Ashland-Hanover Local – 01/01/20

ASTRONOMY The Universe from the Center: Object named ‘Arrokoth’

SPORTS Late TD pass lifts South to Big River win PAGE

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Vol. 5 No. 16 | Richmond Suburban News | January 1, 2020

Ashland Theatre’s ‘Ausome Movies’ program continues

Virginia and CSX announce landmark rail agreement Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ARLINGTON — On Thursday, Dec. 19, Gov. Ralph Northam announced a landmark agreement to expand reliability and service on Virginia’s rail lines, creating a pathway to separate passenger and freight operations along the Richmond to Washington, D.C. corridor.

The parties will continue work to finalize definitive agreements with execution planned in the second half of 2020.

The agreement between the Commonwealth and CSX outlines a $3.7 billion investment that includes: Building a new Virginiaowned Long Bridge across the Potomac River, with tracks dedicated exclusively to passenger

and commuter rail; Acquisition of more than 350 miles of railroad right-ofway and 225 miles of track; and 37 miles of new track improvements, including a Franconia-Springfield bypass.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make our rail system work better for everyone, both in Virginia and along the entire East Coast,” said Northam. “This agreement will change the future of transportation in Virginia, improving our ability to move people and goods across the state, and opening up potential rail service in underserved parts of the Commonwealth.”

Currently Long Bridge, built in 1904 and owned by CSX, see RAIL, pg. 4

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

Hanover Humane accepts donation Contributed photo

Revolution BJJ Ashland recently hosted a Muy Thuy event at the location at 10393-D Sliding Hill Rd. in Ashland. Proceeds for the event, totaling $500, were donated to Hanover Humane. For information related to services and upcoming events at Revolution BJJ Ashland, visit www.revolutionbjjashland. com. Shown are Jarrett Church, co-owner of Revolution BJJ Ashland; Sarah, one of Hanover Humane's adoptable dogs being treated for heartworms, and Melinda Miller, one of Hanover Humane's Kennel resources. Hanover Humane Society, organized in 1986, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity located in Ashland, which provides animal adoption services to residents in the Richmond metropolitan area.

Goochland High graduate to speak at Montpelier library Staff Report news@mechlocal.com MONTPELIER – Depression will be the topic of a program at the Montpelier Branch Library featuring a recent Goochland High School graduate.

Kevin Harris will discuss “Teen2Teen: Finding Ways Out of Depression” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Harris will lead the panel of local teens ready to share their experiences with depression, bullying, self-harm, and suicide.

Renee K. Sottong, branch manager of the Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library, said their message to other teens is, “Don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to tell your story.”

The discussion and Q&A will be facilitated by Laura Robertson, Hanover CARES

prevention specialist.

Also included in the evening will be a resource fair with local organizations working on a variety of issues, including: LGBTQ youth, dating violence, suicide prevention, youth mental health resources, and child abuse prevention.

Teens and adults are welcome (content will not be appropriate for young children). see MONTPELIER, pg. 4

ASHLAND – The Ashland Theatre is providing “Ausome Movies,” described as a free sensory-friendly film series for children with special sensory needs and their families. It is a free monthly program with special adaptations to make the movie viewing experience more sensory-friendly.

The program creates an inclusive space for families with children on the autism spectrum to enjoy a stress-free show at Ashland Theatre. There is no need to be concerned if a child talks, yells, dances, sings, or strolls. It is all acceptable and welcome at “Ausome Movies.”

“Ausome Movies” is a yearlong program that will offer frequency and repetition to allow children with ASD to strengthen their social skills.

It is presented by Ashland Theatre and Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

Costs for the movies varies.

Additional information includes: For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.

Phone reservation is required to attend each showing.

Movie starts at a precise time (no trailers are shown).

Lights are dim, not

totally dark.

Sound is lowered.

Allocated floor space is available for children who prefer to watch from the ground instead of a chair.

Outside snacks and drinks permitted.

Trained volunteers on site to assist.

Supervised activities offered in lobby if child needs a safe space to take a break from the show.

Cantrell said there was a record-breaking attendance for the Nov. 30 showing of “Frozen II,” with about 150 people.

To reserve seats, call 804401-7007, extension 210, leave a name, phone number, and number of seats needed (up to 4 per family). After that, an Ashland Theatre staff person will call back to confirm the reservation.

For more information, contact: Maggie Latimer or Susan Cantrell at 804-4017007, extension 202, or maggie@ashlandtheatre.org or susancantrell730@gmail.com.

Set your sights on a healthy 2020 with a Jan. 1 hike in a Virginia State Park Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND -- Start a new tradition on New Year’s Day with a special First Day Hike in a Virginia State Park.

All state parks offer free parking all day, while the first 100 visitors to each park will receive a commemorative bumper sticker.

Two contests give visitors opportunities to win gift certificates valued at up to $500.

Participants can be eligible to win prizes by simply registering, hiking and then recording the hike on Jan. 1. An annual photo contest also is an opportunity for visitors to win gift certificates that can be used for camping and cabin reservations or to purchase annual passes.

For complete contest details, visit https://vasp. fun/2020firsthike.

For a list of scheduled hikes and programs, visit https://vasp. fun/2020FDH. Some of the choices include: Natural Bridge State Park

Staff Report news@mechlocal.com

Contributed photo

Virginians are encouraged to take advantage of the first day of the new year by taking part in First Day 2020 Hikes. The state has 36 award-winning state parks.

will offer two special hikes around the legendary landmark, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield offers a special New Year’s Eve night hike celebrate the countdown. The park also offers a variety of special hikes for different ages and capabilities throughout New Year’s Day. Fast becoming a New Year’s

tradition, the whole family will enjoy finding the hidden ornaments left by the legendary Christmas Opossum at Caledon State Park in King George.

Hungry Mother State Park in Marion will host several special hikes, including a wheelchair-accessible forest therapy walk.

For First Day Hike 2019, Virginia State Parks hosted more than 13,000 participat-

ing in guided activities and tens of thousands more visitors explored the parks on their own.

The 38 award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information, or to buy an annual pass or gift certificate, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

2019 livestock exhibitor scholarship applications for youth available Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com DOSWELL —Youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2019 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program are eligible to apply for 12 scholarships offered by the State Fair.

Additionally, two other scholarship opportunities — worth a total of $3,500 — are open to any youth who exhibited during the 2019 fair.

Details and applications are available in the “Education” section of the fair’s website at StateFairVa.org.

Applications must be completed elec-

2

Type 1 Diabetes license plate application submissions needed

tronically and must be received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2020.

Funds allocated for the scholarships represent a portion of the proceeds from the annual Black Tie & Boots Scholarship Gala, which was held Sept. 26, and the fifth annual Youth Livestock Sale of Champions auction, which was held Oct. 5.

The 12 scholarships for livestock exhibitors, totaling $19,640, will be offered in three age groups: Juniors (9-12), Intermediate (13-15) and Seniors (16 and older). Groups are based on exhibitors’ ages as of Sept. 30, 2019.

Since 2013, the State Fair has awarded 1,469 scholarships and has awarded over $500,000 to support youth education.

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

The fair offers youth more than $80,000 each year in scholarship funds through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.

The 2020 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 25 through Oct. 4. Information is available at StateFairVa.org.

The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County and attracts 250,000 fair-goers. The event celebrates the best of Virginia’s past, present and future through scholarship initiatives, creative programming and a focus on the commonwealth’s agriculture and natural resources industries.

MECHANICSVILLE – When Tara Gray recently shared the story about her 10-year-old daughter Cassie being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she pointed out that she was pursuing a license plate designating awareness about the condition.

She was working with Sen. Ryan T. McDougle, R-4, who is now pre-filing the bill for the legislation needed for the special license plate.

McDougle’s office contacted Tara with the news about his plans. The session of the Virginia General Assembly will open on Jan. 8. Tara said 450 people are needed to pre-pay or fill out the application expressing a need or desire for the plate in order to get the measure on the docket.

“If I can meet the timeline I will have the opportunity to testify in front of the committee as to why this is important and needed for awareness in Virginia,” Tara said.

She had shared a photo of Cassie when she was a patient in intensive care with The Mechanicsville Local when the first article was published. “I envision this as more than a license plate.

I hope it starts some discussion and clears the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding Type1,” Tara said.

