Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/09/16

GOVERNMENT

HEALTH

Council defers action on rezoning application until April meeting

MRMC’s new CEO has a goal of keeping community healthy

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Vol. 1 No. 36 | Richmond Suburban News | March 9, 2016

‘Exceptionally high turnout’ reported

By Meredith Rigsby News Editor

H

ANOVER – Hanover County had an “exceptionally high turnout” of voters during the March 1 presidential primary election, according to Teri Smithson, voter registrar for Hanover.

Virginians, like voters in 10 other states on Super Tuesday, threw their support for Democrat Hillary Clinton

and Republican Donald Trump.

Statewide, they each got 503,357 and 356,245 votes, respectively.

In Hanover County, the totals were 4,915 and 8,586, respectively.

Unfortunately, in the early morning of Election Day, an election officer for the Oak Hill precinct was killed during a single-vehicle collision.

According to Sgt. James Cooper of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, Malcolm Gardner Jr., 76, died when the

Meredith Rigsby for The Hanover Local

Hanover County voters exercised their right to take part in the election process on Super Tuesday, March 1.

2006 Chevrolet sedan he was driving westbound on Melton

Road crossed over both lanes of Ashcake Road, struck an

embankment, and rolled over several times. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

No major issues occurred during the ballot-casting process, but many voters were confused about whether or not they had to be registered with a party to vote in the primary.

For the presidential primary election, voters do not need to be registered with a party in order to vote.

The Hanover County

Registrar’s Office had voters “calling by the hundreds” to ask if they were registered with their party and would be able to vote in the primary, Smithson said.

In a first for the county, a voter at the Pebble Creek precinct left with his ballot while a deputy was clearing an issue with the ballot machine.

The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office notified the registrar’s office of the issue and see TURNOUT pg. 3

McMillion, Abdullah win Idol and Junior Idol titles Original performance captures victory

By Natalie Miller for The Hanover Local

RAELYN MCMILLION

ASHLAND — RaeLyn McMillion’s performance of an original song that got the crowd clapping and dancing along found her winning the title of Hanover Idol.

The competition was held

Getting crown ‘so exciting,’ ‘so special’

Sunday evening at the Ashland Theater. Proceeds benefit the Hanover Arts and Activities Center (HAAC).

As the Hanover Idol, McMillion will attend and perform at several local events for the next two years, including see VICTORY pg. 5

By Natalie Miller for The Hanover Local

ANISHA ABDULLAH

ASHLAND — Anisha Abdullah said she was “so excited” and felt “so special” after being crowned the 2016 Hanover Junior Idol Sunday afternoon at the Ashland Theater.

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The Hanover Local March 9, 2016

Council defers rezoning decision to April

By Meredith Rigsby News Editor

A

SHLAND — Ashland Town Council deferred rezoning application REZ15-0313 to its April 5 meeting and authorized the re-advertisement of the rezoning request and details.

Action was taken during the regular meeting on Tuesday, March 1, at Ashland Town Hall.

The applicant requested that the rezoning application be deferred to a later meeting because of a discrepancy between the most recent proffers and the most recent development plan, which resulted in incorrect information being advertised for the March 1 public hearing about REZ15-0313.

The application, applied for by Rogers-Chenault Inc., seeks to rezone approximately 52.5 acres from PUD, Planned Unit Development; RR-1, Rural Residential; and B-4, Neighborhood Commercial; to R-3, Residential Medium and R-4, Residential MediumHigh.

The property is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Route 54 and Chapman Street and is bracketed to the north and east by Chapman Street.

On April 22, 2015, the Ashland Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend denial of REZ15-0313 and, on May 5, 2015, town council voted to defer action of the application for a minimum of 30 days.

Since council’s May 5, 2015, meeting, the applicant has provided two proffer updates.

The most recent update, received by town staff on Feb. 11 (dated Feb. 8), “substantially changed the proposed

development,” according to application documents.

Proffer changes include: The overall number of homes was lowered from 187 to 157, which lowered the overall density from 3.7 to 3.0 units per acre.

The amount of open space was increased to 15.72 acres with wetland comprising approximately 3.34 acres of this open space.

The number of R-3 single-family detached homes (Type A) was increased from 15 to 25.

The number of R-4 single-family detached homes (Type B) was decreased from 83 to 49.

The number of R4 townhomes (Type C) decreased from 89 to 83.

The 15 homes previously planned to face eastward along Chapman Street have been removed and replaced with a linear park.

Open space has replaced a housing lost at the eastern extent of “Road A,” which connects the linear park to the neighborhood.

A 6-inch road widening along the eastern border with Chapman Street has been removed.

The cash proffer has increased from $800 per dwelling unit to $1,000 per dwelling unit to construct off-site trail improvements or road improvements at the intersection of “Road A” and U.S. 54, which include an eastbound/southbound left turn lane or traffic light.

The total amount of cash proffer has increased from $149,600 to $157,000.

The minimum number of side-loading garages in R-3 single-family detached homes (Type A) was reduced from 50 percent to 25 percent. Side loading garages on townhomes (Type C) were increased from zero to 31.

Meredith Rigsby/The Hanover Local

Todd Rogers, a representative of Rogers-Chenault Inc., the applicant for REZ15-0313, provides Ashland Town Council with a presentation about the proposed rezoning application.

The requirement that all dwellings be designed and constructed to meet VA Energy Star or similar certification was removed.

Type A single-family detached homes would feature a lot size of approximately 9,000 feet with a 70foot-wide lot and an average sale price of $350,000.

