Ashland-Hanover Local – 02/27/19

GOVERNOR’S RECOGNITION Piland, Clark receive top fire service awards.

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PILAND

CLARK

THE UNIVERSE Saying goodbye to ‘Oppy’; explaining Lagrange points.

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Vol. 4 No. 24 | Richmond Suburban News | February 27, 2019

HCPS budget goes before HCBOS cost,” Hundley said. “The Hanover County Public Schools system appreciates the support of its patrons, our citizens and businesses as partners.”

ANOVER – The Hanover County Gill outlined a $194.7 million operating budBoard of Supervisors continued con- get that funds new positions in counseling and sideration of the proposed 2020 bud- mental health and addresses increasing behavget last week, hearing several presen- ioral challenges. tations from county departments.

He said this year’s budget focuses on Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, the pillars of the county’s philosophy of education that includes an emphasis on presented Hanover County Public relevance, equity and innovation.

Schools’ adopted 2019-2020 operat“We have to prepare students for the ing, Capital Improvements Program world in which they are going to live and school nutrition budgets, while and work,” Gill said.

Janet Lawson, Human Resources The superintendent said state funds director, outlined her department’s aimed at supplying more counselors 2020 blueprint. benefited this year’s process as well as Hanover County School Board more than $860,000 in special educachair Bob Hundley told the supertion funding.

GILL visors that the ambitious budget is a Gill said this budget increases counselresult of solid community support from super- ors and behavioral specialists to focus on student visors and citizens, and the progress would not mental health. have been possible without their assistance.

“We have increasing needs, especially in the “The school board, in partnership with area of special education,” Gill said. the board of supervisors, provides outstandThe state also funded a 5 percent increase ing educational opportunities at an appreciate

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

H

see HCPS, pg. 2

Town Council approves Broadband Master Plan Days at John M. Gandy remembered

Robens seeks Beaverdam District seat

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

ASHLAND -- A plan outlining a long-range plan to provide a fiber network for the Town Ashland and its businesses was unanimously approved last week

by Ashland Town Council.

Early last year, officials started devising a plan that would enhance internet service with a goal of constructing a town-owned fiber network that would increase options for internet users in the area.

Town Manager Josh Farrar said it’s a first step in a long-term plan with

Crystal Robens is announcing her candidacy for the Hanover County Board of Supervisors for the Beaverdam District.

For the past 50 years, the residents of the district have had only two men represent them, most of those years running unopposed.

“I want to bring new leadership to the county, drawing on my strong backROBENS ground solving federal government problems in my career,” Robens said.

She is a native Hanoverian, having lived here for most of her life.

“We have raised six boys who attended Hanover County Public Schools and I want to keep our schools strong for my grandchildren and our future generations.,” Robens added.

“I will work hard to keep Hanover rural, while making the necessary improvements (like high speed internet) that we need to maintain and attract new residents in accordance with our comprehensive plan,” she continued.”

She closed, saying, “I look forward to serving my community and I am always an email away at crystal@crystalrobens.com if you have concerns. I will answer you.”

FARRAR

many details still unaddressed. But, it does provide officials with a plan that allows them to proceed with initial steps to begin the project.

“This is a planning document, not an implementasee COUNCIL, pg. 4

Chamber of Commerce holds Business After Hours at the Ashland Theatre

Joel Klein for Ashland-Hanover Local

Kenny Janes, Hanover Chamber of Commerce president, shares a laugh with Shauna & Todd Olson, owners of Papa Murphy's Pizza, at the Business After Hours event Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Ashland Theatre. Center: Douglas Love, president & CEO of the Ashland Theatre Foundation, describes the history and renovation of the 70-year-old venue. Members of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce socialize in the lobby of the Ashland Theatre.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

HCPS Continued from pg. 1

in salary over two years for Standards of Quality certified positions.

The budget also addresses a salary compression problem evident throughout county government and takes the first steps to rectifying that problem establishing a $200 minimum between levels.

Gill said the budget will assist employees in rising health care costs and continues a five-year technology plan to upgrade and improve internet services.

The 2020 proposal adds eight positions at CodeRVA, bringing the total number of county students attending the technology-based campus at 24.

“It is a high school in the area that is unlike any other and one that has met or exceeded all regional expectations,” Gill said.

The school division’s CIP includes $40 million for the John Gandy/Henry Clay consolidation project slated to

begin in 2023, and provides salary compression or grade money for land acquisition for adjustments that will result in significant increases. a new eastern campus in 2024.

The 2020 proposal includes Lawson outlined a budget that supports Hanover County’s funding for 24.8 full-time “greatest asset — our work- equivalents (FTEs), the majority (17.4) supporting public force.”

“We are fortunate to have safety.

“The remaining 7.4 FTEs a loyal workforce who consistently demonstrate excel- listed will provide support to lent customer service to the other departments to meet increased operacitizens of Hanover tional demands and and those who conensure high quality duct business here,” customer service,” Lawson said. “Our Lawson said. reputation for excelThe 2020 budlence draws applicants get contains no from around the state significant benand each year we efit changes, but recognize long-term Lawson pointed to employees for their growing concerns dedication to the tune LAWSON regarding increasof 35 and sometimes even 40 years of service or ing health care benefit costs with this year recording a more more.”

Lawson said her bud- than 16 percent increase. get funds a 3 percent salary Lawson said her departincrease for eligible employees, ment would advance eduas well as a 2 percent perfor- cational efforts focused on mance incentive for the coun- making employees aware of ty’s top performers. In addition, cost-saving measures and how many employees will receive where one seeks care can often impact the costs of that service.

She said the county plans for an 8 percent increase annually and reserve funds are used to make up those differences.

