Ashland-Hanover Local – 11/20/19

COMMUNITY

OPINION

Ramsburg family tradition continues with apple butter

Goodbye, Rhu -we are going to miss you PAGE

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Vol. 5 No. 10 | Richmond Suburban News | November 20, 2019

Is NAACP settlement in sight? Hanover salutes By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND -- A closed session meeting of the Hanover School Board scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22, could provide some finality in a lawsuit filed by the NAACP last August requesting the names of two Hanover County schools be changed. School board chair Roger Bourassa read a statement at

“If the school board decides to continue the litigation, the school board will incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and costs defending the lawsuits.” ROGER BOURASSA Chair Hanover County School Board

last week’s regular meeting that some are describing as the writing on the wall regarding a possible settlement. The suit originally named both Hanover County and the school board as defendants, but a judge dismissed the county from the suit last month. “The school board is now see NAACP, pg. 3

Transgender students in schools talks continue By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND -- The discussion continued last week regarding the issue of transgender students in Hanover County Public Schools, and how current policy -- or lack of -- is addressing the issue. Speakers on both sides of the issue politely stated their positions in an hourlong public comment period at last Tuesday’s regularly scheduled Hanover County School Board meeting. Kelly Merrill is a parent of two, one of whom is transgender, students in Hanover

schools. “I’m commenting today to commend Hanover County schools for the way you have handled this situation in light of those rules that were mentioned last month at your school board meeting,” she said. Merrill said she was satisfied with the county’s efforts at inclusion regarding transgender students. “I have been very pleased with how our situation is going in school so far,” she said. She also noted support in her community and the importance of a group of parents who are experiencing similar situations.

“Having a transgender child is not something any family expects,” Merrill said. “We have found a community of other families who are committed to loving their children through their gender journeys.” Merrill said the stakes are high. “Living with these children, it is clear to us that denying their expression is a matter of life and death.” Merrill said she knows of at least 10 other transgender students in Hanover, three of whom have opted out of public schools. see TRANSGENDER, pg. 4

those who served By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

HANOVER -- “Veterans Day is a bit unique in Hanover. We don’t just celebrate on Nov. 11,” Parks and Recreation director Greg Sager told a packed house at the Hanover Veterans Memorial last week. Remembering those who served and the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice has become an important tradition in Hanover. That dedication is highlighted twice annually on Veterans and Memorial Day, but the sense of appreciation is present year-round. “It is Hanover’s tradition that we celebrate our veterans all year long and it is important to set aside specific time to come and reflect on the

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Sgt. Taniki Richard, United States Marine Corps (retired), was the keynote speaker for the annual Veterans Day program at Hanover Wayside Park

sacrifice of all of those who served and what they provide to our nation; and what their families give up when they are deployed,” Chickahominy see VETERANS, pg. 8

Tour of Richmond’s Trail of Enslaved Africans scheduled for Saturday Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Ashland Museum is sponsoring a tour of Richmond’s Trail of Enslaved Africans on Saturday, Nov. 23. The tour begins with participants following in the footsteps of the

enslaved Africans as they would have traveled along the James River from the boat bringing them to America to the area where they would be held and then later sold. Five other stops, enhancing the context, and providing details and information, include visits to Libby Hill, St. John’s Church, “Lumpkin’s

Jail,” African burial groups, and the Slavery Reconciliation Statue. Kelly Merrill, Ph.D., Ashland Museum board member, faculty member at Randolph-Macon College and the University of Richmond, and fellow with Initiatives of Change, will lead the tour. A maximum of 14 participants

will meet at the museum at 8:45 a.m. and depart for Richmond at 9 a.m., returning to the Museum about 1.p.m. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information and to register, visit ashlandmuseum.org or email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net.

Contributed photo

Richmond’s Trail of Enslaved Africans will be addressed during an Ashland Museum tour on Nov. 23.

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Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019

Ramsburg family tradition continues with apple butter (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Richard Ramsburg, who was among 69 cousins to attend the Ramsburg Family Reunion at Scotchtown in Beaverdam.) Stirring Up Memories: the Ramsburg Family stays connected through the years and across the miles with “Apple Butter Family Reunions� and the writings of Richard Ramsburg. Harry Butler of Doswell said his mother was a Ramsburg descended from German immigrants into the Shenandoah Valley just after the American Revolution. “We have spread out across the country, but use this family tradition to keep close. Richard goes into family history of our common grandparents in Clarke County, and how this reunion has evolved and ended up in Hanover County.� Roving interviewers at the reunion included: Abby Benson, 12; Kelley Berlin, 12; Lexi Gobbi, 6; and Morgan Messerle, 12. The scent of apples, cinnamon, and cloves filled the autumn air. Snatches of conversation were heard among the rhythmic sound of the stirring paddles scraping back and forth across the bubbling cauldrons. It was Columbus Day weekend in 2019. Time for another Ramsburg family reunion, and that meant apple butter. But this story actually begins with David L. Ramsburg and his wife, Laura, living in Berryville, Virginia, in the 1930s. David and Laura had seven children (Generation 1) and their children had 14

children (Generation 2) and those children had 22 children (Generation 3, now living in 11 states across the U.S.). During the 1950s, the Generation 1 and Generation 2 clan would gather on Sunday afternoons in Berryville at David and Laura’s home for Sunday dinner. The adults would sit and visit while the kids played in the yard or they watched the traffic go by on busy Route 7 from the wraparound porch. These cousins became quite close over the years. Many of them were in school together at Clarke County and Handley High Schools. Each fall, Charles Ramsburg (Generation 1) and his wife Ruth made Apple Butter with their five sons using an old copper kettle from Ruth’s family and apples from local orchards. Many other Generation 1 and Generation 2 family members shared in the work and the bounty of this apple butter tradition. As Generation 2 moved away and started their families, the tradition died out in the 1960s. But, in1999, several Generation 2 and Generation 3 cousins decided to use Apple Butter as an “event� that would bring family members together. Ramsburg family members just completed their 12th Apple Butter Reunion. And it’s been a very successful and fun way to stay in touch now that the family extends across 11 states from Virginia to California. We typically have 70 to 80 attendees at the reunion. The 2019 Ramsburg Apple Butter Reunion was held at see TRADITION, pg. 5

Photos submitted by Richard Ramsburg

Apple butter is a family tradition when the Ramsburgs get together for a reunion. Richard Ramsburg shares their story. These photos show the final product being scooped out of the cauldron and packaged in jars.

