Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/29/17

GOVERNMENT Kelly-Wiecek to hold Annual Budget Town Hall April 3

HISTORY Shelton house tours begin Saturday PAGE

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Vol. 2 No. 37 | Richmond Suburban News | March 29, 2017

Commercial node proposal for Montpelier property nixed Developer Doug Harris, left, listens intently to a public hearing conducted last week by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Harris had hoped to get the board’s approval to develop 39 acres in Montpelier for a gas station/convenience store project, but supervisors unanimously denied the application. Seated next to Harris is Fred Pryor, the owner of the 39 acres proposed for development.

By Logan Barry for The Hanover Local

HANOVER — Sometimes, numbers do matter.

That was certainly true as a group of supporters filled a meetJim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local ing of the Hanover County Board Hanover County School Board members held a workshop session last week to discuss annual goals, a legislative update and consider a change to the division’s current 7-point of Supervisors last week to express grading scale. their opposition to a proposed Comprehensive Plan change that Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local created a commercial node near the village of Montpelier.

A plan to develop 39 acres locat- zen concerns regarding the project. that would have designated the The panel opted to deny the acreage as part of a commercial ed near the intersection of U.S. 33 node, a classification that would and Wild Cherry Road failed to application by a unanimous vote.

The project required a change allow the construction of a gas stagain board approval after a public see HEARING, pg. 4

By Jim Ridolphi No final action on the matter is hearing revealed a number of citi- in the current Comprehensive Plan for The Hanover Local expected at the April 4 meeting, but it could be considered for a vote as early ASHLAND -- Hanover County as May. School Board members have agreed to School officials have said that any explore a change in policy that would new policy would require an approval CPF have revenues that flow directly cial processes.

By Logan Barry replace the current grading system before graduation to allow staff to impleFarrar proposed a Fiscal Year 2017- into them, with the GF revenues mostfor The Hanover Local utilized in Hanover County Public ment the new grading system before the 2018 budget of about $15 million at ly consisting of taxes that pass through Schools.

ASHLAND – In presenting his start of next year’s school calendar. the state and how CPF revenues are the March 21 meeting.

The board’s April agenda will include The lack of data supporting or dis- first budget proposal to Ashland Town largely grants for specific projects. an informational item outlining just what The town’s budget is comprised of puting the merits of a change was a stick- Council, new Town Manager Joshua The total budget proposal for the that change could look like, but it will be two funds: the general fund (GF) and ing point for some members, but Dr. Farrar’s was open in expressing his new fiscal year equaled $14,923,813. based on a 10-point grading system that the capital projects fund (CPF). excitement in going through the offisee GRADING, pg. 3 see BUDGET pg. 12 replaces the current 7-point scale used.

Farrar explained how the GF and

Grading scale tops issues at HCSB workshop session

Farrar proposes $5 million budget

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Summit focuses on economic development

By Logan Barry for The Hanover Local ASHLAND — Department heads and officials from the Town of Ashland met and brainstormed with a variety of the municipality’s business leaders Thursday during an economic development summit at Town Hall.

Local business leaders who operate establishments within Ashland’s town limits were invited to the summit meeting in efforts to collaborate with government officials and focus on strategic planning for economic development at “The Center Of The Universe.”

Joe Topham, business retention and expansion manager; Nora Amos, director of planning and community development; and Senior Planner Garret Prior led the summit meeting in discussing important highlights from public documents that guide economic development.

These guiding elements for economic development included Ashland’s strategic and comprehensive plans and the strategic plan for the town’s Economic Development Authority (EDA), as well as Hanover County’s economic development.

The way the summit worked was through the idea that goals from each of the above plans fall into different categories, which was used to guide the discussion in a direction for how the town and the local businesses can work together in accomplishing economic development goals in the growing community.

On the meeting’s agenda, these categories were described as “buckets,” and included downtown revitalization, Exit 92 revitalization (Interstate 95), the Holland Property (U.S. 1 Corridor redevelopment) and the branding campaign (marketing).

The business leaders and town officials attending the meeting were assigned into

16600 Pouncey Tract Road

five groups.

Comprising the groups of local business leaders were the Ashland Main Street Association (AMSA) and the Market Ashland Partnership (MAP). Members from the Ashland EDA, Planning Commission, and town staff made up the government groups.

Each group was instructed to take two minutes to highlight what their organization’s mission is and what they do.

Facilitators then provided the groups with a piece of paper, a writing utensil, and three Post-It notes; asking them to complete a quick assignment.

The assignment, “Game Plan,” asked that each group take 10 minutes to complete the following four tasks, starting with reviewing their missions.

The next step was to list out all their actions, functions, value added services and strengths of their organization on their pieces of paper.

After completing that list, the groups were asked to break it down and identify what they consider to be their top three on the notes.

The final stage of the “Game Plan” was to place the notes into the category buckets they deemed fit.

AMSA’s notes were placed into the “downtown revitalization” bucket and noted their events that drive economic activity and their identification of downtown business opportunities.

The EDA emphasized its funding of investments for development in town, as well as their restaurant/hotel redevelopment, which fell into the “Exit 92” bucket category. They also noted that part of the way they receive funds is through their issuance of bonds.

“They fund economic development projects – not just in the town, but they’ve worked with Goodwill and the YMCA on

projects throughout the region . . . they’re able to make income off of that so that’s a great way that we can market the town and bring new investment,” said Nora Amos.

