Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/18/20

EDUCATION

SUPPLEMENT

Sterling Daniel appointed to fill seat on HCSB

Outside Spring Home Improvement PAGE

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Vol. 5 No. 27 | Richmond Suburban News | March 18, 2020

Hanover joins in declaring Local State of Emergency Hanover County has joined with its fellow government partners in the Richmond region to declare a Local State of Emergency due to the Coronavirus, called COVID-19. The state of emergency designation gives public safety agencies more flexibility to work seamlessly with surrounding jurisdictions, streamlines procedures to enable Hanover to procure necessary Photo submitted by Tom Harris supplies in a more efficient Sean Davis, vice chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, addresses a gathering of manner and gives the counregional leaders on Friday who agreed to declare a Local State of Emergency due to COVID-19. ties access to state and federal

Former mayor: change schools’ names By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND — Former Ashland Mayor Jim Foley added his name to a growing list of Hanover County residents requesting a name change regarding two county schools named for Confederate generals or leaders. “I am here tonight to ask you to end this foolishness regarding the school names,” Foley said during a public comment period at last week’s meeting of the Hanover County School Board. “You cannot avoid responsibility and wait three to five years … Moral courage is difficult, but let’s do the right thing now.” Foley acknowledged the courage of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who campaigned against segregation. “You have had the opportunity to show moral courage for the last several years and

this board has failed,” Foley said. He also alluded to Jefferson Davis’ home state of Mississippi and its secession articles that defended slavery as a necessary and vital part of the Southern economy. “These are the deeds and words we honor at Lee-Davis FOLEY High School. You honor these deeds and words,” Foley said. With a pending lawsuit against the school board by the Hanover NAACP, Foley said it’s time “to end this foolishness.” Dr. Marlene Fuller, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, echoed those sentiments as she addressed the board. “Tonight I stand here to challenge

you on the names of schools and mascots in Hanover County,” Fuller said. Fuller said she spoke from the perspective of a mother as well as pastor of a group of people who have been “emotionally wounded from their educational experience in Hanover County.” The pastor said education cannot be equal for all “when the names of schools and mascots hold sacred the pledge of superiority of one group over the other.” “When a black student comes to school and encounters students who feel they have permission due to the culture of the school and community to call another racially derogative terms, we are not equal,” Fuller said. She pointed to textbooks that omit the complete history of the country as another inequity suffered by minority students. “As a pastor, I am asking you to chalsee MAYOR, pg. 16

The Governor orders all K-12 schools to close for at least two weeks. Turn to page 8.

County schools closed for 2 weeks

emergency funding. A joint press conference on Friday, March 13, featured speakers from Hanover, Chesterfield, Henrico and Goochland counties and the City of Richmond and Henrico/Richmond Health

(Editor’s note: The following was released Friday by Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.) Earlier today, public officials from Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield and Goochland counties and the City of Richmond declared a local state

see HANOVER, pg. 3

see SCHOOLS, pg. 2

Hines: Sheriff ’s Office will still be available for county’s needs (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Col. David R. Hines, sheriff of Hanover County.) Concerns regarding COVID-19 continue throughout communities in the United States. In the interest of public health, some large public events have been canceled. Learning institutions are making adjustments for faculty and students. International travel to and from the United States has experienced restrictions. In some cases, non-essential services have been delayed or canceled.

The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office recognizes the concern over potential exposure. Historically, we are familiar with concerns of this nature such as the “Swine” flu and the Ebola virus. For more than a decade, we have worked closely with our public safety partners to establish best practices on how to serve our community under many different circumstances. We have plans and equipment in place and are capable of supporting the needs of our community. Every deputy carries personal protective see HINES, pg. 3

Extra measures being taken to keep our work areas safe To our subscribers, As we continue to gather and deliver the most relevant, reliable and credible news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want you to know that we are taking extra measures to keep our work environments safe. We have instructed our employees to work from home if they have health or scheduling concerns and to observe universal good hygiene guidelines, something all of us should observe: z Washing our hands frequently z Maintaining social distancing z Avoiding touching our face z Covering our mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing

We also have taken measures to disinfect the working areas at our facilities to ensure that The Mechanicsville Local gets to you safely. Our newsroom staff is working non-stop to report on all aspects of this health emergency, including producing stories about closings and cancellations, medical repercussions, the decision-making processes of local leaders and much more, such as expert advice and tips about how best to deal with the impact of the virus. Additionally, we are providing COVID-19 news coverage in our weekly print editions, on our website, and on social media platforms so our entire community can stay informed. Please know that we continsee SAFE, pg. 3

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

Photo event to benefit Hanover Humane Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- It's that time of year again! Join the Hanover Humane Society and Jessica Robertson, Photographic Artistry, for the Eleventh Annual "Furry Family Photos for Philanthropy” Event (for-

HANOVER Continued from pg. 1

District Director Danny Avula expressing their determination to work together to protect the health and welfare of the region’s residents. “The health and safety of all our residents is our primary concern,” said Hanover County Board of Supervisors vice chairman Sean Davis. “Therefore, I think it is important that Hanover County declare a Local State of Emergency, joining with our regional neighbors to share our resources and coordinate our efforts.” Hanover County leaders join with their colleagues in urging residents to avoid large gatherings of 250 people or more and change their normal social interactions to avoid doing things like shaking hands. On a personal level, continue to minimize touching your eyes, nose and mouth. “These are acts of prevention and compassion and preparation,” Avula said. A primary goal of all regional partners is to “flatten the curve” and

Photo courtesy of Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry

“Furry Family Photos for Philanthropy” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, March 19-20, by appointment only

merly, “Ashland Goes to the Dogs”). The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, March 19-20 by appointment only, with the $47 session fee donated to the Hanover Humane Society. reduce the number of people affected by the virus so that the number of cases at one time does not overwhelm local health care systems. Hanover County Administrator Cecil R. Harris Jr. emphasized that no changes are anticipated in the services offered by Hanover County government. The county has business contingency plans intended to address local emergencies. “The declaration of local emergency is intended to help maintain the local government services we provide to our residents,” Harris said. Regional public safety efforts are being directed by the Central Virginia All Hazards Incident Management Team. The county’s website at www.hanovercounty.gov is regularly updated with information on COVID1- issues of importance, along with the county’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. To get email updates, subscribe to Hanover Access News on the homepage at www.hanovercounty.gov. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

Schedule a photo session by calling 804-798-7980. Vi s i t w w w. JessicaRobertson.com for additional information regarding Jessica Robertson and to learn more about this fundraiser.

Hanover Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) entity that promotes animal adoption, education, and prevention programs for animals in Ashland and the surrounding Richmond metropolitan area.

Effective immediately, all school and community activities are Continued from pg. 1 canceled through March 27. We understand this is a sigof emergency in response to nificant disruption to your daily COVID-19. lives, and we do not make these One of the most important decisions lightly. We believe recommendations made by this is the best decision possible officials is to avoid all events to help protect the health and where attendance is expected safety of our students, famito be 250 people and greater to lies, staff, and community. We help contain continue to and prevent ask for your the further “We understand patience, spread of this is a significant understandCOVID-19 ing, and disruption to your within our support as community. daily lives, and we we navigate In response do not mae these this difficult to this new and unprecdecisions lightly.” development edented situand related DR. MICHAEL GILL ation in our guidance, we Superintendent community are announcHanover County and country. ing the folPublic Schools In the lowing decime ant i me, sion: we continue to work hard at all Students: Hanover County levels to help provide support Public Schools will be closed to our students and families for students March 16-27. We during the closure. In the comwill continue to reassess our ing days, we will communicate decision to determine if any further details about our plan to further closures are necessary provide students with instrucbeyond March 27. tional materials, as well as other Teachers and Staff: Specific resources and supports. and more detailed guidance is As always, thank you for forthcoming. your continued support of our A f te rs cho ol / e x t r a c u r- efforts to help keep our sturicular and weekend activities: dents and staff healthy and safe.

SCHOOLS

We Have It All

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Feb. 10

Entering property with intent to damage was reported in the 11100 block of Washington Highway, Ashland. ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 15000 block of Bourne Road, Montpelier. Threats of death or bodily injury by letter or electronic means were reported in the 7100 block of Haynes Drive, Mechanicsville. Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 9200 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Uttering was reported in the 9700 block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Simple assault was reported in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 15000 block of Hopeful Church Road, Bumpass.

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 8300 block of Jane Lee Circle, Mechanicsville.

SAFE Continued from pg. 2

ue to work hard to deliver news you can use in print or through our website www.mechlocal. com and on Facebook, www. facebook.com/mechlocal and Twitter, @MLeditor. Timely and informative journalism helps readers make decisions and wade through the uncertainty that comes with challenging times. We are committed to our mission of reporting and delivering local news, especially in difficult times. Thank you for your support.

Identity theft, financial loss, $200, was reported in the 7800 block of Silktree Place, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 4300 block of Crown Hill Road, Mechanicsville. Simple assault was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Feb. 11

Removing computer data, $1,000, without authority was reported in the 11700 block of North Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 9900 block of Revolutionary Place, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 9500 block of Kings Charter Drive, Ashland.

Petit larceny building was reported in the 12400 block of West Patrick Henry Road, Ashland. Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 14400 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

HINES Continued from pg. 1

equipment (PPE) and continually ensures their equipment and vehicles are sanitized and in good working order. Our deputies understand how to work in an environment needing an abundance of caution and continue to provide the services our community deserves and expects. Some functions such as fingerprinting for solicitor’s permits are temporarily on hold. However, if you need us, a deputy will respond. Crimes will be investigat-

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Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 7400 block of Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville.

block of Scotchtown Road, Montpelier.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 8200 block of Mechanicsville Road/Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 11000 block of Cobbs Road, Glen Allen.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 8400 block of Old Cavalry Drive, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 11600 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8200 block of Meadowbridge Road/Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, was reported in the 14300 block of Washington Highway/ Cross Corner Road, Ashland. Obtaining money, etc., under false pretenses, $200, was reported in the 16600 block of Mountain Road, Montpelier. Obtaining money, etc., under false pretenses, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 7200 block of Battle Hill Drive, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money, etc., under false pretenses, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 6300 block of Morning Glory Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI, first offense, was reported in the 9300 block of Cool Spring Road/Combs Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 6400 block of Mary Esther Lane, Mechanicsville.