“Our health care claims began to dramatically increase in 2017,” the director said. “The benefits team is working closely with our insurance partners to develop solutions which we believe will mitigate ongoing increases.”

Budget director Shelly Wright updated supervisors on the FY2020 revenues, the Five-Year Financial Plan and the CIP. County Administrator Rhu Harris’ all funds budget is $492 million, a 6 percent increase over the current year.

The largest chunk of funding for the budget is derived from real estate taxes ($169.3 million) with state and federal aid providing $157.2 million in revenues.

Charges for services and

state and local sales taxes provide the majority of the remaining funds.

“We are continuing to see steady growth in sales tax year after year,” Wright said.

Other revenues include unused funds returned from departments annually ($9 million in 2020) and those funds provided money for vital programs like the schools’ continuing technology program.

Wright said the county began creating a five-year financial plan in 1989. “The plan plays a key role in ensuring our funding decisions are sustainable long-term.”

During the upcoming five years, ongoing revenues are expected to remain steady with a growth rate of about 3 percent.

There are no property tax increases anticipated for that period.

The proposed CIP contains projects from four major areas: airport, county, public utilities, and schools. The combined funds total $262 million.

A new terminal building, acquisition of property and a resurfaced runway highlight priorities at the airport contained in the CIP. The plan relies on debt service for $12 million of county projects and 459 million for school projects, including the $40 million John Gandy replacement.

The CIP also funds fire trucks and ambulances and other infrastructure, including a new burn building.

The supervisors unanimously voted to advertise the 2020 proposed tax rate (81 cents per $100 of assessed value) and slightly increased water and sewer fees.

In other matters, current school board attorney Yvonne Gibney was named interim county attorney effective March 1 as the search continues for a replacement for Sterling Rives who retires this month after 31 years with the county.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Jan. 3

Jan. 4

Simple assault was reported in the 13400 block of Liberty School Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7000 block of Lynk Lane, Mechanicsville.

Sale and distribution of marijuana, ½-ounce to 5 pounds, was reported in the 8900 block of Interstate 95 South, Ashland.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 13100 block of Mountain Road/Henrico County, Glen Allen.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $500, in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7500 block of Mechanicsville Bypass/Cold Harbor Road to Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8100 block of Elm Drive/ Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 7200 block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 5400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Unlawful purchase or possession of alcoholic beverage was reported in the 12000 block of Cedar Lane, Ashland.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 8000 block of Cold Harbor Road/Fast Lane, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Henrico County, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny building was reported in the 12100 block of Cedar Lane, Ashland.

Larceny of certain animals was reported in the 7100 block of Senn Way, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 10100 block of Suzanne Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 20600 block of Beaverdam Dam Road, Beaverdam.

Breaking and entering at night with intent to commit felony was reported in the 8400 block of Earle Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Stolen property offense, other jurisdiction arrest, was reported in the 16200 block of Terry Road, Montpelier.

Breaking and entering house to commit larceny, assault armed, was reported in the 11400 block of Rockville Road, Rockville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7000 block of Shady Grove Road/ Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 10300 block of Tarleton Drive, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 12000 block of Meriturn Place, Ashland.

Violation of protective order was reported in the 10100 block of Cool Hive Place, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 3400 block of Interstate 295 North, Mechanicsville.

Coerce, intimidate or harass person was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Obtaining money by false pretenses, $200/ was reported in the 8100 block of Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $500, in the 8000 block of Elm Drive, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8000 block of Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card theft was reported in the 7000 block of Covenant Woods Drive, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8200 block of Fourscore Drive,

Mechanicsville.

Embezzlement, $200, was reported in the 9500 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

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Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 9000 block of Woodlawn Drive, Mechanicsville.

Disorderly conduct was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

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Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8100 block of Cadys Mill Road/Caitlin Farm Lane, Hanover.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019 3

COUNCIL Continued from pg. 1

tion document so it gives us ways to think about how we might go about doing these things, but it does not say ‘Step one, two, three, four, five and you’re done,’ ” Farrar said as he presented the Municipal Broadband Master Plan.

Broadly outlined, Farrar said, “We’re going to try to operate a wholesale dark fiber network that allows internet providers to sell their services using the town’s dark fiber.”

It’s important to note that the town’s role in the project is not to become an Internet Service Provider (ISP) but

facilitate more options for local customers.

Phase One of the project focuses on the economic development benefits of the plan, providing service to industrial and manufacturing zones.

“We want to get Phase One done because that’s an economic development project,” Farrar

HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The County of Hanover, Virginia proposes to increase real property tax levies.

1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 4.30 percent.

2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.77 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

3. Effective Rate Increase: The County of Hanover proposes to adopt a tax rate of $0.81 per $100 of assessed value. This is the same as the 2018 tax rate. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.04 per $100, or 5.2 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.

4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the County of Hanover will increase 6.3% from that of last year. The General Fund budget is increasing by 5.8% from the fiscal year 2019 budget.

A Public Hearing on the increase and the proposed tax rate listed above will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at 7:15 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia.

900580-01

Persons wishing to comment on the proposals described in this notice may appear at the stated time and place to present oral testimony within such reasonable time limits as shall be determined by the Board of Supervisors.

Related information is available for public inspection any regular working day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the Office of the County Administrator, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, phone number (804) 365-6005.

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Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

said. “We’re going to drag that first piece of fiber right by the Holland tract for its economic development potential.”

From that starting point, the network will be built-out to businesses and followed by infrastructure for residential neighborhoods.

“This plan allows us information and guidance on how we might go about implementing that very limited guidance provided,” Farrar said. “The clear thing we can say to people is that we are focusing on businesses. This is an economic development initiative. This is a great service we can provide to our business community.”

