Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/25/20

HEALTH Cooperative Extension explains best ways to wash hands during COVID-19 pandemic

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Vol. 5 No. 28 | Richmond Suburban News | March 25, 2020

Virginia schools will be Ashland voters may cast absentee ballot for election closed for rest of the term

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

ASHLAND – The Town of Ashland has been granted permission to allow any registered voter to vote by absentee ballot in the May 5 Election. Three Ashland Town Council seats are open, with six candidates on the ballot.

Assistant Town Manager Matt Reynal said the decision came down from the Virginia Department of Elections, and is REYNAL being administered by Hanover County General Registrar/Director of Elections Teresa F. “Teri” Smithson.

“The DoE (Department of Elections) is allowing any registered voter to vote by absentee ballot in this election to minimize the risk of exposure [to the coronavirus, known as COVID-19] for all participants,” Reynal said.

For more information on absentee voting, go to the Hanover voter registrar’s website at: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/365/Voting.

Reynal may be contacted at 804-798-9219

or mreynal@ashlandva.gov.

As for her office, Smithson said, “The Office of Voter Registration and Elections is committed to helping all eligible registered voters maintain the ability to cast SMITHSON a ballot in the upcoming May 5, 2020, Town of Ashland General Election. For your safety and to minimize risk of exposure to COVID‐19, you are encouraged to request and vote an absentee ballot by mail.”

To request an absentee ballot be sent to you by mail: 1) APPLY ONLINE: Using the Virginia Department of Elections secure Citizen Portal: www.vote.elections.virginia.gov. To complete the ballot request online, you will need your DMV ID (or driver’s license) and social security number. To begin, find your voter record by providing the information to log in. Then check the box “I want to apply for absentee voting.” Follow the prompts taking you to see ABSENTEE, pg. 5

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor RICHMOND -- Governor Ralph Northam officially announced the closing of schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia during his daily press conference on Monday.

The closure was to take effect at midnight on Tuesday.

The order impacts all K-12 schools, both public and private.

The Governor noted that, as of Monday, 254 cases had

been reported in Virginia. The state has suffered with six losses due to the pandemic.

Northam also issued reminders of what businesses and eateries may remain open during the ongoing crisis of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

While emphasizing the continuation of people gathering only in a maximum number of 10, he did say that essential businesses could stay open.

Restaurants may serve customers

by providing drive-thru, curbside delivery and home delivery.

Necessary businesses, including pharmacies and banks, also will continue to operate.

Lasst Wednesday, Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, had extended the days students will be out of the classroom due to COVID-19.

He had announced that county schools will be closed through see SCHOOLS, pg. 13

Postponed hearings aren’t halting anti-Wegmans’ effort

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

Jim Ridolphi/Ashland-Hanover Local

Anita Philp opposed the Wegmans’ distribution center.

HANOVER -- The Hanover County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to consider proffer amendments regarding the Wegman’s Distribution Center later this month, but that public hearing has been

postponed to a later date due to the Coronavirus crisis.

The meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. today (Wednesday, March 25) will be held but all public hearings have been postponed, including last week’s meeting of the Planning Commission and see WEGMANS, pg. 8

HCBOS chairman: Wegmans’ public hearing postponed due to public health concerns (Editor’s note: The following was released by Aubrey M. “Bucky” Stanley, Hanover County Board of Supervisors chairman.)

On behalf of the [Hanover County] Board of Supervisors, I’d like to thank all county residents for their patience as we work to ensure the safe delivery of county services while

protecting the health of our workforce and our entire community.

We know that many residents are actively engaged with the Airpark Associates (Wegmans’) proffer amendment application. That public hearing was originally scheduled to be held on March 25, but as announced last week, all public hearings scheduled today

have been postponed because of public health concerns.

On March 25, the board will only address administrative matters and hold a closed session – nothing related to the Wegmans’ case.

Because there are no Wegmans’related topics on our agenda, and because we will not be holding citi-

zens’ time, we encourage you to be safe and stay home rather than attend the March 25 meeting and create a gathering of 10 or more. All of our meetings are livestreamed and can be viewed from any home with an internet connection.

While we wait to determine when we can safely hold public hearings

again, our planning staff will continue to work on the questions submitted by the public and the issues identified by board members. You may continue to submit questions and feedback to planninginquiries@hanovercounty.gov.

As a board, we remain committed to doing public business in public.

Thank you for your patience.

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The Ashland Theatre Foundation has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all public programming in order to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. We want to assure you that the safety of our audience, staff, and volunteers is of paramount importance to us.

It is our goal to serve the Ashland/Hanover community to the best of our ability. We hope to be open and operating smoothly again just as soon as possible. Thank you for your support!

