AGRICULTURE
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Hanover farmer receives five-year service award
‘The World Before Your Feet’ follows Ashland native in NYC
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Vol. 5 No. 23 | Richmond Suburban News | February 19, 2020
Harris’ final budget met with praise Plan includes raise for employees, support for public safety, human services, education By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
Jim Ridolph for The Hanover Local
H
County Administrator Rhu Harris, left, and Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, presented their budgets to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors last Wednesday.
ANOVER -County Administrator Rhu Harris probably can’t remember the last time he received a standing ovation on completion of a budget presentation to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. But that’s exactly what happened as he
Superintendent’s budget gets unanimous approval By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND -- The Hanover County School Board unanimously passed superintendent Michael Gill’s recommended 2021 budget that provides a 2 percent increase for all employees, enhances bus driver compensation, and funds employee healthcare insurance costs. Also identified in the capital
portion of the adopted budget is funding for 17 vestibules in Hanover County Public Schools’ campuses that will enhance safety and funding for a new elementary school that replaces John Gandy Henry Clay elementary schools. The plan also continues a five-year technology plan that provides laptops to all middle school students this fall, and distributes devices to high
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concluded an outline of the 2021 proposal, and a packed house stood and applauded. While Harris downplayed the emotion surrounding his final budget, others took time to note the significance of the farewell presentation. Board chair Bucky Stanley, Beaverdam District, said replacing the 37-year veteran won’t be easy, especially considering Harris’ experience in financial planning. “This is Rhu Harris’ last budget presen-
tation, and I want to tell you that you are the reason that Hanover County is in such good financial shape,” Stanley said. “I want to thank you and it’s been an honor working with you. It’s going to be a tough task to find the person who will follow you.” But it was strictly business for Harris who outlined a budget that includes a 2 percent raise for county employees and supports public safety, human services and see BUDGET, pg. 8
Untold Stories – a program of oral histories – scheduled for Sunday Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
JOHN AXSELLE school students next year. In other matters, the school
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ASHLAND -- The seventh annual Untold Stories – Growing Up in Ashland/Hanover – Black and White Experiences will be take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, at Patrick Henry High School at 12449 W. Patrick Henry Rd. in Ashland. This is a program of oral histories about growing up in Ashland and Hanover County during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Storytellers
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will be Anna Belle Ambrosen, Esther Gordon Davis, Beatrice Johnson, Billy Martin, Ernest Mason, and James Quash Jr. see UNTOLD, pg. 4
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Hanover farmer receives five-year service award Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
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DOSWELL -- Hanover County cattle, grain and hay producer Leigh H. Pemberton was recognized on Jan. 28 for his five years of service on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors. VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor presented an award to Pemberton, a resident of Doswell, at the board meeting in Richmond. As the organization’s District 8 director, Pemberton represents Farm Bureau producer members in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Henrico and Louisa counties. He chairs the VFBF Dairy Advisory Committee and is
vice chairman of the organization’s Legislative Advisory Committee. A third-generation farmer, Pemberton is president of the Hanover County Farm Bureau and a member of the Virginia Agribusiness Council and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He also is chairman of the Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District board. With 129,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed Submitted photo to protecting Virginia’s farms Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor, left, and ensuring a safe, fresh and congratules Leigh H. Pemberton for his five years of service on the organization’s board of directors. locally grown food supply.
Democrats hosting Congressional District 1 Forum Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Hanover Democratic Committee will host a Democratic Congressional District 1 Candidate Forum at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, at Patrick Henry High School, located at12449 W. Patrick Henry Rd. in Ashland.
All four announced Democratic congressional candidates -- Phillip Cox, Qasim Rashid and Vangie Williams -- have committed to this forum. All voters and concerned citizens in Virginia’s First Congressional District are
encouraged to attend. More information about the candidates is available at Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_ House_of_Representatives_elections_in_ Virginia,_2020. For more information about the forum, contact John Suddarth at 804-405-0480 or john@suddarth.net.
Registration open for Senior Citizens Police Academy
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Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
HANOVER -- The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting its 13th annual Senior Citizens Police Academy from April 15 through June 24. The academy will be held between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. every Wednesday at Covenant Woods, located at 7090 Covenant Woods Drive (The Commons in The Lodge) in Mechanicsville. There will be no cost for the participants. Class size will be limited to the first 35 seniors who register. The program will be available to seniors 55 years of age or older who are residents, business owners, or county employees. Applicants also must be willing to submit to a background check. This academy is designed to give partic-
ipants an inside look into law enforcement with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. The presentations will consist of a variety of law enforcement topics, as well as pro-active crime prevention presentations, which will give seniors a better understand-
ing of what members of the Sheriff’s Office do on a daily basis. The goal of the academy is to develop productive relationships with the seniors in our community and for the seniors to develop a better understanding of law enforcement. Interested seniors are urged to download an application at (the application needs to be notarized) http://www.hanoversheriff. com/199/Senior-Citizens-Police-Academy or contact Deputy Jim McLaughlin at 804365-6110 for an application or additional information. The deadline to apply is March 20. Information submitted by Sgt. Steve DiLoreto, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office public information officer.
SHERIFF’S REPORTS
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| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Damage to vehicle, boat or aircraft was reported in the 10200 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.
Forging was reported in the 7000 block of Lee Park Road, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 4500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Little Florida Road, Mechanicsville.
Destruction of property, monument, value $1,000, was reported in the 11500 block of Fox Cross Road, Ashland.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 9000 block of Ebaugh Lane,
Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Elm Drive, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 11000 block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland.
Simple assault was reported in the 8200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.
Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 100 block of Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville.
Jan. 17
Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 10000 block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland. Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 9100 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 17100 block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7000 block of Spicewood Drive/Spicewood Court, Mechanicsville. False statement to obtain credit, loss $200, was reported in the 10300 block of Sonny Meadows Lane, Mechanicsville. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 9000 block of Haversack Lane, Mechanicsville.
Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 8100 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.
Sale and distribution of marijuana, ½-ounce was reported in the 12400 block of North Lakeridge
Jan. 18
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 6100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Old Cavalry Drive, Mechanicsville. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 14000 block of Gordons Lane, Glen Allen.
Burning law is in effect until April 30 HANOVER -- The 4 p.m. Burning Law went into effect on Friday, Feb. 15, across the Commonwealth and remains in effect until April 30. Battalion Chief Greg Martin, speaking on behalf of Hanover Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland, said, “Open burning is prohibited between the hours of midnight and 4 p.m. each day; fires lit after 4 p.m. and before midnight are allowed as long as no other local prohibitions exist.” Fires may smolder after midnight, but no new material shall be added to the fire after midnight. It also is recommend that burning not occur when low humidity, increased wind,
or other adverse weather conditions exist that could result in fires becoming uncontrolled. Citizens are reminded that violations of this law carry the possibility of penalties and in the event a fire damages property could result in liability for the cost suppressing the fire and damage done. “Please refer to the below links for more information on the burn regulations and remember that we all have a responsibility in keeping Hanover Safe,” Martin added. Contact Information Any related questions should be directed to the Office of the Fire Marshal:
During normal business hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) 804-365-6195 Hours when the office is closed: Call Emergency Communications Center nonemergency line 804-365-6140 Email anytime - fmo@ hanovercounty.gov Additional Information: Hanover County Local Ordinances on Fire Prevention: https://librar y.munico de. com/…/ha…/codes/code_of_ ordinances… Virginia Department of Forestry 4 p.m. Burn Law FAQ: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/ fire/faqs-burning.htm.
Jan. 19
DWI, second offense in five years, was reported in the 11400 block of Washington Highway/Johnson Road, Ashland.
DWI, BAC .20, first offense, was reported in the 9100 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 6000 block of Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 8200 block of Skirmish Lane, Mechanicsville.