Nest steps include exploring the best options regarding governance of the program or rules of operation. Currently, a Broadband Committee oversees the project, but that could be expanded or reorganized during the plan’s multi-year build-out.

“There are many ways to do this and we are not ready to make a recommendation on that,” Farrar said.

Other regulations will accompany the project such as requirements to bury fiber when locating water and electrical lines.

The complete plan is still a work in progress, and Farrar said that would allow the town to consider opportunities or partnerships with clients willing to fund fiber extensions.

“It would be foolish not to take advantage of those private dollars to try to extend our municipal network. We have to remain flexible so we can take advantage of this opportunity,” he added.

The broadband project ranked number one on council’s list of Capital Improvement Plan priorities for the upcoming year.

“It’s a long-term project,” Farrar said. “We are talking 10 to 20 years.”

Council member Daniel McGraw sits on the commit-

tee and said the response has been positive. “There are many at-home businesses in Ashland and many people rely on this,” he said.

Council members voted 5-0 to approve the Municipal Broadband Master Plan.

In other matters, council authorized Farrar to renegotiate a continuing contract with GRTC that provides service from downtown Richmond to Ashland and Kings Dominion.

Farrar said a lack of awareness of the new program that began last June might have contributed to lower numbers than expected, but said the plan has potential to grow in popularity.

The current fee is $5 with Kings Dominion employees receiving a $2 discount. The town subsidizes the service with a $10,000 annual payment, half in this fiscal year and half in the next.

Farrar said better public awareness and the continuing nature of the service would hopefully improve ridership for this coming year.

Average daily use last year was 17 on and 22 off, with the most riders utilizing the service on Sundays with an average of 36 on and 31 off.

Council also received an appropriate and poignant recollection of life at John M. Gandy School provided by former student George Gray.

The school named for African American educator and VSU (Virginia State University) president John M. Gandy opened in 1951 and is the only campus in Hanover County that bears the name of an African American.

Gray said the new campus offered amenities not available at the old training school.

“This new school gave our black students and teachers central heat, indoor plumbing, a gymnasium and a library,” he said.

Eunice Bundy served as the first principal of the school.

Despite obstacles like supplies and uniforms that were always of the used variety, Gray said a unique spirit thrived.

“I began to notice things and heard what other teachers and students said,” Gray said.

“It seemed like everything was either old or used before it got to our school.”

He recalled bouncing across the railroad tracks in rickety old buses whose shock absorbers and worn seats had seen better days. “When we crossed the tracks, we would bounce up and the top windows would fall down.”

The challenges, Gray said, did not deter students from maintaining a positive outlook. “Nevertheless, our spirits always stayed high at Gandy School.

Gray said his experience at Gandy, beginning as a 7-yearold in 1954, shaped his life and established relationships that have lasted a lifetime. He pointed to a sense of camaraderie and community that bonded a group of students.

“It was a journey we will never forget,” Gray said, referring to his days at Gandy. He noted that class reunions and monthly meeting draw large numbers of former students to this day.

“Mr. Fleming, Mr. Hall, Mr. Bracey, Mr. Bates, Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Wood, to name a few, did the best they could to prepare us for our education after school and for the unknowns of the outside world,” Gray said.

He urged officials to maintain the name once a new campus is constructed and conceded the old campus has seen its better days and presents safety concerns for its students.

“Wouldn’t it be great to see the name of John M. Gandy continue on the new school, the only school in Hanover County with the name of an African American on it?” Gray concluded.

Piland, Clark receive top fire service awards Staff Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – Hanover County’s FireEMS chief has been recognized by Gov. Ralph Northam with a 2018 Governor’s Fire Service Award.

Jethro Piland was named the recipient of the Excellence in Virginia Fire Services for surpassing his role as a fire services executive after four Hanover Fire-EMS firefighters were struck while responding to a crash on Interstate 295 during Hurricane Michael on Oct. 11, 2018.

Among the four was Lt. Brad Clark, who succumbed to his injuries and died on the scene; two of the firefighters were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The fourth firefighter suffered minor injuries.

Throughout the night of Thursday, Oct. 11, and the days that followed, Chief Piland and his dedicated staff worked to meet the family’s needs while also quickly pushing out information to the public.

Piland’s leadership and interaction with constituents exemplifies how a fire chief should be in today’s climate.

Lt. Clark posthumously received the Virginia Career Firefighter of the Year honor.

Without question, Northam said the selfless actions of Clark on Oct. 11, 2018 were heroic.

Like he had so many times before, Clark placed the needs of others above his own as he rendered aid to a vehicle crash on the side of I-295 during Hurricane Michael.

Clark was a committed officer and took pride in the success of those serving with him. Many will forever be grateful for his leadership and valor to PILAND the very end.

However, Clark was a hero long before that rainy night in October and was a remarkable firefighter who is deeply missed.

National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) provided generous in-kind donations of labor, equipment, and materials to construct the Confined Space Prop at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center in Hanover.

For those efforts, NUCA received the Private Sector Excellence in Fire Service Support award.

NUCA facilitated the donation of concrete

vaults, pipe, and equipment rental such as excavators. Because of that relationship, Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) has interacted and established new relationships with other private entities.

This has enabled VDFP to provide additional funded programs at no cost to the agency and the Commonwealth.

This important public-private partnership project helps train first responders across the Commonwealth within CLARK the subject of Confined Space Technical Rescue.

In addition, the collaboration enables a capacity to also train private underground utility contractors to ensure safe operating procedures

and awareness of confined spaces.

