Lynn Wingfield.

Eagle Scout Ramser of Troop 505 was recognized by Mr. Via and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Ramser carried out a community project at the New Hanover Presbyterian Church by building a bridge for the nature path/frisbee golf course. Accompanying Eagle Scout Ramser was his father.

Eagle Scout Adam of Troop 531 was recognized by Mr. Wade and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Adam's community project was restoration and extension of Beaver Pond Trail at Camp Hanover and construction of two foot-bridges. Accompanying Eagle Scout Adam were his parents.

The Virginia Association of Counties presented a 2011 Achievement Award to the Department of Public Works with for its organic waste diversion program. VACo representative Phyllis Errico presented the award to Board of Supervisors Chairman Debbie Winans and Department employees who worked with the program.

Eagle Scout Britt of Troop 544 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Britt carried out a community project by raising funds, purchasing materials, planning and building, with assistance, an outdoor classroom in the courtyard at Mechanicsville Elementary School providing seating for students, teachers, and visitors. Pictured with Eagle Scout Britt are his parents.

Eagle Scout Steele of Troop 544 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Steele carried out a community project by organizing and holding a car wash to raise funds for materials to build an outrigger for a treadmill at the Richmond Children's Hospital to allow secure exercise for children using a walker and also purchased video games to help improve hand-eye coordination. Accompanying Eagle Scout Steele was his dad.

Eagle Scout Womack of Troop 544 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Womack organized a community project at Laurel Meadow Elementary School by raising funds and building two outdoor learning tables for the courtyard to provide teachers with an instructional area for various activities. Accompanying Eagle Scout Womack were his parents.

Inv. David. P. Klisz of the Hanover Sheriff's Office was recognized by Del. John Cox (R-55th District) of the Virginia House of Delegates for being named Deputy of the Year by the Virginia Sheriffs Association last year.

Deputy Sheriff Davis Gooding of the Hanover Sheriff's Office was given the First Responder-Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award by American Legion Post 175 and its Commander Raymond H. McCoy.

Philip A. Childress Jr. of the East Hanover Rescue Squad was named Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the Year by American Legion Post 175 and its Commander Raymond H. McCoy.

Lt. S. Brieanne Nix of Station 6 (Henry VFD) was named the Firefighter of the Year American Legion Post 175 and its Commander Raymond H. McCoy.

Mrs. Winans and the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution recognizing Phil Heins upon the occasion of his retirement as Hanover's Director of Emergency Communications. Mr. Heins has served the County since May 1976, as a full-time Emergency Communications Officer and Supervisor before being named Director in 1983. He has been recognized as one of the leading professionals and major authorities in the area of emergency communications in the Commonwealth and was elected by his peers to serve as President of the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and President of the Virginia Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), during which time he represented all Virginia emergency communications professionals. He also was appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia to serve as a member of the Wireless E-911 Services Board, representing all Public Safety Answering Points throughout the Commonwealth. Philip M. Heins constantly strove to make the Hanover County Emergency Communications Department one of the best in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the areas of professionalism, training, equipment, and customer service. The Board thanked Mr. Heins for his achievements and for his outstanding dedication, sense of duty and professional accomplishments as the Director of the Hanover County Emergency Communications Department and extended to him its sincere thanks and appreciation for his exemplary and outstanding service of the last 35 years and to wish him the very best at his retirement effective June 1, 2011.

Mrs. Winans and the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution recognizing Dr. Stewart Roberson upon the occasion of his retirement as Hanover’s School Superintendent. Dr. Roberson has been Superintendent since 1995, tied for the third-longest tenure among Hanover County School Superintendents. While controlling costs, under Dr. Roberson’s leadership the County’s Public Schools have raised the bar of achievement and achieved much distinction. Dr. Roberson’s service to Hanover County also is exemplified through many significant achievements; in particular, the development of the JROTC Program and the creation of a trades and technology school. His community leadership includes serving as Chairman of the Leadership Metro Richmond Board of Directors and as a member of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The Board recognized and congratulated Dr. Roberson for his 16 years of outstanding service to Hanover County and offered its best wishes for the future and a long, healthy, and happy retirement.

