THE UNIVERSE
EDUCATION
If light can’t escape, how could anyone ever ‘see’ a black hole?
School supplies are still being accepted by HYSC PAGE
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Vol. 4 No. 46 | Richmond Suburban News | July 31, 2019
Vigil urges unity, love to protest KKK By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER -- Two weeks after a handful of North Carolina-based Klansmen targeted the Hanover Courthouse for a recruitment rally, a group of county residents gathered for a prayer vigil held on the steps of the county’s Administration Building last week The service was organized by local religious leaders and Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local Hanover County’s NAACP as A group of local ministers led about 100 citizens in a prayer vigil last Wednesday on the steps of the see VIGIL pg. 5
Hanover County Administration Building in Hanover. The organizers said the prayer service was in response to a recent march by KKK representatives.
Photo submitted by Lorie Foley
Ashland resident Bill Gatewood, right, has been honored as the 2019 Virginia Main Street Volunteer of the Year. The recognition took place during Downtown Intersections, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Virginia Main Street Program in Lynchburg. Erik Johnston, left, is the director of the DHCD.
Gatewood named state Main Street’s Volunteer of Year (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Lorie Foley, president of the Ashland Main Street Association. She nominated Bill Gatewood for Volunteer of the Virginia Main Street Association. He was honored last week during the meeting in Lynchburg.) Bill Gatewood is no stranger to Ashland Main
Street Association, as he has been a Board member since 2012. He served as president for two fiscal years (FY17 and FY18). Why Bill Gatewood for “Volunteer of the Year?” Bill Gatewood is an exceptional volunteer for Main Street. He is a leader see GATEWOOD, pg. 3
Broadband access raises many questions, few answers By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
NELSON
HANOVER -- Access to broadband internet is an issue plaguing rural communities across the nation. In Hanover County, there are areas where broadband is not
available, and even in areas that are served service is sometimes less than dependable. Kevin Nelson, director of Information Technology for the county, provided the Hanover County Board of Supervisors with an update on current efforts to improve broadband access in areas
not being served. Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions to the problem, and current programs designed to help rural communities in obtaining access are seriously underfunded. Estimates to provide broadband see BROADBAND pg. 12
Input wanted on assessment for accreditation HANOVER – The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. The assessment team reviewing the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office consists of Warren Headrick retired captain of the Blount County Sheriff ’s Department in Tennessee and Maj. Traci Estep of the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office in Florida. Administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four
basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. As part of the on-site assessment, members of the community and agency employees are invited to offer comments at a public information session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, in the Administration Building of the Hanover County Complex, located at 7516 County Complex Rd. in Hanover. The public and agency employees also are invited to offer comments to the Assessment Team by calling 804-365-3225 between see INPUT, pg. 3
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Town gets Technical Assistance Award Design contract approved for Railroad Walking Museum and Urban Park Planning Staff Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND — The Ashland Main Street Association has received a Technical Assistance Award for a design contract for the Railroad Walking Museum and Urban Park Planning in the Town of Ashland. Last Wednesday, Gov. Ralph Northam announced more than $144,000 in Virginia Main Street grants for 12 projects. Downtown Investment Grants were awarded to the towns of Altavista, Blackstone,
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019
Orange, and St. Paul, and the cities of Hopewell and Staunton. Six Commercial District Affiliate grants were awarded to the towns of, Scottsville, Pulaski, South Hill, and Bowling Green and the city of Radford. Applications from the towns of Ashland, Halifax, Lawrenceville, and South Boston, and the cities of Franklin and Petersburg have been awarded technical services to complete proposed projects. “Downtown revitalization combined with the development of strong local entrepreneurial ecosystems are important components of creating bustling commercial districts that attract residents and visitors alike,” said Northam. “These grants and technical assistance will continue to transform our downtown communities, supporting our efforts to grow and diversify regional economies and helping our small and communitybased businesses thrive.” Downtown Investment Grants (DIG), administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), are for design and economic vitality projects targeting areas of spe-
cific need in historic downtown neighborhoods located in designated Virginia Main Street communities. These grants are available to designated Main Street organizations to accelerate the economic revitalization of their downtown districts by helping implement innovative strategies, plans, and programs that create an environment for increased private investment. Commercial District Affiliate grants, administered by DHCD, are for projects targeting areas of specific need in historic commercial neighborhoods located in more than 90 Virginia Main Street affiliate communities. These grants are available to communities and organizations to accelerate the economic revitalization of their downtown districts by helping build organizational capacity or fund design projects that create an environment for increased private investment. “In the last five years, designated Main Street communities have sparked more than $406 million in private investment in their districts,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Attracting private investment contin-
ues to be a goal for all of our Main Street communities, and through this funding, we are encouraging new investment in the community and creating sustainable downtowns for all to enjoy.” In 1985, DHCD adopted the Main Street program for Virginia to help prevent downtown districts across the Commonwealth from economic decline. This unique program is Virginia’s state coordinating program for Main Street America, which works to re-energize economic development of downtown communities while utilizing their cultural assets and character. This is further accomplished by pooling the resources of their local civic and business leaders who are determined to bring their Main Street communities back to life. The innovative Main Street Approach uses design, promotion, economic vitality, and organization to help localities build better communities. The Virginia Main Street program is comprised of 26 designated communities and more than 90 Commercial District Affiliates throughout Virginia.