Type B single-family detached homes would offer lot sizes of approximately 8,000 square feet with lot widths varying between 6064 feet wide. The average sale price for the Type B homes would be $300,000.

Townhomes would provide an average lot size 5,200 square feet with 40-50 feet wide lots. The townhomes are age-restricted to residents 55 years and older and would be available for an average sale price of $250,000 with three to five units in a row.

The property is currently used as open space and farmland, and was last rezoned in 1983 for construction of a retirement village for the elderly with 188 townhome units on 35 acres.

The proposed rezoning by RCI is for a plot of land that is 17 acres larger than the area

rezoned in 1983.

Following analysis of REZ15-0313 against the comprehensive plan and housing design guidelines, planning commission staff still had some concerns about the potential impacts of rezoning request.

Planning commission staff recommended denial of REZ15-0313 because the proposed density does not conform to the comprehensive plan, there is concern about the inability to provide necessary traffic improvements on U.S. 54, and the use of R-4, which does not match the intent description of the future land use classification “single-family low density residential.”

During the public comment section of the public hearing concerning REZ150313, citizens cited density, design and traffic as their biggest concerns.

“I think that we can look at the proposal that is in front of us now and acknowledge that it is better than what was originally presented to us,” council member James Murray said. … “I still have quite a few concerns about the proposal before us; I think maybe it’s not quite there yet.”

Murray suggested that, because the current proposal is so different from the original, staff “take a step back” and run it through the process again to allow the planning commission to provide input on what’s currently on the table.

Another public hearing concerning REZ15-0313 is scheduled for town council’s April 5 meeting.

The next Ashland Town Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at Town Hall located at 101 Thompson St.

Election worker killed en route to precinct

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Feb. 19

Feb. 20

Suspect fled scene of an accident on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Suspect threatened victim on Cold Harbor Road.

Suspect assaulted victim on Cold Harbor Road.

Suspect damaged victim’s property on Goshen Road.

Suspect damaged victim’s property on Fox Hill Race Court.

Suspect stole items on Virginian Crane Drive.

Suspect damaged victim’s property on Shady Grove Road.

Suspect stole items on Pole Green Road.

Suspect damaged victim’s property on Echo Meadows Road.

Suspect used victim’s information without permission on Gun Barrell Road.

Feb. 19

Feb. 21

Suspect stole items on Atlee Road.

Suspect damaged victim’s property on Ellerson Road.

Suspect stole items on Eacho Meadows.

Suspect assaulted victim on Woodbridge Road.

Suspect damaged victim’s property on Parsley Court.

Suspect assaulted victim on Ashland Heights Road.

Suspect stole items on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Suspect was reported missing on Kiwi Lane.

Suspect assaulted victim on Cold Harbor Road.

TURNOUT Continued from pg. 1

the ballot was retrieved. “The biggest fuss that we heard were people were upset they didn’t get ‘I voted’ stickers,�

Smithson said. “The reason why we didn’t provide stickers in the past was because these were party-designated elections.�

But, “Good, bad, or indifferent they’re going to get stickers [in the future].�

Many voters also were unsure about which candidates

for each party were still in the running. “It was unfortunate that there were people on the ballot that couldn’t be voted on,�

Nancy Russell, Hanover County Republican Committee chair, said. ‌ “I think that’s one issue the State Board of Elections needs to deal with. I was so surprised and I feel so bad for those people because they voted for someone that wasn’t in the race anymore.â€?

Lists of candidates that had dropped out of the running were available at all precinct

polling locations; however, some candidates had not officially withdrawn their candidacy by the date of the primary election, and, therefore, were not able to be added to the list. “I think what this contest came down to as far as Democrats are concerned is what candidate was most likely to beat Donald Trump in the fall,� Toni Radler, Hanover County Democratic Committee chair, said.

As the November presidential election approaches, Russell said she is concerned about the

ASHLAND — An elderly Ashland man was killed early Tuesday morning, March 1, in a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of Ashcake Road and Melton Road.

According to Sgt. James Cooper of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, Malcolm Gardner Jr., 76, died when the 2006 Chevrolet sedan he was driving westbound on Melton Road crossed over both lanes of Ashcake Road, struck an embankment, and rolled over several times.

Deputies arrived around 5:03 a.m. The victim was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. “Investigators are still collecting information and consulting with the Medical Examiner to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic incident,� Cooper said.

The Richmond TimesDispatch reported Wednesday, March 2, that Gardner was scheduled to serve as a ballot attendant, greeter or in a similar role at Patrick Henry High School for the presidential primary election.

Deputy Registrar Sheilah Frattini said, “He was just a great gentleman,. He was just in for our Election Day training last Thursday.�

Frattini said Gardner arrived early and the two talked for about an hour. “He was telling us stories about being an engineer and working and government, and he knew so much about history,� she said.

Speaking on behalf of Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, Cooper added, “We extend our sincerest condolences to the family of Malcolm Gardner Jr.�

Republican Party’s unity. “The issue I think with the party is unity because there are a lot of people very, very against

Donald Trump; people really, really against Ted Cruz; people really, really against Marco Rubio,� Russell said. “I feel it’s

[the election] a little more fierce than it was the last several times, so I am concerned.�

Staff Report news@mechlocal.com

see TURNOUT, pg. 4

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DC2RVA high-speed rail project study progressing cess and criteria, according to the DRPT’s website.