Mrs. Winans and the Board of Supervisors presented a resolution in support of the Regional Plan for Children's School Readiness. This Plan provides a 'map' to achieving the vision that all children, ages 0-5, in the Richmond region will be healthy, well-cared for and ready to succeed in school and in life. The goals, objectives, strategies and indicators of the Plan were developed and approved through a collaborative community process led by Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, an initiative of the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Greater Richmond Chamber. The coalition of public and private agencies involved in the plan included 11 local jurisdictions (the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, the cities of Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Richmond and the town of Ashland) and citizens working together as the mobilizing force. An outcome of the plan was a decision by members of the Coalition's Ready Schools Action Team to hold kindergarten registration on April 7 this year, raising awareness of kindergarten readiness through this regional registration date. The Board endorsed the Regional Plan for Children's School Readiness and pledges to actively support the Coalition so that all children in the region will enter school ready to succeed.

Girl Scout West of Troop 480 was recognized by Mr. Stanley and the Board of Supervisors for receiving the Gold Award. Girl Scout West carried out a community project by working on the sets of Slash Christian Church's outdoor nativity play, "Why the Star, to make them weather-resistant and less labor-intensive to construct for the presentation. Accompanying Girl Scout West were her mother and grandmother.

Eagle Scout Vietmeier of Troop 523 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Vietmeier carried out a community project by designing and building portable display boards for the Haiti Committee at the Church of the Redeemer. Accompanying Eagle Scout Vietmeier were his mother and scoutmaster.

Eagle Scout Stroble of Troop 523 was recognized by Mr. Wade and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Stroble carried out a community project by creating a landscaped outdoor classroom in one of the courtyard areas at Lee-Davis High School and building several large picnic tables to be used by the students. Accompanying Eagle Scout Stroble was his mother.

Girl Scout Shelton of Troop 480 was recognized by Mr. Stanley and the Board of Supervisors for receiving the Gold Award. Girl Scout Shelton carried out a community project for the first Middle School Girls Field Hockey Camp with Hanover Parks and Recreation by planning, organizing and directing. Accompanying Girl Scout Shelton were her parents.

Girl Scout Piccolomini of Troop 480 was recognized by Mrs. Winans and the Board of Supervisors for receiving the Gold Award. Girl Scout Piccolomini carried out a community project for the first Middle School Girls Field Hockey Camp with Hanover Parks and Recreation by planning, organizing and directing. Accompanying Girl Scout Piccolomini were her parents and sister.

Eagle Scout Denmark, Jr of Troop 523 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Denmark carried out a community project by creating an outdoor patio area for program participants of the Hanover Adult Care Center with flower boxes, a large picnic table with removable benches, and a sitting bench. Accompanying Eagle Scout Denmark were his parents.

Eagle Scout Denmark of Troop 523 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Denmark carried out a community project by clearing a large overgrown area at Mechanicsville Christian Center where a large graveled parking lot was created for parking and access to the recreational area. Accompanying Eagle Scout Denmark were his parents.

William “Bill” McKim, for over 44 years as an adult leader has brought Scouting’s program of character development, citizenship training and personal fitness to hundreds of boys in the Richmond, Mechanicsville, and Atlee communities, was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. McKim, while serving over 25 years as Scoutmaster, has led many youth on the journey to the Eagle Scout Award, the highest rank awarded in Boy Scouts of America, and his legacy is represented by the professional and community service now provided by local doctors, engineers and teachers who learned the true value of service to their fellow man under his leadership. He has received numerous BSA service awards and was recognized in 1977 with the Robert E. Lee Council Silver Beaver award for long time, outstanding service to youth. He has also received The Good Shepherd Emblem, a national recognition for adults who have rendered outstanding service to Baptist youth through their church and Boy Scouts of America. Bill McKim continues to serve Scouting as faithful servant in the Order of the Arrow Scouting’s honor Society, the Heart of Virginia Council as a member at large since 1988, and Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 521.

Susan Leachman, who recently retired from Hanover County’s Electoral Board, was recognized by Mr. Stanley and the Board of Supervisors. During her tenure the Electoral Board implemented the 2001 County reapportionment and made provisions for the State reapportionment in the same year; initiated electronic voting methods; conducted 36 elections; recruited Officers of Election; and recognized the end of the term of one voting registrar and appointed another voting registrar. The Board recognized her “valuable public service for the residents of Hanover County through her active participation and dedication to the work of the Electoral Board and to the goal of providing efficient and fair voting practices within the County.”