Shrader, environmental expert, named principal ASHLAND -- Cardno has panel discussions, and publish announces that Joshua Shrader papers and summaries of their has been appointed a princi- findings. Shrader has more pal in the company’s than 20 years of enviAshland office. ronmental experiCardno’s principal ence and full project designation recogmanagement for a nizes its professionwide variety of comals’ standing as techprehensive projects. nical leaders. They He also specializes serve as mentors for in mapping applicajunior staff, regularly tions, geophysical present at industry data interpretation, events, participate in SHRADER
and evaluation of coal reserve development. Shrader serves as the program manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) HAZMAT contract, where he oversees day-to-day activities and is the primary point of contact for the program. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Florida Atlantic University. see SHRADER, pg. 4
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SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue
Breaking and entering building to commit larceny, etc., armed was reported in the 6000 block of River Road, Hanover. Petit larceny from was reported n the 9400 block of Charter Creek Drive/Old Ridge, Ashland. Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 15000 block of Old Ridge Road/Coatesville Road, Beaverdam. Credit card fraud, $200 in
INPUT Continued from pg. 1
the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5. Telephone comments, as well as appearances at the public information session, are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with accreditation standards. A copy of the standards
GATEWOOD Continued from pg. 1
and a doer. His expertise in safety, grounds and security is an immeasurable value for our Board and our event committees. We are nominating Bill for his volunteer work on two Signature Ashland Main Street events: Ashland Train Day (Nov. 3, 2018) and Light Up the Tracks (Dec. 1-31, 2018). Ashland Train Day 2018 Bill is the heart and soul of Ashland Train Day held annually in November. What started as a small event hosted by our public library in 2004 has turned into a major event for our town. As Train Day rapidly grew in popularity, the library
ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 9000 block of Prolonge Lane, Mechanicsville. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 9300 block of Colvincrest Drive, Mechanicsville. Exploiting mental person for money, $200, was reported in the 9400 block of Windsor Shade Drive,
Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 14100 block of Hanover Courthouse Road/ Caroline County, Hanover.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 9300 block of Summer Oak Drive, Mechanicsville.
Possession of Schedule I and II, controlled substance, was reported in the 7100 block of Stonewall Parkway/Elm Drive, Mechanicsville.
is available at the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, 7522 County Complex Rd., Hanover VA. The agency contact is Deputy Mike Tiller at 804-365-6269. Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office ability to comply with accreditation standards may send them to the Commission
on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155. Persons also may submit written comments by email to calea@calea.org and place "Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office� in the subject line. Information submitted by Sgt. Steve DiLoreto, Hanover
asked Ashland Main Street to take over. That is when Bill jumped in. The 15th running of Ashland Train Day (on Nov. 3, 2018) was Bill’s 11th year as chairperson. As chair, Bill coordinated the placement of railroad model groups and clubs into local business venues. He spent many hours communicating with these groups to ensure that they have a smooth and successful time on Ashland Train Day. He oversaw all aspects of Train Day to include: food vendors; entertainment; porta potties; trash pick-up; kiddie trains; Kid Zone; signage; publicity; marketing; trolleys; volunteers; and safety. Bill served as a liaison with the Ashland Police Department regarding the closure of a major road through
town and the accompanying safety measures for our guests. Since Ashland Train Day is held on the tracks, it is both wonderful and nerve-wracking for our police department. Thanks to Bill’s many years of experience, our guests felt safe near the active double tracks running through the middle of our town. It is not possible to figure out the volunteer hours that Bill put into Ashland Train Day. As a people-person, he takes the time to communicate personally with everyone involved – from volunteers to business owners to vendors. From the planning phases to clean up on event day (Bill put on gloves and dumped trash cans), we estimate that Bill spent 400-plus hours presee GATEWOOD, pg. 4
May 25
Unauthorized use of vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 8300 block of Studley Road, Mechanicsville.
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May 24
Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019 3
THE UNIVERSE FROM THE CENTER
If light can’t escape, how could anyone ever ‘see’ a black hole? By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College is on hiatus for the summer. One of our summer projects will be installation of automation for the observatory dome so that it will track with the telescope. Weekly public viewing sessions will resume in September. Watch our web site (https://www.rmc.edu/keeble) or check the information line (804-752-3210) for updates. ast month we started a discussion of black holes, perhaps the most exotic and counter intuitive objects in our Universe. So massive that even light cannot escape from the “event horizon,” black holes were once thought to be theoretical curiosities that nature would never deign actually to exist. Indeed, even the name black hole was an homage to their supposed impossibility. Besides, one might ask, “If light cannot escape, how could we ever hope to ‘see’ one?” True, but gas falling in towards the event horizon would give up gravitational potential energy for kinetic energy – heat. The hot gas outside the black hole would radiate across the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to x-rays. Conservation of angular momentum would flatten this mate-
L
rial into an “accretion disk” and the extreme temperatures at the “throat” of this disk would drive relativistic jets perpendicular to the disk. So we should be able to detect the black hole as long as something is “feeding” it. One of the first black hole candidates is known as Cygnus X-1, i.e., the first x-ray source found in the constellation Cygnus. This is an otherwise invisible compact object orbiting an otherwise normal star. From orbital dynamics we can calculate that whatever this is, it’s too massive to be a white dwarf or neutron star. The only other possibility is a stellar mass black hole, being “fed” by gas streaming from the normal star. At the dynamic center of our Galaxy, about 25,000 light years in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius lies a powerful radio and x-ray source called Sagittarius A* (pronounced A star). The radio source was actually the first extra solar source discovered, which led to the whole field of radio astronomy. We know from its variability that it occupies a volume smaller than our solar system. We also know by measuring the orbits of several stars in its vicinity that its mass exceeds 4 million solar masses. It can only be a super massive black hole. And we now find supermassive black holes at the cores
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Metro Creative Connection
of most large galaxies. More next month. Lunar phases for August: First Quarter on the 7th, at 1:31 p.m.; Full Moon on the 15th, at 8:29 a.m.; Last Quarter on the 23rd, at 10:56 a.m.; New Moon on the 30th, at 6:37 a.m. All times are Eastern Daylight Time. Mercury is visible in pre-dawn twilight early this month – look toward the eastern horizon. Mars and Venus are not visible at all. Jupiter begins evening twilight to the southwest, setting by 1 a,m. Saturn is a bit better positioned. Look for it to the south as the sky darkens. It will set around 3 a,m. The annual Perseid meteor shower will occur this month. The frequency of “shooting stars” will peak Aug. 12th through 14th, unfortunately competing with a bright nearly full Moon.
