Ashland-Hanover Local – 01/29/20

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Vol. 5 No. 21 | Richmond Suburban News | February 5, 2020

Public comments favor Gill’s 2021 budget proposal

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

A

SHLAND -- A number of speakers endorsed the proposed 2021 budget of Dr. Michael Gill, Hanover County Public Schools superintendent, during a public hearing last week at the Central Office.

Aside from one speaker who likened the public comments to a “cheering section” for the proposed budget, most provided positive comments regarding Gill’s $199.4 million operating budget.

The superintendent had presented his proposed budget the week before.

It included: z A 2 percent raise for all employees.

z A scale adjustment to address salary compression. z Salary increases for all bus drivers. z Continuation of five-year technology plan that provided devices to all middle and high school students by 2021. z Funding for vestibules at 17 county campuses to enhance security. z Continued funding for increasing healthcare costs. z Six behavioral support positions. z Two new school counselors. z One Behavioral Intervention System Coordinator. z One clinic assistant.

Hanover Education Association president Gene Matthews and

Jim Ridolphi/Ashland-Hanover Local

Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, listens during the public comment period in which his 2021 budget proposal was supported by speakers.

Developer, Coalition focus talks on arriving at resolution on project

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER -- Thanks to a 90-day deferment issued by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, stakeholders in a dispute involving an industrial park located off Cedar Lane will have additional time to seek a resolution.

The panel unanimously approved the measure at a recent meeting where a number of Cedar Lane residents packed the board room urging supervisors to grant the deferral.

The board was scheduled to hear an appeal to a site plan

Jim Ridolphi/Ashland-Hanover Local

Rick Albee, a Chickahominy Falls resident and president of the Cedar Lane Coalition, addresses the Hanover County Board of Supervisors.

approval that allowed the developer, Scannell, to open the first phase of a proposed industrial park located at the intersection of Cedar Lane and Route 1.

Residents of Chickahominy Falls and other neighborhoods in the Cedar Lane area organized and formed a community group last year to oppose the site plan approval, citing safety concerns regarding the number of trucks potentially entering and exiting the development from a single Cedar Lane access point.

That access point is adjasee RESOLUTION, pg. 4

Hanover Professional Educators president Bill Callahan said they sought input from their members in the week since Gill presented his proposal.

“Most (members) realize that Dr. Gill has been tasked with an almost impossible job: in a year when the Governor [Ralph Northam] has proposed no raises, when state aid is declining due to readjusted LCI and dropping enrollment (which, by the way, is not his fault, he has been asked to develop a budget which incentivizes our excellent experienced teachers to remain in Hanover, maintains instructional quality and expands support from all the key stakeholders,” Matthews told board members.

Matthews said his members especially appreciated an effort based large-

ly on local support, and praised officials for enhancing efforts to recruit and retain Hanover bus drivers.

Regarding the 2 percent raise outlined in Gill’s proposal, Callahan said any monies that might be forthcoming in the state’s final budget should be applied to salaries, “especially for experienced teachers whose salaries lag behind those in surrounding counties by considerable terms.”

While Hanover’s proposal included a 2 percent raise for all employees, the Governor’s proposed budget allocates no funds for teacher salaries in the first year of his two-year budget. A 3 percent raise is slated for the next year.

Some legislators have suggested splitting the increase over two years, see PROPOSAL, pg. 5

Singers welcome to join Community Gospel Chorus for Untold Stories Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Community Gospel Chorus will conclude the Untold Stories program at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.

Members of the public are invited to take part in the chorus.

Leslie Perry from First Baptist Church Elmont will be the director.

Rehearsals will be held: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at First Baptist Church Elmont, 11624 Cedar Lane, Ashland.

3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Patrick Henry High School, Ashland, before the program.

Those planning to participate are encouraged to join in at least two of the rehearsals.

For more information about the choir, contact Sue Watson at 804-402-0296 or watson240@aol.com.

Untold Stories 2020 Untold Stories will be presented at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, at Patrick Henry High School in Ashland.

Storytellers will be Anna Belle Ambrosen, see UNTOLD, pg. 8

Hanover Mental Health Association ending 40-plus years of service Will distribute more than $360,000 to seven local nonprofits and endow scholarship to carry on mission Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

S

even nonprofit organizations based in Hanover County or whose mission serves county residents, along with a new endowed scholarship, are beneficiaries of more than $360,000 to be distributed

by Hanover Mental Health Association (HMHA).

The board of HMHA decided last fall “to dissolve and use its assets to help fund several nonprofit organizations with identifiable needs, similar missions, and a history of serving Hanover residents,” said Angela Ward, HMHA president.

Representatives of the organizations were special guests at a celebration event on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Hanover Tavern. Current and

past HMHA board members and others with connections to the association celebrated more than 40 years of providing direct services to county residents with mental illness, educating the public about mental illness, reducing the stigma associated with the diseases, and advocating for better public policy concerning mental health.

Grants to the organizations range from $15,000 to $70,000, said Ward.

Those receiving funds are: Mental Health America of Virginia – the state-level representative of Mental Health America and the “parent” organization of HMHA. Hanover Community Support Services –provides financial support to citizens with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and substance abuse disorder.

Hanover Safe Place – provides services to persons who have experienced domestic or sexual violence; the grant will help expand needed mental health services to clients.

Wings of Hope Ranch – rescues neglected horses and rehabilitates them to serve children going through conflicts and challenges, such as anxiety, abuse, developmental challenges and behavioral issues.

Camp Comfort Zone – a bereavement organization that transforms the lives of children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.

Cameron Gallagher Foundation – cultivates awareness and understanding of teenage depression and anxiety through a program called “Mental Health 101” for high school students.

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Mental Health First Aid – through a grant to Virginia Home for Boys and Girls, the program will continue and expand training to promote mental health and provide tips on what to do if you think someone is struggling with mental health issues.

Tom Hale III Scholarship – to be managed by Hanover Community Support Services, this scholarship will assist individuals with lived experience of mental illness in their educational pursuits.

HMHA has served residents of Hanover County with mental illness since the mid-1970s, when a few local residents began organizing weekly social activities to bring together people who had been discharged from Central State Hospital and were fairly socially isolated.

“This group of individu-

als sharing their lived experience of mental illness became the stepping stones for Sunrise House, a psychosocial rehabilitation program based on the Fountain House Clubhouse model out of New York,” said Ward. The model focuses on the strengths and abilities of individuals, while developing and supporting relationships and learning how to manage mental illness.

By 1986, county volunteers and community leaders formed Hanover Mental Health Association and began implementing psychosocial rehabilitation. HMHA became the local affiliate of Mental Health America of Virginia.

“Hanover residents donated funds through the United Way and supported a major fundraiser called the Sunrise House Ball and its successor,

the Friends of Hanover. This generous local support allowed HMHA to financially support Sunrise House, located in Ashland.”

When state licensure, disability access regulations and billing requirements eventually exceeded the capacity of the small staff of Sunrise House, the program’s administrative functions and staff supervision transitioned to Hanover Community Services Board.

The program moved to a larger, handicap-accessible building and was renamed RAFT House.

HMHA rededicated its house as the Tom Hale III Educational Center at Sunrise House in 2009, providing a place for training and community education for mental health professionals, consumers of mental health services and their families.

Democratic Presidential Primary absentee voting continues; registration closes Feb. 10 HANOVER – Absentee voting for the March 3 Democratic Party Presidential Primary got underway on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Teresa “Teri” Smithson, General Registrar/ Director of Elections, said, “Virginia Republicans will choose delegates to their national convention at a state convention. Therefore, no Republican candidates will appear on the ballot in the March 3 Democratic Party Presidential Primary.”

She also pointed out that registered voters must meet one of the 20 eligibility requirements to vote absentee. The list of requirements can be found on the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application or at vote.virginia.gov.

“Virginia citizens who wish to vote absentee must be registered to vote. Citizens can register to vote online or by submitting a completed voter registration application to our voter registration office,” Smithson said.

“The last day to register or update your personal information to vote in the Democratic Party Primary is Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.

Registrations must be received or postmarked

by this date,” she added.