PHOTO BY BOB BROWN

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

By Max Esterhuizeni for Ashland-Hanover Local s the impact of the coronavirus spreads across the commonwealth, Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia 4-H are working to support families as a community partner by providing resources that will help families, individuals, and business mitigate the many challenges that will arise in the coming weeks.

The resources found on the VCE COVID-19 page will be updated consistently.

“It’s times like these that we need to step up and be there for each other,” said Ed Jones, director of Extension. “We are in unprecedented times and we want people to know that as community members, VCE and Virginia 4-H are here for you.”

One such way that VCE and Virginia 4-H are helping the community is through access to educational materials for all grades.

National 4-H Council offers two activity kits: a guide with a 30-lesson Healthy Living Activity Guide and a 4-H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide that keeps children stimulated and happy

A

Photo courtesy of Virginia Cooperative Extension

Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist Renee Boyer demonstrates the proper hand-washing techniques to prevent spread of the coronavirus.

during school closures. 4-H also offers STEM Lab resources that instill curiosity and critical thinking using resources commonly found at home.

“Our goal is to achieve whole child development of the head, heart, hands, and health,” Jeremy Johnson, the state 4-H leader, said. “We ‘Inspire Kids to Do’ – and we can continue to do that now.

Our online resources cultivate an environment that allows curiosity and imagination to spark and ignite a life-long passion for learning. The 4-H at-home projects and exercises serve as a way to develop valuable life-long skills at home.”

To further inhibit the

spread of COVID-19, VCE offers a plethora of resources for healthy living, including resources for the proper handwashing technique, proper cleaning and disinfection, and what to do if feeling unwell.

Full hand-washing video: https://youtu.be/ hD1097amHWY Proper nutrition is paramount to health and to durable immune systems.

The Virginia Family Nutrition Program offers a variety of materials for nutritional cooking at home, including cooking basics. To keep up a strong immune system, eating an adequate amount of veg-

etables and fruits with meals is vital.

It also is important to be able to craft meals from easyto-access resources, and the Virginia Family Nutrition Program offers shelf-stable meal ideas to improve the pantry.

Another critical component for healthy living is exercise – something that can be continued with an at-home routine. Eat Smart, Move More Virginia, part of the Virginia Family Nutrition Program, has provided at-home exercise videos and exercises to try at home. Regardless of which exercises are chosen, it is important to stay within physical limits and be both careful and cautious when exercising.

VCE also offers resources covering common grocery store questions and answers, retail packaging, best practices for food banks, and resources for U-pick farms.

“It is times such as this that members of the community step up, and we are proud that VCE has the capability to deploy resources to serve our community,” Jones said.

Historical Society to celebrate Hanover 300th Anniversary Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- The Hanover County Historical Society will kick off the year, celebrating the Hanover 300th Anniversary of its founding with its first quarterly meeting and program at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, at St.: Paul’s Episcopal Church at 8050 St. Paul’s Church Rd. in Hanover with Ginger Young, PhD. She will discuss “Jamestown Bride Leaves England and a Hanoverian Returns Home.”

Young has spent many years researching her family genealogy and the history of each generation. As anyone who does

family research will confirm, the search for a family's history can be fully absorbing.

Young’s story is not just dry history; her process of discovery is an exciting, entertaining journey.

Her original research took her to the Library of Virginia where she finally made the link from the New World to the Old, unexpectedly meeting Audry Hoare, a Jamestown bride.

Young's story is the story of her very personal history and the process of discovering an amazing family that came before.

Ginger Young holds a Master's degree in Library Science and has worked in acaContributed photo demic libraries at Yale, Virginia Tech, and Catherine Young will share family’s see HISTORIC, pg. 5

history on Sunday.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue more not from a person, was reported in the 9400 block of Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville.

Feb. 12

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

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

Sale and distribution of marijuana, ½-ounce to 5 pounds, was reported in the 10200 block of Lakeridge Parkway/Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 12300 block of Elmont Road.

Simple assault was reported in the 7200 block of Grace Lane.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 7100 block of Marimel Lane, Mechanicsville..

Feb. 13

Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7800 block of Compass Point Lane, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 16500 block of Mountain Road.

Feb. 14

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 9400 block of Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville.

Failure to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 37 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 87 block of Interstate 95 South, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, $500 or

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 37 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Identity theft, financial loss, $200, was reported in the 9200 block of Hunters Chase Drive, Mechanicsville.

Hit and run, personal injury, was reported in the 11400 block of Verdon Road, Doswell.

