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ASHLAND Historic Garden Week showcases town’s homes, gardens

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SPORTS PH girls ﬁrst, Atlee second in league meet PAGE

Vol. 1 No. 46 | Richmond Suburban News | May 18, 2016

Policy revisions fall short of requests by students By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

SHLAND — After months of study and a few delays, an advisory committee has submitted a limited list of recommendations regarding changes to the county’s current sensitive and controversial material available to Hanover County Public Schools students in the classroom. Julie Tate, curriculum specialist

for Library and Media Services, and Debbie Arco, director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented the final recommendations to Hanover County School Board members at last week’s meeting, but it was just a first read and no action was required or taken on the issue. The school board is expected to consider the minor changes at next month’s meeting. In February, students presented proposed changes in language to the guidelines, and Dr. Michael Gill,

superintendent of schools, reconvened the advisory committee to study and review those revisions. The committee was initially formed in 2014 to recommend changes to the policy in place at that time. Changes were instituted, but some students said they felt the policy was still too restrictive, especially for subject matter in advanced classes that often teach college level material. The policy review panel provided see POLICY, pg. 9

DHCD OKs IRF grant for Ashland Theater By Meredith Rigsby News Editor ASHLAND – The Town of Ashland received a letter last week from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) committing its $500,000 Industrial Revitalization Fund Grant for the renovation of the Ashland Theater using a nonprofit business structure. Mayor George Spagna announced the news during Ashland Town Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, May 10. Town staff and the DHCD have gone through several rounds of communication following town council’s decision to transition from its originally proposed for-profit revitalization plan for the Ashland Theater to a nonprofit plan in response to public comment

File photo

The Town of Ashland has been awarded a $500,000 grant fund to support of a nonprofit revitalization plan for the Ashland Theater.

and concern. Due to the shift in plan proposals, the DHCD previously harbored concerns that the nonprofit plan “[varied] significantly from the original application” and “[did] not meet the funding threshold,” according to a Dec. 28, 2015, letter sent to the town by the DHCD. As a result of effective communication between town staff and the DHCD, the nonprofit revitalization plan for the Ashland Theater has been accepted. The DHCD did place one “quite reasonable” condition on the grant award, Spagna said. The Ashland Theater Community Foundation, which committed in its proposal to raise additional money to redevelop the theater, must raise see THEATER, pg. 7

Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

Hanover County residents -- both young and old -- lined up to tell the Hanover County Board of Supervisors the merits of backyard chickens. They supported an ordinance change that allows keeping up to six chickens in some residential zoning designations in the county.

Birds and bees gain approval By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local HANOVER — A growing number of Americans are questioning just how the food they eat is raised, and that movement is the driving factor behind a renewed interest in home-raised products.

That issue arose in Hanover County when several residents requested a change in the ordinance that prohibits residents from keeping chickens at their residences in certain zones in the Suburban Service Area. The planning commission see BOARD, pg. 5

Woman arrested for cruelty to animals block of Connie Hall Road was taken into custody last Wednesday. She was lodged in the Pamunkey HANOVER – A 33-year-old Regional Jail with a $3,500 Montpelier woman was bond. arrested last week and On Tuesday, May 3, charged with five counts Hanover County Animal of cruelty to animals, five Control, with assistance counts of inadequate care from the sheriff ’s office, of animals and one count executed a search warrant of sale of an unweaned at the residence. Cooper animal. said the search warrant According to Sgt. SAUNDERS had been obtained conJames R. Cooper of the cerning the well-being of Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, Stephanie M. Saunders of the 17000 see ARREST pg. 3

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The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

Rockville resident in leadership role for student-led program Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

ICHMOND – Rockville native Connor Walton understands the negative effects underage drinking and illegal drug use can have on a young adult’s life. It is something he has learned during the past four years as a participant in the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s (ABC) 2016 Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP). Walton is more than ready to help guide others through the program that has had a profound impact on his life. This is the fifth year the University of Virginia student will participate in the young adult leadership program, but the first time as an intern, its top leadership role. The year-long, youth-led illegal substance use prevention program is launched during a five-day conference held annually at Longwood University, which is set this year for July 18-22. YADAPP empowers young adults to become involved in keeping their communities

the event. alcohol and drug free. “The YADAPP interns set Hundreds of motivated high school students gather annu- the tone for this event and ally at the five-day kickoff event, contribute substantially to its which features engaging work- success,” said Virginia ABC Education and Prevention manshops and presentations. In addition, participants dis- ager Katie Weaks. “Their responsibilities range cuss issues young adults face from planning the in school and conference agencreate customda to helping train ized Strategies to youth staff and Act Now (STAN) from preparing plans to deter materials to cooralcohol and drug dinating activities. use. The interns build The students leadership skills implement these and gain marketplans during the ing, logistics manfollowing school WALTON agement, budgeting year. High school students who and public speaking experience. attend YADAPP have the They provide inspiration to the opportunity to network with younger students and motivate young leaders like Walton, who them to spread a message of have participated in previous prevention at their schools and conferences. He is one of only in their communities.” “YADAPP has not only six college students who make up the group of interns who opened my eyes to the negative began as YADAPP attendees effects that underage drinking and worked their way through and the use of drugs can have three levels of peer leadership to on someone’s life, but it has also taught me vital leadership become conference leaders. Interns are selected the year skills,” Walton said. “The exciteprior to the conference and start ment, energy and atmosphere planning nine months before are truly life changing. And on

top of that, you make life-long friends.” YADAPP teams are made up of four high school students and one adult sponsor. Student participants are rising ninth through twelfth graders. The adult sponsors are affiliated with a high school (guidance counselor, teacher, resource officer, coach), involved with a community group (parks and recreation, teen council) or belong to a faith-based organization (youth group leader). Early enrollment, which opens March 1, costs $300 per team ($60 per person) until April 30. The price then increases to $400 per team until the July 1 enrollment deadline. The fee includes lodging and meals at Longwood University and all conference materials for four students and one adult for the entire week. Online enrollment is available at www.yadapp.com. Since its inception 32 years ago, YADAPP has strived to develop youth peer leadership that fosters substance use prevention at the state and local levels.

Hanover Memorial Day Program to be held May 30 HANOVER — The public is invited to attend the Hanover Memorial Day Program, which will get underway at 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Hanover Veterans Memorial located at Hanover Wayside Park. Veterans who gave their life defending our country and those who are currently serving to ensure our freedom will be honored. Hanover resident Co. Bryan Coleman, director, Joint Operations Command for the Virginia Army National Guard will be the honored

guest speaker at the event. Other honored guests include: Daniel Johnson as Master of Ceremonies, the Hanover Concert Band, Rabbi Dovid S. Asher,

MHC will offer the Invocation and Benediction, Honorable Charles McGee will sing the National Anthem and

Glenn Hawkins will recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Hanover Wayside Park is located on U.S. 301 about a mile north of Hanover High School. For more information about this ceremony or about the Hanover Veteran’s Memorial, call Hanover County Parks and Recreation at 804-365-7150 or visit www.hanovercounty.gov. Information submitted by Nicodemas M. Reikalas, recreation coordinator, Hanover County Parks & Recreation.

SHERIFFâ€™S REPORTS

Falling Creek Estates

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

May 2

Suspect used victimâ€™s information without permission on Lynnshire Court.

May 3

Suspect passed stopped school bus on Cedar Lane. Suspect stole items from listed location on Lynmar Lane.

Suspect damaged victimâ€™s property on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Suspect assaulted victim on Brandy Hill Trail.

Suspect assaulted victim on Cut Lane.

Suspect stole items from listed location on Bell Creek Road.

May 6

Suspect stole items from listed location on Bell Creek Road.

May 7

Suspect stole items from listed location on Rocky Ford Road.

Suspect assaulted victim on Shady Grove Road.

May 9

Suspect stole items on Eagle Drive.

Suspect used victimâ€™s information without permission on Johnsonville Way.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Cold Harbor Road.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Sandy Lane.

Suspect passed counterfeit bills on Charter Gate Drive.

Suspect assaulted victim on Memory Lane.

Suspect stole items on Bell Creek Road.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Brandy Run Drive.