In-person absentee voting started on Thursday, Jan. 16, and will continue until Saturday, Feb. 29. Smithson’s office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. Smithson recommended applying as early as possible to avoid delays in mail delivery.

Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received in her office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, March 3. Voters can request an absentee ballot online at vote.virginia.gov.

Virginia law requires voters to present an acceptable photo ID when voting in-person.

For a list of acceptable forms of photo identification or to find out how to obtain a free Virginia Voter Photo ID Card, please visit vote. virginia.gov. Voters also can find information about the upcoming election and check their registration status on the site.

For more information, contact Smithson’s office at 804-365-6080.

Make this Valentine’s Day One She’ll Remember!

State Police launches trooper recruitment website RICHMOND – The Virginia State Police is welcoming the New Year and a new decade with a new recruitment website. Located at www.vatrooper.com, the site is the first of its kind for the department and highlights the Virginia State Police mission, culture, Academy life and extensive career opportunities available to trooper-trainees.

“This website has been a long-time coming and we recognize its vital importance towards attracting a new generation of diverse applicants to join the state police family,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent. “The site is mobile-friendly and highlights the multitude of unique career opportunities the Virginia State Police has to offer those interested in a law enforcement career.”

The new website, created in partnership with CapTech Consulting, provides a user-friendly, informative experience for those visiting the site. In an effort to reach a broader, more diverse population of applicants, the site provides a behindthe-scenes narrative of life as a trooper,

the steps to becoming a Virginia trooper, training, career opportunities, benefits, Recruitment Unit contacts and direct access to an employment application. The mobile-friendly website will soon include video vignettes featuring state police personnel and their stories.

“We, as a statewide law enforcement agency, must reflect the populations we serve and protect across the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Settle. “Every trooper is held to an oath to perform his or her duties ‘… without fear, favor, or prejudice.’ This new recruitment website is specifically designed to reinforce our employees’ dedication to duty with each and every contact we have with the public. The Virginia State Police is fully committed to embrace inclusivity and diversity in all its forms, especially among its workforce.”

“There are a host of best practices to advance workforce diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. Janice Underwood, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia. “This recruitment website is only one of those many tools and an important step in Virginia State Police’s overall commitment

to diversifying its workforce. While we have much more to do, this step signals the state police’s continuing efforts to achieve a fundamental shift in its sworn workforce and the overall culture of the agency, so that it can more effectively serve and protect a diverse Commonwealth. I am looking forward to working together to further this important work, so that the agency becomes a national exemplar for issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in law enforcement.”

By the end of this year, the state police Recruitment Unit will have made contact with more than 2,300 Virginians and out-of-state residents in its ongoing efforts to build a more diversified workforce by attracting women and men of the highest quality and character.

“Virginia’s robust economy makes for a very competitive field among all employers to attract and retain qualified job seekers,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. “In an effort to help state police fill critical positions, Governor Northam committed this year to pay raises for all state employees see TROOPER, pg. 4

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SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 8200 block of Franklin Lane, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 12300 block of Old Ridge Road, Doswell.

Breaking and entering at night with the intent to commit a felony was reported in the 9200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Elm Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 6300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Computer fraud to obtain services, $500, was reported in the 12000 block of Fox Mill Run Lane, Ashland.

Damage to a vehicle, boat or aircraft was reported in the 10100 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Threats of death or bodily injury by letter or electronic means were reported in the 11200 block of Cedarlea Park, Glen Allen.

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 11000 block of Air Park Road, Ashland.

Assault on a teacher or principal was reported in the 9900 block of Honey Meadows Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 5500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Walnut Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 7000 block of Pole Green Road/LeeDavis Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 8100 block of Belton Drive,

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RESOLUTION Continued from pg. 1

cent to the entrance of Chickahominy Falls, a 50-plus development that has about 50 residences.

At a meeting of the supervisors earlier this month, landowner Linda Allen said all parties involved were participating in ongoing discussions to resolve the access problem.

Neighbors contend they were promised four access points when original plans were unveiled, and have voiced support for a Route 1 entrance to accommodate the expected truck volume. “I wanted to come tonight to give you assurances that if you don’t see something hap-

pening, that doesn’t mean that things aren’t happening,�

Allen said, referring to ongoing negotiations with the involved parties. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there and there’s a lot of anger and fear out there,� she said at an earlier board of supervisors meeting.

Allen said she’s received numerous contacts regarding the project, and has attempted to dispel incorrect information circulating among the public. “I met with Roger Glover (Chickahominy Falls developer) yesterday and told him, ‘Please, let’s keep the tone down’,� Allen said.

Last week’s meeting was again packed with Chickahominy Falls residents

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

and Cedar Lane neighbors from Cedar Lea Park and other developments located along the two-lane road. They voiced familiar and similar concerns regarding safety, quality of life and property values, and expressed their opposition to the Cedar Lane entrance/exit.

Cedar Lea resident Craig Williams said he moved his family to Hanover for quality of life reasons, but supports planned commercial development. He noted his concerns regarding how that development is blended with residential communities like Chickahominy Falls and Cedar Lea, as well as safety concerns regarding the truck traffic. “I think it’s essential that you have a plan as to how you transition from residential into more commercial property,�

Williams said. “The idea of having a 50-plus lots community right across from a concrete building without any type of buffering with all this traffic just doesn’t make sense to me.�

Allen pointed out that the developer was providing more

buffering than required in her statement to the board earlier in the month.

Williams said the current approved site plan would have negative effects on property values, quality of life and future “prospects for residential use.�

Coalition board member Karen Unger urged supervisors to grant a deferral “that would allow the developers and planning director time to continue their efforts.�

Rick Albee, president of the Cedar Lane Coalition and a Chickahominy Falls resident, acknowledged progress in talks with the developer and county planning, but said there’s still work to be done in finding common ground.

Those talks have yielded some concessions from Scannell, including the addition of a right in/right out lane on Route 1 to be constructed within 24 months of the Phase 1 opening and a renaming of the project to the Cardinal Commerce Center.

Once the entrance on Route 1 is operational, trucks would use the Cedar Lane access for

entrance but would exit on Route 1. “That would certainly seem to do a lot to reduce traffic on Cedar Lane,� Albee said. “It’s puzzling to us why they couldn’t install the Route 1 exit and place the signage right away. If the trucks would obey those signs in two years, they surely would obey them when it first opens.�

He urged supervisors to request a full traffic study of the entire project to determine “what would be best� in terms of access. “We are encouraged and appreciative that the developers are engaged in discussions,�

Albee said. “ “Our primary concern with regards to this project was, and remains, the anticipated truck traffic and associated negate safety impacts on Cedar Lane as a result of the project,� Albee said. “We strongly urge all parties to continue the discussions in good faith and come to a mutually beneficial solution to keep Cedar Lane safe.�

South Anna supervisor Sue Dibble moved for a defer-

ral, noting that she had met with the developer, coalition officials and others in recent days regarding the site plan appeal. “I can say that I am very encouraged by our progress; however, we do have more work to do,� Dibble said. “I’m encouraged and thankful for Scannell for offering to change the name. I believe they do want to be good neighbors.

They hear you like I hear you.�

Dibble also raised the possibility of a revived traffic impact study. “I agree that it is a safety issue,� she said, explaining she had no concerns with trucks entering on Cedar Lane but identified issues with those trucks exiting across three lanes of traffic on Cedar Lane.

Dibble said she hoped the parties could reach a resolution in the coming weeks and issue a memorandum of understanding that clearly defines a revised site plan complete with multiple access points.

The board approved a 90-day deferral, but the matter could come back at an earlier date if a resolution is reached with all parties in agreement.

TROOPER

access to potential applicants.�

Starting salary for a new trooper entering the Virginia State Police Academy is $44,290. Not only do troopertrainees earn a salary while training at the Academy, but also receive benefits including

life insurance, health insurance, sick leave and paid vacation. Twelve months following graduation from the State Police Academy, a new trooper’s annual salary increases to $48,719. Troopers assigned to the Northern Virginia region

start at $55,340 upon graduation and then, 12 months after graduation, their annual salary increases to $60,874.

For more information on salary, benefits, training, etc., go to www.vatrooper.com and contact a state police recruiter.

Continued from pg. 3

and previously supported an increase in the starting salary for new state troopers.