Failure to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Possession of tobacco products, minor, was reported in the 9400 block of Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 8200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Henrico County, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 7200 block of Marimel Lane/Marimel Court, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 9200 block of Totopotomoy Trail, Ashland.

Carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, was reported in the 7200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 37 block of Interstate 295 North, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 16200 block of International Street, Doswell.

Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 6600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny building was reported in the 7000 block of Covenant Woods Drive, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 9700 block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Credit card fraud by merchant, $200 in six months, was reported in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 6300 block of Greystone Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud by merchant, $200 in six months, was reported in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, value $1,000, was reported in the 7100 block of Mill Valley Road, Mechanicsville.

Hanover Parks and Recreation provides update on COVID-19 (Editor’s note: The following was submitted on Thursday, March 19, by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation.)

ASHLAND -- Hanover County Parks and Recreation continues to take the safety and health of our community as a top priority, taking actions to limit the spread of this virus. As you know, we remain under a state of emergency at the local, state, and national level and Governor Northam has declared a ban on gatherings of 10 or more people to further address this issue.

In an effort to take additional steps to protect our community, we are extending the cancellation of all permitted use of athletic fields, picnic shelters, historic sites as well as all departmentsponsored programs through Sunday, April 12.

At this time, Hanover County parks remain open, including our playgrounds, skate park, dog parks and trails. Be advised that the amenities in these areas are not sanitized, so use with caution and follow the CDC health and safety guidelines. We reiterate the importance of social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings and group activities.

We understand the importance of the park system to our residents and will re-evaluate the need for closures and cancellations as this unprecedented situation evolves. Please stay upto-date with COVID-19 facts through the CDC and Virginia Department of Health.

Contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation with questions at parksandrec@ hanovercounty.gov or 804-365-7150.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020 3

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals OGILVIE, Sally M., passed away on March 19, 2020. She is survived by her daughters, Jane C. Magrady (Patrick) and Mary Lou Stocky (Claude); grandchildren, David Matthews (Katie) and Jennifer Chiriboga (Jose); and great-grandchildren, Bailey and Dominic Matthews. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Ogilvie was active in the PTA and The Cleveland Council for Mental OGILVIE Health. Sally was an avid golfer and won the women's championship at Oakwood County Club 13 times. She also represented Oakwood on team

events. In 1965, Sally married David G. Ogilvie and moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he was the golf professional at Jefferson Lakeside Club. In her later years, Sally joined the Ollie Cats dance club, where she made several new friends and eventually became their President.

Sally will be buried beside her late husband, David, in Williamsburg, Va. Her private graveside service will be presided over by Rev. David Hindman. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year when restrictions for such gatherings have been lifted. The family asks that contributions be made in her memory to the charity of your choice.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

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Habitat official asks for help to finance ongoing building Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Linda Tiller, executive director of Hanover Habitat for Humanity, has issued a plea for financial assistance during the crisis of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

In an email released on Wednesday, March 18, she said, that “these are desperate times. The ReStore has been forced to close, resulting in the loss of significant income.�

The coronavirus is hurting single moms like Amanda, whose home is among six that have stopped construction and causing costly delays. “The loss of income is devastating to her ability to care for her three children,� Tiller said. “A stable home with an affordable mortgage is critical for their well-being.�

Tiller is asking for a gift of $25. “Your gift

will provide emergency funds to guarantee that the construction of Amanda’s home can be completed.� “Amanda works in a local restaurant for an hourly wage,� Tiller continued. “Now that her hours have been cut back, she worries about paying for food, healthcare and rent.

She has been anxiously awaiting the relief of an affordable mortgage. Now her wait has been unexpectedly delayed because the construction of her home has been halted.�

In addition to Amanda, Melissa, Rebekah, and Franklin have all watched the construction of their homes come to a halt. “There are no extra funds in our budget to meet this unexpected need. The significant loss of revenue from the closing of the Restore will have devastating effects on the ability to pay construction costs. Your gift today will provide instant relief,� Tiller said.

Bon Secours Richmond honored for 15th year in a row by NAFE Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – Bon Secours Richmond has been named one of the 2020 Top Nonprofits or Not-for-Profits for Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). This is the 15th year in a row Bon Secours Richmond has received this award. The announcement will be featured in the April/May issue of Working Mother. “Bon Secours is proud to be recognized as one of the top 10 nonprofits or not-for-profits for executive women in 2020 by NAFE and Working Mother,� said Paul Junod, vice president and strategic HR partner, Bon Secours. “As an organization founded by women religious, we are proud to continue our tradition of having strong women executives among our leadership not just in Richmond, but across our ministry.�

This list includes U.S. nonprofit or not-forprofit organizations where there is a strong focus on best practices that demonstrate effectiveness

in moving women to senior ranks, including mentoring, sponsorship, involvement in employee-resource groups and leadership-development training. The list also highlights company benefits, including flexibility, corporate culture and CEO involvement in advancing women. NAFE and Working Mother continue to explore what keeps women from the top ranks, while highlighting the successes at these trailblazing organizations.