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Burning or destroying personal property was reported in the 7100 block of Six Pound Lane,
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NOTICE To assist in preparing for our spring season, please arrange to remove all items from all lots and mausoleum crypts by March 1, 2020. After this date, cemetery personnel will remove all items. Thank you for your cooperation. Signal Hill Memorial Park Washington Memorial Park Floral Decoration Guidelines are available in our office.
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020 3
Hanover area library programs announced HANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner has announced the upcoming programs at Ashlandarea libraries
Hanover Branch Library
Richard S. Gillis Jr./Ashland Branch Library For more information, call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. „ Ashland Afternoon Bridge Club -- Friday, Feb. 21. 1-4 p.m. Members should have basic bridge knowledge and skill. „ Hanover Master Gardeners Series -Saturday, Feb. 22, 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 we will present a new topic, each designed to beautify your yard and enrich your gardening experience. Your specific gardening questions will be welcome. „ Must Love Words -- Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m. Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join in a constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing. „ Learning Microsoft Word -- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4-6 p.m. Learn how to complete basic
Metro Creative Graphics
tasks in Microsoft Word 2010, like editing and saving a document, how to add formatting, and more. „ Morning Book Club – Friday, Feb. 21, 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. „ Birthday Party for Dr. Seuss! -- Saturday, Feb. 29, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with stories read by the Cat in the Hat, a scavenger hunt, games, and crafts. Refreshments will be provided by the Henry Clay Woman's Club of Ashland. „ Storytimes -- Monday (Feb. 24) -- Mother Goose, 10 a.m.; Family, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday (Feb. 25); Toddler, 10 a.m.; Preschool, 10:45 a.m.
For more information, Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive. „ Homeschool Math Mania -- Friday, Feb. 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Explore the world of math through books, games and lots of hands on fun. „ Storytimes -- Friday (Feb. 28) – Family, 10:45 a.m.
Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library For more information, call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane. „ Family Storytimes -- Wednesdays, Feb. 19 & 26, 10 a.m.
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library For more information, call 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road. „ Rockville Book Club -- Tuesday, Feb. 25, 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. Carolyn Garner may be contacted at 804-7463176 or cgarner@pamunkeylibrary.org.
UNTOLD Continued from pg. 1
Following the storytellers, Ajena Cason Rogers will be interviewed by Hanover County Public School student Jay Fuller. Rogers will tell the story of her greatgreat-great-grandmother, Martha Ann Fields, an enslaved woman at Nutshell Plantation near Hanover Courthouse. Anthony Keitt returns as program MC. The program will conclude with the Community Gospel Chorus under the direction of Leslie Perry. The final rehearsal for the chorus is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at PHHS. Untold Stories is sponsored jointly by The Center, The Hanover County Black Heritage Society, the Ashland Museum and Downtown Ashland Association. For more information, contact the Ashland Museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or 804-3697314. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the chorus, contact Sue Watson at 804-4020296 or watson240@aol.com.
The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education
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Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
Recreation summer camp jobs open Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- It’s not too soon to start thinking about summer 2020. Hanover County Parks and Recreation is planning for summer camp and administrators are looking to welcome dynamic individuals to their seasonal summer camp staff. Positions of recreation supervisor, recreation aide, therapeutic recreation aide and volunteer leader-in-training are open and ready to be filled. “We are looking for energetic and passionate and college students, graduate student and teachers to fill the recreation supervisor, recreation aide therapeutic recreation aide positions,” Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director of Parks & Rec, said. “Rising 9th and 10th graders who enjoy working with children and are looking for work experience are encour-
aged to apply for the volunteer Leader-in-Training position.” Camps staff are the foundation for Hanover County Parks and Recreation summer camps, according to Durrer. “They are the role models, activity leaders, craft experts, listeners and heart of our summer camps. As a summer staff member, you’ll lead crafts, sports/games, nature activities, music, supervise campers on field trips and enjoy special visitors to your camp. Join in the fun and make a difference in the life of a child in your community!” Recreation supervisors work in the winter months training and planning their camps. Recreation aides are the counselors that lead activities and work with the campers throughout the day. Therapeutic recreation aides offer support to campers with special needs who may need it throughout the exciting day of camp,” she added.
Hanover’s camp lineup consists of the EPIC Elementary day camp, Mega Middle camps and Theme camps. EPIC Elementary is a traditional day camp offering for rising 1st to 5th graders. Mega Middle camp is geared for the tween population of rising 6th to 8th graders. Theme camps are specialized camps, where elementary and middle schoolaged youth experience adventure, mental stimulation and creative expression all based around specific themes, including Weird Science, Explore the Outdoors and Kidventures. Apply now, as interviews take place January through March. For more information and to apply for any of these summer positions, visit www. hanovercountyjobs.com or contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation with questions at 804-365-7150 or parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov.
Nominations being accepted for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence ASHLAND – Nominations are now being accepted for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Parents, students, educators, and the community-atlarge are invited to nominate an outstanding teacher by visiting http://www.tcfrichmond. org/reb. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, Feb. 24. The R.E.B. Awards recognize public school teachers in the metropolitan Richmond area who have distinguished themselves by their inspiring
classroom performance. Grants ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 each will be given to about 15 teachers to support professional development activities. Recipients will be required to share educational ideas and experiences with fellow teachers. Eligibility for the award is limited to full-time classroom teachers in grades K-12 who have completed a minimum of three years of full-time service and are employed by the public school divisions of the City of Richmond, counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and
Henrico, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. The program was developed by The Community Foundation and is funded by the R.E.B. Foundation. Since its inception, nearly $4 million has been awarded to over 800 public school instructors. Numerous Hanover County Public Schools teachers have received this distinguished award, including three recipients in 2019. Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County Public Schools public information officer.
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RICHMONDHOMEARAMA.COM Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020 5
OPINION
LETTERS
| The Local Views
| Reader Views
From the managing editor
The people who leave a lasting impression By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
H
ave you ever had someone in your life who was always there when you needed advice or guidance about your career plans? This is certainly an individual outside of your family who has followed a similar path. Sadly, a week ago, one of my mentors passed away, leaving a void in my life. Raamie Barker was my second managing editor at my hometown newspaper. He also recommended that I succeed him when he accepted a significant position in the administration of Gov. Arch Moore in 1985. I learned of his death Sunday night, Feb. 6, but could not find the words to express the loss I was feeling on social media. I did compose a post on
Monday. However, sometimes it’s difficult to find the words to describe the influence someone has had on you. Raamie encouraged me to take a leap of faith and leave my hometown for a seven-day-a-week newspaper in the southern part of West Virginia. As opportunities presented themselves, I always contacted him to get his opinion about a job. His support was steadfast and unwavering. He was always honest as we would discuss pros and cons. Without a doubt, he considered what move would be in my best interests. He left newspapers in 1985, primarily remaining involved in politics. I learned a lot about the ins-and-outs of politics from him. We didn’t always agree (some “discussions” became a bit loud), but he never dismissed what I had to say.
Photos popped up on Facebook on Monday, Feb. 7, of Raamie with Bobby Kennedy. He was involved on the state level in Kennedy’s 1968 presidential bid. That may have been what triggered his long-time interest in politics. As a matter of fact, at the time of his death, he was serving as mayor of the little town where he was raised in our home county. When I finally arrived in Hanover County (I had a goal of getting as close as possible to Richmond as my sister’s health was failing), I thanked Raamie and Earl Lambert, who taught me more about newspapers than anyone, for helping me reach what I found to be my destiny. My heart aches for Raamie’s family. He so loved his wife, children and grandchildren. Godspeed, Raamie. I am blessed to have had you in my life. You did make an impact.