The launch of the state police recruitment website expands the Department’s reach and

block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

REPORTS Continued from pg. 3

Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

DWI, second offense in 10 years, was reported in the 42 block of Interstate 295 North, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 11

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

Credit card theft was reported in the 7400

Brandishing a firearm was reported in the 6000 block of Saber Court, Mechanicsville.

Manufacture, sale and possession of a controlled substance, Schedule I and II, was reported in the 8200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI, first offense, was reported in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 11400 block of New Farrington Court, Glen Allen.

DWI, second offense in 5 to 10 years, was reported in the 37 blockof Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 12

Driver did not report an accident with damages,

$1,000, in the 7900 block of Trumpetvine Lane, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

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

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 10400 block of Dellwood Road, Glen Allen.

Levy said. “If we are going to be upset about the state, we should also be upset about the locality.”

Board members will consider and take action on the superintendent’s proposal at their Feb. 11 meeting.

In the meantime, board members will hold two-on-two meetings (two board members and Dr. Gill, senior staff) in the coming days for continued budget discussions. The superintendent presents the school board’s approved budget to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12.

That panel is expected to take action in April on the county budget, including the school board document.

PROPOSAL Continued from pg. 1

or making it a 2-1 proposal regarding raises.

In either case, it seems there is a groundswell of support to provide more K-12 funds this year, and the final budget could provide additional funds for Hanover and other localities.

Dr. Gill assured those assembled for the meeting that any increased funds would indeed be slated for salaries and compensation.

“The money that we do have is going to go to those who serve our students, not only our teachers but all of our staff,” he said. “We’re proud that we present a budget that operates within the means that we have.”

The superintendent noted that Hanover ranks first in the percentage of budget directly linked to classroom instruction, including salaries and compensation.

“Our employees, those who serve our most prized resource, our students, are always first and foremost and will continue to be in the budget,” Gill said.

Many speakers and the superintendent noted that the Governor’s proposed budget does not represent the final figures, and there is a possibility that Hanover could receive additional funds, but no guarantees.

“If Hanover County were to be the recipient of significant additional funds, compensation for those who serve our students will be first and foremost,” the superintendent said.

Norman Sulser, Cold Harbor District representative, said he supports a 3 percent annual increase in this year’s proposal to maintain Hanover’s competitive edge in hiring and retaining teachers.

He encouraged the governor to provide more funding.

“I believe that Governor Northam needs to get off his *** and put his money where his mouth is relative to funds

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Ashland minister Josh Hayden spoke in support of the budget proposal presented by Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.

for K-12,” Sulser said.

Callahan also asked school officials to absorb all costs associated with increased healthcare costs, and noted that employee raises are often negated by the increased premiums and inflation.

He also requested administration research ways to enhance job satisfaction and ensure the balance of work and quality of life issues.

“It is axiomatic; in order to have happy students, we need happy teachers,” Callahan said.

Stephanie Kim, a Hanover resident and mother of an Atlee High School student, asked the board to consider adding an inclusion specialist to this year’s proposal.

While her special needs daughter is enrolled in mostly mainstream classes, her special education teacher is required to monitor her work in those regular classes and provide alternative assignments in addition to her duties teaching classes.

Amy Gathje, president

of Hanover’s PTA Council, also had high praise for Gill’s proposal as did Brett Christian, Hanover Education Foundation president.

Local minister Josh Hayden said his church’s work with Hanover schools is most rewarding, considering the “great challenges” facing educators today.

“I believe that this budget will help provide more resources to help every child have the opportunity to grow,” Hayden said.

Hanover parent Rachel Levy said she supports the budget proposal, and noted the superintendent’s letter that accompanied this budget proposal correctly pointed out shortcomings in the state’s budget for education.

But she also noted the absence of analysis regarding local funding, citing the county’s low tax rate that has not been adjusted since before the recession.

“We need to be transparent about the budget situation,”

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020 5

OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

From the managing editor

Bryant’s death touched the entire nation

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor he alerts started going off on smartphones and comparable watches on Sunday, Jan. 26. Kobe Bryant had been killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His second daughter, 13-year-old Gianna, along with the pilot and six other passengers lost their lives on a mountainside that morning.

Initially, the reaction was jarring -- even though I hadn’t really followed his career, celebrity associations, and, most of all, the devotion he had as a husband and father.

As a West Virginia native, we immediately

T

think of Jerry West (from Cabin Creek and a WVU basketball legend) if you mention the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with on the basketball court.

West was general manager of the Lakers when he went to see the teen work his magic. The rest became sports history.

Loss is difficult to comprehend sometimes and even harder to accept. A sudden death stirs emotions we may not even know reside within us.

My dad’s death was unexpected, and, even though my sister had been ill for years, when she took that last breath the end was crippling for us.

My thoughts and prayers have been with the Bryant family, as well as the survivors of the

other victims. The father left with three children to raise was devastated as he talked to the media about those precious -- now motherless -- kids.

As fans stood vigil outside the Staples Center, “The House That Kobe Built,” it was impossible not to feel the pain of those teary-eyed faithful fans. Many shared their personal feelings for Bryant. He was loved, respected, revered.

Most importantly, Bryant was a religious man, a practicing Roman Catholic. He knew those who believe adhere to God’s plan.

While a nation mourns, remember the families in your prayers. This is a deep grief for many.

Life can be fleeting -- and fragile. Take every opportunity to say “I love you”.

Overused phrases truly do mean words can hurt

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist It’s a universal irritant -- those pesky phrases that are so overused that the mere sound of them makes us cringe. They happen in almost every avenue in life, whether it’s in the normal dialect of the office or repeated in almost every newscast known to man.

Lately, I’ve heard the term “get out over my skis” dozens of times when a person being interviewed doesn’t want to go far with an answer. It’s a phrase that took the news industry

by storm, and I’ve heard every variation of the phrase.

“I don’t want to get out in front of my skis,” one commentator recently said as he attempted to reach conclusion on a set of facts. Wow, that’s a variation of the metaphor that draws some pretty frightening images, and I suppose if one is in front of one’s skis, he’s probably seconds away from being run over.

I recently read an article about banned or should be banned phrases in the office. They included too often heard fragments like “go big or go home” or “circle back”. Single words

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like synergy and ping also were frequent winners in the contest of most obnoxious office phrases.

Terms like “peel back the layers of the onion” are no longer viewed as clever metaphors to motivate, but annoying attempts at cuteness that fall short of the mark.

Daniel Bukszpan of CNBC compiled the list and suggested some of the terms like “think outside of the box” have outlived their usefulness and I tend to agree.

Now, I’m no expert on office lingo, but I’ve been around enough

newsrooms to offer some recent phrases that I hope will be banned besides the previously mentioned “over his skis.”

If I hear the term “tick tock” used in place of timeline or what actually happened and when, it will affect my synergy.

And lately, the choice between any two well-defined options has become “binary”. I’m not sure who used it first or who repeated it, but there’s little doubt it’s become the latest version of cliché in the news see WORDS, pg. 7

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: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2020 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.

It’s pronounced Hanover not ‘Hand-over’!

There has been a lot of community interest concerning the proposed 1.1 million-square-foot Wegmans Distribution Center popping up behind our neighborhoods on Sliding Hill Rd and New Ashcake Road.

Many previously uninformed neighbors have shown up at meetings at Pearson’s Corner Elementary, Sugar Sweet, and a recent Hanover County Board of Supervisors Meeting, to educate themselves about this project. There is a lot of contradictory information being shared on various documents pertaining to the amount of traffic, noise, and proposed proffers.

There is a meeting scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6, at Oak Knoll Middle School. It is anticipated that members from our Hanover Planning Commission and board of supervisors will be in attendance. It is critical that all interested parties plan to attend this meeting.

This project directly impacts those of us who live in the surrounding areas, who live and send students to school on Atlee Station and who live and commute on Route 1 and Route 301.

Many of us will be affected by the thousands of additional tractortrailers and hundreds of additional employee passenger cars being added to our already congested secondary roads.

Larry Johnson, I agree with many of your points and I understand your long-time concern about large subdivisions being built (especially what seems like at hyper-speed these days).