SHRADER Continued from pg. 2
One of Shrader’s more interesting projects for VDOT featured a dredging sediment investigation for the Interstate 64 High Rise Bridge project in Chesapeake. Sediments from the Elizabeth River were collected on the river from a barge and tested. This work
GATEWOOD Continued from pg. 3
paring and working the 2018
I get calls about opening the Keeble Observatory to view them, but that’s not a good way to see any of the meteors. Find a dark site away from city lights and watch a broad piece of the sky without binoculars, best after midnight. Don’t forget your mosquito repellant! At mid-month, about three hours after sunset, we find the Summer Triangle (Deneb, Altair, and Vega) high overhead. Cygnus is at zenith, with Deneb marking the tail of the Swan. We’ve noted before that this constellation lies in the direction toward which the Sun is orbiting in the plane of the Galaxy. The solar system is moving at about 220 kilometers per second – but, so are the stars of Cygnus, so the shape of the constellation changes very slowly over the millennia. Vega is about 20 degrees to the west of Deneb, while Altair is about 30 degrees to the south. Turning to the northwest, we see the familiar “big dipper” of Ursa Major. Following the two “pointer stars” at the end of the bowl to Polaris, the so called North Star, you’re facing a fraction of a degree from true North. Extending the line brings you to the constellation Cepheus, which looks like an inverted crude line drawing of a house … you know, a triangle on top of a rectangle. Here,
the triangle is on the bottom. A bit to the right and below Cepheus is Cassiopeia, which looks like a W rocked back a bit counter clockwise. Follow the line of the bottom two stars (the left side of the W), and on a clear night you’ll find the faint glowing patch of the Andromeda Galaxy. As we’ve noted before, at a little over 2 million light years, this is the most distant object you can see with the naked eye. The Milky Way arcs overhead from northeast to southwest, passing through Cygnus at zenith. Just above the southwest horizon, though it may be difficult to see through horizon clutter and haze, is the constellation Sagittarius, which marks the direction toward the center of the Milky Way. Consider the geometry. With the center at the southwest horizon and our direction of travel at zenith, just below Cassiopeia at the northeast horizon is the direction away from the center and out into intergalactic space. The northwest and southeast horizons mark the directions perpendicular to the plane of the Galaxy. 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.
presented the eventual designbuild contractor with disposal options for the river sediments to be removed during construction. Cardno’s Recognizing Technical Excellence program acknowledges, rewards and empowers technical leaders to deliver high quality project and service outcomes for our clients around the world. This
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Train Day. Is it estimated by our police department and clicker counts at the Train Depot
(our Welcome Center) and the Ashland Library, that we had more than 10,000 guests at the 2018 Ashland Train Day. This
is a record-breaking number of guests. As a result of Bill’s genersee GATEWOOD, pg. 5
VIGIL Continued from pg. 1
a response to that KKK (Ku Klux Klan) rally held at the complex earlier in the month. “Love wins. Love never fails,” said Pastor Paul Flowers of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, who organized the event with other local ministers and the Hanover NAACP. “We chose to meet here today because what we’ve heard is that the [Hanover County] Board of Supervisors is reluctant to speak out and condemn the actions of the KKK,” Flowers said after the service ended. “We’re not here to step on anyone’s constitutional rights. We are here to say that hate is not welcome here in Hanover County.” Organizers described the event as a prayer vigil but organizers and attendees clearly voiced objections to the board of supervisors’ response, or lack of, to the Klan rally. “We wanted to show as a group that we are opposed to that kind of hate here in Hanover County and we will continue to push to keep that out of our county,” Flowers said. The courthouse service was somber as the group sang hymns, listened to scripture,
GATEWOOD Continued from pg. 4
ous time and efforts, our businesses, restaurants and retailers enjoyed a healthy spike in profits on Ashland Train Day 2018. Light Up the Tracks 2018 With a sponsorship from Dominion Energy in 2018, Ashland Main Street was able to grow “Light Up the Tracks” by hiring a media firm, developing a new website and creating a calendar of events
and voiced a message of love, unity and hope. Flowers said he hoped the service delivered a message to the board. “I would like a formal response suggesting that they are not supportive of what happened here on July 6,” Flowers said. Although the focus of this vigil was clearly centered on the recent KKK rally, Flowers said there are other concerns. “Another issue we hope to address is the school board that is appointed rather than elected,” Flowers said. “We want to speak to the school names LeeDavis and Stonewall Jackson and the reluctance to change them.” The formal response sought by Flowers was not long in arriving as board chair Canova Peterson, Mechanicsville District, addressed the recent rally as the supervisors convened for their evening session. “The KKK and other groups who preach and spew the venom of hatred are not welcome in this county,” Peterson said. “If they choose to come anyway, they will find their efforts to be wasted, as did the KKK, because Hanover County is a community whose very character is a
fabric woven from kindness, compassion and respect,” the chair added. “Any person or group who comes to this county with the intent of undermining that character is not welcome.” Peterson described the rally held earlier this month as an “unwelcome surprise,” and said, “Hatred has no place in our community.” Many of the attendees remained for the evening session of the board’s regularly scheduled meeting, where a number of speakers did address a perceived reluctance on the part of supervisors to denounce the July 6 rally during Citizens’ Time. A recurring theme among the speakers and vigil attendees was the failure of the Hanover County School Board to change the names of the two schools named for Confederate leaders. Dr. Michelle Schmidt also spoke during the board’s Citizens’ Time and expressed szher displeasure with the recent KKK rally and noted that hate speech should not be protected or excused by county leaders. She addressed the school names and the removal of a school board member who voted to change those names. “Not all speech is covered
by the First Amendment. Hate speech falls into that category,” Schmidt said. “You as county leaders have the responsibility to enact change,” she said. Schmidt referenced the hatred displayed regarding Henry District school board member Marla Coleman’s vote in favor of changing the names. The school board voted 5-2 to keep the names last year. “We have a middle school and high school whose names are lightning rods,” Schmidt said “When Ms. Coleman voted to change the names, hateful things were said about her,” she said. Some speakers and participants in the vigil alleged that school board member Marla Coleman was removed due to her vote to change the names of the two schools. Henry District supervisor zSean Davis has been steadfast in his position that Coleman’s vote was not a determining factor in his decision not to reappoint her and told a Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter covering the event, “Anyone who wonders that is engaging in the lowest form of politics.” Coleman was unequivocal in her response. “That was exactly the rea-
