Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/04/20

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Vol. 5 No. 25 | Richmond Suburban News | March 4, 2020

Supervisors OK Hanover Idols competitions set $75,000 to pay lawsuit legal fees A Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

and 14th Amendment violations by retaining the names of Confederate-themed schools HANOVER -- Legal fees and mascots, were covered by regarding a cona standard insurtinuing lawsuit filed ance policy that by the Hanover reimbursed the NAACP Chapter county for legal continue to mount. fees up to $100,000. Last Wednesday, Apparently, those members of the funds have been Hanover County exhausted by the Board of Supervisors school board’s approved a $75,000 outside attorneys, Harman transfer from the Claytor Corrigan & county’s contingenPETERSON Wellman. cy fund to continue While Mechanicsthe Hanover County School Board’s effort to defend the case. ville District supervisor Canova Initial costs associated with Peterson described the transfer the case, filed last year accus- as an effort by the county “to

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

ing the School board citing 1st

see NAACP, pg. 5

SHLAND -- The Hanover Arts and Activities Center is sponsoring the Hanover Idols Competition on Sunday, March 8, at the Ashland Theatre at 205 England St. in Ashland. The Hanover Junior Idol Finals will open the event at 3:30 p.m., with the Hanover Idol Finals starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for each show. They are available at www. hanoverarts.org. Proceeds will benefit the Center. Finalists are:

Hanover Junior Idols Finalists Victoria Fink, Kayla Atanacio, Kasheeda Diong, Layla Morris, Rebekah Turner, Mikaela Cannon, Ella Wagner, Kadence Prendergast, Hailey

Photo submitted by Sue Watson

Fred Horn, Ammie Mines Derricott, Sarah Hopkins, Sean Kennedy and Jason Call will serve as judges for the Hanover Idols 2020 competition.

Hotek, Kiarah Wilson and Cooper Lunde.

Hanover Idols Finalists Roger Reynolds, Nick Bannon, Anisah Abdullah,

Audrey Kate Taylor, Kadyn Bunting, Aric Slaughter, Lily Manyara, Jordan Delamorton, Greg Mack, Meredith Elliot, James

Watson and Irene Saluthe For more information, call Lorie Foley at 804 339 6175 or Sue Watson at 804 402 0296.

Rural Cluster ordinance change heads back to committee By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER -- A proposed ordinance change to the county’s Rural Cluster (RC) policy has apparently exposed more concerns than it sought to solve, resulting in some Hanover Board of Supervisors members taking a position to re-examine the entire policy. After 18 months of consideration and three

Planning Commission hearings, the supervisors failed to resolve the matter at last Wednesday’s meeting. After deadlocking in a 3-3 vote, the board referred the matter back to the community development board where it originated more than a year ago. The RC district is comprised of two components: one containing clustered lots in the residential section and a conservation area of

common open space that includes a preservation lot that allows the owner to build a home. The ordinance change would allow that preservation lot to be divided into two lots, each with a minimum area of 10 acres. Only one dwelling would be allowed. RC density would not be affected. The change was originally endorsed by the Planning Department, but that position changed when concerns were raised at the

Planning Commission were noted and altered their recommendation to deny, mirroring the commission’s action. “Why are we changing this?” Mechanicsville supervisor Canova Peterson asked. Vice chair and Henry District supervisor Sean Davis said the matter was introduced through the Community Development Committee. see RURAL, pg. 4

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals

WESTMORLAND

WESTMORLAND, Carl Jackson, 83, went to be with the lord on February 21, 2020. Carl lived a fulfilling life with lots of friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary-Etta; and loving wife, Evelyn. Services will be held on March 15, 2020, at the Dalton Cemetery, Dusty Lane, Bumpass Va., at 1 p.m. His silly smile and loving heart shall never be forgotten.

Beware of fradulent email HANOVER – The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office and Hanover County Public Schools have been informed that a group is fraudulently soliciting local businesses to sponsor Hanover High School athletics. Sgt. Steve DiLoreto, public information officer, HCSO,

said the email indicates that, for $475, sponsors will have their business advertised on t-shirts, concession cups and banners at the school sporting events. It was confirmed with the school, this business is not affiliated in any way with the school division.

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Superintendent updates Chamber

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

Photos courtesy of Brian Capaldo, HCPS

Dr. Michael Gill, center in the photo at right, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, addressed last Wednesday’s Breakfast Seminar of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce at the Richmond Times-Dispatch plant at 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. in Mechanicsville. With his 2020-2021 budget recently being presented to the Hanover County School Board and Hanover County Board of Supervisors, he discussed projects and goals at the Chamber event. Among those attending were County Administrator Rhu Harris, above; Mechanicsville District supervisor Canova Peterson; and Bob Lindgren, president of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland.

Superintendent offers reassurance about coronavirus; lists steps to help prevent illness (Editor’s note: The following was released Friday afternoon by Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools. He addressed it to “Dear HCPS Families, Faculty, and Staff”.) We understand that the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in various countries around the world is concerning. As always, we want to reassure you that the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority. We are working closely with the Hanover Health Department, as well as other local and state officials, to monitor the potential impact COVID-19 may have locally. We rely upon their expert advice to help us navigate these important issues. Currently, there is no cause for alarm. The Virginia Department of Health reports that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indi-

cates that the risk to the public remains low. In comparison, the health risks associated with influenza (the flu) are far greater in the U.S. each year. Nevertheless, we are actively working to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for any impact it may have within our schools. Health and safety is everyone’s respon-

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sibility, and we need your help. We have attached a COVID-19 fact sheet for quick

reference, as well as prepared a list of resources below to help address any questions you may have about COVID-19. We ask that you review these materials individually and with your family to be better informed and prepared. In addition, here are a few quick and easy tips that you can use now to help prevent the spread of many illnesses in our schools and community: z Stay home if you are sick. z Avoid close contact with others and seek medical treatment if necessary. z If you have a fever, do not return to school until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. z Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. z Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an see ILLNESS, pg. 4

Trio taken into custody with stolen checks HANOVER -- A possible mail larceny in progress at a church was investigated on Monday, Feb. 22, by Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office deputies in the 8300 block of Atlee Road. While en route, Sgt. Steve DiLoreto, public information officer for the Sheriff ’s Office, said deputies were advised that a church member reported a suspicious vehicle parked by the church’s mailbox for an inordinate amount of time. The suspect’s vehicle was intercepted by deputies. During the course of the investigation, checks belonging to Hanover County churches were recovered from the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested (one adult male and two male juveniles).Â

The following warrants were obtained: Marius Vaduva (25 years old, Baltimore, Maryland) Larceny of bank notes, three counts (one felony and two misdemeanor) Conspiracy to commit felon Petit Larceny Contributing to the delinquency of a minor, two counts Juvenile suspect (two, Baltimore Maryland) Larceny of bank notes, three counts, (one felony and two misdemeanors) Conspiracy to commit felony Petit larceny “Regionally, this type of criminal activity has been on the increase,� DiLoreto said. “Getting the word out about these types of criminal activities is critical. None of this would have been possible without a concerned church member calling in the

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue reported in the 9100 block of Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 31

False statement to obtain property or credit was reported in the 4200 block of Fox Hunter Lane, Mechanicsville.

Receiving goods from credit card fraud, $200, was reported in the 10200 block of Lakeridge Square Court, Ashland.

DWI: Drugs, first offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Washington Arch Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7200 block of Harbor Hill Drive, Mechanicsville.

DWI, second offense in five years, was reported in the 8200 block of Lee-Davis Road/Laurel Meadow School Road, Mechanicsville.

Feb. 1

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 6300 block of Tammy Lane, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 16100 block of Locust Run/ Mountain Road, Montpelier.

suspicious activity.� He also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its partnership and continued hard work on the matter. DiLoreto extended a special thanks to the members of VADUVA the Sheriff ’s Office Worship Watch. The Worship Watch program involves 162 churches in Hanover County. If your organization wants to be involved, contact the Sheriff ’s Office at 804-365-6140.  Anyone who believes they are a victim of mail theft also can report it to the Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455.

