Hanover County's E-Newsletter

December 22, 2025

Hanover’s Santa Runs deliver holiday joy to families for over half a century

For more than 50 years, Hanover’s Santa Runs have delivered holiday magic to local neighborhoods.

 

Started by volunteer fire departments, Hanover’s Santa Runs bring smiles to children, nostalgia to parents and joy to the many firefighters who make it all possible.

 

Thank you to everyone who helps keep this wonderful holiday tradition alive. 

Hanover employees share their favorite

holiday traditions

From touring Christmas light displays and watching classic holiday movies to decorating the tree and gathering for Christmas Eve feasts, cherished traditions help make the season bright and bring families together.


We asked Hanover County employees to share the holiday traditions that make this season special for them.

Make the holidays bright for someone in need

The holiday season is here and now is the perfect time to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need across our community.


Whether you donate supplies or funds, or give the gift of your time through volunteering, every act of kindness makes an impact.


Visit www.hanovervolunteers.org to explore the many ways you can help make the holidays brighter.


Your support during this season truly makes a difference for thousands of children, families and seniors in our community.

County offices closed for Christmas

Hanover County government offices and courts will be closed Dec. 24-26 for Christmas. Our solid waste convenience centers will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Share your feedback on Atlee Station Road

Hanover County is collecting feedback on the proposed widening of Atlee Station Road from its intersection with Sliding Hill Road to its intersection with Castle Tower Road and Forrest Patch Drive.


Take our online survey at engage.hanovercounty.gov/atleephase3.

Nominations open for 2026 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards

Hanover County is accepting nominations for the 2026 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards, an annual celebration recognizing individuals and groups whose compassion, dedication and service make a significant difference in the community.


We’re excited to introduce brand-new categories designed to celebrate the full range of volunteers in Hanover County — from youth to seniors, and from faith-based groups to local businesses.


Recognize those making a difference in our community. Submit your nominations online here.

Hanover Animal Protection Officer tells the true story of Trashed Panda

Hanover County Animal Protection Officer Martin joined us on our Hear In Hanover podcast to share her firsthand account of the Black Friday Bandit — aka Trashed Panda — the raccoon whose wild adventure has now gone international.

 

She walks us through what really happened that day, how the team cared for our unexpected visitor and how this viral moment is helping support animals at our shelter.

 

Want to be part of the fun and help our shelter pets? Grab your Trashed Panda merch here

 

Watch or listen now for behind-the-scenes details, lots of laughs and a story you won’t forget! Search "Hear In Hanover" wherever you listen to podcasts or visit our website.

4-H Camp SPARK brings an inclusive weekend experience to kids

4-H Camp SPARK (Specialty Programming for Accessibility, Recreation and Kindness) is a weekend camp designed to create a meaningful, inclusive 4-H experience for youth with disabilities or individual needs that may make a traditional weeklong camp challenging. Camp SPARK welcomes youth with a wide range of abilities and focuses on belonging, adventure and personal growth in a supportive environment.


Camp SPARK will be held July 31-Aug. 2 at the Jamestown Educational Center in Williamsburg and is open to youth ages 9-15 (as of Sept. 30, 2026). Activities are adapted so campers can participate at their own pace with appropriate supports, trained staff and an emphasis on kindness and inclusion.


Families can sign up to receive information when registration opens here. The camp is led by 4-H Extension Agents, camp staff and adult volunteers, with parent volunteers welcome. Bridgitte Groome, Hanover’s 4-H Agent, will co-direct the camp. Parents interested in volunteering can email bridg93@vt.edu.

We Want to Hear From You!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Upcoming Events

Sparkling Snowflakes

LOCATION

Montpelier Recreation Center and Library

DATE AND TIME

01/23/26 11:30am - 01/23/26 1:00pm US/Eastern
Celebrate the beauty of winter by creating your own shimmering snowflake ornaments using pipe cleaners and colorful beads.
Threads of Friendship

LOCATION

Montpelier Recreation Center and Library

DATE AND TIME

02/20/26 11:30am - 02/20/26 1:00pm US/Eastern
Celebrate kindness through the art of bracelet making. Choose from a variety of colors and patterns that reflect your style.

Board of Supervisors Meetings






Wednesday,

January 14 at 2 p.m.

Board of Supervisors meetings can be watched live or on-demand here.

Hanover Board Brief


Hanover Board Brief is your new go-to source for a quick rundown of key highlights and discussions from Board meetings.


Stay in the loop and view all Hanover Board Briefs here.

Stay Connected


Sign up to receive news and announcements from the entire Board of Supervisors, or choose your district supervisor for updates specific to your area.


Subscribe here.

Sign Up for Hanover Alert

Engage Hanover

Hear In Hanover Podcast

Come Join Team Hanover!

We want to work alongside you on Team Hanover!


  • Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney
  • Family Services Supervisor
  • Revenue Collection Agent
  • Tax Auditor



For more opportunities in Hanover County, visit www.hanovercountyjobs.com.

Hanover County's E-Newsletter

December 22, 2025

Hanover County Communications and Community Engagement

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