Veteran benefits to be explained at Heritage Green MECHANICSVILLE – Find out how the VA can help pay for senior care. Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care invites military veterans and their spouses to a free, educational Veterans Benefits Seminar at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

NAACP Continued from pg. 1

the sole defendant in this case,” Bourassa said, reading from a prepared press release that was released simultaneously. Bourassa encouraged interested citizens to contact their school board members to express their input on the possible settlement. Bourassa listed several factors board members are considering regarding the upcoming meeting. Changing the names of the schools and mascots at Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School will cost about $500,000. “If the school board decides to continue the litigation, the school board will incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and costs defending the lawsuit,” Bourassa said. Litigation could last “a minimum of two years,” according to the news release. Bourassa also noted that if the NAACP prevails, the school board could be responsible for “several million dollars” of NAACP legal fees. The release did offer an ominous sign regarding maintaining the names of those schools no matter the outcome of the meeting or pending lawsuit. “Regardless of whether the lawsuit is resolved, Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School will eventually be replaced as part of the school board’s long-term facilities planning, and they will be renamed pursuant to existing school board policy.” That policy requires schools be named according

Heritage Green is located at 7080 Brooks Farm Rd. in Mechanicsville. Veterans Services Representatives Kyle Estep and David Ringle will share information regarding a VA pension, Aid and Assistance (A&A), that is available to wartime veterans and their spouses. Also learn more about substantial changes that effect veteran pension benefits qualifications and

to geographical location, and not people. Hanover County NAACP president Robert Barnette issued the following statement regarding the upcoming meeting: “The Hanover County Chapter of the NAACP supports the Hanover County School Board’s proposal to resolve the open lawsuit quickly and efficiently and invest in a more equitable Hanover County Public Schools.” There are no current plans or timetable regarding when those two schools might be replaced, but no land has been acquired or funds budgeted for that process. Hanover County School Board members haven’t had a raise in 13 years, but, if the General Assembly concurs, that could change as early as January 2021. The Commonwealth’s legislative body controls pay raises for appointed school boards, and an increase would require General Assembly approval. School attorney Yvonne Gibney explained the current $8,000 annual income cap was passed by the legislature in 2006, and any increases would require state approval of new guidelines. Under current state code, Hanover school board members could only consider a raise if 40 percent of their body was up for reappointment simultaneously. Since only two of the seven-member board are considered in any one year, it would be impossible for the local panel to meet those requirements. South Anna District repre-

how to apply. This event is free and open to veterans and their families; however, seating is limited. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 18, by calling 804-746-7370. For more information, call Holly Carson, marketing director, at 804-746-7370, or visit www.heritagegreenhanover.com.

sentative Sue Dibble said, while she appreciated the need for an increase in compensation, she could not endorse a 50 percent raise. “Certainly I agree that a salary adjustment after all of these years is warranted,” Dibble said. “I have great concerns about a 50 percent salary adjustment for anybody.” Dibble also said she couldn’t justify paying Planning Commission members $10,000 while school board members were receiving $12,000. Dibble noted that the school board’s current $8,000 annual compensation includes benefits such as health insurance enrollment options, and those “perks” are not available to Planning Commission members. She equated comparing salaries with larger and elected school boards like Chesterfield and Henrico as “apples and oranges,” and also said she was not comfortable with the lack of public input received on the subject. Gibney noted the $12,000 figure was a cap, not a required increase. Action on any increase would require school board approval, assuming the General Assembly allows the measure. “While I acknowledge there should be some movement, I can’t support that much of a movement,” Dibble said before voting against the measure. Beaverdam representative John Axselle said he thought the increase was warranted and overdue. “I don’t know anyone who would stay on a job for 13 years without a raise; not saying we do it for the money, because we don’t do it

for the money,” he said. “Ms. Dibble is moving on to supervisor where she makes a heck of a lot more than we do . . . $28,000, so I don’t have a concern if we were to vote for $12,000,” he continued. Dibble recently was elected to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and will take office in January. She cast the only vote against the resolution. Gibney said a resolution and a bill would be forwarded to Hanover’s legislative team, allowing them to proceed with an introduction in the upcoming year’s General Assembly.

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CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Wednesday, Nov. 20 The Lee-Davis High School annual Horticulture Poinsettia Sale will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25-26, and November 25-26, and Monday through Friday, Dec. 2-13, at the newly renovated school greenhouse. To order, call 804-723-2245 to order. Payment may be made by cash or check. Bulk orders are welcome. Call for pricing.

Thursday, Nov. 21 The Town of Ashland

Economic Development Authority will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.

Friday, Nov. 22 Polegreen Church will hold its annual Holiday Illumination at 5:30 p.m. at 6411 Heatherwood Drive in Mechanicsville. The evening will feature Christmas carols and the lighting of the church to celebrate the season. Pole Green Elementary School Chorus and The Sounds of the Spirit Handbell Choir from Mechanicsville Baptist Church will perform. A Revolutionary

encampment will be provided by the Henrico Minute Company before the program begins.

non-perishable food for a bonus door prize ticket. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Saturday, Nov. 23

Saturdays

Church of the Redeemer will present its 38th Annual Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 8275 Meadowbridge Rd. in Mechanicsville across from Memorial Regional Medical Center. The event will feature 120-plus craft vendors, a bake sale, Santa Claus, Santa Shop, $10 donation/door prize, and a raffle including a gift card tree, quilt, and more. Bring a can of

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 Roy Minnix, senior pastor, and Nycholas Greig, associate pastor. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond. net or call 804-270-9626.

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ax submissions to calendar to 730-0476, email to events@ mechlocal.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Ashland-Hanover Local.

Narcotics Anonymous group, has been organized and will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-2491845. The website is http://www. mcshin.org.

Tuesdays

Sundays Outside the Walls, a new

A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about

TRANSGENDER Continued from pg. 1

“I am certain they are not the only ones and certain they are not the first,” Merrill said during a public comment period. Citizens on both sides of the issue packed the school board meeting room last week to express their opinions on the issue. She urged school officials to continue a program of education regarding transgender issues and increased efforts to combat misconceptions. “So, thank you for your support that you have offered and please consider providing more with curriculum and a thoughtful gender affirming policy,” Merrill concluded. Rhonda Kelly, also the parent of a graduated transgender student in Hanover, also expressed thanks for the county’s policy. “My son was encouraged to be who he is by everyone at his school and that made such a difference in his life,” Kelly said. Citizens on both sides of the issue packed the school board meeting room last week to express their opinions on the issue. Cold Harbor resident and parent Justin Rath repeated concerns he raised at last month’s meeting regarding policy currently being followed. Rath said he had reached out to multiple state representatives regarding his concerns, and found their responses in agreement with his position. “I’ve been met with nothing but total agreement,” he said. “Not a single one of them likes this any more than I do.” Rath said those who oppose the current policy would continue to organize and “fight”.

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 804-746-4734. The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the see CALENDAR, pg. 7

“We’re working on a solution and we will continue to fight to protect the innocence of these girls from the perversion of being forced to change their clothes in front of a boy,” Rath said. Whitney Cipriani said some of those girls are uncomfortable with the locker room situation and have spoken up, “but it has landed on deaf ears.” “They have been told it’s not right to feel the way they feel and if they have a problem they can dress out somewhere else,” Cipriani said. “Do not dismiss dozens of young impressionable girls because you are too scared to speak up for them. They matter. Do better for these girls, not just one child.” Jeff Brauer of Beaverdam said current policy is akin to accommodating the exception and not the rule. “I trust that the current policy that requires middle school girls to change clothes in front of a biological male was established in an effort to foster feelings of comfort and well-being in a transgender student,” Brauer said. “That notion is commendable, but should not bring about policies that provide for one student while taking the same away from other students,” he continued. “A policy that places one student’s feelings above a number of others is an official endorsement of favoritism for the one, while, at the same time, demeaning the others.” Those expressing the need for a change in policy said they will continue to seek solutions at the local level, and one warned they would not hesitate to “move up the ladder until we get the answers we need.”