According to Tara, the current plate about diabetes is “very dated by just having the words Drive out Diabetes at the bottom. Also

Contributed photo

Cassie Gray is a local 10-year-old living with Type 1 Diabetes.

up in the corner there are small letters that say JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). No one gets anything from that. It means nothing – also, no one refers to it as juvenile diabetes anymore.”

She emphasizes that Type 1 is the preferred name, noting that it is an autoimmune disease.

Cassie was diagnosed on Oct. 20. As the Gray family has learned more about Type 1, Tara has become dedicated to ensuring an understanding, specifically differences, of Type 1 and Type 2.

For more information on Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website at https://www.diabetes.org/

Hanover Democratic Committee to co-host Virginia Blue Celebration Staff Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND -- The Hanover Democratic Committee will be co-hosting the Virginia Blue Celebration, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, on the fourth floor of the Sun Trust Building at 919 E. Main St., in Richmond.

HDC members are being offered a discount to the Virginia Blue Celebration, a statewide event that will celebrate all candidates who were elected in the Blue Wave in

November.

All volunteers, elected officials, and committee members are invited to attend.

The regular price for the ticket is $50, but members of the HDC receive a $15 discount, making the cost $35.

Use the promo code: HANOVERDEMS at checkout to receive $15 off each ticket.

For more information, go the Facebook page and link to tickets at bit.ly/jan20va.

Additional information about the event may be obtained by contacting Colleen Grady at 571-438-1142 or colleen@vademocrats.org.

Finance Forum set for Monday, Jan. 6 Staff Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – The 2020 Finance Forum – How will the State Budget impact county finances? -- will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 pm. on Monday, Jan. 6, at Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown at 555 E. Canal St. in Richmond.

Co-sponsors are VACo (Virginia Association of

Counties) and VML (Virginia Municipal League).

Topics for this year’s forum include the Governor's bud-

get and its impact on county finances and public services,

the influence of November's election on the 2020 General Assembly Session, and discussion on other tax and finance issues.

Those encouraged to attend are members of city and town councils and county boards of supervisors, managers and administrators, budget and finance officers, legislative liaisons and other interested local government staff.

The fee is $100.

Hanover County Public Schools ADULT EDUCATION 2020

National partnership working to combat farmer stress Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com WASHINGTON — A national poll conducted in April found that 48 percent of rural adults are experiencing more mental health challenges than a year ago.

Based on those findings, the American Farm Bureau Federation is partnering with Farm Credit and the National Farmers Union to help combat farm stress with a training program that will offer online and in-person training for individuals working with farmers.

The program is based on one developed by Michigan State University Extension for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. It focuses on training participants to understand farmers’ sources of

stress, recognize warning signs of stress and suicide, and create communication strategies to reduce the stigma related to mental health concerns in farming communities.

Research found farmers are less likely to seek help, despite suffering higher rates of stress and depression. With 60 percent of rural Americans living in areas with shortages of mental health professionals, program trainees will work to coordinate mental health services for farmers.

AFBF’s partnership will further connect farmers with financial, legal and mental health resources through the NFU Rural Resilience program and its Farm Crisis Center, which can be found at farmcrisis.nfu.org. “Farm Bureau is a family, and when a member is hurting

Call to register: 804-723-3471 Photo ID and class fees (cash or check) are required at registration.

we all feel it and are eager to help. But we may not always know how to spot the warning signs that someone is overwhelmed,� said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “This training program will help our members recognize the warning signs and empower them to get help for their friends, family, neighbors or even themselves.�

The poll, conducted by AFBF, also showed that 91 percent of farmers said the main source of their stress was caused by financial issues and 87 percent feared losing their farm.

At the 2019 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in December, Minnesota grain farmer Theresia Gillie warned Virginia farmers that similar stressors led her husband, Keith Gillie, to take his own life in 2017.

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MONTPELIER Continued from pg. 1

Everything is free and open to the public.

“I am especially excited to bring this program to Hanover County,” Sottong said.

“As a library representative, board member of Goochland Powhatan Community Services, member of the Goochland County Public Schools Youth Mental Health Task Force, and founder of Goochland ParentNet, I am highly invested in the effort to promote youth mental health and suicide prevention resources in Hanover County.”

She continued, “We have developed a new partnership between Hanover CARES and the Montpelier Branch Library, designed to bring information and resources to our Hanover neighbors. For example, the library now carries medication lock boxes, disposal kits, and trigger locks provided by Hanover CARES through the Lock & Talk Virginia program.”

Sottong said, “Everything is free and open to the public.”

A Lock & Talk Virginia program for adults is scheduled for Jan. 22 at the library.

The Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch is located at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane in Montpelier.

For more information, call the library at 804-883-7116.

RAIL Continued from pg. 1

carries every passenger, commuter, and CSX freight train that crosses the Potomac River. But it has only two tracks, and is at 98 percent capacity in peak times. The new bridge will relieve this bottleneck, providing track for passenger and commuter trains while freight trains exclusively use the existing Long Bridge.

“CSX is proud of the innovative agreement reached with the Commonwealth of Virginia which will advance our goals for increased safety, efficiency, and volume growth while meeting the public’s desire for more passenger rail service to relieve commuter traffic congestion in the I-95 corridor,” said Jim Foote, president and Chief Executive Officer of CSX. “We thank Governor Northam, Secretary Valentine, and her team for their leadership on this partnership that will benefit CSX and the people of Virginia for many years to come.”

The Commonwealth has negotiated

4

Verizon store announces new location in Ashland Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND —Cellular Sales, one of the country’s largest Verizon Wireless retailers, has moved locations into a brand new stateof-the-art store.

The store, located at 200 N. Washington Hwy. in Ashland, recently welcomed customers to its new location.

“We have had a great presence in Ashland for almost 10 years and the new location made perfect sense for us and our customers" said Cellular Sales regional director Rick Alberg.

Customers can not only find all the latest smartphones, tablets, and accessories at the new Ashland store, but they also can pay their bill, service their accounts, ask questions about their device, and learn more about new services like 5G. As 5G continues to expand, Cellular Sales plans to open more stores across the nation to better serve its customers.

Due to its dedicated approach to customer service, Cellular Sales has grown significantly over the past 26 years with no signs of stopping. It has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list of the fastest growing companies nine times, achieving Hall

improvements with CSX to increase service levels. These improvements will be phased in over 10 years, resulting in the additional service: Doubling the number of Virginia Amtrak trains; Providing nearly hourly Amtrak service between Richmond and Washington, D.C.; Increasing Virginia Railway Express (VRE) service by 75 percent along the I-95 corridor, with 15-minute intervals during peak periods and adding weekend service; Increasing Amtrak service to Newport News and allowing for improved schedule of the third Amtrak train to Norfolk; Laying the foundation for Southeast High Speed Rail through the acquisition of the abandoned S-Line which runs from Petersburg into North Carolina; and Preserving an existing freight corridor between Doswell and Clifton Forge for future east-west passenger service.

The Commonwealth is bringing

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

Contributed photo

The Verizon store is located at 200 N. Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

of Fame status.

“At Cellular Sales, we owe our success to creating an impeccable customer experience with personalized service that goes beyond the sale,” said Cellular Sales regional director Jay Vaiksnoras. “Our new state-of-the-art store in Ashland will offer our customers easy access to wireless guidance and support and a seamless shopping experience.”

together federal, state, and regional partners to fund the proposal, with Amtrak playing a critical role. The Amtrak Board of Directors has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth that outlines their commitment to this program.

“Amtrak is thrilled to be supporting this game-changing rail investment program as an investor and partner,” said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Commercial Officer.

“This program is a model for the nation of how to grow passenger and freight service together in order to relieve congestion, protect our environment, and enhance mobility.”

These agreements allow the Commonwealth to move forward with confirming commitments from potential partners and give Virginia the opening to bring more partners to the table.

“Today’s announcement represents the start of an exciting new chapter for commuter rail in Virginia,” said Katie Cristol, Chair of VRE’s Operations Board. “Expansion of the Long Bridge

About Cellular Sales Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Cellular Sales was founded in 1993 and currently employs 7,200 people and operates over 700 stores nationwide across 41 states. For more information on the company or employment opportunities, visit cellularsalesvirginia. com.

will enable us to grow VRE service to include new riders, new hours, and new weekend service — in short, to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for tens of thousands more Northern Virginians. That vision is truly within reach, with the Commonwealth now in a position to own and manage this major passenger rail asset.”