The planning commission’s group wrote “listen to citizens and provide structure in order for the layout of town, [and] open discussions to ensure the best town – economically and quality of life.”

Town staff chose their functions of implementing goals as set through the strategic plan and the comprehensive plan, “and, in Joe’s case, the economic development strategies,” Amos said.

AMSA also had one note in the “marketing” bucket.

“Marketing and promotions – mainly in downtown, but if you see their map, they go outside of their boundaries. Pepicellis does a huge amount with the Main Street Association and they’re not within the boundaries, and I think they understand that Chik-fil-A . . . their success helps Main Street just as well,” she said.

As the productive meeting came to a close, Town Manager Joshua Farrar made a final comment after viewing the summit exercise.

“I did not pre-plan this, but seeing your buckets up there . . . the town is going to take another stab at the comprehensive branding, marketing, advertising exercise – so we’re going to do a pretty comprehensive presentation,” Farrar said, referring to a similar meeting to be held in the future.

“Let’s all get a base level of knowledge and understand what it is we’re looking to do, on April 4. So we’ll put it on Facebook, we’ll put it on all that stuff – keep an eye out, but with that being so important to so many in this room I figured I’d take the opportunity to try and grab as many of you as possible,” he said, emphasizing his newly-focused attention towards their interests in the summit’s goals.

FASMART

Cold Harbor Ruritans hosting festival

16575 Mountain Road FOOD LION 16615 Mountain Road MONTPELIER LIBRARY 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane MONTPELIER PHARMACY 17128 Mountain Road MONTPELIER POST OFFICE 17132 Mountain Road

MECHANICSVILLE — A tradition of the Cold Harbor Ruritan Club, which is located in Mechanicsville, continues this year.

The Shrimp Festival will be held Saturday, June 3.

Hours are 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hanover/

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The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

File photo

Cold Harbor Ruritan Park.

According to Keith Rigsby, Shrimp Festival chairman, Cold Harbor Ruritan Club, the festival is always presented the Saturday at Memorial Day. “We have been having this event for see SHRIMP, pg. 3

SHRIMP

SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Sale and distribution of marijuana, ½ ounce, was reported in the 6300 block of Pole Green Road/Sherrington Drive, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Meadow Drive, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substances was reported in the 8200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 6100 block of Perryville Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 8000 block of LeeDavis Road, Mechanicsville.

Identity theft financial loss, $200, was reported in the 9400 block of Laurel Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Identity theft financial loss, $200, was reported in the 12000 block of Old Country Road, Rockville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 11000 block of Dude Ranch Road, Glen Allen.

Missing person was reported in the 8000 block of Oakfield Lane, Mechanicsville.

March 17

Induce another to perjure was reported in the 7200 block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

GRADING Continued from pg. 1

Michael Gill, superintendent, said even extended research may not provide solutions to those questions.

“For what it is worth . . .I do not feel confident that there is research out there that is going to give you the definitive answers that you want,” Gill said.

Board chairman John Axselle, Beaverdam District, was unequivocal regarding his position. “I think we should we keep the current system,” he said as his fellow board members opted to request the superintendent to prepare possible policy changes and options within the 10-point grading scale for consideration as an informational item at next month’s meeting.

Axselle said in his conversations and communication with interested parents, one overrid-

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 17000 block of Pouncey Tract Road, Rockville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $200, was reported in the 7400

ing theme sticks in his mind.

“The perception is that if we go to a 10-point grading scale my child’s current grade will go up,” he said. “If that is the case, I’m concerned about that. In the real world, if you want to achieve something, you work to achieve it. It’s not given to you.”

If the board adopts a new scale, they must select one of at least four varieties, some offering plus and minus grades and differing failing markers.

Cold Harbor representative Norman Sulser said the superintendent could use his best judgment to decide those details.

The board also must decide if the policy change would be retroactive, an issue that has caused concerns in other localities that have made the change.

More than 90 percent of Virginia’s school systems employ the 10-point scale, and Hanover is the only area system still relying on the 7-point scale.

block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $200, was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering, $200, third offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

March 18

Simple assault was reported in the 6200 block of Camille Road, Mechanicsville.

Unlawful purchase or possession of an alcoholic beverage was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Henrico County, Mechanicsville.

well over two decades and it’s bigger than ever,” Rigsby said.

“This event has grown nearly 400% over the last three years selling out each year,” he added.

As far as the menu, Rigsby said, “We have shrimp, fish, hush puppies, cole slaw and all types of beverages.”

This year’s entertainment will lead off with Infinite Monkey Theorem followed

by Tony Jackson.

“We have numerous sponsors that have their products on display,” Rigsby said.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 1.

For more information, visit the Cold Harbor Ruritan Club Facebook page.

“This event usually sells out in under a month,” Rigsby said..

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In some board members’ minds, that’s not a bad thing, and they point to the system’s reputation and near the top graduation and dropout rates.

And that lack of data doesn’t make the decision any easier.

A study convened to study the effects of the grading scales was finally disbanded after experiencing difficulty in obtaining accurate information on the effects.

Henry District representative Marla Coleman said she conducted her own research and suggested the board take the time necessary to thoroughly research the subject.

Vice chair Sue Dibble agreed and pointed to a Wake Forest study where some grade point averages (GPAs) were lowered after the transfer to a 10-point system.