Suspect used victimâ€™s vehicle without permission on Saddle Court.

Suspect was in possession of stolen goods on Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Pole Green Road.

Suspect sent victim inappropriate picture on MLC Lane.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Pebblepath Parkway.

Suspect stole items on Bell Creek Road.

Suspect threatened victim on Rie-Bob Lane.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Henrico County Line. Suspect obstructed justice on Ashcake Road.

May 4

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Elm Drive/Oak Street.

Suspect obtained items fraudulently on Wynbrook Lane.

Suspect fled scene of accident on Bell Creek Road/AMF Drive.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Creighton Parkway.

location on Evergreen Lane.

Suspect was in possession of listed items on Indianfield Drive.

www.fallingcreekestates.com

Verdon Road.

May 5

Suspect stole items from listed location on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Suspect assaulted victim on West Patrick Henry Road. Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Interstate 295. Suspect stole items from listed location on Pinecote Lowmoor Lane.

ARREST Continued from pg. 1

the animals inside and outside the residence and their living conditions. As a result of the search warrant, 68 dogs â€“ mostly puppies -- were rescued. Cooper said they were living in unhealthy living conditions, both inside and outside the residence. Cooper said the dogs

Suspect threatened victim on Stand Circle.

Suspect obtained items fraudulently on Whippoorwill Road.

Suspect used victimâ€™s information without permission on Wynchwood Drive.

Suspect stole items from listed location on Black Creek Drive.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on

â€“ Labradors, St. Bernards, Golden Retrievers and a Boxer â€“ were taken to several animal shelters for safekeeping and veterinary care. Hanover County Animal Control, in conjunction with the sheriff â€™s office, coordinated with the Commonwealthâ€™s Attorneyâ€™s Office to determine charges against the owners of the dogs. â€œThe Hanover County

May 8

Suspect damaged victimâ€™s property on Hanover Crossings Drive.

Suspect was in possession of controlled substance on Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Walnut Grove Road.

Suspect passed counterfeit bills on Bell Creek Road.

Suspect damaged victimâ€™s property on Goddins Hill Road.

Suspect stole items from listed

Sheriff â€™s Office, on behalf of Hanover Animal Control, would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the public for the generous donations to the Hanover County Animal Shelter,â€? Cooper said, speaking on behalf of Col. David R. Hines, sheriff. â€œThese donations will contribute to the overall care and well-being of the 68 dogs rescued during the course of this investigation.â€?

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The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

Historic Garden Week showcases town’s homes, gardens By Natalie Miller forThe Hanover Local

SHLAND — Virginia’s Historic Garden Week kicked off Saturday, April 23, in Ashland, with selected homeowners opening their homes and gardens to flower enthusiasts from all across the state for the 87th annual event. A flower sale to raise money for trees at Monticello in 1927 inspired the first state-wide garden tours in 1929. Today, 47 chapters of the Garden Club of Virginia coordinate one week a year to display their towns’ beautiful homes and gardens. Each day of Historic Garden Week is dedicated to showcasing different chapters’ portions of the tour. Those interested in touring these properties purchase tickets for the week’s tours, granting them access to homes and gardens on the tour across the state. Proceeds from the events go towards preserving historic Virginia public gardens. Ashland’s Home and Garden Tour featured five properties in historic Ashland neighborhoods. Locals and garden enthusiasts from throughout the com-

Natalie Miller for The Hanover Local

The backyard of 204 Duncan St. is featured during The Ashland Garden Club’s Historic Garden Week. Natalie Miller for The Hanover Local

Dennis Winston’s Monotype entitled ‘First Sunday’ with The Garden Club’s floral interpretation.

monwealth followed their maps through Ashland’s streets to discover each property’s history. Once inside the homes, guests explore the rooms as volunteers provide historical information about the home. The Ashland Garden Club provided a trolley service for guests to navigate Saturday’s tour and beyond. “Even though this is a garden club, we want to give a tour of all of Hanover,” Sharon Stiles, chair of Historic Garden Week, said. This year, Ashland included an outdoor marketplace and art show at the Arts and Activities

Natalie Miller for The Hanover Local

Historic Garden Week visitors lining up for their next tour. The annual event provides citizens the opportunity to access homes and gardens throughout the state of Virginia.

Center. Virginia vendors set up booths, as well as portable boutiques complete with dressing rooms on the lawn. Richmond and Mechanicsville businesses displayed handmade accessories,

floral arrangements and artwork. Some of the vendors have supplied Ashland with goodies for years. “[Great Harvest Bread Co.] loves Ashland events,” Mechanicsville’s Great Harvest

Bread Company owner June Bergeron said. “I got to look around at the flowers before [the market] opened up.” Bergeron has sold her bakery items at previous Ashland events, such as the Strawberry Faire and Train Day. After browsing the market, attendees admired artwork from Gallery Flux and local artists inside the Center. The artwork selected for the one-day show depicted Ashland landmarks and floral themes. Members of The Ashland Garden Club used flowers from their own gardens to create floral arrangements representing selected pieces of the show’s artwork. Ashland resident and largescale sculpture artist Jerry Peart displayed two models of larger

pieces of his work in the show. These scale model, painted aluminum sculptures are abstract interpretations of natural elements. Full-sized versions of Peart’s sculptures are displayed in Chicago, Illinois, and Canton, Ohio. At the end of Historic Garden Week, The Ashland Garden Club started planning for next year’s event. Garden club members approach Ashland homeowners whose properties may interest attendees. Once properties are chosen, The Ashland Garden Club drafts the Ashland section of the Historic Garden Week’s guide book. Historic Garden Week wrapped up Saturday, April 30.

Friends of Hanover Dog Parks to host 5th Annual ‘Flea’ Market and Yard Sale MECHANICSVILLE — Has spring cleaning left you with lots of things you don’t want or need anymore, but are just too nice to throw away? Then turn your trash into treasure by selling these items at the Friends of Hanover Dog Parks flea market and yard sale on Saturday, May 21, at the VFW Post 9808 at 7168 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. Rent a space for $15 each. Proceeds benefit the two Hanover County dog parks. The flea market and yard sale will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to noon. Sellers may arrive to set up at 7 a.m. Those interested in

The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

reserving a space are asked to call Sheila Wactor at 804-467-6615. The first “Flea Market & Yard Sale” was held in May 2012 when several regular patrons of the Taylor Dog Park in Ashland combined their efforts to form a nonprofit entity to improve and support dog parks in Hanover County. Friends of Hanover Dog Parks was incorporated in April 2013 and is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Substantial business and individual donations allowed the Friends to construct and equip Pole Green Dog Park.

The Grand Opening in September 2015 also recognized three Eagle Scout projects that were contributed: construction and installation of agility equipment, a covered bench and a kiosk. Three specific improvement projects will benefit from Flea Market proceeds. Through an Eagle Scout project, Taylor Dog Park will soon see a covered bench near the North Gate. Patrons who are less mobile will have easier access to shade in this area. Four new benches will replace those of “vintage” design also at Taylor. And, in response to patron requests, the

Annex at Pole Green Dog Park will be completed. Attached to the larger park, the Annex is intended for dogs who are older, who may have physical limitations or are of a quieter, more timid nature. For more information about Friend of Hanover Dog Parks, visit the Facebook page or email FriendsofHDP@gmail.com. Donations may be made by visiting www. FriendsofHDP.org. Alternatively, donations may be mailed directly to P.O. Box 573, Ashland, VA 23005. Information submitted by Caroline Cooke.

recommended approval of an ordinance change that would allow limited keeping of chickens in single-family residential neighborhoods. Several citizens took advantage of a public hearing last week to express their opinions on the proposed changes. Ryan Boehmer of the Henry District said his chickens provide an 18-pack of healthy eggs for his teacher each week. “I feel that as a Hanover resident we should be able to have chickens as we want to become more self sufficient,” Boehmer said. The youth currently keeps six chickens in his residence. “Backyard chickens are, by far, the best pets. Their eggs are twice as healthy as store bought.” He also addressed concerns about chickens becoming loose and roaming subdivisions. “Ninety-nine percent of the time my chickens are in the coop. The other one percent they are snuggling with me.” The ordinance change would allow citizens to keep up to six chickens in the back yard of their property located in R-1, R-S, R-2 and R-3. About a dozen speakers expressed their support during a public hearing and repeatedly touted the benefits of backyard chickens and their benefits to sustainability. Many said the chickens had become part of their family and require less care than a dog or cat. The revised ordinance would allow up to six chickens be kept in an enclosed area with the coop requiring a 15foot setback from the property line. Homeowners Association covenants that prohibit chickens would still be enforceable and would not be affected by the new ordinance. But, vice chair and

Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

Ryan Boehmer told the Hanover County Board of Supervisors he’s learned a lot about chickens since he began raising them. His chickens are just like pets, he said.