Studies show that highway expansion is increasingly unable to alleviate gridlock and congestion in Northern Virginia. The Commonwealth’s Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment is completing a study of the I-95 Corridor. One preliminary finding estimates a $12.5 billion cost to build one additional lane in each direction for approximately 50 miles — with congestion returning in the peak period the day it opens.

“As we work to maximize investments in highways, transit, and Metro, this partnership creates an unprecedented opportunity to unlock the potential of rail and commuter rail, and allows Virginia to focus on customer service, reliability, and performance,”

said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “This also provides the critical infrastructure needed to explore options to expand rail to other corridors in the Commonwealth.”

This rail expansion is expected to remove five million cars and one million trucks off Virginia highways each year, and propel the Port of Virginia toward its goal of moving 40 percent of containers by rail. In addition, the acquisition of portions of the Buckingham Branch will preserve a future opportunity to create an east-west “college” corridor.

“VRE already moves the equivalent of one lane of traffic off I-95 and I-395 each day,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Director of Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “This agreement will allow Virginia to move double the number of people at a fraction of the cost.”

The Stephen F. Fuller Institute at George Mason University estimates rail commuters will contribute an additional $2 billion annually to Virginia due to expanded commuter activity made possible by a new Long Bridge.

Hanover County offers Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline

2019 VSBA High School Student Video Contest winners announced Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Virginia School Boards Association’s (VSBA) eighth annual student video contest challenged high school students across Virginia to create a 30-second video around the theme of “Virginia is for Learners.�

This year’s contest was sponsored by Haney Phinyowattanachip PLLC. The first, second and third place winners, selected out of 31 submissions, were announced at the opening general session of the VSBA Annual Convention in Williamsburg, and the videos were shown to the convention’s attendees.

The videos were reviewed by a panel of judges from within the video production field.

The judges said that the first place video showed a high level of production, with a thoughtful story line that captured the nostalgia that surrounds reflecting on one’s own education, as well as showcasing the theme “Virginia is for Learners.�

1st Place: “Virginia is for Learners� https:// vimeo.com/364183263 -- Arlington Career Center (Arlington County Public Schools) – Peter Collins, Khulan Erdenedalai and Emilio Tognelli/ 2nd Place: “Virginia is for Learners� https:// youtu.be/jgji83lpbtA -- Goochland High School

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(Goochland County Public Schools) – Caden Peck.

3rd Place: “NOW WE LEARN� -- https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=qStqVHkmqAU -- Hanover High School (Hanover County Public Schools) – William Gordon, Paige Lake, Jonathan Ruiz, Jamie Hughes, Ruthie Weeks and Paris Dailey.

The contest gives students an opportunity to create thought-provoking videos individually, in a small group, or as a class project.

Videos were judged on how well they addressed the topic, the quality of the production of the video, as well as the depth of thought and creativity of the video.

The contest was open to Virginia public high school students and one entry per school division was accepted.

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About the Virginia School Boards Association The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.

Using the hotline is a great way for anyone to make a positive contribution to Hanover County.�

For more information about this process, including a reporting form, visit http:// www.hanovercounty.gov/General/ReportingFraud,-Waste-or-Abuse/. You also can search for Internal Audit in the list of county departments.

Contact the Hanover County’s Sheriff ’s Office non-emergency line at 804-365-6140 to report any suspected criminal activity or scams that do not involve Hanover County government or school resources.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

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Celebrating their recent third place win in the Virginia School Boards Association’s (VSBA) eighth annual student video contest are, from left, Paige Lake (Lee-Davis High School), Paris Dailey (Hanover High School), Ruthie Weeks (Atlee High School), Jonathan Ruiz (Lee-Davis High School), William Gordon (Atlee High School), Jamie Hughes (Patrick Henry High School), and Brian Capaldo (TV Programming and Production coordinator for Hanover County Public Schools).

HANOVER -- Hanover County provides a Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline for citizens to call when fraud, waste or abuse in Hanover County government is suspected.

The number is 804-365-6813 and it is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Calls are confidential. The hotline is maintained by the Internal Audit Department. “Citizens expect honest, effective and efficient government,� said Angela W. Baxter, director of Internal Audit. “When there is fraud, waste or abuse everyone pays. Anyone who suspects fraud, waste or abuse is encouraged to call the hotline. We take all reports seriously. Calls help us evaluate county operations and identify needed improvements.

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020 5

OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

The Midnight Run

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist I rarely associate my column with the words Back by Popular Demand, but in this case, it’s as close to applicable as it will ever be. Several readers have requested a reprint of a former Christmas column that paints a wintry Christmas Eve picture for many, and brings back some special memories for me. So, here it is one more time, and I hope you enjoy Uncle Dudley’s Midnight Run. I suppose every family has their own version of my Uncle Dudley.

You know, the eccentric one who never quite reached his full potential career wise, but far exceeded expectations in the game of life.

Dudley treated all of his nieces and nephews like his own kids, but that changed for me when I was 9 years old. I lost my father on Christmas Eve, 1960, and from that day forward, Dudley assumed more than just the role of an uncle.

He made long and frequent trips from his Maryland home to guide me through some fairly tough and confusing months following my Dad’s death; and stayed long after to offer the wisdom normally provided by a father.

I would often hear of my aunts and uncles dismay over

Dudley’s lifestyle and his “waste of genius.” He attended Georgetown University and was president of his class. Upon graduation, he accepted a big job at the State Department but lasted only two weeks. My mother told me he just couldn’t conform to a 9 to 5 schedule.

Dudley drove a Diamond Taxi all of his life, transporting the famous and infamous around the Capitol, and enjoying a job where he was the boss and the schedule his to set. Condemn if you will, but it doesn’t sound that bad to me.

The point of this lingering description of Dudley does have a destination, and it’s timely. When Christmas rolls around each year, my thoughts return to the many yuletide memories I have with Uncle Dudley. But, one seems almost traditional and represents my most elaborate and consistent meaning of Christmas Eve. No one loved Christmas more than Dudley. He shopped at every nook and cranny in the D.C. area searching for the perfect gift for each of his relatives. The result was always unique, trendy and certainly unmatched in any comparison of other gifts received.

The process took the eternal procrastinator months of prepara-

Best advice in life can be ‘Pace yourself’ I am one of the paperboys mentioned in Oscar Walkers recent letter to the editor. I too bemoan the text messaging Twitter era we are in. Promise everything for free, don’t carry out what you say you will do, and don’t expect your actions to have consequences, seems to be the norm.

I had a Norman Rockwell experience with my young kids and wife in the 1990s. I wanted them to experience a train ride and my wife wanted them to learn some history. We took Amtrak to Washington, D.C., for a day trip. My daughter tired of the museums and wanted to go home early. I told her it would cost extra if we changed our tickets. That was OK with her. I told her I would only do it if she paid for the change. She agreed. She was surprised when we go home that I took the money out of her piggy bank. I think she got the message.

Both of my kids are workaholics. A friend of mine at work would always say to me “Slow down, you have to pace yourself”.

My “Big Bang Theory” type son and his friends would all sit around talking and texting at the same time. I guess that is multitasking. He seems to forget he is at work sometimes and just keeps on going.

How can we get them to put their phones away, to realize you can actually talk to someone rather than texting, and

Managing Editor Production Manager Sports Editor Sales Representative Classifieds

6

Facing a Wegman’s distribution center in my backyard I read the press release about the plans for a Wegman’s Distribution Center (not a grocery store) to be built in Hanover County. As a result, I decided to write a “press release” of my own that I would like to share.

The projected plan for a Wegman’s Distribution Center only came to my attention as well as several hundred others because a neighbor posted the information on Dec. 11, 2019, on our subdivision’s FB page.

It appeared by the number of com-

see RUN pg. 7

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 730-0476 Online: www.mechlocal.com

Publisher

slow down and enjoy your family before they are gone?

My daughter recently started a new job. She sent me a message “Gotta pace myself.” It really made me feel good to hear that.

John Hopkins Mechanicsville P.S: My daughter, Ashley H. Peace, recently was featured in the Metro Business section of the Richmond TimesDispatch as the new president of Sauer Properties.

My son, Andrew Hopkins, an Atlee High School valedictorian and a graduate of Virginia Tech with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, is working on small pilotless planes that you will get in and tell it where to fly you. I told him I will never get in one.