I grew up off Studley Road on three acres that my parents purchased in 1979 for ¼ of the price I recently paid for my home in Fox Head on .3 acres.

Unfortunately, for those of us who grew up here and would like to raise our families in Hanover, there are not see LETTERS, pg. 8

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Wednesday, Feb. 5 The Montpelier Ruritan Club will host a public meeting at 8 p.m. at the Montpelier Parks & Recreation Building located at 17203 Sycamore Tavern Lane in Montpelier, during which information about the new countywide transportation system, Hanover DASH, will be discussed. The Hanover DASH Program provides transportation for Hanover County residents 60 years old or older or persons with a short-term or long-term disability. A participant can obtain a ride to hospitals, doctors’ offices and other locations in Hanover County and other designated areas. This is a door-to-door service or curb to curb service and the cost is only $6 one way. A member of Hanover Community Resources will address the service. Senior citizens and individuals with a disability are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Dan Johnson at 804-8837249.

Saturday, Feb. 8 An All-You-Can-Eat Salt Fish Breakfast, hosted by the Independence Ruritan Club, will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 a.m. to benefit The Arc of Hanover. Breakfast includes: salt herring fillets, scrambled eggs, bacon, spiced apples, cornbread, grits, coffee and orange juice. The cost is $9 for adults. The Ruritan Club Community House is located behind Independence Christian Church at 14033 Independence Rd. (off Route 54, west of Ashland). For more information, call 804-7986579.

Sunday, Feb. 23 Untold Stories – Growing

Up in Ashland/Hanover, Black and White Experiences will be presented at 4 p.m. at Patrick Henry High School in Ashland. The program provides oral histories about life in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Untold Stories is sponsored jointly by The Center, The Hanover County Black Heritage Society, Ashland Museum, and Downtown Ashland Association. This is event is free and open to the public.

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 804-270-9626.

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

F

ax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, 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.

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.

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.

Thursdays

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 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 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo. com.

Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron, meets from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center at 7093 Broad Neck Rd. in Hanover,.

CAP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12 to 18, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train America’s next generation of leaders.

For more information, visit hanover.vawg.cap.gov or call 1st Lt. James Wright at 804551-3354.

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

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.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Free educational training at Hanover Adult Center Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE -“Engaging Brain Changes: Positive Physical Approach™ & Hand Under Hand™” will be presented by Missy Harden, a certified Positive Approach to Care (Teepa Snow’s Program) Independent Consultant and Trainer, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 18, at the Hanover Adult Center at 7231 Stonewall Parkway n the Cold Harbor Business center near Hanover Fire EMS Station 7.

Seeking to improve care and quality of life for older adults, Harden has partnered with Hanover Adult Center to offer a series of trainings that will educate and equip care partners on how to recognize signals of unmet needs and distress in the person they are caring for. She will teach how to respond in a way that reduces anxiety and improves quality of life.

WORDS Continued from pg. 6

business.

“It comes down to a binary choice,” one interviewee recently said. “Does that mean yes or no?” the host questioned. “Yes.” The phenomena of overused phrases, euphemisms and metaphors are not limited to the office. Every time I respond to something they’ve said with the expression “Really?” they tell me how far behind the times I actually am.

It seems the phrase has gone the way of “Ya think?” and other cute responses that make the rounds and then

Hanover Adult Center has been providing services to meet a wide variety of needs for differently abled individuals and their care partners in the Greater Richmond Metro area, for over 43 years.

Centrally located near Interstate 295 in Mechanicsville, the center provides adult day health services (licensed by the Department of Social Services) and day support (licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services) .

The staff at Hanover Adult Center provides day-time, person-centered care, education, and respite so families can thrive, remaining together, in their own homes.

All are welcome to take part in the free training.

Light refreshments will be available.

For more information, call the Hanover Adult Center at 746-0743. retire to a place of obscurity in our everyday language.

I’m sure you have your own list of those pesky phrases that drive you crazy, but, for now, we’re on a journey. I was going to make this last sentence include all of the annoying phrases I discovered in researching this project. But once I ran it up the flagpole, I realized that would amount to a nothing burger.

The appeal of euphemisms, analogies or metaphors is personal and what irritates one makes another laugh.

You either like it or you don’t, or as my trendy jargon intense commentators might say, it’s a binary choice.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020 7

Registration is open for K9 Heroes Day, featuring Pooch Pursuit 5K/2K MECHANICSVILLE -Hanover County Parks and Recreation invites runners, joggers and walkers, with and without their canine companions, to register for the Pooch Pursuit 5K-2K on Saturday, April 18, 2020 starting at 9:30 a.m., at Pole Green Park at 8996 Pole Green Park Lane in Mechanicsville.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 15, but don’t delay as the first 100 registered participants will receive a t-shirt and pet friendly goodie bag.

Registration fees are $30 for each 5K runner/walker and $15 for each 2K jogger/walker.

Runners, joggers and walkers are welcome to participate with their canine companion at no additional cost.

Pre-registration is required

and can be done online by visiting www.hanoverparksrec. com.

Awards will be presented to 5K runners in overall team (runner and canine) and indi-

vidual (runner only) and age categories.

Everyone, including runners, joggers and walkers are encouraged to stay for this special event honoring our K9

UNTOLD

LETTERS

ing neighbors (with signed petitions) spoke out against the rezoning from A-1 to M-2.

However, the then-HCBOS voted unanimously for the area to be rezoned ignoring their pleas.

It is obvious we have completely different perspectives on this project and how consequential its arrival and presence in our area will be.

All your “bullet points” fail to address the reality of the noise, traffic and air pollution that this proposed project will inevitably bring to many people’s “backyards” whether directly or indirectly. You are correct, the Comp Plan is the place where changes definitely need to be made.

Therefore, in 2022, I will be pushing for preserving more green space in the Suburban Service Area and a slowergrowth plan.

Karri Messina Mechanicsville

Continued from pg. 1

Esther Gordon Davis, Beatrice Johnson, Billy Martin, Ernest Mason, and James Quash Jr. Anthony Keitt will be the MC. This is the seventh installment of the program of oral histories about growing up in Ashland and Hanover County during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

The program is free of charge and open to the public.

Untold Stories is sponsored jointly by: The Center (The Hanover Arts & Activities Center) hanoverarts.org; The Hanover County Black Heritage Society Inc. hanoverbhs.org; The Ashland Museum (Preserving the History and Culture of Ashland, Virginia) ashlandmuseum.org; and Downtown Ashland Association ashlandvirginia.com.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Ashland Museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or 804-3687314.

8

Continued from pg. 6

many farm homes available for purchase. Many are handed down through families and others are being bought by developers.

Since my parents still own and live in their original home, I chose a not-so-new neighborhood that is currently pretty quiet and peaceful and is as close to country-like as my childhood home. I’m not sure where else you would have me live.

John Fairborn, I am actually a “classic NIABY” (Not In Anybody’s Back Yard) because this extremely “heavy” industrial project doesn’t belong next to, beside, or directly across the street from any residential area nor in an area zoned “light” industrial.

Fox Head was built in the early 1990s and in 1995 many of its residents and surround-

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

heroes and companions.

The event will highlight a variety of pet-friendly vendors, amazing demonstrations and K9 Fun Zone filled with activities and games.

K9 Heroes Day, featuring Pooch Pursuit 5K-2K will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pole Green Park.

The event is free to attend and is family friendly.

All dogs must remain on a secure lease and have current license and rabies vaccination.

For more information, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation, at 804-365-7150 or parksandrec@hanovercounty. gov.

Information submitted by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation.

Gun rights: vigilance not paranoia A letter in your Jan. 22 edition caught my attention.

The writer began by accusing gun rights advocates of being paranoid. The writer went on to state he was tired of uninformed rants. Well, the pot has called the kettle black.

The Constitution does not allow laws that infringe on its precepts or amendments, period.

Additionally, I feel pretty sure that the writer does not own any firearms and if so they see very little light of day.

Shootings recently have been reported in the news.

There also are stories of deaths from stabbings, blunt force trauma, distracted driving, and drunk driving.