An awards ceremony was held on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Established in 2002, the Governor’s Fire Service Awards recognize and honor excellence in Virginia’s Fire Services.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs, in partnership with the Virginia Fire Services Board, facilitated these awards. “Every day Virginia’s Fire Service professionals display an unwavering commitment to protect the citizens of our Commonwealth in times of danger,� said Governor Northam. “These brave men and women, like Lieutenant Brad Clark who tragically lost his life last year responding to a vehicle crash, show tremendous strength and dedication, going above and beyond the call of duty, and we are proud to see AWARDS, pg. 12

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CALENDAR | News, & Listings Saturday, March 2 An All-You-Care-to-Eat Spaghetti Dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Doswell Ruritan Club

at 16433 N. Washington Hwy. in Doswell. The menu includes: homemade meat and veggie sauces, garlic bread, tossed salad, dessert, and bev-

erages. Takeouts will be available.

The cost is $9 for adults and $4 for ages 4 to 10. Proceeds support the club’s scholarship fund.

Tuesday, March 5

Saturdays

AARP Hanover Chapter 5335 will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Nycholas Greig.

For more information, visit www. trinityrichmond.net or call 804-2709626.

OPINION | The Local Views From the managing editor

Tuesdays

Teachers deserve to be paid more for what they do

A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about 11 a.m. at the Beaverdam Post at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam. Members discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. Eugene Truitt is the Post commander. He can be contacted at 804746-4734.

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

T

here was a time when I was of the opinion that law enforcement, fire/ EMS, hospital personnel, and teachers should not walk off the job regardless of the circumstances.

Well, that has changed -- at least when it comes to teachers. The frustration of wages has prompted teachers from across the nation to literally walk out of the classroom and into the halls of government to make their point.

If any employee every merited more pay it is a teacher. When I started college in the fall of 1974, I, like many friends, took courses that would put me on the path to becoming an educator. It only took my freshman year to realize that wasn’t the career for me.

The patience, understanding and compassion, as well as the desire to mold young minds, take special people. Those would be key ingredients to being a teacher.

Teaching is, without question, one of the most important and rewarding professions. The

influence of a teacher can last a lifetime.

Even though I did not pursue a major in languages, as she recommended, Renata Comoretto, who taught high school Spanish, had an incredible influence on me.

She was the epitome of a teacher, giving so much to her beloved students. She was gracious and kind, and made her class so interesting that learning came easy.

Spanish hasn’t had a particular role in my work, but the support of Miss Comoretto followed me through the years. I was fortunate enough to express my thanks to her several years ago before she moved from our hometown to join family in Florida.

Who is your favorite teacher? And why?

What impact did he or she have on you and your life? I welcome your feedback, especially from those of you who are products of Hanover County Public Schools.

Should teachers’ demands for higher pay be met? I think so.

Sadly, some school systems may not have the funding for some of the supplies teachers

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

need for their students. Here’s the going above and beyond part: Those teachers use their own money to purchase whatever items they want their students to have for their studies.

HCPS students have the dedication and commitment of teachers who do rise to the occasion and do their best for those they teach and often inspire.

This issue about pay is in general, not specific to our county teachers. But I’ll always say teachers deserve more pay. What they do is admirable and we know it isn’t always easy.

When disciplinary actions -- as in corporal punishment -- were taken out of school systems, the authority necessary to keep order was removed in some cases. Yes, I’ll put it out there: I support punishment, including the use of a paddle. Children need discipline.

But I digress (or, as I usually say, derail).

Kudos to all those who can say “I am a teacher.” You make a difference every day you walk into a classroom. Our future depends on you.

Thank you for what you give to the students you guide.

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 Ashland-Hanover Local.

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2019 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.

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54.

Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission.

For more information, visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804789-0536.

Thursdays The Rotary Club of Ashland meets at noon for lunch at the Henry Clay Inn at 114 N. Railroad Ave. in Ashland. For more information, contact Jennifer Fox at 804-314-2834 or jfox@barnesfamilylaw.com.

Second Tuesdays Hanover Family Support Group, a support group for family members of a loved one with a mental illness, meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday evening of each month at the Ashland office of Hanover Community Services located at 12300 Washington Highway in Ashland. Attendees support one another, share experiences, challenges and resources and to advocate for see CALENDAR, pg. 10

UPCOMING EVENTS

03

01 2019

NCAA basketball: Morrisville State at Randolph-Macon TBD

03

03 2019

College baseball: Rowan at Randolph-Macon 3:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

R-MC falls to Quakers in ODAC final

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor SALEM – RandolphMacon’s men’s basketball team survived a number of injuries to get through a tough Washington & Lee opponent in the ODAC semifinals Saturday at the Salem Civic Center.

But the injury bug final caught up with them in the conference championship game against Guilford Sunday, where the Yellow Jackets fell 70-59.

While Randolph-Macon’s senior class was frustrated in its bid to win a league title after three prior years of early exits from the ODAC tournament, their season is not over.

The Yellow Jackets, who began last week ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division III South Region and No. 5 nationally

by D3hoops.com, will host an NCAA Division III tournament regional Friday and Saturday.

The Yellow Jackets will face Morrisville State in the first round Friday at a time to be determined. York of Pennsylvania will play DeSales in the other first-round game Friday.

“Our team goal at the beginning of the year was to win [the ODAC] tournament. We never got past that first round, and it felt good to get past the first round, but we weren’t able to get that job done,” said RandolphMacon senior Luke Neeley, who

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Randolph-Macon guard Terry Woods (12) puts up an off-balance shot for 2 points despite the defense of Guilford forward Kyler Gregory in the Quakers’ 70-59 victory over the Yellow Jackets in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament final Sunday.

finished with 10 points against Guilford and who was named to the ODAC All-Tournament team with teammate Buzz Anthony.