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Singers invited to take part in ‘Light Up the Tracks’ ASHLAND – The invitation is being extended for those who like to sing. Anyone who would like to take part in the “Light Up the Tracks� Community Chorus is welcome to do so. “Light Up the Tracks!� will kick off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, with the Grand Illumination following at 5:30 p.m. at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, located at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. There will only be one rehearsal, which

TRADITION Continued from pg. 2

Scotchtown, Patrick Henry’s home from 1771 to 1778, in historic Hanover County, near Beaverdam. Over Columbus Day weekend -- from 2 p.m. Friday until 4 p.m. Saturday, we peeled, cooked, stirred, and canned a lot of apple butter. We had plenty of time for visiting and potluck meals as well as family history stories, including a slideshow of our rich family history spanning almost 100 years through pictures, Bible records, and courthouse documents. Our “chief communicator,� Charles L. Ramsburg, along with a team of cousins, managed the many tasks that make the reunion possible. Venues for the reunion have changed over the years, but the main “host� and organizer has always been Harry “Spunky� Butler. The first Apple Butter Reunion was at Spunky’s horse “farmette� in Nokesville, Virginia. The 1999 event planning team of Spunky, Tom and Karen Berlin, and Richard and Lynn Ramsburg went all out, focusing on many activi-

For more information, contact Lorie Foley at 804-339-6175 or Sue Watson at 804-402-0296.

is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Ashland Christian Church at 301 S. James St. in Ashland. All ages – kindergarten and up – are invited to join in the musical fun. “Light Up the Tracks� is powered by Dominion Energy. For more information, call Lorie Foley at 804-339-6175 or Sue Watson at 804402-0296.

ties for all ages and especially the younger generation. Young children (sometimes two and three together) giggled and bounced during horseback rides on Spunky’s big white steed. Children also loved playing with Spunky’s bantam chickens, pulling each other on antique buggy rides, arts and crafts, and cookie decorating. This was all in addition to the Apple Butter making itself. Now, our event often includes farm animal petting opportunities, pony rides, and pick-up soccer/football games. According to many of the kids, the favorite activity this year (2019) was petting “Ray,� the stray gray cat that appeared each day and was showered with food and affection by the kids. We enlisted the help of some junior reporters this year to ask family members about our apple butter reunion. We really love the fellowship that happens around the peeling tables and kettles, reconnecting to our family heritage, seeing changes in family members (this year we had two new children births/ arrivals).

We love watching children grow into adults, celebrating marriages and milestones, and commiserating with family members dealing with loss (divorce and death). And, wow, do we ever enjoy the Saturday potluck lunch with many traditional Ramsburg family recipe items. Based on our poll at this year’s event, the average attendee made 2½ trips through the extensive food tables. We’re so glad that the apple butter tradition has been reignited in Ramsburg family Generations 3 and 4. With each spoonful of apple butter that we eat between family reunions, we remember the fun of past reunions, and the connection and belonging we share as one big Ramsburg family. By the numbers: 20 bushels of apples; 240 quarts of apple butter canned; About 1,200 Stayman variety and 1,200 Roman variety from a Winchester orchard; Two large copper kettles for cooking; And eight hours of cooking time.

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OPINION | The Local Views

LETTERS

From the managing editor

| Reader Views

Goodbye, Rhu--we are going to miss you

Immigrants have always served the U.S.

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor hen I officially joined the staff of The Mechanicsville Local in July 2008, I had a “to-do” list for immediate, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days. Publisher Joy Monopoli did request such a list, but I always prepared them before starting a new job, so it a relatively simple assignment. At the top was going out and meeting government, education, and business leaders. Movers

W

and shakers, who are sometimes “hidden in the bushes” as they make incredible differences in our community also were being sought. One of the first people that I knew I needed to meet as County Administrator Rhu Harris. It’s hard to believe that we first crossed paths 11 years ago. And now he has submitted his plans for retirement. Rhu has always been accessible -- even when he was on vacation. He has been kind and agreeable to our requests or questions.

I was impressed to learn when I wrote a story several years ago about some of the salaries of county leaders that he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). From what I understand, it’s one of the toughest exams to achieve that title. He has admirably handled the day-to-day operations for Hanover County. Rhu has been a supporter of Richmond Suburban News and we thank him for that. Yes, he will be missed -- but we do wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life. Here’s to you, Rhu!

Is it just too much too soon with the decorations? By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist As I entered a local retail chain store last week to purchase printer ink, I noted that only days after Halloween, there wasn’t a hint of the recently celebrated holiday. I quickly realized that cheery background music was holiday-related, the large colorful spheres strategically hung from the ceiling were Christmas ornaments and a special aisle reserved for stocking stuffers were all sure signs the Christmas season was upon us. Could it be true that Christmas had arrived in Richmond two weeks before Thanksgiving, a sure sign that something called Christmas Creep has taken on a new persona that more resembles a scene from “The Blob” than a subtle reminder that the holiday season is just around the corner. One lady exclaimed that the season seems to arrive

earlier each year, and the decorations and trappings of the season are all “just too much.” It’s not a new complaint, and it seems consumers have long bemoaned about the seasonal starting date as it moved closer and closer to an October premiere. A little research reveals it’s a complaint that began almost as early as the Christmas season became more commercial and less reliant on calendars. I’m not sure when the season became a multimonth celebration, but I am convinced a fair number of Americans would rather observe the holiday in a more time sensitive manner. There was a time when the earliest signs of the season arrived in the mail. The arrival of major department store Christmas toy catalogs was an anticipated event at our home; and thumbing through those pages provided the first hint of the Christmas spirit for our family.

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Two weeks before Christmas Day, my father would crawl into our attic and receive a large box of decorations, most of them in boxes reinforced with Scotch Tape, each of them showing the wear and tear of years of unpacking and packing. A string of NOMA Mazda lights adorned our front door, accompanied by two large candles that seemed as tall as a yardstick strategically positioned on each side of our porch. It was the same routine each year, but, somehow, always provided a special brand of excitement and anticipation for my sister and me. I suppose it was Christmas on a smaller scale, compacted into two or three weeks in December, but more than enough to provide all of those memories that represent the season for many of us. The earlier arrival of Saint Nick, I fear, also is responsible for a level of angst and stress that also see SOON, pg. 14

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.