Do we call to outlaw kitchsee LETTERS, pg. 12

Moton Museum

Photo submitted by Betsy Hodge

The Ashland Museum History Talk series will continue at 7 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 5) at The Center (Hanover Arts and Activities Center), located at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. Cameron Patterson, shown above, managing director of the Moton Museum, will discuss events in Farmville and Moton High School in the 1950s. Students went on strike to protest their overcrowded and inadequate facilities. The resulting court case became part of the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954. This event is free and open to the public.

Tractor Supply construction OK’d for business park Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com BOWLING GREEN -The Caroline County Board of Supervisors at its Jan. 28 regular meeting approved a rezoning that will facilitate the construction of a Tractor Supply hardware store on the east side of Route 1, near Durrette Road in the Ladysmith Business Park.

The supervisors also incentivized the project through a Performance Agreement with Starr Management, owner of the property, to assist with the cost of the extension of water and sewer utilities to the site so that not only will the Tractor Supply be served, but an additional 40 acres will

become viable for additional investment.

Starr Management will receive $25,000 annually for three years to assist with the cost of the utility extensions: this is less than the annual tax revenue to be generated by Tractor Supply.

Tractor Supply is expected to construct a 20,000-squarefoot store that will employ about 20 to 25 employees making competitive wages and salaries.

Tractor Supply will invest $3.5 Million in the Ladysmith store.

Jeff Sili, chairman of the board and supervisor for Bowling Green District, said, see TRACTOR, pg. 16

UPCOMING EVENTS

02

07 2020

Girls/boys basketball: Patrick Henry at Atlee 6:00 p.m./7:30 p.m.

02

08 2020

Men’s basketball: Lynchburg at R-MC 2:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

New players stepping up to line at R-MC

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – For a team with just three seniors, Randolph-Macon’s men’s basketball team has been remarkably successful so far this season. Of course, the program has a long winning tradition. The program has been blessed with inspired coaching picks, and has enjoyed significant community and alumni support.

But all of that means little without talent on the floor, and the Yellow Jackets find themselves well stocked with younger players eager and able to get the job done.

Saturday, against Old Dominion Athletic Conference rival Emory & Henry, those younger players got the job done, with two of the team’s three top scorers coming from its freshman and sophomore ranks.

Freshman guard Josh Talbert led the day with 16 points and sophomore Ian Robertson chipped in 10 as RandolphMacon took the sting out of the visiting Wasps with a 79-54 win.

For Kellam grad Talbert, proud of his 757 roots, he knew the Yellow Jackets had to come out strong against Emory & Henry.

“They played us tough the first time,” Talbert said. “It’s a testament to coach [Josh Merkel] for pressing me to

Joel Klein for The Local

Randolph-Macon forward Michal Ross (33) battles Virginia Wesleyan’s Javonte White for the loose ball in the Yellow Jackets’ 66-48 ODAC win over the Marlins Tuesday.

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Randolph-Macon freshman guard Josh Talbert (22) drives in for 2 of his 16 points in the Yellow Jackets’ 79-54 win Saturday.

come out and make plays for the team. We got out to a slow start. I felt I was ready to come off the bench and bring that energy. If I did anything to

spark us, to get anything going, then that’s a win in my book.”

Talbert is aware that the Yellow Jackets (19-1, 11-0 ODAC) have a big target on

their backs as the regular season comes to a close.

“We knew that every team is going to give us a tough game,” Talbert said. “We’re 19-1, and

every team is trying to knock us off right now to get that ODAC playoff.”

Every Randolph-Macon player with more than three

minutes of playing time scored against Emory & Henry.

“I love the balance of this team,” Merkel said. “On any given night we have 10 or 11 guys that can score and can score more than just a bucket.

No one’s coming out hunting their shot or hunting their points. This says a lot about the team. They trust each other.

They want the ball to find the mistake. Although we want to be aggressive, we want to make the right plays at the end of it.”

The Yellow Jacket women had a mixed week, defeating Virginia Wesleyan 66-48 on Jan. 28 and falling to Emory & Henry 72-67 Saturday. They are now 9-9 overall, 8-5 in ODAC. play.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

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Hawk girls continue dominance of county courts

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – Hanover High School’s girls basketball team proved once again it is the dominant team in the county.

The Hawks, with a balanced offensive attack, nullified a 25-point performance

by Patrick Henry sophomore guard Logan Nuckols en route to a 56-42 victory on the Patriots’ home court in the opener of a girls/boys basketball doubleheader Friday.

Seven Hanover players scored. Julia Mardigian led the Hawks with 18 points, followed

by Kayla Ford with 11.

“I thought we played really well together,” said Hanover head girls basketball coach Mike Rohr. “We’re not worrying about who scores, getting [the ball] to the person who has an open shot, executing defensively – I thought we did a really good job.”

The Hawk defense really stepped up in the second quarter in which it held Patrick Henry to just 4 points. Hanover likewise held the Patriots to single digits in the fourth quarter.

But the Patriots did not intend to go down easy. They closed the gap at the start of the quarter, cutting sharply into the Hawks’ lead before the Hawks rallied and pulled away for good.

“At the beginning of the third quarter I thought we kind of got caught standing and watching a little bit on the boards,” Rohr said. “And that’s where they made that run right off the bat and put a little pressure on us. I was hoping we’d make that run, but they did. They’re well coached and they’ve got a good team.

On the boys side, the Patriots jumped to an early lead and stiff-armed the Hawks the

10

rest of the way for a 66-55 win in the nightcap.

Tysen Brown led Patrick Henry with 18 points, followed

by Jayden Mines with 12. It capped an intense stretch of basketball for the Patriots “This was our sixth game in eight days,” said Patrick Henry boys basketball head coach Randy Anderson. “That was a tough haul. … I know they’re a tired group, but I’m just happy they were able to pull this one out tonight.”

After a bit of shellshock at the start of the game, the Hawks, led by Jack Belcastro with 19 points and Braniel Santos with 11, recovered and largely kept up with the Patriots.

“Coach [Darren] Thornton’s teams never quit,” Anderson said of Hanover. “They’re never out of it.”

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

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

Dave Lawrence/ The Local

Above, Hanover’s Cameron Mays (23) and Patrick Henry’s Aaron Brown (4) battle for a rebound in the first quarter of the Patriot boys’ 66-55 win over visiting Hanover Friday. Left, Hanover’s Jordan Davis (15) goes up for 2 of her 9 points in the Hawk girls’ 5642 win over the host Patriots.

Lee-Davis gymnasts advance to regional Staff reports sports@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE – Ashley Gill of Broadway scored a 35.65 and was the all-around champion at the Richmond District gymnastics event Saturday at Hanover High School. Broadway finished with the highest team score, 136.325, followed by Lee-Davis, 134.925.

Sydney Owens of LeeDavis posted the highest local score, 34.125. Sophie Weaver of Broadway (33.925) finished third, and Madi Wangensteen of Lee-Davis (33.65) was fourth.

Hanover finished third as a team, followed by Great Bridge fourth, Patrick Henry fifth and Turner Ashby sixth.

Broadway and Lee-Davis advance as teams to the regional competition at Heritage High School in Leesburg on Feb. 10.

The top four all-around finishers and top eight finishers in individual events likewise advance to the regional.

All around scores (top four all-around advance to regional): Ashley Gill, Broadway, 35.65; Sydney Owens, Lee-Davis, 34.125; Sophie Weaver, Broadway, 33.925; Madi Wangenteen, Lee-Davis, 33.65; Bri Luellen, Lee-Davis, 33.35; Madison Klump, Hanover, 32.975; Jordan Driver, Broadway, 32.6; Aubrey Young, Hanover, 32.8; Avery Herndon, Hanover, 31.4; Haley Rutherford, Patrick Henry, 31.6; Kira Brittingham, Great Bridge, 31.1; Madison Spence, Patrick Henry, 30.875; Lily Voekler, Patrick Henry, 28.25; Gracie Armstrong, Turner Ashby, 27.625; Laney Biddle, Turner Ashby, 27.3; Gena Day Miller, Turner Ashby, 22.95; Sara Kareem, Spotswood, 12.525.

(Top eight in individual events

Top, Hanover’s Avery Herndon looks to make a good landing during the vault. Above, LeeDavis’ Sydney Owens is all smiles after her landing in the vault. She finished second in all-around competition.