Petit larceny parts was reported in the 9900 block of Lickinghole Road, Ashland. Driver did not report an see SHERIFF’s pg. 16

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Local man charged with having child porn

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

HANOVER – William Michael Yauger Jr. was taken into custody on Wednesday, Feb. 26, after a search war Destruction of property, monument, was reported in rant was executed at a residence in the 10400 block of Comanche Mechanicsville by members of Hanover Lane, Glen Allen. County Sheriff ’s Office/General Investigations Unit, Southern Virginia Destruction of property, monument, was reported Internet Crimes Against Children in the 10800 block (ICAC) Task Force and Federal Bureau of Linderwood Drive, Of Investigations/Child Exploitation Mechanicsville. Task Force. Public swearing or intoxication According to Sgt. Steve DiLoreto, was reported in the 6300 public information officer for the HCSO, block of Mechanicsville Yauger was arrested by the Hanover Turnpike, Mechanicsville. County Sheriff ’s Office for possession Grand larceny, $500 or more of child pornography, which is a felony not from a person, was charge. reported in the 11500 block of As of Thursday, Feb. 27, Yauger Sun Shade Lane, Ashland. was being held with no bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail. Feb. 2

Celebr ating 42 years!

990712-01

Staff Report news@mechlocal.com

Yauger with and without eyeglasses

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue. Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020 3

RURAL Continued from pg. 1

“The reason I brought it forward is because it doesn’t unpreserve, it doesn’t cause any lack of conservation to simply have another GPIN,” Davis said. “It does not reverse any preservation or conservation matter. It does not increase density.” Davis said the ordinance change was prompted by a landowner who occupies a lot on one of those RC zoned properties located on a75-acre site, and wants to expand the lot size of his property. The owner of that cluster lot also owns the preservation lot. During a public hearing, other RC landowners expressed support for more flexibility regarding the policy and the ability to add GPINs. Patrick Ashley owns a 755acre preservation lot in the Chickahominy District . . . “about a mile from where we are here tonight. I am very much in favor of the proposed ordinance change.” Ashley said approved uses on the preservation lots are diminishing and said, “It only makes sense to separate your personal assets and business as there is significant liability in not doing so.” Allowed uses on preservation lots include family farming operations, recreation centers, bike or jogging trails, golf courses, club houses, wedding venues, wineries, and others. Ashley said those potential uses would benefit the county’s tax base and its residents. There are about 30 preservation lots in the county, most owned by HOAs (Home Owners Associations) and the community with several owned by the Federal Government, according to Ashley. Another owner of a preservation lot near Ashland said the current policy is restricting her efforts to assist a non-profit entity in the county. Ashland resident Susan Morrison said she purchased a 28-acre preservation lot in 2018

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on the historic Luck Farm site. Morrison said she intended to build a house on the historic property “while also respecting the longstanding heritage of that old farm.” Her second purpose was purchasing the land was to use the remainder of the tract for “community or philanthropic effort.” “That drove me to buy that piece of land,” Morrison said. She said the ordinance change would allow her to establish a community garden and also team up with her community groups like Wings of Hope and Raise, both non-profits that serve the needs of special needs children and young adults in our community.” Leaders of those two nonprofits spoke in favor of the ordinance change that would enhance their efforts. “I would like to allow them to use my land,” Morrison said. “Due to the liability . . . it makes that untenable,” she added. There were valid arguments presented on both sides of the issue. Beaverdam resident Martha Wingfield reiterated the original intent of the RC policy. “It was brought about because of a tension between wanting to protect, preserve, and support rural and agricultural land and what is the right way to have some development in that area,” Wingfield said at an earlier Planning Commission meeting. “I believe you are being presented with an amendment to the one very limited tool we have to preserve farm and forest land,” Wingfield said at last week’s meeting. “It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look at the RC ordinance,” Wingfield added. “I have said that from the first night I showed up. I don’t know that this is addressing all the issues that may exist with the RC ordinance,” she said. “I think we need to re-evaluate the whole ordinance in a broader context,” she added. Preservation lot owner Brad Ashley said allowing the board

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

to consider best options for land use on these properties just makes good planning sense in his mind. “The opportunity for you as a board to make a decision when somebody brings an opportunity to divide a preservation lot should be a choice that you consider what’s in the best interest of the citizens of Hanover County,” Ashley said. “That’s what we trust you guys to do — make decisions that are in the best interest of our citizens. Why would you eliminate that possibility?” The 28 preservation lots currently located in Hanover vary in size from 7 acres to 754 acres and account for about 3,056 acres of county property, according to Ashley. While some supervisors expressed support for more flexibility, they were hesitant to approach the subject in a piecemeal fashion and recommended a more comprehensive review of the RC policy. “I am a little concerned that we may be trying to accomplish an awful lot, but may not be accomplishing a whole lot in this change other than to confuse the issue,” Chickahominy supervisor Angela Kelly-Wiecek said. “I’m wondering if it may be better for us to study this in terms of the Comprehensive Plan. I’m not ready to say this is the solution.” The unusual 3-3 tie was prompted by South Anna supervisor Sue Dibble’s early exit from the meeting, leaving six supervisors to consider the action. Davis, Michael Herzberg, Cold Harbor, and Aubrey “Bucky” Stanley, Beaverdam, supported the ordinance change while Peterson, Kelly-Wiecek and Prichard voted no. Even with the ordinance change, Davis noted that landowners could only apply for the process and other restrictions would still be in effect. Davis recommended referring the matter back to the Community Development Committee, a motion that unanimously passed.

Pets of the Week Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett

The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Jackson, left, Animal ID # 574188, is a 4-year-old male hound. He has had his first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test positive. Jackson is a sweet guy that came to the shelter via New Kent County. He seems to be sweet with people he meets. Jackson is used to being an outdoor dog but he has adjusted to being in an indoor kennel. He does well with other dogs. Jackson did test positive for heartworms but it is treatable. He will make a good pet for someone willing to invest some TLC. Jerry, Animal ID # 574189, also is a 4-year-old male hound. He too has had his first set of vaccines given and is Heartworm test negative. Jerry is Jackson’s counterpart. He also came from New Kent County. Jerry has a sweet temperament. He does well in his kennel. He also does well with people and other dogs. Jerry does well on leash walks. He was most likely an outdoor dog but should be able to make the transition to indoor living. For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http://hanovercounty.gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/.

ILLNESS Continued from pg. 2

alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in a wastebasket. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/ etiquette/coughing_sneezing.html Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Additional Resources: To learn more about COVID-19, visit: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FAQs Travel The Virginia Department of Health The World Health Organization Masks Myth busters Should you have additional questions, you may contact: The Hanover Health Department:

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(804) 365-4313 The Virginia Department of Health Hotline: 1-877-ASK-VDH3 Hanover County Public Schools Health Services: (804) 365-4500 We hope this information is helpful to you. We will provide you with any additional guidance that we may receive to ensure you are fully informed. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to help keep our students and staff healthy and safe.

Hanover County lists 300th birthday celebration activities HANOVER -- Hanover County is celebrating its 300th birthday in 2020 and will celebrate at multiple events throughout the year. Sponsorship opportunities are available for four Signature Events approved by the citizens committee planning the celebration: Scotchtown’s 300th Anniversary Festival on May 30 at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown; The Ashland Strawberry Faire on June 6; The Hanover Tomato Festival on July 11; Culminating the celebration will be a Birthday Ceremony with special guest speakers on Oct. 17. This ceremony will include the opening of the Hanover Museum of History & Culture.