Feb. 12

Obtaining money, etc., under false pretenses, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 14600

ed and traffic laws enforced. We have the lowest crime rate since 1975 and one of the highest crime clearance rates on record and do not expect that to change. Your Sheriff ’s Office is in the community. While children play at parks, school and at home, we are there to make sure they are safe. When 9-1-1 is dialed, we assess the situation and respond to every call for help. When one of our adopt-aseniors is having difficulty, we are there to comfort and serve. If a report is needed, we are there. If there is an accident, we are there. If a home gets

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 11100 block o Linderwood Drive, Mechanicsville.

burglarized, if there is a robbery or a car is broken into, we are there. When the nation reacts to COVID-19, we will be there continuing to serve and meet the needs of our community. This is our oath of office and promise to you. In short, we intend to provide the same level of service today as yesterday. I say this with confidence because our Sheriff ’s Office personnel represent some of the finest law enforcement officers in the nation, and I also know what makes Hanover

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020 3

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals DOWNING, David Walter, 81, of Ashland, died Thursday, March 5, 2020. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Anne Downing; brother, Jack Downing; and sisters-inlaw, Dorothy Downing and Peggy Downing; his parents, Alberta Whales Downing and Reginald Ray Downing; mother and father-in-law, Clifford and Helen Cobbett. David is survived by his wife, Apphia Holly Downing; daughter, Susan Holly Downing-Reed; son-in-law, Robert Reed; three grandchildren, Samantha Holly, Alexandra Susan and Cameron Christopher. Mr. Downing was a truck driver and warehouseman for Parker's Trucking Company in Avon, Mass. He was also an Army Reservist. His many hobbies included playing guitar, banjo and bicycling; he was a lifetime softball player and loved

camping, studying the German language, playing ping pong, reading, horseback riding, tinkering and repairing lawnmowers and cars; building house additions, garages and horse barns. He was a member of Northport Neighborhood Watch in Northport, Fla. and the Hanover AARP Chapter 5335. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. and will immediately be followed by a funeral service on Monday, March 9, at the Atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville. Interment will be in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Abington, Mass., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences at www. nelsenashland.com.

Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration RSVP needed HANOVER -- The community is invited to join Hanover County in celebrating the compassion and kindness that neighbors and volunteers so generously share with others. Hanover’s annual Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, at Lee-Davis High School (this is a change in date and place). The event is a gathering for all volunteers who have shared their time and talents either

informally or within various organizations, schools, faith community, civic clubs, youth groups and county programs serving Hanover and beyond. Although free to attend, RSVPs are encouraged. To RSVP, visit www. HanoverVolunteers.org or call 804-365-4300. Deadline for the public to RSVP is April 15. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

Governor orders all state K-12 schools to close at least two weeks

R

ICHMOND — Gov. Ralph Northam today ordered all K-12 schools in Virginia to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Schools will close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at a minimum. Localities will maintain authority over specific staffing decisions to ensure students maintain continuity of services or learning, while protecting the public health of teachers and staff. “We are taking this action to keep Virginians as safe and healthy as possible, and to minimize exposure to COVID19,” said Northam. “I recognize this will pose a hardship on many families, but closing our schools for two weeks will not only give our staff time to clean and disinfect school facilities, it will help slow the spread of this virus. This is a fluid and fast-changing situation. We will do everything possible to ensure that students who rely on school nutrition programs continue to have access to meals, and that the disruption to academics is as minimal as possible.” Virginia Department of Education officials are working closely with school divisions and the Department of Social Services to ensure students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs are able to access those programs while schools are closed. The Department of Education will issue guidance and memos to superintendents across the Commonwealth to provide specifics about the continuity of education, school nutrition, and updated public health guidelines. “We recognize this decision places burdens on many of our parents and families, especially for those who rely on school nutrition programs for access to healthy food for their children,” said Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “However, we believe closing Virginia schools is in the Commonwealth’s best interest as we seek to stop the spread of COVID-19. Virginia will continue to explore and implement innovative approaches to provide meals to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch during this closure.”

School officials are also working to minimize disruptions to instructional time. “The Department of Education is working closely with divisions to minimize disruptions to our students’ academic development by encouraging schools to provide students and families with educational resources throughout this time,” said Dr. James Lane, state superintendent of Public Instruction. “We are committed to help divisions address all the implications of these closures and will seek to provide each division with maximum flexibility to address local needs as they arise, especially as it relates to make-up days.” On Thursday, Northam declared a state of emergency for Virginia, which will provide increased flexibility to ease regulatory requirements and procurement rules, continue federal and multi-state coordination, and ensure continued access to critical services for the most vulnerable Virginians. The Governor also halted speciallyscheduled state events and conferences for 30 days, and banned out-of-state travel for state employees, with allowances for individuals in border communities.

Ongoing State Response Efforts The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to execute a multi-agency response plan across all levels of government. Ongoing statewide efforts include the following:

Justice-Involved Populations

z The Department of Corrections (DOC) has canceled offender visitation at all facilities until further notice. Off-site video visitation is still available. z A dedicated COVID-19 public information line with an updated, recorded message is operational. The phone number is (804) 887-8484. z DOC has implemented a screening protocol for offenders coming into state facilities from local jails. z Virginia provided detailed guidance to correctional facilities and other work locations regarding approved hand washing, sanitizing, and disinfectant products, and instructions for the proper use of

those products to provide protection from COVID-19.

State Workforce z The Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) has directed all state agencies to update their emergency operations and paid leave policies, and Virginia will begin implementing a phased transition to teleworking for state employees. z Virginia is setting an example by activating paid Public Health Emergency Leave for state employees who have recently traveled to high-risk areas. z All official travel outside of Virginia by state employees has been halted, with increased flexibility for inter-state commuters and essential personnel. State employees have been advised to limit inperson meetings and non-essential workrelated gatherings. Specific guidance will be released to agency heads and state employees, and Virginia will revisit these guidelines after 30 days.

Vulnerable Populations z The Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Department of Social Services are preparing options to ensure the most vulnerable populations have continued access to critical services, including the potential for in-home care and food support. z In the event of extended school closures, the Department of Social Services is working with local partners, such as food pantries, to ensure no one goes hungry.

Transportation z The Department of Rail and Public Transportation is coordinating with Metro, Amtrak, Virginia Rail Express, and transit agencies across Virginia to adjust cleaning schedules according to CDC protocol. z Washington Dulles International Airport is one of 11 airports designated by the federal government to receive flights from China. The CDC is conducting screenings of passengers at Dulles who have been in China or Iran during the past 14 days. z Virginia also is working with transportation partners to help reduce the potential spread of disease.

Sterling Daniel appointed to Mechanicsville seat By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER -- Minutes before announcing his decision appointing Sterling Daniel as the new Mechanicsville representative on the Hanover County School Board, Canova Peterson acknowledged the service of the man who is being replaced. Roger Bourassa, who resigned his position as chair of the panel late last year, sat silently in the audience as Peterson prepared to name his successor. After acknowledging the presence of school administration officials and a number of school board members, Peterson recognized the former Mechanicsville representative on the panel. “I don’t see any others except one very important person, the past school board member from the Mechanicsville District, Mr. Roger Bourassa,” Peterson said. “Thank you for being here and thank you for the

service you’ve provided over the past six years.” Shortly after, Peterson named Daniel as the new representative, a choice he said was not easy due to the excellent pool of candidates. “We had four people who put their names up for this nomination for the seat in Mechanicsville,” Peterson said. “I thought at the time that I would have exactly what I had: a situation where I could not make a bad choice,” Peterson said, alluding to the qualifications of all four candidates. Ryan Hudson, Stan Scott and Michael Allen also applied for the appointment. “After interviewing all four of them, I was still in the position that I could not make a bad choice,” Peterson said. “I thank all of them for their willingness to serve.” Daniel is employed as the finance manager for VCU’s School of Humanities and Science, a lifelong resident of Hanover County, and the father of two boys, a fourth-

important role in his decision to seek the position. “I am not active in the political circle. I’m simply just a parent who was willing to serve sand I look forward to contributing to the work of the school board.” “I appreciate the trust you are placing in me for this important role,” Daniel said. “Having grown up in Mechanicsville and spending my life here, it’s a great honor to be able to serve the community on the school board.” Daniel acknowledged his entry on the panel comes

at a time when a myriad of important issues are being considered. “It seems there is no shortage of complex, difficult challenges facing the school board at this time, so I look forward to getting involved immediately and working with the good folks on the board. I look forward to continuing Hanover’s long tradition of success in public schools.” Ashland District supervisor Faye Prichard, also a VCU administrator, welcomed Daniel aboard and

said the budget specialist comes to Hanover with rave reviews. “When Mr. Daniel came forward, I started to ask around . . . and I’ve been there 25 years, and this is the first time I didn’t hear a single negative response,” Prichard said. “My colleagues at VCU concur that this is one of the most upstanding and forthright people that they have worked with and many of our colleagues at VCU are see DANIEL, pg. 10

Jim Ridolphi/The Local

Sterling Daniel addresses the Hanover County Board of Supervisors explaining why he wants the open seat representing the Mechanicsville District on the Hanover County School Board.