Would people really say what appears on message boards? By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist A friend is tasked with coming up with a unique and catchy phrase each week to adorn a sign outside of his church. It’s one of many billboards that allow people to express their own brand of enlightenment or redemption, delivered with a smile. “Fight Truth Decay” was his team’s message for this week and is especially
timely, but it’s only one in a long series of witticisms they’ve displayed over the years. Some of the things I’ve seen on the side of the road, in the words of Gary Busey, you wouldn’t want to paint on an overpass, but I always appreciate a dose of down-home humor delivered on a sign with movable letters with no apostrophes. I often think that some of the authors regularly publish thoughts on
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Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
these original message boards that they might not normally express. For example, I’m not sure the guy who wrote “My wife says I never listen to her, or something like that” would vocalize that same thought at dinner with his spouse. And, sometimes, these signs convey timely updates that otherwise might go unnoticed. A Baptist Church posted, “Whoever stole our AC units, Keep one. It’s hot where you’re going.”
Another church sign sternly warned, “Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you want to meet him.” El Arroys in Texas has become nationally known for its posts on a small sign outside its restaurant. They’ve taken a philosophical approach to movable wit stating, “Life is just a series of obstacles preventing you from taking a nap.” Another see MESSAGE, 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.
Resident: county derelict in school funding Budget season is here and yet again there are insufficient revenues to fund our vital public services such as schools, Fire/EMS, social services, and public safety. I participated in the Hanover County School Board’s Public Budget Hearing on Jan. 28, and -- while I have questions about the six behavioral support positions -- my greater concern is that the budget as a whole is deficient of funds and that it was presented in the context of state funding woes but there was no mention of local funding woes. Certainly, Governor Northam’s budget for education is insufficient (as I was quoted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch). In addition, there is no state funding program for school facilities in Virginia; localities are on their own and they absolutely should not be. However, localities also bear a great deal of responsibility for funding their schools, and Hanover County has been especially derelict in its duty to raise revenues and hence miserly in its funding of public services. The reason Hanover’s share to the state has increased is not because the Governor decreed it so; Hanover property values and taxable assets have increased in value. Hanover is wealthy and can afford to adequately fund its services. In 2007, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors lowered property taxes to the lowest in the region, as a temporary measure, and then made those cuts permanent. What does this mean for schools? In the context of this year’s budget, our schools have “refocused existing resources” to add a handful of much-needed positions, small salary increases for our teachers and bus drivers, as well as some further progress towards reducing salary see LETTERS, pg. 16
CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings 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.
Saturday, May 16 The Highland Springs High School Class of 1970 will hold its 50th Reunion at the Hill Building at Sandston Pool, located at 501 Beulah Rd. in Sandston. Music will be by DJ Dalton Beagle. Dinner, drinks and dessert will be provided by Champagne Taste Catering. Bring your own mixers and alcohol. Small coolers are welcome. The doors will open at 4 p.m.; cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner
MESSAGE Continued from pg. 6
Arroys’ post read “Treat your Mom to a Margarita. You’re probably the reason she drinks.” A veterinary office displayed a message that appealed to more than one species of life. “It’s all fun and games until someone ends up in a cone.” Another vet wrote, “Free belly rubs with exam. Sorry, Pets only!” And some signs fall into that too much information category. “Septic tanks pumped, swimming pools filled. Not same truck” conjures up a vision most of us could live without.
at 6 p.m.; and cleanup will be at 10 p.m. Cost is $45 per person until March 1, after which the cost is $50 per person. For invitations, contact Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@gmail.com.
Ongoing Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy.leigh@verizon.net. Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Those roadside signs are a part of Americana that we mostly take for granted. But, let’s face it, we’ve all chuckled at some of these messages as we drive along a highway. It reminds us that most of us have opinions and there is a variety of ways to express them. While many of us would not want our printed words posted on the side of a roadway, it’s important to appreciate the thought and effort behind these posts. And it’s also encouraging to note that in a world where Facebook and Twitter seem to rule the day when it comes to personal interactions, signs that allow changing messages are making a comeback. Some even appear in digital displays offer the same options, but,
Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-9645 or email kjfaith1@gmail.com.
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
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ax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to mkinser@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.
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. For more information, visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.
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 The Clay Spring Garden Club in Ashland meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (except for the month of July at the First Baptist Church in Ashland off of U.S. 54. Barbara Boor is the president. Doors are open to anyone who would like to attend.
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A Commanders Coffee is personally, I prefer the uneven spacing, misspelled words and the sometimes errant W replaced with an upside down M of the message board variety. Maybe it’s the small town in me that still enjoys an original thought placed strategically so everyone in the neighborhood sees it, or appreciates a thinly veiled message on morality or eternal life scrolled in stenciled letters. Yes, I suppose it’s true that all of us have an opinion, and somehow it makes all of us more emboldened when we get the opportunity to express it. Lest we forget the famous words of Simon and Garfunkel; “the words of the prophets are written on a subway wall.”
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Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020 7
APPROVAL Continued from pg. 1
education needs. With increases in home values, personal property and sales taxes, revenue streams increased from last year, a factor that allowed Harris to present a balanced budget minus an increase in the county’s real estate rate of 81 cents per $100 of assessed value. That good news was tempered with significant reductions in state funding, a challenge that further challenged and increased the local funding share. “A primary challenge is that the Governor’s budget did not include pay raises for teachers, deputies and other positions supported by the state,” Harris wrote in a pre-budget letter to the board. “This has required us to step forward with local money to ensure that our valued employees receive a pay increase this year” The total for the 2021 all funds budget is $499.1 million, a 1.4
percent increase from the current budget. The General Fund portion of the proposal is $276.9 million or a 3.7 percent increase from this year amounting to $9.8 million. This year’s school budget increases by $4.3 million or 4.7 percent, but funding from the Commonwealth increased only $245,000, the lowest in four years. “This is the smallest increase we have seen . . . and, frankly, barely qualifies as an increase,” Harris said. The increase allows the continuation of a technology upgrade that includes laptops for middle school students next year, and also addresses a salary compression issues. Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, will present the Hanover County School Board’s adopted budget this week along with other department heads.
BUDGET Continued from pg. 1
board unanimously passed a revised equity policy that outlines a desire for full and fair treatment for all county students and illustrates the system’s desire to serve all students without regard to special circumstances. The six-member board took that action after listening to the comments of more than a dozen speakers who expressed support for the policy, while only two speakers objected. When the 60-minute public comment period ended, chair John Axselle said the board would be taking action on the policy later that evening, but told the audience that changes to the proposal had been made. He did not elaborate on those revisions at that time. Once board discussion on the matter began in earnest, two changes to the original proposal were noted in the draft. Not included was the omission of a portion of that sentence that, tnstead of identifying groups that would be included in the inclusive policy, a section clearly contained in the original document, board members chose “all students” and omitted the identified groups. Some members of the Community Equity Committee were disappointed the changes were finalized. “We came up with a thoughtful . .
8
Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, presented his 2021 budget following Harris’ presentation, which included a request for 7.2 positions that is fully funded in Harris’ proposal. This will allow two additional deputies at a pair of Hanover schools. Fire Chief Jethro Piland presented his department’s request for 2021 that included funding for the 12 firefighters hired last year to supplement coverage in the Mechanicsville area. The five-year proposed CIP includes funding for new fire station in the Mechanicsville area as well as a new fire truck. While residential property rates remain unchanged, slight increases in water and wastewater rates, amounting to an average bimonthly increase of $4.77. Steve Herzog also outlined the Public Utilities budget for 2021. Other departments, including schools, will present their budget requests this week.