The Oct. 17 Celebration will include special exhibits, music and re-enactors around and in the historic Courthouse, one of the nation’s oldest. Come out and tour the new museum. Sponsorship opportunities for Hanover County’s 300th birthday celebration will range from $500 to $7,500. Sponsors can donate cash or in-kind services for the celebration generally in various categories. Categories include “Celebration Sponsor” of $500; “Hanover’s Heritage” of $1,000; “Henry Clay” of $2,500; and “Patrick Henry” of $5,000. You also can sponsor specific items that are

cials could not have predicted the cost of unexpected litigaContinued from pg. 1 tion, and endorsed the school pay its bills,” Ashland superboard’s decision to fight the visor Faye Prichard said she case. would not support the autho“That has costs related to rization of any county funds to it, but the fact of the matter is pay the mounting legal costs what has been done and the bill associated with the case. is coming due,” Peterson said. “This requests $75,000 as “We have no choice. We have a budget transfer that to pay our bills.” will be specifically Peterson said it’s be used in the fighta simple choice. “It’s ing of the lawsuit by really not a matter of the NAACP,” Prichard the issue but how we said. “From the beginpay this bill. Do we ning of this process, I pay out of our reserve said I did not want to for contingency as this spend precious dollars asks for or do we force that could go into our KELLY-WIECEK the schools to redirect schools on this lawsuit funds that have been and I stand by that. I budgeted for the education of cannot agree to this contin- our children to pay this bill?” gency money,” she concluded, But Chickahominy superasking the board to deny the visor Angela Kelly-Wiecek request. disagreed with the issue being “I think my colleague from framed as a bill-paying meaAshland has misunderstood sure. what this is all about, and I “This is, in fact, not just think she would very much about paying our bills,” she said. agree that we need to pay our “There are a lot of conversabills,” Peterson said. tions that could go on here “This is not a referendum about why we were sued and on whether we should or we can’t help that; and there are should not change the names other people who would say we of Lee-Davis High School and haven’t been collaborative and Stonewall Jackson Middle perhaps we could have avoided School,” Peterson continued. this.” “This is simply a financial deciKelly-Wiecek indicated the sion to pay our bills and how process regarding the lawsuit has been less than inclusive. we pay our bills.” Peterson said school offi- Initially named as a defendant

NAACP

in the case, the board of supervisors was removed from the suit in a motion approved by Judge Robert Payne last year. “Many people, my school board member being one of them, have said there needs to be a meeting of the board of supervisors and the school board to discuss what the plan is,” Kelly-Wiecek said. “Nobody has sat down and had an honest and open conversation about the fact that, whether we like or not, we’re going to have to pay the legal bills,” the Chickahominy representative said. “I do not want to give the residents of the Chickahominy District or any other county that our reserve contingency fund is a bottomless pit for legal bills.” Even with the complaints, Kelly-Wiecek said she would be supporting this single transfer that potentially allows the case to be heard in May or June. “I will not be voting for any other transfers until an open honest conversation has been had with the school board about what is the plan for addressing this,” she concluded. “I do not misunderstand this,” Prichard said following that discussion. “This is the only opportunity I have had to make a decision as far as this goes. This is my opportunity to

associated with the celebration. These specific items include a commemorative video, a commemorative program, historical displays, lamp post banners, historical re-enactors and “birthday cake” or cupcakes. A sponsorship guide with all prices and payment options is available on the Hanover County Parks & Recreation webpage. You can access the link directly at www.hanovercounty.gov/300CelebrationSponsor Sponsors will receive: Prominent placement of logo on general collateral for the Hanover 300th Celebration, say I do not approve of supporting this lawsuit.” The board voted 6-1

and on any signature event signage, advertisements, online and social media; Recognition on or near the designated asset; On-site promotional opportunities at signature events. For more information on the county’s 300th birthday celebration, visit the 300th birthday page on the county website at www.hanovercounty.gov/2020-Celebration. You also can email hanover300@hanovercounty.gov or call the County Administrator’s office at 804-365-6005. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

to approve the transfer with Prichard dissenting. A hearing is scheduled for

March 9 in Judge Payne’s courtroom regarding a number of motions filed in the case.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020 5

OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

From the managing editor

Forget the dream, I’m all about the sleep By Melody Kinser Managing Editor hat is it about aging and insomnia? It seems like sleep would come easier as we get older. But, nope, that’s not the case. And this is coming from someone who appreciates a good nap and an undisturbed night. Whether it’s six hours or eight, I’m all in for waking refreshed. So, why is it that I’ll go to bed feeling worn out, but sleep eludes me. Rather than turning on calming sounds or reading, my mind starts wandering -- and some of the topics wouldn’t surprise those who know me well. Like many, when I prepare to call it a day, I talk to God. He knows me very well and how I may forget someone needing prayer or guidance. Age did not affect my ability to derail in mid-

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sentence. That’s been going on for some time. Let me point out that is personal me, not professional. When it comes to work, I am on my game -- focused and concentrating. But, back to sleeping. I don’t know how many times I’ve had William Shakespeare’s “To sleep, perchance to dream” from “Hamlet” roll through my thoughts. Of course, I prefer to paraphrase with “To sleep, perchance to sleep.” Now, I can’t complain about dreaming. I don’t know that I’ve ever had a nightmare. Horror movies never scared me. My dreams usually, as many would agree about me in general, are a bit goofy. And I’m OK with that. I can remember when I would baby-sit friends’ kids, especially at that early age when the time mostly consisted of feeding and changing diapers (I always hated that part!). Even though

the little darlings didn’t have a clue as to what I was saying, I would encourage them to nap because one day they would know what it was like to not have enough sleep. During those restless nights, when it’s tossing and turning, my thoughts often turn to work. I don’t consider myself a workaholic, but there always has to be a plan in motion. For years I’ve said I was going to keep a tape recorder (or an iPhone these days) nearby for when I feel as though I’ve been inspired with a great story idea or even a column topic. That too evades me. I’ll read posts on social media from family and friends in my age range who deal with the same sleepless battle. Well, like the old saying goes, I’ll take whatever goes with aging as opposed to the alternative. Rest well, readers.

Community proved faith, tenacity can win the day By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Pass by something enough times, and even the most unusual visuals become routine, even accepted as something that never gets a second look. Growing up in the Willow Lawn area, the tiny village of Westwood was one of those enigmas that fit that

description. On many Saturdays, I’d climb into a 1955 Chevy and my father and I would drive to the Blue Scottie Exxon to leave the car for a wash. It was a different era, and an attendant would actually bring us home while he returned with the car for the cleanup. Upon completion, he’d pick up my dad, and we’d return him to the

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

station. Even with the monotony of sameness that accompanied the trip, I was always intrigued by a little community at the corner of Willow Lawn Drive and Patterson Avenue that appeared conspicuously out of place. While brick Cape Cod houses sprung up everywhere in this area surrounding Keswick Gardens apart-

ments, the tiny row of wooden framed houses that fronted the small community of Westwood didn’t change. “It reminds me of Montgomery,” my father once said as we passed the small row houses. I didn’t know the history of Westwood at the time, only appreciating its uniqueness from a dissee DAY, 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 urges deferment on Wegmans’ plan There is great anger and sense of betrayal in our community because of Hanover County’s seemingly mismanagement of the Wegmans’ proffer amendment request. I therefore urge the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to defer any decision on this project and to send the Wegmans’ request back to staff. The staff should be directed to work with Wegmans to mitigate and minimize the impact that this distribution center will have on our citizens, our children, our roads, our neighborhoods, and our environment. Andrew Condlin, a paid representative of Wegmans, has stated repeatedly that the 1995 zoning allows Wegmans to do whatever it wants, but implies Wegmans is proffering an amendment because it wants to be nice. We have then heard county officials, including planning commissioners and even one supervisor parrot this position, arguing nothing can be done but approve Wegmans’ request simply because of rezoning changes in 1995. This is not true; the mere fact that Wegmans must seek the county’s approval belies this conclusion. Each supervisor should recognize that the board has the authority, obligation and leverage to demand a better proffer from Wegmans. Were I a county official and heard Condlin repeat yet again that Wegmans can do whatever it wants, I’d be both offended and annoyed. He is, in effect, saying to the staff, the planning Commission, and the board of supervisors, “You are no more than potted plants who might look good sitting on the dais but have no choice other than to accept whatever it is Wegmans is kind enough to offer.” Condlin might think that you, Hanover County supervisors, could be replaced with an app, an app see LETTERS pg. 7

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| News, Updates & Listings Saturday, March 7 The Doswell Ruritan Club will sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at 16433 N. Washington Hwy. in Doswell. The meal includes: homemade meat or veggie sauce, garlic bread, tossed salad, dessert, and beverages. Take-outs will be available. The cost is $9 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 to 10. Proceeds from this event help fund the club’s scholarship program. “The last” of the current series of Community Salt Fish Breakfasts will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Enon UMC at 6156 Studley Rd. in Mechanicsville. The cost is $8 (ages 6 and under are admitted free of charge.). The breakfast buffet includes: salt fish, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage gravy, biscuits, corn cakes, hash browns, grits, apples, waffles, and beverage. This benefits (1) Heart Havens, “a non-profit,” providing residential support to adults with a developmental disability, where residents are empowered to discover what they love and to pursue their dreams, hopes, and passions [Homes are in Richmond, Stuarts Draft, Lynchburg, Virginia Beach, and Ashland (The Tate Home)] and (2) the church’s

DAY Continued from pg. 6

tance. It was a community of African Americans situated in the middle of a mostly white flight to the suburbs, seemingly untouched by the hands of time. We never made the small turn onto a roadway that bisected the small community, and I suppose it was unwittingly off limits. Strategically located at that small intersection was a large water spigot, a reminder of a time when Westwood was threatened. It never occurred to me that this daily ritual of gathering water from a single source

Men’s Ministry-programs and missions.