son I was removed and Mr. Davis has confirmed that to me on several occasions,” Coleman said late last week. “In reference to the quote published this week in the newspaper, my response is this: Sean, let me stop you and anyone else from wondering because you specifically told me that (her vote on the name change) was the reason you could not reappoint me,” Coleman said. Regarding her vote opting to change the school names, Coleman said, “I’ve always owned this vote and I still own it. Ashland resident Samantha Willis also addressed the board during Citizens’ Time, and told board members the sight of men in white robes marching at the courthouse was disturbing, but the response to the incident was even more troublesome for the mother of two. “It’s an affront to me and everybody who looks like me,” she said. About a dozen speakers expressed similar views during the public comment period of the meeting, including at least three candidates currently seeking local offices. Peterson’s statement made clear his position on the KKK and its rally and clearly defined
his personal distaste with the message delivered by hate groups. “Hanover soil is good for growing tomatoes, but it will not allow the seeds of hatred to take root. As stated before, we thrive on kindness, compassion and respect,” Peterson said. The chair was joined by several supervisors who expressed their distaste for the rally and its message. Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard and Chickahominy supervisor Angela KellyWiecek posted strong statements opposing the rally shortly after the event occurred and reiterated those feelings at last week’s meeting. Vice chair Scott Wyatt, Cold Harbor District, also denounced the rally and the KKK. Following the vigil, Ashland Town Council member Daniel McGraw said the meeting delivered the right message. “We were together,” he said. “It was nice seeing young, old, brown, white, young and old here. It was nice seeing the unity,” he said.” We, as Hanoverians, love our community and the people who live here and we don’t want anyone to come in here and try to disrupt that.”
encouraging visitors to come see the lights. Gatewood played an integral role in the success of Light Up the Tracks this past December. His wealth of knowledge, connections and experience handling events in Ashland was immeasurable. Ashland Main Street hosted several weekend events, including a Grand Illumination ceremony the first weekend of December. Bill handled the grounds logistics, including security; parking;
and safety with the Ashland Police Department. We partnered with Ashland Street Parties that same evening to host a chili cook-off with live music at The Depot, one of our new event venue spaces in Downtown Ashland. Bill’s leadership ensured a safe and smooth event for the 500-plus guests who attended. Our finale event for Light Up the Tracks was the Ashland Santa Visit at the newly renovated Ashland Theatre. Our children were
treated with a visit from Rudolph (Gatewood!) on stage with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Over 200 guests enjoyed the Ashland Santa event.
Faire; Olde Time Holiday Parade (hosted by Ashland Kiwanis); Ashland Railroad Run; and Patrick Henry Half Marathon. Gatewood’s impact on our Downtown district is
immense. He is our hero because he is organized, dependable and always cheerful. Ashland Main Street is fortunate to have Bill Gatewood on our Promotions team.
Wait! There’s More! Bill not only dons a “Rudolph” character costume, he also becomes the “Ashland Easter Bunny” every spring – an Ashland Main Street partnership with Randolph-Macon College. He volunteers for other annual events in town, including: Ashland Strawberry
PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING
Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019 5
OPINION
CALENDAR
| The Local Views
| News, & Listings
From the managing editor
School supplies are still being accepted school year, we headed to the city that was like our second home, as we always had -- and still have -- family there. We weren’t wealthy by any means, but my parents more than provided well for my sister and me. Robin and I always knew that we would have a new wardrobe with all the accessories before the school year began. I do know there were organizations that helped those in need, because my mother was involved in probably ever charitable group that worked to make life better for the less fortunate up that coal mining holler (hollow). She and Dad devoted themselves through our home church to ensure meals, clothes, whatever needs were met. Thankfully, Hanover County has a group of
By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
I
was probably in junior high school before I realized that some of the students I had known since the elementary years fell into the poverty category due to their parents’ income level. It never crossed my mind that I knew kids who were doing without supplies at home and school. They didn’t complain about their circumstances. In July or early August, my parents, sister and I would make what I referred to as the pilgrimage to Huntington for school shopping. Yes, we shopped in our hometown, but when it came to purchase new clothes, etc., for the start of a new
students involved with the Hanover Youth Service Council (HYSC), which is accepting school supplies through Monday, Aug. 5 (see complete article on page 2). For 20 years, county students have been spearheading this admirable project. Your donations are welcome. Check out the locations (also on page 2) where you can drop off needed items for our Hanover County Public Schools students. I am so impressed by the 36 students that make up the HYSC. They are taking their vacation time to help others. Wow! Their parents have done well in teaching them the value of helping others. Will you help? Again, check over the story on page 2 in Local Pick.
Moon landing still means possibilities are endless By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist There are a number of advantages to advanced age, but, oddly enough, most of them escape me as I struggle to find my car keys. But, one pleasant result of maturity is the ability to remember a multitude of events, happenings that mark decades of life and leave a lasting imprint on our memories. The reality of this phenomenon struck me as I read comments regarding the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. Many of the posters said they had no memory of the event and even more said they weren’t even born when two Americans
took those momentous steps. I felt almost fortunate to be a person who does remember those years when space exploration took the nation by storm. I thought back to that first launch in 1961 filled with uncertainty and the confident walk displayed by astronaut Alan Shepard as he headed up the gantry. That image of the unafraid adventurer captured the imagination of a generation whose hopes rose with each ensuing launch. After Shepherd’s safe return, my classmates immediately utilized recently acquired space lingo, and for the next weeks everything was “A-OK!” The July 20 anniversary of the moon landing reminds us of the importance of a common goal,
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pursued by a unified nation, on at least one scientific pursuit. I suppose we took the massive pursuit as something that would always be around and once man took the first step, who knew where the next mission would take us? The possibilities seemed endless. Perhaps they are. With the renewed interest in space, a new generation will experience the same excitement and intrigue that marked our adolescent years as men flew farther and longer in space. And, they too will remember important milestones deep in space that will supply the same type see MOON, pg. 12
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.