I feel I must respond to the person who wrote an extremely long letter to the editor in the local issue on Nov. 6. The title of the letter was Trump defended after Army officer addresses Ukraine. Immigrants have served in our Armed Forces since the beginning of this nation’s history. Immigrants were drafted during the Vietnam War, World War 1 and World War 2. Why the letter-writer suggests the intentions of an immigrant, who came to this country when he was 3 years old, might only serve to prevent deportation is absurd. I can’t imagine a 3-year-old having memories and allegiance to the country where he was born. I suppose if you had ancestors in Italy, for example, someone could accuse you of being loyal to Italy. But you’d be laughed out of the room. The original complaint came from a whistleblower whose identity, so far, we don’t know. There is no proof whatsoever on any of the claims Trump is making about the phone call and his reasons for denying the aid Congress approved. It is a violation of the law to ask or accept assistance form a foreign country to help with your campaign. Maybe the letter-writer has been watching too much of the Fox Network. Let’s remember their evening shows aren’t news -- they’re entertainment and the hosts offer their opinions, not facts. If Trump is so concerned about corruption, he only needs to look in the mirror to see first-hand what corruption looks like. Five witnesses have come forward all saying the same thing. Republicans complained about a closed hearing demanding an open one. When the time came, they voted against holding an open impeachment inquiry. see LETTERS, pg. 13

Pets of the Week Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett

The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Buddy, #565394, is a 5-year-old male domestic short-haired feline. He has had his first set of vaccines and is FELV/FIV test negative. Buddy is a sweet cat that has been in the shelter since early October. He was more than likely an outdoor cat before arriving. However, he has adjusted well to indoor life. He is well litter-trained and clean. Buddy also is very social. He loves human attention. He will make a great companion. Brody, # 556696, is a 1½-year-old neutered male pitbull mix. He has had his first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Brody is full of personality. He is an energetic, loveable dog. Brody has been in the shelter since July. He is very good on a leash. He will walk for hours if allowed. Brody is a good dog around people. He is still learning his commands. Brody does well with other dogs as well. He will be a good pet for an active owner. For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http:// hanovercounty.gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/.

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 4

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.

Third Mondays The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

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 their loved ones. For more information, contact Kathy Redfearn, LCSW at 804675-4230.

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. 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. Barbara Boor is the president. Doors are open to anyone who would like to attend.

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VETERANS Continued from pg. 1

supervisor Angela KellyWiecek said following a poignant Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11. This year’s keynote speaker told the assembly that she was an unlikely candidate to become a combat warrior, but joined the Marines to escape her surroundings and seek a better career path. “I knew we would go to war. I just didn’t know that I would be on the front line,” said retired Marine Sgt. Taniki Richard, who relayed her experience with Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit group that supports veterans who leave service with mental or other issues. When Richard got her orders to report to Iraq, she assumed her role as a female would not include being in the line of fire service. On a night mission after she arrived, her unit was attacked

by enemy fire and she found herself “with hot rounds flying around.” She returned home to a place that seemed distant. “I came back to a life that I didn’t remember, a son that I wasn’t connected to with responsibilities that were withering away,” Richard said. She realized something was not exactly right after her deployment and became “more detached and nightmares starting happening.” She said she tried to bury the combat memories along with other difficult circumstances in her life and keep moving, but couldn’t rebound on her own. “I couldn’t keep pretending and putting on a face like nothing was wrong with me,” Richard said. She eventually attempted suicide and entered a mental facility. “I was missing something. I was missing the camaraderie,” Richard said. That’s where the Wounded

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

One of the most solemn moments of the Veterans Day Ceremony is the laying of the wreath.

Warrior Project entered the picture and provided the services and support she needed. “For the first time in a long time, I realized that was what I was missing — a place to belong, a place to be where I didn’t want to talk about what

happened but I wanted someone to understand,” Richard said. Wounded Warrior helped Richard with her transition and gave her the resources needed to help with her disability and begin her new journey.

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Learn more at Richmond.com/Thanksgiving Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019

Kelly-Wiecek said Richard’s message was an important and timely reminder. “I would like everyone to know that today’s speaker’s remarks were very timely and very poignant to speak to other needs in our community, espe-

cially in terms of PTSD and mental health issues that we are seeing. I think that’s an important message and she is continuing to serve her nation in being so forthcoming about these issues,” Kelly-Wiecek said. The annual event was sponsored by the Hanover County Veterans Memorial Committee and Parks and Recreation and emceed by chairman Jim Kickler. The laying of the memorial wreath was conducted by Atlee High School JROTC Commander Col. Charles Schmetzer, USAF (Ret). He was escorted by American Legion Post 175 Commander Jim Legg and VFW Post 9808 Commander Ed Mann. The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office provided an Honor Guard comprised of deputies who served in the Armed Forces. The Hanover Veterans Memorial is open 365 days a year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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22 2019

Prep football: Patrick Henry at Louisa County 7:30 p.m.

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23 2019

Neptune Bowl: Apprentice vs. R-MC at Va. Beach Sportsplex 2:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Patriots seize control in region first round By Nick Vandeloecht Richmond Suburban News ASHLAND – Patrick Henry and Spotsylvania both entered their Region 4B first-round playoff game with the same record of 7-3. And that’s where the similarities ended on Friday night. While the visiting Knights were held to just one first down before halftime, the Patriots produced touchdowns on all six of their first-half drives for a 43-0 lead and dominated 56-6 to advance to the region semifinals. “It’s a great, great win. Anytime you get a chance to do this in front of your home fans, that’s outstanding,” said Patrick Henry coach Ken Wakefield. “The kids came out, stepped up, rose to the challenge and just played outstanding tonight.” All facets of the Patriots (8-3) game – offense, defense and special teams – were firing on all cylinders. Senior lineman Cedric Carter Jr. stormed after the Knights’ quarterback in the first half, contributing to two sacks and making a key tackle at Spotsylvania’s 41-yard line to force an additional turnover on downs. “It was a great feeling just being around my teammates,” Carter said. “We’ve been working on that all week at practice – staying outside, just playing assignment football, and it

Joel Klein for The Local

Patrick Henry running back Cameron Toliver finds the path to the end zone clear on his 25-yard touchdown run giving the Patriots a 28-0 second-quarter lead in their 56-6 class Region 4B first round victory over Spotslyvania Friday night.

worked out on the field.” On the Knights’ third drive of the night, Carter and Camden Byrd combined to drop Spotsylvania’s quarterback backwards for a whopping loss of 12 yards, pinning the Knights back at their own 9-yard line and forcing a punt that traveled only 16 yards. “The guys have been playing really, really well,” Wakefield said. “They take pride in what we do from a defensive perspective, and they were chal-

lenged this week – they knew Spotsylvania has a run-heavy offense. We stepped up to the challenge and we were able to slow them down a little bit.” Spotsylvania went into halftime with negative-12 yards of offense and just one first down awarded on a pass interference penalty called on Patrick Henry late in the second quarter. “We all worked well together as a unit, and it showed,” Carter said. After Patriot quarterback

Alex Sikkar let loose a 50-yard bomb to a wide-open Jayden Mines on third and 14, then ran in the 2-point conversion for an 8-0 lead, the Patriots dished out most of their damage on the ground, sending four different backs into the end zone for rushing touchdowns. Tyler Newell, Antonio Ford and Owen Arruza all scored on the ground from less than 10 yards out. Cameron Toliver, on the sole play of the Patriots’ fourth drive following a Knights’ short

punt, scampered 25 across the goal line. Newell paced all rushers with two scores. In the first half, Sikkar rushed for 61 yards with a 2-point conversion and passed for 105. On first-and-10 with the Patriots on the Knights’ 27, two defenders broke through the line and made after Sikkar, but the senior quarterback rushed to his right, then pulled off a wild reverse that saw him travel towards and around the left side and then forward for a