“As this ordinance stands right now, you are changing what I moved to the Milestone subdivision for. I knew what the rules were. These things can spiral and it becomes something that divides neighbors, especially in a neighborhood where there is only 75 feet between window to window,” Milestone resident Tim Brush said. He asked the board to include the portion of the proposed change that required a .33-acre minimum lot size. Henry District supervisor Sean Davis joined KellyWiecek in opposing the motion to approve the ordinance change without the minimum lot requirement. The final vote was 5-2. The board also approved a similar ordinance change that allows beekeeping in the county. Residents can now keep two

colonies in their backyard as long as proper screening is provided. The board also received nominations for seats on the school board in the Chickahominy and Ashland districts. Ashland resident Kathy Abbott nominated VCU Marketing professor Dr. Brian Brown, a Milestone resident who has two children in Hanover County Public Schools. Prior to his academic career, Brown spent 15 years in corporate America, working in brand management disciplines, including a stint as brand manager for Coca Cola Classic. “Dr. Brown is deeply committed to community service,” Abbott said, listing a number of boards and committees on which Brown had served. “As an educator himself, he would be an excellent addition to the Hanover County School Board,” she concluded. Also nominated was Deborah S. Jones whose name was offered by Robert Barnett. “Ms. Jones’ background spans 11 years in administrative experience in elementary and secondary education,” Barnett said. “Her background also reflects over 20 years of teaching experience in English, Spanish, writing and reading with an emphasis on developing curriculum.” Barnett said Jones held previous teaching positions in Henrico and King and Queen counties and is currently a doctoral candidate in education leadership at Virginia Tech. In the Chickahominy District nominating process, Paul Bischoff tapped current board chairman Bob Hundley for another term on the board. Hundley was first appointed in 2004, and is currently president-elect of the Virginia Association of

Counties. “I can’t think of anyone which whom I would have greater trust than Bob because

of the honesty and integrity he’s demonstrated,” Bischoff said. Hundley is a Virginia

Tech graduate who works for Resource International as a civil engineer. see BOARD, pg. 7

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Chickahominy District representative Angela Kelly-Wiecek said she still had reservations regarding the new policy. She described a scenario where neighbors could be divided over the issue, and a neighborhood’s ability to enforce covenants varies from subdivision to subdivision. One of two speakers who spoke in opposition to the ordinance change said the new ordinance could cause divisions in neighborhoods.

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The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

OPINION | The Local Views From the news editor

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu By Meredith Rigsby News Editor After a little more than a year serving as your news editor, I am sad to announce that I will be departing the company in the near future and will be moving on to my next adventure. When I first accepted the position reporting on news in the Mechanicsville and Ashland areas, I must admit that, since I live in the City of Richmond, I had never been to either location. I quickly learned that, in both communities, everyone seems to know everyone, and I was a bit nervous that my outsider status would present a challenge when it came to connecting with the people, places and businesses that residents were already so familiar. I was pleasantly surprised when people from both localities welcomed me with open arms and were very receptive when I reached out for a story or comment. From the start, everyone I contacted was very gracious and in my first week here I even received a congratulations postcard from a local church – it was an encouraging gesture I never would have expected. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for both The Mechanicsville Local and The Hanover Local and have even more enjoyed the kindness and help that the citizens have offered to me day in and day out. I am moving to the big city of Pittsburgh, and, while I am excited to see what the future holds, I will certainly miss the “small town” feel that both Mechanicsville and Ashland provide. Before I began working for The Mechanicsville Local and The Hanover Local, I had worked from home for three years. I wrote content for an international website, and that position didn’t require me to contact anyone from any type of community, local or otherwise. Because of this, having to reach out to residents and local businesses and organizations seemed more daunting to me than I expected, even though I did conduct interviews while I was in college studying journalism. Thank you for making the transition into my first “office job” a more than satisfying experience.

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The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

A road trip with my mother By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

s I stood and watched my mother standing in front of my father’s coffin on Christmas Day 1959, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What’s going to happen to us now?” Supported on each side by my father’s brothers, she looked small and devastated. In fact, it was the worst of situations for a 9-year--old boy who idolized his dad. My sister, mother and I depended on him for everything, and it all changed within a matter of hours. As a 9-year-old, I didn’t realize, or couldn’t recognize the strength that lay in that small frame, or the pure grit and determination that drove her from that sad moment forward. For months, we huddled together and cried, and it surely seemed that nothing would ever return to normal. We missed him more each day. After months of misery, my moth-

er awoke one day and announced she was going to work ... and she did. Starting as a secretary for the Defense Department, she worked her way up and eventually landed a job as a buyer. And, we did something else to end our period of isolation and confusion. We hit the road. A few years after she began work, she traded in our old 1955 Chevrolet on a new 1962 Bel Air and promptly packed up the car and headed to Southern Florida to visit relatives and tour the area. She drove us all the way down and taxied us to all the attractions, including a newly formed theme park called Sea World. We visited Thomas Edison’s summer home in Fort Myers and glared with amazement through glass bottom boats at Silver Springs. We followed up that trip with a Christmas escape to Montgomery, Alabama, my hometown and a familiar respite for my sister and me. We spent the holidays with family, and remembered my father with his many

relatives who lived there. Now, it may seem completely normal for a young mother to travel long distances with children these days, but in the 1960s it was unusual. That began a long line of road trips with my mother. Trips to the New York World’s Fair, Long Island, Rock City and a list of other destinations too numerous to mention followed. Somewhere along the line I got to know a strong, independent woman who asked for nothing more than a fair shot at life. She made her own breaks, carved her own path, and achieved her own goals. My mother finally retired from her job in 1981. She ended her career with a final road trip in a brand new Oldsmobile purchased shortly before her retirement. My sister had moved to New Orleans and was having her second baby. I never suspected that 1,500 miles could ever separate my mother see MOTHER, pg. 7 ⌃

LETTERS | Reader Views

In gratitude for lacrosse and ‘getting no respect’ As part of my job description working for Del. Buddy Fowler, I was required to scan local newspapers, in his district, for citizen accomplishments worthy of recognition. I could always pick up and put down rapidly The Caroline Progress and The Herald Progress because -- compared to The Mechanicsville Local -- there has never even been a contest! Thank you, Melody [Kinser] and crew. I would, however, also like to thank Andy Proctor for finding a way to bring recognition to the lacrosse programs in Hanover County. They continue to be “underserved” in the sports section. I especially would like to add my thanks and gratitude to all the names on his list. On the eve of my third and final child graduating from Atlee High School, I am reminded to give thanks for many things, but here for the opportunity of two of my kids playing lacrosse.