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grader and kindergartner. “I want to thank my family for also making this commitment with me,” he said as he accepted the appointment. Daniel said having young kids in school played an

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Col. David R. Hines, second from left, accepted a plaque from Craig Hartley, third from left, executive director of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during last Wednesday’s meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. The plaque represents a recertification valid for the next four years.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020 5

OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

From the managing editor

With coronavirus’ arrival, what is ahead? By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

I

don’t fear death. Do I have your attention with that opening statement? While the world is spinning in a coronavirus or COVID-19 frenzy, I’m not worried. I’ve been adhering to the same weekly routine with work, errands, and life in general. There is certainly concern for the economic impact this illness has placed upon the world as a whole. My greatest worry is for those who survive paycheck to paycheck, as employers are being forced to make decisions about whether to keep their doors and/or operations going. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, was pursuing assistance from employers last week to help during

this time of businesses being shut down if employees are unable to work from home. Fortunately, I’m employed by a company that allows us to work from home and provides the necessary equipment and access to make it possible. Let’s go back to the opening statement. Sadly, when my father died, I was not, as Christians say, “ready to go”. He would often tell me, “Your good deeds don’t matter. Are you ready to go?” Since 2010, that answer has been yes. But I am saddened at the panic some suffer in times like these. And with my Inbox (business and personal) overflowing with postponements and cancellations, there is a sort of cloud of doom looming over the nation’s financial status. And, yet, I’m not going to be a Debbie Downer,

because I trust in the resilience and determination of the people of the United States. My sister had a Ph.D. in chemistry and I was not much of a student in science, but I understand when I read the newspaper (yes, the Richmond Times-Dispatch) how this flu is different than others we have faced and conquered. I’d like to think I’m a glass half full personality, as we look ahead to the possibilities of an anecdote and eradicating the coronavirus. Here’s where the praying is involved. Of course, I’m at an age where you are more accepting of the inevitable. As a youth, it’s an invincible life (at least mine was in my mind). Even when all is well on a global scale, remember to always tell your family and friends that you love them. That’s the best medicine ever.

Sometimes you have to make room for memories By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist It was one of the many transactions in my life that caused immediate regret accompanied by that usually correct inner voice alerting you to the mistake almost as soon as you made it. That’s how I felt as a friend loaded up more than 200 albums that had seemingly outlived their usefulness. The sheer volume had become a storage problem, and, with the impending birth of twins, we needed all the space

we could find. It was a reoccurring conversation with my then wife, only intensified by the need for more space as we prepared for the addition of two babies to our household. I contended the albums were more than just recordings and represented a major portion of my life, each one carefully selected and saved for deae of the LPs were purchased at Gary’s in Willow Lawn, a record shop that resembled thousands of others in the

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

1960s complete with listening booths and walls of 45 RPM hits arranged on the walls. I later succumbed to a trend that changed that familiar image as record stores became big business and superstores began to market the latest releases. A place called Sight and Sound opened in Willow Lawn and featured the top albums of the week at special prices. It’s when I began an expansion of my limited collection, and began

purchasing those hit list albums. Over the years, the collection followed me from apartment to apartment, long after my turntable was gone, and 8-tracks, cassettes and discs became the delivery system for all of the latest releases. It appeared that the record was indeed headed for extinction. I still hung on to the aging albums, somehow equating them to some sort of fountain of youth that should not be disturbed. see MEMORIES, pg. 11

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 compares Wegmans’ proposal to Riverstone plan After a year without considering community impacts, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors (board) approved a $4.42 million incentive package for the Wegmans Distribution Center (DC) development. The county package consists of $2.92 million in tax reductions and rebates and $1.5 million in county water, sewer, and road improvements. In return, Wegmans promises, or proffers, truck entrance turn lanes and a minor 0.1-mile road realignment. The Wegmans deal should be compared to the Riverstone development approved last year. Like Wegmans, Riverstone featured a DC, the taxexempt Virginia ABC facility, on part of the property. * County tax revenues. After considering the county tax exemption applicable to the ABC’s DC, Riverstone generates net county tax revenues of $6,793/ acre. After considering the county tax reductions and rebates and the negative impact of the Wegmans’ DC on the property values of nearby homes, Wegmans generates net county tax revenues of $4,494/acre. Riverstone generates $2,299 more in annual tax revenue/ acre (51%) than Wegmans. * Infrastructure improvements. In Riverstone, the Comprehensive Plan was interpreted to preclude infrastructure improvements for developments that do not pay county taxes, and Riverstone received none. However, the county provides $1.5 million in infrastructure improvements for Wegmans. * Proffers. The $1.5 million for Wegmans’ infrastructure improvements includes $0.4 million for roads, which can be used by Wegmans for its truck entrance turn lanes and a minor road realignment. By contrast, Riverstone provides the county $0.8 million in cash proffers to widen Pole Green Road plus a 0.5-mile road relocation, a traffic signal, and a 0.3-mile right turn lane off an interstate interchange. see LETTERS, pg. 11

UPCOMING EVENTS

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18 2020

NASCAR racing: ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond Raceway

04

19 2020

NASCAR racing: Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway 2:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Sports in the time of the Coronavirus Quick response may have allowed seniors’ season to run course

VHSL delays start of spring season

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor The senior seasons of Randolph-Macon basketball players Corey Bays, Kent Kilgroe and Korey Turner will never end. The three young men, along with the rest of their Yellow Jacket teammates, earned their way into the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament. They earned the right to play at least one more game in a Randolph-Macon uniform and on the Yellow Jackets’ home court in Crenshaw Gymnasium. That game, which would have been against Yeshiva University last Friday, will never happen. Thursday, in response to the growing and still-evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA decided to cancel all of its winter championships. The organization had planned

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Opinion

Frank Straus/Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon seniors Kent Kilgroe (left), Korey Turner and Corey Bays end their career as best in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, but will never know if they were the best in the nation after the NCAA cancelled the D-III championship tournament.

to continue in smaller venues idly, even that option seemed an without fans, but with the pan- unnecessary risk. Tens of thousands of athdemic – or at least our understanding of it – changing so rap- letes have put themselves in

the position of competing for worldwide at the scholastic, championships, but the current amateur and professional levels. public health crisis has triggered cancellations or postponements see SPORTS, pg. 8

The opening of the Virginia High School League spring sports season will be postponed for two weeks – and maybe longer – according to an announcement released Friday. The postponement results from concerns over COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization Wednesday, and follows Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s declaration of a state of emergency Thursday and President Donald Trump’s [anticipated] declaration of a national state of emergency see VHSL, pg. 8

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

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security team in 2018. Trump defended that and similar budget cuts in a press conference on the government’s coronavirus response on Feb. 26.

“I’m a businessperson,” Trump said. “I don’t like having thousands of people around when you don’t need them. When we need them, we can

get them back very quickly.” There are plenty of fallacies in that statement. One of the fundamental flaws is that one cannot do surveillance and plan

for potential disasters if you don’t have the experts to do the surveillance and planning. And when you don’t have the experts to do the surveillance and planning, you get caught with your pants down and shoes tied together, as we have been with COVID-19. And any reasonably informed sports fan knows that you cannot assemble a winning team very quickly. You have to retain and recruit veterans, develop young talent, and always be on the lookout for someone who can fill key gaps in your roster. And even when you have all the studs you need, they have to play together – getting them to do that usually takes time. Likewise, braggadocio is never a good substitute for competence. No matter how great or perfect or excellent you claim your disease testing regime is, if you don’t have sufficient tests, if the tests are flawed, if you don’t have a coherent plan for administering the tests and collating and making sense of the results, you’ve got zilch. Those on high can misleadingly claim our response is “No. 1,” but when the data shows that the U.S. as a whole lags way behind every other developed nation in terms of testing capacity – for example, Virginia had only about 500 coronavirus test kits available earlier this

VHSL

discussions with public health officials and key stakeholders.” In addition, Hanover County Public School announced Friday that it will close schools from last Monday until at least March 27. Later Friday afternoon, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered public schools throughout the state to be closed from March 16 through March 27. “I recognize this will pose a hardship on many families, but closing our schools for two weeks will not only give our staff time to clean and disinfect school facilities, it will help slow

the spread of this virus,” he said. “This is a fluid and fast-changing situation. We will do everything possible to ensure that students who rely on school nutrition programs continue to have access to meals, and that the disruption to academics is as minimal as possible.” Hanover County Administrator Cecil Harris joined other local governments in proclaiming a local state of emergency in a joint press conference at the Richmond Police Training Center Friday morning. As for colleges, the NCAA

announced the cancellation of all winter sports championships, which brought a premature end to the Randolph-Macon men’s basketball season. The college had planned to continue with its spring sports schedule – as long as its opponents were willing – but by Friday afternoon the college and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference announced an indefinite suspension of regular-season competition. The closures and postponements announced thus far may be extended. The VHSL Crisis Management Committee will meet again on March 25 to

SPORTS Continued from pg. 7

In the Commonwealth, the Virginia High School League initially planned to follow the NCAA plan of fanless championships; likewise Thursday, the organization cancelled the rest of its winter championship tournaments and will declare the remaining boys and girls basketball teams standing in the Class 3, 4, 5 and 6 tournaments co-champions. For the remaining 16 teams in the NCAA Division III tournament, that’s not going to be an option. All RandolphMacon and its 15 fellow survivors will be is the last 16 teams standing. Given that that is from a field of nearly 500 D-III teams, that’s not bad, but it’s not nearly as satisfying as proving on the court, on the field, or the ice that you were – or were not – the best. Even a defeat gives one the satisfaction of finality. There will be no closure (for lack of a better word) here. No one can be blamed for the emergence of the virus. Assuming the prevailing hypothesis of COVID-19’s origin is correct and investigators can find the hunter that killed the animal that originally carried it, or find the merchant selling the meat or the person buying the meat somewhere in Wuhan, China, the fact is that none of those involved in the initial emergence of the disease planned to unleash a global health threat. These things happen and will continue to happen. That’s why we need adequate disease surveillance and sustained research into the origins, containment and treatment of potentially emerging diseases. And this is where our current leadership has failed us. Among the blunders from on high was the Trump administration’s elimination of the White House’s global health

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Dave Lawrence/The Local

With help from a screen by teammate Miles Mallory, Randolph-Macon senior guard Korey Turner (1) gets around Wesley’s Andrew Shepherd in the Yellow Jackets’ 81-69 victory over the visiting Wolverines in their first-round game of the NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament at Crenshaw Gymnasium on March 6. Turner is one of three Randolph-Macon seniors whose playing careers were ended early as a result of the NCAA’s cancellation of the tournament.

