Hanover County's e-Newsletter

June 2, 2025

Board of Supervisors appoint two new School Board members

Hanover County's Board of Supervisors appointed two new members to the School Board at last Wednesday's meeting.

Dr. William Sroufe will represent the Cold Harbor District. A retired educator and former school superintendent, he now serves as Community Partnerships Director for ACTS, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families in crisis.

Dr. Frank Shelp will represent the South Anna District. He is a psychiatrist who has served as the remote medical director for Dickenson County Behavioral Health Services for over 10 years. Dr. Shelp also acts as the senior medical director for Centene Corporation and serves on the faculty at four medical schools and two nursing schools.

State recognizes Hanover for leadership in dam safety

The Commonwealth chose Hanover County as the site of this year’s Dam Safety Awareness Day in recognition of our award-winning rehabilitation of the Cherrydale Lake Dam.

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia as part of a national effort to promote individual and community responsibility for dam safety.

With the help of a Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) Grant, we were able to ensure Cherrydale Lake Dam had the proper design, construction and maintenance needed to reduce pollution affecting the Chesapeake Bay and decrease the dam break flood risk to several homes downstream.

This was truly a community project and we are grateful for the support from our Cherrydale neighbors.

We appreciate the Governor’s Office and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for choosing Hanover as the spot to recognize this important initiative.

Hanover expands access to life-saving AEDs

Hanover is proud to be expanding access to life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across our community.

After hearing the powerful story of how an AED saved a life at Pole Green Park, a generous local businessman donated funds to help us install 11 new AEDs across County parks and facilities — with five more coming soon. One of those future units will be placed in a cabinet donated by AED Team through their Heartbeat Guardian program.

You can find AEDs in multiple locations including:

Pole Green Park
Courthouse Park
Poor Farm Park
Montpelier Recreation Center and Library
Hanover Museum of History & Culture

Hanover Fire-EMS recently upgraded their AEDs and passed along six portable units to Parks and Recreation, allowing each supervisor vehicle to carry an AED on the go — extending our reach beyond park buildings.

Every second counts in an emergency — and we're working hard to make sure help is never far away.

Hanover welcomes newest communications officers

Join us in congratulating our newest Emergency Communications Basic Dispatch Academy 25-01 graduates!

Stephon Autry
Bryan Childress
Ann Roland
Brandon Lake
Kyle Mercer

The group completed an extensive, 13-week training on call taking and dispatching, CPR, emergency protocols and more. These new communications officers will now begin on-the-job training, where they will receive one-on-one instruction over the next several months on call taking, dispatching and service operations.

These dedicated individuals are truly our first, first responders and we're proud to welcome them to Team Hanover. Our community is safer with them behind the headset.

A foster child’s second chance in Hanover

After his father passed away and with his mother navigating her own challenges, one 15-year-old Hanover teen faced a future filled with uncertainty — until the Cooper family stepped in to offer not just a home, but a second chance at childhood.

Jeff and Jenni Cooper welcomed their "bonus son" with open arms. Through fictive kin placement, Hanover's Department of Social Services was able to place the teen with a family he knew and trusted.

With the family's support, he's found structure, stability and joy — playing football, laughing with his new siblings and enjoying being a kid again.

Read more about the Cooper family and how you too can be the second chance for a child here in Hanover.

Ashland Strawberry Faire happening this Saturday

Come see us at the Ashland Strawberry Faire on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the streets of Randolph-Macon College.

Pick a tomato at our booth for your chance to win Hanover swag and other fun prizes.

Stop by, say hello and celebrate sweet summertime with us!

More information...

Early voting available for Democratic Primary

Early voting is available for the June 17 Democratic Primary. Visit the Voter Registration and Elections Office in the Wickham Building, 7497 County Complex Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to cast your ballot.

Early voting will also be available Saturday, June 7 and Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information...

Ashland introduces recreation scholarship program

Love to play, learn and connect but worried about the cost?

The Ashland Recreation Scholarship Program is here to help, breaking down financial barriers so everyone in the Town can join in on the fun of Hanover County Parks and Recreation programs.

How it works:

Fill out an application and email it to erichards@ashlandva.gov or turn it into Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street.
Receive an email with approval status and discounted program or compensated rates.
Scholarships are offered on a sliding scale based on your household income, covering up to 100% of fees.
Register for the program and enjoy.

Apply early — at least three weeks before the program starts — and they'll get back to you within three weeks.

More information...