One was on the inaugural Atlee team and came to lacrosse as a junior. The other got her start with the fine program of Blackhawk Lacrosse and will finish her last regsee LETTERS, pg. 7

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

THEATER Continued from pg. 1

$75,000 before the DHCD will release any grant money. Over the last few years, the town has already raised $500,000 to match the IRF grant award. “I think we’re back in the driver’s seat on this process again,” Spagna said. Going forward, Ashland will begin negotiating a final grant fund contract with the DHCD, Charles Hartgrove, town manager, said. In addition, in “a parallel but separate track,” the town will begin negotiating a combination of renovation, lease and performance agreements with The Ashland Community Theater Foundation. “Staff, along with the attorney, will be working with our wonderful volunteers to move forward as quickly as possible on both of those avenues so we can get to the

MOTHER Continued from pg. 6

from one of her grandchildren’s births, and I was right. She made the trip alone, stayed a month and helped with my niece Lauren, and then drove the return trip non-stop. I carried my mother out of the front door of her house for her final trip, an ambulance ride to the hospital. As I placed her on the stretcher and backed away

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

ular season with a team final tally of 10 and 3 and a ranking of #5 in the region. As Andy notes, the excitement, opportunity and joy the sport of lacrosse has brought to many in Hanover County also has only continued to grow. I (we) continue, however, to be disappointed that The Local barely covers it (exception this week). Every week sees whole and half pages covering baseball, softball, and, frequently, including Randolph-Macon College. Atlee High School also has a long history of success in boys and especially girls soccer in the region and no one hears

Meredith Rigsby/The Hanover Local

Town Manager Charles Hartgrove, left; Town Attorney Andrea Erard; council member James “Jim” Foley; Vice Mayor Ned Henson; Mayor George Spagna; council member Steve Trivett and council member James Murray; took care of business last week during Ashland Town Council’s regular meeting.

point of starting to take action during this year,” Hartgrove said. Prior to finalization of contract negotiations and agreements, the public will have an opportunity to review the plans and provide comment, according to Hartgrove. “We are very excited and grateful that the grant is moving forward,” Clark Mercer, a member of The Ashland Community Theatre Foundation, said. “I think we have

seen over the past year with the theater being run in ‘pop-up’ mode that there is tremendous support [for the venue].” “The theater will continue to be run in pop-up mode until at least September, during which time the foundation will continue to raise funds in order to provide additional equity for the project,” Mercer wrote in a post on the Ashland Theater’s Facebook page.

so the attendants could care for her, she reached for my arm and motioned me back. “Another road trip,” she smiled. I’d like to think that’s what it was. One thing is for sure: What I know, what I accomplish or anything I achieve is probably due to some bit of information I gained from my mother. Much of it came on long trips in an old Chevrolet, and some of the wisdom was accompanied with a swift kick in the pants.

On this Mother’s Day, those road trips are special memories and remind me how lucky I was to be raised by such a dynamic, loving, compassionate individual. Her sacrifices were great but not unappreciated, and, somehow, I think she’d be pleased with the results witnessed in the lives of the children and grandchildren she loved unconditionally. Happy Mother’s Day, and peace be the journey.

about it. I don’t usually join the camps of “fairness” and “spread the wealth” but I do wish, although it’s too late for my daughters’ teams, to hear that lacrosse and other successful sports (field hockey?) in Hanover County can garner what? a 1/4 of a page and a small photo a few times during the season? The score outcomes and individual scores, please? Last week, finally, Andy’s article and a whole page for a lacrosse boys match! Absent: soccer, tennis, any girls’ lacrosse, but softball and baseball got their weekly (+) page. Atlee girls this week beat their nemesis Freeman in another exciting game. Rumor had it that Dave Lawrence

showed for the longtime rival game of Atlee girls and Midlothian. Atlee girls defeated an undefeated Midlothian. Did we see it? No, it was superceded by Nascar -- which, anyone who is interested could surely find in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. (Insert sad face emojii here). If this is the only way to get coverage for the other sports teams, I will let the parents know. If the sports writers, who cannot understandably be cloned, would like help from parents for stats, information and pictures, just ask. Otherwise, thank you, coaches: Mac, Ollie, Chauntray, Dobson, Buyas, Karn (now Hanover), see LETTERS, pg. 9

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BOARD Continued from pg. 5

Hundley and his wife Nancy have three children, and the chairman is a product of Hanover County Public Schools, a graduate of LeeDavis High School. “I recognize the privilege to serve on the school board demands immense responsibility, and I vow to continue serving with that in mind, maintaining the excellence represented in Hanover County Public Schools requires nothing less,” Hundley said. Candidates will be considered and final decisions are due at the May 25 supervisors’ meeting.

John Doe Congratulations! We are so proud of you. Love, Mom & Dad

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The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals ALICE ALEXANDER Alice Terry Alexander, 101, formerly of Ashland, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at Heritage Green Assisted Living in Mechanicsville. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Earl Douglas Alexander Sr.; sons, Earl Douglas Alexander Jr. and Baby Boy Alexander. She is survived by her daughter, Terry Alexander; grandchildren, Susan Pugh and Lisa DeHart (Wayne); and greatALEXANDER grandchildren, Stephanie Robinson (Ronald), Jennifer DeHart and Alexander DeHart. Mrs. Alexander was a wellknown artist who designed the Ashland Town Seal in 1983, and was one of the principal artists of the painting “Old Ashland,” now hanging in the chambers of the Ashland Town Council. She gave art lessons to Ashland youngsters for several years, and was always proud of her two students who went on to become successful commercial artists. She loved to tell stories of her “very unladylike” tomboy experiences in her youth, and was often spotted mowing her lawn when she was well into her 90s. A Celebration of Life, followed by a reception featuring many of her paintings, was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Nelsen Funeral Home at 412 South Washington Highway in Ashland.

DORIS A. COBURN Doris A. Coburn, 77 years, passed from this life into the next on May 4, 2016, at her home in Ashland. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Roena Drews Pomrening, who lived their lives in Wisconsin. Doris graduated from Clintonville High School in Clintonville, Wisconsin. She worked as a homemaker for most of her COBURN adult life. She also spent many years working as a secretary. She had been an active member of the First Baptist Church in Ashland for many years. Doris loved to visit and explore new places. She moved to California at the age of 20. She and her husband, David, traveled to all of the United States except Maine and Alaska. She enjoyed spending time with her family and spent many happy hours reading, quilting, and in artistic endeavors. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, David Coburn; her children, Jeff (Lori) Coburn of

The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

Sacramento, California, Paul Coburn, his children, Lauren and Graham and their mother, Donna Coburn of Ashland, and Julie (Greg) Mowris of Knoxville, Tennessee, and their daughters, Savana and Keely; David’s children, Dana (Erin) Coburn of Bonanza, Oregon, and his son, Dana, and Candace Coburn of Rancho Cordova, California; her brothers and sisters, Phil (Phyllis) Pomrening, Roger (Lucy) Pomrening, Faye Green, Verna (Norb) Dallman and Joann (Red) Thulien; and her brother-inlaw, Bill Gley and their families. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2016, at the First Baptist Church at 800 Thompson Street in Ashland.

FRANK DAVIS Frank H. Davis, of Glen Allen, quietly entered into eternal rest on May 12, 2016. He was born on March 20, 1949, to the late Winfred and Dorothy Davis. He was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Davis. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Antoinette; devoted daughter, Ashley; daughters, Lamon, Shantae, Brittany and Audra; sons, Frank Jr., Antonio, Ronnie (Sheila), Frankie and Garrett (TaNadia); 16 grandchildren, including Alexandria (Lil Mary) and Christian (Lil Henry); aunts, Evelyn Jones (Irvin) and Arlene Johnson; uncle, Thomas Proctor; mother-inlaw, Viola Gordon Johnson (Charles); sisters, LaVerne McWilliams (Spooner) and Yvonne Francis (Robert); brother, Michael Davis; sisters-in-law ,Carolyn Gordon and Iris Davis; brother-in-law, Earman Gordon Jr.; nieces and nephews, including Tracey Wharton (Anthony) and Michael Scott (Sara); a host of cousins and friends, including Jane Parker, Howard Jordan and James Lewis. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at St. Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen. Henry W. Dabney Funeral Home at 518 North Washington Highway in Ashland was in charge of arrangements.

JOHN H. DAVIS JR. John H. “Johnnie Cake” Davis Jr., 60, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016. He is survived by sister, Laura Sims; brothers, Otis “Billy” Davis and Harvey McKinnley Davis; five devoted stepsisters, Delores Bertrand, Viola Shelton, Jeanette Briggs, Bertha Slade and Rita Braxton; and a host of other relatives and friends. John worked in the medical field for over 30 years and loved being a help to people in any way possible. His remains rest at the Henry W. Dabney Funeral Home, 518 N. Washington Highway

where the family received friends, Friday, May 13, 2016, from 6 to 7 p.m. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2015, at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Doswell. Interment followed at Roselawn Memory Gardens.