Continued from pg. 7

Friday. “After continuing to assess the impact of COVID-19 we convened the VHSL Crisis Management Committee and it was decided that the best course of action and most prudent at this time was to delay spring sports first play date by two weeks,” VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun said. “The VHSL continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 and will continue

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

week – the claim “We’re No. 1!” becomes nothing but an idle and dangerous boast. There are other missteps – like making provably contrafactual statements by those at the top of our government – that I could cite as evidence of the less-than-ideal response thus far mounted by U.S. authorities in response to the coronavirus, but I prefer to return to where I started, focusing on three guys I will miss seeing on a lovely wooden floor in Ashland. Corey Bays, Kent Kilgroe and Korey Turner have been cheated, not by the emergence of the disease that has denied them to chance to know whether or not they were the best, but by the lack of preparation by those at the highest levels of our government. Had those officials been prudent in ensuring our readiness, had they been willing to listen to the advice of experts – who have spent their adult lives developing that expertise – and had they emphasized speaking the truth rather than puffing up their self-marketing campaigns, the athletic careers of these three young men and of thousands of other athletes like them around the nation might not have been brought to a premature end. Dave Lawrence can be reached a dlawrence@mechlocal.com. review developments. As a result of all the coronavirus-related cancellations and postponements, readers of the Richmond Suburban News sports sections will notice that there won’t be much, if any, game coverage for the next few weeks. There won’t be any games! So we welcome reader suggestions on story ideas. Feel free to offer your suggestions by e-mail at dlawrence@mechlocal.com. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

More scenes from March 8 Hanover Idol and Junior Idol events

Meredith Elliott, left, performs "Almost There" from Princess & The Frog. At right, Roger Reynolds performs Tony Bennett’s “It Had to Be You”. Hanover Idol Master of Ceremonies James Lynn is shown at left during the competitions, which held at the Ashland Theatre. Proceeds from the Hanover Idol and Hanover Junior Idol competitions benefit the Hanover Arts & Activities Center.

Lily Manyara performs Aiden Martin's "Punchline".

Photographs for Ashland-Hanover Local by Joel Klein

Cooper Lunde sings Cyndi Lauper's “True Colors” during the Hanover Junior Idol competition on Sunday afternoon, March 8, at the Ashland Theatre.

Regional librarian announces schedule at Ashland-area locations Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner has announced the schedule of activities for the rest of the month for Ashland-area libraries in the Pamunkey Regional Library system.

Richard S. Gillis Jr./Ashland Branch Library For more information, call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. Stitchin’ Time! -- Monday, March 23 & 30, 7-8:30 p.m. Grab your needles, yarn, and patterns and join in fun conversation and stitching at the drop-in fiber crafts group. From knitters to cross-stitchers, crocheters to hand-sewers, all are welcome! Must Love Words -- Tuesday, March 24, 7-8:30 p.m. Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join in for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing. Morning Book Club -- Friday, March 20, 10-11 a.m. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Follow Your Tracks! -- Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Participants will identify their own ancestral history then “follow their tracks” to research various dog breeds that originated from where their ancestors came. A map will be created highlighting the various areas from which participants’ ancestors originated. Cosplay, the World & You -- Wednesday, March 25, 7-8 p.m. Cosplay has become such a prominent subject on pop culture all across the world today. How does this hobby affect our world? How can you get involved in this exciting combination of fashion, media, community, etc.? Delve deep into this riveting discussion! March Movie Madness -- Friday, March 27, noon-5 p.m. for ags 7 & up. Take part in a movie marathon at the library! Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library Hanover Master Gardeners Series -- Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m.-noon. Join the Hanover Master Gardeners as they present a wealth of gardening knowledge to homeowners and anyone wanting to make their thumb greener. Each Saturday a new topic will be presented. Each will be designed to beautify your yard and enrich your gardening experience. Your specific gardening questions will be welcome. Storytimes -- Mondays (March 23 & 30) Mother Goose, 10 a.m.; Family, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesdays (March 24 & 31) Toddler, 10 a.m.; Preschool, 10:45 a.m.

Hanover Branch Library For more information, call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive. Homeschool 3D Printer Demo -- Friday, March 20, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Have you ever wondered about 3D printers and what they can do? Join in learning about the process of taking an idea and making it a reality with 3D printing. The possibilities are endless! Storytimes -- Fridays (March 20 & 27) Family, 10:45 a.m.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library For more information, call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane. Scratch Coding for Teens -- Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-noon. What do you think when we say made from Scratch? Scratch is a graphic language that gives kids power to create interactive digital programs! (You thought cookies? There will be cookies too.) Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Montpelier Library. Resume Skills Workshop -- Wednesday, March 25, 6:30-8 p.m. Get ready to make your experience shine. Join and learn how to format a professional-looking resume using free tools available through the library. Snacks will be pro-

vided by the Friends of the Montpelier Library. Family Storytimes -- Wednesday, March 18 & 25, 10 a.m.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library For more information, call 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road. LEGOs! --Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., for ages 5-12. Use your engineering skills to create a LEGO design all your own. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library. Rockville Book Club -- Tuesday, March 24, 10 a.m.-noon. Discover new books and authors! Join in book discussions and share your reading suggestions. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library. Storybook STEAM -- Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m.-noon. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in a story? Now you don’t have to! Join in engineering an escape, building a bridge, and keeping out the wolf! Together, STEAM skills will be used to explore concepts and solve common storybook dilemmas. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library. Family Storytimes -- Fridays, March 20 & 27, 10:30 a.m. To contact Carolyn Garner, email cgarner@ pamunkeylibrary.org or call 804-746-3176.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020 9

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Saturday, May 16 The Highland Springs High School Class of 1970 will hold its 50th Reunion at the Hill Building at Sandston Pool, located at 501 Beulah Rd. in Sandston. Music will be by DJ Dalton Beagle. Dinner, drinks and dessert will be provided by Champagne Taste Catering. Bring your own mixers and alcohol. Small coolers are welcome. The doors will open at 4 p.m.; cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner 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.

Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy.leigh@verizon.net. Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-9645 or email kjfaith1@ gmail.com.

Saturdays

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

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5

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

will be donuts. Eugene Truitt is the Post commander. He can be contacted at 804-746-4734.

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.

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

Tuesdays

Thursdays

A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about 11 a.m. at the Beaverdam Post at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam. Members discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also

The Rotary Club of Ashland meets at noon for lunch at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo.

Sundays

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. Chesney, Animal ID# 574528, is a 2-year-old (estimated) male domestic short-haired feline. He has had his first set of vaccines given and is FELV/FIV negative. Chesney is a sweet little cat who has been in the shelter for about one week now. He has come a long was in this short time. Chesney started off timid but he has come around fast. He now loves to be around people. He also is good with other cats. Ches-ney will prob-ably do best in an indoor living envi-ron-ment. Ellie, Animal ID# 574529, is a 1-year-old female spayed canine/pitbull. She has had her first set of vaccines and is /Heartworm test negative. Ellie is a very nice girl that has been at the shelter for about two weeks now. She was surrendered because of issues with the other family dog. For this reason, Ellie is best suited being the only dog in the household. Ellie has a sweet disposition with people. She is friendly and playful. Ellie loves to go on walks. She will be a great companion for an active owner. For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804365-6485 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/.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

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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.

com.

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

Second Tuesdays Hanover Family Support Group, a support group for family members of a loved one with a mental illness, meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday evening of each month at the Ashland office of Hanover Community Services located at 12300 Washington Highway in Ashland. Attendees support one another, share experiences, challenges and resources and to advocate for their loved ones. For more information, contact Kathy Redfearn, LCSW at 804-

DANIEL Continued from pg. 5

extending their congratulations,” she continued. The Daniel family is no stranger to Hanover government. Elizabeth Daniel, the appointee’s mother, served as clerk of the board for many years. Daniel said managing the budget for VCU’s largest academic division will better prepare him for this new challenge with Hanover County Public Schools. “I’m used to the responsibility of balancing a budget and all of the issues that come along with it,” Daniel said. Daniel also received high marks from the man he replaces. “I congratulate Mr. Daniel on his appointment to the Hanover County School Board – Mechanicsville District,” Bourassa said. We have witnessed how our appointed school board brings out such passionate individuals who are willing to offer their time and knowledge for Hanover

675-4230. The Hanover County Historical Society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through December. The address is 13182 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. For more information, visit http://www. hanoverhistorical.org/index. html. The Clay Spring Garden Club in Ashland meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (except for the month of July at the First Baptist Church in Ashland off of U.S. 54. Barbara Boor is the president. Doors are open to anyone who would like to attend.

County Public Schools. Mr. Daniel exhibits the passion for our schools, and I am certain he will be an excellent representative for the Hanover County School Board.” In other matters, the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office was received a recertification award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), marking the sixth consecutive time the office has received that recognition. Craig Hartley, executive director of CALEA, presented Col. David Hines, sheriff, with a plaque of recertification valid for the next four years. Hines credited his colleagues for the job they perform and the credit it deservedly receives, but also recognized a community that supports those efforts. “This is not about us. It’s not about the Sheriff’s Office. It’s about you up there, and it’s about the citizens and a community working together,” Hines said. “I want to thank our community for what they do for us each and every day.”