Saturday, March 14 The Hanover Democratic Committee will host a Democratic Congressional District 1 Candidate Forum at 10 a.m. at Patrick Henry High School at12449 W. Patrick Henry Rd. in Ashland. All three 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 804-4050480 or john@suddarth.net.

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

was not a labor of love, but an act of necessity as Westwood residents filled pails and buckets and returned back to their homes. Westwood was founded by freed African American slaves following the Civil War. As more affluent and white communities emerged on all sides of the village, Westwood maintained its unique independence. Dotted along the small roads that accessed the community of about 60 homes were small shops and businesses that supported residents of the small community. Westwood Baptist Church became the centerpiece, uniting the small community and

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 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 Christcentered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at

providing a sense of safety and belonging at a time when it was under siege from a variety of sources. The community was annexed by the City of Richmond in 1942, and, almost immediately, plans to raze the village were announced, citing the lack of public water and sewer and the hazards of decaying privies and polluted wells. City planners announced their intention to turn the area into a city park, but residents fought the action and found some unlikely allies in their struggle. Neighbors from the affluent Glenburnie communities

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.

7 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in 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 804270-9626.

Sundays Outside the Walls, a new Narcotics Anonymous group, has been organized and will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.

Tuesdays A Commanders Coffee is held

that surrounded Westwood voiced their support for the survival of the small group of homes and approximately 300 residents. The Richmond TimesDispatch also embraced their struggle and editorialized against the destruction of the area in order to provide a park. City leaders could not ignore the outcry, and finally installed public water and sewer to the area as the 1950s began, and the future of the unique community was secured. Even today, many are unaware of the neighborhood that sits behind the Westhampton Post Office, or the faith and tenacity required

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 804746-4734. The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804789-0536.

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.

to secure its future. A small sign in a lot across the street from St. Mary’s Hospital now designates an adjoining neighborhood as Westwood, another in a long list of indignities bestowed on a community that refused to lose its identity or importance despite a series of attacks and challenges. But, those who grew up in the area pay little attention to that sign, realizing the real Westwood lies on several small streets off Patterson Avenue, a lasting tribute to the will of a community and its refusal to comply with attempts to obliterate its very existence, a symbol of perseverance and faith.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

that many voters might prefer because the app would consider all factors before concluding nothing can be done. But you are elected officials with judgment and authority. Use them. Condlin also has stated repeatedly that GPS will guide the Wegmans’ trucks to use Sliding Hill Road and only Sliding Hill Road. But when a planning commissioner asked him repeatedly if Wegmans would actually proffer that their trucks use only Sliding Hill and not New Ashcake, Atlee Station, Ashcake, or Mt. Herman, see LETTERS, pg. 8

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020 7

Democratic Committee forum set March 14 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 three announced Democratic congressional candidates -- Phillip Cox, Qasim Rashid and Vangie Williams -- have committed to

take part in 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.

Dog Park celebrating 8 years Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Friends of Hanover Dog Parks (FOHDP) is celebrating its eighth anniversary this year. “Some pretty amazing things have happened because of the hard work and generous donations of so many supporters. And more will happen, but not without your participation,” Caroline Cooke said. “A non-profit organization such as ours depends on the willingness of individuals to take a bit of time to serve on its Board of Directors, a volunteer group. The time commitment would be a minimum of two to four hours each month: first, to come to meetings; then to follow-up on tasks that you may have signed up for. These could be to help with membership, fundraising, education, outreach, publicity, or planning and development,” she said. For those interested in volunteering with Friends of Hanover Dog Park, no expe-

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rience or dog ownership are required. The Mission and Purpose of the organization follows: “The mission of the Friends is to enrich the quality of life in Hanover County through the establishment of recreational areas where dogs and people can interact in a safe, clean and pleasant environment. “The purpose of the Friends is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals and their owners through education and recreation. In cooperation with Hanover County -- to plan, promote, establish, operate, maintain, and regulate -- we will work to create and support public off-leash dog parks. We view the dog parks as community projects -- in partnership with the County, local businesses and civic organizations -- that satisfy the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners alike.” For more information, email friendsofhdp@gmail. com or call Caroline Cooke at 804-513-1744.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

LETTERS Continued from pg. 7

Condlin evaded the question the first four times and didn’t bother to answer it at all the fifth. Condlin is good at what he does, but -- remember that when this proffer amendment is approved -- he will go back to Richmond, and all the good intentions he has conveyed to Hanover will be worthless because they weren’t codified into the conditions of approval for this project. And we will have tractor-trailers on New Ashcake and other area roads and there will be nothing we can do about it. But it’s not too late to take effective action to codify all that was promised. Remember, supervisors, what Condlin is saying is that Wegmans can do anything and everything it wants and you can’t stop them. He thinks your only option is to rubberstamp the blank check your predecessors wrote back in 1995. We all know this is not true and Wegmans’ proffer amendment is subject to both review and disapproval -- or approval with conditions. It is really you, supervisors, who are on trial here. We will now see whether you first represent the interests and concerns of citizens before you rush to cater to business. Will you demonstrate strength of character and sense of purpose? Will you use your inherent authority as elected officials and leverage the economic incentives you’ve offered to demand a better deal? Wegmans already conveyed they do not have a lot of options and are anxious to get started but your citizens are not happy with the deal as it now stands, so make it better. Wegmans would come to the table to resolve this conflict were you to make the slightest of efforts. Step one is to delay a decision on the Wegmans’ request. Step two is to direct the staff to require Wegmans to prof-

fer that its trucks will use only Sliding Hill Road, that all buffers be increased to 250 feet minimum with a noise-reducing berm, and to work with citizens’ groups to come up with a consensus plan that everyone can live with. You are elected officials with the obligation to serve citizens first and the authority and leverage to demand that Wegmans work with us to reach a mutually beneficial solution to these issues. I hope that you have the vision, character, sense of purpose, and courage to do so. John Suddarth Mechanicsville

Homeowner shares letter to supervisors (This is a letter that I sent to each member or the Hanover County Board of Supervisors.) Dear Hanover County Board of Supervisors: I am a homeowner in Fox Head and have lived here since July 1995; my backyard borders New Ashcake Road. I am not opposed to economic development, or even Wegmans generally, but I am very concerned about the lack of transparency and truthfulness, both on the part of Wegmans and the county in handling this matter. I want plain, unvarnished answers from my community leaders. As a longtime community member and committed, consistent voter, I am disappointed and frustrated about the process and the rationale for this project, in this place. It appears as if the economic interests of speculative future tax revenue and job opportunities, that most likely will benefit individuals residing outside this community, are being given substantially more weight than the legitimate concerns that I and my neighbors have in regard to

the disruption of our suburban quality of life. Fortunately, the rezoning of this property in 1995 included 16 proffers that were adopted with an eye to the future. A neighbor has devoted her time and talent to outlining these proffers and the changes that Wegmans has asked the board to make. Andrew Condlin, lawyer for Wegmans, has insisted that Wegmans can build and adhere to these proffers. I respectfully request that you require them to do so. It is my understanding that changes made to these proffers must be of benefit to the citizens who will live with the result of your decision. I am attaching a link to the previously mentioned outline of said proffers and the changes Wegmans would have you make. Please reply with your justification for each change, line by line, with specificity of how it will benefit the community. I would expect that this information would be readily available and easy to transmit as it must have been a central point of discussion in your deliberations. If, in fact, the information I am requesting is in need of development, I would ask that a 90 day deferment be approved to allow for thorough investigation, communication, deliberation, and consideration of alternate options. I would also ask that each board member respond individually to this request with either the justifications or an acknowledgement that further review will be required. Thank you for considering this request . Anita D. Philp Ashland District