7-yard gain. Mines caught touchdown passes of 50 and 25 yards from quarterbacks Sikkar and Jordan Allen, respectively. Allen also delivered a 4-yard touchdown rush in the fourth quarter. Defensively, Patrick Henry senior Kevin Gholson was in on a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble. His teammate Chase Allen knocked down a pass in the second half. With top-seeded Louisa up next in the region semifinals, the Patriots are maintaining a 1-and-0 approach to the postseason. “Doesn’t matter where we play – it’s about us,” Wakefield said. “Doesn’t matter the opponent. … We worry about us, and if we do that, we’ll be fine come week two.” When he was told that Louisa was leading King George 42-12, which implied the Lions would be their next opponent, Wakefield quickly said, “Sounds good!” He added “there’s nothing better” than the type of atmosphere they’ll get to immerse themselves in when they step onto the Lions’ field next weekend. “It’s a privilege to play in that type of atmosphere,” Wakefield said. “Our kids will embrace that challenge.” Nick Vandeloecht can be reached at nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019

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R-MC wallops Tigers in 124th “The Game” By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND – RandolphMacon football honored 33 seniors on Saturday at Day Field in two ways. An emotional pregame ceremony was followed by a thorough and complete domination of their archrival, the 45-3 win over HampdenSydney producing the largest margin of victory in the history of the oldest small college football rivalry in the South. The 124th edition of “The Game” saw the Yellow Jackets (8-2) turn the disappointment of losing the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) championship game to Bridgewater the week before into determination to honor their seniors in the best way possible: win “The Game” for the sixth consecutive season. The Class of 2020 not only has 33 members, but now 33 wins, the most by any class in Randolph-Macon program history. Their elder statesman, tailback Tre Frederick, led the way. Rushing 20 times for 143 yards, Frederick became the first Yellow Jacket in program history to amass four 1,000yard seasons. His all-time yardage total of 5,147 puts him second all-time in Virginia college football history regardless of school classification, behind Thomas Haskins of Virginia Military Institute (VMI), who had 5,349 yards for the Keydets between 1992 and 1996. With the game still close at 10-3, Randolph-Macon – after Hampden-Sydney (1-9) stalled at the Yellow Jacket 34 yard line – launched an eight-play, five-minute drive that ended when senior quarterback Burke Estes, starting for the first time since week three against Emory and Henry, threaded the Tiger defense to find wide receiver Trey Owens in the middle of

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Yellow Jacket NCAA runs end Staff reports Ashland-Hanover Local

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hampden-Sydney defensive back Brad Jeffers (right) looks on in frustration as Randolph-Macon running back Tre Frederick hauls in a Burke Estes pass for a 40-yard touchdown in the Yellow Jackets’ 45-3 walloping of the visiting Tigers Saturday.

the field. Owens picked up critical yards after the catch for a 37-yard touchdown, making the eventual halftime margin 17-3, as a 42-yard field goal try by Hampden-Sydney’s Rhett Andersen was well short as time expired. “I was behind him. We ran an RPO (run pass option), and they threw the slant to him,” Frederick said, recalling the play. “He made one guy miss and they were chasing, and I was just hoping he didn’t get tackled. We all met him in the end zone and talked it up.” The Yellow Jackets took full advantage of winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, as the offense used

Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019

a 10-play, 65-yard drive, and more than five and a half minutes of clock, to score on a 2-yard run by senior Marcus Bazala (Hanover) for a 24-3 lead. Next, it was Frederick’s turn, as, with 2:55 left in the third, he ran the wheel route and was wide open down the Randolph-Macon sideline for a 40-yard touchdown reception. It was 31-3, and the rout was on. The Tigers and Yellow Jackets each amassed 169 yards of total offense in the first half. In the second half, RandolphMacon gained 325 yards, while Hampden-Sydney earned just 49. The Yellow Jacket defense was stifling, and it capped the scoring with a 29 yard intercep-

tion return for a touchdown by senior Calvin Whitehead, his second pick six of the season. While always excited to win “The Game”, Randolph-Macon head coach Pedro Arruza took time after the victory to reflect on the never-ending effort of his team through an uneven season, an effort that he feels is derived directly from the character of his student-athletes. “We lost against (Johns) Hopkins, a huge disappointment after the camp we had. To be down by 18 at Averett in the beginning of the fourth quarter and for the kids to battle back, that says a lot,” Arruza said. “Then the way we won the Washington and Lee game. You

can sit here and say I’m disappointed that we’re 8-2, but let’s face it, we could’ve been 6-4 or 5-5. Our kids found some ways to win. I’ve never, ever in the time I’ve been here doubted the character of our kids.” Estes was nearly flawless, completing 15-of-17 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns, throwing to eight different receivers. Jordan Foster, sorely missed at Bridgewater, returned to carry the ball five times for 49 yards. The Yellow Jackets will represent the conference in the inaugural Neptune Bowl Saturday, facing Apprentice School at the Virginia Beach SportsPlex at 2 p.m. Randolph-

Randolph-Macon’s two fall NCAA tournament runs came to an end this weekend, as the Yellow Jacket women’s soccer team fell to top-ranked Messiah 4-0 Sunday and the women’s volleyball team was ousted by Marymount (Virginia) 3-1 Friday. Randolph-Macon’s soccer team (21-1-1) won its first-round game against Haverford 2-0 Saturday. But the 13th ranked Yellow Jackets were no match for the tournament hosts. Still, it was a historic season for a team that posted both the most wins in a season as well as the fewest losses. Volleyball dropped the first two sets against Marymount before winning the third, but could not sustain the rally.

Macon can tie the single-season program mark for wins with nine. But for Frederick and his fellow seniors, it’s one more chance to don the uniform, and that means everything. “Last week, after we lost, not knowing how many opportunisee THE GAME, pg. 11

Atlee, PH girls fall; PH boys advance in states By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local One team expected to be there. One team made history by being there. Two different roads carried Atlee and Patrick Henry girls volleyball to state quarterfinal play on Saturday, where both the Raiders and Patriots saw their seasons conclude. For Patrick Henry, under first-year head coach Jessica Jones, a Region 4B championship was within reach. After taking a 2-0 lead at top seed Courtland Wednesday night with impressive set wins of 25-14 and 25-19, the Patriots watched as the Cougars made defensive adjustments, found their offensive rhythm, and stormed back for wins of 25-7 and 25-17 to force a tiebreaker. “I told them set three is when [Courtland] woke up against Powhatan,” Jones said, explaining the Cougars’ comefrom-behind five-set win over the Indians to advance to the regional final to her team when they had the 2-0 advantage. “We’ve got to be ready for that, but that’s what they did. They adjusted very well to our middle hitter, Zophia (Walker). They knew what she was going to do every time.” By neutralizing Walker, Courtland forced the Patriots

THE GAME Continued from pg. 10

ties I would have to put my jersey on, I broke down,” Frederick recalled. “Guys saw how much this senior class has invested, how much we’ve given to this program. It’s not about rushing the ball, it’s about the opportunity to suit up with these guys again.” Rob Witham can be reached

Rob Witham for The Local

Patrick Henry’s Alexis McNair fires one of her 17 kills during the second set of Wednesday’s Region 4B girls volleyball championship. After falling down two sets, Courtland cameback to win. McNair also had 19 digs and a block for the Patriots.