The application includes more than 200 questions on topics including female representation at all levels, but especially the corporate officer and profit-and-loss leadership ranks. The application tracks and examines how many employees have access to programs and policies that promote advancement of women and how many employees take advantage of them, plus how companies train managers to help women advance. To be considered, companies must have a minimum of two women on their boards of directors, a US-based CEO and at least 1,000 US employees.

For more information, visit BonSecours.com.

ABSENTEE Continued from pg. 1

“Choose an Absentee Option” you will check the circle beside “I have a reason or condition that prevents me from going to the polls on Election Day.” You will then select from a list of reasons for requesting a

ballot. In the case social separation due to COVID‐19, you will select, “My disability or illness.” Follow the prompts to complete the submission.

2) PAPER ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION REQUEST FORMS: Use code 2A for #3 “Reason for Absentee Ballot” Download from online

and print the application request.

Call 804‐365‐6080 or email hanovervoting@ hanovercounty.gov to request an application to be mailed, emailed or faxed to you.

Once the paper application is completed and signed, you can submit by way of: Mail: Hanover County

Absentee Specialist P.O. Box 419 Hanover, VA 23069 Email: hanovervoting@ anovercounty.gov Fax: 804-365‐6078 As required by law, a ballot will be sent to you by mail within three days of receiving and approving your application.

“Please ensure your application is complete,” Smithson said. “Applications missing required information may be denied.” Absentee voters also are reminded to allow sufficient time to receive and return your voted ballot, allowing for possible postal delays. Do not delay in requesting or submitting your ballot.

HISTORIC

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

Continued from pg. 2

April 13, 2020: Last day for citizens to register to vote or update their address in order to vote in the May 5, 2020, Town of Ashland General Election.

April 28, 2020 by 5 p.m.: Last day to request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you.

If you have any questions while completing your application, contact the office by calling 804-365‐6080 or by emailing hanovervoting@ hanovercounty.gov. For the latest information, visit www. hanovercounty.gov/365/voting.

Alabama, earning her PhD from the University of Alabama.

She recently retired from the job that brought her to Hanover County to serve as director of the McGraw-Page Library at Randolph-Macon College.

Young will take the audience along on her journey back through 11 generations of American family history.

The program is open to public.

There is no charge and light refreshments will be served afterwards.

For more information, go to https://www.hanoverhistorical. org/index.html.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020 5

OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

From the managing editor

What is it about TP during this crisis?

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ranted, this pandemic is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my 60-plus years.

But, I am curious as to why there has been a seemingly panic-driven need to buy rolls and rolls of toilet paper?

(And let me note here that this is a subject I never thought I would be writing about in my career.)

Last week, I had to pick up a prescription at a local drug store. Even though, due to my age, I’m considered in the at-risk category for the coronavirus (COVID-19), I went inside to get the prescription and check to see if there -- by some miracle -- was any hand sanitizer.

No surprise -- the shelves designated for hand sanitizer were empty. That was OK, because we

G

always have some at home.

As I headed toward the checkout, a clerk I had become familiar with due to my frequency in that particular drug store approached me. She leaned in -- but not too close -- and whispered, “We have some toilet paper in the back.” I thanked her and told her I didn’t need any. I’m sure someone else would need it.

It was a kind gesture to a customer, but I got tickled, because I felt like I was making a drug deal or taking part in some shady shenanigans (I like that word).

The Great Toilet Paper Crisis of 2020 is a first for this writer. I’ve experienced floods and blizzards, where everyone rushed to buy bread and milk -- and shovels if the predicted snow was going to be significant.

Now I’m curious as to who started this lack of

toilet paper in the United States possibility. What would prompt that idea?

Based on all the information provided about COVID-19, as well as the precautions, I don’t recall anything about a need for excessive rolls of toilet paper.

In all seriousness, though, heed the warnings and adhere to the precautions.

I had a good checkup two weeks ago, but I’m in the at-risk age range, so working from home and limiting any contact with others is the best course of action.

Our government leaders appear to be working together for the people of the United States. That’s a blessing.

While some store shelves may be vacant today, tomorrow’s another day -- and toilet paper is most likely on the way.

New challenges require a renewed tenacity

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist It’s hard to calculate just how much lives have changed, or will be altered in future weeks with the advent of the coronavirus throughout our country.