DOROTHY MAUTTE Dorothy “Dori” Mautte, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, surrounded by her loved ones. Dori was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on April 28 1934, to her parents, Alexander and Josephine Passick (Gemski). She was preceded in death by her lovMAUTTE ing husband of 59 years, Del Mautte, and a son, Greg Mautte. Dori is survived by her son, Marc Mautte, and his wife, Barbara, of Ashland. She also leaves a host of cousins from her mom’s family; as well as her sister-in-law and husband, Charles and Joan Spiegel. Dori had three grandchildren that she adored, Melissa Mohr and her husband, Brian, of Mechanicsville, Kevin Mautte and his wife, Johanna of Midlothian, Abby Champagne and her husband, Dennis of Honolulu, Hawaii. What Dori loved more than anything was to spend time with her six great-grandsons, Dylan, Emory, Cameron, Carter, Grayson and Lane, who made her laugh and smile which was a joy to see. Dori grew up in East Haven, Connecticut, where she met Del, her high school sweetheart, while attending East Haven High School. Upon graduating from Bridgeport University, she and Del married in 1955. Del served in the United States Marine Corps and, upon discharge, they moved to Branford, Connecticut, where they were residents for many years until moving to Virginia to be closer to family in 2011. When Del retired from teaching in the early 1990s, they loved spending the winter months in Jupiter, Florida. Many of those moments and memories in Florida were spent with their best friend, Kathi Sterling, whom they had known since 1953, when Del and Bob Sterling (deceased 1984) met and became friends (brothers) while attending New York University. Dori, Del and Kathi traveled together extensively to destinations such as Europe, Italy, Alaska and other exotic locations. Kathi’s children were like Dori’s own and they all loved her immensely. They are Kevin Sterling, Susan Van Vugt, Elizabeth Sterling and Amy Pentecost. Dori loved living close to the water while in Branford and looked forward every

year to the family Outer Banks vacation when she moved to Virginia. She also loved her dog Clancy, trips to the lake house, being on the “party barge,” fishing, thunderstorms, Bruster’s ice cream, good restaurants, Hampden-Sydney - Macon football games, playing canasta with her wonderful friends, and she never met a slot machine she didn’t like. A memorial service for Dori with family and friends will be held at from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2016, at Clancy’s Funeral Home in Branford, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center by going to foundation@connecticut childrens.org.

NORMAN PARKER Norman Parker, 84, of Henrico, passed away on May 12, 2016, on his wedding anniversary. Norman was born in Ilford, Essex, England. He arrived in this country on December 12, 1967, with his first wife, Sylvia, as a butler. After his first wife’s passing, Norman went back to his former trade as a machinist, working for Service Machine and Welding in Ashland, where he retired after 27½ years. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Edith Annie and John Robert; sister, Betty; brothers, Ron and Fred; and his first wife, Sylvia. Norman was survived by his wife of 37 years, Charlotte Gayle “Yogi;” sons, Chuck, Eddie, Norman and Frank; grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua, Austin, Vanessa, Ilam and Ronan; and his nephew, Chris. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, May 18, 2016) at Forest Grove United Methodist Church at 13384 Ashland Road in Ashland. Nelsen Funeral Home at 4650 South Laburnum Avenue in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.nelsenrichmond.com

RAYMOND PEARCE JR. Raymond Randolph Pearce Jr., 70, of Rockville, departed this life Monday, May 9, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn A. Pearce; two sons, Raymond R. Pearce III (Susan) and Sean Pearce (Jennifer); a daughter, Cynthia Clark; a grandchild, William R. Pearce; a sister, Nancy Shores; and a brother, Wayne Pearce (Laura). Raymond was a retired employee of the Missionary Learning Center in Rockville. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society. https://donate.cancer.org/index see OBITUARIES, pg. 10

Continued from pg. 1

two updates to the board, but was unable to issue recommendations due to ongoing activity at the General Assembly that could have affected the policies. That action included a bill that would have allowed parents of students to opt out of controversial assignments and required school systems to provide alternative assignments. Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed that bill last month, clearing the way for the committee to issue its recommendations. “We did reconvene the committee in early February to look at and explore some recommendations for revisions to the three policies involving sensitive and controversial topics,” Arco said. Arco said the three policies were considered as a group because they are interactive and “not mutually exclusive. They work in conjunction with each other.” The changes suggested were minor. Regarding the policy regarding teaching controversial subject matter, the committee suggested changing the word dispassionate to unbiased. “That is our only recommendation for change to that policy,” Tate said. They also suggested a

LETTERS Continued from pg. 7

Anna and Winfrey(retired) for all you have done for my daughters and the great Atlee teams!! Danette Fulk Mechanicsville

Former rep speaks out (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Hank Lowry with the title, “As I Exit the Boardroom.”) As I step down from four

clarification on the use of fulllength films in the classroom. The new wording requires a rating on films shown in their entirety in the classroom. Regarding the rating system currently in effect that allows only PG rated films in high school classrooms, no changes were offered. “It is our recommendation that the guidelines not be changed,” Tate said. No changes were recommended for the policy involving instructional materials and learning resources. The panel did recommend including a statement in the current handbook that sufficiently advises students and parents that college level material is covered in advanced classes. Students had expressed opposition to the current policy at previous board meetings citing the need for controversial material in advanced high school courses. Last year, members of Hanover Students for Freedom of Information and Learning summoned the board to revise policies regarding controversial material and also urged the board to protect teachers who violated the policy. The students submitted proposed language changes in February, but none of those recommendations were suggested by the policy review committee.

In other matters, Hanover County school officials approved a plan that revises the county’s current Report Card format. The goal of the report committee was to provide the most “effective, efficient and meaningful” way to provide parents with information regarding their child’s progress. There were 24 members of the Report Card committee and principals throughout the county reviewed their input. The new plan removes or reduces many descriptors under graded categories on the current report card. “Writing is now one of the graded content areas on all report cards,” said Miller, director of elementary education, said as she outlined the changes. The grade of O (Outstanding) was removed from third and fifth grade report cards in the areas of Health, PE, Art, Music and Library education. There are also changes to the county’s current grading policy. The policy was revised to coincide with the county’s current eight-block system and includes changes to facilitate the latest report card revisions. The board also approved adoption of a new high school math textbook and ok’d a motion to purchase 7,000 textbooks. The committee researched utilizing e-books, but decided the county’s Internet service was

years of service on the Hanover County School Board, I can reflect on some remarkable experiences working in support of any number of tremendous teachers, skilled administrators, and energetic and talented students and their parents. I also can reflect on leading the discussion for a few changes and program initiatives in areas such as technology, budget transparency, and Career & Technical Education (CTE). I believe that the budget work will probably facilitate the initiatives we sought to

bring forward. I also have learned a great deal over these four years, however, not all of the lessons were encouraging for the future. The role of a school board is to lead our division forward in achieving our established goals and furthering our vision for our students and families in Hanover. To be successful in this role, teamwork and a shared vision for the future are critical. Additionally, we need leadership on this board which will drive the wagon forward.

Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

Hanover County’s School Resource Officers and DARE Officers were recognized by the Hanover County School Board at the Tuesday, May 10, meeting. Shown are, from left, first row, Deputies Lowell Lantz, Mark Humphreys, Scott Spradlin and Bill Shaw, and, back row, Deputies Randy Jones, Jeff Cooper, Rick Chapman and Scott Bohannon. Cooper, Chapman, Bohannon are DARE officers, the other deputies are SROs.

not ready for that transformation. The textbooks cost about $100 each, compared to approximately 25 percent less for e-books. “At the moment we are working toward our future,” Marla Coleman said. She served as board representative on the Math Textbook Review project. The board also recognized the county’s School Resource Officers and DARE Officers, recognized All Virginia Band and Chorus members from Hanover schools. Members of Career and Education Student Organizations who won state honors also were recognized, along with the winner of the Crime Stoppers Poster Contest. New ideas and strategies for the future must replace the “old ways” and the “way we’ve always done it.” And it is on this last point that I’ve learned the hardest lessons. Board members who view their appointments as carrying lifetime tenure are most vulnerable to the belief that nothing needs to change and hinder the progress which education by its very definition demands. I sit here with four “new” members and I am see LETTERS, pg. 11

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CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Friday, May 20 Winn’s Baptist Church will be host for a gospel music concert at 7 p.m., ministering with their music will be Master’s Hand Quartet. Winn’s is located at 12320 Winns Church Road in Glen Allen. A love offering will be taken. For more information, call 804-798-5512, 804-798-5513, 804-798-6179 or Carlton at 805-651-4544.