. policy and we did think about whether or not we should include the groups and finally thought why wouldn’t we,” said committee member Peggy Lavender. “i’m disappointed.” NAACP president Robert Barnette also serves on the equity committee. “Despite overwhelming and intense support from the public, the school board changed the equity policy that the Equity Advisory Community Committee drafted over a series of meetings,” Barnette said after the meeting. He was not aware of any changes being made to the document. “The Equity Advisory Community Committee was told that the school board would vote to approve the policy as drafted. As a member of the Equity Advisory Community Committee, I felt the school board should have given the committee a chance to review their changes.” Barnette said the many speakers who supported the policy also were not aware of any changes. “Citizens were commenting on the policy that the committee presented in draft form not the changed policy the school board watered down. As a member of the Equity Advisory Community, I was disappointed and felt that we were used.” When asked why the public was not made aware of the changes to the proposed poli-
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
‘The World Before Your Feet’ follows Ashland native in NYC Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – “The World Before Your Feet” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28-29, at the Ashland Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through the theater’s website (www.ashlandtheatre.org) or at the box office one hour before screen time. “The World Before Your Feet” was filmed, directed and edited by documentarian Jeremy Workman over a period of three years, following Matt Green as he winds his way toward a goal of covering every walkable inch of the five boroughs of New York City, a distance of well over 8,000 miles, including all roads, bridges, parks, cemeteries, beaches and piers. While the subject on its surface may seem mundane, the film shows not only the determination of one individual to
cy before commenting, ohn Axselle said, “We couldn’t address it until we got to the actual policy and it came up on the agenda. I wish I could have.” He said the changes could not be included in the agenda packet because of time limitations for public advertisement of the proposed policy, and said the board made the revisions “over the weekend.” He explained the reason for the change. “We said why don’t we just say all because that’s what we intended,” Axselle said. “ To clarify, the proposed policy introduced at last month’s meeting states, “To that end, the division superintendent and all employees will create a barrier-free educational experience for all students that accepts and acknowledges their individuality based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, cognitive/physical/emotional abilities, English language fluency, gender religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, and other personal characteristics.” The approved policy omits the second portion of that sentence and ends with “for all students.” “When we say all, we mean all,” Axselle said following the meeting. “When we start identifying . . . you are going to inevitably miss some.” “If you think back 15 years ago, some of those identities weren’t there,” Axselle further
Illustration submitted by Betsy Hodges
do something that others might laugh at, but covers landscapes and histories in the city of which even most New Yorkers are unaware. see WORLD pg. 16
Jim Ridolphi for The Ashland-Hanover Local
Yvonne Gibney, who has served as legal counsel for the Hanover County School Board, attended her final meeting last week. Superintendent Michael Gill presented her with bouquet of flowers and plaque of appreciation for her service.
explained. “When you say all, 15 years from now, there will be new identities that aren’t here now that could be included. That’s the real reason we started looking at it and decided why to say all.” In another matter, school attorney Yvonne Gibney attended her final school board meeting last week and was awarded with a bouquet of flowers and plaque of appreciation for her service.
UPCOMING EVENTS
02
22 2020
College baseball: Alvernia at R-MC noon/3:00 p.m.
02
22 2020
Class 4 swim championships at SwimRVA 5:00 p.m.
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Hawk girls, C-fed boys win region titles By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor WOODBERRY FOREST – Hanover County dominated the Region 4B indoor track and field championships, with the Lee-Davis boys and Hanover girls claiming their respective regional championships in the event, held Saturday at Woodberry Forest School. Louisa County’s boys and girls each finished second, while the Lee-Davis girls and Patrick Henry boys rounded out their respective top threes. Hanover’s girls were led by standout performances from runners Makenzie Joiner, who won both the 300-meter and 500-meter dashes, and Alli Crytser, who won both the 1,000 and 1,600 runs. Jordan Harvey won the triple jump. The trio contributed to the Hawks’ two winning relays: the 4x400 and 4x800. Joiner and Harvey were part of Hanover’s first-place 4x400 relay (with Sidney Chesley and Oliva Dumville) and Crytser was part of the winning 4x800 relay (with Chesley, Erika Osborn and Kirsten McCarty). The Hawks nipped Louisa County by 4.5 points, 132 to 127.5. Their victory depended on the outcome of the meet’s final event, the 4x400. “It was nerve-wracking,” said Hanover head track and field coach Rich Firth. “As
points and where we were going to get points. We asked kids to make a lot of sacrifices and do a lot of extra stuff and boy, did they ever.” The Hawks trailed Louisa County in the middle portion of the meet. Key to Hanover’s chances of staying within striking distance were three events in a row: the 500, 1,000 and 300. Hanover had to do well in all three. “If we could put two people in the top three of each of those three events, we had a shot at keeping it close going into the relays,” Firth said. “And that’s what happened. The kids did their jobs. They’re amazing.” The three key supporting players were Chesley in the 500, Erika Osborn in the 1,000 and Khia Holloway in the 300. On the boys’ side, Hanover’s Cole Myers won the 1,600. The Lee-Davis boys had a slightly easier path to victory, outscoring the Lions by a bit more than 15 points, 105.5 to 90.33. The Confederates had three individual winners: Jack Rice in the 55 hurdles, Jake Perkins in the 500 and Isaac Grubbs in the pole vault. Rice and Perkins contributed Dave Lawrence/The Local to the team’s two relay victoPatrick Henry sophomores Trevor Mason (foreground) and Luke Taylor come in for a one-two finish in the boys 3,200-meter run ries: Rice in the 4x200 (with at the Region 4B indoor track and field championships at Woodberry Forest Saturday. Mason finished in 10:10.21, with Taylor a Aaron Thomas, Blake Moody second behind. Lee-Davis junior Grayson Clark (background) comes in third to help the Confederate boys win the region title. and Chase Stattelman) and coaches we sat and mapped it final event.’” ity of Rachel Crytser, who has injured, we can’t cover every Perkins in the 4x800 (with Sam out all week long and kept sayFirth said the Hawk girls been recovering from injury. event, so we were juggling ing, ‘It could come down to the had to adjust to the unavailabil“With Rachel Crytser out where we were going to give up see TITLES, pg. 12
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
9
County teams grapple for postseason position By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local MECHANICSVILLE – The final three minutes and nine seconds of Friday’s boys basketball game between Patrick Henry and Atlee turned into a demolition derby. The Patriots, down 41-30, intensified their pressure defense, and, possession by possession, they almost broke the back of the Raider offense. Forcing turnover after turnover, Patrick Henry scored the game’s next nine points, and, in the final minute, had chances to take the lead. But ill-timed turnovers and key missed free throws doomed the comeback try, and Atlee survived with a 42-39 win to move to 12-9. The Patriots fell to 9-12. Tyler Warren, who led Atlee with 16 points on his Senior Night, had missed two free throws earlier in the fourth period. With 3:09 to go, leading 39-30, Warren took full advantage of a second chance. “I wasn’t thinking too much about missing,” Warren said. “We shoot free throws every day in practice, it’s why coaches have us do it for situations just like that.” Both teams were slow out of the gate, as the game’s first points weren’t scored until four minutes into the contest. The Patriots found their rhythm first, as an and-one from Tysen Brown gave Patrick Henry a 12-7 lead early in the second period. The Patriots led by as many as eight, but Atlee responded by ending the first half on a 12-0 run to take a 21-17 halftime lead. Jordan Morris’ basket to start the second half ended the Patrick Henry scoring drought, the third quarter accentuated by offensive punches and counterpunches. Two baskets in the
10
Joel Klein for The Local
Patrick Henry’s Jordan Allen (3) and Atlee’s Gavin Bralley dive for a loose ball as Atlee’s Tyler Warren and Patrick Henry’s Christopher Osuanah also give chase in the Raiders’ 42-39 win over the visiting Patriots Friday night.
final minute extended Atlee’s advantage to 30-22 with a quarter to go. Patriots head coach Randy Anderson had seen his Patriots pour on pressure in the final minutes of a loss to Massaponax earlier in the week. Calling a timeout, he pushed the button that let loose the game’s final frenzy. “We challenged them. I said I know you can guard your man for 84 feet,” Anderson recalled. “They did, they tried their best, and we almost pulled it off.” Just before Warren’s free
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
throws, the Patriots were fouled on a 3-point try, but missed all three free throws. They didn’t quit. Camden Byrd scored, then scored again after an Atlee backcourt violation. It was 41-37 with 1:47 left. The teams traded turnovers while flying all over the floor. Jordan Morris intercepted an Atlee pass at midcourt and raced to the basket to cut the margin to two with 27 seconds left. After the Raiders went one for two at the line, Patriots could send the game to overtime with a trey.