Atlee area’s development upsets resident Everyone’s talking about the

over- development in the Atlee area and to many residents, including me, it’s very unwelcome and comes as a surprise with every new turn and new sign for development of apartments and town homes and more homes and more storefronts and more restaurants and more industrial parks and more and more. We've been taken completely off-guard and feel desperate to preserve our quiet, rural/ suburban way of life as we’ve known it. Looking back in retrospect, the amazing thing is that *people*, realtors, developers knew about this many years ago. I had clients looking to buy in Hanover, specifically the Atlee area, and they were coming from Henrico. Whoever they were dealing with convinced them to buy in Ashland — the development near Taylor Complex — on Route 54. Their reasoning was that apparently Atlee was going to be turned into the next “Short Pump”. I just couldn’t even fathom it at that time. It’s been about six years since that conversation and look at us now! My family’s been here since 2004. I researched and carefully chose this area because of its serenity, beauty, safety, and the quality of the school system. The serenity is gone and I fear the safety and overall quality of life as we’ve known it will follow soon. I’m sad to say I’ll be looking to sell in the near future. I’m sure the market will be full of homes for sale, which will drive values of the 23116 zip code down considerably. I’m off of Atlee Station and I’ve had to change my morning commute to be able to get out of the neighborhood. I have loved this area for so long and to see it being overtaken by too-rapid over-development is both heartbreaking and infuriating! Phaedra Crisman Mechanicsville

UPCOMING EVENTS

03

06 2020

NCAA D-III basketball: Wesley at R-MC men 6:30 p.m.

03

06 2020

NCAA D-III basketball: R-MC women at Transylvania 6:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

One day, two R-MC champions Teamwork by top-seeded men yields elusive championship

After early struggles, women finish strong for 10th title

By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local

By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local SALEM – Call it “The Power of Ten.” Seeking it tenth Old Dominion Athletic Conference women’s basketball championship Sunday, Randolph-Macon made plans for its trip to the Salem Civic Center last week. Head Coach Carroll LaHaye suggested the team meet to leave its hotel around 10. Senior forward Michal Ross asked for clarification. “Is that 10:03? 10:10?” LaHaye quoted Ross as asking. Assistant coach Hannah Livermon seized on the latter time. The Yellow Jackets left at 10:10. Less than five hours later, LaHaye held 10 fingers high in the air just before cutting down the net as Randolph-Macon used two big runs to start each half to defeat the Guilford

beginning on a 11-0 run to extend the lead to 18 points. Ross, who struggled from the floor in the first half after pouring in 27 points in the Yellow Jackets’ 72-68 semifinal win

SALEM – After a shocking upset in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference men’s basketball quarterfinals as the top seed two years ago, then a disappointing loss in the title game as the top seed last year, Buzz Anthony wasn’t a fan of the Salem Civic Center. “We’ve been building for years, had some disappointments. I didn’t like Salem, but now, I love Salem,” Anthony said, wearing the net cut down by his teammates after Randolph-Macon captured its seventh ODAC championship overall – and first in five seasons – with a 72-57 victory over Virginia Wesleyan Sunday afternoon. Randolph-Macon will continue its season at home, hosting a sub-regional in the NCAA

see STRONG, pg. 11

see TEAMWORK, pg. 11

Rob Witham for The Local

Randolph-Macon women’s basketball head coach Carroll LaHaye (right) and assistant coach Hannah Livermon (back to camera, left) get some love from players after the Yellow Jackets won the Old Dominion Athletic Conference women’s basketball championship at the Salem Civic Center Sunday. Embracing Livermon is junior guard Elise Knoblach, while sophomore guard Cheridan Hatfield (34) hugs LaHaye. In the background are sophomore guard Janelle De Guzman (left) and senior center Kelly Williams (right). Williams finished the tournament with her 20th double-double of the season and ODAC Player of the Year honors.

Quakers 68-50. It was the Yellow Jackets’ second title in three years and eighth straight victory in an ODAC championship game dating back to 2005. Randolph-Macon opened the game with an 11-2 run as Most Valuable Player and

ODAC Player of The Year Kelly Williams scored six of her game-high 22 points in the first 5:07 of the contest, adding six rebounds and a pair of assists in that span. Guilford spent the first half keeping Randolph-Macon in

its sights, drawing within five late before Williams scored on a put-back with a second left to give the Yellow Jackets a 37-30 halftime advantage. Then, Randolph-Macon registered perhaps its best period of the season in the third,

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

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Hawk girls go on road to clinch state berth PH boys, girls fall in quarters By Rob Witham for Ashland-Hanover Local KING GEORGE – After a nightmarish first half Friday night, Hanover Hawks girls basketball lived the dream. The Hanover offense, which only scored 11 points in the first half, exploded back on the court, using a 19-0 run to stymie and stun the King George Foxes, never again trailing in a 55-36 victory Friday night that propelled the Hawks to the Virginia High School League Class 4 state tournament. Forward Adrianna Jacobs, who scored nine points, gave a glimpse of a locker room at halftime, a team staring at a jarring ending to a fantastic season if things did not change drastically. “We needed to play harder, and get our heads in the game,” Jacobs said, remembering the words of head coach Michael Rohr. “We were slow starting.” The Region 4B semifinal began heavy on speed, and nerves, and light on points. With 2:20 left in the first period, it was tied 4-4, as both teams’ defense made it difficult for their opponent to find any rhythm. King George started to find its groove late in the quarter and built a 15-0 run for a 21-8 lead. The Hawks found it difficult to penetrate the lane, whether to shoot or kick out. When they did, it seemed the basket had an imaginary lid, as, on four different occasions, point blank

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about to experience. Jordan Davis, who led the Hawks with 24 points, knew what her problem was, and fixed it, laying the foundation for a second half to remember. “I think I played way too fast [in the first half], I had to slow down a little bit in my head and let basketball come naturally to me and play how I play,” Davis said. “As a team, we were rushing our passes, playing frantic.” The avalanche began with a triple from Davis 45 seconds into the third quarter. Jacobs scored off a turnover, then completed a 3-point play. After another Foxes turnover, Davis scored easily, prompting a King George timeout. It was 23-21. Next, Davis kicked to Julia Mardigian, who completed the give-and-go to Davis to tie the game. Jacobs would score to give Hanover the lead for good, then another King George turnover yielded a Davis score. A Mardigian trey ended the 19-0 outburst as the Foxes finally scored their first points of the second half with 2:15 left in the third, cutting their deficit to five at 30-25. Early in the fourth, the Hawks spread out their offense to change their attack, and to try to shrink the game. It was successful, as Hanover entered the bonus early in the fourth quarter, hitting 16-of-21 shots at the free throw line to put the game away. “I thought we were a bit quicker than they were,” Rohr said when asked about the spread strategy. “Our guards did a great job of handling the ball and, if we didn’t get to the free throw line, we were runJoel Klein for The Local ning clock.” Hanover’s Jordan Davis (15) drives past Louisa’s Alexis Chapman for a layup in the Hawks’ 56-41 For the Hawks, it was their win over the Lions in a Region 4B quarterfinal on Feb. 26. The Hawks then beat King George 5522nd win in 23 games. Their 36 Friday to advance to the regional final and clinch a berth in the VHSL Class 4 tournament. defense, which is averaging shots for Hanover refused to fall with 1:55 left in the first half trailing 23-11 at the break. 30.17 points surrendered per into the net. provided Hanover their only There was no sign at all of the game this season, held the Foxes Erin Woodson’s 3-pointer points of the second period, dramatic turn this game was to just 13 points after halftime.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