Eagle Scout Mason of Troop 500 was recognized by Mr. Via and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Mason carried out a community project for Chamberlayne Heights United Methodist Church in Richmond by installing decorative retaining walls outside the educational building to be used as flower beds to beautify the premises. Accompanying Eagle Scout Mason was his mother.

Eagle Scout Elliott of Troop 521 was recognized by Mr. Via and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Elliott carried out a community project for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Richmond, replacing screening around the trash dumpster and installing screening around the newspaper recycling dumpster. Accompanying Eagle Scout Elliot were his parents.

Eagle Scout Prettyman of Troop 521 was recognized by Mr. Via and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Prettyman carried out a community project by refurbishing forty-six 4 foot by 8 foot burlap panels to be used in Slash Christian Church’s outdoor drama, “Why the Star?” Accompanying Eagle Scout Prettyman were his parents.

Eagle Scout Hurd of Troop 521 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Hurd carried out a community project for the Atlee Little League by re-roofing three press boxes and painting two dugouts and five field equipment boxes. Accompanying Eagle Scout Hurd were his parents and brother.

Eagle Scout Rose of Troop 521 was recognized by Mrs. Winans and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Rose carried out a community project by creating three gardening beds in the courtyard at Kersey Creek Elementary School to be used for hands-on learning. Accompanying Eagle Scout Rose are his parents.

Eagle Scout Dickerson of Troop 521 was recognized by Mr. Stanley and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Dickerson approached 20 churches and community service organizations in the Greater Richmond area and raised over $10,696.52 in monetary donations used to purchase clothing and personal use items for the Wounded Warrior Ministry Program at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, U. S. Army Garrison, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Accompanying Eagle Scout Dickerson are his parents.

Donna Douglas, who until recently was Director of Hanover County’s Department of Social Services, was recognized by Mrs. Winans and the Board of Supervisors for her 17 years of service to the County. During her career in Hanover County Donna Douglas received the Community Partnership Award from Virginia Commonwealth University; the Local Human Services Award for Department Innovations from the American Public Human Services Association; and the President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Virginia League of Social Services Executives. She served as Chairperson for the local council of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) – the first woman in 75 years to do so – and is a Member of the U.S. Productivity and Quality Assurance Board. Earlier this month Douglas was appointed by Gov. McDonnell as Deputy Commissioner for Organizational Development for the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Eagle Scout Moore of Troop 544 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Moore raised money through a catfishing tournament to carry out a community project for the Atlee Little League Association, building two picnic tables for handicapped individuals and helping fund the cost of the concrete walkway from the concession stand to the field. Accompanying Eagle Scout Moore are his parents.

Eagle Scout Peery of Troop 544 was recognized by Mr. Setliff and the Board of Supervisors. Eagle Scout Peery planned a fundraiser and carried out a community project for the Henry Clay Elementary School Headstart Program for preschoolers assembling fifty (50) bags containing an assortment of school supplies needed by the students. Accompanying Eagle Scout Peery are his parents and sister.

Hanover County received the 2010 Go Green Challenge Award for the second consecutive year. This award, given by the Virginia Association of Counties and Virginia Municipal League, recognizes local governments that promote sustainable practices in energy management. It’s a “friendly competition that promotes the implementation of environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions,” according to VACo. It’s also the second consecutive year that Hanover has won the award. Receiving the award on behalf of the County was Dave Butler, Director of the Department of Facilities Management. Presenting the award is Matte Anderson, Area Leader for TRANE.

Dorothy Gibson of Hanover Community Services received the Lifesavers Award from VML Insurance Programs. The award is presented to a person who is directly responsible for saving a human life, going beyond the regular duties required by their occupation. Dorothy Gibson was awarded for reacting in a calm manner to save the life of a client choking on food. “I want to congratulate Dorothy Gibson for the receipt of this award and commend Hanover County for keeping up with the ongoing safety trainings that may have helped prevent a tragedy from occurring,” said Steve Craig, managing director of VMLIP. Pictured from left are Greg Smithson, safety and risk manager with Hanover County; Craig; Deborah Winans of the Board of Supervisors; Dorothy Gibson and her supervisor, Laverne Smith.