Mechanicsville representasee GRADING, pg. 7

The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

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Honoring James E. Henry

Mollie Hargrove/The Hanover Local

“This room over here is James’ space and always will be,” Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren told about 150 friends and family paying tribute Saturday to James E. Henry. A conference room at the college was dedicated to Henry, who provided service to the college for over 45 years.

Henry served as the founding supervisor of the RandolphMacon Print Shop. He was described by his colleagues and friends as the go-to person for getting the job done.

Starting as a custodian at the college, Henry was noticed by a staff member, giving him the opportunity to work the printing press. The conference room dedicated to Henry is located at Peele Hall on the Randolph-Macon Campus.

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Advance tickets: www.beaverdamwinefestival.org or at Montpelier Family Chiropractic, Goodway Store or Beaverdam Quick Stop

The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

HEARING Continued from pg. 1

tion/car wash/ drive-in movie theatre on the site.

While clearing the way for developer Doug Harris’ project, a commercial node designation concerned some adjoining neighbors, many of them present at Wednesday’s public hearing regarding the Comp Plan change.

After three contentious community meetings and a Planning Commission recommendation of denial, many spoke against the project, expressing a “right project, wrong location” themed objection.

But the project’s spokesman said the project had “majority” support among the neighbors most directly affected by the proposed development.

Harris representative Bob Williams contended that, of the nine properties that actually abut the site, seven of the landowners favored the creation of a commercial node and subsequent approval of the project.

That claim was not reinforced by zero number of supporters who showed up at the hearing. The only speaker present who supported the change was Fred Pryor, the owner of the property in question.

Williams said more than 300 homes are planned for that area, and the project would accommodate that projected growth. “This project has merit and value,” he said.

More than a hundred of the attendees identified with the Keep Montpelier Rural community group, and organizer Ed Gooding presented a five-minute summary of why the group opposed the commercial node.

After the meeting, he said his family moved to Hanover to escape a commercial invasion in the Short Pump area of Henrico County.

“We moved here to get

Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

Patricia Buzzard was one of about a dozen speakers who expressed opposition to the project during a public hearing. Buzzard voiced concerns over the disruption of the character of the village and issues regarding the safety of well water and runoff associated with the proposal.

Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

Bob Johnsen attended the meeting and donned a “Keep Montpelier Rural” t-shirt symbolizing his objection to the project.

away from that,” he said.

Gooding said the group is not opposed to development but wants that evolution to be well researched and developed.

The Montpelier resident also expressed concerns regarding the number of shallow wells in the vicinity and effects a car wash and deep well might have on those drinking water supplies.

More than a dozen speakers all expressed a desire to maintain the rural nature of Montpelier followed Gooding.

Beverly Hall lives next to the proposed project and said the board should deny the project because it does not comply with the current Comp Plan. She also pointed to a unanimous Planning Commission recommendation to deny as a reason to nix the project.

Resident Edward Hughes said his home is directly across the street from the proposed project.

“I would like for you to note everything that the Planning Commission considered and please, please consider it hard because we are the ones that have to put up with this. You guys don’t,” Hughes said.

Patricia Buzzard, another adjoining neighbor, said she wasn’t even contacted by the developers, but voiced her opposition at last week’s public hearing.

“I was never approached or spoken to in regard to this project. No one ever knocked on my door and I never heard a word,” she said.

“I’m not opposed to growth in Hanover, but I am opposed to where this is proposed,” Buzzard said.

Following the public hearing, South Anna District

supervisor Wayne Hazzard motioned for the denial, making good on a commitment he made during the initial discussions regarding the project.

Hazzard was on record as for allowing the people most affected by the project to make the decision, and pledged that he would not support the project if the residents didn’t endorse it.

In making his motion, Hazzard indicated he heard the many voices of opposition, and noted the lack of supporters who showed up for the public hearing.

“It’s very obvious from the amount of time this audience has taken to come out and voice their opposition that they are adamant. They don’t want the character to change in this area,” Hazzard said.

He reiterated his support for commercial development and land use rights, but said he could not overrule the wishes of the community.

Chair Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Chickahominy District, also noted the intense opposition to the proposal, and said she was hesitant to make any Comp Plan changes with an update scheduled to begin in less than two months.

“What disturbs me about this is that it’s a one parcel Comprehensive Plan change when we are literally eight weeks away from taking up our Comprehensive review process,” she said.

According to reports, Pryor intends to return to his original plan to convert the property to a hog farm.

In other matters, the board approved a motion to install The Mechanicsville Local as the county’s newspaper of record. Legal notices regarding upcoming meetings and other important announcements will be posted in The Mechanicsville Local and also will be printed in The Hanover Local, providing countywide coverage for Hanover citizens.

Have the Hanover Local delivered to your mailbox every week!

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Runners leave the starting line in the half-mile race of the the 10th annual Tiger Trot in the photo above. At left, Henry Clay Elementary School assistant principal Chris Weaver and Randolph-Macon College football player Alex Keller encourage Jaden Trueheart to head to the finish line. Keller had been working three days a week to help train Tureheart, a firstgrader at Henry Clay, for the one-mile race.