The past five seasons have truly been a transformation for Hanover girls basketball, from fighting for relevance, to fighting for a winning season, to now, posting one of the best records in Virginia this season and qualifying for a Class 4 state quarterfinal Friday. Whether they were able to defeat Monacan Monday (in a game played after this edition went to press) for the Region 4B title or not, Rohr will make sure the Hawks find their rhythm much sooner next time. “We’ve got three or four ball handlers who can take care of the ball and make free throws,” Rohr noted. “I think we’re pretty tough.” Patrick Henry falls at Eastern View CULPEPER – Patrick Henry seemed poised for an upset, leading by a point with 20 seconds left to go in its Region 4B quarterfinal contest at Eastern View, but the Cyclones’ Sarah Hatfield was not going to allow it. Hatfield stole an inbounds pass, drove the length of the court, split a pair of Patriot defenders and scored on a layup to give Eastern View a 53-52 victory Wednesday night. After falling behind at the start of the game, Patrick Henry (13-10) took advantage of a 14-2 run to take the lead. The Patriots never trailed until Hatfield’s layup at the end. They held a 49-43 advantage with five minutes remaining in the game before the Cyclones clawed back and tied it 49-all with a little more than a minute to go. Ava Smith led Patrick Henry with a game-high 20 points. Logan Nuckols scored 12 points and T’Niyah Baylor added 10. Eastern View (20-5) was see CLINCH, pg. 12

TEAMWORK

STRONG

Continued from pg. 9

Division III championship tournament. The Yellow Jackets will face 18-9 Wesley in a firstround game Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Crenshaw Gymnasium. Marietta (19-8) will face The College of New Jersey (21-6) in the other first-round game Friday at 4 p.m. Anthony, the ODAC Player of The Year, solidified his standing as the league’s best, scoring 23 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. Ian Robertson and Josh Talbert, who along with Anthony were named to the All-Tournament Team, each scored eight points in the win. It almost didn’t happen. After dispensing rival Hampden-Sydney in Friday’s quarterfinal round, the Yellow Jackets (26-2) ran into a defensive wall against the Roanoke Maroons in Saturday’s semifinal. Missing freshman forward Miles Mallory due to injury and facing the seventh best team in Division III on defense, Randolph-Macon struggled throughout the game, finding itself down by 10 with five minutes remaining. Anthony admitted he was in a fog throughout the game, but that the key to surviving and advancing was not about X’s and O’s, but about brotherhood. “I’ve put extra time into my teammates this year. It’s about relationships,” Anthony explained. “And it was paid back in the semifinal. I wasn’t feeling it, but every guy on the bench tapped me on the back and said, let’s go. You’re our leader. We believe in you.” The Yellow Jackets scored 13 of the game’s final 15 points. Eight of them came from Anthony. But it was senior Korey Turner who stole the ball at midcourt and raced to the hoop to lay in the would-be game winner with 19 seconds knowing it had dodged a bullet. had my back,” Anthony said. championship, but Talbert and left. One defensive stop later, “I had all the confidence Anthony was held to five Josh Woods each had six points Randolph-Macon celebrated, today, because I knew everyone points in the first half of the and Robertson added five to

Continued from pg. 9

give the Yellow Jackets a 31-22 halftime lead. Anthony scored the first points of the second half, then found Miles Mallory for a basket. Another Anthony basket and a trey for Robertson later, the Yellow Jackets were up 40-27. The Marlins returned serve with a quick 9-0 run, making it

over top-seeded Emory and Henry, was patient, and took advantage when the opportunity arrived. “It’s my defense that ignites my offense,” Ross explained. “I knew Kelly had us in the first half, and I told her, I’ll help out in the second half.” Ross had 10 of her 16 points in the second half. She wasn’t the only one who turned up the defensive pressure, holding the Quakers to just four third period points. “They had their hands active in the passing lane, double teaming, rotations, everything paid off for us,” LaHaye said of her team’s defensive effort. The Quakers made just 2 of 12 shots from the field in the quarter, rarely finding a shot opportunity uncontested. The Yellow Jackets outrebounded Guilford in the frame 12-3. A final 7-0 run as time wound down in the fourth served as an exclamation point on a virtuoso performance. Becca Arrington scored 16 points, going 4 for 5 from beyond the arc. Cheridan Hatfield, named to the AllTournament Team with Williams and Ross, had four points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals, and provided stability at the top of the offense. Williams added 15 rebounds and four assists, yet another double-double in a storied career that, in the past year, has become a story of perseverance and triumph over adversity, overcoming a devastating knee injury in Dec. 2018. “It’s a lonely rehab. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically,” Williams said. “You work hard behind the scenes. When we won when I was a sophomore, we faced a lot of adversity. We did this year, of a different kind, because I wanted to do this with my teammates, and

see TEAMWORK, pg. 12

see STRONG, pg. 12

Rob Witham for The Local

Above, Randolph-Macon men’s basketball head coach Josh Merkel gets help cutting the net after the Yellow Jackets won the ODAC title at Salem Civic Center Sunday. Left, Randolph-Macon senior Korey Turner (right) wears the net as another trophy while junior guard (and ODAC Player of the Year) Buzz Anthony takes in the scene on the floor.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

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Yellow Jackets win one, tie one in softball opener By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – After a oneday delay because of weather, Randolph-Macon’s softball team, which began the season ranked 10th in the nation in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 poll, got off to one of the weirder season starts in program history. The Yellow Jackets hosted the University of Mary Washington in a doubleheader Thursday. The first game went off normally enough – ending in a 5-1 victory over the Eagles – but the nightcap was something else. Going into what was to be the final inning, Mary Washington was heading to an inverse ending of the opener with a 5-1 Eagle victory, but Randolph-Macon – with the help of a three-run home run by Sami Davidson – tied the game 5-5. After two extra innings, that’s the way the game ended: in a tie as the game had to be called because of darkness.

TEAMWORK Continued from pg. 11

a new game at 40-36. But it was Anthony’s time to shine. Over the next four and a half minutes, Anthony would control the offense and dominate Virginia Wesleyan’s defense to score eight points. With the Marlins doubling down on Anthony, Mallory and Kent Kilgroe each hit jumpers. The 14-2 run made it 54-38 Randolph-Macon with just under 10 minutes left. The Marlins didn’t get the deficit under 10 until a Corey Pegram trey with 1:12 left made it 66-57. It was too little, too late,

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“I don’t think we’ve ever had a tie before, so that’s pretty unusual,” said RandolphMacon head softball coach Kevin Proffitt. “What’s weird is that we crushed the ball and had 13 hits, but only put up five runs – and four of them all came in the seventh inning. That was a bit awkward, too.” The four runs in the seventh might have provided a winning margin were it not for four Yellow Jacket errors that led to four unearned Mary Washington runs. “The big difference for us was that we made too many mistakes,” Proffitt said. “They were at crucial times. There were people on base when we made them, and instead of getting out of innings, we extended innings.” The Yellow Jackets likewise got most of their runs late in the opener, scoring three runs en route to a 5-1 win. As in the nightcap, Sami Davidson was the primary RBI producer, knocking in a pair of runs on a hit and a sacrifice fly. She also had a sacrifice bunt.