Wednesday through Friday, July 31-Aug. 2 Ashland Museum’s Kids History Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at The Center at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. The event is is for rising 2nd through 6th graders. Students are encouraged to “step away from your computer this summer and step back in time. Put on your 1880s ‘cool’ and experience what kids did before video games and television.” For more information, including registration, go to cyberspace at ashlandmuseum.org.
Tuesday, Aug. 6 Ashland Town Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.
Monday, Aug. 8 The Ashland Parks and Recreation Committee will meet at 6 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.
Tuesday, Aug. 13 The Hanover County School Board will meet at 7 p.m. at 200 Berkley St. in Ashland.
Wednesday, Aug. 14 The Ashland Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.
Thursday, Aug. 15 Ashland Board of Zoning Appeals will meet at 6 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.
Wednesday, Aug. 28 The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will meet at 3 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room in the County Administration Building at 7516 County Complex Rd. in Hanover.
Thursday, Sept. 12 Ashland Parks and Recreation Committee will meet at 6 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.
UPCOMING EVENTS
08
08 2019
Prep golf: Atlee, Hanover at Belmont G.C. 10:00 a.m.
08
08 2019
Prep golf: Lee-Davis, Patrick Henry at Belmont G.C. 11:00 a.m.
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Burkwood wins 3rd straight Champs title By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor
Dave Lawrence/The Local
Ashland’s Samantha Senfield swims the second leg of the 15-18 mixed 20-yard freestyle relay in the Greater Richmond Aquatic League’s Champs meet at SwimRVA Sunday. The relay team beat its seed time by more than 2.5 seconds with a 1:38.91 finish.
RICHMOND – Burkwood’s young swimmers were bundles of nerves when the Greater Richmond Aquatic League’s Champs meet began at Collegiate School Aquatic Center Saturday morning. As a result, the Buccaneers got off to a slow start. But they began to recover that afternoon, and by the time the 13-years-old and older swimmers took to the water Sunday, the Buccaneers proved themselves cool hands in the lanes as Burkwood swam to its third straight GRAL team championship. Atlee Recreation Association’s team finished fourth – the second straight top five and fourth straight top 10 finish for that team. Burkwood coach Austin Farrar said the Buccaneers finished especially strong Sunday. “We had a very rough start,” he said. “Today was really good. Today was really good for us.” Burkwood head coach Karen Seeber said nerves affected the coaches, too. “We were probably just as nervous on day one as kids swimming their first meet, if not more,” she said. “We were anxious. We had all this energy. We were nervous the first couple of events. They were nervous. And then, once we started
calming down, things started to fall in place.” Despite the initial jitters, some of the 12-and-under Burkwood swimmers were unfazed. Chandler Rose won five events Saturday, and Charlie Welsh won three. Sam Castle won four events for Burkwood on Sunday. Other local multiple winners included The Federal Club’s quadruple winner Kiersten Armstrong and Atlee triple winner Mauren Verity. One cause of the Buccaneers initial nervousness was chronological. Burkwood coach Madeline White said the timeline this season seemed compressed. “The season went by really fast,” she said. “We were in the indoor pool, starting our first practices, having those kids we had no clue who they were – and then the next day is the last week and Champs is rolling around. … We were at a Champs practice and [Seeber] said that, ‘Wow, we have a lot of kids here.’ I think it kind of shocked everybody. The timeline was a little weird.” Burkwood coach Brendan Farrar said that Castle won all four individual events he was entered in – but Castle initially thought he was being set up for failure. “The funny thing is, because see CHAMPS, pg. 8
Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019
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Post 284 edges Post 175 in District 11 tourney By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – Mechanicsville Post 175’s season is over. While the team’s season ended before the American Legion Virginia District 11 final, the No. 5 seed did not go down without a fight. In its first game of the tournament Post 175 hammered third-seed Lakeside Post 125 10-0 at Douglas Freeman Wednesday. Mechanicsville then traveled to Shepherd Stadium Thursday for a contest against nemesis second-seeded Colonial Heights Post 284, but – despite some impressive fireworks – fell to Post 284 7-5. Just as Mechanicsville did, Colonial Heights beat down Post 125 13-0 Friday to advance from pool play to the district final, where it erupted for 13 runs in the top of the seventh inning to upset the top seed, South Richmond Post 137, 18-8 Saturday. While Post 175 did not advance to the Virginia State tournament, the strong season end was a welcome turnaround for a team that struggled the first half of the season. And its
the game.” Mechanicsville ended up playing catch-up to Colonial Heights in their tournament meeting. “They got up early and we just kind of kept chasing them,” Schrad said. “But we couldn’t catch them.” Schrad had to manage his pitchers carefully so he used three in the win over Post 125. Gabe Lassiter started, going three innings and giving up two hits and a walk while striking out one. He finished with 47 pitches. Orion Debres came on to start the fourth inning, allowing no hits and one walk while striking out eight. He was within an out of finishing the game before he yielded the mound as well. “He was getting close to 60 [pitches],” Schrad said. “I didn’t want him to go over 60 because he would have had to have three days rest and in that tournament, I couldn’t afford that, so I brought Connor Konecny in Joel Klein for The Local to get the last out of the game.” Mechanicsville Post 175 left fielder Joey Turner scores in the second inning on a Noah Smith fielder’s choice as Colonial Heights Debres finished with 57 Post 284 catcher Andrew Roach fields the throw in Post 284’s 7-5 win Thursday night. pitches. Konecny threw just games with Post 284 – includ- against Post 284] were just like we lost by one on the last play of got us on our little [winning] three, getting a fly out to left ing three regular-season games the other three: close, competi- of the game. The second time run there. And then the last fielder Troy Andrews to end tive,” said Post 175 manager we played them we beat them, time we played them we lost – were always close. “[The tournament game Ken Schrad. “The first time, I think, five to two – that kind by one run on the last play of see POST 175, pg. 9
CHAMPS Continued from pg. 7
of the way we do entries, and the way we look at rankings, he thought that he was in his worst events,” Farrar said. “But when we showed him the heat sheet, showed him the division where he’s ranked, it got him all psyched up, and so he won all four of his events. That was real exciting.” Even when the swimmers weren’t coming in first, many Joel Klein for The Local Young backstrokers launch at the beginning of their event in the were dropping times, and that in itself is a success. Greater Richmond Aquatic League’s Champs meet Saturday.