DRPT, in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), FRA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), conducted a Tier I Environmental Impact Study (EIS) in 2002 that examined railway from Charlotte to Washington, D.C. The Tier I EIS determined the purpose of the high-speed rail would be to improve on-time performance, improve trip times by 15 to 20 minutes, and add up to nine round-trips daily.

The study also recommended that project construction stay within the existing CSX right-of-ways as much as possible in order to achieve higher speeds and better efficiencies, according to Stock.

“The 2002 study said to do as many incremental improvements as possible to get higher speeds and better reliability within the existing corridor rather than going completely off the existing corridor and developing a green field,” Stock said.

The DRPT is working toward drafting the second phase of its environmental impact statement, in part, to determine which of the three proposed infrastructure options for the portion of the rail running through the Ashland/Hanover area is the most feasible.

DRPT staff is currently conducting field investigations and collecting data to find out what types

By Meredith Rigsby News Editor The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is about halfway through a three-year-long study being conducted concerning a proposed project to construct a high-speed rail connecting Washington, D.C., Richmond, Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, with a spur from Richmond to Hampton Roads.

“The goal of the project is to identify and evaluate specific rail infrastructure improvements and service upgrades that will increase passenger rail service frequency, so the number of rails that would come through, and the reliability,” Emily Stock, project manager for the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, said. “It [the project] would help with the on-time performance of the passenger rails in the corridor and it would also lower travel time.”

In 2014, public scoping meetings about the 123-mile DC2RVA rail project were held, seeking input on the project’s scope, purpose and need, and proposed project process.

In June 2015, additional public meetings were held, asking for input concerning the screening pro-

TURNOUT Continued from pg. 3

As for the Democrats, “I think Democrats in Hanover will work very hard. I think Virginia will come through for Hillary (Clinton) [in November],” Radler said. “I can’t think of a presidential election that was more crucial than beating Donald Trump, who is a disgrace.”

There also will be some changes for Hanover County voters in the months leading up to the November Presidential Election.

The Republican Party has called for a June 14 primary election and Hanover County has been moved from the Seventh Congressional District to the First Congressional District, according to Smithson.

“That move will actually be implemented before the June primary,” Smithson said. “They [residents] won’t be voting for Dave Brat like they thought they would in the Republican Primary.”

Once the voter registrar’s office in Hanover receives more information, it intends to begin providing locals additional details about the Republican Primary Election scheduled for

4

June.

In November, county residents will vote for a new president and vice president, as well as a representative for the First Congressional District.

Statewide, the vote totals for the Democrats were: Hillary Clinton, 503,357, 64.30%; Martin J. O’Malley, 4,010, 0.51%; and Bernie Sanders, 275,460, 35.19. In the county, the totals were: Clinton, 4,915, 59.93%; O’Malley, 33, 0.40%; and Sanders, 3,253, 39.67%. Central Absentee Precinct reported Clinton, 82, 39.61%; O’Malley, 1, 0.48%; and Sanders, 124, 59.90%.

As for provisional ballots, all three Democrats did not receive any.

Statewide, the vote totals for the Republicans were: Marco Rubio, 327,332, 31.97%; Lindsey Graham (withdrawn), 450, 0.04%; Ben Carson, 60,128, 5.87%; Rand Paul, 2,926, 0.29%; Mike Huckabee, 1,480, 0.14%; Ted Cruz, 170,907, 16.69%; Donald Trump, 356,245; 34.80%; Jim Gilmore, 877,0.09%; Chris Christie (withdrawn), 1,101, 0.11%; Jeb Bush, 3,618, 0.35%; Rick Santorum (withdrawn), 700, 0.07%; John Kasich, 97,119; 9.49%; and Carly Fiorina (withdrawn), 922, 0.09%.

For complete totals for Hanover County’s 37 precincts, go to www.mechlocal.com.

The Hanover Local March 9, 2016

of resources are available in the corridor, how the proposed infrastructure options will actually benefit passenger rails and how to design improvements in a way that will avoid cultural and natural resources and private property, Stock said.

Track options for the Ashland portion of the rail include no build; the addition of a third track on the east side of the existing track that runs through town; and the addition of a bypass to the west of Ashland.

The Tier II EIS study is expected to be completed at the end of 2017, after which DRPT will receive a record of decision from the FRA in response to the study.

Although Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr., county administrator of Hanover County, and Ashland’s Town Manager Charles Hartgrove have sent letters to Stock supporting the option for a double-track bypass to the west of Ashland, residents from the area that attended a town hall meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 17, by U.S. Rep. Dave Brat, R-7, did not support this infrastructure option.

Stock said public comment has contributed to and driven some of the infrastructure alternatives that have been presented so far for the project.

Public comment is “consistently guiding the process,” she said.

The DPRT is looking at the corridor “mile-by-

mile” to determine which infrastructure options will work best on different parts of the rail.

All infrastructure options are currently being assessed equally and none of the options are concrete at this point.

“Once we get out into the field, once we can really investigate these alternatives in detail, we may find some resources that we really are, we just can’t impact and we have to change the designs or it will steer us to a different design,” Stock said.

Virginia received $44.3 million in federal highspeed rail funds in 2010 that is enabling it to conduct the Tier II EIS for the portion of the corridor between Richmond and Washington, D.C. The DC2RVA project is being funded by three sources, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) High Speed Rail Grant ($44,308,0000); Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation ($8,101,000); and CSXT ($2,976,000) for a total of $55,385,000.

Once the DRPT finishes its project analysis, field work and service development plan, it will release its draft Tier II EIS to be evaluated by resource agencies in the fall.