Saturday, May 21 Raider Royale, hosted by Center of the Universe Brewing Co. at 11293 Air Park Road in

OBITUARIES Continued from pg. 8

MILDRED SPIGGLE Mildred Mitchell Spiggle, 74, of Ashland, passed away on May 10, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband,

Ashland, will benefit Atlee High School Athletics. The event is being presented by Atlee High School Athletic Boosters. For more information, or to sponsor a table, or to purchase tickets, visit www.goatlee.com. St.JamestheLessEpiscopal Church in Ashland will be observing its Sesquicentennial with a big celebration. The festivities will begin at the 10 a.m. service with Holy Eucharist, a brass quintet, and guest preacher, the Rev. Canon Pat Wingo, Canon to the Ordinary of the

Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. A catered luncheon will immediately follow the service. Also planned are children’s activities, an historical display, and a video montage produced by youth group members featuring interviews of parishioners of all ages. All current and former priests, deacons, parishioners and friends of St. James the Less are invited. The date the Council of the Diocese of Virginia sanctioned the formation of a new congregation was May 18, 1866. The name for the parish, St. James the Less, came as a result of the link with

St. James Episcopal Church in Richmond. At that time, Ashland was a small village where residents of Richmond spent their summers. A Facebook event page has been created with information about the celebration, including opportunities to support the event through the purchase of commemorative merchandise, 8x10” prints and packets of note cards that incorporate a sketch of the church building, as well as commemorative cups. The church also is selling Snow White Inn Barbeque to help underwrite the cost of this

Les Spiggle. She is survived by a son, Randy Spiggle; daughter-in-law, Sara Horton; and grandsons, Matthew Spiggle and Ryan Horton; as well as an aunt, Margaret Starette; brothers, Eugene, Robert and Bob Mitchell; and a sister, Brenda Philbin. She retired from Hanover Parks and

Recreation, where she had many friends. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 16, 2016, at Bennett Funeral Home in Mechanicsville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel United Methodist Brick Fund, 17380 Dawn Blvd., Hanover, VA 23069.

GARY D. TAYLOR

Sunday, May 22

Gary D. Taylor, 44, of Montpelier, departed this life May 3, 2016. He was born January 5, 2017, the beloved son of Gayle Taylor and stepfather of Chastine Clarke. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Bernard Taylor Sr. He

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special event. Sales are pre-sale only at $12 a pound, available through the church’s website, Facebook page, and at the church, with pick-up between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday, May 21. Complete information regarding the celebration is available at http://www. stjamestheless.com/content/stjames-the-less-sesquicentennial. RSVPs and questions may be directed to Margaret Rush at 804-798-6336.

Thursday, July 7 The next quarterly Human Services Network Meeting will is survived by his biological father, Allen Brown; devoted maternal grandmother, Vivian “Nanny” H a y d e n Taylor, aunts, Ealier Smith and Gwen Taylor; uncles, Bernard (Lynn) and Carroll Wayne TAYLOR (Darlene) Taylor; three great-aunts; godchildren, Darren Coleman and Cherrelle Johnson; and a host of family and friends. Gary accepted Christ at an early age at Abner Baptist Church, where he was baptized. Gary was a 1990 graduate of Patrick Henry High School and attended Morris Brown College. He loved music and his favorite artists were Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross. He also loved African Art, interior decorating and fashion. His hobbies were art and sketching. A Celebration of Life service was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2016, at Owens Funeral Services at 104 Green Chimney Court in Ashland. Full obituary and online condolences may be found at owensfuneralservices.com.

be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hanover Human Services Meeting Room at 12304 Washington Highway in Ashland. For more information, contact Lisa Adkins at 804-365-4302 or email ldadkins@hanovercounty.gov.

Thursday, Oct. 6

The next quarterly Human Services Network Meeting will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hanover Human Services Meeting Room at 12304 Washington Highway in Ashland. For more information, contact Lisa Adkins at 804-365-4302 or email ldadkins@hanovercounty.gov.

RINERT WHITLOW Rinert Stacey “Ronnie” Whitlow, 76, of Montpelier, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on May 7, 2016. He was preceded in death by WHITLOW his parents, Stacey and Lucille, and his sister, Shirley Kinney. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, JoAnn Whitlow; his children, David Whitlow, Donna Campbell (Danny) and Troy Whitlow (Sherry); seven grandchildren, Justin, Brittany, Hagan, Danielle, Michelle, Kelsey and Riley; and two greatgrandchildren, Ariana and Marley. He also is survived by his brother, Howard Whitlow, and sisters, Rachel Powell and Linda Anderson. Ronnie retired from the United States Postal Service and later found his passion flipping and renting homes. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Nelsen Funeral Home in Ashland.

Pat Russell Band to open Street Parties 2016 season ASHLAND — Ashland Street Parties opens its 2016 season on Saturday, May 21, with the Pat Russell Band. ASP also will sponsor street parties in August and September. Music, dancing and fun will be held from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the plaza behind the Ashland Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. Food and beverages will be available throughout the event. After building a solid fan base as a solo performer in and around the Richmond area, Pat Russell formed the Pat Russell Band in the summer of 2009. Utilizing some of the area’s best talent, the Pat Russell Band has established itself as one of the top local live music acts in Richmond and Central Virginia, playing hundreds of gigs and opening up for nation-

LETTERS Continued from pg. 9

confident that we are as far as the Hanover school system has ever been towards excellence. By no measure am I indicating that the job of those before me was less powerful as an education force than it is now. I do, however, believe that stale people create a stale and unchanging environment, and am not even aware that it is occurring. This position is one which deserves young fresh ideas from individuals who are in the present. When did we lose sight of the irrelevance of personal ambition and longevity as a measure of public service? There must always be oppor-

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the band, visit the website at www.prblive.com. Tickets are $10 in advance

tunities for a range of citizens to serve on all boards, and especially the school board, to bring fresh perspectives and challenging ideas to the boardroom. True leadership, would focus on our community, our students, and our staff. Such leadership must require that we engage in (and with our) public through transparent discussions about the issues we face. Spoon-feeding the board on critical issues in public, with an emphasis on keeping controversial topics behind closed doors, negates any commitment to transparency. We have opened and effectively utilized direct communication with the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, which now must remain open

and be valued and honored as part of our public service. For such discussions to be vilified by certain groups, as occurred last fall in references to the Joint Education Committee, displays ignorance of the public role which we all play. When elected officials have the very important responsibility of committing public funds in service to public education, all governing authorities have a right to fully understand how those dollars will be spent. Our citizens have an equal right to know and understand how their dollars are being spent. And our board chair has the obligation to ensure that we respect this process and con-

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UPCOMING EVENTS

18 2016

Prep baseball: Patrick Henry at Atlee 7:00 p.m.