As news of the disease trickled out of China, I’m not sure most of us realized the seriousness of the threat or the danger it represented to our very way of life.

It was almost surreal as the first case was announced within our borders followed by deaths that still appeared to some like isolated incidents of infection.

We watched as hundreds trapped on cruise ships were quarantined to their rooms, stuck at sea in a floating prison with the added feature of coronavirus-infected passengers surrounding them.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

For some, it still isn’t real; while most of us have accepted facts provided by scientists and doctors, stopped shaking hands and practice social distancing and following the advice of professionals, others have chosen to view the outbreak as a media-driven campaign to influence votes.

The advice, like the virus, changes daily. With a state of emergency declared statewide and schools

throughout the Commonwealth shuttered, the story certainly seems more severe with each passing day.

But, some on social media continue to spread misinformation and blame the pandemic on political enemies of the president or the press.

It’s disturbing when any fake news is presented as factual but spreading disinformation that could affect the lives see TENACITY, 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.

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Election officers needed; job isn’t an issue There is a law on the books that specifically works for you.

Thank you for your March 11 article concerning the recent Primary Election. I was heartened to read that Teri Smithson, our General Registrar, and Assistant Registrar Sheila Frattini mentioned that we need voters to serve as election officers. These are the people you can see working at the desk and near the various machines to help our voters.

The success of the Hanover election process is founded on the good people of Hanover County who have received training and who work on the elections as Officers of the Election. It is an important public service that every registered voter can perform.

I hear that people say “I would like to help with the elections but I have to work”. There is a specific law on the books that really works with you in mind. The Code of Virginia Section 24.2-118.1: Prohibition discrimination in employment; penalty.

The law states: “Any person who serves as an officer of the election as defined in 24.2-101 shall neither be discharged from employment, nor have any adverse personnel action taken against him , nor shall he be required to use sick leave or vacation time, as a result of his absence from employment due to such service. No person who serves for four or more hours including travel time, on his day of service shall be required to start any work shift that begins on or after 5:00 p.m. on the day of his service or begins before 3:00 a.m. on the day following the day of his service.

Any employer violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.”

If you want to help with elections, state law has got you covered. You can show your supervisor the law if they are not familiar with it. see LETTERS, pg. 9

WE NEED YOUR HELP With the pandemic-related cancellations and delays, we could use your story ideas.

Contact Dave Lawrence at dlawrence@mechlocal.com with your suggestions.

For more information go to www.mechlocal.com

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Welcome to an unexpectedly silent spring

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor In 1962, Rachel Carson fired what was arguably the first shot in the modern environmental movement with her book, “Silent Spring.” The book warned of a world in which nature falls silent because of our unwise use of pesticides.

From the first chapter of the book: “There was a strange stillness. The birds, for example – where had they gone? … It was a spring without voices.

On the mornings that had once throbbed with the dawn chorus of robins, catbirds, doves, jays, wrens, and scores of other bird voices there was now no sound; only silence lay over the fields and woods and marsh.”

We are now living our own version of a silent spring.

Spring is a season I look forward to, one in which the sounds of the crack of a bat, the thump of a ball in a catcher’s mitt, and the calls of umpires – inevitably greeted by the disapproving catcalls of a partisan crowd – renew my sense of connection with the human world around me.

Like the bubble in a theodolite’s level, those sounds ground and center my sense of community.

The sounds that renew a sense of life and community will differ for others. It may be the

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Fields like the Lee-Davis High School baseball diamond are normally full of the sounds of spring competition, but because of the need to slow the spread of COVID-19, they are silent because of cancellations and postponements triggered by the pandemic.

sound of a goalkeeper directing his defense. It may be the report of a starting pistol, the pop of a tennis ball hit by a racket, the whoosh of a golf ball sailing off a tee, the thumping of feet on the track, the clunk of a pole vaulter’s wand finding its home in the box, the thud of a shot or discus landing on the ground, or the roar of a car engine on a track.

No matter how disjointed some of us may feel by the silence of this spring, it may be something we all have to

get used to. For athletes and sports fans alike, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19 – has greatly disrupted our lives.

The NCAA has cancelled its winter and spring sports championships. Those desirous of catching March Madness are restricted to watching reruns from past years on TV – and I have to say, while watching North Carolina State beat Houston on a last-second dunk in the 1983 championship game

was still pretty exciting, I would have preferred to see if the Randolph-Macon men’s basketball team would have advanced beyond the Division III Sweet 16 this year.

Without spring championships to look forward to, there is not much point for any NCAA spring seasons. Some conferences, such as the ACC, have officially called it quits.