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019
“We had this one girl, Emma Carter. It was her first Champs meet ever,” said Buccaneer coach Emily Skinner. “She had just started doing swimming throughout the winter with George [Massey]. A lot of kids, it went to their head and they had a hard time at this meet … but she really outshined everyone and dropped a lot of time. She was probably the best 8-and-under swimmer we had.” Mauren Verity may have led the Atlee Gators, but it took a true team effort for the diminutive Gator team to finish fourth among GRAL’s largest teams.
“I’m pretty happy with that,” said Atlee head coach Jeremy Edwards. “We finished fourth place last year. Not bad for a team that has 115 swimmers going up against teams like Burkwood that have 230.” With so few swimmers, those present have to make every performance count. “We had a lot of our younger kids stand out as well as our some of older kids,” Edwards said. “One of our younger kids, Carson Sims, stood out, [also] Mauren Verity and Meredith Boggess along with Colleen Blakeney. Those were our four
standouts of the meet. “We had eight team records total get broken this weekend. That was a big step. … All our kids swam fantastic.” Edwards said the second day of the meet was key. “Our strength is in our older kids,” he said. “We were in 11th after yesterday, and pulled it up to fourth today.” The Federal Club finished 12th, followed by Mechanicsville Recreation Association, Ashland and Hanover Country Club, respecsee CHAMPS, pg. 9
Hydration is in, but heat still stalks athletes By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – Former football players of a certain age can remember the “good” old days when water was the enemy, and when asking to drink water during the broiling August two-a-days was a sign of weakness. Back then, however, athletes died as dehydration compromised the body’s natural cooling system: sweating. It is just like a car with a radiator leak that overheats. No coolant, no cooling. The difference was that, while the car just stopped working – preferably without permanent damage to the engine – an overheated human can literally cook from inside. Cells die, tissues die, and, in too many cases, the affected person dies. Fortunately, most coaches and trainers learned that proper hydration was a necessary component to keeping the athletes alive, and it boosts performance as well. Far fewer athletes die as a result of dehydration in the new century. But athletes are still dying, despite recognition of the importance of hydration, despite improvements in the recognition and treatment of heat stroke, despite a better understanding of weather conditions that aggravate heatrelated illnesses, despite more stringent professional standards
CHAMPS Continued from pg. 8
tively. Old Church was 17th, Ashcreek 20th and Milestone 21st. Rockville-Dolphin Club was23rd. Pebble Creek finished 26th, followed by Bell Creek and Battlefield Green.
Times-Dispatch file photos
DEADLY PRACTICE First in a series
for trainers and coaches alike. According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Athletic Training by Scott Anderson of the University of Oklahoma, there have been 27 non-traumatic deaths among NCAA athletes since 2000, an average of about two deaths per year. While some deaths are complications of sickle cell disease, heart disease and asthma, the primary unchecked – yet preventable – killer is exertional
Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com. Team scores: 1. Burkwood 988; 2. Canterbury 860.5; 3. Church Run 693; 4. Atlee Recreation Association 518.5; 5. Wyndham 516.5; 6. Wellesley 448.5; 7. Hungary Creek 444; 8. Fox Hall 426; 9. Twin Hickory 385; 10. Goochland 346; 11. Colonies 321; 12. The Federal Club
heat stroke, according to Mike Craven, owner of True Fitness Solutions in Mechanicsville. During any intense activity, the body generates heat. The bigger a person is, the more the heat builds up inside the body. The cardiosvascular system faces two competing tasks: supplying blood to the muscles that are working and transferring the heat generated from the interior to the skin where the evaporation of sweat from the skin should cool the body – at least when weather conditions allow evaporation.
313; 13. Mechanicsville Recreation Association 302; 14. Ashland 275.5; 15. Hanover Country Club 270; 16. Chestnut Oaks 259.5; 17. Old Church 234.5; 18. The Dominion Club 233.5; 19. Kings Charter 194; 20. Ashcreek 190; 21. Milestone 186; 22. Raintree 178; 23. RockvilleDolphin Club 151; 24. Wembly 137; 25. Tuckahoe Village West; 26. Pebble Creek 100.5; 27. Bell Creek 73.5; 28. Battlefield Green 32.