Joel Klein for The Local

Patrick Henry’s Cal Inge puts away the opening point in the Patriots’ four-set victory over Colonial Heights in a Region 4, Western Section semifinal at Patrick Henry on Nov. 11. Colonial Height’s Logan Spearman and Nicholas Hess defend.

to adjust offensively while the dug deep in the winner-take-all helped Patrick Henry go on a Cougars’ offense awakened like fifth set. After the Cougars took 4-0 run for a 7-6 advantage, a sleeping giant. But the Patriots a 6-3 lead, back to back aces prompting a Courtland timeout. Sarah Nadlicki and Alexis McNair, who led the Patriots H-SC: Smith 23 carries 58 yards, with 17 kills, each pounded the at sports@mechlocal.com. Vick 1-(minus 6). R-MC: Frederick floor for a 9-7 lead. 20-143, Foster 5-49, Bazala 10-37, H-SC 3 0 0 0— 3 The Cougars final push R-MC 7 10 14 14 — 45 Egbers 6-28, Estes 3-13, Ihle 3-5, Adeyola 1-1, DeLeon 2-1, TEAM came with a pair of points 1-(minus 1). to finally retake the lead at R-MC — Ihle 2 run (Vidal kick) PASSING H-SC — Anderson FG 28 14-13. The Patriots fended H-SC: Vick 15 completions 35 R-MC — Vidal FG 34 off two match points, but not attempts 166 yards 1 interception. R-MC — Owens 27 pass from Estes the third, Courtland winning R-MC: Estes 15-17-218-0. (Vidal kick) RECEIVING 17-15. Claire Williamson had R-MC — Bazala 2 run (Vidal kick) H-SC: Morgan 7 receptions 33 assists, 20 digs and an ace R-MC — Frederick 40 pass from 118 yards, Smith 4-19, Page 2-18, Estes (Vidal kick) Edmonds 2-11. R-MC: Frederick for Patrick Henry (20-7), while R-MC — Foster 5 run (Vidal kick) R-MC — C. Whitehead 29 intercep- 1-40, Owens 3-40, Avent 1-37, Gill Walker registered 11 kills. 2-30, Hanratty 2-28, Foster 4-18, While their season ended tion return (Vidal kick) Owens 1-15, Jones 1-10. RUSHING Saturday, falling to Warhill 3-1

in the Class 4 state quarterfinal, Patrick Henry can savor clinching that first trip to a state tournament. Jones hopes to eventually build the kind of program that her brother, Michael Townsend, has built with the Patriot boys, who repeated as Class 4, Western Section Champions by going to top-seeded Maggie Walker Governor’s School Wednesday and winning in four sets. The Patriot boys are two wins away from a fourth consecutive state title. Meanwhile, the Atlee girls, fresh off the high of winning their third consecutive Region

5B championship with a threeset sweep of previously unbeaten Mills Godwin, hosted First Colonial Saturday in a Class 5 state quarterfinal. A 25-16 win in set one was a promising start. But a myriad of unforced errors by the Raiders helped contribute to the Patriots’ ability to find small leads in each of the final three sets. A 5-1 run gave First Colonial a 15-11 lead en route to winning set two 25-16. Attack errors, service errors, and other errors plagued Atlee, opening the door for First Colonial to win the final sets 25-21, 25-19 and end the Raiders season. “It wasn’t like they were forcing us into errors, it was a lot of self-inflicted wounds,” said Atlee head coach Curtis Carpenter. “We had a good see STATES, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019

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Hanover runners lead pack in state cross country By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local While the Class 4 State Cross Country Championship, held Saturday at the Great Meadow course at The Plains in Northern Virginia, was dominated in the team division by Loudoun Valley, Hanover County programs were heard from, finishing strong seasons, setting personal bests and, most excitedly, laying foundations for the future. For the Lee-Davis boys, winners of the Region 4B team title, teamwork placed the Confederates in third overall, four points ahead of Blacksburg, who had two runners place in the top 10. Senior Gerrit Moyar finished 19th in 16:30 while junior Grayson Clark was right behind in 21st at 16:33. Freshman Josh Gray improved on his regional race time by nearly 25 seconds to finish in 16:56, good for 36th overall, with Austin Runne just behind in 17:02 for 40th place. On an historic day for Patrick Henry, as the Patriots qualified both their boys and girls team for the state final, head coach Jeremy Dobrinski had plenty of reason for pride. The boys team placed sixth overall, led by sophomores Trevor Mason, nipping Moyar for 18th place in 16:30 and Luke Taylor, taking 23rd overall in

STATES Continued from pg. 11

season, I can’t take anything away from the season. I knew [First Colonial] was going to be tough. They always are. They’re well coached. But some of the things we failed at, like ball control, is what we’ve been good at.” Lone senior Kaylin Strichman led Atlee with 17

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John Beebe for The Local

Above, Patrick Henry’s Emmy Joyce (609) helped the Patriot girls finish seventh, one point behind Hanover, with a 33rd-place finish in 20:31 in the Virginia High School League Class 4 state championships at Great Meadow in The Plains Saturday. Top right, Emily Morris was the top Patriot finisher, coming in eighth in 18:43. Bottom right, Luke Taylor finished 23rd for the Patrick Henry boys.

16:39. Senior Carter Burcham was 29th in 16:51. “Looking back at last year’s results, Mason ran almost a minute faster than last year,” Dobrinski said. “The course ran very fast. I was pleased with how things turned out, and I think the kids were equally as pleased.”

For the Patriot girls, it was a nip and tuck battle with rival Hanover for sixth overall in the team competition, with the Hawks winning 161-162. “Right before they stepped on the line I told the girls, do something awesome,” Dobrinski said. They responded. Senior

kills, adding three aces. Kara Hammock added 12 kills, three blocks and four digs. Rylie Harris had 17 digs while Bri Brown had 37 assists. The Raiders have been led by youth for a couple of years, but will be senior-laden in 2020. Carpenter is excited about future talent in the pipeline, hoping to finally find the formula to vanquish teams from Tidewater and return to play for

a state championship. “Kasey’s got some talented young kids that have size. I’ve got up-and-comers that can fill spots,” Carpenter said in referencing to JV head coach Kasey Ogden’s squad from this season. “It’s a culture that we’re building on. Give me some athletes, and I’ll teach them how to play volleyball.” Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019

Emily Morris took eighth overall with a time of 18:43, earning Class 4 All-State honors, Patrick Henry’s first individual honor this century. Four out of the Patriots’ seven competitors registered personal bests, including freshman Olivia Joyce, shaving 45 seconds off her best time to finish in 21:27. Ever quiet, Dobrinski couldn’t quite tell how excited she was at the result. “She got a big smile on her face, then walked away like, okay, time for the next one,” Dobrinski said. The best freshman – and Hanover County – finish was from Alli Cryser, who completed a fantastic first varsity season by taking fifth place overall in a time of 18:23. Crytser ran with the leaders from Loudoun Valley, winner Ava Gordon and

second place finisher Ricky Fetterolf, for the first mile, and was by herself in the middle portion of the race. Hawks head coach Rich Firth noted Crytser may have been able to place as high as third, overtaken near the line by two runners, but also praised her strategy, because hers was a plan for victory. “It’s rare that any kid can go through an entire season and not have one off race,” Firth said of Crytser. “She never had one bad race. She was disappointed to be caught down the final straightaway, but that’s because she took some risks early. Those runners were trying to see how high they could finish. Alli was trying to finish first.” Alli’s sister, senior Rachel Crytser, a decorated runner who has fought injury during

the cross country season, placed 19th in 19:36. Along with fellow senior Makenzie Joiner, the tandem has laid a great foundation for the future at Hanover. In the Class 5 state finals, also held at Great Meadow, Atlee junior Rachel Mudd earned All-State honors, finishing seventh overall in a time of 19:21, while senior George Henning placed 27th overall in the boys’ final with a time of 16:43. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