Public meetings allowing for public comment also will be held following the release of the Tier see RAIL, pg. 5

Deputies retire

Photo submitted by Deputy Karen R. Godfrey

Deputy Sam Dunkley, 26 years; Deputy Mark Hottle, 27 years; and Deputy Mark Segal, eight years; recently were honored on their recent retirement from the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office family. Combined, they have over 60 years of service to the citizens of Hanover County. “We will truly miss these gentlemen and appreciate their dedication to help keep our community safe,” Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, said. “Thank you and we wish you all the best!” Shown are, from left, Dunkley, Hines, Hottle and Mark Segal.

VICTORY Continued from pg. 1

4th of July festivities and the Ashland Variety Show.

Sloan Minor was selected as first runner-up for the 2016 Hanover Idols Competition.

Auditions are held to select finalists for the Hanover Idols crown. Four judges had chosen 12 contestants from 48 to compete in the Hanover Idols and Junior Idols events.

Each contestant performs only one song before six judges choose the next Hanover Idol.

The Idol judges included 2010 Hanover Idol winner Ammie Mines-Derricott, Idol

CROWN Continued from pg. 1

since 2008, the Hanover Junior Idols Competition gives contestants ages 10 to16 the chance to perform and be recognized for their passion. This year’s 12 contestants auditioned in January with 48 others before being chosen as finalists for the Junior Idol.

This year finalists came from middle and high schools across Hanover County to compete for the Hanover Junior Idol title.

They had only a few weeks to choose the songs they’d perform and practice for the big night.

Fred Horn, Sean Kennedy, Patrick Warren and Kelley Dawson coached contestants and guided the young singers to be performance-ready.

Six judges determined the next Junior Idol. The judges were 2010 Idol winner Ammie

RAIL Continued from pg. 4

II EIS. Once the Tier II EIS study is completed, the next step will be to apply for federal funding for construction, which also would include final design and any right-of-way acquisition that may

founder John Gordon, Carter Flippo, Deborah Shannon, Rick Tinsley and Phil Whiteway.

Contestants performed everything from Demi Lovato’s “Stone Cold� to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.�

Two contestants even chose to perform songs they wrote themselves. Maggie Walker Governor’s School student Dana Slayton shared a touching song she wrote about a classmate who passed away.

Virginia Commonwealth University drama student and frequent Ashland performer Kaitlyn Tate sang “It’s Only a First Date� from Dan Elish’s musical Nine Wives.

Hanover Idols began in

2007 and has been held every even year since its creation.

Ashland residents Lorie Foley and Sue Watson produce the competition and coordinate its planning.

While the judges discussed the contestants’ performances, 2014 Hanover Idol winner Sarah Hopkins performed Meghan Trainor’s “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,� and 2014 Junior Idol winner Audrey Kate Taylor performed “That’s Life.�

Both the Junior and Hanover Idols competitions were filmed by WulfTeam Productions, and DVDs of the events will be available in the near future.

Mines-Derricott, Carter Flippo, Hanover Idols founder John Gordon, Deborah Shannon, Rick Tinsley and Phil Whiteway.

Each performer brought his or her own unique singing styles to the stage. Songs ranged from Adele’s “Turning Tables� to The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun� sung

by Kennedy O’Hanley while her father accompanied on acoustic guitar.

Mandy Ratchford played the keyboard while singing Lady Gaga’s “Speechless.� “I was nervous but very proud [of her],� Ratchford’s mother, Kathie White, said.

Ratchford has sung for years but started voice lessons last year.

While the judges deliberated, 2014 Junior Idol Audrey Kate Taylor and 2014 Hanover Idol Sarah Hopkins performed individual songs for the audi-

ence.

Idol winners have the honor of making public appearances and performing at Ashland events such as street parties, parades and the Ashland Variety Show. Past winners have gone on to continue performing and study music.

be needed.

These activities could take a couple of years, Stock said.

Once funding is secured, the DPRT can begin construction.

If everything goes according to plan and is “best case scenario,� the DC2RVA high-speed rail project is expected to be completed in 2025.

“I just want to encourage people to look at information about the project on our website, and also to let them know this is an evolving process and we are still collecting data and we really want to get as much participation as possible when we have more information to share with the public in the fall,� Stock said.

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OPINION | The Local Views From the editor

LETTERS

Anybody else ready for the elections to end?

| Reader Views

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

W

hile the caucuses and elections continue to dominate the headlines, the screamfest that is the presidential primary of 2016 makes this writer ready for November. In other words, let’s get past this political season.

With a political newcomer insulting just about everybody — and yet a cult-like following packs his rallies — and some candidates who actually have public service experience but we must ask if they are presidential material, here’s one voter who is weary, frustrated and exasperated by the image portrayed across a global stage.

There are clouds over the campaign of Hillary Clinton, but who had heard of Bernie Sanders before he tossed his hat into the ring?

Clinton can hold her own with any topic, but many question Benghazi and her emails. The whole email scenario is baffling — and I’m not going to weigh in at this point on Benghazi.

I’ll admit I was surprised that Donald Trump won Hanover County. I really thought Ted Cruz would best the no-holds-barred bil-

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lionaire here if for no other reason than the evangelical vote.

Clinton taking Virginia came as no surprise. Democrats hold the top three spots in our state right now — one being the governor, Terry McAuliffe, who has had close ties to the Clintons (Hillary and the former president, Bill) for some time.

Trump has become the king of criticism, which makes it even more incomprehensible that he is attracting such crowds. And those who disagree with him are being removed from his public functions.