Joy Monopoli

jmonopoli@rsnva.com

Melody Kinser

mkinser@mechlocal.com

Denine D’Angelo

ddangelo@mechlocal.com

David Lawrence

dlawrence@mechlocal.com

Tom Haynie

thaynie@mechlocal.com

Cindy Adams

cadams@mechlocal.com

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

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.

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ments that quickly streamed in on the page that no one in our neighborhood (Fox Head) was aware that this might be happening right across the street from the back entrance of our subdivision (not in the Air Park, by the way).

Many of us in the neighborhood are upset, distraught, saddened, and disappointed that we are just hearing of this for the first time with plans being well underway!

In response, a Facebook page “Fox Head Follows the Wegman Development” was quickly created by a neighbor to keep those of us who are concerned about the development connected and informed of the plans.

Many of us would agree that our Hanover County Board of Supervisors are disgracing Hanover County by their hyper-growth strategies, not protecting or giving her the honor, she is historically due.

Those who are supposed to represent her, show concern for the wellbeing of our beautiful region, and take into consideration the lifelong investments many of her residential citizens have made in homeownership in this particular area have gone behind our backs and schemed this deal with Wegman’s real estate and development officials.

Without our foreknowledge, this “corporate citizen” was invited into our precious backyard and then given two thumbs-up to go ahead and tear her to pieces.

Governor Northam might think “It’s a significant win” when a business decides to create 700 full-time, well-paid jobs ... in Hanover County.”

However, I can assure you that those of us who will be living directly across the street from this huge facility with all the extra traffic and numerous tractortrailers driving up and down Sliding Hill Road 24/7 do NOT consider it “a win” but instead quite a heartbreaking loss.

After some research, it appears that most of the jobs at the proposed facility will likely be hourly jobs, which will not be that “well-paying” after all. They see LETTERS, pg. 9

The Universe from the Center: Object named ‘Arrokoth’

By Dr. George Spagna Special to The Mechanicsville Local (Note: Public viewing at the Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College will resume in January on a different night and time. We will open, weather permitting, on Tuesday evenings, 7–9:30 pm.

Scheduled sessions are Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28. Watch the website (https://www.rmc.edu/keeble) for updates. Or, call the Keeble Information line at 804-7523210.)

There were several things that caught my attention for this column, but I’ll stick to two of them and leave the others as a “tease� for February.

You may recall the New Horizons probe, which executed a flyby of Pluto in 2015 and then was re-targeted to a Kuiper Belt object dubbed “UltimaThule� for a February 2019 flyby. This was the most distant solar system object visited by a space probe from Earth. The International Astronomical Union has now given that object its official name. It is to be called “Arrokoth,� which in the Powhatan/Algonquin language means “sky.� The name was suggested by the team at Johns Hopkins that controls

RUN Continued from pg. 6

tion, retrieving just the correct wrapping paper, meticulously scrubbing the 50-cent pieces that would provide his signature to each package for his “kids.�

We usually arrived at my grandmother’s house in Maryland on Christmas Eve with a car full of similarly wrapped presents. Our entry always found Dudley in what looked like Santa’s workshop set up in my grandmother’s dining room.

He wrapped in a methodical, deliberate method, each

DELVE Survey / CTIO / AURA / NSF Those streaks are not supposed to be there!

New Horizons in honor of their ties to the Chesapeake Bay region and its indigenous peoples. They obtained permission from tribal leadership before submitting the name.

And, a cautionary note about technological “progress:�

SpaceX has begun deployment of their Starlink system.

Starlink is a proposed global internet network which would bring connectivity to the entire globe without ground towers – think universal wifi. The first launch consists of 122 satellites deployed in low earth orbit – these are not geosynchronous orbits. The ultimate plan is to deploy a constellation of 12,000! The first group, which may become operational next year, will be 1,600 satellites at an altitude of 550 km (340 miles). This is higher than the Space Station. The next phase is planned as 2,800 satellites at 11,150 km (710 mi) operating at a different frequency range.

The final group is intended to be 7,500 satellites at 340 km (210 mi).

What could go wrong? They pose a risk of becoming “space junk� and a hazard for other working satellites that need similar altitudes or need to fly through these regions of space.

They may interfere with other communications systems using the same or similar frequencies. (BTW there is also serious concern about the upcoming development of 5G technology – those frequencies may interfere with weather satellites.)

What else? The small number already deployed are interfering with ground-based observational astronomy. Note the image on this page.

Early morning on Monday, Nov. 18, Cliff Johnson (Northwestern University)

and colleagues took this image using the Dark Energy Camera on the 4-meter Blanco Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory.

Nineteen Starlink satellite trails crossed the image during the six-minute exposure.

The image was taken as part of the DELVE survey, which is mapping the outskirts of the Magellanic Clouds, as well as much of the southern sky in search of new dwarf galaxies orbiting the Clouds or the Milky Way.

end folded neatly with tape hidden under the seams- each package unique and special and not two of them with even similar wrapping paper. Problem was, the wrapping didn’t end until well after dinner.

And, there was still the delivery, the most exciting part of the process in my mind.

Around midnight, Dudley and I would venture out in to the cold Maryland night, load that cab full of presents, and evoke on a country dash rivaled only by the fat man himself.

A quick dart to Southern Maryland where my cousins

were still awake and waiting.

Another dart to Alexandria and a drop off for my sister and her kids. Chevy Chase, Arlington, Olney, Rockville and then finally back to Gaithersburg for the final deliveries at around 4 a.m.

Each house left us cookies, or cocoa, or candy for our continuing journey. It felt like Christmas.

Our last stop was an old Victorian house owned by my Aunt Mary and Uncle John.

They were long asleep when we arrived to a warm and toasty living room with a huge decorated tree, still glistening in

the dimly lit room. The smell of warm cookies provided our final snack as we climbed back in that Diamond cab for the short drive to my grandmothers.

I climbed into bed exhausted, with, not visions of sugarplums in my head, but another year of fond memories with my Uncle Dudley and our Midnight Run. So, this Christmas, we’ll remember Dudley, a man who knew the true meaning of the season and celebrated it every day of his life.

God rest ye merry gentleman!

Next month: hexagons!

Lunar phases for January: First Quarter on the 2nd, at 11:45 p.m.; Full Moon on the 10th, at 2:21 p.m. (there will be as penumbral lunar eclipse, but you’ll not be able to notice it in daylight); Last Quarter on the 17th, at 7:58 a.m.; New Moon on the 24th, at 4:42 p.m. All times are Eastern Standard.

Mercury returns to evening twilight late in the month.

Contributed photo

Jupiter sets around 8 p.m. – your best hope to see it is a clear west-southwest horizon after sunset. Saturn is behind the Sun and not visible this month.

Mars rises at 4 a.m., so you should see it to the southeast in predawn twilight. Jupiter also returns to predawn twilight by see UNIVERSE, pg. 8

“Space junk� is interfering with ground-based observational astronomy.

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020 7

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Saturdays 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 804270-9626.

Sundays Outside the Walls, a new 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 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.

Tuesdays A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about 11 a.m. at the Beaverdam Post at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam. Members discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. Eugene Truitt is the Post commander. He can be contacted at 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 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 804-789-0536.

F

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.

Caroling in Ashland

Thursdays The Rotary Club of Ashland meets at noon for lunch at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in in Ashland.

For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-496-6093 or sandrdunham@yahoo.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.

Joel Klein for The Local

UNIVERSE Continued from pg. 7

the end of the month.

Looking overhead about two hours after sunset, you will find the constellation Perseus at zenith. Its two brightest stars are Mirphak and Algol. The latter is a multi-star system whose third component was discovered by my undergraduate advisor, Dr. Alan Meltzer. He had a wry sense of humor, and his joke

8

on this was especially witty for those Latin students who have read Caesar’s commentaries on the gallic wars – “Algol is divided into three parts.” Ask a Latin teacher if you don’t get it!

That bright star to the east of zenith is Capella, in the constellation Auriga. It’s the sixth brightest star as seen from Earth. Below zenith and to the southeast we have a wonderful alignment. Sweeping your attention downward,

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

you’ll find the Pleiades, then the constellation Taurus, with its brightest star Aldebaran as the heart of the Lion. Below Taurus, Orion is rising. Gemini is to the east, with Castor above Pollux its two brightest stars.

Cygnus is setting to the northwest, in an orientation that makes clear why it is known as the Northern Cross.