Atlee disrupted the set play for the Patriots, but got too aggressive, fouling Morris, giving him the chance to tie it at the line. But, again, the Patriots missed the first two free throws, purposely missed the third, but, by not hitting the rim on the shot, the violation gave the ball, and the win, to Atlee. Despite the defeat, Anderson is optimistic about where his team is as it gets ready for the postseason. Knowing his Patriots have scored under 55 points in six of their last eight games, Anderson will dial
up pressure, and plenty of it. “We aren’t the best offensive scorers, so we’ll let our defense be our offense,” Anderson explained. “I don’t mind low scoring games, but the thing is, we’ve got to get more stops.” Entering the week as the fourth seed in Class 4, Region B’s South Section, the Patriots may host a very familiar opponent in the first round of the postseason: Hanover. The Hawks also picked up a victory on Senior Night, besting LeeDavis 69-63. A 23-point first quarter gave
the Hawks (7-14) a cushion they worked with for the rest of the game. Lee-Davis (2-18) was led by Eli Lewis, who scored 13 of his team-high 20 points in the first half to keep the Confederates alive. Kwadell McQueen scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as Lee-Davis’ first season under head coach Gene Foley came to a close. Should the Hawks and Patriots collide Monday, it would be their third meeting of the season, Patrick Henry having won the first two contests. The Hanover girls had a much easier time, opening Senior Night on a 26-4 run, overwhelming Lee-Davis 91-21 to become the first team in school history to win 20 games in a season. Now 20-1, the Hawks were edged out of the number one seed in Region 4B by Monacan, who defeated James River 71-49 Friday to give both of those teams 20-2 records. Jordan Davis led the Hawks with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and, according to head coach Michael Rohr, played, and helped lead her team, with a definitive purpose. “Jordan, Madison (Miller) and Jessica (Russell) really wanted to get off to a good start,” Rohr said. “We didn’t play well against Deep Run Wednesday. They kind of took it personally and got themselves going in the right direction again.” Miller added 13 points and five assists while Russell had seven points and five rebounds. The Lee-Davis season ended at 2-19. Hanover will host the third seed from Region 4B’s North Section in a region quarterfinal on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Louisa (14-8) was in third after see POSTSEASON, pg. 11
Anthony shreds Generals in R-MC victory By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND – There is no truth to the rumor that, when Buzz Anthony woke up Saturday morning at RandolphMacon College, there was a Washington and Lee defender waiting for him at his door. It had to feel that way, as the Generals draped player after player on him all afternoon at Crenshaw Gymnasium. In the end, it simply didn’t matter, as Anthony dribbled and drove at, around, and through their defense to the tune of 30 points as No. 3 Randolph-Macon pulled away for a 72-50 Old Dominion Athletic Conference victory over Washington and Lee for the Yellow Jackets’ 10th straight win. “He thrives on it. He really loves playing against these guys,” said Randolph-Macon head coach Josh Merkel. Anthony made 12 of 19 shots from the field, sinking three 3-pointers in the process. With six assists, whenever Anthony wasn’t shooting, he was distributing, as the Yellow Jackets (22-1, 14-0 ODAC) relentlessly attacked the paint, whether to drive to the rim, kick out for an open jumper, or just to wear down the General defense. Washington and Lee turned the ball over 17 times to just six turnovers for RandolphMacon. Early shots that fell for
POSTSEASON Continued from pg. 10
Friday’s games. Meanwhile, trying to move up to third place in their section, and avoid a first round game, are the Patrick Henry girls, who scored the first 13
Joel Klein for The Local
Randolph-Macon junior guard Buzz Anthony (5) drives past Washington & Lee’s Curtis Mitchell in the Yellow Jacket’s 72-50 Old Dominion Athletic Conference win over the visiting Generals Saturday. Anthony scored a seasonhigh 30 points as RandolphMacon clinched the ODAC regular-season championship and the top seed in the ODAC tournament.
the Generals wouldn’t go as the second half wore on, as the Yellow Jackets simply exhausted their opponents to clinch a successful Senior Day for Korey Turner, Corey Bays and Kent Kilgroe. “The second-half defen-
sive effort was lacking when we played Lynchburg, but we’re a really gutsy group that got things done, even after Ian [Robertson] went down,” Merkel explained. Robertson was limited to just under seven minutes after
falling hard to the floor in the first half. That cut the Yellow Jacket rotation down to seven, which is not usual. Kilgroe logged nearly 12 minutes, scoring three points and grabbing a pair of rebounds. Turner added seven points
and dished three assists. More importantly, he and Terry Woods, who scored 11, constantly joined Anthony in penetrating the General defense, working deep into the shot clock, shortening the game and, in the second half, adding to the eight-point lead RandolphMacon enjoyed at intermission. “They trust their habits, trust their training, and trust each other,” Merkel said. “We’re a tough match-up when we throw three point guards out on the floor. They’re hard to guard.” Anthony’s traditional 3-point play with 7:20 left in the first half broke a 14-14 tie and began the Yellow Jacket ascension. A triple from the top of the key less than a minute later made it 22-17. Trailing 31-24 at the break, the Generals drew within three early in the second half, but, after scoring, a foul was called when Anthony, trying to get the inbounds pass, was leveled to the Crenshaw
points of the game against Atlee, whose only tally of the first period was when senior Kayla Maxson’s heave from 35 feet at the horn was good. The Raiders spent the rest of the game trying to slice the deficit, and weather wave after wave of Patriot defense. Logan Nuckols scored nine of
her game-high 19 points in that first quarter, while Jessica Osuanah had a quiet but effective 15 points, 10 in the second half, helping Patrick Henry (129) triumph 50-36. “We played a great defensive game, and that’s always been our focus,” said Patrick Henry head coach Phillip Cobb.
“Some games have been better than others, but they have such a strong player in Maxson, Ava (Smith) did an outstanding job trying to take her out of the game.” Maxson led Atlee (15-7) with 15 points while Kelly Ayer added nine. The Patriots, should they
eclipse Powhatan for the third seed, would open the postseason at the North Section’s second seed on February 26, either at Eastern View in Culpeper or King George. As for both the Atlee boys and girls, both are in line to make the 10-team field in Region 5B. The top six seeds
floor. The Washington and Lee bench erupted at the call, which occurred right in front of them, and they were given a technical foul. Anthony made both technical free throws, then earned an assist, feeding Miles Mallory for a basket. A David Funderburg steal led to another Anthony triple, and, in just over a minute, seven quick points made it 40-30 Randolph-Macon. The Generals never got closer than seven points in the final 17 minutes. Mallory had a big afternoon, as the freshman logged his fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds. He also blocked five shots for the second consecutive game, giving him 70 for the season to lead the ODAC. Anthony leads the conference in steals with 47. The Yellow Jacket victory stopped the Generals’ eight-game winning streak and sealed both the No. 1 seed in the upcoming ODAC Championship and the conference’s regular season title outright after Virginia Wesleyan was upset by Emory and Henry in double overtime Saturday. The Yellow Jackets host Hampden-Sydney in their lone conference meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Crenshaw Gymnasium, then finish the regular season at Guilford Saturday. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.