Anyone with sense should realize Republicans in Congress only care about and support the party not the people. I’m not about to debate the issue on Trump and his administration or to the many other accusations made in the letter. History will no doubt have plenty to say about it and it will not be positive. Kevin Damian Mechanicsville

Voter: denied preferred candidate I would consider myself an Independent-minded voter. I was looking forward to casting my ballot in the Republican Presidential Primary. As I was researching which candidate I wanted to vote for, I realized the Virginia Republican Party decided to close ranks and deny myself and all Republicans the right to vote in an open primary. They instead chose to hold a Presidential Preference Vote at the State Convention. The people of Virginia deserve to be able to vote for whomever they want to without having to jump through hoops or prove their allegiance to a political party. I call on both the Republican and Democrat Parties to stop holding conventions/firehouse primaries and give the power back to the people. If you want to vote in the primaries, I believe you should be able to vote for the candidate that best fits your views and convictions. Conventions trample on our right to choose because it gives power to the few instead of the whole. I wish parties didn’t try to protect their incumbents by using a convention and instead let the people make that decision on their own. Alex Culp Mechanicsville

School name issue needs to be examined In light of new information that the Hanover County School Board has disclosed, all of the taxpayers in Hanover should examine closely the renaming of schools. It will cost half a million dollars to change the names and the board will incur hundreds of thousands in legal fees. A million dollars of school money to change names of schools is not what parents want. The board is currently searching for land to build new schools within the decade and then the schools will be renamed. The NAACP’s declaration that the current names violate the Constitutional Rights of African American students is far-reaching subjective nonsense. No one at any school in Hanover is “championing the legacy of segregation and oppression in order to participate in school activities” (as stated by NAACP) I have attended Lee-Davis High School football games this year and befriended a woman and her mother and her two daughters, African American students, who perform in the band. I note African American cheerleaders, football players and dancers as well. They all look happy. I discussed the name issue with mom and grandma and they both shrugged – it would be nice, they said, but their first priority is school excellence, which is why they live in Hanover. Neither has written letters or are involved in name change. They are satisfied with the education their girls are receiving and ignore the name. My African American neighbors all graduated from L-DHS and their rich legacy of education support in Hanover is well known. One was a Army Ranger in Vietnam, his son is a high ranking LEO, his daughter a teacher, and their children attend L-DHS and Stonewall Jackson Middle School. There are many more families like this one whose children have done well and do well at the schools.

I have been a proponent of name change for L-DHS but when the cost that needs to go to uniforms, books, supplies, equipment will be spent on doing so outweighs the desire to do so, I take the position that needs are more important than wants and that waiting for the new schools and renaming then is the most judicious, reasonable, cost-effective path to take. If indeed black students were being harmed in any way by the school name, then it would be important to address that issue, but from what I have seen and know that is not the case -- all children thrive in Hanover County Public Schools. Patsy Lassiter Mechanicsville

Questioning letter about call to Ukraine In responding to Martha Cole’s letter, I don’t know quite where to start. I would first ask if she actually read the “non-transcript/transcript” of the phone call to the President of Ukraine released by the White House. It’s chilling. Not entirely sure why that “excellent” transcript alone is not enough to move forward with impeachment as the intent of the call has only been collaborated by testimony and the President has even admitted as such: The President is illegally seeking to have foreign government interference in the election process of the United States and withholding military foreign aid if the interference is not forthcoming. As we’ve learned, it’s really not material that the foreign aid was ultimately provided; the solicitation for foreign interference is enough in and of itself. I’m not entirely sure why this doesn’t scare even the Trumplicans. That said, I’m going to take a wild guess and suggest that perhaps Ms. Cole has not served in the military. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman came to the U.S. when he was 3 see LETTERS, pg. 14

Contributed photo

Mobile interface synchronizes stroke care to deliver real time outcomes

Bon Secours first in Virginia to offer artificial intelligence stroke software Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – Bon Secours has partnered with Viz.ai, a healthcare startup, to become the first in Virginia to utilize artificial intelligence to help medical professionals spot early signs of stroke. This technology, now available at all Bon Secours facilities and freestanding emergency departments in Richmond, facilitates early access by synchronizing stroke care. Early stroke detection is the key to treating and negating the impact of strokes, but they can be difficult to diagnose. Using a cloud-based artificial intelligence system, the technology alerts neurovascular specialists of a suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, enabling earlier imaging review and better collaboration between physicians. Through a mobile interface, care teams can liaise in real time to analyze scans and decide on the most suitable course of treatment. “We are excited to be the first in Virginia to offer this new innovative technology that will help save time and brain in our most vulnerable stroke patients,” said David Loy, M.D., Ph.D., neurointerventional surgeon and co-medical director of Bon Secours Comprehensive Stroke Center. “This groundbreaking artificial intelligence will transform the way Bon Secours delivers stroke care to our patients and our community, and we’re looking forward to seeing improved outcomes.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability. Viz.ai’s technology can potentially save critical time in the triage, diagnosis and treatment of strokes. Combining groundbreaking applied artificial intelligence with seamless communication, Viz.ai's image analysis facilitates the fast and accurate triage of suspected LVOs in stroke patients and better collaboration between clinicians at comprehensive and referral hospitals. “We are excited to partner with Bon Secours who has the foresight and commitment to provide cutting-edge applied artificial intelligent solutions to help transform healthcare to improve access to life-changing therapies for its community,” said Chris Mansi, M.D., neurosurgeon and co-founder/CEO of Viz.ai. “In this new era of Synchronized Care, Bon Secours will provide its community with access to its expertise throughout its entire stroke network.” This technology is now available at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital, Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital, Bon Secours Short Pump Emergency Center and Bon Secours Westchester Emergency Center. For more information, visit www. BonSecours.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019 13

LETTERS Continued from pg. 13

years old. He has served with dedication and honorably as many immigrants have. He also has been stationed where he can provide valuable assistance and input. For some reason, I’ll suspect that Lt. Col. Vindman has passed some pretty exhaustive security checks. What sort of litmus test is Ms. Cole suggesting? Only domestic-born individuals should be allowed to serve in the military? What about second generation? Third? So, Timothy McVeigh is fine because he was born in the U.S.? Sure, let’s enlist more just like him. So, it’s all a matter of rooting out corruption? “Former corruption should be investigated and not be repeated.” Clearly, that’s a different sort of litmus test that apparently doesn’t apply to the administration’s dealing with Saudi Arabia, but I digress. Also ignoring the fact that no one has been able to provide a scintilla of evidence for corruption on behalf of the Biden family. And before you throw stones at the possibility of perhaps bad judgment, the President promised to drain the Washington, D.C., swamp. Instead, he has surrounded himself with family members, appointees and advisers who’ve been accused of conflicts of interest, misuse of public funds, influence-peddling, self-enrichment, working for foreign governments, failure to disclose information and violating ethics rules. Some are under investigation or facing lawsuits, others have resigned, and five have either been convicted or pleaded guilty, including three for lying to government officials.