Chamber supports Christmas Mother with $1,230 donation MECHANICSVILLE -“This is one more way our community supports each other,” said Amanda Porch, 2019-2020 Hanover Chamber of Commerce board president and vice president of Small Business Banking for Village Bank, of the $1,230 donation given in December to the Hanover Christmas Mother. Funds were raised through an annual event called “Celebrate Hanover” in admission, sponsorships and raffle tickets. This donation, given to 2019 Christmas Mother Carolyn Bowles, marked the 10th year of supporting the Hanover Christmas Mother. The Hanover Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1980 and consisting of 325-plus member companies and organizations, supports the growth and sustainability of area businesses paired with a mission to connect the community. Because of this emphasis, the Chamber recently launched a 501(c)(3) Foundation to better accomplish its goals of giving back and leadership development. In March, the Hanover Chamber’s Foundation will partner with many area businesses to thank the men and women of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office in two ways. The Foundation will present a sizable donation during the HCSO’s annual awards ceremony to support officers hurt in the line of duty or in family crisis while also covering costs for a family-inclusive dinner reception for all HCSO deputies. 2020 is the eighth year

MEMORIES Continued from pg. 6

Years later, as my friend carefully loaded the collection into his car, I decided to grab just a handful of albums, for sentimental reasons I suppose and as a reminder of the influence they had on my life. My daughter is now a fan of vinyl LPs, and she asked if I had any of the old albums. At the bottom of a box, I discovered those rescued records and began to search through the small stack to see what had survived. As I browsed through the titles, the reasoning behind what to keep and what to give away was hard to decipher. The first album was called Buckingham, Nicks. It’s a rare record of the pair prior to their association with Fleetwood Submitted photo Mac, and many of the tunes A donation check was presented to the Hanover Christmas Mother in December 2019. It was would later appear on the enabled by Celebrate Hanover event sponsors and Hanover Chamber members. Shown are, from left, Mark Lea of Richweb, Melissa Miller Haley of the Hanover Chamber, Amanda Porch of Village group’s albums, but the original versions were more pure and Bank, Hanover Christmas Mother Carolyn Bowles, Ed Coleman of Cavalier Rifle & Pistol Club, Ken Powell of James River Equipment, and Janeen Shaffer of Shaffer Coaching. innocent. Now, there were many that needed no explanation for their reprieve, including ZZ Top’s Rio Grande Mud, Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy or the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Others offered no clue as to why they made the last minute escape. Cat Stevens’ Teaser and the Firecat was probably saved due the uniqueness of its cover and artwork. Hall and Oates’ Abandoned Luncheonette was Submitted photo in the middle of the stack right Sponsors of “A Salute to Our Heroes” present the Hanover County Sheriff’s Foundation with a next to Larry Raspberry and $12,000 donation in 2019. The Hanover Chamber Foundation hopes to increase the donation this Highsteppers High Steppin and month. Fancy Dancin. Later this spring, the for “A Salute to Our Heroes” “Positive, young leaders and has proudly raised over Chamber Foundation will need to be recognized so they $55,000 for the Sheriff ’s announce and award at least can continue to enhance their Foundation because of area four scholarships to graduating skills and keep making a difContinued from pg. 6 business support. high school seniors planning ference here in Hanover for Riverstone generates more “These deputies do so to continue their education at years to come,” said Kenny county tax revenue per acre than Janes, vice president of UBS much to protect our roads, a two- or four-year college/ Financial Services and chair of Wegmans. Riverstone also profbusinesses and homes. It is an university or in a trade. the Chamber’s Foundation. fers far more than Wegmans but honor to say thank you,” said The Developing CommuTo learn more about receives far less in infrastructure Emma Lee Mitchell, owner of nity Leaders Scholarships the Hanover Chamber of Weichert Realtors Home Run focus on students who show Commerce and the Chamber improvements than Wegmans. One developer provides Realty and co-chair of Salute strong abilities and interests in Foundation, visit www. plenty for the county. Another since it began in 2013. HanoverChamberVA.com. leadership and businesses.

LETTERS

Rory Buchanon’s Livestock and Leslie West’s Mountain also were among the saved, along with a few other classics. Each album was accompanied with its own special set of memories — a double Beach Boys live album, the Allman Brothers live at Filmore East and Jimi Hendrix Are You experienced, just to name a few. As I got to the bottom of the pile, the last entry was an a capella album called We still ain’t got no band by The Persuasions. I realized these albums would be of little interest to my daughter, and the whole experience had only heightened my remorse at losing all of those records. I quickly realized they were much more than shiny reminders of great songs and artists, but provided a window to the past, each collection as unique as the collector. And, even if they hadn’t been played in years, the albums still delivered a message that, at some point, was important to at least some of us. But the real impact of all of those old albums became more apparent as I read through the song lists. Each evoked a memory of a specific time, a certain girlfriend, or a friend or place long forgotten but always linked to one of those records. I’m glad my records are safe with a friend who appreciates the value and significance of a record collection that took years to collect, but only moments to lose. As for this recently discovered batch, I won’t make the same mistake twice. receives plenty from the county. Riverstone makes, Wegmans takes. Hanover County is picking development winners and losers. Discriminatory corporate welfare best describes the county’s decisions involving Wegmans. Bob Nelson Mechanicsville

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020 11

Business & Service Directory DRIVEWAYS ASPHALT PAVING Gravelwork, Driveways, also concrete driveways. ROC Construction 804-615-3699

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ADMIN. & OFFICE WORK

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

ADMIN. & OFFICE WORK

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 1, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County

An industry-leading company has an opportunity for a new teammate in the Ruther Glen, Virginia area.

Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse,

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills and must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Three to five years of administrative experience is preferred with shipping/receiving and light accounting experience being an asset. Competitive pay with an excellent benefit package.

ORDINANCE NO. 20-03 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE HANOVER COUNTY ZONING AND SUBDIVISION SCHEDULE OF FEES, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 15.2-2241 AND 15.2-2286 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, BY INCREASING THE FEE FOR A ZONING COMPLIANCE LETTER FROM A FLAT FEE OF $25 TO A FLAT FEE OF $75.

Email resume to: jobs.lumber@gmail.com

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF HANOVER COUNTY:

Full benefits package available. Competitive pay and potential for growth available.

Recruitment GENERAL Full-Time inside Sales Position with benefits. Apply in person at Zip Corvette or call 746-2290.

Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption:

1. That the following portion of the Hanover County Zoning and Subdivision Schedule of Fees is amended to read as follows: HANOVER COUNTY ZONING AND SUBDIVISION FEE SCHEDULE Request:

Current Fee:

New Fee:

Zoning Compliance Letter

$25

$75

2. That the remainder of the Hanover County Zoning and Subdivision Fee Schedule, last modified by the Board of Supervisors in Ordinance 15-03, shall remain in effect. 3. That the provisions of this ordinance shall be effective July 1, 2020.

Zip Corvette has a Full Time Warehouse Position available. Benefits offered. Apply in person or call Robin Brooks at 746-2290.

A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place. _____________________________________________ Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

12

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

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TREE SERVICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 1, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE 20-04 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 20 AND 23 OF THE HANOVER COUNTY CODE TO INCREASE WATER AND SEWER CAPACITY AND USER FEES PURSUANT TO TITLE 15.2, CHAPTER 21 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, AND INCLUDING SPECIFICALLY VA. CODE §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119 AND 15.2-2122, PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR THE FIRST FULL BILLING CYCLE OF THE FISCAL YEAR, AND TO MAKE VARIOUS OTHER CHANGES PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2020. SEWER CODE PROVISIONS SEC. 20-23

Service fees and capacity fees—Residential

EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Service Charge - Residential Customers Bimonthly Base Charge $22.33 $23.22 Consumption Charge: 0 to 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.99 $6.23 Above 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $7.55 $7.85 Residential customers – sewer only $104.30 $108.47 (b) Capacity Fees - Residential Customers $6,456.00 $6,778.00 SEC. 20-24 Service fees and capacity fees -- Commercial I, Commercial II. EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Service Charge - Commercial I Customers Bimonthly Base Charge: 1 ½” or less meter $22.33 $23.22 Greater than 1 ½” meter $111.66 $116.13 Volume Charge: 0 to 50,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $6.98 $7.26 Above 50,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.60 $5.82 (b) Service Charge - Commercial II Customers

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

Tree & Shrub Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding. Health/Risk Assessments. Insured. Free Estimates. 804-779-2170 Certified Arborist and MD LTE

Base Charge Consumption Charge All usage, per 1,000 gallons Peak use fee per 1,000 gallons

$4.60 $1.37

$4.78 $1.42

(c) Capacity Fees for Commercial I and II Customers Meter Size 5/8” $6,456 1” $16,139 1 ½” $32,281 2” $51,648 3” $103,299

$6,778 $16,945 $33,895 $54,230 $108,463

WATER CODE PROVISIONS SEC. 23-47

Capacity Fees

(a) Residential Customers 5/8” meter Greater than 5/8” meter Trimming & Take Downs. Stump Grinding. If it’s tree work we do it! Insured. Free Est. BBB THANK YOU!!! MC/VISA/Discover.