We’ve all heard the old saying, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.” If he is this volatile in a campaign, what does that say about him appearing before the United Nations or the G7?

Does Sanders have the political mettle to delve into foreign policy?

Who of the frontrunners can represent us well on the international level?

Might as well go for it and say I think we’ll be seeing The Donald and Hillary when we head to the polls in November.

If Trump wins, many are already posting on social media about leaving the United States. I keep saying I can speak Canadian. “Eh.”

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6

The Hanover Local March 9, 2016

Weather dilemma reminded county of technology woes We dodged a bullet a couple of weeks ago. Now it’s time for the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to act before it’s too late.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, our area received numerous tornado warnings — more in one day than I can ever recall.

While we didn’t lose electricity, we did lose Internet and TV because we’re on satellite. We also happen to be in a dead zone for cell phone coverage.

Enough is enough. If the board of supervisors won’t look at this issue from a technology, business or land value perspective, then, for goodness sakes, they need to look at this from a public safety perspective.

The BOS needs to stop kicking this can down the road and do everything they can to bring broad band Internet access to the outlying areas of the county. Have they looked at federal/state assistance? Have they looked at public/private partnerships? Have they looked at communities that have found out how to connect their citizens to broad band access – Blacksburg, for example, for crying out loud ... Korea?

Hard to believe that Third World countries have better Internet access than Hanover County. It’s an embarrassment and needs to be addressed.

Robert N. Bradshaw Mechanicsville

GOP candidates reminiscent of Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ I saw Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham’s comment that his party was going bat (bleep) crazy. I will not say that I disagree.

It reminds me of their 1964 Barry Goldwater fiasco.

The current Republican presidential candidate lineup brings to mind George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” First, we have Napoleon (Donald Trump). Napoleon is the pig that has the power. Secondly, we have Snowball (Ted Cruz). Snowball is the pig trying to get the power away from Napoleon. Then we have Squealer (Marco Rubio). Squealer is the pig trying to … well, enough of that. You catch the drift Roger Bolton Mechanicsville

Addressing traffic on Pole Green Road

I’d like to say that I agree with David Maloney, the highway department and the Hanover County Board of Supervisors that the additional traffic on Pole Green Road will not be the fault of the county, the highway department or our board of supervisors.

The “D” rating VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) gave Pole Green Road, I assume, is a good grade as I remember all my teachers wanted me to bring my grades up to a “D.” I also say the traffic is not the fault of the subdivisions, the retirement communities or the low income housing. It’s actually the fault of the people with kids and cars that show up after the properties are built. Without the people, kids and cars there would be no additional traffic.

The land owners have a right to build on their land whatever they can get approved, and, if it’s subdivisions, so be it. Just a thought but maybe some type of proffer would be in order for the vehicles of people coming to Hanover who purchase these properties. These proffers would go for road improvements.

The school traffic as I can see is our biggest problem.

During Hanover County Public Schools’ Christmas break I could get from Old Church to Ellerson in 12 to 14 minutes with practically no hold-ups. First day of back to school it took me 30 minutes for the same trip, but, instead of getting upset, I just looked and found a solution.

I now come up Old Church Road to West Store and turn right on U.S. 360 east to U.S. 30 at Aylett, right on U.S. 30 to West Point, right on U.S. 33 to Interstate 64 west and north on Interstate 295 to Meadowbridge Road, and on to Ellerson. A few extra miles, but it seemed shorter time-wise.

How about we also consider a proffer on the kids coming to Hanover to live in these developments? Proffer money will go to cover the cost of new schools, school repair, more buses, more teachers and more law enforcement. The best part of this proffer is that it will not increase the value of the neighbors’ car, kids or house.

Ted Mentz Old Church

Letters to the Editor The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published.

Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Hanover Local.

Send letters to: The Hanover Local, 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd.

Mechanicsville, Va. 23116.

In reference to the article “Pole Green road’s forecast,” see LETTERS, pg. 6

Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals SHIRLEY E. HAMILTON Shirley E. Hamilton, of Powhatan, went to be with the Lord, March 6, 2016. She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Forrest “Tippy” Hamilton; one son, Forrest K. Hamilton of Powhatan; brother, Donald Brewster of Tappahannock; sister, Dorothy Delvecchio of Ashland; grandson, Ian Hamilton; great-grandson, Karter; many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Hamilton was a member of First Baptist Church in Powhatan for over 30 years, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, March 9, 2016) in the First Baptist Church in Powhatan. Interment will follow in Old Powhatan Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 2109 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com. Bennett & Barden Funeral Home at 3215 Anderson Highway (U.S. 60) in Powhatan is in charge of arrangements.

ROSEZELLA HOOKER Rosezella Geneva James Hooker departed this life February 25, 2016, at the Westport Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Richmond.

She was born to Lilly and George James on May

15, 1919. She had three brothers, Charles Jones, Fitzhugh Jones and Freddie Jones, and one sister, Georgiana T. Starnes. She attended school in Louisa County. At an early age, Rosezella gave her life to Christ. She was baptized at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, where she remained a member over the years. On December 23, 1937, Rosezella married Floyd Allen Hooker in Richmond, and from their union they were blessed with two children, Merlyn Louis and Carolyn Lee. In 1942, Floyd and Rosezella moved to New York City and on August 8, 1972, Floyd made his transition to be with the Lord. Rosezella remained in New York City until she retired from The Applicator Brush Company in 1981. Later that year, she decided to leave New York and move to Arlington to live with her daughter, Carolyn, and her grandson, Raegan, during his early school years. Rosezella had always dreamed of building a house and moving back to Montpelier. In 1988, she decided to make her dream a reality and built her home, “GaGa’s Place” on Route 631 in Montpelier. She lived there until she was called home on Thursday, February 25, 2016.