Dr. George Spagna cant be reached at gspagna@rmc.edu.

Carolers in Ashland took part in old time caroling in Ashland over the weekend.

Virginia State Parks seeks Youth Conservation Corps crew leaders Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND -- Virginia State Parks are recruiting outgoing, adventure-seeking, hard-working people to serve as 2020 crew leaders in the Youth Conservation Corps program.

Each summer, YCC engages 200 young people in state parks throughout Virginia, accomplishing projects such as trail maintenance, basic construction and beautification of the parks. Crew leaders manage these

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

will be minimum wage jobs, bringing more lower to middle class workers to our rural area, which will serve as a catalyst for more apartments and higher density housing developments to be built.

Personally, I am deeply saddened by the 218 acres of forestry and precious wildlife habitat that will be destroyed during the construction of this 1.1 million-square-foot facility.

I don’t understand how in the world ANYONE who claims to represent Hanover County could say that is “a win.”

Many of us in neighboring subdivisions from this proposed facility are NOT excited or thrilled that Wegmans has chosen our precious corridor to build this mega-facility.

We are not naive. We have Virginia Center Commons Mall (built in 1990 in nearby Henrico County), a vacant concrete cemetery of retail demise as a gross reflection as to what is to come of our own beloved area if and when Wegmans gets sold or bought out 20 to 30 years from now and the distribution center is needed no more.

As I wrote in a previous article in August 2015 of The Mechanicsville Local, paving paradise is never a good idea!

crews.

Applications are accepted until all positions are filled. Applicants can request specific sessions but not specific parks.

Three crew leaders are responsible for crews of 10 students ages 14 to 17 during the three-week program.

Leaders will direct participants in work projects during the weekdays, schedule environmental education programs for weeknights and plan adventure outings on weekends.

Why not utilize an area that is already industrialized and not close to already established neighborhoods and naturesque living?

I seriously doubt (and please feel free to correct me if I am wrong) Linwood Thomas, Canova Peterson and Hyland “Buddy” Fowler, all Hanover County representatives mentioned in the article, do not live in Fox Head or Somerset, the two subdivisions closest to this planned distribution center.

How dare they speak on how “excited” and “thrilled” we are to have Wegmans build here!

I haven’t heard of one single person on any of the posts I’m reading that is excited or thrilled about this “community partner”!

The local political figureheads have their eyes fixated on the positive “projected” economic impact this center will bring to Hanover without mentioning the negative influences it will have on the environment, traffic, home values, noise pollution and landscape of this beautiful rural area from which 300+ families live directly across.

I would like to appeal to “the powers that be” in Rochester, New York, to come and see the beauty that will be destroyed and meet with those of us who will be directly impacted in order to create this

Although the work involves being outside in the heat of the summer, crew leaders have a lot to gain from this experience.

“The YCC program builds leaders and instills in participants the values and ethos that make Virginia State Parks a premier environmental organization,” said David Collett, interim state parks director. “Some YCC crew members and leaders have gone on to be hired as part-time and full-time state park employees, so this is a wonderful

“dream” mega-center in good ol’ Hanover County.

Many who don’t appreciate the woodlands, farmscapes, and open spaces that are being torn from her every day may choose to remain apathetic to this news.

Many will be deceived by words like “progress” and “growth,” which in time often cause more problems than they solve. For example, when they proposed the Rutland shopping area off U.S. 301, were Hanover citizens made aware that a $20 million road extension project on Atlee Station would soon follow? Of course not, because our representatives are shortsighted and neglect to “count the cost” of what subsequent actions will be necessary to alleviate all the headaches and problems that large construction projects like this will cause down the road on our roads.

I appreciate you reading “my press release.”

As far as I’m concerned, the welcoming and riveting rendition that was written stating how excited we are in Hanover to have this Wegmans Distribution Campus in our backyard couldn’t be further from the truth!

I am confident that neither these plans will be thwarted nor a slow-growth plan for our county adopted. However, at least the heart of this matter has

opportunity to begin a career working in the outdoors.”

Nearly 3,000 young people have participated in the YCC program since 2000.

Living alongside crewmembers in park-provided housing, crew leaders are expected to plan meals, transport the crew, schedule and plan weekend activities, and ensure the safety of the crew during the workday.

Crew leaders must attend mandatory training at Twin Lakes State Park, June 15-18, 2020.

been exposed and the distress and concern that this decision has had on many of us who will

Crew Leaders must arrive at their park the Thursday prior to the crewmember arrival date.

Session 1 runs June 18-July 11.

Session 2 runs July 16-Aug. 8.

Upon completion of the threeweek program, crew leaders receive a $1,800 stipend and a $350 travel stipend. Crew leaders working both sessions will receive the stipend at the end of each session.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

be directly impacted by this construction debacle has now been conveyed.

Karri Messina Fox Head Mechanicsville

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Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020 9

UPCOMING EVENTS

01

02 2020

Women’s basketball: Lynchburg at R-MC 7:00 p.m.

01

04 2020

Prep wrestling: Patrick Henry at Hanover 10:00 a.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Late TD pass lifts South to Big River win

By Rob Witham For the Times-Dispatch ASHLAND – With less than 90 seconds left in the seventh annual Big River Rivalry allstar high school football game, Michael James of Life Christian Academy heard his number called.

“It was clutch time, I had to make a big play, and be a team man,” James said, recalling his vertical leap over two North defenders to catch the gamewinning score.

The Eagle soared on a 20-yard pass from Manchester’s Roemell Garcia for a 20-19 lead with 1:15 left. For James, a Liberty commit, it was his only reception of the afternoon, giving the South the 1-point victory at Randolph-Macon College.

“Oh my God. We talked about it all week, I’ve actually played with Mike in seven on seven,” Garcia, named the South’s Most Valuable Player, noted. “Watching that man go up is just a spectacular thing.

Watching him in the air, I thought, I’ve got to get him one today.”

The catch completed a lategame burst of offense from both sides after defense dominated nearly three quarters of action. The North struck first on a two-play, 33-yard drive capped by a 19-yard pass from John Marshall’s Aarek Thomas, named the North’s MVP, to

10

a forced fumble, rumbling 15 yards for a touchdown to open the second quarter for a 12-7 advantage. Nearly 9 minutes later, Goochland product Kindrick Braxton picked off a Garcia pass and took it back 49 yards for a score as the North led 13-12 at intermission.

The lone third period tally came after the North was pinned inside their 1-yard line.

Dom Gray of L.C. Bird burst through the offensive line for a safety to give the South a 14-13 lead. The South drove the ball after a free kick inside the 1, but failed to score.

Early in the fourth, the North gambled deep in their own territory, stopped on a 2-yard loss on fourth and 1 at their own 29.

The North answered, stopping Garcia inches from a first down near the North 17 on a fourth and 3.

Ten plays and 82 yards later, Thomas found Highland Springs’ Laquan Veney on a 15-yard touchdown reception for a 19-14 North lead. It was answer time for Garcia and the South.

James began the journey with a 36-yard kickoff return to the South 45. Nine plays later, Joel Klein for The Local he gave the South the lead for North’s Alex Sikkar eludes South’s Quentin Elliott on a 19-yard carry in the South’s 20-19 win in the Big River Rivalry on Dec. 21. good. Fittingly, defense sealed it, first with an interception Varina’s Isiah Paige for a 7-0 Thomas Dale product Jasiah the right corner. A blocked extra action for an offense to score from L.C. Bird’s Quentin Elliott lead with 7:28 in the first period. Williams, who caught five point preserved the North’s lead again. The South took its first with 1:02 left, forcing the North lead when Christian Williams The South responded as passes during a six-play drive, at 7-6 late in the first.

It took 32 minutes of game of Manchester picked up Garcia found a rhythm with capped by an 8-yard scamper in see BIG RIVER, pg. 11

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

Aldridge, Sulser claim titles in Lee-Davis tourney

By Nick Vandeloecht Richmond Suburban News MECHANICSVILLE – Andy Aldridge hadn’t wrestled since March was injured at nationals. But in his first tournament back, the Lee-Davis Holiday Classic hosted by his team, the three-time defending state champion felt great – he felt like how he did before the injury – and he didn’t miss a step on the way to winning the tournament’s 220-pound weight class title.