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THE SHILOH $121,900 Built on your land Shown with Some Options

Kelly-Wiecek to hold Annual Budget Town Hall April 3 MECHANICSVILLE -- Chickahominy District Supervisor Angela Kelly-Wiecek will hold a Community Meeting on Monday, April 3, starting at 6:30 p.m., in the cafeteria of Pearson’s Corner Elementary School.

During the town hall-style meeting, KellyWiecek will provide a brief overview of the county’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year as well as some information on related public projects.

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors’ public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on Wednesday, April 5. This meeting also will have a specific focus on transportation issues and funding challenges.

“I look forward to this town hall every year as it is a wonderful opportunity for citizen

input and engagement. We want this meeting to be equally informative but more importantly interactive. While most of the information we have to share is very positive, there are serious issues to be addressed in the coming years and out citizens deserve the facts so they can shape our priorities,” Kelly-Wiecek said.

“We want to share the whole story, long term impacts, and address everyone’s continuing concerns in less formal, more conversational way. Accordingly, the focus of my meeting will be determined by what the citizens wish to discuss that night.”

The majority of the meeting will be dedicated to a question and answer format. Representatives and staff from various departments will be available to help answer questions.

While this meeting is targeted to Chickahominy residents, all interested citizens are welcome.

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The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

5

Shelton house tours starting Saturday

Contributed photo

Tours of the Shelton House at Rural Plains begin Saturday and continue through October.

MECHANICSVILLE -- The historic Shelton House, a dynamic link to Colonial, Civil War and Hanover history, opens to the public for weekend tours beginning Saturday, April 1.

Visitors are welcome for free tours of the house and surrounding area from 1 to 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through October.

Volunteers from the Rural Plains Foundation will be on hand to provide insight into the structure itself, and into the lives of nine genera-

tions of Sheltons who called the property home from the early 1700s to 2006.

The house now is being restored by the National Park Service to its appearance in May 1864, when fighting raged around it during the Battle of Totopotomy Creek.

The Park Service preserves a total of about 100 acres there as part of the Richmond National Battlefield Park.

The location is Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield at Rural Plains at 7273 Studley Rd.

in Mechanicsville.

The Rural Plains Foundation is a nonprofit friends group for the National Park Service’s Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield.

For more information, go to https://www. facebook.com/RuralPlainsFoundation.

The mailing address is P.O. Box 2754 Mechanicsville, VA 23116.

Additional information also is available by calling 804-277-4727 or visiting foundation@ ruralplains.org.

OPINION

CALENDAR

| The Local Views

| News, & Listings

From the editor

It’s true: You’re never too old to learn

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor Before my mother relocated from our hometown, where she had lived for nearly 79 years, she had minimal interest in a desktop my sister and brother-in-law had bought her. It was a start we thought. When she moved here, all that changed.

Despite an extra bedroom already being used as my home office with a desktop, Mom showed no enthusiasm for all a computer has to offer.

I didn’t pursue the matter until two years ago when I upgraded my personal mobile and received a tablet as part of the deal. I gave her the tablet. I know it isn’t collecting dust, because she is a neat freak. But it wasn’t being used, so she bought herself a laptop. Still no go.

A few months ago, her flip phone died, so we went to the service provider where the plan is in my name. I told her to look around and

decide what she wanted — and I stepped back, hoping she would finally join the world of the smart phone.

After walking around the store and looking at the possibilities, she chose an iPhone (I had to contain my glee).

But let’s back up a minute. When she got her laptop, I set up email and Facebook accounts for her — and hadn’t checked either since the initial start-up for them.

Ah, the iPhone. How did we survive without them?! There I go again — I still need a 12-step program. I wonder how I’d work out as a motivational speaker to “put the smart phone down,” “step away from the smart phone.” That’s not going to happen.

As usual, I digress. When Mom got home with her iPhone and I started selecting apps, we discovered she had 350 Facebook requests and I forget how many emails. The Facebook number

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The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

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has since risen to 500. I think my mother has more Facebook friends than me. Good for her.

Facebook has provided for her, like so many of us, the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends.

She has taken a genuine interest and I am so pleased when I hear her listening to the pastor at hour home church or music from the Grand Ole Opry. She also enjoys the videos with babies and animals.

She is learning more each day and I am so very proud of her. Mom is 86 years old and, while technological changes have been a constant in my career, she retired as Macs and PCs were becoming an increasing presence in the workplace.

We do still have a land line in the house, but Mom is comfortable now using her iPhone to make calls. She’s taken a giant leap and proves you’re never too old to learn.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS 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 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2017 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

Saturday, April 1 The Doswell Ruritan Club is offering a night of music and dancing featuring Patsy and The County Classics from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Doswell Community Center at16433 N. Washington Hwy. in Doswell. The admission fee is $10 at the door.

Tuesday, April 4 Guys Night Out will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of South Anna Elementary School. For more information, contact Emily Kitching at ekitching@hcps.us.

Thursday, April 6 The Ashland Beekeepers Association will meet at 7 p.m. at The Family Life Baptist Church at 206 South Washington Highway in Ashland. Anyone interested in honeybees and beekeeping is welcome to attend. For more information, visit http://ashlandvabeekeepers.org or email mail@ashlandvabeekeepers.org .

Saturday, April 8 An all-you-can-eat Salt Fish Breakfast, hosted by the Independence Ruritan Club, will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 a.m. to benefit Wings of Hope Ranch.