Second baseman Maddie Stone went 4-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in the opener. First baseman Brooklyne Carr had a hit, an RBI and a run. In the nightcap, Carr went 3-for-3. Shelby Hill went 2-for4 with a run scored. Taylor Sanderford and Jessica Pittman went 2-for-3 and Stone scored a pair of runs. Proffitt expects the defensive kinks to work out in time. “We didn’t get to play a fall game and we’ve been scrimmaging each other for crazy intersquad games all through the winter,” Proffit said. “It was nice to just be able to play somebody else.” Randolph-Macon regrouped for the Grand Slam Triangle Classic tournament in Raleigh, North Carolina, Saturday and Sunday. The Yellow Jackets dropped its first game Saturday to Keane 7-2, but then won three straight afterward: 11-10 over Piedmont later that day, and a 6-4 win over McDaniel and a 9-1 win over William Peace Sunday.

as the Yellow Jackets ended the game on a 6-0 run. Mallory’s return was a huge factor in the win, just as the ODAC Rookie of The Year has been a major contributor all season. “Thirty-two minutes of Miles. He’s just the anchor of that defense,” said head coach Josh Merkel of Mallory’s return. “That pressure release of him hitting those 15 footers. He knows where to be.” The win was Merkel’s 101st in five seasons as RandolphMacon head coach, and his first ODAC crown. Now, the Yellow Jackets leave Salem looking to erase another disappointment and make the run in the NCAA Division III tournament that

they’ve dreamed of. Last season, the Yellow Jackets fell one point short in the round of sixteen to eventual national runner-up Swarthmore, who has topped the Division III Top 25 all season. Merkel’s men now turn their attention to the ultimate mission. “This is a group that loves to play, loves to compete,” Merkel noted. “Last year, we were injured going on, today, we get (Mallory) back.” It’s also a group that understands that this journey is much more about camaraderie than it is about basketball. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Randolph-Macon center fielder Shelby Hill (23) beats the throw to first for a bunt single in the third inning of the Yellow Jackets’ 5-5 tie with visiting Mary Washington Thursday.

STRONG Continued from pg. 11

with Michal and Charlotte.” Charlotte Woods, hampered by foul trouble, had four points and two rebounds. Woods went down late in the fourth period with an injury and had to be helped off the court. When it was time for

CLINCH Continued from pg. 10

led by Terese Greene with 19 points. Hatfield added 12. The Culpeper StarExponent’s Stephanie Olinger contributed to this report. Patriots fall in final minute SPOTSYLVANIA – The underdog Patrick Henry boys basketball team nearly pulled off an upset, but Courtland’s Cougars scored four points in the final 30 seconds to escape with a 60-56 win and put an end to the Patriots’ season.

the three seniors to lead the team to midcourt to accept the ODAC Championship Trophy, Williams literally put Woods on her back to make sure she was part of the celebration and subsequent net cutting. “You’ve worked too hard for this!” Williams shouted to her. The Yellow Jackets are thrilled to get back to work, earning the ODAC’s auto-

matic bid to the first round of the NCAA Division III Championship. When they face host Transylvania Friday at the Beck Recreational and Athletic Center in Lexington, Kentucky, they will seek their tenth consecutive victory, attempting to, again, unleash “The Power of Ten”. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

The Cougars led until Patrick Henry (11-12) pulled ahead with 55 seconds left. “It was a battle tonight,” Courtland head coach Eric Davis said after watching his team hold off the physical Patriots. “I told our guys that champions fight all the way to the buzzer, and that’s what we had to do. We knew Patrick Henry was a really good team.” While their season is over, it was quite a turnaround from the 2018-19 season in which the Patriots were winless. Still, Patrick Henry head coach Randy Anderson felt his Patriots let one slip away.

“I was pleased with our effort, but the same things that have plagued us all season hurt us tonight” he said. “Things like missed free throws, not getting loose balls and not finishing at the rim. Still, we’ve come a long way from last year.” Patrick Henry was led by Camden Byrd with 17 points. Jayden Mines and Tysen Brown each scored 12, and Jordan Morris added 10. Khai Seargeant led Courtland with a game-high 19 points, followed by Brandon Hilliard with 15. Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

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Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Zoning Appeals has set Tuesday, March 10, 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: VAR2020-00002, HERMAN H. HARRIS, JR., Request a Variance from Section 26-40. 1 (d) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which specifies that dwellings in the AR6, Agricultural Residential District, when located on a 50 foot right-of-way shall have a minimum front yard setback of 60 feet. The request is for a 55.8 foot front yard Variance, which would allow a front yard setback of 4.2 feet. The subject property is GPIN 7821-99-5265, consisting of approximately 4.97 acres, and located on the south line of Greenwood Church Road (State Route 657) approximately 1,800 feet east of its intersection with Lone Oak Road (State Route 775) (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 March 4, 2020 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, March 19, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS REZ2019-00015, CAPITAL UP INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, and B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, to B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 7822-41-0443 and 7822-41-3393, consisting of approximately 9.67 acres, and located on the north line of Mountain Road (U.S. Route 33) across from Bethany Estates Way (State route pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Rural Village. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a shopping center. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2019-00019, HICKORY HILL II, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to MX(c), Mixed Use District with conditions, on GPINs 7880-92-1335 and 7880-81-6802, consisting of approximately 51.5 acres, and located on the north line of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) at its intersection with Providence Church Road (State Route 662). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Planned Business and Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a mix of commercial (retail, office and restaurant) uses and residential uses (100 townhome units) at a density of 1.94 dwelling units per gross acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2019-00028, NANCY ROBERTSON COMBS Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8706-06-6722, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, and located on the north line of Combs Drive (State Route 2181) at its intersection with Cool Spring Road (State Route 652). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 22 building lots for a gross density of 2.2 units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2019-00035, LEBER ESTATES, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 8753-03-8159 and 8753-11-5909, consisting of approximately 120.65 acres, and located on the west line of McClellan Road (State Route 628) at its intersection with Peace Road (State Route 616) and located on the east line of Market Road (State Route 630) approximately 900 feet south of its intersection with Falling View Lane (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 19 building lots for a gross density of one dwelling unit per 6.35 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor REZ2020-00004, ROBERT J. TUCK, III AND HANKY, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-1-19(c), Robert J. Tuck, III, et al., on GPINs 8724-14-6338(part), 8724-24-0545, 8724-14-5371 and 8724-14-6103, consisting of approximately 8.6 acres, zoned RS(c) Single-Family Residential District with conditions, and to rezone approximately 0.02 acres zoned RS(c) Single-Family Residential District with conditions to A-1, Agricultural District, located on the south line of Walnut Grove Road (State Route 636) approximately 500 feet east of its intersection with Cold Harbor Road (State Route 156). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed amendment would allow a minor property line adjustment and would change the gross density from 2.16 dwelling units per acre to 2.21 dwelling units per acre. No new lots are being proposed. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2019-00006, WOODSIDE FARMS OF VA, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreation facility/events venue on GPIN 7787-06-9949, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Cedar Lane (State Route 623) at its intersection with Woodside Farms Drive (State Route number pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 – 3 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2020-00001, HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (FIRE/EMS) Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP-24-83, Am. 1-05) in accordance with Sections 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a new fire training building at the existing fire training facility and its related uses on GPINs 7850-98-3275 and 7860-09-5200(part), consisting of approximately 259.85 acres; the area of the CUP is approximately 23.12 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and is located on the north line of Winston Road (State Route 696) approximately 3,200 feet west of its intersection with Blanton Road (State Route 666). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities set Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The Hanover Parent Resource Center of Hanover County Public Schools will present Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 9, at the Atlee Branch Library at 9161 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. This full-day training is designed to help parents navigate special education services from start to finish. Parents report that many times they just did not understand the ramifications of their decisions. This Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) training shares with you the keys to academic success and the critical decision points throughout your child’s entire time receiving special education services. Space is limited so reserve your space soon. Contact Kelly Jones at 804-365-4596 or hanoverprc@hcps.us. In other Hanover Parent Resource Center news:

z The Reverse Inclusion Pre-K Program (RIPK) is now accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year. Early childhood reverse inclusion pre-K programs are special education programs taught by early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers. These classrooms consist of same age children with and without disabilities. RIPK classes are full day and will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 3.

ADHD/Learning Disabilities

z The Dyslexic Edge: Pathways to STEM Excellence Conference is where the conversation about dyslexia education is changed. This conference is intended for: educators, industry professionals, parents and students. There will be a number of speakers, workshops, and panels all designed on how to best educate students with dyslexia so they all reach their full potential.

Mental Heatlh

z How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids Brigit Katz ‘s article, posted on Child Mind.org, offers information and strategies to help yourself, and them, by learning techniques to manage stress in a healthy way. (Also available en Español.)