“So I guess we’ve got to move on to new and better goals, bigger goals. The season’s not over

yet. We’ve still got some fight left in us. If we get some players back I think we’ll be all right.

We’ll be able to make a solid run in the [NCAA] tournament.”

The key to the immediate future, though, is getting some players back. Senior forward

Grayson Midulla (11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and 31 steals on the season) rolled his ankle earlier in the week and missed the entire tournament.

Senior forward John Nowell (5.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with a team-high 42

blocks on the season), left the championship game with a knee injury on the first play.

Junior guard Corey Bays (11 points and 4.2 rebounds per game with 31 steals on the season) nursed an injured ankle throughout the tourna-

ment. And sophomore forward Daniel Funderburg, who is one of the team’s tallest players at 6 feet, 7 inches, injured a shoulder in the first half and played the rest of the game with it taped up.

The injuries, particularly among the team’s forward ranks, took its toll against a Guilford team noted for its tough inside play.

“You’ve got to credit Guilford. They were tougher on the glass,” said RandolphMacon head men’s basketball coach Josh Merkel. “They played like the winning team that they are.”

Randolph-Macon was led

by Anthony with 13 points, followed by Bays with 12 and Neeley with 10.

In terms of field goals, the Yellow Jackets were about evenly matched with the Quakers, converting 22-of-62 to Guilford’s 24-of-60. The difference in the game came down to free throw shooting, with the Quakers converting 16-of-18 attempts while Randolph-Macon made just 4-of-8.

“They made every free throw that counted down the stretch and during the game,” Merkel said. “They were locked in.”

Guilford was led by Jaylen Gore with 22 points, followed

by Kyler Gregor with a dousee ODAC, pg. 9

Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

7

Hawk track brings home pair of champions those Patriots who did make it to states made their presence felt.

Jeffrey Miller led the Patriots with a second-place finish in the 300 and a sixth place finish in the 55-hurdles.

Miller was especially happy with his 300 finish, a more than half-second improvement over his qualifying time, 35.85 seconds versus 36.50 seconds previously.

“That was my last indoor race as a Patriot, so I just figured, ‘You know what? Why not leave it all out there.’ ” Miller said.

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor SALEM – Hanover left Roanoke College with two state champions and Patrick Henry had plenty to celebrate itself after the Virginia High School League Class 4 state indoor track and field championships Friday and Saturday.

The Hawk girls, led by Rachel Crytser’s state championship run in the 1,600 meters and Makenzie Joiner’s first in the 500, finished third overall behind Blacksburg and MidIlothian. The Hawk boys finished in a tie for 13th with Sherando and Jamestown.

“It’s incredibly exciting. I’m so happy for those girls,” said Hanover head track and field coach Rich Firth. “They’ve worked their tails off – and I’ve been privileged enough to have coached them since they were freshmen. So to watch them mature and become state champions makes me emotional.”

Joiner finished third in the 300 and Crytser finished fifth in the 1,000. Joiner was also part of Hanover’s second-place 1,600 relay team with Jordan Harvey, Sidney Chesley and Olivia Dumville.

Their teammate, Kayvon Bagby, finished third in the 55 hurdles.

On the boys side, Joey Badalamenti brought home a second-place award in the pole vault. Joel Bowers finished fifth in the 500 and was part of Hanover’s fifth-place 1,600 relay team with Khalil Reid, Eddie Robinson and Cole Myers.

A number of Hawks broke personal or even school records, such as Myers in his 10th-place run in the boys 1,000. His time of 2:37.85 was a school record.

The Patriots brought a comparatively small squad to the state championships, but

8

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Above, Hanover’s Makenzie Joiner (417) runs to a thirdplace finish in the girls 300-meter run in the Virginia High School League Class 4 state indoor track and field championships at Roanoke College Saturday. Joiner won the state championship in the 500 earlier in the day. Right, Patrick Henry’s Jeffrey Miller (862) digs in around the final turn to come to a secondplace finish in the boys 300-meter run.

VHSL Class 4 Championships (At Roanoke College) Girls team scores: 1. Blacksburg 71.5; 2. Midlothian 54; 3. Hanover 45; 4. (tie) Churchland, Loudoun Valley 39; 6. Pulaski County 32; 7. E.C. Glass 29; 8. (tie) Fauquier, HeritageNewport News 25; 10. (tie) Grafton, John Handley 24; 12. Louisa County 22.25; 13. Great Bridge 22; 14.

Amherst County 18; 15. Chancellor 12; 16. Liberty Christian 11.75; 17.

Jefferson Forest 10; 18. Jamestown 9.5; 19. (tie) Patrick Henry, Warhill 8; 21. Woodgrove 7; 22. (tie) James Wood, Millbrook 6; 24. (tie) Powhatan, Deep Creek 5; 26. (tie) Kings Fork, Dinwiddie, Woodrow Wilson, George Washington 4; 30. (tie) Heritage-Leesburg, Salem 3; 32. Caroline 2; 33 (tie) Monacan, Loudoun County 1.

Boys team scores: 1. Loudon Valley 97; 2. Blacksburg 36; 3.

Churchland 32.5; 4. Fauquier 32; 5. (tie) Grafton, Amherst 31; 7. Louisa County 24.5; 8. Deep Creek 23.5; 9.

Lafayette 21; 10. Liberty Christian 20; 11. Patrick Henry 19; 12. Chancellor 17; 13. (tie) Hanover, Sherando, Jamestown 16; 16. E.C. Glass 15; 17.

Heritage 14; 18. Courtland 13; 19.

Kings Fork 11; 20. (tie) Dinwiddie, Midlothian 10; 22. Huguenot 9; 23. (tie) Salem, John Handley, Smithfield, Dominion 8; 27.