Breakfast includes salt herring fillets, scrambled eggs, bacon, spiced apples, cornbread, grits, coffee and orange juice only $9 for adults. The Ruritan Club Community House is located behind the Independence Christian Church at 14033 Independence Rd (off U.S. 54, west of Ashland). For more information, call 804-798-6579.

OBITUARIES

GRADING Continued from pg. 3

| Death Notices & Funerals ALTAMONT DICKERSON

CHARLES BEASLEY Charles Beasley, 94, of Ashland, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017. He was in the U.S. Army during World War II and retired from RF&P Railroad after 44 years of service. He was a member of the Taylorsville Baptist Church and a member and inspiration of the YMCA in Ashland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beasley; and daughter, Pam Beasley. He is survived by three sons, Ronnie, Warren and Richard Beasley; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017, at the Taylorsville Baptist Church in Doswell. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at nelsenashland.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Children’s Fund, YMCA of Ashland. Nelsen Funeral Home, Reid Chapel, at 412 South Washington Highway in Ashland was in charge of arrangements.

VIVIAN D. FORD Deaconess Vivian D. Ford, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, 69, of Beaverdam, transitioned to her eternal reward

on Friday, March 17, 2017, at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Hospital in

J.T., Mason and Emma. A funeral celebration was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2017.

Interment followed in Berea Baptist Church Cemetery. The West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home at 11020 West Broad Street in Glen Allen was in charge of arrangements.

VERNON INGE SR.

FORD

Mechanicsville.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Ann Smith of Beaverdam; and her loving husband, Clayburn Ford Sr. She is lovingly remembered by her three brothers, Calvin (Beatrice), Magel (Daisy), Samuel Jr. and Brad (Roslyn) Smith; two sisters, Mary (Thomas) Carter and Geraldine Smith; three sons, Clayburn Jr. (Alice), Bruce (Nancy) and Anthony (Sherica); and two daughters, Lorri and Evelyn (Jarvis); 11 grandchildren, Amber, Derrick, Morgan, Keith, Eric, Myles, Marquise, Gabriel, Madison Ann, Madison Nicole and Chandler Ann; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at St. James Baptist Church in Beaverdam. H.W. Dabney Funeral Home in Ashland was in charge of arrangements.

Vernon E. Inge Sr., known as Bill, was born in Newport News, on November 22, 1938, and passed away on March 17, 2017, after a prolonged illness and then cancer. Mr. Inge grew up in Oregon Hill in Richmond, attended Randolph-Macon College and received his law degree from the University of Richmond. Mr. Inge practiced law in Richmond for many years until he realized the dream of many lawyers and bought a fishing pier in the Outer Banks. He worked in the fishing and real estate industries in the Outer Banks until his disability due to illness. Mr. Inge is survived by his sons, Vernon E. Inge Jr. of Ashland, who followed his father into law, and William R. Inge of Montpelier. He also is survived by five grandchildren, Vernon E. Inge III “Trey,” Bailey Inge, Avery Drew Inge, Cal Inge and Sydney Inge; and his brother, M. Thomas “Tom” Inge. He was predeceased see OBITUARIES, pg. 12

Bourassa said the fact that Hanover students might be missing out on some scholarships due to the current system is enough for him to consider a change.

Bob Hundley, Chickahominy District, concluded the lack of data leads to an unclear solution.

“There seems to be as much reason to change as not to change.”

But, the fact that some admissions officers have expressed concern with differing systems in the Commonwealth and the lack of standardized grading scales does handicap students on the 7-point scale.

An organized group of parents propelling the efforts to change the system point to positive effects a new grading scale would provide.

They contend the policy would not only reward A students, but also would add low achievers to gain C status.

Last month, the group presented figures that supported their claim that Hanover students are losing scholarship money due to the grading scale that lowers GPAs. Assistant superintendent Jennifer Grief said her office had not been able to confirm those figures, but pointed out the figures

did motivate her office to increase efforts regarding scholarship applications.

Ashland representative Ola Hawkins said she could support consideration of a change once she saw the details of the 10point system selected. Coleman and Dibble agreed.

“It bothers me that there are possibly times when our college admissions do not understand that we are on a 7-point scale,” she said. “What if they don’t know it?”

Molly Poisant, one of the members of Hanover Parents Supporting a 10-point Grading Scale, left the meeting with guarded optimism.

“I am appreciative that the board gave this the level of consideration we think it’s deserved for some time,” Poisant said. “I think we’re pleased. If I understand correctly, there’s going to be a policy drafted for the 10-point scale and a vote seems imminent. I’m hopeful.”

She also responded to one board member’s assumption that these parents were motivated by a desire to improve grades for their children.

“As a parent, I was most frustrated by that sentiment,” Poisant said. “I have three children and this has never been about getting more A’s for my kids. This is about leveling the playing field for all Hanover students.”

JUSTINE C. HENLEY Justine C. Henley, 78, of Rockville, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donnie; and her sister, Earline. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Mason; two daughters, Sheila Alexander (Jim) and Karen Newton (Fred); two sisters, Connie Arthur (Herbert) and Carol Fisher (Jim); and a brother, Dickie Coltes (Linda). She also is survived by hergrandchildren, Travis (Barbara), Josh (Hollie), Niki (Robert) and Ryan; great-grandchildren, HENLEY Michael,

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Altamont “Monty” Dickerson III, 62, of Ashland, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Madison; and mother, Margie. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughters, Farrah and Stephanie (Ken); son, Keith; three grandsons, Jude, Heber and Tim; father, Altamont Dickerson Jr.; sisters, Anne and Gale (Sandy); and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at the Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church-Randolph Macon Chapel at 201 Henry Street in Ashland.

tive Roger

The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

7

UPCOMING EVENTS

03

31 2017

Prep baseball/softball: Hanover at Patrick Henry 6:00 p.m.