Professional sports have taken a hit. Those leagues that play in the winter, such as the NBA, WNBA and NHL, are

in suspension. NASCAR’s season got started but is currently on hiatus. The spring races at Richmond Raceway are among a series that will be rescheduled – if possible.

Smaller tracks are affected. Virginia Motor Speedway in Saluda, Langley Speedway in Hampton and Southside Speedway in Chesterfield have postponed the start of their seasons.

Many summer sports, such as baseball, have delayed the start of their training camps.

I look forward to hearing the order for pitchers and catchers to report. But, so far this year, they are having to worry about their personal space, not the 60 feet, 6 inches that separates the pitcher’s mound from home plate.

The Virginia High School League itself was in limbo.

While it had postponed the opening of the spring season until March 30, many school systems – including Hanover County Public Schools – had decided to close through the end of their spring break, which for Hanover was April 12. There was no guarantee the closures would not be extended.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ended the uncertainty Monday. He ordered all schools in the state – public and private – closed through the end of the academic year.

For many people around the world, the sound of the bells of a church or temple, or a muezzin’s call to prayer, renews their sense of connection, of community. For many of us, it is the sound of some kind of sport.

For me, it’s the sounds of baseball and softball.

But all is silent now, and the silence can be crushing. I hope – for all of us who miss those noises – that the silence doesn’t have to last for long.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

7

Historic Garden Week canceled for first time Since WWII Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – Historic Garden Week 2020 is officially canceled. Like so many events that have been on calendars for months, the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) recognizes that the health and safety of its 3,500 members, homeowners, and the public would be in jeopardy if this statewide event, scheduled for mid-April, were held.

“It is clear that we must act responsibly and proactively to protect the well-being of our members, staff, volunteers, and homeowners as well as the 26,000 visitors who travel from all over the world to enjoy the gardens and hospitality of Virginia during this unique springtime event,” Jean Gilpin, president of the female-led non-profit, said.

In 87 years, Historic Garden Week has been cancelled only once before. “At that time, we were in the middle of World War II. Now, we face challenges here at home,” Gilpin said. “It is

WEGMANS Continued from pg. 1

other committees.

But, the public discussion regarding the controversial proposal continues to percolate, and opponents of the project are waging an organized campaign to deny the distribution center planned for a site adjacent to several Hanover neighborhoods.

At a board meeting earlier this month, eight mostly Fox Head residents spoke in opposition to the project, an appearance that has become routine at meetings as opponents take advantage of public comment periods to voice their concerns.

Milestone resident Thomas Bateman expressed his concerns regarding the proposed distribution center.

“We want to keep Hanover Hanover,” Bateman said. “A stocked treasury but a gutted soul is not Hanover. I’m not against raising our tax revenues, but at what cost?” Bateman also objected to the process that enabled Wegman’s to locate in Hanover County.

“As a Hanover resident who loves Hanover, I felt betrayed.”

Anita Philp also expressed similar sentiments as she voiced her opposition to the project.

“The place this is being put is not the right place,” Philp said. “This is like trying to shoehorn a mega square piece into a small little round hole. There are other sites in the county that would be much more suitable.”

Philp said the approval process for the proj-

8

important that we follow the advice of experts, adhere to guidelines established by the CDC, and take special care to keep our families and communities safe and healthy.”

“We thank the 154 homeowners who so graciously agreed to welcome visitors to their homes and gardens in support of our mission,” Tricia Garner, state chair of the statewide event said. “We are very appreciative of all of the sponsors, advertisers, vendors and partners who have been so supportive of our efforts.”

Historic Garden Week proceeds fund the restoration and preservation of nearly 50 of Virginia’s historic public gardens and landscapes, as well as a research fellowship program in landscape architecture that documents significant gardens.

“Monticello, Mount Vernon, Bacon’s Castle, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and The State Arboretum in Boyce, to name just a few, represent the diversity of gardens of GCV’s projects,” Lynn McCashin, the non-profit’s executive director, said.

The Garden Club of Virginia recently was recognized, and unanimously supported by Republicans and Democrats, in a Joint Resolution from the Virginia Senate for its many contributions, including “its partnership with Virginia State Parks to support programs and land stewardship throughout the commonwealth,” Gilpin added.

This nationally recognized and awardwinning five-year program, funded through

Historic Garden Week, celebrates the Garden Club of Virginia’s 100th anniversary, taking place this year, 2020.

“The Garden Club of Virginia was instrumental in establishing these parks in 1929.

Coincidentally, this is also the year of the first Historic Garden Week tours,” McCashin said.