Charlottesville 6; 28. (tie) Jefferson Forest, Powhatan 5; 30. Liberty 4; 31.

James Wood 3.5; 32. (tie) Caroline, Nuckols. The team of Joyce, 3,200 relay. absence of state qualifier Tony Warhill, Eastern View 3; 35. (tie) Richardson Draper and Emily Patrick Henry’s boys may Ford, who was injured in off- Monacan, Great Bridge 2; 37. (tie) Kettle Run, Loudon County 1.

the ones that made it to Salem made their presence count. All of Patrick Henry’s girl competitors finished in the top 10.

Hailey Draper was sixth in the 500 and was part of the Patriots’ sixth-place 1,600 relay team with Caroline Joyce, Alycia Richardson and Logan Joyce finished seventh in the have been hurt a bit by the season football practice, but

Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

Yellow Jacket offense fizzles in tourney loss

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor SALEM – Defensively, Randolph-Macon looked pretty good in its Old Dominion Athletic Conference semifinal against Shenandoah at Salem Civic Center Saturday. The Yellow Jackets had 16 steals.

They forced 17 Hornet turnovers.

Unfortunately, their offense was not as solid. Despite plenty of decent looks – both near and far from the basket – RandolphMacon struggled to get shots to fall as it bowed out of the tournament in a 58-41 loss.

The Yellow Jackets had a slow start, managing just 5

points in the first quarter. For a team whose confidence seemed to depend on how well it shot early in games, the early struggle was nothing if not devastating.

“There was a lid on that basket, for sure, it seemed like that first half,” said Randolph-Macon head women’s basketball coach Carol LaHaye. “That’s where a lot of our confidence starts, I think, for a lot of players. Once they hit that first shot, they’re kind of, like, in their groove.

“We took shot after shot. We had more shots than they did, and we just couldn’t buy a basket. I think we just mentally let that get to us.”

It did not matter what kind of shot – layup, short jumper,

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Randolph-Macon’s Jayla Wade (left) finds the path to the goal denied by Shenandoah’s Shannon Kuhn in the Yellow Jackets’ 58-41 loss to the Hornets in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference semifinal at Salem Civic Center Saturday.

Nick Liberante for The Local

Patrick Henry’s Jessica Osuanah puts up a shot and scores in the Patriots’ 42-39 loss to visiting Huguenot in a Region 4B quarterfinal Thursday. Osuanah finished with 12 points.

Patriots upset by Huguenot ASHLAND – A chill wind swept through Patrick Henry’s gym Thursday night as the Patriots struggled to get their shots in the net and, as a result, fell to Huguenot 42-39 in a Region 4B quarterfinal upset.

Patrick Henry lost despite 16 points from JaBryah

Haverkamp and 12 from Jessica Osuanah. The Patriots never found an effective counter to Huguenot’s successful effort to slow the pace.

Janelle Sample led the Falcons with a game-high 17 points. Chenise Lewis added 16 points – 9 of those from 3-point range.

3-point goal, free throw – the Yellow Jackets missed plenty of everything, converting just 23 percent of their field goal attempts (13.3 percent from

3-point range) and 45.8 percent of their free-throw attempts. No one scored in double figures – three Yellow Jackets scored 9 points each: Charlotte Woods,

ODAC

GUILFORD (21-7) — Logan 0, Gore 22, Long 11, Curry 10, Gregory 12, Leckonby 0, Harkins 0, Ward 9, Ruszala 2, Wells 0. Totals 24 16-18 70.

RANDOLPH-Macon (25-3) — Bays 12, Anthony 13, Williams 5, Neeley 10, Nowell 0, Turner 2, Morris 0, Woods 9, Kilgroe 0, Funderburg 2, Robertson 6. Totals 22 4-8 59.

3-point goals — GC: Curry 2, Gore, Long, Gregory, Ward. R-MC: Bays 4, Anthony 2, Neeley 2, Williams, Woods, Robertson.

Halftime: Guilford 28-26.

Continued from pg. 7

ible-double – 12 points and 11 rebounds. Carson Long had 11 points and Marcus Curry 10.

Liam Ward pitched in with 11 rebounds of his own.

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

Becca Arrington and Kelsey Wisner.

Michael Ross grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, but the Hornets still dominated on the boards with 49 rebounds to just 34 for Randolph-Macon – and 37 of those Shenandoah rebounds were on the defensive end of the court.

Shenandoah was led by Shannon Kuhn with 19 points and Ragan Johnson with 10.

The eighth-seeded Hornets win over Randolph-Macon was no fluke. They upset top-ranked Guilford 52-49 in the quarterfinals Thursday, and – after their win over Randolph-Macon in the semifinals, upset third seed

Washington and Lee 63-53 for their first ODAC women’s basketball title.

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

SHENANDOAH (15-13) — Turner 0, Sondrol 6, Donley 3, Mathis 5, Kuhn 19, St. Cyr 4, Jones 4, Weinel 7, Johnson 10. Totals 23 6-10 58.

RANDOLPH-MACON (18-9) — Woods 9, Debell 2, Arrington 9, Wisner 9, Wade 4, Humphreys 0, De Guzman 0, Fox 0, Maiolo 0, Knobloch 1, Ross 4, Hatfield 3.

Totals 14 11-24 41.

Shenandoah 11 13 12 22 — 58 R-MC 5 9 10 17 — 41 3-point goals — SU: Sondrol 2, Johnson 2, Donley, St. Cyr; R-MC: Arrington, Wisner.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

9

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ educates on drug, alcohol use ROCKVILLE -- Teens Care Too, Hanover Cares, Hanover County Public Schools, and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office will present “Hidden in Plain Sight” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Berea Baptist Church at15475 Ashland Rd. in Rockville. It is a free community event to help educate parents on possible signs of drug and alcohol use by teens.