In exertional heat stroke, the cardiovascular system is not up to handling both tasks simultaneously. The muscles that are working win the competition for the blood supply, and heat builds up inside the body. If not recognized and treated in time, the athlete dies. The last Richmond-area high school athlete to die from exertional heat stroke was Craig
POST 175 Continued from pg. 8
the game. Blake Doggett went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI against Lakeside. Hunter Beck wen 3-for-5, likewise with double, a run scored and an RBI; and Carter Trice went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Joey Turner finished with a double, a run scored and two RBI, and Ryan Mabry had a
Left, while an improved understanding of the importance of hydration has reduced the number of heat-related deaths among athletes nationwide, onesized-fits-all training methods like suicide sprints or gassers, while intended to improve conditioning, may be doing more harm than good by triggering exertional heat illnesses and deaths. Above, Varina’s Craig Lobrano is the last Richmond-area athlete to die of exertional heat stroke, but others continue to be injured — sometimes Lobrano in 2000, but several severely — and die each year players have been severely nationwide at all levels of competition.
injured as a result – including a pair of athletes from Highland Springs’ recent state championships teams. College athletes, such as Maryland’s Jordan McNair, professionals like the Minnesota Vikings’ Korey Stringer, and former professionals like the New York Giants’ Mitch Petrus, are among those
who have made national headlines as a result of their deaths from exertional heat stroke in recent years. So what continues to go wrong? And what can be done about it? Stay tuned.
hit, a run and two RBI. Mabry started on the mound against Colonial Heights, but three Mechanicsville errors helped put him on the defensive early on. He gave up 10 hits and all seven runs – five earned – but he was going up against a Post 284 team with solid hitting. Brandon Pond led Colonial Heights, going 2-for-3 with a double, a run and two RBI. But Mechanicsville had some solid hitting of its own.
Leadoff batter Noah Smith connected on a two-run home run to left field in the fourth inning. He also knocked in a run on a fielder’s choice in the second. But Carter Trice had the bomb of the day, connecting on a towering shot in the seventh inning that not only cleared the left field wall, it cleared the three-story tall netting along the left field fence. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019
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EDUCATION | Student News
Hanover Democrats present three scholarships Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Three Hanover County students are winners of the 2019 Melissa J. Dopp/Bobby Ostergren Scholarship, awarded yearly by the Hanover Democratic Committee (HDC) to graduating Hanover County seniors with the highest level of participation and involvement in Democratic campaigns and activities. The recipients include Frances McDaniel and Erica Smith of Hanover High School and Peyton E. Guthrie of LeeDavis High School. McDaniel, the daughter of Christine and Berkley McDaniel of Mechanicsville, received the top award of $1,000. She helped establish the Young Democrats Club at Hanover High, has served as its president and vice president. In addition, she has worked on numerous national, statewide and local campaigns.
ERICA SMITH
FRANCES McDANIEL
PEYTON GUTHRIE
Smith, the daughter of Dina and Joe Smith of Ashland, received a $500 award. She was a member of the Young Democrats at Hanover High and has volunteered on several statewide campaigns. Guthrie, the daughter of Lynne and Thomas Guthrie of Mechanicsville, also received a $500 award. She founded a Hanover Young Democrats
chapter, has volunteered on several statewide campaigns, and is currently working for Stan Scott’s Senate race in the 4th District. The scholarship was established to honor the late Bobby Ostergren, the former Hanover registrar for many years, and the late Melissa Dopp, a longtime activist in the Hanover Democratic Committee. “These 2019 winners have
distinguished themselves by their service to Democratic causes and candidates. We are so proud of these young leaders and their dedication,” said Toni Radler, the chair of the Hanover Democratic Committee. “We are grateful to our members for supporting the scholarships especially donors Howard Ostergren and Carolyn Waugaman.”
Cooper and Unterbrink get Hanover-Caroline SWCD scholarships Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- Lindsay Cooper and Guinevere Unterbrink are the 2019 recipients of $5,000 scholarships awarded by the HanoverCaroline Soil and Water Conservation District. The District annually awards a $5,000 college scholarship to a high school senior in each of the counties of Hanover and Caroline. Applicants must indicate they have chosen to pursue academic studies in conservation, agricultural or environmental fields. Cooper, a Hanover resident, graduated from Patrick Henry High School. She was a
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LINDSAY COOPER
GUINEVERE UNTERBRINK
member of Beta Club, National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She also played varsity softball and volleyball among other extracurricular activities. For her Girl Scout Gold Project, she worked with the Tidewater Oyster Gardener
Association in oyster shell reclamation for rebuilding oyster reefs. Cooper plans to attend the University of Mary Washington this fall, where she will major in environmental science. Unterbrink is the Caroline
Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019
County scholarship recipient. She attended Caroline High School and The Commonwealth Governor’s School. Unterbrink was a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club and the Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team. She was co-president of the Caroline Outreach Club whose projects aimed at the betterment of the community. Among her many other activities she also played varsity field hockey and ran track and cross country. This fall, Unterbrink will commence her studies at Colorado State University where she will pursue a double major in conservation biology and zoology.
College news MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Cameron Lindsey, O.D., of Mechanicsville was among 130 students recently awarded the Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. Lindsey graduated Magna Cum Laude and Beta Sigma Kappa, a designation for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. A native of Mechanicsville, Lindsey is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Lindsey. He is a graduate of Hanover High School and James Madison University. ----STAUNTON -- Isabelle Ross of Mechanicsville was named to the Spring 2019 Honors List at Mary Baldwin University.
Students named to the Honors List earned grade point averages of 3.75 to 4.00. To be eligible, a student must be a degree candidate and must have earned at least 12 semester hours for the grading period. ----OXFORD, Ohio -- Sadie Van Wie was named to the Miami University spring 2019 president's list. Miami University students who are ranked in the top three percent of undergraduate students within each division for second semester 2018-2019 have been named to the president's list recognizing academic excellence. Van Wie, from Mechanicsville, is majoring in Interactive Media Studies.
Ashland Kiwanis Club Scholarships awarded Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The Ashland Kiwanis Club recently awarded four four-year $4,000 scholarships to qualifying 2019 high school graduates. John McDaniel,the club’s Scholarship Committee chair, said the scholarships were presented to members of the Class of 2019 who have been active Key Club members. One $4,000 scholarship for the 2019-2022 period was awarded to a member of each of the club’s four sponsored Key Clubs. The recipients of this year’s scholarships are: Glen Allen Key Club – Jamison R. Panko. Hanover Key Club –
Kaley N. McCullen. Lee-Davis Key Club – Virginia Dolan. Patrick Henry Key Club –Katherine I. Lucas. The recipients will be attending James Madison (Jamie Panko), Virginia Tech (Kaley McCullen and Katherine Lucas) and the University of Virginia (Virginia Dolan). The Kiwanis Club’s Scholarship Committee is responsible for the administration of the Key Club Scholarship Program, including the evaluation of applicants and selection of qualified recipients. The scholarships are funded and paid out by the club’s Ashland Kiwanis Charitable Foundation.