earn byes to the quarterfinal round. With the Atlee boys seeded seventh and the girls eighth entering Friday’s games, both seem to be headed for first round action against opponents to be determined on Friday night. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
11
Hawk boys, girls finish second in regional meet By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor RICHMOND – Monacan was clearly going to be the top dog in the Region 4B swim championships Friday. The big question was whether Hanover’s girls could hold off last year’s runner up King George for second place. In a good day for the county, both Hawk teams earned second-place finishes in the meet held at SwimRVA Saturday, with the Lee-Davis boys finishing fourth and swimmers from all three schools extending their season to the final week of competition. A dominant Monacan squad won both the boys and girls championships, besting Hanover by 52 points, 463-411, in the boys competition and by 163 points, 483-320, in the girls. The Virginia High School League Class 4 championships will be held at SwimRVA this Saturday, with preliminaries beginning about 9 a.m. and finals beginning at 5 p.m. “I’m quite pleased with how
TITLES Continued from pg. 9
Patterson, Austin Runne and Chase Maters). The third-place Lee-Davis girls had their share of winners, too. Alyssa Rice won the pole vault, Megan Mann won the shot put and the relay team of Amber Ford, Kali Stattelman, Katelyn Aguilar and Amanda Soliman won the 4x200. “It went pretty well,” said Lee-Davis head track and field coach Neil Mathews. “We had some nervous moments because field events are so unpredictable for some reason. But when it got to the running events our guys and girls took
12
Dave Lawrence/The Local
Patrick Henry senior Mark Dinger scores with a seventh-place finish in 1:06.68 in the boys 100yard breaststroke in the Region 4B swim championships at SwimRVA Friday.
we finished the meet,” said Hanover head coach George Massey. “On the girls’ side, they knew coming in it was a daunting task to try to catch Monacan. It was really about … whether we would place second or not.” Hanover’s boys were led by Ben Gordon, who won both the 200-yard individual med-
ley and the 500 freestyle. Luke Daley and Jack Hufner came to a one-two finish in the 100 backstroke. On the girls side, Hawks relied upon depth, with the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams both coming in second. For the Hawks, the secondplace finishes required a huge team effort. “We had 60 individual
swims in the meet and out of those 60 individual swims, 58 of them scored,” Massey said. Lee-Davis had its share of strong performances. Logan Deal and Collin Marks each won an event, with Deal claiming the region title in the 100 breaststroke and Marks in the 100 freestyle. Marks finished second in the 200 freestyle,
care of business – a true team effort.” Mathews said the Confederate girls finished as he had expected. “Our goal was to be third,” he said. “We knew that Hanover and Louisa were going to be really tough on the girls side and were going to wage their own little battle as we did with Louisa on the boys side.” Trevor Mason was the Patriots’ only winner of the day – in the boys 3,200 run. But they had a host of secondplace finishers. Luke Taylor was second to Mason in the 3,200. Cedric Carter was runner-up in the shot put with a personal record of 52 feet, 3.5 inches. One the girls’ side, Emilia Joyce
finished second in the 1,000 and Emily Morris was runnerup in the 3,200. “Overall, I was really happy,” said Patrick Henry head coach Scott Brown. “I think if we had a couple more different performances in a couple of areas, [the boys] could have finished up runner up. But that’s something we’ll kind of show that to them and just kind of stress the importance of trying to score every single point that we possibly can and not let a few events get away from us.” The Patriots, with 82 points, finished less than 9 points shy of Louisa. As has been typical with Hanover County schools, their distance runners provided much of the team’s scoring
strength. “I was very impressed with our distance boys. They did a phenomenal job,” Brown said. “They kind of carried the weight with us.” Powhatan’s girls finished eighth and their boys finished 12th. Anthony Greenhow led the way for the Indians with a win in the 55 dash in a record time of 6.47 seconds. The girls were led by Arnell Jackson, who was second in the long jump (with a season-best leap of 16 feet, 9.75 inches), and Paris Brown, who was third in the 55 in 7.50 seconds. All three qualified for the Class 4 state championships. The Virginia High School League Class 4 state champi-
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
while Deal was runner-up in the 200 individual medley. Katelyn Vieni led the LeeDavis girls with a second in the girls 100 backstroke. “I feel that we did really well,” said Lee-Davis head coach Jennifer Vieni. “I really couldn’t have asked for better swims, dropping times. And even those that did not get top five still had time improvements or were right up around their times. So, overall it was a really great meet.” Despite its relatively smaller squad, Patrick Henry swimmers made the most of their scoring opportunities. The Patriots, led by fourth-place finishes by Paul Datovech in the boys 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke and a fourth by the 200 medley relay team of Deklan Cauthorne, Mark Dinger, Datovech and Alexander Steuart. “It went well,” said Patrick Henry head coach Bob Flanagan. “The swimmers dropped a bunch of times – that’s always goal No. 1, to seem them improving. The team as a whole swam very well.”
In the Region 5B championships held earlier that day, Atlee’s girls finished fifth and boys finished seventh. The girls were led by Maggie and Molly Ivie and Emily Devlin. The trio figured in a number of the Raiders’ best performances: Maggie Ivie with a second in the 100 freestyle, Devlin with a second in the 100 breaststroke, and Molly Ivie with a third in the 200 freestyle. Both Ivies were part of the Raiders second-place 200 freestyle relay team and thirdplace 200 medley relay team (both with Meredith Boggess and Alison Harvey). The Atlee boys were led by Brock Rempe with a secondplace finish in the 100 breaststroke. Raider head coach Karen Seeber said her swimmers had 75 percent improvement timewise overall, with all of her relay teams quickening their performances. “All but a few got top times,” Seeber said. “I’m really impressed with their performances.”
onships will be held Monday, March 2, and, Tuesday, March 3, at Liberty University in Lynchburg.
the Raiders’ third-place 4x200 relay team with Nicky Sullivan, Lauren Sullivan and Dorian Gaines. Rachel Mudd had a pair of runner-up finishes for the Raider girls in the 1,600 and 3,200 runs. Lora Chandler finished third in the pole vault and Logan Babbs third in the shot put. The Raider boys took the top three places in the pole vault. John Duegaw finished as region champion, followed by Greg Durgin and Davis Wimmer, respectively. Keith Green finished second in the high jump for the Atlee boys. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
Atlee girls finish second RICHMOND – With a win by Jada Foreman and a rash of second- and third-place finishes by Foreman and others, the Atlee girls earned a secondplace finish in the Region 5B indoor track championships at Henrico High School Tuesday and Wednesday. The Raiders finished second to Midlothian with 81 points to the Trojans’ 94. Foreman won the long jump, finished second in the 55 hurdles and third in the high jump. She was also part of
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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),CoolSpringsCompany,onGPINs7796-68-2761,7796-68-4579,7796-68-4616, 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
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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 specified conditions. (PUBLIC HEARING) Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020 13
Homebound Atlee senior shares story about condition and the love of a dog By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
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ECHANICSVILLE – Mary Fisher was enjoying life as an Atlee High School student, especially her French class and playing violin in the orchestra, but that changed in January 2019 when she started falling and fainting. After extensive medical tests, it was determined that Mary suffers from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). According to the Cleveland Clinic website, https:// my.clevelandclinic.org/health/
diseases/16560-posturalorthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots, “POTS is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). POTS is a form of orthostatic intolerance, the development of symptoms that come on when standing up from a reclining position, and that may be relieved by sitting or lying back down. The primary symptom of an orthostatic intolerance is lightheadedness, fainting, and an uncomfortable, rapid increase in heartbeat.” “She has a version of generalized hyper-mobility,” Joy said. “Her joints pop out of place.” The dislocations are usually partial; most people
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
NOTICE Real Estate Reassessment Hearings Hanover County Board of Equalization Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Equalization will hear taxpayers’ applications for review of their real estate assessments in the Board Room of the County Administration Building located at 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover Courthouse, in accordance with the schedule below. Applications may be obtained from the Assessor’s Office and must be returned to the Assessor’s Office no later than March 15, 2020. Upon receipt of applications, appointments will be set consecutively on the following days as needed. April 30, 2020 May 1, 2020 May 4, 2020 May 5, 2020 May 7, 2020 May 8, 2020
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Any taxpayer may apply to the Board of Equalization, whether or not the taxpayer applied for review to the Assessor’s Office. For applications, call the Assessor’s Office at 365-6029. 14
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
with this [POTS] get those more often than full dislocations.” Mary said she experiences joint and muscle pain. “For Mary,” Joy said, “it means that her heart rate was really high and blood pressure was super low.” Mary’s diagnosis took months to determine. Joy said they “went to every kind of doctor through VCU [Health System].’ Dr. Laura Burijon at MRMC (Memorial Regional Medical Center) coordinated the appointments. “I can’t say enough good things about her,” Joy added. Dr. Burijon practices family medicine. Mary was seen by rheumatologists and cardiologists and underwent x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and an echocardiogram. She then was sent to Dr. Dominic Sica, a nephrologist at VCU. Joy said POTS can attack the kidneys, so balancing salt and water is imperative. There is no cure for POTS, which means this is a lifelong condition for Mary – but she will be able to manage with medications. While Mary has adjusted to the changes in her life, she has added a loving and faithful friend she named Frankie
Got a news tip? Call Melody Kinser at 804-775-4622 If it’s important to you, it’s important to us!