SOON Continued from pg. 6

has become synonymous with the season. The pre-Halloween reminders that the holidays are right around the corner serve as

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Even the non-transcript/ transcript alludes to corruption by the Administration and a further violation of the Constitution in a statement attributed to President Zelensky. There is clearly a cult of personality for Trumplicans who seem to walk around with blinders. The President’s actions, and of those on his behalf, would not be tolerated by anyone if they were conducted by someone else. Ronald Reagan was accused of being a Teflon President. Not sure how to describe the current administration. Rob Wittman: Seriously listen to the testimony. Yancey Bradshaw Mechanicsville

Rebuttal to Ms. Cole’s Nov. 6 letter OMG, lady. Are y’all Trump thumpers (as opposed to “Bible thumpers”) ever gonna stop worshipping lardgawd, great leader Trump? During your (absolutely ridiculous) Nov. 6 Mechanicsville Local letter, you begin by: 1) insulting immigrants and 2) folks “with a military background” . . . and soooo close to Veterans Day to boot! Lt. Col. Alex Vindman was 3 when he came here. Three! He’s the very epitome of what this country is all about. Betcha the “Kohls of Germany” or the “Coles of Scotland” could tell you a similar story. He was injured defending your right of free speech (and free press as well [unfortunately]) and received the Purple Heart. Trump received five illegal and fraudulent draft deferments in comparison (more “real validity”). Are y’all Trump thumpwarnings to overworked parents that the race is on and the clock is ticking. It won’t surprise you that I prefer a simpler version of our collective favorite holiday — a time when trees stayed decorated for days, not weeks or

Ashland-Hanover Local November 20, 2019

In light of the recent lawsuit filed by the local NAACP to force a name and mascot change for both Lee-0Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School, I urge the Hanover County School

I am gravely concerned about what is going on in Hanover County. After reading the initial comments arising from the School Board’s email on the FB page, I felt that it is important to pray about this matter and to speak with my school board representative. I encourage you to do the same before the Nov. 22 meeting. But I had some thoughts: 1. The lawsuit must end - it is beginning to tear up our county. I believe the suit is frivolous but even if the County prevails, millions

could be spent that needs to be spent in the classrooms. Even if the court forced Hanover to change school names at a cost of nearly $500,000, all that will do is breed even more resentment and even hatred. The NAACP may win but at what cost? Ironically, a less inclusive and welcoming Hanover. The loser will surely appeal and it might end up at the United States Supreme Court -- four or five years without any resolution or closure. All that time, this issue will fester in the community and spawn all sorts of hatefulness. 2. But to save face so that the NAACP dismisses the law suit, I would condition the dismissal on the school board setting up a commission that can listen to evidence and come up with a recommendation to the board in the matter. 3. This is my suggestion: Lee-Davis and Stonewall Jackson are campuses that will in the next several years need to be replaced with new campuses and I understand people’s names will not be used to rename them. So, that issue will be put away. But the mascots could be a start: I admit (and I am not a person given to change the names or the mascots as it smacks of political correctness and part of a deconstruction of U.S. history) when I heard the announcer at the recent Hanover/Lee-Davis football game say something like: “That’s another touchdown for the Confederates” I cringed a bit. I could see some non-African American students (say from the North) being unwilling to play for the Confederates. And we do not need to inadvertently encourage teen rebellion with a mascot: Rebels. So, this might be a way for all sides to give a little to get a little: Let’s change the

Confederates to Defenders (I personally like the “Fighting Quakers” with a nod to Robert Pleasants, the nearby visionary Revolutionary era Quaker leader who freed his slaves and started to pay them instead and urged Patrick Henry and others to end slavery as well.) and change Rebels to Cannons or Cavalry. The ambiguous mascots are certainly a nod to the Confederacy but also Defenders could honor our veterans, first responders or a public defender (my favorite as I was one for a few years earlier in my legal career) and either Cannons or Cavalry are a nod to the war as well but still ambiguous. Both sides used cannons and cavalry and our area did see action in the so-called Civil War. What I would ask the NAACP: The lawsuit must go. Nothing good can come of this. Win or lose. Millions to defend or millions to pay lawyers. Or force the board to change names over 70% of the Hanoverians wanted to keep. The resentment caused by this could fester for a generation. All it will take is a racially-tinged incident in Hanover to be the spark. The well is in danger of being poisoned already. After the lawsuit is dismissed then the commission is set up, citizens appointed, and start listening to all sides. I also urge the school board to reach out to the NAACP and both sides can take the high road and stop division in our community but start a process that will start the healing over this issue. Contact your school board representative before the meeting on Friday [Nov. 22]. Elwood Earl “Sandy” Sanders Jr. Mechanicsville

months. A more concentrated season could well restore the true spirit of the season, funneling all of our enthusiasm and good will into a shorter period of time. Or, a new generation will

embrace the extended holiday season as a period of beauty and enchantment that should last more than just a few days. Many consumers welcome the extra days of sales and specials and the beauty of twin-

kling outdoor lights well into January. I suppose the real importance of the timing involves that elusive feeling that accompanies the holiday season, a sense of good will and compassion

that truly celebrates the season. Timing can’t change the true spirit of Christmas, or the special things that happen when families and friends gather to celebrate the holidays, whether it lasts a day or a year.

ers so screwed up that you’re insulting “folks with military backgrounds” by inferring “these should have raised questions related to validity?” Do you know what valid is? Valid is the US Attorney’s Office in New York convicting the “Trump Mgt. Company” of discrimination in a housing scam against African descendants in 1973. Valid is the same charge being levied against the Trump Mgt. Company (again) in 1979. These illegal crimes began Trump’s mafia enterprises 46 years ago! There are dozens and dozens, more and frankly, rebutting your letter filled with incorrect fabrications isn’t worth too much an effort on my part. I won’t go into the usual extended diatribe this time because after the upcoming live/public testimony (against more Trump crimes) given by a plethora of career professionals (of which most are Republicans) I’m sure y’all’s lard gawd will remain unscathed (or will he?). Yes: great leader could, in fact, shoot someone on 5th Avenue and this: your lard ’n’ saver, gawd Trump would get away with it. Simply pitiful. Dr. Richard Ryder Mechanicsville

Graduate asks HCSB to value all students

Board to reconsider the school board’s April 2018 decision. I was disheartened by last year’s decision not to rename the schools, and puzzled by reasoning that pointed back to the results of an online survey, claiming that the majority of residents prefer to keep the name the same. Civil rights movements and legislation have been necessary precisely because the majority opinion is not always sufficient to protect the rights and liberties of the entire population. Imagine if decisions on voting rights or school integration had been made solely according to the preferences of the majority. Let’s not add the names and mascots of these schools to the long list of civil rights issues that required court rulings to resolve. Instead, I hope the board will lead this change by choice and send a message to all students and alumni: “You are valued, and you are welcome.” Abigail Pittman Class of 2001

Concerned for lawsuit, impact on the county

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