Rosezella loved to travel. She also had a passion for collecting refrigerator magnets from her travels and friends and family also would bring them back for her from their travels. To

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cherish her memory, Rosezella leaves her son, Merlyn Louis, daughter-in-law, Evelyn Hooker of Fremont, California; daughter, Carolyn Lee Hairston of Montpelier; three grandchildren: Pamela (Robert) Holland of Pleasanton, California; Chemene (Michael) Hooker-Henry of Richmond, California; and Raegan Allen Hooker-Hairston of Arlington. She also leaves four great-grandchildren: Jamirr Holland, Jevon Holland, Gabriella Vasquez-Hooker and Jada Holland; her brother and sister-in-law, Charles (Dorothy) Jones of Jacksonville, Florida; one aunt, Margaret Winston of Montpelier; sister-inlaw, Betty Jones of Montpelier; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and her dedicated caregiver, Jetta Pryor. Funeral services were held at noon Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church at 17520 Jefferson Highway in Montpelier. Owens Funeral Service at 104 Green Chimney Court in Ashland was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be found at www.owensfuneralservices.com.

TERRELL LACY Terrell “Dick” Lacy, of Richmond, age 77, died peacefully Wednesday, February 24, 2016.

Dick completed his life’s journey being dearly loved by his devoted wife, Karla. He was the only

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son of Adele Harvey Lacy and Terrell Renforth Lacy of Richmond. Dick was preceded in death by his son, Michael. He is survived by his children, David Lacy (Joyce) and Angela Willis (Stuart); stepdaughter, Heather Monk (Edward); and grandchildren, Caroline and Luke Willis and Olivia and Vivienne Monk. He graduated from John Marshall High School, served in the Marine Corps Reserves, and was employed

by C&P Telephone Company, retiring after 33 years. Dick enjoyed singing in his barbershop quartet, “The Treasure Chest,” and was a sports enthusiast. He took great joy in coaching the Ashland Vikings Youth football team. Dick was a generous man with a wonderful sense of humor, who fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s and was loved by many. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2016, at St. Luke’s Methodist Church at 4101 Fordham Road in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond.

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The Hanover Local March 9, 2016

7

State Senate resolution could help offer answers for landowners

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Subueban News

T

he often controversial subject of biosolids will be the subject of a two-year study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), thanks to a House Joint Resolution passed Feb. 23 by the Senate.

Resolution HJ120, introduced by Del. R. Steven Landes (R-25), asks JLARC, among other tasks, to study scientific findings on the health effects of biosolids and industrial residuals.

OBITUARIES Continued from pg. 7

born on October 2, 1944, to the late Linwood and Alberta Lynch. Mearl joined Abner Baptist Church at a young age. He was educated in the Hanover County Public School system. He was a Sergeant in the United States Air Force in which he was a member for four years. He started his career at Richfood where he remained for 41 years until his retirement from his position as Vice President of Grocery Warehouse operations. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 45 years, Barbara Lynch; daughters, Denise (Thomas) Crawford and Rhonda Lynch;

The study is expected to be completed on Nov. 30, 2017.

“This is obviously an issue the General Assembly has been aware of for a number of years,” said Landes, whose district includes the Piedmont region and the Shenandoah Valley.

“Right now, from a workload standpoint, the commission has time to do this.”

The use of biosolids, the treated leftovers from the sewage treatment process, and industrial residuals has been a divisive issue in and around Goochland for some time, but came to the forefront in 2015 when Baltimore-

sister, Marjorie (Warren) Hulin; grandson, Donovan Crawford; aunt, Marie Harris; sister-in-law, Evonne Barrett; brother-in-law, Samuel Mickey, Jr; nieces, Rev. Jenee’ Gilchrist and Nicky Thomas; nephews, Tron (Lakesha) Barrett and Dwayne Mickey; great nephew, Gavin Thomas; great nieces, Jada Barrett and Aaliyah Mickey; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m.

Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Abner Baptist Church in Glen Allen. Owens Funeral Service at 104 Green Chimney Court in Ashland was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be found at www. owensfuneralservices.com.

based Synagro received permission from the State Water Control Board to spread industrial residuals on about 16,000 acres of farm and forest land in Goochland, King and Queen, King William, New Kent, Prince George and Surry counties.

Residents in those localities publicly questioned the safety of the plan, and the possible impacts on both public health and property values.

For Del. Lee Ware (R- 65), the quest to secure further study on biosolids is not new.

Last year, Ware’s quest to have the Virginia Institute of Marine

Sciences at William & Mary lead a study on biosolids was defeated in the House.

His work on that proposal, however, was a key component in Landes’ resolution.

The passage of HJ120, “puts us on track to review more deeply the nature and makeup of industrial wastes and various biosolids that are being spread on fields in Goochland and Powhatan and indeed a number of counties in Virginia,” Ware said in an e-mail last week. “This analysis should give us more definitive knowledge than is now available. I am glad

of the success of these labors, which have been greatly aided by the energetic engagement of the Goochland (County) Board of Supervisors, and I will be eagerly awaiting results of the study.”

To Goochland resident Cheryl Ellison, who lent her voice early on to the fight against bringing biosolids to Goochland, said the study is a step in the right direction.