EXISTING PROPOSED $1,395.95 $1,451.79

EXISTING PROPOSED

$6,281 $6,595 in accordance with 23-47 (b)

(b) Capacity Fees for Commercial I, II, and III Customers Meter Size 5/8” 1” 1 ½” 2” 3” SEC. 23-62

EXISTING PROPOSED $6,281 $6,595 $13,887 $14,581 $27,773 $29,161 $44,438 $46,659 $88,875 $93,318

Service Fees EXISTING PROPOSED

(a) Residential Customers Bimonthly Base Charge Consumption Charge 0 to 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons 4,001 to 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons Over 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons (b) Commercial I customers Bimonthly Base Charge Meter Size 5/8” ¾” 1” 1 ½” 2” 3” 4” 6”

$10.62

$10.94

$1.69 $5.14 $6.68

$1.74 $5.29 $6.88

EXISTING PROPOSED $10.62 $10.94 $10.62 $10.94 $26.58 $27.38 $53.00 $54.59 $84.78 $87.32 $169.58 $174.67 $264.94 $272.89 $529.88 $545.78

Consumption Charge EXISTING PROPOSED 0 to 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $4.56 $4.70 15,001 to 1,000,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.14 $5.29 Over 1,000,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $2.86 $2.95 (c) Commercial II customers connected to county-owned water systems: EXISTING PROPOSED Base charge per month $163.06 $167.95 Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons $2.64 $2.72 Peak use fee per 1,000 gallons $1.64 $1.69 (d) Commercial III customers connected to county-owned water systems: EXISTING PROPOSED Base charge per month $16,304.39 $16,793.52 Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons $2.16 $2.22 Peak use fee per 1,000 gallons $1.64 $1.69 (e) Water meters for irrigation only: Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons

EXISTING PROPOSED $6.32 $6.51

A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place.

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS REZ2019-00029, RIVA RIDGE DEVELOPMENT, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 7860-76-8346, consisting of approximately 53.23 acres, and located on the south line of West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) approximately 550 feet east of its intersection with Poplar Valley Place (state route pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of eight (8) building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.65 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2019-00036, PENCE HOLDINGS, INC. Request(s) to rezone from B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPIN 7788-06-7720, consisting of approximately 9.44 acres, and located on the north line of Vermeer Place (State route pending) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business-Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for various M-2, Light Industrial District uses including a recreational vehicle storage site. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2019-00037, AIR PARK ASSOCIATES, L.P. Request(s) an amendment to the proers approved with rezoning request C-13-94(c), Air Park Associates, on GPINs 7798-44-0937, 7798-44-0663, 7798-44-2350, 7798-33-3765, 7798-34-2121, 7798-24-8382, 7798-24-6569, 7798-24-4811, 7798-25-1001, 7798-35-3160, 7798-35-4750, 7798-35-0225, 7798-25-6471, 7798-45-3554, 7798-54-5903, 7798-33-9427, 7798-43-4904, 7798-43-4481, 7798-43-8505, 7798-53-1614, and 7798-35-1840, consisting of approximately 217.34 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions. The property is located on the west line of Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656) approximately 1000 feet south of its intersection with Ashcake Road (State Route 657) and on the south line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) approximately 800 feet west of its intersection with Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Limited Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the development of a warehouse/distribution facility. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS

the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a vehicle washing facility on GPIN 7788-06-7720(part), consisting of approximately 2.81 acres, zoned B-3(c), General Business District with conditions (rezoning to M-2(c), Light Industrial District pending with REZ2019-00036), and located on the north line of Vermeer Place (State route pending) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business-Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2019-00011, COMPASS CHRISTIAN CHURCH Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP-3-80, AM. 1-09) in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a church expansion and its related uses on GPINs 8725-31-9218, 8725-30-8257, 8725-40-1234, 8725-40-2226 and 8725-40-1473, consisting of approximately 17.57 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located at the terminus of Liberty Circle (private road) north of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial and Suburban High (3-7 Dwelling Units per Acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS SE2020-00005, AIR PARK ASSOCIATES, L.P. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-336 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to allow a building height taller than permitted on GPINs 7798-44-0937, 7798-44-0663, 7798-44-2350, 7798-333765, 7798-34-2121, 7798-24-8382, 7798-24-6569, 7798-24-4811, 7798-251001, 7798-35-3160, 7798-35-4750, 7798-35-0225, 7798-25-6471, 7798-453554, 7798-54-5903, 7798-33-9427, 7798-43-4904, 7798-43-4481, 7798-438505, 798-53-1614, and 7798-35-1840, consisting of approximately 217.34 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, and located on the west line of Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656) approximately 1,000 feet south of its intersection with Ashcake Road (State Route 657) and on the south line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) approximately 800 feet west of its intersection with Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland SE2020-00006, MEGAWASH, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-175.3 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a fence more than 4 feet high in the required front yard on GPIN 7788-06-7720, consisting of approximately 9.44 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District (subject to concurrent rezoning to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, REZ2019-00036), and located north line of Vermeer Place at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna

Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning OďŹƒce, Monday CUP2019-00010, MEGAWASH, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-174.2 of through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 14

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following plan:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING HANOVER COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FEES PURSUANT TO TITLE 15.2, CHAPTER 9 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA AND INCLUDING SPECIFICALLY VA. CODE 15.2-928(A)(vi), PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2020 EXISTING

PROPOSED

Tipping Fee, per ton

$50.00

$50.00

Tires: Rim diameter no larger than 16”

$1.75 each

$8.00 each $9.00 each + tipping fee (no tires over 44”)

Tire diameter larger than 32” but not exceeding 44” Bulk – per ton Refrigerant-containing appliances from non-residential sources

$130.00

$140.00

$15.00 each

$15.00 each + tipping fee

Mattresses or inner coil spring mattresses from non-residential sources (Does not include box springs or foundation mattress that can be readily crushed, e.g. wood framed)

A complete copy of the proposed plan and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place or may submit comments in writing to the Hanover County Department of Public Works at email: jmflagg@hanovercounty.gov before the close of the public hearing.

$15.00 each + tipping fee

E-waste: CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor or television Projection television LCD (liquid-crystal display) monitor or television Electronic printers Oversized logs (4” to 12”)

$28.00 each $23.00 each $14.00 each $5.00 each $50.00 per ton

Commercial solid waste and yard waste

$50.00 per ton

Construction and demolition waste (residential and commercial)

$50.00 per ton

Residential solid waste and yard waste (self-hauled)

CHAPTER 890 OFTITLE 9 OFTHE VIRGINIAADMINISTRATIVE CODE (SECTION 25-890-1 ET SEQ.) REGARDING GENERAL VPDES PERMITS FOR DISCHARGES OF STORMWATER FROM SMALL MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS (MS4S) REQUIRES HANOVER COUNTY TO DEVELOP AND SUBMIT AN UPDATE TO THE CHICKAHOMINY RIVER TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD (TMDL) ACTION PLAN TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BY MAY 1, 2020.

no charge

1071624-01

Rim diameter larger than 16” but not exceeding 25”

DRAFT CHICKAHOMINY RIVER TMDL ACTION PLAN UPDATE

$2.25 each + tipping fee

Tire diameter no larger than 32”

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 1, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE 20-01

Fees applicable to users at Route 301 Transfer Station: FEES

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

no charge

A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place. _____________________________________________ Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020 15

Parks & Rec takes actions to limit spread of COVID-19, cancels events

Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- On Friday, March 13, state and local officials declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). In an effort to help contain and prevent the further spread of COVID-19 within our community, Hanover County Public

MAYOR Continued from pg. 1

lenge social and cultural biases that make the community unequal,” Fuller said. “I am also asking you to change the names of schools and mascots that make the learning environment unequal.” In a separate item, the board took action on a revised public comment period policy that expanded speaking times for all speakers to four minutes, including individuals and groups. The current policy allows individuals three minutes to present while those representing

Schools cancelled all school and extracurricular activities, through March 27, effective immediately. “Hanover County Parks and Recreation takes the safety and health of our community as a top priority and is taking actions to limit the spread of this virus,” Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, said. All Hanover County Parks and

groups are allowed six minutes. One school board member said that policy seems more than adequate. “I’d like to speak against that motion,” Cold Harbor representative Norman Sulser said. “Three minutes … is adequate time for any citizen to make a presentation. I think four minutes is too much. I think someone representing a group should have additional time. My vote is going to be to keep what we have because if it’s not broke, then don’t fix it.” Chickahominy representative Bob Hundley said the revisions were designed to allow more opportunity for more people to speak during public comment period.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on March 25, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 19-09 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING RELIEF TO FAIRCLOTH REALTY INVESTMENTS, ON BEHALF OF GWENDOLYN VIEW, BY PAYING TO IT THE SURPLUS FUNDS RECEIVED BY HANOVER COUNTY FROM THE

Recreation sponsored programs and activities are canceled, effective immediately, through Sunday, March 29. “In addition,” Durrer said, “Hanover County Parks and Recreation indoor facilities will be closed to the public. Only our Administrative office at Taylor Park will remain open. Hanover County park system will remain open to the public.”