The way we won was a little unusual. His to-be opponent, King George’s J.J. Kidd, who won a thrilling semifinal, 16-14 over Orange County’s Truth Wilson on a reversal in overtime, forfeited the final – but Aldridge dominated all of his contested matchups. After earning a first-round bye, he pinned Fork Union Military Academy’s Robert Shreve in 2:12 in the second round, Glen Allen’s William Perryman in 52 seconds in the quarterfinals and Caroline’s Pedro Melendez in 3 minutes in the semifinals.

While he didn’t get to wrestle Kidd this past Saturday, Aldridge – whose team moved down from Class 5 to Class 4 for the 2019-20 school year – could see the King George wrestler later in the year.

“I really wanted to wrestle here, show everybody what I could do in the finals in front of everybody,” Aldridge said.

“We wrestled great – appreciate everybody’s support and everything.”

Aldridge wasn’t the only champion from Lee-Davis. His teammate Grant Sulser stormed to the 160-pound final on three pins and a major decision and quickly took control of the decisive match before pinning New Kent’s Cole Townsend 29 seconds into the second period for the title.

Sulser, a second-year starter for Lee-Davis, described his first championship in the Classic as a result of hard work, dedication and training: “110 percent every single day.” He pinned Midlothian’s Spencer Krauss in 36 seconds in the first round, Glen Allen’s Ian Bohanon in 17 seconds in the second round and Jamestown’s Cooper Wendley in 2:35 in the quarterfinals before routing Patrick Henry’s Jack Fox by an 11-1 major decision in the semifinals.

Lee-Davis took second as a team in the Classic with 194 team points behind overall team champion Orange County, which ended the tournament with 223.5 points.

Additional placers from the host team included two fourthplace finishers: Robert Sadler (145 pounds) and Wyatt Mesco (152); one fifth-place finisher, Andrew Kozubal (113 pounds); and three sixth-place finishers: Jacob Koenig (120 pounds), Binisa Ngwa (152) and Nolan Kruse (182).

Atlee was led by two thirdplace finishers, Steven Scanlon (152) and Chase O’Hanley (170); two fourth-place finishers, Mateo Duarte (106) and Jacob Maust (120); one fifthplace finisher, Will Rittenhouse (132) and one sixth place finisher, Hayden Morris (160).

Justin Morgan and Jack Fox led Patrick Henry with thirdplace finishes, Morgan at 138 pounds and Fox at 160. Linus Stansbury finished sixth at 113 pounds.

The Lee-Davis Holiday Classic could be seen as an early Christmas gift to wrestling fans, as the finals opened up with a 106-pound match that went to four overtime periods and saw Henrico’s Jonathan Minor literally escape with the win (1-0) over Deep Run’s David Simon, and then ended with a classic

heavyweight duel throughout which the crowd exploded into thunderous cheers as the advantage rapidly flipped back and forth between Orange County’s Ray Pierce and Hermitage’s Braulio Godinez before Pierce rolled on top and pulled off the pin.

Powhatan head wrestling coach Jonathan Tanaka said that Saturday’s last final of the night “was a really fun way to end that tournament.”

Pierce was named Outstanding Wrestler for the upper-weights division.

“Ray Pierce is just a kid that we all really respect, he’s a kid that works really hard and if you judge him by … the way he looks – not the most physically intimidating kid – but man … the kid knows how to wrestle,” Tanaka said. “He definitely isn’t scared to go out there and give it all he’s got.”

Nick Vandeloecht is sports editor of Powhatan Today and Goochland Gazette. He can be reached at nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com.

Nick Vandeloecht/Powhatan Today

Lee-Davis’ Grant Sulser maintains control of New Kent’s Cole Townsend in the 160-pound weight class final in the Lee-Davis Invitational at Lee-Davis on Dec. 21. Sulser won with a pin in 2:29.

(MID) d. Weeks (KW) 6: 5; 138: Bolstad (MID) d. McKay (DR) 7: 0; 145: Gregory (MID) d. Dosado (CAR) SV: 1 7: 5 (OT); 152: Berry (MID) d. Hale (OC) SV: 1 11: 9 (OT); 160: Sulser (L-D) p. Townsend (NK) 2:29; 170: Hurt (STC) p.

Lee-Davis Holiday Classic Jenkins (OC) 0:47; 182: James (JAM) (At Lee-Davis H.S.) d. Fitzsimmons (POW) 6: 5; 195: Team Scores: 1. Orange County Jacoby (DSF) p. Hill (POW) 4:44; 223.5; 2. Lee- Davis 194.0; 3. Fork 220: Aldridge (L-D) w. Kidd (KG) Union Military Academy 175.0; forfeit; 285: Pierce (OC) p. Godinez 4. Powhatan 171.5; 5. Midlothian (HER) 3:24.

153.0; 6. Deep Run 133.0; 7. Atlee Third Place 131.0; 8. Douglas S. Freeman 115.0; 106: Kincaid (OC) d. Duarte 9. Jamestown 113.5; 10. Louisa (ATL) 11: 6; 113: Lilly (MID) d.

County 112.5; 11. King George Ciotola (LOU) 6: 3; 120: Turner 106.0; 12. Patrick Henry (Ashland) 100.0; 13. Caroline 97.5; 14. Thomas Dale 96.0; 15. Varina 88.0; 16.

Hermitage 77.0; 17. King William 54.5; 18. (tie) Glen Allen, New Kent 53.0; 20. St. Christopher’s 44.0; 21.

Continued from pg. 10 Maury 41.0; 22. Manchester 36.5; 23.

Henrico 35.5; 24. Monacan 32.0; 25.

Colonial Heights 30.0; 26. Highland to use all three of their timeSprings 26.0; 27. Hanover 20.0; 28. outs.

Armstrong 10.0; 29. James River When they got the ball (Midlothian) 9.0.

BIG RIVER

Finals 106: Minor (HEN) d. Simon (DR) UTB 1: 0 (4OT); 113: Greslick (LOU) p. McCall (FUMA) 1:37; 120: Miayamoto (TD) d. Kreamer (FUMA) 3:23; 126: Hall (POW) p.

Villines (LOU) 0:55; 132: Painter

back once more, they were at their own 35 with 35 seconds remaining, but couldn’t cross midfield as time ran out.

The South narrowed the North’s lead in the Big River Rivalry series to 4-3. It was the

(OC) p. Maust (ATL) 4:05; 126: Cataldo (DR) d. Wilson (OC) 11: 6; 132: Hagen (JAM) d. Coyle (DR) 7: 2; 138: Morgan (PH) p. Bradford (LOU) 2:02; 145: Gritsko (FUMA) d. Sadler (L-D) 11: 4; 152: Scanlon (ATL) d. Mesco (L-D) 6: 5; 160: Fox (PH) d. Fogg (FUMA) 7: 5; 170: O’Hanley (ATL) p. McCallister (MAU) 4:01; 182: Sullivan (CAR) d. Bartholomew (MON) 9: 5; 195: Torres (HER) d. Blankenship (DR) 3: 0; 220: Wilson (OC) p. Melendez (CAR) 0:56; 285: Holtz (DSF) p.

Palmore (POW) 1:38.

Fifth Place 106: Zanganeh (GA) p.

Hathaway (POW) 3:26; 113: Kozubal (L-D) p. Stansbury (PH) 4:56; 120: Mayhugh (DR) d. Koenig (L-D) 6: 3; 126: Yates (FUMA) d. Olgers (VAR) 14: 8; 132: Rittenhouse (ATL) p. Hewins (VAR) 0:34; 138: Nash (VAR) d. Williams (NK) 8: 4; 145: Torbush (LOU) d. Barrett (HER) 5: 2; 152: Hanrahan (JAM) p. Ngwa (L-D) 0:54; 160: Bales (POW) p.

Morris (ATL) 0:26; 170: Russett (JAM) p. Bundy (FUMA) 3:38; 182: Murrill (KG) p. Kruse (L-D) 0:28; 195: Tirpak (TDA) d. Burley (OC) 5: 2; 220: Shibley (DSF) p.

Shreve (FUMA) 2:37; 285: Lindhjem (POW) p. Eure (VAR) 3:37.

first game won by a single point since a 28-27 North win in 2014.

For James, there was a feeling of pride to represent his school after a season where Life Christian struggled to find footing inside the Virginia Independent State Athletic Association.

“It was a blessing to be able to come out here, play, and put my team on the map,” James said.