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Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, August 15, 2019, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted:
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CUP-1-19, MILESTONE COMMUNICATIONS Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-174(1) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a telecommunications tower and related facilities that exceed 140 feet in height, on GPIN 7883-49-2388(part) and 7884-75-2349(part), consisting of approximately 17,377 square feet, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions and located on the north line of Doswell Road (State Route 688) approximately 1,500 feet east of its intersection with Doswell Park Road (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Beaverdam
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Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019 11
MOON Continued from pg. 6
images we have instilled in our brains. I was one of millions glued to a black and white television when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin floated across the lunar surface searching for a safe landing spot. It’s hard to describe the intensity of the moment as a nation held its collective breath with each second. Hours later, the pair emerged for man’s first encounter on a foreign planet, a feat seemingly unimaginable a few short years before. Looking back, it could be described as one of man’s finest hours, a symbol of the success of collective efforts and a glimpse into the possibilities of the future. Many of the innovations introduced during NASA’s space program paved the way for future innovation. More importantly, those years of early space flight provided a glimpse into an inevitable path where
men will someday explore planets throughout the galaxy. Somehow, the news accounts of the event as we celebrate the anniversary fail to capture the raw emotion that gripped a nation as we celebrated the triumphs and grieved at the defeats of America’s space program. Considering most of the reporters providing insight to the mission weren’t even born when an Atlas V rocket lifted the spirits of a nation, it’s easy to understand the lack of perspective. Last week, Vice President Mike Pence announced that American men and women would return to the moon within five years. That’s an exciting vision, one that a nation should embrace as we seek to expand horizons and seek other worlds. And maybe that common vision can succeed where politicians and elected leaders have failed in uniting a nation as we again turn our vision toward the stars, and beyond. It’s the stuff from which memories are made for this generation, and those to follow.
BROADBAND Continued from pg. 1
service on a national level exeed $75 billion. The Federal program designed to provide relief is funded at $600 million for 2019. Two applications for assistance in Virginia were accepted, but no funding was provided for the allotments. Nelson said the county has pursued available options since the formation of a High Speed Internet Committee in 2012. “They came up with some recommendations,� Nelson said. Included in those suggestions was establishing a point man for the project, and Deputy County Administration Frank Harksen was named. The committee also suggested the creation of special tax districts to attract service, and recognized the importance of accurate mapping of where service upgrades are needed. As a result of the committee’s work, all libraries in Hanover now have high speed internet access. The work of that committee is now under the guidance of a broadband task force to continue efforts to provide broadband throughout the
county. “Every locality that has a rural area is going through the same thing,� Nelson said. “They are asking the exact same questions and trying to figure it out.� Nelson said the county has invited service providers to co-locate on county towers, and the county has endorsed contracts with two private ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to alleviate the problem. “We want to continue to encourage people to co-locate on our towers,� Nelson said. “We are happy to have those partners co-located on the towers.� One of those ISP companies is no longer in business, and the other is falling far short of expectations. On the grant side of the equation, the Commonwealth now offers a program called the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative that does offer funding to provide service to rural areas. Federal funding also is available through the Federal Reconnect Program, and Nelson said staff is attending meetings to better acquaint themselves with these grants and how to apply for them. Nelson said the county has contacted a number of ISPs to gauge their interest in
WINNERS COMING SOON the
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 31, 2019
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partnering with the county to apply for these grants. Localities must partner with ISPs to meet eligibility requirements for the grant programs, but those providers can apply for the Reconnect Program individually without a locality serving as a partner. “All of these grants are to get broadband services to areas that are classified as unserved,� Nelson said. Areas identified as unserved in Hanover include Rockville, Montpelier, Doswell, Blackcreek, River Road and parts of Old Church. “As it stands right now, those are the areas that might qualify for the grants, areas that are classified as unserved,� Nelson said. For the second time in as many months, a citizen addressed the board during citizens’ time requesting the formation of a broadband committee. Board chair Canova Peterson, Mechanicsville District, said the board is considering options regarding the path forward on broadband solutions. Nelson said efforts will continue to seek solutions and inform the citizens on the progress. “So, we’re looking at continuing our work efforts and continue to communicate and utilize our website to update and educate people on what exactly is the status of broadband,� he said. He also said the county would continue to seek ISPs to partner on grant opportunities, but,at present, “the county doesn’t have anything that is concrete.� Henry District Sean Davis said he understands the frustration regarding internet service to problem areas. “One of the things that is difficult when I speak with constituents and present the obstacles or facts and there
doesn’t appear to be a solution, the frustration level rises,� Davis said. Davis noted the amount allotted for grant programs to assist in broadband acquisition are grossly underfunded compared to the massive needs. “The money is just not there,� he said. Davis indicated he would endorse the creation of another committee to study the problem and provide possible solutions. Cold Harbor supervisor Scott Wyatt also said he also would support the creation of a broadband committee. Davis noted the current criteria for grant approval is a density of six people per square mile, and said he has voiced a desire to change those guidelines. Chickahominy District supervisor Angela KellyWiecek said the problem is not exclusive to rural areas of the county but also affects residences in the Suburban Service Area. “I have horror stories from the Ashcreek and Milestone area where the type of infrastructure that they have and the way it is maintained is truly horrifying,� she said. County administrator Rhu Harris explained the county’s position on solving current service issues. “This is a transaction between a private residence and a third party business,� Harris said. When complaints are received, he said county staff attempts to serve as a conduit and connect residents with the provider that might provide answers. “Hanover is not part of that transaction. Internet service is not regulated part of anything we do here in Hanover County,� Harris said. “We have no leverage. per se in that conversation.