“I would be okay with three. I think most people can make their points within three minutes. That would allow us to get more people in the 60-minute time limit,” Hundley said. Superintendent Michael Gill clarified the second part of the policy that allows the board to address situations where time has expired and speakers have not had the opportunity to speak. The revised policy allows the board to request those speakers to return to the next meeting to air their comments, extend the public comment period or schedule a public meeting regarding a specific issue that is being addressed. The board opted for the three-minute option for all speakers and passed the revised policy by a unanimous vote. In other matters, a mother of three students expressed concern regarding the expanding number of people affected by the coronavirus epidemic and the effect on Hanover County students. Dr. Emerald O’Sullivan Mejia urged school officials to consider canceling some upcoming field trips. “I have three children in Hanover schools that will be going on field trips. I do think we do need to look at this as a serious pandemic,” she said. “My fifth grade daughter is supposed to go with Cold Harbor on Thursday to Washington, D.C.” “I do not think it is wise to bring our children to an area that has known coronavirus cases,” she added. After state officials announced a confirmed case of coronavirus in Hanover, Gill sent a letter to all parents regarding upcoming field trips and other measures being taken to prevent

“We appreciate your patience and understanding, as we continue to monitor this unprecedented situation and encourage you to stay up to date with COVID-19 facts through the CDC and Virginia Department of Health.” For more information, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation at parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov or 804-365-7150.

the spread of what is now being described as a pandemic. All field and athletic trips outside of Virginia are cancelled until April 13, and field trips inside the state will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the release said, “We have increased our cleaning efforts in all of our schools and buses, and we are using additional disinfectants in areas where there have been higher instances of student absences due to illness,” Gill said in the letter. Although the confirmed case in Hanover involved a patient not involved with Hanover County Public Schools, the release said school officials are constantly monitoring the situation to better prepare its students and employees. “The spread of COVID-19 is continuously changing. We will work with public health officials to evaluate all trips on a case-by-case basis to determine if travel is recommended or not.” The release also addressed the possibility of school closures should that become necessary. “There are no plans to close schools at this time. Any decisions to close schools will be made in direct consultation with the Hanover Health Department, with whom we are in regular contact. They are the foremost public health experts, and we rely upon and follow their guidance. We are currently evaluating all possible options to help ensure continuity of instruction if a closure is deemed necessary.” Twenty-four hours later, HCPS announced that all schools would be closeD Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17.

HANOVER COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT FROM THE DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAX SALE OF THE PARCEL DESIGNATED AS GPIN 7863-82-7700 PURSUANTTO VIRGINIACODE SECTION 58.1-3967 A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time

1071623-01

and place.

16

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

Ashland-Hanover Local March 18, 2020

HINES Continued from pg. 3

unique. It’s the strong support of our community, peers and the many officials from across the region and state who we partner with daily. Our Hanover family is a strong one, and I am confident this strength will carry us into the future. Moving forward, there are still many conversations to be

had and questions to be raised. We are working closely with the region to examine and respond to the needs of our community and establish best practices. This is why we must understand it’s not only a law enforcement issue, but instead is an issue that expands to a greater horizon of community involvement and care. Our most positive endeavors will always be the ones

where as a community, working together, we can achieve those goals that serve the needs of our citizens. Together we will weather this storm and be stronger as a result. I thank our [Hanover County] Board of Supervisors and County Administration for their active leadership in the region, and I am truly thankful for our Hanover community and the culture of trust and support we share.

outside

Home Improvement

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local • March 18, 2020

Outside

Spring home improvement

Tips for Powerwashing your home or deck owerwashing, also known as pressure-washing, utilizes a high-velocity water spray to remove dirt and residue from the exterior surfaces of a home. It is frequently used on vinyl siding, concrete and sometimes wood decks to treat mildew and other growth that accumulates over time. Powerwashing can be a great way to remove grime without having to scrub by hand. But it requires a delicate touch to get it right. Sometimes it is best to leave the job to professionals. But homeowners willing to give it a go can try powerwashing themselves, as various stores rent power washers. The home improvement website ImproveNet says that, until very recently, pressure washers were almost exclusively commercial machines sold to professionals or rented to doit-yourselfers. Lately manufacturers have targeted homeowners looking to buy with lightweight options. For those who see powerwashing as a routine venture, purchasing a unit may be worth the investment. It is important to exercise caution when operating a powerwashing machine. The high-velocity spray can tear through skin. It is key to get a feel for the washer, and try less pressure first to get a handle on the magnitude of the tool. Don safety gear prior to using a pressure washer. Gloves, eye protection and ear protection can be handy. Most units will connect to a standard garden hose. Choose old clothing

P

2B

and expect to get wet. Never point a powerwasher hose at anyone and do not attempt to rinse feet or hands in the spray. The renovation resource The Family Handyman suggests starting with a wide-degree nozzle to test out the spray on the surface that needs to be cleaned. A 15- or 25-degree nozzle is usually the wand for general cleaning and paint stripping without damaging the surface of the home. Experiment with an optimal distance of the washer wand to get the desired cleaning effects without causing any damage. Work using a horizontal and slightly downward angle to avoid driving water up under the siding of a home. Avoid spraying any electric wires or components on the home. Also, try not to spray upward, and angle the spray away from doors, windows and vents. Some washers have reservoirs that will hold a detergent solution. Choose the right detergent for the job. Keep in mind that cleansers containing bleach can damage surrounding plants, so they may need to be covered while the washing takes place. Avoid the use of ladders when operating a powerwasher. The pushback from the wand can cause falls. Instead, opt for an extension wand to address the upper reaches of a home. Powerwashing a home is an effective way to remove stubborn grime and refresh the look of a home’s exterior. -Metro Creative

Metro Creative Connection

Powerwashing the exterior of the home can be an effective way to clean it in the spring and fall.

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 18, 2020

Spring home improvement

Outside

What causes curled shingles? o homeowner wants to look at the exterior of his or her home and see roof damage. Such damage may lead homeowners to think they need a new roof, a potentially costly expense that can quickly throw household budgets into a state of disarray. According to the HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner spends a little more than $7,600 installing a new roof. Various factors, including the size of a home and the type of roof homeowners prefer, will affect the cost of a roof replacement. In addition, homeowners who see roof damage can rest assured that not all roof problems will necessarily require a replacement roof to be installed. Curled shingles are a problem many homeowners have encountered. This particular problem is not always indicative that a roof is on its way

N

out. In fact, the home improvement resource This Old House notes that, as asphalt shingles age, their corners often begin to curl downward or upward. Homeowners who notice this early enough can glue down the curled section of each shingle that’s beginning to curl. Some shingles may be curling because they’re defective. Fortified Roofing, a New Jersey-based roofing company that specializes in the repairing and replacing of various roofing configurations, advises homeowners to contact a local roofing professional to diagnose the cause of the curling. Doing so quickly can prevent curled shingles from contributing to more widespread damage. Moisture and poor ventilation may be contributing to curled shingles as well. Homeowners with attics in their home may see curled shingles on their roofs because

Metro Creative Connection

Curled shingles can pose a significant threat to a home if not addressed promptly.

moisture is building up in their poorly ventilated attics. In addition to causing damage such as curled shingles, a poorly ventilated attic allows moisture to build up, potentially contributing to mold growth. Mold presents a host

of additional problems, including some that can adversely affect the health of a home’s inhabitants. Improper roof installation also may be the culprit behind curled shingles. When a roof is not installed correctly,

shingles may not be aligned or nailed down in the right way. This might be what’s causing shingles to curl on recently installed roofs. Curled shingles are unsightly and can pose a significant threat to a home if

not addressed promptly. Homeowners can protect themselves and their roofs by working with skilled roofing professionals, who can diagnose issues like curled shingles and offer the right solutions. - Metro Creative

The dangers of mowing too low pring marks the return of many things. Trees and flowers begin to bloom again in spring, while warmer temperatures are welcomed back with open arms. Grass also begins to grow again in the spring. That means it’s not too long before homeowners have to dust off their lawn mowers and get to work. Those who don’t necessarily enjoy mowing the lawn may be tempted to cut their grass very low, as doing so can mean longer intervals between mowing sessions. However, mowing grass too low can

S

have a very adverse effect on a lawn. Cutting too low can injure the grass Cutting grass too low can injure the grass, creating what’s essentially a domino effect of problems to come. Injured grass will focus on its recovery efforts, thereby making it vulnerable to other issues. Cutting too low promotes weed growth Injured grass is vulnerable to invaders, including weeds and insects. Weeds and insects

can attack grass as it recovers from injury, and before homeowners know it, their lawns are overcome with a host of problems. Cutting too low allows crabgrass to thrive Crabgrass needs ample sunlight to grow. By cutting grass too low, homeowners may unknowingly be promoting crabgrass growth. Crabgrass is unsightly and can rob surrounding grass of the moisture it needs to grow. So lawns cut too low may not only lose their lush

appeal thanks to the unattractive appearance of crabgrass, but also because areas surrounding the crabgrass patches might turn brown due to lack of water. Cutting too low can stress the grass Cutting too low also makes lawns vulnerable to summer heat. Without blades tall enough to block some of the summer sun, grass can quickly succumb to summer heat, leading to dried out, discolored lawns. - Metro Creative

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 18, 2020

3B

2020 Spring Home Improvement Family Owned and Operated Since 1974

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A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 18, 2020

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A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 18, 2020 5B

Outside

Spring home improvement

Improve soil quality for a better lawn lush, green lawn can vastly improve a home’s curb appeal. Thick, healthy grass indicates that homeowners care enough about their properties to invest the time, effort and money to make them beautiful. According to the landscaping tool company Troy-Bilt, soil fertility is the foundation of healthy lawns. In fact, the quality of the soil is essential whether one is growing acres of grass, potted plants or vegetable garden beds. No matter which type of soil a homeowner is working with, there are various ways to make it better.