Melody Kinser/The Local
When Mary Fisher became ill with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Frankie Lou came into her life to her monitor her condition. They are shown with Mary’s mom, Joy. Inset: Mary digitally creats images of dogs to raise money to help with her service dog Frankie Lou. She sells them for $25. She can be contacted at Violin Artlover14 [violinartistgurl@ gmail.com].
Lou. The docile and welltrained golden retriever is a service dog. If Mary’s heart rate starts to rise, Frankie Lou, who is 8 months old today, will comfort her by placing her head
on her lap. Mary recently celebrated her 18th birthday. By April 2019, Mary and her parents, Thomas and Joy, along with Atlee administration, agreed the best way for her to continue her education would be to become a home-
SHERIFF’s
Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 15400 block of Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen.
Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 12100 block of Gallop Lane, Rockville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.
Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 10300 block of Shellie Lee Drive/Lewistown Road, Ashland.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 11600 block of North Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.
Simple assault was reported in the 8000 block of Walnut Grove Road, Mechanicsville.
Continued from pg. 3
Mechanicsville.
Jan. 20
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 11200 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.
Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 17000 block of Gun Barrel Road, Montpelier.
Reckless handling of firearm was reported in the 19200 block of Vontay Road, Rockville.
Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 12400 block of Taylor Complex Lane, Ashland.
bound student. She gets headaches h and a her energy level en decreases, de with wit her needing to nee rest. Mary is a rest senior and will senio graduate with grad her cclass on June 113. The Fisher Th ffamily il attends Mechanicsville Baptist Church. Mary tries to go as often as possible based on whether she has the stamina. Joy praised the support of guidance counselor Amy Couillard, homebound coordinator Phillip Reynolds and math teacher Andrew Nicholas. Therapy dogs are expensive, so, to help get Frankie Lou, Mary digitally started drawing portraits of pets, charging $25 each. A reminder to those who want to approach or pet Frankie Lou, service dogs are not to be distracted when they’re wearing the vest. When she graduates, Mary plans to take a gap year and continue training with Frankie Lou.
Jerry Deans writes book about how to deal with grief By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ECHANICSVILLE – Jerry Deans and his wife Patsi have experienced more heartache than most will know in a lifetime, but, rather than let the pain consume them, they help others who have suffered a major loss or losses. For 15 years, Jerry and Patsi have led the Grief Support Group at Cool Spring Baptist Church, welcoming everyone in the community. They meet at 5:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month at the church, located at 9283 Atlee Station Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, call the church at 804-746-0800. Jerry has written “Lost But
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In over 30 years, the couple has endured: The loss of their 16-year-old daughter. The loss of their first granddaughter. A spinal cord injury of one of their three sons. Substance addiction of another son. Jerry’s 21-year battle with prostate cancer “If I asked you, ‘Have you ever spent time in the wilderness?’ ” Jerry said, “Most would respond, ‘Nope ... always lived in civilized society’.” Then he asked, “Have you endured a wilderness life experience? One that took you into unknown, uncharted territory where you found yourself stripped of your belief that you are in control of your life.” According to Jerry, “There
“If you have undergone a significant loss or tragedy you already know why I describe them as wilderness experiences. ... We have no previous experiences to guide us through this territory, no map, no handbook, no survival guide.” JERRY DEANS Author of “Lost But Not Forgotten”
Not Forgotten” to share what he calls “many wilderness experiences with his wife Patsi and his family.”
are many different kinds of wilderness experiences; loss of a loved one, job or maybe a diagnosis, injury or addiction.
All of these and many others change our lives as we have come to know them. If you have undergone a significant loss or tragedy you already know why I describe them as wilderness experiences. We find ourselves in a place that is totally unfamiliar. We have no previous experiences to guide us through this territory, no map, no handbook, no survival guide.” In the wilderness, he said he and Patsi have faced serious problems previously unknown to them, while struggling to manage day-today. “We are ambushed with emotions that come out of nowhere when we least expect them and at an intensity we have never before experienced,” he continued. “Those feelings and our reactions to them bring with them problems of their own.” Jerry said he and Patsi feel as though they have been “stripped of any sense of control or notion of well- being, we can no longer convince ourselves that the world is safe and predictable.” He said an “overwhelming vulnerability descends upon us like a dense fog, limiting our ability to see clearly. We find ourselves wandering in circles thinking the same thoughts and feeling the same feelings over and over and getting nowhere.”
Photos courtesy of Jerry Deans
Jerry Deans is shown in the photo at left; the book cover is above.
Their experiences, he continued, have made them “feel alone and isolated, somehow cut off from even our closest loved ones and friends. We want to find our way out of this desolate territory quickly -- the sooner, the better. But there is no quick and easy way back. So, we trudge forward with growing despair, searching to find a way out of the wilderness.” Jerry added, “The wilderness is much closer than we think. It can be right outside our door or descend upon us at our next doctor’s appointment. It can come unexpectedly in the middle of the night. We have no control over the events that thrust us
into the wilderness.” He said he believes “we can control how we respond. We have a choice. Will we allow these events to destroy our faith, our hope and our ability to go on living and loving those around us? Do we spend the rest of our lives asking ‘Why Me?’ and resenting the unfairness of life? Or do we do the work that grief and loss requires of us ... the really hard work. And ask the better question: ‘What Now?’ But who do we ask that question to.” Jerry and Patsi are believers – “that there is a loving God who seeks to heal us and guide us through the wilderness. He wants us to draw
closer to him and learn to rely on Him rather than ourselves. If we do, the wilderness can positively transform our lives forever.” Jerry refers to his book as a survival guide, a handbook for wilderness walkers. He is straightforward in how difficult the journey has been for them. Yet, he is able to offer practical steps and actions in order “to hold on to hope and allow God to lead us home. Home will never be the same as it once was. It can actually be better ... even in the face of our losses.” “Lost But Not Forgotten” is available on Amazon and at Books Beads and More in the Village of Mechanicsville. Jerry said he will be scheduling a book signing in the near future.
Richmond Area Vegetable Conference to be held on Feb. 26 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND -- The 2020 Richmond Area Vegetable Conference is scheduled to be held from 8:30 am to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center at1440 N Laburnum Ave. in Richmond.