Assistive Technology (A/T)

z TechKnowledgy 20192020 is an online conference sponsored by the VDOE’s Training and Technical Assistance Centers (TTACs) in an effort to provide ongoing professional development in the area of assistive technology to practitioners and families supporting students with disabilities. z Taking a Look at Google Extensions Periodic Table Style Two live webinars available: 12 to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Do you use Google Extensions? Do you want or need a few more tools for your Google Toolbox? Come and

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 17th day of March 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 on the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 2020-02 AMENDS THE ASHLAND TOWN CODE BY ADDING ARTICLE III, “HOMESTAY REGULATIONS,” TO CHAPTER 20, “HOTELS, MOTELS & SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS” TO REGULATE SHORT-TERM RENTALS SUCH AS AIRBNB & REQUIRE THAT SHORT-TERM RENTALS REGISTER WITH THE TOWN OF ASHLAND AND PAY AN ANNUAL $25.00 REGISTRATION FEE. A copy of Ordinance No. 2020-02 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 7989219, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to Bernadette Cornelius via e-mail at planning@ashlandva.gov or through regular mail to Clerk of Planning Commission, Town of Ashland, PO 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 of the public hearing so that appropriate arrangements may be made.

learn about over 80 extensions you and your students can use via a Periodic Table of Google Extensions. You will learn about everything from text to speech extensions to brain breaks to tools for productivity.

Autism Spectrum

z The ASCV offers a wide range of programs, services, and activities, including regular social, recreational and support groups for individuals with autism, their families, and caregivers; educational workshops; training opportunities; and advocacy and public policy initiatives.

Services (often called the CSB) The Hanover County CSB provides prevention, treatment, employment and support services for Hanover citizens and families with mental health, substance use and intellectual disabilities. They work collaboratively with schools, law enforcement, and social services. They also can assist you with case management, counseling, crisis services, and general parenting education. The CSB is the point of entry for Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program. Call 804-365-4232.

Resources you should know

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Arc of Hanover

This department manages Virginia’s public mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services system. Services are provided for children, families, and adults with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders, as well as, for veterans. For more information call 804-786-3921 or visit their site, especially the Individuals and Families tab.

z Special Education Transition Website - Hanover County Public Schools If you have a child with a developmental delay or a developmental disability, then you need to know about The Arc of Hanover. The Arc of Hanover provides families and self-advocates with the great information, resources, services and supports for the entire lifespan. Services and supports include Resource Navigation to access public and private resources, Medicaid Waiver Mentoring, Saturday Sitters, Adaptive Equipment and Recreation, Education and Respite Funding, Emergency Family Support and community education workshops for free. You may learn more about The Arc of Hanover on its website, Facebook or email: info@ hanoverarc.org or call 804-7982400.

Autism Society-Central Virginia (AS-CV)

Whether you’re new or have been involved in the ASD community for a while, the AS-CV is the #1 resource for you and your family. They offer a wealth of information, resources, social support and sibling opportunities. The team at AS-CV are committed, knowledgeable and passionate about helping you and your family. Be sure to check out their “meetings and events” page.

Hanover Community

Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) The department offers a wide array of specialized services, supports, resources and programs for Virginia residents of all ages who are experiencing significant visual disabilities. The DBVI is committed to providing quality services to assist Virginia’s citizens who are blind, deaf/blind or vision impaired in achieving their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence. Department of Social Services (DSS) and the CSB work very closely together to serve you, your child and your family. They help to ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them, such as:

Financial Assistance, Medicaid Waivers, Health Financial Assistance, Family & Individual Services, Services for Children, and Services for Adults. DSS is the point of entry for the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Waiver (CCC Plus). Call 804-365-4149.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond (DSAGR)

DSAGR is a wonderful resource. They strive to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing access to current and accurate information and by fostering programs that focus on education, community services, public awareness, medical issues, research, advocacy, legal issues and parenting.

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) DARS can assist you with many things. They collaborate with schools in providing Transition Services. Their Employment Services help people with disabilities get ready for employment and find and retain employment. They have a residential training and medical rehabilitation center known as Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, and they process disability claims for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Disability Programs.

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)

PEATC builds positive futures for Virginia’s children by working collaboratively with families, schools and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life. They offer free information, assistance, and support via email or phone, as well as, free workshops, presentations and trainings for both parents and educators. Call 1-800-869-6782.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020 15

‘Hanover DASH’ – Free help with tax returns What’s behind the ride HANOVER -- On Dec. 12, Hanover DASH began offering specialized transportation services to adults who are 60-plus years of age and persons with short-term or long-term disability. As of Feb. 20, this service administered by the Hanover Department of Community Resources had 101 registered riders and had completed 308 trips. What’s behind making these rides possible? Hanover Photo submitted by Tom Harris has contracted with Roundtrip, Roundtrip team members are, from left, Cathy Davison, Justin a comprehensive, on-demand Shaw, Ankit Mathur, Rebecca Bridges, Remo Kommnick. paratransit transportation solution. of $6 for one-way trips. dents. Since then, Roundtrip The connection and col“Roundtrip has been a launched with neighboring laboration of Roundtrip’s valuable partner as we build Chesterfield County, one of robust technology and reliable this service for our communiVirginia’s largest counties, and network of drivers to Hanover ty,” said Hanover Community now, Hanover County. County residents enhances Resources Administrator, Lisa “It is great to see the innoindependence, health and well- Adkins. “The team of profesvative mobility options that being for many. sionals has been extremely counties in Virginia have put in Hanover DASH provides responsive and is focused on individualized trips to doc- administrative details. Their place on behalf of the growing tors’ offices, grocery stores, technology allows us to view needs of their communities,” said Ankit Mathur, CTO of banks and formal social/recRoundtrip and Virginia resireational programs as well as dent of over 30 years. “Working to Hanover government buildwith Hanover County is a ings. Approved riders have privilege and we are happy to greater flexibility in when and how they book point-to-point, trip details and run a variety make a positive impact on the same-day rides, or for van of utilization reports for ‘real everyday living for residents in the community.” transportation, with as little as time’ oversight.” Roundtrip is doing more 24-hour notice. “We believe that this new than expanding access to care; Roundtrip provides an specialized transportation prowe are changing how people online booking platform and gram will make a big difference manage their health in their mobile app for riders to book for many of our residents,” said everyday lives. As we address rides with ease, and a 24/7 call Deputy County Administrator social determinants of health center for support or additionJim Taylor. “Hanover County and aging in place, Roundtrip al booking assistance. Additionally, once rides are has identified the need for is driven to deliver engaged booked, riders can get notifi- specialized transportation for and empowered transportacations via text or phone call some time, and it’s exciting to tion experiences for our riders. about their upcoming ride so see a new service taking shape.” Together, Hanover DASH and Roundtrip has been work- Roundtrip are driving better they rest assured knowing the ing throughout the state of health outcomes with flexible status of their trips. Rides are available to Virginia for the past few years. mobility options built with the In 2017, Roundtrip first riders’ trip in mind. residents between 7:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Monday partnered with GRTC servInformation submitted by through Saturday. All rides are ing Richmond residents Tom Harris, Hanover County direct, non-stop and a flat rate and Henrico County resi- public information officer.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 4, 2020

ASHLAND -- On Tuesday evenings through April 7, the Hanover County Department of Social Services is offering free help with tax returns for qualified individuals and families. This program is offered through United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. To be eligible to receive the assistance, income cannot exceed $55,000. You must bring the following: original W-2s, Social Security Card, dependent Social Security Card, photo identification, and any original tax documents

regarding Affordable Health Care - Form 1095 A. When married filing jointly, your spouse must be present. The Hanover Department of Social Services is a United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site, staffed by IRS-certified volunteers and located at 12304 Washington Hwy. in Ashland. The tax preparation services are available beginning at 5 p.m. on a walk-in basis. Services are first-come, first-served. For more information, call 804-365-6646. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

R-MC lists upcoming events Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The following programs are scheduled for the new year at Randolph-Macon College. March 4-28 – 3 to 5 p.m. Exhibit open 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. 7:30 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 ramifications 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 Mechanicsville.

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accident with damages, $250, in the 6300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike,

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 12 -- “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.

DWI, first offense, was reported in the 6900 block of Cold Harbor Road/Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 6400 block of Cold Harbor Road/Old Millstone Drive, Mechanicsville.