Said Ellison, “It looks like the beginning of a long-overdue and much-needed conversation.”

Roslyn Ryan is editor of The Goochland Gazette.

Performances bring theater back to life Clark Mercer photo

Town of Ashland leaders and volunteers recently joined together at the Ashland Theater to repair the ceiling, clean and hang curtains, do some painting, and then wrap up the weekend with a soldout standing room only (350 in attendance) crowd for “Untold Stories: Growing Up in Ashland/Hanover The Black and White Experience.” According to Lorie Foley, “This was the largest and most diverse audience we have had at a show, and was just a terrific time.” She said the theater has been for more than a year with over 100 events being held there. As for the Feb. 27-28, she added, “This weekend’s turnout should leave little doubt that a community-based multi-faceted theater can thrive in Ashland. Thanks to all who made it out!”

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UPCOMING EVENTS

03

09 2016

Men’s lacrosse: Coast Guard at Randolph-Macon 3:30 p.m.

03

12 2016

College baseball: Bridgewater at Randolph-Macon noon, 3:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Anderson, Moore earn all-ODAC honors

By Vic Dorr Richmond Times-Dispatch SALEM — A total of three players from Randolph-Macon and Hampden-Sydney, and three others with Richmond ties were saluted Wednesday night when the Old Dominion Athletic Conference announced its end-of-season awards in men’s basketball.

Randolph-Macon senior wing Lamont Moore and Randolph College senior guard Zach Desgain (J.R. Tucker) were named by the league’s coaches to the six-member first team.

Moore averaged 16 points and has 107 assists last year. Desgain led the WildCats with a 12.9point average and 101 assists.

The second team includes Hampden-Sydney senior guard Mike Murray, Virginia Wesleyan junior guard Tim Jones (Henrico) and Emory & Henry junior guard Myles Turner (Thomas Dale).

Randolph-Macon junior wing Michael Taylor was named to the third team.

Lynchburg, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, placed two players on the first team: senior forward Alex Graves, the player of the year; and junior guard Zack Burnett. Graves averaged 16.2 points and 8 rebounds.

Also named to the first team: Virginia Wesleyan junior guard Khory Moore and Roanoke sophomore guard Joey Miller.

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Senior Katie Anderson (12), a standout from Patrick Henry High School, finished a stellar career by being named to the All-ODAC first team for the second straight season. She finished this season with 21 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.

Roanoke’s Page Moir was chosen the coach of the year.

Guilford’s Alston Thompson was selected rookie of the year.

Guilford junior guard Zachary

Houston, a third-team selection, was named the men’s scholar-athlete of the year.

On the women’s side, Randolph-Macon forward Katie

Anderson, the most prolific rebounder in ODAC history, was named by league coaches to the all-conference first team for the second time in as many

seasons.

Anderson, a 5-foot-11 senior from Patrick Henry High School, led the ODAC in scoring (21 ppg) and rebounding (12.3

rpg). She has collected 1,060 career rebounds. She climbed into first place on the league’s all-time list by grabbing 17 in the Yellow Jackets’ tournament opener against Shenandoah.

Anderson set the ODAC single-game rebounding record (28) in the Yellow Jackets’ Jan. 30 win over Hollins.

Teammate Hannah Livermon, a senior from Powhatan, was named to the all-ODAC second team for the second time in as many seasons.

Livermon averaged 17.7 points.

Her 87 3-point field goals are second in NCAA Division III. She is the Yellow Jackets’ career leader in made 3-pointers (266) in a season. She finished with 1,383 in her career.

Jess Reinheimer, a senior forward from Eastern Mennonite, earned player of the year and scholar-athlete of the year distinction for the second consecutive season. Joining Anderson and Reinheimer on the allODAC first team were Cary Beahm, a junior guard from Roanoke; Cassidy Burkholder, a senior guard from Bridgewater; and Anais Weatherly, a junior forward from Guilford.

Taylor Blevins, a guard from Emory & Henry, was chosen as the ODAC’s rookie of the year.

Guilford’s Stephanie Flamini was selected as the coach of the year.

Vic Dorr can be reached at vdorr@timesdispatch.com

The Hanover Local March 9, 2016

9

Boy’s & Girl’s state interviews set Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE — Interviews for scholarships to American Legion Boy’s State and Girl’s State will be held this year from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at American Legion Post 175 at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville.

American Legion Post 175 sponsors most of the delegates from Hanover County.

Candidates must be rising high school seniors as of the

end of the current school year.

Both Boy’s State and Girl’s State will be held June 19-25.

As in prior years, Boy’s State, sponsored by the American Legion, will be at Radford University in Radford.

Girl’s State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, will be at Longwood University in Farmville.

Two participants will be selected to attend Boy’s Nation and Girl’s Nation.

Activities include legislative session, court proceedings,

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law enforcement presentations, assemblies plus band, chorus and sports recreational programs.

Candidates are not required to attend a Hanover County high school.

Students who do not attend a Hanover County high school, but reside in a Hanover County high school district also may apply. Scholarships include complete tuition, room and board for the entire week.

Interested students are urged to visit the Boy’s and Girl’s State websites at www. vaboysstate.org and www. vagirlsstate.org.

Applications are available by contacting C. B. Arnett, Boy’s State coordinator, at boysstatepost175@gmail.com or Betty Flippo, Girl’s State coordinator at betflip1963@ comcast.net. The deadline is Friday, March 18.