Parents will: Try to locate hiding spots youth use for drugs and alcohol.

A teenager’s bedroom is replicated to allow parents to “snoop” around to find indicators of drug use and hiding spots.

Learn to identify drug paraphernalia and indicators

of substance use.

Attend a “Reveal” session to see just how many indicators of drug use are present in the bedroom.

Participate in dialogues with local teens, law enforcement, and school counselors to learn how to effectively talk with your child about resisting substance use.

Learn about treatment options and where to get help.

To register, go to https:// tinyurl.com/HIPS0228 or call 804-564-6119. Registration is required.

Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County Public Schools public information officer.

Ashcake Woman’s Club gives to charities

Photo submitted by Cara Wallo

Members of the Ashcake Woman’s Club presented donations of $4,600 each to Wings of Hope Ranch, CIRCLES Ashland, and The Arc of Hanover. The funds were raised through generous supporters of the 15th Annual Ashland Harvest Run.

Makeup days reminder issued ASHLAND -- The recent school closing on Wednesday, Feb. 20, marked the seventh inclement weather day since the beginning of the school year.

As outlined in the 2018-2019 Hanover County Public Schools school calendar, the following changes will take effect: Feb. 27: Full Day (originally an early closing for staff professional development).

March 14: Full Day (originally an early closing for a staff professional development).

March 29: Full Day (originally an early closing for a staff/faculty workday) – NEW. April 19: Full Day (originally an early closing for students and staff) – NEW. As a reminder, there are 10 inclement weather days built into the calendar to recapture lost instructional time and meet state requirements. Some of these days are designated as “banked” days,

10

where a makeup day is not required, while others are designated as makeup days.

The first four inclement weather days are “banked” days that do not require a makeup day. Days five, six and seven are designated as makeup days. The remaining inclement weather days (eight, nine and 10) are designated as banked days that do not require a makeup day. As a result, the first four days were “banked” days (no makeup required), and the three remaining days (Dec. 12, Jan. 14 and Feb. 20; days five, six and seven) are required makeup days.

Chris R. Whitley, public information officer for Hanover County Public Schools, said, “We hope this helps to provide you with clarity and will allow you to plan for these necessary changes. Should you have any questions regarding the school calendar, please contact the Office of Accreditation and Accountability 804-365-4500.”

Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 6

their loved ones. For more information, contact Kathy Redfearn, LCSW at 804-675-4230.

The Hanover County Historical Society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through December. The address is 13182 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. For more information, visit http://www.hanoverhistorical. org/index.html.

Second Wednesday

Second Thursday

The Greater Richmond Alzheimer’s Association and the Hanover Adult Center will host a caregiver support group from 9:30 to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Hanover Adult Center at 7231 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville. The meetings will provide an opportunity for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s to exchange coping skills and give mutual support.

Co-facilitators are Vivian Bagby and Barbara Allen. For more information, call the Greater Richmond Alzheimer’s Association chapter at 804-967-2580.

If gardening is your passion or hobby, consider attending the Hanover Towne Gardening Club. The Hanover Towne Garden Club meets the second Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Hanover Evangelical Friends Church at 6420 Mechanicsville Tpk. (back entrance) in Mechanicsville.

Educational programs on a variety of gardening topics are presented monthly. Guests are welcome to attend. For more information, contact hanovertownegc2@gmail. com.

Second Tuesdays The Clay Spring Garden Club in Ashland meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (except for the month of July at the First Baptist Church in Ashland off of U.S. 54. Karen Fritter is the president. Doors are open to anyone who would like to attend.

First Thursday Hillcrest Baptist Church will host First Thursday Hymn Sing at 10 a.m., including singing old hymns and a snack lunch, on the corner of U.S. 301 and Hillcrest Road. For more information, call 804-730-1500.

Third Tuesday The Mechanicsville Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. at Calabash and the first Wednesday of the month as a volunteer opportunity to help with a bingo game for the veterans at McGuire Medical Center. For more information, contact Pam Bartle at 804-730-0427 or Sheryl Raulin at 330-233-1821.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019 11

THE UNIVERSE FROM THE CENTER

Saying goodbye to ‘Oppy’; explaining Lagrange points

By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at RandolphMacon College has resumed public viewing on Mondays during Spring semester. We open 6:30 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. Once we switch back to Daylight Saving Time in mid-March, hours will be 7 to 9:30 p.m. Watch our website or check the information line (804-752-3210) for updates on when we’ll make the switch.

L

ast month we listed some notable space missions from late 2018 and early 2019.

We promised to explain “Lagrange libration points” in this month’s essay.

But first . . .

RIP “Oppy!” The Mars rover Opportunity reached its official end of mission on 2019 February 12. (Astronomers have this idiosyncratic way of writing dates.) The last communication received was 2018 June 10, when its solar panels were rendered useless by a planet-wide dust storm. Launched on 7 July in 2003, the probe landed successfully on 2004 January 25. The mission was designed for 90 sols (Martian days, which are 24 hours 37 minutes long) and actually ran almost 15 years. Its final resting place, fittingly, was in a place dubbed Perseverance Valley.

So, just what are these Lagrange points anyway? Picture the Moon orbiting the Earth; you

AWARDS Continued from pg. 5

recognize their honorable service.”

“Each year, we are amazed by the nominations that are presented. Selection is rigorous and the Virginia Fire Services Board does a spot on job in identifying award winners,” Michael Reilly, executive director of Virginia Department of Fire Programs, said. “In collaboration with Gov. Northam’s and Secretary [of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian J.] Moran’s teams, we continue to showcase the best in Virginia’s Fire Service.”