18 2016

Prep softball: Patrick Henry at Halifax TBA

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

PH girls first, Atlee second in league meet By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – The rain held off until the second leg of the boys 1,600-meter relay in the Conference 16 track and field championships at Atlee High School Saturday. Even though the last few runners got wet, no downpour could dampen the spirits of Patrick Henry team whose girls had edged county rival Atlee for the conference title by a mere four points. The Patriot girls scored 139 points to the Raiders’ 135 points in the meet, which was sped up in anticipation of the line of storms that came through the area Saturday afternoon. “We pulled it all together,” said Patrick Henry head coach Scott Brown. “I said before that if we could kind of get healthy we might be pretty decent. … We pretty much had everybody back and it worked out well for us.” Atlee finished second in both the boys and girls standings. The Raiders boys where just 13 points behind winner Albemarle, 143-130. “We were in the hunt right up to the end,” said Atlee head coach Jim Triempler. “Pretty solid meet for us. Obviously, when you’re that close, you can look at a lot of things, a lot of places where maybe you could’ve picked up a few points,

Strong perfect at Varina By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Atlee’s Zaliah Carey (right) clears the final hurdle of the 300-meter hurdles with Patrick Henry’s Victoria Watts (left) and Kanani Collins in close pursuit in the Conference 16 track and field championships at Atlee High School Saturday.

could’ve been enough to make a difference, but I’m sure we’ll look at that over the course of the next couple of days.” Tiffany Harris gave Patrick Henry girls quite a boost, with first-place finishes in the 100, 200- and 400-meter dashes for a total of 30 points. Jean Woodrum won in the discus and Kanani Collins, Logan

The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

Phillips, Shania Pryor and Victoria Watts claimed the 400meter relay title. Phillips brought in a pair of fourth-place finishes in the long jump and 300 hurdles and Woodrum finished fourth in the shot put. While the top scorers were important, those who finished fourth, fifth or sixth really made

the difference for the Patriots. “I try to share with the kids, whether you score 30 points in a meet or you score one, every point is important. Every point counts,” Brown said. “We had some kids that moved up that really helped us in some areas that I was really, really proud of. … There are four or five kids that scored for the first time

in their career. They came out ranked seventh and finished third.” Phillips and Watts finished second in the 100 hurdles and 200 hurdles, respectively, and Alayna Richardson finished second in the pole vault. Ashli Cole, Ashley Tate, Alycia see MEET, pg. 14

MECHANICSVILLE – Patrick Henry pitcher William strong was flawless at Varina last Tuesday. Perfect might be a better term. Strong faced 21 Blue Devil batters. He got 21 outs – no one reached base against him – to earn his first perfect game in a 9-0 non-conference victory. “It feels great,” Strong said in an interview Friday. “I didn’t know it was a perfect game until I got in the dugout and they told me ‘No walks, No hits.’ It felt nice. It felt really nice.” Strong was mowing down Varina batters, striking out 14. Of the remaining seven, five were groundouts – two to him on the mound – and two were flyouts. He said he felt great see STRONG, pg. 13

Patriots’ baseball, softball teams advance

Patriots eliminated in lacrosse tourney By Caroline Naumann For the Hanover Local

to claim the conference’s third slot in the regional tournament. “Our goal is still attainable. That’s to make the regionals,” said head baseball coach Sam Hart. Whether it’s second seed, first seed or third seed, that goal is still alive and that’s what we’re looking at right now.” Even though Strong is the Patriots’ top pitcher, Hart didn’t hesitate to throw him Monday night rather than save him for the Raiders. “It’s senior night. It’s his night, and he’s been our workhorse for three years now,” Hart said. “When him and Chesdin [Harrington] were together, they were [No.] 1 and 1A, so it was his time.” Strong will be available to pitch Friday if need be. In

any event, the critical win was Monday. A loss to Patrick Henry-Roanoke would have ended the Patriots’ season. Strong had plenty of offensive support from his fellow Raiders. Conall Kavanagh had two doubles and two RBIs. Cole Carrano had three hits and two RBIs, and Parker Shaffer had two hits and two RBIs. In softball, Charlotte Mitchell returned to the mound after being unable to pitch for some time because of a knee injury. “It feels real good, actually, being back out there with everybody,” Mitchell said. For several weeks now, Mitchell had been limited to positions that were less demanding on her knee while she did physical therapy to help

heal it. She still practiced her pitching motions, however, and showed no sign of rust against Albemarle, striking out 17 batters while giving up just four hits in a complete-game effort. But she felt a bit of anxiety as she took the mound in the first inning. “I was a little nervous. It was kind of like the beginning of the season again, a little jitterbugs, I guess,” Mitchell said. “But I knew my team had my back.” Grayson Radcliffe, with three hits on the evening, gave Mitchell a big boost with a grand slam in the third inning. Mitchell helped herself by going 2 for 3 with a double. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

ASHLAND – Patrick Henry scored first, but Glen Allen scored more often. The two teams, who first played each other on March 15, met Saturday at RandolphMacon in the first round of the Region 5A South/East Group girls lacrosse tournament. Strong defenses kept the score low on both side, but the No. 4 Jaguars ended the No. 5 Patriots’ season with an 8-4 victory. When the two teams met in March, Glen Allen won 17-12. “That was our first game of the season, so we’ve definitely grown and found some things that work for us offensively and defensively,” said Patrick Henry head coach Megan Greenbaum. “We’ve kind of put better packages together on the field with who works the best with whom on different lines.” Saturday’s game began with a goal by Patriot midfielder Callie Collins five minutes into the game. The Jaguars quickly answered with a pair of goals by midfielders Rachel Wright and Addison Evans. Patrick Henry’s Emily Flinn found the back of the net off a free position, fifteen minutes into the half to

was doing what he could not to jinx it. “You just can’t say anything about it to him,” Kavanagh said. “I was trying to stay away from him a little bit so it didn’t slip out, you know, just made sure he stayed focused on what he was doing. I was just there to catch the ball.” Kavanagh’s silence was unusual for a catcher, as they usually chat up their pitcher’s

throughout the game. “I was trying to avoid talking to him about his pitching,” Kavanagh said. “I figured that whatever he was doing right now was working pretty well, so I just let him keep doing it. I’ll talk to him about other things: maybe hitting, you know, what we’re doing after, anything – but pitching.” Strong didn’t notice the other players treating him any

different, but he did notice Hart as well as his brother, assistant coach Andrew Strong, acting a bit out of the ordinary. He figured something was happening, but avoided thinking too much about what that might be. As if the buildup wasn’t dramatic enough, Strong threw three straight balls to the final Blue Devil batter before getting a strike and a fly ball to Patrick

Henry right fielder Dalton Nash to end the game. “I could feel the anxiety building up as the game went on,” Kavanagh said. “It was getting closer and closer and closer. … The [last batter] hit the ball, [Nash] made the catch out in right field and it was fantastic. It’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever had on a baseball field to be a part of that.” Strong still didn’t know

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor Dave Lawrence/The Local

ASHLAND – Patrick Henry’s baseball and softball teams weren’t ready to end their seasons yet, so they didn’t. The Patriots, getting strong performances from their starting pitchers, swept their visitors Monday night in the first round of their respective Conference 16 tournaments: the baseball team beat Patrick HenryRoanoke 10-0, while the softball team beat Albemarle 7-0. The baseball team rebounded from a 9-1 loss to county and conference rival Atlee in its regular-season finale Friday night. Pitcher William Strong struck out 14 and gave up just three hits in a six-inning game. They’ll face Atlee again in the conference semifinals Wednesday. If they win, they’ll clinch a berth in the Region 5A North tournament. If they lose, they’ll have to win a consolation game Friday

STRONG Continued from pg. 12

going into the game. “I got the [previous] week off, so I basically got to sit out and not throw at all,” Strong said. “Then I got out there and just threw strikes, that’s it.” His catcher, Conall Kavanagh, knew Strong was working on a perfect game. He

Patrick Henry’s William Strong squares up for a base hit in the Patriots’ 10-0 victory over visiting Patrick Henry-Roanoke in the first round of the Conference 16 baseball tournament Monday.

John Beebe for The Local

Patrick Henry freshman Piper Mullins brings the ball downfield field during the Patriots’ 8-4 tournament loss to Glen Allen Saturday. Mullins went on to score two of Patrick Henry’s four points.

equalize the score at two goals apiece. With 6:18 remaining in the half, Wright scored her second goal of the game. It was quickly followed by another Jaguar goal from senior Reagan Ortiz. Glen Allen took a 4-2 lead into the half. Glen Allen opened the second half with another quick goal, but the Patrick Henry defense regrouped to stop the streaking Jaguars with the help of a few saves by junior goalie Andrea Lindgren. The Patriots cut into the see LACROSSE, pg. 14

what he had done until Nash told him. “Our right fielder, Dalton Nash, he told me he was shaking when he caught [the last out],” Strong said. “I asked him why he was shaking and he said, ‘You just threw a perfect game!’ ” Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

Patriot boys win first conference soccer game By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – One of the keys to success in soccer is scoring the first goal. Patrick Henry’s boys soccer team, however, ignored conventional wisdom Monday night. After spotting visiting Halifax County a goal early in their Conference 16 first-round game, the Patriots, on their home pitch, came back with two goals by Dylan Mullican to carry a 2-1 lead into intermission, then they relied on a stubborn defense to make it stick, claim their first conference win and advance to the conference semifinals. The Patriots had to figure out how to shut down Halifax midfielder Robert Morrison, and head coach Daniel McGraw asked Keith Jackson to do the job. “Keith Jackson marked up on [Morrison], shut him down for the night once we figured out he was their go-to guy,” McGraw said. “Once he started winning all the headers, started taking a lot of nice shots on frame, coach McGraw figured I should guard him,” Jackson said of Morrison. Jackson’s strategy was simple. “Don’t let him win the ball,” Jackson said. “Don’t let him get the ball, don’t let him shoot, stay on him 24-7.”