For a century, the Garden Club of Virginia has been committed to preserving the beauty of Virginia for all to enjoy.

The GCV advocated for maintaining the pristine beauty of Goshen Pass and the wilderness of the Great Dismal Swamp. It has worked to preserve the natural beauty of landscapes along Virginia’s highways and promoted the elimination of billboard blight.

Since its formation in 1920, GCV has grown from a nucleus of eight founding clubs to 47 clubs across the commonwealth.

“It is the coordinated efforts of these talented volunteers, along with the generosity of

ect did not consider the effects on homeowners in the area.

“As I have learned how this project landed on Sliding Hill Road, it’s made me learn that the Economic Development Authority and Planning Commission gave little or no thought about the effect on me, my family or my friends and neighbors.”

She cited as evidence the Planning Commission’s recommendation to unanimously approve the proffer amendments after hearing from a long list of citizens who opposed the action.

“This is going to be a big impact on our community and not in a good way,” Philp said after listing a number of concerns, including noise, traffic, safety, preservation of wetlands and historic neighborhoods.

Philp urged board members to reject the application to amend the proffers and leave in place the list of proffers from 1995.

Fox Head resident Jeff Hetzer also said the proposed site is not compatible with the proposed project. “It’s just not a suitable piece of property for the magnitude of the project that Wegman’s wants to put there,” he said. “It’s also not compatible with the existing land use in the adjacent areas.”

As a possible decision looms, signs expressing a “No Wegman’s” message have appeared throughout the county, especially in those neighborhoods most affected by the proposed project.

According to reports, some residents are reporting thefts of those signs. Fox Head offi-

cials voted to permit the signs on residents’ property, but said they will not be allowed on community property. Signs also are forbidden on all Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintained property or right-of-ways.

A group of Wegman’s officials recently travelled to Hanover and met with neighborhood representatives in discussions, talks that one poster on social media described as “less than productive”.

Board members Angela Kelly-Wiecek and Faye Prichard scheduled a visit to the Rochester, New York, center last weekend, but postponed when states of emergency were declared in several counties, including Hanover followed by a statewide declaration by Governor Northam.

In other news regarding the pandemic, Hanover County Public Schools will remain closed through Spring Break. Students with internet access should continue online learning while additional packets will be available for those who request it or do not have broadband access.

Superintendent Michael Gill said demand for those paper packets have been higher than anticipated, and there may be shortages at some locations.

“Hanover County Public Schools will be closed through April 12. This includes all extracurricular events and use of our buildings by any group. We will continue to reassess our decision to determine if any further closures are necessary beyond this time,” Gill said in a letter to parents and students.

The superintendent acknowledged the difficulty of extended closing and the hardships it presents for most families.

“We understand that this is a significant disruption to your daily lives as we all work to adjust to our new normal. We do not make these decisions lightly, but we believe this is the best decision to help further protect our community.”

Lesson plans for the additional two weeks’ closure are being prepared from teachers and administrators who are working remotely and are available via email for student inquiries.

While the online work allows students to maintain course studies, Gill emphasized it’s not the same as in-class instruction.

“As a reminder, the learning activities created by our teachers and specialists are designed to reinforce skills and engage students in learning. They are not a substitute for classroom instruction. As a result, we do not expect students to master this material on their own, and these activities will not be graded,” the superintendent said.

He also noted the fluidity of the situation and the many questions that remain unanswered regarding SOL (Standards of Learning) testing, graduation and makeup days.

“The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is working to address all of these issues and more. The VDOE recently expressed its desire to provide greater flexibility in these areas. When we receive official guidance, we will share it with you,” Gill said.

Free curbside food service will continue through the closure “while supplies last.”

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

see HISTORIC, pg. 9

‘Hanover DASH’ – What’s behind the ride

You may know about Hanover DASH, but do you know what’s behind the ride? Roundtrip is powering on-demand mobility options for County residents who need it most.

HANOVER – Late last year, Hanover DASH began offering specialized transportation services to adults who are 60-plus years of age and persons with short-term or long-term disability.

As of Feb. 20, this service administered by the Hanover Department of Community Resources had 101 registered riders and had completed 308 trips.

What’s behind making these rides possible? Hanover has contracted with Roundtrip, a comprehensive, on-demand paratransit transportation solution.

The connection and collaboration of Roundtrip’s robust technology and reliable network of drivers to Hanover County residents enhances independence, health and well-being for many.

Hanover DASH provides individualized trips to doctors’ offices, grocery stores, banks and formal social/recreational programs as well as to Hanover government buildings. Approved riders have greater flexibility in when and how they book pointto-point, same-day rides, or for van transportation, with as little as 24-hour notice.