Below, Patrick Henry’s Haley Rutherford works the beam.

John Beebe for The Local

Above, Lee-Davis gymnast Madi Wangensteen from prepares to vault at the 2020 Richmond District gymnastics championships at Hanover High School Friday. Wangensteen finished fourth in all-around competition to advance to the regional on Feb. 10.

advance to regional) Bars: 1. Allison Livesay (L-D) 8.8; 2. Ashley Gill (BRO) 8.6; 3.

Madison Klump (HAN) 8.4; 4.

Sydney Owens (L-D) 8.2; 5. Bri Luellen (L-D) 7.85; 6. (tie) Sophie

Vota (HAN), Aubrey Young (HAN) 7.8; 8. Jordan Driver (BRO) 7.75.

Vault: 1. Sydney Owens (L-D) 9.075; 2. Ashley Gill (BRO) 9.05; 3. (tie) Bethany Gordon (GB), Jordan Driver (BRO) 8.95; 5. Sophie

Weaver (BRO) 8.925; 6. Aubrey Young (HAN) 8.9; 7. (tie) Lizzy Halsey (L-D), Jessica Estep (BRO) 8.875.

Floor: 1. (tie) Sophie Weaver (BRO), Ashley Gill (BRO) 9.4; 3.

Madi Wangensteen (L-D) 9.075; 4.

Jordan Driver (BRO) 8.875; 5. (tie) Kira Brittingham (GB), Bri Luellen (L-D) 8.75; 7. Sydney Owens (L-D) 8.675; 8. Elva Wilson (HAN) 8.55.

Beam: 1. Jessica Estep (BRO)

8.65; 2. Ashley Gill (BRO) 8.6; 3.

Madi Wangensteen (L-D) 8.525; 4.

Bri Luellen (L-D) 8.35; 5. (tie) Abby Pepe (GB), Sophie Weaver (BRO) 8.3; 7. Sydney Owens (L-D) 8.175; 8. Aubrey Young (HAN) 8.1.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

11

LETTERS Continued from pg. 8

en knives, hammers, cell phones, and Jim Beam? This would be ludicrous most would say. Unfortunately, they don’t carry the same emotional weight and media coverage as gun control even though they kill more people.

In his book, The Conservative Sensibility, Will (2019) states: “Liberty is commonly understood as the ability to do what you want to do. The challenge for a free society is to preserve liberty while nurturing virtue.

A religion tells its adherents things that they ought to do and ought not to do. The U.S. Constitution, which is replete with proscriptions, tells Americans a number of things they cannot do even if a majority of them wants them done.”

I will always be baffled by the insistence of empowered and entitled groups to force their will upon others. It seems as though the loudest voice gets heard while the virtuous are ignored.

The current state of the Democratic process in the Commonwealth of Virginia is indicative of a group of people, majority or not, forcing their will on others. Violating the precepts of the Constitution doesn’t matter.

They have been empowered by the entitled to ignore the very foundation of our system of governance.

Could this approach be the tyranny that the founders of America and the framers of the Constitution feared?

The referenced writer should query the citizens of Cuba, Venezuela, Iran and numerous other countries where liberty has been stripped away.

Paranoia? No -- vigilance.

Eric L. French Mechanicsville

Abuse reports in classroom spark concern “Inspire. Empower. Lead.” That is the Hanover County Public School motto. After attending the county School Board meeting on Jan. 14, I saw teachers, parents, and concerned

12

citizens trying to do all of those things in front of appointed Hanover County School Board members hell-bent on ignoring those words.

I knew the school board members asked for a 50% raise, which would make them the highest paid appointed board in the state at $12,000 a member. I knew nothing else about them and hadn’t attended their meetings, but I was doing so now because an elementary school teacher and friend at my daughter’s school would be speaking about classroom abuse at the hands of her students. I was not prepared for what I would hear.

Cliff Parker, the abused elementary teacher’s husband was visibly angry when he spoke about his wife being “... harassed, intimidated, and assaulted in her classroom for the last four months …”

The teacher, Shannon Parker, then read her comments about how the first-graders in her class were affected by seeing this abuse. This was a public servant who was being abused at her job and her first concern wasn’t even herself, it was her students.

She applauded her school administrators who are “... given the task of adhering to a policy that does not work. The procedures they have to enforce focus on the child exhibiting the violent behavior and completely disregard the needs of the majority ...”

The Parkers’ son then spoke about volunteering in the classroom and seeing the child’s behavior, “... the teachers [and] students were afraid of him and my entire family became extremely concerned for my mother’s safety. I saw this child corner my mother ... repeatedly attempt to kick her, slap her, punch her, throw a desk, and slam a door into her hand ...”

The Parker family talked about filing five police reports for simple assault in a matter of six weeks.

Another parent spoke up about witnessing a different teacher being abused in her child’s classroom.

I did some online research and learned this is the third time Mr. Parker has spoken at a school board meeting about this issue. And, at the Dec. 10, 2019 meeting, resident Ashley O’Dell stated, “Teachers are being physically and verbally abused by students and are being dissuaded from submitting office referrals.”

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

I spoke to a few teachers who said they or their colleagues are too afraid to report abusive behavior for fear of losing their jobs. So, in addition to classroom abuse occurring more frequently than one time or at one school, teachers are told not to report it? Why is this happening in a county that is supposed to be the bastion of school excellence?

If a county won’t protect their teachers, why would they protect the students? They are already failing students who are witnessing these events – events that will affect their impressionable brains and hearts for years to come.

But, more importantly, why aren’t we hearing more about it?

Why isn’t this on the front page of The Mechanicsville Local or the Richmond Times-Dispatch?

This is happening to our neighbors, our friends, our children.

Hanover’s school board definitely isn’t doing enough, but the news media has dropped the ball and needs to look beyond one or two lines about this that are buried in the latest meeting recap. I implore you to please get someone on this.

Like Mrs. Parker herself said, “You can’t say you don’t know what’s going on. We’ve told you. It’s up to you to fix it. The teachers and the students are counting on you.”

Sarah E. Miller Mechanicsville

Broadband: a necessity, not a luxury In late January, final decisions were made on the distribution of $19 million in state grant funding for projects to expand high-speed internet access in some of the more rural areas of Virginia. Nearby rural localities Charles City County ($4 million) and King and Queen County ($2 million) both received awards to start projects.

An application submitted by Hanover County with Comcast was not chosen to receive any of the funds, so the wait continues for many residents in Hanover to gain access to reliable, high-speed internet access.

The year is 2020 – it is time for our local elected officials to treat this

access like the necessity that it is -- a necessity for students to perform the research that their studies require.

Starting in September, every middle school student in Hanover will be getting a Chromebook. Their usefulness will be unnecessarily stunted by the lack of access for many of these students.

A necessity for business owners to expand their operations and attract employees. The long-term economic benefit for a locality that expands high-speed internet access is undeniable. Our farmers can reach more customers and get real-time data to help in their operations.

A necessity for families looking to buy or sell a home. The value of a home that has high-speed internet access can be 10% or more higher than the exact same house without access.

As decisions are made over the next couple of months regarding the Fiscal Year 2021 budget for Hanover County and Hanover County Public Schools, I urge my neighbors: contact your elected representatives and let them know you want to see them prioritize the expansion of reliable, highspeed internet access here in Hanover.

James Doran Mechanicsville

Rebuttal to impeachment impact on 2020 election(s) In Daniel Corso’s Jan. 29 letter he made several points. “Nancy Pelosi was hesitant to launch an all-out assault in the game of political chess.”

Yes sir, she was hesitant but not necessarily for politics. She knew the difficulties inherent in any such action as an impeachment. More so, she knew the strains that’d be placed on our entire society during such.

I submit that under normal circumstances, yes, an impeachment always interrupts Congress’s ability to adequately serve their constituents’ day-to-day concerns.

However, Pelosi knows full well how dangerous Donald Trump is. He is nothing even closely resembling “normal circumstances.” I paid strict

attention to what was going on during that time in history where she was forced to linger -- almost painfully.

Then you added “Mitch McConnell’s declaration that this particular impeachment is meant to undo an election and not meant to be judicial.” I submit that Mitch McConnell is simply acting as clearly as “not an impartial juror” as possible to facilitate Trump’s criminal agenda(s).