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The Rotary Club of Mechanicsville will present the 17th Annual Casino Night that benefits Hanover Safe Place on Saturday, March 5. Brian Walinski, sales manager of L&M Carpet One, donated Studio Tailored Carpet with a retail value of $349 for the fundraiser. He is shown with Billy Wells of the Rotary Club. Hanover Safe Place promotes freedom from domestic violence and sexual assault. L&M Carpet One is located at 6156 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville.

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Office hours 8:30 – 5:00 • Monday – Friday Questions? Call 804-746-1235 ext. 0 / 804-775-4610 or email mwall@mechlocal.com

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Richmond Suburban News is seeking a full-time business administrative coordinator who can assist the publisher/controller with all aspects of accounting/business/ sales support operations. The duties include preparation of company reports, management of advertising billing functions, support of the advertising sales team, billing collections and participation in the annual budgeting process.

Required Experience:

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Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor Every Week Every Week

DISPATCHER Randolph-Macon College is accepting applications for a part-time Dispatcher Position. Duties include receiving and transferring calls, recording requests for assistance, dispatching officers, creating ID cards and keyfobs, and monitoring security and camera systems. Minimum High School diploma required with college coursework preferred. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and attention to detail is paramount.

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The Hanover Local March 9, 2016

11

MRMC’s new CEO’s goal ‘keeping you healthy’

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor MECHANICSVILLE – When Mark M. Gordon arrived at Memorial Regional Medical Center he brought with him what some may consider an unusual goal for a health care leader. He is focused on keeping people healthy.

In addition to MRMC, Gordon is responsible for the operations of two other Bon Secours hospitals, Richmond Community Hospital and Rappahannock General Hospital. He moved into the position on Oct. 1, replacing long-time administrator Michael Robinson, who retired Oct. 31.

A native of Pinehurst, North Carolina, Gordon said, “Memorial is a fantastic facility. The conversation and the focus for Memorial Regional Medical Center are going to be on population, health and wellness. And, by that, I mean, as you have probably heard in political campaigns in state politics -- Social Security, Medicare -- the conversation sounds like a lot of people who are in that Baby Boomer generation are interested in understanding where we have opportunities for people to be well.”

“We are glad to be a fantastic facility that has terrific outcome. We are interested in making sure

that we can take care of you,” the new CEO added. a way that fits your needs is something that’s really important to us.”

What he will be encouraging in terms of Another aspect of care imporwellness is that potential patients don’t tant to Gordon is getting patients come to the hospital, but, rather, visit the services the way they like one of the network’s Urgent Care to be served. Among possicenters. He said some are located bilities being considered are in retail outlets like a Martin’s electronic devices such as Super Market. mobile phones or visiting a Gordon also said nurse website on a laptop. practitioners also are available “Next, you might even to provide medical care. have a scratchy throat.

“You might make it to the Make sure you don’t have Emergency Department; it strep throat; go to one of our could be someone with home retail facilities and get checked health. What we are interested for strep throat. It is less cost for in doing is keeping you well outyou with a high quality outcome.” side of Memorial Regional,” Gordon “When you come to the hospisaid.

GORDON tal,” Gordon said, “it increases your risk He did say the hospital is “happy to of getting something you didn’t come have you if you need to come here,” noting the services offered to an acute patient. “We’re an here with.” The hospital implements great care outstanding facility,” but, he stressed, “we want to and every measure possible so that patients are not exposed to illness. “If you don’t come to the hospikeep you well and at home.”

“I am very, very interested in making sure we tal, that’s the best way you don’t get an infection.”

Gordon has his sights set on ensuring that resiunderstand the patient’s experience: what’s important to you when you need someone to care for you dents embrace the mindset of Memorial Regional -- that access. Can you get to a quality provider in “out in the community as well as on this campus.”

As for his personal ambitions, he wants to stay with Bon Secours Virginia as CEO of the three health care facilities. Memorial Regional, he said, has “wonderful” people. “I love the mission; I love being part of Bon Secours. I’ve been a part of Bon Secours for 13 years. I’m having a great time and I see a great purpose in what I do.”

He also is proud to point out that Bon Secours is the only faith-based health care system in Virginia.

Gordon has been with Bon Secours Virginia since 2008 when he was named CEO of St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian.

St. Francis was not his first experience with Bon Secours though. He was with the health care system at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Ashland, Kentucky.

He also has served in key leadership positions with Mission Health System in Asheville, Duke Health System, and Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina.

He earned his Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and his Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has completed executive education at Notre Dame, Wake Forest and Harvard.

Vegetable production conference set March 16

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SaQuaney Fuller

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Tom Haynie

Advertising Representative 775-4627 thaynie@mechlocal.com

The Hanover Local March 9, 2016

Sarah Suttles

Advertising Representative 775-4620 ssuttles@mechlocal.com

DOSWELL — Specialists from Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension will be holding the Richmond Area Vegetable Production Conference on Wednesday, March 16, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Doswell Ruritan Park at16433 Washington Highway in Doswell.

This conference will provide current research-based information for managing vegetable and other produce production.

The topics will include Produce Handling Safety, Disease, Weed and Insect Control, Current Vegetable Production Practices, Soil Health and Fertility Management, and Pesticide Label updates and Management.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will be onsite during the conference to certify Farmers’ Market Scales.

Farmers may bring produce scales used at farmers’ markets or roadside stands to be certified for use by VDACS. A sponsored lunch will be provided for all attendees so pre-registration is requested.

To register for this event, call or email the Hanover Extension office at 804-7524307 or lmaxey-nay@vt.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate, call 804-752-4310 by March 9.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.