For the South, Garcia went

12-for-18 for 125 yards passing, two touchdowns and an interception, while Williams caught nine passes for 89 yards and the first-quarter score.

The South’s defense allowed just 163 yards of total offense.

Thomas was 15-for-30 for 117 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while Paige, Veney and Atlee’s Alex Oliver each had five receptions for the North.

Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

11

Third-quarter swoon dooms PH in T-DIT

By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local MECHANICSVILLE – Most high school basketball teams would look at a seventeen-day layoff between games as a problem. The Patrick Henry Patriot girls welcome it.

Head Coach Phillip Cobb’s team has already logged nine regular season games, including three in less than 72 hours at the 25th Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament last weekend. After seeing a late comeback effort fall just short Monday in a 52-46 loss to the Steward School in a game at Hanover High School, it was time for Cobb to reflect and prepare.

“This is one of the elite tournaments around, and we were excited to be here,” Cobb said of the T-DIT. “Instead of practicing all winter break, we’ve had some really good competition, some of the best teams in the area.”

As their tournament journey unfolded, the Patriots found themselves opposite private schools in each round.

Their opening round defeat at Collegiate, 56-37 on Friday, was simply a case of a lack of offense in the third period, where the Cougars built handily on a 5-point halftime advantage.

The next morning, the Patriots were down to Hopewell where they faced Saint Gertrude, a team they scrimmaged just before the start of the season. Sophomore point guard Logan Nuckols scored 22 points while Ava Smith added 12 for Patrick Henry, setting up the fifth-place showdown with the Spartans.

The Patriots started strong, while a patient Steward team began finding ways to break down Patrick Henry’s offensive plans. The Spartans led in the

12

Rob Witham for The Local

Left, Patrick Henry sophomore point guard Logan Nuckols drives around Steward’s Tori West during the Patriots’ 52-46 loss in the fifth-place game of the 25th Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament Monday at Hanover High School. Nuckols, who scored 22 points in a consolation semifinal win over Saint Gertrude, had 15 points against the Spartans. Above, Patrick Henry’s Ava Smith looks to drive on Steward’s Gates Fox. Smith led the Patriots (5-4) with 22 points.

second period by as many as 6 before the Patriots, sparked by Smith, cut the deficit to 23-21 at intermission.

Thirteen of Smith’s teamhigh 22 points would come in the second half, where a

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

Patrick Henry comeback would be fueled by a defensive decision. As the Spartans used their center Sherise Pittman at the top of a semi-stall, the Patriots executed a zone press into a trap, forcing multiple turnovers,

shaking up the Spartans.

A Nuckols basket off a turnover was followed by one from Smith. Early in the fourth, Nuckols ripped an assist to Cali DeShazo, whose baseline jumper tied the game at 38 with

6:28 left. Midway through the fourth, Smith used a Nuckols screen to waltz through the lane for 2, and Patrick Henry led 44-42.

Then, the Patriots went cold. Calmly retaking the lead,

Steward forced the game to the foul line, where they turned to Pittman. Her unique ball handling skills for her size hurt the Patriots and, in turn, she made 10-of-11 free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Nuckols scored 15 points for the Patriots while DeShazo added 6. Jessica Osuanah was held to just 2 points. Patrick Henry has already battled injury, illness and rotational issues this season. With this experience under their belt, now it’s time to heal, and put the pieces together.

“I would pick this again to get the experience,” Cobb said of the tournament. “We’re getting there. We need to lick our wounds. The break is coming at a good time for us to be ready for the long stretch.”

That stretch begins with a return to Hanover, this time to battle the rival Hawks, on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

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ROC Construction 804-615-3699

HAULING Junk Removal Will clean junk from attics, basements, garages, hauling brush piles, furniture & appliances.

804-514-2938

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 8th day of January 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input, and may make a recommendation:

HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption:

A copy of the request may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

ORDINANCE 19-10 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE HANOVER

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TREE SERVICE

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

REZ19-1202 and ORD2019-06 Atlantic Coast Cranes Proffer Amendment REZ19-1202 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2019-06 AMENDS THE PROFFERS FOR REZ96-1017, BALDWIN FAMILY LTD. PARTNERSHIP, FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHANGING SETBACK REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGN STANDARDS. THE PROPOSED PROFFER AMENDMENT PERTAINS TO GPIN 7789-10-0806 AND A PORTION OF GPIN 7789-11-3221, WHICH IS GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST SECTION OF THE WASHINGTON HIGHWAY AND DESIGN ROAD INTERSECTION. THE PROPERTY IS ZONED M-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL, AND HAS A FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF INDUSTRIAL.

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

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COUNTY CODE, CHAPTER 22, “TAXATION,” TO AMEND THE MAXIMUM INCOME ALLOWANCE

TREE SERVICE

IN EACH INCOME TIER IN THE SCHEDULE OF EXEMPTIONS FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS.

Trimming & Take Downs. Stump Grinding. If it’s tree work we do it! Insured. Free Est. BBB THANK YOU!!!

MC/VISA/Discover.

A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator Full Service Tree Company.

(Removal, trimming, topping, stump grinding & firewood delivery) Offering free estimates and providing fully insured work.

any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear

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at the stated time and place.

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, January 16, 2020, 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: REZONINGS REZ2019-00015, CAPITAL UP INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, and B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, to B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 7822-41-0443 and 7822-41-3393, consisting of approximately 9.67 acres, and located on the north line of Mountain Road (U.S. Route 33) across from Bethany Estates Way (state route pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Rural Village. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a shopping center. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2019-00028, NANCY ROBERTSON COMBS Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8706-06-6722, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, and located on the north line of Combs Drive (State Route 2181) at its intersection with Cool Spring Road (State Route 652). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 25 building lots for a gross density of 2.5 units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2019-00029, RIVA RIDGE DEVELOPMENT, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 7860-76-8346, consisting of approximately 53.23 acres, and located on the south line of West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) approximately 550 feet east of its intersection with Poplar Valley Place (state route pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of eight (8) building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.65 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2019-00031, TAYLOR FARM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, ET AL., Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan and proffers approved with rezoning request C-34-15(c), Cool Springs Company, on GPINs 7796-68-2761, 7796-68-4579, 7796-68-4616, 7796-68-4633, 7796-68-4652, 7796-68-5506, 7796-68-5534, 7796-68-5543, 7796-68-5570, 7796-68-5699, 7796-68-5771, 7796-68-6408, 7796-68-6447, 7796-68-6466, 7796-68-6495, 7796-68-6617, 7796-68-6635, 7796-68-6880, 7796-68-7465, 7796-68-7479, 7796-68-7497, 7796-68-7643, 7796-68-7665, 7796-68-7677, 7796-68-7790, 7796-68-8419, 7796-68-8541, 7796-68-9941, 7796-69-7073, 7796-78-1943, 7796-78-1988, 7796-79-0013, 7796-79-0048, 7796-79-0173, 7796-79-0423, 7796-79-0499, 7796-79-0862, 7796-79-0941, 7796-79-1118, 7796-79-1243, 7796-79-1381, 7796-79-1430, 7796-79-1917, 7796-79-2013, 7796-79-2058, 7796-79-2183, 7796-79-2326, 7796-79-2498, 7796-79-2547, 7796-79-2960, 7796-79-3128, 7796-79-3253, 7796-79-3288, and 7797-70-2041, consisting of approximately 35.84 acres, zoned RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions. The property located on the northwest line of Honey Meadows Road (State Route 2380) at its intersection with Atlee Station Road (State Route 637). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would revise the approved elevations and proffers. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE 19-08, MULTIPLE PRESERVATION LOTS IN THE RC, RURAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT An Ordinance to amend the Hanover County Code, Chapter 26, Zoning Ordinance, Section 26-51, to provide that more than one preservation lot may be permitted in the RC, Rural Conservation District, under certain speciďŹ ed conditions. (PUBLIC HEARING) Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning OfďŹ ce, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

14

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing on the appointment of a school board member for the South Anna

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing concerning quitclaim of easement interests affecting GPIN 8714-87-5203, located within Mechanicsville Magisterial District in Hanover County, Virginia.

Magisterial District, in accordance with Section 22.1-29.1 of the Code of Virginia.

All persons desiring to nominate or support candidates for this position may appear at the above time and place.