MEET Continued from pg. 12

Richardson and Caroline Joyce finished second in the girls 3,200 relay. Collins had a trio of thirdplace finishes for the Patriots: in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles and as part of the 1,600 relay team with Watts, Hailey Draper

The defense bought Mullican some time and space to work some magic. “We knew we had to come out and get a couple [of goals],” Mullican, a senior, said. “I knew if we were to lose that was the end of our high school careers, so I had to turn it on.” Turn it on he did. His first goal came when Brennan Hynson played him a throughball. He took it down field, dribbled around the Halifax keeper and kicked it into the net. His second goal came after he trapped a ball kicked out by the Comets’ keeper. Starting from midfield, he evaded a couple of Halifax defenders and kicked the ball into the far post. Afterward, though, the Comet defense stiffened and the Patriots could manage no further scores. The Patrick Henry defense was kept busy, however, holding off a flurry of Halifax shots without giving up a goal. “I knew they were going to get behind our defense and just start pushing because they were down a goal,” said Patriot keeper Collin Donaghy. “[I thought] time to shut it down. They can’t score anymore.” In a first round girls game at Patrick Henry Monday night, Patrick Henry-Roanoke upended the Patriots 1-0 to end Patrick Henry’s season. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlo-

and Kaitlin McLendon. Keion Greenhow, hobbled by a nagging hamstring injury, finished third in the high jump and shot put, while Shania Pryor finished third in the 200. Draper added a fourth-place finish in the 800. Greenhow finished fifth in the long jump, and Morgan Ray finished fifth in the 3,200. Mary Holland came in sixth in the high jump.

The Hanover Local May 18, 2016

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Patrick Henry’s Dylan Mullican (10) heads a Halifax corner kick away from the Patriots’ goal in Patrick Henry’s 2-1 victory over the visiting Comets in the first round of the Conference 16 boys soccer tournament Monday night.

Jaguar lead with 20 minutes to go in the game. Senior Christine Minozzi bounced one into the net, followed by another goal by freshman Sarah Jackson.

The pair of goals brought the Patriots a goal shy of a tie. But the Jaguars pounced with three goals in the remaining minutes to cement their victory over the Patriots. Glen Allen will play the number one seeded Deep Run Wildcats Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Boys Murfee Flickinger scored four goals and had two assists to lead the Deep Run boys to a 16-10 win over Patrick Henry in the first round of the boys tournament, which was also held at Randolph-Macon Saturday.

The Patriots were led by Logan Dorton with four goals. Parker Pelham had two goals and two assists, and Ben Schubert added two goals for the Patriots. Caroline Naumann can be reached at sports@mechlocal. com.

Patrick Henry’s boys finished fourth. Kwatayvous Blackwell had first-, second- and thirdplace finishes, respectively, in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and long jump. He also finished sixth in the triple jump. The Patriots’ 3,200 relay team – of Jacob Bellinger, Mason Brown, Grant Davis and Samuel Delille – also claimed a conference championship. Bellinger,

Brown, Davis and Rees Williams finished third in the 1,600 relay, and Davis finished fourth in the 800. Neil Terrell was runner-up in the shot put Quaiser Mahmood finished third in the 100 hurdles. Brandon Braxton finished fourth in the shot put and was part of Patrick Henry’s fourth-place 400 relay team with Brennan Ferguson, Jeff Miller and Rashaun Morris.

Zaliah Carey put together a top-notch performance for Atlee. She finished first in the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and long jump; and she scored in the triple jump with a fourthplace finish. “She’s tended to perform very well in these postseason events for about the last two years,” Triempler said. “She was quite effective on the girls side.”

Other individual winners for Atlee’s girls were Megan Godsey in the pole vault and Raine Wilson in the shot put. Emma Sudol, Jessica Roberson, Logan Shearon and Jessica Faulk won the 3,200 relay for the Raiders. The Raiders’ boys had three champions: Connor Moses in the 3,200, Cason Gardner in the high jump and William Chapman in the pole vault.

LACROSSE Continued from pg. 13

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LETTERS Continued from pg. 11

tinue the dialog and exchange of information, and not merely respond to a few dissenting voices on the board. The school division’s administration has an equal obligation to be responsive to the goals and initiatives brought forward by the school board. Several critical and very successful initiatives (Governor’s Regional Program for Gifted CTE students, the ACA, etc.) over the last two years required far more prodding and pressure than seems necessary (including with some board members). Administrators in other divisions earn state (and sometimes national) recognition for encouraging boards to chart an innovative path for the future. This should be a critical expectation by this board of the administrators in Hanover. Don’t stand still on past accomplishments, don’t tell us that “this worked just fine in the past;” lead us strategically and skillfully towards the future. In the area of instruction, our administration must be prepared to encourage the board to tackle some very well-entrenched and

obstructive ideas. The limitation of SOLs (Standards of Learning) as a measure of student progress has become increasingly obvious. An over-focus on memorization with the consequent deemphasis of critical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills is a travesty. Whether required at the federal or state level, an active and engaged board and administration can take the lead on behalf of our students and parents to push back in this discussion. We should be advocating consistently and aggressively with our elected officials in the General Assembly to push back as well, especially when we enjoy the vocal support of our board of supervisors on this topic. Public education is too important to our community of Hanover County, and our Commonwealth of Virginia and to this great nation, to be anything other than fully engaged with all stakeholders on topics of substance and principle. It’s not, nor should it ever be about our longevity as board members, or our own progression on our personal pathways to advancement. The same can be and should be said about our administra-

tors. The issues and concerns are real, and our parent and student community deserves our very best. It’s time for our board to set aside personal agendas and historical perspectives and embrace the challenge of leading looking to the future and not to the past. Having said all of the above, let me reiterate what a pleasure it has been for me to be a part of this organization. I served with many of the greatest people I have ever met. The staff of Hanover County Public Schools is the finest in the nation. The people sitting here before me pour their hearts, souls and energy into serving the staff, students and parents of Hanover County. I thank you all for having had the opportunity to work with you and I stand ready to continue to assist you in any way you might need. Keep the faith, energy and vision which you need for this task. Hank Lowry Ashland

PARTIES Continued from pg. 11

File photo by Jim Ridolphi

Local band King Edward & The BDs is shown performing at one of the Ashland Street Parties.

and $20 at the gate. They may be be purchased online (a $1 service fee is added) at www. a s h l and s t re e tp ar t i e s . com or at all First Capital Bank branch offices, all Hometown Realty locations, Minuteman Press (Kings Charter), EVB-Ashland office, Hickorycreek Antiques, Ronald Toombs Insurance Agency, The Caboose

Wine & Cheese, Dew Realty, Ashland Ace Hardware and Cross Brothers Grocery. Tickets for the May 21 party are on sale now; tickets for the other parties will be available 30 days in advance of each party. Proceeds from Ashland Street Parties help local nonprofits in the county and have provided funds to maintain the Library Plaza and purchase equipment, such as a tent, crowd-con-

trol fencing and a cooker that can be used by other nonprofits. In more than a decade of sponsoring parties, ASP has contributed more than $50,000 back to the community. Other 2016 street parties include: Aug. 20 – The Kings of Swing. Sept. 17 – End of Summer Party, featuring The English Channel. Information submitted by Linda Evans.

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