I left the Republican Party when (as a senior Army officer) I was made privy to the information on how Dick Cheney cheated this country out of $40 billion for Halliburton while simultaneously causing the deaths of 4,400 of my brother/sister compatriots, as well as over a 100,000 Iraqis.

Since that time I’ve seen the party I was aligned with for over 30 years deteriorate into what is now (almost officially “the Trump party”).

Now, with Trump’s continued lies/ crimes/misrepresentations and felonies, I find that I no longer try to tolerate him, but I now “passionately despise him” (for what he’s doing to your country and mine and for the reasons he’s doing so).

Then you begin towards the “(voters) experiencing significant prosperity” (under Trump’s [I guess] guidance). If you know of a college freshman majoring in economics (don’t trust my feeble financial judgment), go ask them. They will tell you that for a behemoth economy like ours (GDP—gross domestic product -- at $18 trillion a year) to proliferate, you need lots of time.

When Obama saved the entire auto industry from collapsing in 2011-2012, that was one of the sparks that lit the prosperity fire. This link https://www.politifact.com/trutho-meter/article/2012/sep/06/didobama-save-us-automobile-industry/ gives Obama “partial credit” for this feat. Point is that Trump’s prosperity program is meant for only one person.

As well, if the bottom dropped out of the stock market, Trump (and all his worshippers) would blame every Democrat in the country (not a fair way to judge “national prosperity” anyway, since only 55% of the general population own stock ( https:// see LETTERS, pg. 16

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 18th day of February 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input and may take action: 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.

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.

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Zoning Appeals has set Tuesday, February 11, 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 case, at which public comments will be accepted: VAR2020-00001, TERESA D. AND FLOYD L. MOORE, Request a Variance from Section 26-26. 1. (b) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which specifies that dwellings in the A-1, Agricultural District, when located on a one hundred (100) foot ultimate right-of-way shall have a minimum front yard setback of (100) feet, and a minimum side yard setback of (25) feet. The requested Variance is for a 65.26 foot front yard Variance, and an 8.02 foot side yard Variance, which would allow a building lot to have a front yard setback of 34.74 feet and a 16.98 foot side yard setback. The request is for GPIN 7759-82-2390, consisting of approximately 7.57 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Cedar Lane (State Route 623) approximately 528 feet east of Ashland Road (State Route 666).

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office any regular business day, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p. m.

C. Jason Hazelwood Code Compliance Supervisor

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, February 20, 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 REZ2019-00029, 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 786076-8346, 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 REZ2019-00036, PENCE HOLDINGS, INC. Request(s) to rezone from B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPIN 7788-06-7720, consisting of approximately 9.44 acres, and located on the north line of Vermeer Place (State route pending) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business-Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for various M-2, Light Industrial District uses including a recreational vehicle storage site. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2019-00037, AIR PARK ASSOCIATES, L.P. Request(s) an amendment to the proers approved with rezoning request C-13-94(c), Air Park Associates, on GPINs 7798-44-0937, 7798-44-0663, 7798-44-2350, 7798-33-3765, 7798-34-2121, 7798-24-8382, 7798-24-6569, 7798-24-4811, 7798-25-1001, 779835-3160, 7798-35-4750, 7798-35-0225, 7798-25-6471, 7798-45-3554, 7798-54-5903, 7798-33-9427, 7798-43-4904, 7798-434481, 7798-43-8505, 7798-53-1614, and 7798-35-1840, consisting of approximately 217.34 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions. The property is located on the west line of Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656) approximately 1000 feet south of its intersection with Ashcake Road (State Route 657) and on the south line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) approximately 800 feet west of its intersection with Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Limited Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the development of a warehouse/ distribution facility. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2019-00010, MEGAWASH, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-174.2 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a vehicle washing facility on GPIN 7788-06-7720(part), consisting of approximately 2.81 acres, zoned B-3(c), General Business District with conditions (rezoning to M-2(c), Light Industrial District pending with REZ2019-00036), and located on the north line of Vermeer Place (State route pending) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business-Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2019-00011, COMPASS CHRISTIAN CHURCH Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP-3-80, AM. 1-09) in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a church expansion and its related uses on GPINs 8725-31-9218, 8725-30-8257, 8725-40-1234, 8725-40-2226 and 8725-40-1473, consisting of approximately 17.57 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located at the terminus of Liberty Circle (private road) north of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial and Suburban High (3-7 Dwelling Units per Acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning OďŹƒce, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

14

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD PUZZLE

02/05-02/06

LIBRARY WORD SEARCH

HOROSCOPES ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20 Align yourself with the movers and shakers, Aries. Sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know.

Find a solid team and stick with them.

50. General’s assistant (abbr.)

51. Divides 55. Kid 58. Inland Empire Expanded Learning Symposium 59. Engaged in conflict 60. Former CBS sportscaster 64. Characterized by unity 65. Working-class 66. Corners 67. __ de plume 68. Influential French artist 69. ‘Very’ in musical terms 70. Financial account CLUES DOWN 1. Long, flat abdominal muscles 2. Small Eurasian willow 3. Justified in terms of profitability 4. Required 5. River that starts in Turkey 6. Disfigure 7. A way of communicating (abbr.)

8. Leaks slowly 9. Shady place under trees 10. Made a speech 11. Long, angry speech 12. Mortar trough 13. Autonomic nervous

system 19. Southern India island 21. Grab quickly 24. Ancient Mesopotamian city 25. With three uneven sides 26. Football visionary Hunt 27. Primordial matters 31. Facing towards the flow of a glacier 32. ‘A Delicate Balance’ writer 34. Emits coherent radiation 35. Commercial 36. Groups of foot bones 40. Out of print 41. Partner to cheese 45. German river 47. Concluding speech 48. Spanish dish 52. Prominent California cape Point __ 53. Any high mountain 54. Ethiopian lake 56. Mr. 57. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues 59. Large, flightless bird 60. Oil industry term (abbr.)

61. Something one can draw 62. Officers in charge 63. Greek island

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23 An important relationship is on the cusp of reaching a milestone, Libra.

Enjoy this special time and make every effort to commemorate it in a unique way.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20 Learn how to count the small blessings in your life, Capricorn.

Doing so will help you overcome a challenging issue that may pop up shortly.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18 You may need to look inward and make changes before you start suggesting others make their own modifications, Aquarius. Be honest in your personal assessment.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you’re already running on fumes, it may not be possible for you to tackle any additional tasks this week. Make some hard cuts and you’ll be better for it.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, some new information has put you in a better position to make an important decision. These details have come just in the nick of time.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22 Find a way to cool your jets for the time being, Scorpio. Extra pressure may have you feeling the stress, and you may not be putting your best self forward.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21 You have several weeks to understand how recent changes will affect you, Gemini. You may need to get a few new friends in your circle of supporters.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you may need to make some important decisions regarding your finances in the days ahead. It’s now or never to square away your shortand long-term budget.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, a passing comment rings true to you this week and commands your immediate attention.

You do not want to let any opportunities pass over the next few days.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20 There are a few things you are still trying to uncover about a new person in your life, Pisces. Keep digging because the reveal is worth it.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Small deer 4. Khoikhoi peoples 9. South African statesman 14. Keyboard key 15. Remove 16. A conspicuous constellation 17. Data executive 18. Retired NASCAR driver 20. Tightens 22. A picture of the Virgin Mary 23. ‘The Mission’ actor Jeremy 24. Confidently 28. More (Spanish) 29. Sports highlight show (abbr.)

30. Hand out cards 31. Distinctive Asian antelope 33. Arabic greeting 37. Of I 38. Hip hop trio 39. Meat roll 41. One’s mother (Brit.)

42. __-GYN 43. Belgian city 44. Plucks 46. Leak slowly 49. Denotes a particular region

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, don’t be surprised when someone from your past approaches you for some advice. You may not have all the answers, but you can help guide this person in the right direction.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020 15

TRACTOR Continued from pg. 8

“Tractor Supply’s multi-million dollar investment will open up the commercial corridor on Route1 with county utility assistance. The board of supervisors has been proactive with its investment for future development. With this step, more investment is likely on property that is well situated, but only now is hosting growth. We look forward to future jobs and revenue resulting from Caroline’s pro-business initiatives.”