04

01 2017

College baseball: Washington & Lee at Randolph-Macon noon/3:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Big second inning launches PH to victory

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor GLEN ALLEN – Deep Run did a good job of keeping Patrick Henry’s softball team from getting home for of their contest Wednesday night, but the Patriots took advantage of a lull in the Wildcats’ defense in the second to get all the runs they needed to claim a 6-0 win over their hosts for their third shutout of the season.

Patrick Henry scored five runs in the sixth inning, but head coach Walter Pettus felt they should have been able to score more.

“We left too many people on base,” said Patriots head coach Walter Pettus. “If we hit the ball with people on base we score nine or 10 people, but we didn’t do that very well tonight. Their pitcher was changing speeds and our kids were a little anxious.”

While Pettus thought the bats could have done better, he was pleased with pitcher Charlotte Mitchell – who threw a complete game – as well as the defense behind her.

“Charlotte pitched pretty good. We played pretty good defensively,” Pettus said. “Any time you get a shutout, it’s a good thing.”

The Patriots’ big second inning started with the only Deep Run error of the game.

Delaney Nuckols was the ben-

8

Youth dominate track teams

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Patrick Henry’s Jamie Hughes scores on a passed ball in the Patriots’ 6-0 victory over host Deep Run Wednesday.

eficiary of that error. She then stole second, advanced on a bunt single by Saxon Radcliffe and both scored on a triple by Jamie Hughes.

Two outs later, Megan Powell singled in Hughes and the scored on a Grayson Radcliffe triple. Mitchell helped her cause by singling in Grayson Radcliffe

The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

for the final run of the inning.

The Patriots earned their final run in the fifth. Hughes reached on an error, stole second and was sacrificed to third

by Erin White. Hughes then scored on a passed ball.

Powell and Hughes went 2for-3, with Hughes earning two RBI and Powell one. Mitchell

with 2-for-4.

While Mitchell pitched well –7 strikeouts – some of her performance was concerning to Pettus.

“I thought Charlotte had a good number of strikeouts, but she was down in the count too often,” Pettus said. “Against a real good team, that’s going to

get you.”

The Patriots’ lapses at the plate were more mental than anything else, Pettus said.

“We told them not to swing at a changeup until it was two strikes,” he said. “With a young kid, you tell them what you

MECHANICSVILLE – Patriots’ head coach Scott Brown has an abundance of youth on his team – and not quite as much experience – but he is liking what he sees.

“I cannot complain,” Brown said. “We’ve pounded out to a good start. I’m happy with what we’ve got out there right now.

We’re still, I think, kind of a young team, but right now they’re working really, really hard.”

The Patriot girls have just three seniors: Logan Phillips, Alayna Richardson and Jean Woodrum.

The boys, boosted by the arrival of a number of football players, are better equipped with experienced seniors: Peter see TRACK, pg. 10

see VICTORY, pg. 9

Errors take toll in Patriots’ loss to Wildcats

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor GLEN ALLEN – Mistakes caught up with Patrick Henry’s baseball team Wednesday night as the Patriots surrendered a two-run lead and fell to host Deep Run 4-3 for their first loss of the season.

The loss marred what had been Patrick Henry’s 3-0 start to the season.

“We had too many errors,” said Patrick Henry head coach Sam Hart. “We had three physical errors and probably double that in mental mistakes tonight.

You can’t allow that in a close ball game.”

Deep Run held the Patriots to just a run in each of the first three innings, which allowed the Wildcats to stay within striking distance of Patrick Henry.

As the Wildcat offense pounced in the third inning to tie the game at 3-3, Deep Run reliever Justin Hood took over to shut down the Patriots, yielding no runs while striking out nine over the final 4-2/3 innings to earn the win.

“The Hood kid came in and threw really well,” Hart said.

“You’ve got to tip your hat to him for his effort tonight.

“I think they came to him a little earlier than they wanted to because he just threw Friday night against Tucker. I really didn’t expect to see him myself, but they ran him on out there.”

Patrick Henry got its first run with two outs in the first.

Kaleb Smith tripled and scored on a double by Austin Odell.

The Wildcats tied it in the bottom of the first – likewise with two outs in the inning.

Eli Weisner singled, stole second and scored on a single by Mason Hardy.

Noah Zook opened the Patrick Henry half of the second inning with a triple. He scores on a single by Chase Mills.

The Patriots’ final run came in the third. Jonathan Spaulding walks, advances to second on a passed ball and reached third on a groundout by Hunter Hart.

One out later, Spaulding scores on a single by Odell.

But disaster struck for Patrick Henry in the bottom of the inning. Nick Noonan opens the Wildcat portion of the inning with a single and steals second. He advances to third and Weisner reaches first base on a dropped third strike.

One out later, Hardy drives in Noonan and advances Weisner on a groundout. J.T. Walters walks, then Kevin Stiff drives in Weisner with a single to tie the game 3-3.