“This year’s 10 recipients represent the best of Virginia’s Fire Service and their stories are outstanding,” said Moran. “I am honored to recognize this group for the sacrifices they make to ensure the safety and protection of the Commonwealth.”

12

can imagine the orbit is a circle for this exercise. As mentioned last month, the Chinese far side Now transport yourself into a rotating reference lunar lander utilizes a communications relay in frame so that both appear stationary – it’s like a halo orbit at L2. NASA has several solar probes riding a merry-go-round. You’ll feel a combina- parked in halo orbits at L1 in the Sun-Earth tion of forces, the very real pull of gravity toward system. They can study the Sun 24/7 because the two “planets” and an “inertial force” just they’re never in Earth’s shadow. The next genbecause you’re in a rotating system. The inertial eration Webb Space Telescope under construction will utilize L5 in the same force will push you outward, system. gravity pulls you toward both Jupiter is accompanied by Earth and Moon. There are five clusters of asteroids at L4 and places in that system where the L5. They are called Trojan asterinertial and gravitational forces oids, and, by convention, when add up to zero. These are the named they are given names Lagrange points. from the Iliad. The “Greek One is between Earth and camp” occupies L4, the “Trojan Moon, actually closer to the camp” occupies L5. And, just as Moon. This is called L1. At the in Homer’s epic about the siege same distance from the Moon Metro Creative Graphics and fall of ancient Troy, there are but outside the Moon’s orbit is Greeks in the Trojan camp, and L2. L3 lies on the side of Earth away from the Moon. These are unstable in the vice versa!

Lunar phases for March: New Moon on the sense that a small perturbation away from any of these will carry you away from that point. But it 6th, at 11:04 a.m.; First Quarter on the 14th, at takes very little reaction fuel to keep you close in 6:27 a.m.; Full Moon on the 20th, at 9:43 p.m.; Last Quarter on the 28th, at 12:10 a.m. All times what’s called a halo orbit.

Sixty degrees ahead of the Moon in its orbit are Eastern Daylight Time except for the New is L4, with L5 60 degrees behind. These libration Moon when we are still on Standard Time. Also points are stable – no thruster fuel is needed to on the 20th we note the Vernal Equinox at 5:58 p.m., when the Sun is directly over Earth’s equastay there!

We described these for the Earth-Moon tor, and the tilt of our axis carries it north until system, but they exist wherever two objects the Summer Solstice in June.

Predawn planet watchers should have a good are orbiting each other! What good are they?

show this month. Saturn rises around 4 a.m., so look to find it to the southeast at sunrise, about 25 degrees above the horizon. Jupiter rises about two hours earlier, so it will be at about 30 degrees above the southern horizon. Venus rises about two hours later than Saturn, so look for it low to the southeast, but easily the brightest of the three. Mars sets at midnight, so you’ll find it to the south in evening twilight. You may even get a glimpse of Mercury to the southwest at sunset early in the month.

An overhead look at mid-March reveals a mostly empty sky at zenith. The likely unfamiliar constellations of Lynx and Leo Minor are in that direction, but there are no bright stars to grab your attention. Brighter and more familiar asterisms lie tens of degrees below zenith. Gemini are high (about 70 degrees) to the southwest, marked by the “twins” Castor and Pollux. Below Gemini we bid farewell to Orion and all the familiar bright stars in that constellation and those around it. To the south-southeast we find the sickle shape of Leo, with bright blue Regulus joined by the red planet Mars. Ursa Major (including the Big Dipper asterism) is high to the northeast, and Capella marks the constellation Auriga to the northwest.

If readers have questions about astronomy or science in general that you would like to see covered in one of these columns, please feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu.

HCPS inclement weather days updated ASHLAND -- The recent school closing on Wednesday, Feb. 20, marked the seventh inclement weather day since the beginning of the school year.

As outlined in the 2018-2019 Hanover County Public Schools school calendar, the following changes will take effect: Feb. 27: Full Day (originally an early closing for staff professional development).

March 14: Full Day (originally an early closing for a staff professional development).

March 29: Full Day (originally an early closing for a staff/ faculty workday) – NEW.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 27, 2019

April 19: Full Day (originally an early closing for students and staff) – NEW. As a reminder, there are 10 inclement weather days built into the calendar to recapture lost instructional time and meet state requirements. Some of these days are designated as “banked” days, where a makeup day is not required, while others are designated as makeup days.

The first four inclement weather days are “banked” days that do not require a makeup day. Days five, six and seven are designated as makeup days. The remaining inclement weather days (eight,

nine and 10) are designated as banked days that do not require a makeup day. As a result, the first four days were “banked” days (no makeup required), and the three remaining days (Dec. 12, Jan. 14 and Feb. 20; days five, six and seven) are required makeup days.

Chris R. Whitley, public information officer for Hanover County Public Schools, said, “We hope this helps to provide you with clarity and will allow you to plan for these necessary changes. Should you have any questions regarding the school calendar, please contact the Office of Accreditation and Accountability 804-365-4500.”

AARP plans trip to Maryland next month Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – AARP Chapter 5335 will be sponsoring a trip to Maryland, featuring a visit to a casino and shopping, on Tuesday, March 26.

The group will board at 7 a.m. at the Food Lion at 253 N. Washington Hwy. in Ashland and leave at 7:30 a.m. The return time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The cost is $40 per person. A $20 bonus will be given.

To reserve a seat, call Kathy at 804798-1613; leave a name and phone number.

Payment is due by Friday, March 15.