Specialists from Virginia Tech, University of Delaware and local Extension Agents will speak on the Disease, Weed & Insect Control, Mineral Nutrition for Better Yield and Quality, The Food Safety Moderation Act Produce Safety Rule, and Pesticide Use and Safety. In addition, sponsors will be on-site to high-
light their products. Private Pesticide Certification credits for Category 90 are approved for this course. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will be onsite during the conference to certify Farmers’ Market Scales. Farmers may bring produce scales used
at farmers’ markets or roadside stands to be certified for use by VDACS. A sponsored lunch will be provided for all attendees so pre-registration is requested by Friday, Feb. 21. To register for this event, call or email the Hanover Extension office at 804-752-4310 or lmaxey-nay@vt.edu.
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020 15
LETTERS Continued from pg. 6
compression. However, other needs continue to go unmet. To list just a few examples: Despite public outcry in recent years, our elementary schools are still lacking bus aides, nor is there enough special education support, including one-on-one aides for highneed students, which spreads the aides too thin and cause case managers to miss planning time and lunch. Course offerings at the high schools are limited, i.e., many courses are offered on the books in theory but not in practice. For example, students at Lee-Davis High School are told if they want to take Calculus BC, they have to drive themselves over to Hanover High School and miss part of their next class in the process. Physical education classes in the middle schools have 40 to 50 students in each of them, causing management problems, and students to have to either sit around and wait their turn, or get hurt as they crowd onto the gym floor to play massive-sided games. Other elementary and secondary school class sizes are too large and teachers have insufficient planning time. The budget for FY 20202021 supports the assignment of Chromebooks to all middleschoolers and I assume the same will happen for the high schools the following year. However, all families will be required to pay heavy fees to support this initiative and our aging schools in need of replacement, especially lack the wifi and electrical infrastructure needed to support
a one-to-one device initiative. Having all of our students’ online will literally fry those schools’ circuits. In the bigger county picture, many students lack broadband internet access where they live and, as such, won’t be able to complete certain assignments outside of school. John Gandy and Henry Clay Elementary Schools will receive much-needed replacement by 2023, but there is no plan, physical or financial, to replace the other schools that have been identified by the 2018 Capital Planning Study as being in dire need of replacement (Battlefield and Washington Henry Elementary Schools and LeeDavis and Patrick Henry High Schools) and renovations (Beaverdam, Elmont, Mechanicsville, and Pearson's Corner Elementary Schools). Adequate state revenues and funding would help to alleviate the under-funding of our schools, and other public services, but the Hanover County leadership needs to take responsibility for their role in our funding deficiencies and raise more revenues themselves. We need to finally correct the promised-to-be temporary property tax rate decrease from several years ago. We need a plan to fund a much more robust and aggressive school facilities replacement plan and schedule. We need to rally members of the public around a meals tax, which is 50% borne by folks who live outside of the county. Finally, we need leaders who are honest about the
WORLD Continued from pg. 8
The movie is really about finding adventure in everyday things and places, learning history where you
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dearth of local funding and the long-term damage it’s causing and who stay focused on doing what’s best for those they are supposed to serve: the citizens of Hanover County. Rachel Levy Ashland
Distribution center location heart of issue This current David versus Goliath is not about Wegmans as a retail business. The proposed Wegmans distribution center is situated in the wrong place. Period. There is no denying that fact. During the Feb. 6 informational meeting at Oak Knoll Middle School, citizens needed to vent and ask questions. That important part was too long delayed by a rehash of the zoning history of the parcel, the planning process and timeline and a presentation on Wegmans’ history, business philosophy, and philanthropy. The flier of questions and requests distributed by the Fox Head residents contained wellexpressed concerns regarding legitimate issues. It would have been a much more suitable agenda for the evening. Without a doubt, the imposition of a distribution center on this parcel poses problems. But, unfortunately, this is a perfect storm of 25 years in the making: a pre-zoned parcel with outdated proffers, insufficient planning foresight regarding juxtaposition of light industry to residences, and citizens unaware of or inattentive to the implications
might not realize it exists, seeing the wonders of nature even in a crowded, concrete-covered city, and finding that people have a lot more in common than the things that keep us divided. It has played to sold out crowds
Ashland-Hanover Local February 19, 2020
of poor land use planning decisions. Needed now is a meaningful discussion between Wegmans and citizens on mitigation of environmental, traffic, and safety problems. Also brought up in the meeting was an additional situation that never fails to feel nefarious: the closed-door prenegotiations between county government and potential business clients. If I heard correctly, this practice “protects the company”. From what? This secrecy destroys trust between citizens and government. The practice may be legal, but it is unethical. Pattie P. Bland Beaverdam
Conservative: more stand up to progressives I feel compelled yet again to respond to a “letter to the editor” published in your Feb. 5 edition. The letter was written by Dr. Richard Ryder. I’m amazed that it took him four columns to express his dislike for President Trump. I’m sure that after the president was vindicated in the Senate impeachment trial he has even more hate and vitriol for anyone willing to listen. I don’t have any letters before or after my name. I’m just a regular guy. No pedigree to reinforce my intelligence or impress others. Fortunately, there are more and more conservatives like me that are beginning to stand up to progressives and the progressive ideology that is destroying the nation.
across the U.S. and Canada and will be opening in Germany and Austria next month. Green grew up in Ashland and graduated from Patrick Henry High School and the University of Virginia.
In his letter, Dr. Ryder references his Senior Officer status and becoming privy to information regarding Dick Cheney and Halliburton. Dr. Ryder, what did you do about it when you found out? Were you as indignant and outspoken about it then as you are now? Did you raise your hand? Maybe that would have been inconvenient. I too became aware of Cheney’s misdeeds as well as the misdeeds of the George W. Bush Administration and was incensed. As a result, I voted for Barack Obama. Here was a man that could really impact the nation and an underserved segment of the population. What a dismal failure. He was a failure to the nation and to those that had such high hopes. Along comes Trump. Everyone in organized politics dislikes him. He is being mistreated and disregarded in public. That is exactly why more and more American patriots are supporting him. We feel as though we have been mistreated and disregarded by the same folks. He is shaking up organized politics. He is shaking up the status quo. It is exactly what the nation needs to restore faith in the system. Is he perfect? No, he is human. Did he need to get involved in politics and endure the constant abuse? No, he was already independently wealthy. What is the motivation of the career politicians that dislike him so much? What do they fear? Is their world of self-serving interests being shaken up a little? Dick Cheney’s dip into the trough is miniscule compared
He worked for several years as a licensed civil engineer until he realized that working behind a desk was not what he wanted to spend his life doing. In 2010, he left his job to walk 3,100 miles across the country, from
to what other career politicians have done over the years. In all things, follow the money trail -- even when ideology is involved. I continue to be amazed by the number of folks that begin invoking the Constitution and how it was disregarded during the House impeachment process. Did the House provide the President due process? No, they refused witnesses, they refused representation, and they refused the Republican minority the opportunity to question the witnesses brought forth by those seeking impeachment. Does that sound Constitutional or equitable? Please stop invoking the Constitution only when it is convenient to your cause. George F. Will’s (2019) remarks regarding Daniel J. Boorstin’s book “The Genius of American Politics”: “Considered in the second decade of the twenty-first century, as we stand on the dark and bloody ground of today’s political contentions, Boorstin’s book remains interesting, but primarily as a period piece. It is a shard of America’s now shattered consensus. Or, more precisely, it is a document from the calm before the storm of the conservative counterattack against progressives’’ complacent assumption that their ascendancy was secure.” (p. 156,157) I’d like to suggest that more folks read George F. Wills’ book “The Conservative Sensibility”. It provides a non-biased history of the Constitution, politics, and developing ideologies. Eric L. French Mechanicsville
New York to Oregon. The next year, he set off on the quest that this movie follows. Matt and Jeremy (the filmmaker) will speak and answer questions following each of the two showings.