Deep Run’s game-winning score came in the fourth.

Carlisle singled and stole second and third. Hardy walked, then both advanced on a balk to make it 4-3.

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Above, Patrick Henry pitcher Chad Napier keeps his eye on the target in an inning of scoreless relief in the Patriots’ 4-3 loss to Deep Run. Top left, Hunter Hart also pitches an inning of scoreless relief for Patrick Henry. Bottom left, Terence Oxendine fouls one off late in the game as the Patriots try to mount a rally after the Wildcats seized the lead.

“We were in some bunt situations and they surprised us by stealing the bases instead of us not making a pick move,” Hart said. “We had some moves called [for balks]. Of course, we’re young up the middle a little bit.”

But Hart is optimistic.

“We’re 3-1. We’ll go on,” he said. “We’ve got 16 more ball games to play.”

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

P. Henry 111 000 0 — 3 6 2 Deep Run 102 010 x — 4 5 0 Zook 3, Hart 1, Logan 1, Napier 1. Braet 2.1, Hood 4.2 W: Hood L: Logan Highlights: PH — Austin Odell 2 for 3, 2 RBIs, 2B; Kaleb Smith 3B; Noah Zook 3B. DR — Mason Hardy 2 RBIs Records: Patrick Henry 3-1; Deep Run 1-1

Pettus said. “If we keep improving, we’ll be in the mix.”

Continued from pg. 8 Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlowant, but when they get up to cal.com. the plate, sometimes it changes. P. Henry 050 001 0 — 6 10 1 When they get up to the plate, Deep Run 000 000 0 — 0 6 1 Mitchell 7. Iezzi 3, Sperandeo 4 the ball looks like a balloon and W: Mitchell L: Iezzi all they want to do is swing.”

Highlights: PH — Meagan But Pettus doesn’t want to Powell 2 for 3, RBI, SB; Jamie Hughes sound like a scold. He likes the 2 for 3, 2 RBIs, 3B; Charlotte Mitchell 2 for 4, RBI. DR — Mallory Odell 2 Patriots’ chances. for 3; Hannah White 1 for 3 “Some days will be great.

Records: Patrick Henry 3-0, Some days will be not so great,” Deep Run 1-2

VICTORY

The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

9

Patriot girls tennis starts season with déjà vu

By Andrew Spencer for the Hanover Local MECHANICSVILLE – Graduation took a toll on most county high school tennis teams this season. But Patrick Henry’s girls are one of two teams this year that will be the envy of most area coaches as they didn’t lose any starters from last season to graduation.

Patrick Henry girls’ head coach John Bland considers himself very fortunate to have a team that didn’t lose any players from last year.

“We have experience all through our team,” he said. “We can be competitive from the one spot to the six. We hope to be able to challenge the Hanover schools this season.”

Last year’s team gave more than a few teams a challenge, ending 2016 with a 9-6 record and losing to Patrick HenryRoanoke in the Conference 16 semi-finals.

Junior Erika Kurtzweil will once again be in the No. 1 spot

TRACK Continued from pg. 8

Bjacek, Josh Guerrero, Michael Longest, Qaiser Mahmood, Justin McCowan, Gregory Shreve, Daniel Thomas and Rees Williams.

“We’re just getting more and more experience,” Brown said.

“It’s kind of fun at practice seeing the lights come on for some of them and them starting to realize some of their potential that they have and continuing to move forward.”

The prevalence of younger athletes is keeping Brown and his coaching staff busy.

“I would say I’m coaching a lot harder right now,” Brown said. “Sometimes, when you

10

for the Patriots, which should give Bland some leadership at the top of the ladder.

Looking ahead to 2018, it bears mentioning that there is still not a senior on this Patriot girls squad.

Unlike the girls’ team, the Patrick Henry boys lost three starters to graduation, leaving the Patriots with a mix of four sophomores and two seniors.

But that’s a mix that head coach Jeremy Brown likes.

“We have several really good sophomores on the team with a strong senior presence to provide leadership,” Brown said.

One of those really good sophomores to watch is the team’s No. 2 player, Ben Oley, who played the same position last year as a freshman. Together with his brother Luke, a senior who is slotted in the No. 1 position, the Oleys give the Patriots a potent 1-2 punch at the top of the order. But with three newcomers among the top six, it remains to be seen what this year’s team is capable of.

Patrick Henry senior Emily Kurtzweil will be one of the leaders of the Patriots’ girls tennis team this season.

have all the talent in the world, it’s pretty easy for you. Basically, you really try not to mess the talent up.

“But when [the athlete is] learning and inexperienced, you have to work a lot harder to get them to where they can kind of work on their own in a lot of cases and understand what the job is and and what you’re asking of them.”

Brown may be working harder, but he is having fun with them, too.

Richardson was Patrick Henry’s only scorer at the state meet. This year she has stepped into the role of contender in the girls pole vault.

“This is the first year that I would say she’s been competitive,” Brown said. “As a senior,

The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

I think the realization of this kind of being the last time … to do some things puts a little bit more pressure on you. I think, as a senior, that you want to perform. It might be frustrating to see somebody younger than you come in and beat you.”

Brown expects a variety of points from Phillips.

“Logan Phillips does a little bit of everything for us,” Brown said. “She can hurdle. She can sprint. Indoor, I kind of laughed – we were at a meet and she ran a leg in the 4x8 for us one day.