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

All persons desiring to be heard on the above may appear at the above time and place. A plat of the subject real estate is available for inspection in the County Administrator’s Office, County Administration Building, during the regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

HANOVER COUNTY 2019 Personal Property Tax Notice Due February 5, 2020 Notice is herewith given that all 2019 Hanover County personal property taxes are due and payable on or before February 5, 2020. Anyone owning personal property that has not received a bill may go on-line to: https://taxes.hanovercounty.gov/ to pay, review and/or print their bill(s), or contact the Hanover County Treasurer’s Office at 804-365-6050 or 804-730-6050.

1039099-01

Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the owner of penalty and interest if payment is not made by the due date. If you have any questions concerning the items listed on your tax bill, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at 804-365-6129 or 804-730-6129.

M. Scott Miller, Treasurer Hanover County

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020 15

Schedule of upcoming Pamunkey Regional library programs HANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner has announced upcoming programs for Ashland-area libraries in the Pamunkey Regional Library system.

She also pointed out that all branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Richard S. Gillis Jr./Ashland Branch Library For more information, call 804-7984072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. Stitchin’ Time! -- Monday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, & 27, 7-8:30 p.m. Grab your needles, yarn, and patterns and join in on fun conversation and stitching at the drop-in fiber crafts group. From knitters to cross-stitchers, crocheters to handsewers, all are welcome.

Chess Club -- Thursday, Jan. 9, 16, 23, & 30, 4:30-6 p.m. for ages 5-18. Do you like to play chess? Play a few games with the chess club! Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

American Red Cross Blood Pressure Clinic -- Friday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Have your blood pressure checked by an American Red Cross trained registered nurse and monitor your number over time with a free blood pressure card.

Ashland Afternoon Bridge Club -- Friday, Jan. 10 & 24, 1-5 p.m. The Ashland Afternoon Bridge Club is open to up to 16 players with a familiarity and affinity for bridge.

Hanover Master Gardeners Series -- Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m.-noon. Join the Hanover Master Gardeners as they present a wealth of gardening knowledge to homeowners and anyone wanting to make their thumb greener. Each Saturday a new topic, each designed to beautify your yard and enrich your gardening experience, will be presented.

Your specific gardening questions will be welcome.

Forky and Friends: a Toy Story Celebration -- Saturday, Jan. 11, 1:302:30 p.m. Welcome to the world of Toy Story. Celebrate some of your favorite Toy Story characters with Toy Storythemed games, crafts, and activities.

Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Ashland Library.

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Genealogy Class -- Monday, Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m. Learn how to search for information to build your family tree using Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest. (Basic computer experience is preferred.) Register online or call or visit the library to sign up for this class.

South Anna 4-H Meeting -Monday, Jan. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. for ages 5-18. Would you like to participate in planning community service events and hone your expressive arts skills? At these meetings, you can learn how to get involved in community and public affairs, how to be a good role model, how to give back to your community, and how to use time management skills to enjoy every part of your life.

Must Love Words -- Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7–8:30 p.m. Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join in on constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing.

Computer Basics -- Wednesday, Jan. 15, 4-6 p.m. Covers beginning computer skills like finding out about the parts of a computer, learning how to use a mouse, beginning to explore & search the Internet, and how to create and save documents with Microsoft Word.

Rock Painting for Teens! -Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for ages 11-18. Do you have a special message or design that you would like to share with the world? Why not paint it on a rock? It's fun. Supplies and snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Morning Book Club -- Friday, Jan. 17, 10-11 a.m. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Long-term Care: Living Life on Your Terms -- Saturday, Jan. 18, 10:3011:30 a.m. The need for long term care can happen to anyone at any time. It can result from a chronic illness, a severe cognitive impairment, or an unexpected accident or injury. Find out how to navigate the process if this happens to you or a loved one.

Medicare 101 -- Saturday, Jan. 18, 1–2:30 p.m. A professional Medicare

Ashland-Hanover Local January 1, 2020

expert will help you learn to navigate Medicare (including Parts A, B, C, and D), Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements. This presentation will also include information on when and how to sign up for Medicare, the costs involved, and how to avoid enrollment penalties.

Afternoon Book Club -- Monday, Jan. 20, 1- 2 p.m. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Wiregrass Chronicles: Long Rows to Hoe -- Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7-8:30 p.m.

Long Rows to Hoe, the first in the “Wiregrass Chronicles” series by Glenda Stroud-Peace, focuses on early settlers and indigenous people in Southeast Alabama’s Wiregrass region. Go to www. glendastroudpeace.com to learn more about this exciting new series of interest to Civil War buffs and lovers of historical and southern fiction alike.

Ashland Evening Book Club -Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7- 8 p.m. Join the Ashland Branch Library Afternoon Book Club by reading the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about the book. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Why Water, Not Wipes? -Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7-8:30 p.m. Get ahead of the yucky flu season. Learn and understand why there are such rigorous guidelines for handwashing, diapering and toileting in infant and toddler settings. All Virginia Infant and Toddler Specialist Network training sessions are geared for those who care for children from birth to 36 months.

DIY Rejuvenating Body Scrub -Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join in for a make and take body scrub activity that will make your skin glow.

Storytimes -- Mondays (Jan. 6, 13, 20, & 27), Mother Goose, 10 a.m., and Family, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesdays (Jan. 7, 14, 21, & 28), Toddler, 10 a.m., and Preschool, 10:45 a.m.; and Saturday (Jan. 4), Family, 11 a.m.

Hanover Branch Library

For more information, call 804-3656210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive.

OutBreak! -- Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. What do germs, washing your hands and the song Happy Birthday all have in common? Come find out as we learn all about germs and how they are spread.

Homeschool Germs Alive -Friday, Jan. 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Want to know how fast a sneeze travels? Or maybe learn a song to help you better wash your hands? Explore the different types of germs and how to avoid spreading them.

Storytimes -- Fridays (Jan. 10, 17, 24, & 31), Family, 10:45 a.m.

Lois Wickham Jones/ Montpelier Branch Library For more information, call 804883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane.

Paws to READ -- Wednesday, Jan. 8, 5- 6:30 p.m. Is your child a reluctant reader? Sign them up for a 20-minute session reading to Chrissie, a Paws to READ reading education assistance dog.

Call or visit the branch to sign up.

Teen 2 Teen: Finding Ways Out of Depression -- Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6:307:30 p.m. What's the difference between sadness and depression? Where can teens go for help? Join the discussion with teen panelists and Laura Robertson, prevention specialist, Hanover Community Services Board. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Montpelier Library.

Second Saturday LEGOs -Saturday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m.-noon. You bring your ideas, the library will provide the bricks. Buildings, superheroes, animals -- the sky's the limit. Enter to win a LEGO book too. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Montpelier Library.

DIY Kaleidoscopes -- Monday, Jan. 20, 3-4 p.m. Ready to use color and patterns to change your world? Design and assemble your own working kaleidoscope using mirrors, markers, and imagination. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Montpelier Library.

Lock & Talk Virginia: Lethal Means Safety -- Wednesday, Jan. 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Want to find out what it takes to become a Lock & Talk Virginia

family? Laura Robertson, prevention specialist, Hanover Community Services Board, will talk about lethal means safety. Free resources. Snacks will be provided by Friends of the Montpelier Library.

Family Storytimes -- Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10 a.m .

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library For more information, call 804749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Rd. First Friday Films -- Friday, Jan. 3, 4-6 p.m.Bring the whole crew for a great movie on the big screen. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Scrapbooking -- Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7-8 p.m. Do you have pictures from holidays and vacations packed away or stuck on your phone? Learn to scrapbook. You’ll learn some scrapbooking basics and make a couple of pages to get you started. Just bring some printed photos and the library will provide the rest.

Read 2 Rover -- Monday, Jan. 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read 2 Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to therapy dogs. Call or visit the library for more information or to register for this rewarding program.

Snow Much Fun! -- Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-noon. It’s winter and that means snow. But have you ever wondered what snow is and how it happens?

What does a snowflake look like? You’ll learn all about snow through this fun, interactive, STEAM-centered program.

Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

LEGOs! -- Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. for ages 5-12. Use your engineering skills to create a LEGO design all your own. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Rockville Book Club -- Tuesday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-noon. Discover new books and authors. Join in book discussions and share your reading suggestions. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Family Storytimes -- Fridays, Jan 10, 17, 24, & 31, 10:30 a.m.

Carolyn Garner may be contacted at cgarner@pamunkeylibrary.org or 804746-3176.