Clay Forehand, supervisor for the Madison District, said, “Tractor Supply’s store will provide new retail shopping opportunities to Ladysmith and the county as a whole. The addition of 20 or more jobs is another positive step forward and furthers the board’s resolve to bring businesses and jobs to Caroline County.

We look forward to the opening of a Tractor Supply later this year.”

Construction of the Tractor Supply store is anticipated to begin in the spring.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 12

news.gallup.com/poll/266807/ percentage-americans-ownsstock.aspx ).

Then you continue with “Pelosi’s not processing the Articles of Impeachment immediately” as “Schumer beats the drum of witness testimony.” Of course, man!

Because the Republicans broadcasted (as in a punch to the head, not on a radio) their intent to block anything the Democrats could rally against Trump.

Republicans have blocked and obstructed everything from this entire impeachment process all the way back to McConnell’s “block everything he (Obama) asks for” at

16

Randolph-Macon College upcoming events Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The following programs are scheduled for the new year at Randolph-Macon College.

2 p.m. Feb. 9 -- Richmond Symphony Orchestra Metro Collection -- Pre-Concert Lecture SunTrust Theater, Brock Commons at 304 Henry St. 3 p.m.

Concert, Blackwell Auditorium, R-MC Center for the Performing Arts. Laura Jackson, conductor. Daisuke Yamamoto, violin. Molly Sharp, viola. Gabriela Lena Frank’s Concertina Cusqueño, Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E-flat Major. K. 364, Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, Opus 10, Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances. Contact: Richmond Symphony Box Office 804-788-1212 Feb. 23-March 28 – 3 to 5 p.m. Opening Reception on Feb. 23; exhibit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday, Feb. 23 to March 28 at Flippo Gallery, Pace-Armistead Hall at 211 N. Center St. An invitational show of nationally recognized and emerging ceramic artists curated by Mike Jabbur and Birdie Boone. This exhibit includes works by Birdie Boone, Katie Fee, Stuart Gair, Chris Gustin, Hiroe Hanazono, Mike Jabbur, Maggie Jaszczak, Candice Methe, Lindsay Oesterritter, Mark Pharis, Jane Shellenbarger, and Chris Staley and offers a deeper look into the artistic process and life of the ceramic vessel.

7 p.m. Feb. 26 -- Watkins Lecture Series: “An Evening with Bill Bryson” at Blackwell Auditorium, R-MC Center for the Performing Arts at 205 Henry St. Best-selling author Bill Bryson is one of the country’s

the Caucus Room dinner in downtown Washington, D.C., weeks after his (Obama’s) 2009 inauguration.

As McConnell obstructs this process (by “not being an impartial juror” and trying to keep witnesses out of the trial) he is emasculating his/ their (Congress’) “co-equal” power in our federal government. This was the main worry/concern given by our Founding Fathers way back in 1776 (through 1787) as they wrote the Declaration and the Constitution. Trilateralism should be the core of the republic -- not a monarchy (dictatorship in Trump’s case).

As (“he appears determined to clear Trump”), McConnell paves the way to “exonerate” Trump, he is (very

Ashland-Hanover Local February 5, 2020

most beloved and prolific commentators. Known for his quirky observations and comic sensibility, he has chronicled everything from hiking the Appalachian Trail in A Walk in the Woods (named one of TIME magazine's “All-TIME 100 Best Nonfiction Books”) to capturing the zeitgeist of the Roaring Twenties in One Summer: America 1927. With more than 20 books in circulation, Bryson charms audiences with the same warmth, goofy wit and self-effacing humor that has made his work so universally appealing. Bryson’s latest book is The Body: A Guide for Occupants. A Q&A and book signing will follow the lecture.

6 p.m. March 2-- “The Generation after Suffrage: Women in Party Politics in the mid-20th Century” in the Dollar Tree Room, Brock Commons at 304 Henry St. One century after American women obtained the vote, they are still finding their footing in politics.

Melissa Estes Blair, associate professor of contemporary U.S. history at Auburn University, will discuss beliefs about female citizenship within the presidential administrations of the mid-20th century. Estes Blair paints a compelling portrait of a tradeoff women faced in national politics in the generation after suffrage.

7:30 p.m. March 5 -- Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar in the SunTrust Theater, Brock Commons at 304 Henry St. Stacey Sinclair, professor of psychology and public affairs at Princeton University, will deliver a lecture sponsored by Phi Beta Kappa. Sinclair’s research examines how interpersonal interactions translate culturally held prejudices into individual thoughts and actions, and investigates the ramifica-

well could be) destroying our democracy. If I rob a bank, should I attempt to engage (the jury’s foreman) in determining I’m found innocent? If (in this same trial), am I allowed to keep central witnesses from testifying, to ensure my exoneration?

Hell no! (So why should Trump?).

Then there was your “politicians are merely people and thus capable of using public office(s) for personal gain.” I (again) submit that this “personal gain” thing has been given new meaning since the advent of Trump.

“High crimes and misdemeanors” (written into the Articles) were meant to be broad because of all the different potential disasters that

any given person could bring into the presidency. These guys (Founding Fathers) were a bit “hand shy” of a single person acting like King George III they recently defeated.

Then you go after another “shiny object” thrown in by the master of deception. You start in with Hunter/Joe Biden(s).

Man, sometimes when Trump does something so obviously outrageous and obviously immoral and obviously felonious and simply ridiculous, my 5-year-old grandson could see what he’s up to. So why can’t (seemingly) intelligent adults do the same thing?

Finally, just prior to your summary you go to the “witch hunt” label. This phrase, along with “fake news” (an original Putin quote) and all the nick-

tions for the health and intellectual performance of members of stigmatized groups.

7 p.m. March 10 -- “A Conversation with Kevin Young” in the Dalton Room, Birdsong Hall at106 E. Patrick St. New Yorker poetry editor Kevin Young is the author of 11 books of poetry and the non-fiction work Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News. In 2019, Young was named a TIME Magazine Champion of Culture.

7 p.m. March 11-14 – Base in the Cobb Theatre at the R-MC Center for the Performing Arts at 205 Henry St.; conceived by Alexander Dotson, Class of 2020. Devised through a collaborative effort, using an ensemble approach toward performance and directing, Base is a vaguely sci-fi story set in a near or alternative future, following a free clinic in the poorest part of the city and the doctor who runs it. Tickets: Free for R-MC students, faculty and staff; $5 for general public.

Box Office: 804-752-7316.

7 p.m. March 17 -- “Parent-Child Separation on the Border: Child Rights, Foster Care and Adoption” in the Dollar Tree Room, Brock Commons at304 Henry St. Thousands of children and their families have been detained on the U.S. Southwestern border.

Some youth have been detained in facilities, while other children have entered the foster care and adoption system. Karen Smith Rotabi, professor of social work at California State University, will give an update on the circumstances of children in these conditions.

Information submitted by Kathryn DiPasqua, marketing generalist, Randolph-Macon College.

names Trump gives his adversaries (another 5-year-old on the playground tactic), have belittled the office itself.

Trump has been involved in countless “scams and flimflams” since 1973. Trump Wine, Trump University, Trump Steaks, Trump Airlines, Trump Charities, Trump Management Company ... everything! Everything he’s been involved with has always screwed over everyone who’s a stakeholder.

I didn’t know anything about this human until he first insulted John S. McCain way back in July 2015. He’s still insulting Sen. McCain posthumously.

When Megan McCain attempts to protect her dead father, she gets death threats.

When Cindy McCain tries to defend her dead husband, she gets insulted.

Remember, when Lt. Cmdr. John McCain (USN, Ret.) was flying his F4 fighter jet merely hundreds of feet off the deck (above Hanoi during the worst time in Vietnam) Trump was dodging the draft (five times) in the same war that got McCain’s butt in a ruthless North Vietnamese Army (NVA) prison where he was regularly beaten.

Sorry I got so wordy. I just love this country so much.

So much I stood at-the-ready for almost 24 years to die if I had to defend her. Trump wouldn’t give a ham sandwich to a homeless veteran.

Dr. Richard Ryder Mechanicsville