She’s been a great leader for us and I can’t say enough good things about her.”

Brown sees a “youth movement” on the boys team, too, led by junior distance runner Noah Campbell, and two sprint-

Nick Liberante for The Local

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hailey Draper (left) and Caroline Joyce are two of the talented sophomores who will help lead Patrick Henry’s girls track team in their campaign for postseason awards this season.

ers – freshman Tony Ford and the end of the indoor season motivated them to see, like, ‘If sophomore Jeff Miller. running some really fast times,” I really work hard … I can see “It was nice to see them at Brown said. “I think it really the results.’ ”

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Skate Park reopens

Photo submitted by Sue Watson

Jim Foley and Ken Thompson rehearse for their role in the number called “Opera” in the Ashland Musical Variety Show, “Ashland Loves a Parade,” which will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland.

The ever y other year event is being sponsored by the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. To purchase tickets, call 804 798 2881.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Ashland

Last Wednesday, the Town of Ashland reopened the Skate Park. As shown here, residents were quick to take advantage of the sunshine (even though it was a bit cool that day).

The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

11

BUDGET Continued from pg. 1

Spring & Summer Fun Finder

“That’s a 9.2 [percent] increase, largely driven by the increase in capital projects,” Farrar said.

The town manager’s proposed GF budget increased 1.4% at $9,292,213, while the CPF budget proposal landed at $5,631,600, also marking another increase of 25.2%.

However, Farrar explained how they also transfer money annually from the GF to the CPF to cover any shortfall.

His proposed budget showed a $1,175,777 transfer from the GF to the CPF for FY18, which would be a 17.2% decrease in funds transferred to the CPF from last year’s budget; meaning the town received enough grant revenues this year so they don’t have to use as many taxpayer dollars to fund capital projects.

Some of the capital projects the town would be using the funds for include: the Ashland Theater, the Carter Park Pool, Ashland Town Hall, fiber optics, town parks and downtown sidewalks, as well as storm water and drainage.

“We have a big list of big projects. It’s not just doing things here or there … it’s building new things, replacing generational projects when you talk about the pool, and theater, and Town Hall – these are large undertakings,” he said.

Finding a balance for that is not easy, Farrar added. He said he’s been using the council’s prioritization that was given to him over time to figure out how to fund those projects the best way possible.

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SPECIAL SECTIONS FROM The Hanover Local March 29, 2017

Continued from pg. 7

by his brother, Edward Inge. Mr. Inge was an intelligent and hard working attorney and a strong advocate for justice, but he did not suffer from an unhealthy work-life balance. He enjoyed time with family and friends and his time on or around the water.

He also said that there had been an internal goal to decrease the transfer from the unreserved fund balance, and they had successfully decreased it by 22.2% with a budgeted transfer of $727,441.

To show a little bit of history, he explained how the town has its budgeted transfer each year, and its estimated transfer that is put together when preparing the next year’s budget.

“And then the actual [transfer] that gives us that trend that I think council is well aware of, but it’s important for the community to know that we do typically budget a fairly large transfer from the unreserved fund balance,” Farrar said.

He said “that nine times out of 10, we don’t really come anywhere close to actually having to transfer that because we budget conservatively in both our revenues and expenditures.”

Summarizing the presentation, the town manager informed members of council that his proposed budget: meets their goals and priorities, identified no tax increases, and reduced the budgeted transfer from the unreserved fund balance.

Lastly, he concluded that his budget proposal strives for a balance of operations, economic development and quality of life for the Town of Ashland.

Looking forward in terms of the remaining timeline for Ashland’s budget process, Farrar suggested to council members that a scheduled public hearing on May 2 regarding their effective tax increase doesn’t need to be advertised because they aren’t changing their rate and assess-

ments have not gone up to the extent where they’re required to hold one.

“That allows us some flexibility time-wise,” he said, referring to how they also had scheduled the budget public hearing for the same meeting, but a vote couldn’t be taken the same day to adopt it.

Council agreed to Farrar’s suggestion, and the public hearing for the Town Budget was moved up to April 18.

Department heads previously submitted their budget proposals to Farrar and council during three special work sessions since February.

Also following up on two separate conditional use permits (CUP) that the Ashland Planning Commission recently recommended for approval, council members listened to the applicants and opened the floor for public input during the beginning of the March 21 meeting.

Council unanimously voted to approve both applicants’ requests and issued conditional use permits for: CUP17-0203 (Maumentum): Robert Mau, the applicant, was issued a permit to operate an automobile repair and sales business focused on specialized mechanical work at 10437 Dow Gil Rd. CUP17-0214 (BP/Circle K): Town Council granted approval to issue the applicant, Jay Desai, a permit to operate a BP gas station and an accessory convenience store located at 10281 E. Patrick Henry Rd. (U.S. 54), a fueling site that has been vacant for nearly three decades.

He also was a lover of animals, particularly dogs. During his illness, he was often seen with his “partner in crime,” Sunshine, who predeceased him. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, at the Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Richmond

Bar Foundation (http://www. grbf.org/), as access to justice was always important to Mr. Inge, or to the American Cancer Society.

The family wishes to thank the many friends who visited and helped Mr. Inge during his illness and, in particular, Tom Davidson, and Stephen Minister.

Gallop Funeral Services Inc. was in charge of arrangements.