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Remove thatch Thatch is a tightly knotted layer of leaves, grass roots, stems, and other debris that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. Too much thatch can hinder the movement of water, air and nutrients into the soil. According to organic fertilizer company Organo-Lawn, thatch often occurs if the production of dead organic material in the lawn exceeds the ability of the microorganisms in the soil to break down that organic matter. A half-inch of thatch is normal. If thatch gets too thick, it will need to be removed. The home improvement resource DIY Network says dethatching can take place in the summer, fall and winter using a thatching rake. Aerate A lawn aerator will create holes in the soil. This can improve drainage and encourage worms and helpful

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microorganisms that require oxygen to thrive in the soil. The Briggs & Stratton Company says the best time to aerate a lawn is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in any holes, such as spring and fall. Aeration can help develop deeper grass roots for a healthier lawn. Test and amend soil A great lawn has loamy soil, which has a key ratio of clay, silt and sand. Silt is a granular material of a size between sand and clay that originates from quartz and feldspar. It is the most fertile of the three types of soil components. Sand does not retain water, but it helps to create spaces in the soil that permit air to circulate. Clay particles are small and bind together tightly, but clay is naturally nutrient-rich. The home improvement site BobVila.com says loamy soil should have equal parts sand and silt and half as much clay. If the lawn is not yet established, loamy soil can be created and then the grass seeds planted. For established soil, after removing thatch and aerating, top-dressing the lawn can help. This involves adding a thin layer of soil over the lawn. It can improve the soil without killing the existing turf. Ideally, it should be done in early fall or spring, as this gives the grass time to grow through three to four more mowings before severe heat or cold sets in. Healthy soil is vital to a lush lawn. It takes a little work, but improving soil can create vibrant, healthy, green grass. -Metro Creative

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 18, 2020

Metro Creative Connection

Outside

Spring home improvement

A lesson in building a backyard retaining wall lat, even landscapes are often coveted in backyards. However, flat backyards are not always so easy to find. Fortunately, varied terrain does not mean that certain landscaping plans are entirely off limits, especially for homeowners willing to build retaining walls. Retaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. They also can reduce soil erosion in hilly areas and can be used for aesthetic purposes, like raised planters, or to create more usable space within the yard. When an inground pool or pond is cut into a backyard hill, a retaining wall helps keep the remaining portion of that hill from collapsing into the cut-away area. When contemplating retaining wall projects, a lesson in physics and engineering may be needed. A sturdy and longlasting retaining wall needs to be built in a way that will take into consideration the force of the soil and the point at which the soil will begin to slide away, advises the experts at The Family Handyman. If these calculations seem beyond the scope of your ability, installation of a retaining wall is a job best left to a professional. If you are ready to forge ahead, these tips can get you started. However, it’s important to note the potential benefits of working with others who have already built a retaining wall.

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Safety first Call to have underground utilities plotted and marked before beginning any excavation. Map out your trench and begin to dig The trench should have a level, compacted base as it will be the foundation for which the retaining wall materials, be they blocks, bricks or wood, sit in. A crushed stone base will help anchor the courses and serve to promote drainage. The Family Handyman says to bury the first

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course of the retaining wall one-tenth the height of the wall to prevent soil behind it from pushing the bottom out. Check for level When placing blocks or timbers, make sure they are even with the first and periodically check for level as you go, advises the home improvement retailer Lowes¨. Stagger and set back The next row of blocks or material should be positioned so that the joints are staggered for blocks, bricks or wood. A masonry blade will be needed to cut the harder materials; a circular saw will cut timber. Also, work against gravity by setting the second course slightly back from the first to help push back against the soil that is trying so hard to push forward. Repeat the process as each level is placed. Many retaining wall products are made

with a lip to create this set back. Go with the grade For especially steep slopes, a gradual step-up design may be more secure and more appealing than a very tall retaining wall. Each level of a stepped design should be done like the first. Backfill with stone for drainage Using a layer of stone behind the retaining wall can help successfully direct water away so it will not increase the weight of the soil behind the wall and push against the retaining wall, advises The Home Depot. Retaining walls serve different purposes in a yard. Building such a wall requires planning and careful execution to ensure the job is done correctly. - Metro Creative

How to prevent crabgrass ew things can give a home exterior that sought after wow factor as well as a nicely maintained lawn. A lush green landscape is a great way to show pride in home ownership and improve curb appeal. As many homeowners know, lawns are under constant attack. The elements are rarely easy on lawns, and watchful eyes must always be kept open for other problems that can plague a lawn, including crabgrass. Crabgrass can be a formidable adversary in the summer months. According to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, crabgrass begins as seeds. These seeds germinate in spring or early summer. While crabgrass dies after the first hard frost in fall, crabgrass seeds remain dormant in winter, and the seeds then grow again in the following spring when ground temperature warms up. Without action to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating, homeowners will likely end up with patches of crabgrass throughout their lawns every summer. The home improvement retailer Lowes¨ notes that a healthy lawn is the best defense against crabgrass. The healthier a lawn is, the harder it is for unwanted grasses like crabgrass to thrive. The following are a handful of strategies that can promote a healthy lawn and make it more difficult for unsightly crabgrass to establish itself in the months ahead.

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Keep grass at a consistent length, and don’t cut too low. Maintaining a consistent length of grass by mowing at regular intervals can make it hard for crabgrass to thrive. Crabgrass requires ample sunlight to germinate, so grass that is not cut too short may keep crabgrass from growing in. Of course, grass should not be allowed to grow knee-length, either. By raising blades to the mowing height appropriate for their type of grass, and mowing at regular intervals so the grass remains at that height through the summer, homeowners can promote healthy lawns and make it harder for crabgrass to germinate. Never cut too much of the blade off of the grass. Cutting too low allows sunlight to reach crabgrass seeds. But cutting too much off the blade, even if the grass is still high after a mow, can injure the grass. Injured grass can make lawns more vulnerable to weeds and crabgrass. Apply a pre-emergence herbicide. Pre-emergence herbicides kill germinating grass seedlings before they emerge from the soil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding when and how much herbicide to apply. If crabgrass has already started to grow, it’s likely too late to apply a preemergence herbicide. Crabgrass is an unwelcome invader in many lawns. Spring can be a great time to prevent this unwanted guest from returning this summer. - Metro Creative

A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 18, 2020

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Spring home improvement

Outside

A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath arm weather means more opportunities to spend time outdoors while at home. Whether your favorite form of outdoor recreation includes sitting on the patio reading or digging in the garden, there’s a good chance that you will be sharing the space with local wildlife. Optimizing opportunities to view and interact with backyard wildlife can make the great outdoors even more enjoyable. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology indicates that there are around 2,059 bird species on the continent of North America. Red-winged blackbirds, yellow-rumped warblers, American robins, and chipping sparrows are among the most commonly seen birds in North America. Making a backyard hospitable to birds can increase the chances for sightings and hearing their sweet songs. Installing a bird bath can be a step in the right direction. Bird baths can make yards more attractive to birds. Birds require a supply of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing. By setting up a bath, homeowners can attract not only seedloving birds, but those that don’t eat seeds and wouldn’t normally congregate around feeders, indicates All About Birds. Experts surmise that birds may bathe to maintain their feathers. Not all bird baths are constructed the in the same fashion. Many bird baths sold in stores are better suited for decoration than for serving as functional baths. There are four general types of bird bath: standing pedestal, hanging bath, deck-mounted, and ground-level. In general, the lower a bird bath is to the ground, the more likely birds are to use it. Most natural sources of water birds use are on or near the ground. Therefore, ground-level bird baths may be the best investments. It is important to keep the water in a bird bath shallow (around two inches of water or less). This enables birds to splash around safely and wade in. Birds do not want to slide around, so a material that is coated and slippery, like glazed ceramic or glass, may not be too popular. Rough stone or a bird bath modified with pea gravel or rocks can give birds steady footing. Place the bird bath in the shade if possible to ensure the water is cool and fresh. Locate it by a tree so the birds can hop up to a branch and preen afterwards. All About Birds also says that a bird bath is more attractive if it has a dripping or moving water feature, as this is often irresistible to birds. Another way to ensure the bath will be used is to keep it clean and maintained. Change the water every day or two. Rinse off the bath to remove droppings, bugs and other debris. Once birds learn there is a comfor table bath nearby, they may be more apt to visit a yard and may even become frequent guests. - Metro Creative

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Metro Creative

Although pedestal style bird baths are attractive, baths closer to the ground tend to attract more birds.

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A Special Supplement to Ashland-Hanover Local | March 18, 2020

Metro Creative

Plan ahead when buying a shed ackyard sheds can be useful assets. Sheds can create storage space in the garage, basement or other areas of the house that have become gathering spots for gear typically used outdoors. Sheds are ideal for housing mowers, tools and even pool-care equipment. But they can be put to other uses as well, such as being key spots to engage in hobbies or even as a child’s clubhouse. Various factors should be considered before building or buying a shed. A storage shed can be a significant investment. Once placed, sheds may remain in their dedicated spots for years to come. That means careful thought should go into the planning process. Check your local building codes first. Before you accumulate building materials or order a shed, be sure to know the ins and outs of shed codes. The codes may impact the shed’s placement, construction, the materials used, size, and numerous other factors. It’s much easier to amend plans beforehand than to face the hassle and expense after learning you did things incorrectly. Choose placement wisely. Spend several days assessing the yard and thinking about the uses for the shed. If you plan to store pool floats and chemicals inside of the shed, it should be located close enough to the pool to be convenient. Look at the lay of the land. If there is a soggy patch of land that can turn swampy under the shed’s foundation, that is a poor location choice. If you need access to

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electricity, placing it far away from the house could necessitate running expensive wiring. 3. Consider the design. Just because a shed is for storage doesn’t mean aesthetics should be overlooked. Choose a shed style that complements your home. You may also want to match certain architectural features, like arched doorways or dormers. Design also may relate to practicality. For instance, storing a riding mower inside may necessitate dual doors that open widely. Invest in quality materials. Spending a little more and using quality materials can ensure it lasts long enough to be cost-effective. The right materials will be resistant to splitting, cracking, decay, and insect damage. Prepare the site well. A proper foundation for the shed is almost as important as the shed itself. You cannot just drop the shed on the lawn and leave it, as the shed can sink or structural issues may arise if it is placed on a weak base. Blend into the environment. Surround the shed with shrubs or plants so that it blends into the yard and complements the space. Deck out the interior. Use every storage tool at your disposal to maximize floor, wall and even rafter space for storage. Plan where items will be kept and customize the storage options around those locations. Sheds can be an asset and improve storage capability in the backyard. - Metro Creative