Roundtrip provides an online booking platform and mobile app for riders to book rides with ease, and a 24/7 call center for support or additional booking assistance.

HISTORIC

Additionally, once rides are booked, riders can get notifications via text or phone call about their upcoming ride so they rest assured knowing the status of their trips.

Rides are available to residents between 7:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. All rides are direct, non-stop and a flat rate of $6 for one-way trips.

“Roundtrip has been a valuable partner as we build this service for our community,” Lisa Adkins, Hanover Community Resources administrator, said. “The team of professionals has been extremely responsive and is focused on administrative details. Their technology allows us to view trip details and run a variety of utilization reports for ‘real time’ oversight.”

“We believe that this new specialized transportation program will make a big difference for many of our residents,” said Deputy County Administrator Jim Taylor. “Hanover County has identified the need for specialized transportation for some time, and it’s exciting to see a new service taking shape.”

Roundtrip has been working throughout the state of Virginia for the past few years.

In 2017, Roundtrip first partnered with GRTC serving Richmond residents and Henrico County residents. Since then, Roundtrip launched with neighboring Chesterfield County, one of Virginia’s largest counties, and now, Hanover County.

“It is great to see the innovative mobility options that counties in Virginia have put in place on behalf of the growing needs

LETTERS Continued from pg. 8

homeowners in communities across the state, who make Historic Garden Week possible,” Garner said. It is estimated by Chmura Analytics that Historic Garden Week has an annual economic impact of $12.5 million to Virginia.

“Much more than a fundraiser, Historic Garden Week is a cherished springtime tradition,” Gilpin said. “It promotes tourism while showcasing communities both large and small across the commonwealth. Perhaps most importantly, this enduring legacy brings the GCV membership together towards a common goal,” she added. “While this was a heart-breaking decision for our board to make, we hope Historic Garden Week fans will use this occasion to pause and take a walk, enjoy digging in the dirt, listen to the birds, and relish all that nature presents to us.” ***** The Garden Club of Virginia celebrates the beauty of the land, conserves the gifts of nature and challenges future generations to build on this heritage. The member organization presents educational programs and makes awards to encourage community conservation and beautification projects. Most notably, the Garden Club of Virginia is recognized for its Historic Garden Week, which will take place April 17-24, 2021.

Continued from pg. 6

As an officer of election, you will be trained by the General Registrar’s professional staff in the various duties for our elections.

The officers of election also earn a modest salary for their public service.

If you are interested in serving the approximately 80,000 of your best friends and neighbors as an officer of the election, you can proceed in one of two ways.

You can either visit the Hanover County website at www. hanovercounty.gov to apply, or you can call 804-365-6080. It is a simple as that to get started.

We follow the election laws and perform our duties with a helpful smile and maintain the election’s integrity.

Now is possibly the very best time to sign up for the appropriate training before the November Presidential Election.

I can promise that you won’t be thrown to the lions; everyone is trained and brought along in the system with consideration for their level of experience. This public is “doable” for any registered voter.

The officers are good people, who are directly serving their neighbors, keeping our elections legal, safe and accurate.

This is public service in the best way.

I hope you will take the time to visit the website or call the office and start the process.

You can easily get the training for a meaningful, limited time commitment, public service responsibility.

Thank you all, we will see

Photo submitted by Tom Harris

Roundtrip team members are, from left, Cathy Davison, Justin Shaw, Ankit Mathur, Rebecca Bridges, Remo Kommnick.

of their communities,” said Ankit Mathur, CTO of Roundtrip and Virginia resident of over 30 years. “Working with Hanover County is a privilege and we are happy to make a positive impact on the everyday living for residents in the community.”

Roundtrip is doing more than expanding access to care; we are changing how people manage their health in their everyday lives.

As we address social determinants of health and aging in place, Roundtrip is driven to deliver engaged and empowered transportation experiences for our riders. Together, Hanover DASH and Roundtrip are driving better health outcomes with flexible mobility options built with the riders’ trip in mind.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer. you at the polls.

My best.

Lou Szari Mechanicsville

Historical nature needs saved despite growth Like so many other of my fellow Hanover County neighbors, I moved to Hanover for the community, the reputation of the schools, and the beauty of the landscape. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the historical nature of the area but I have and it’s fascinating. These are the things that we all should be working to preserve in Hanover.

In the last eight years, the population of Hanover has seen significant growth. The county has been faced with hard deci-

sions. How do they pay for infrastructure to keep up with the population growth?

Ultimately, the county has chosen to become business-centric by putting the needs of businesses before the needs of the citizens in order to encourage economic growth. Transparency and sense of community have been lost.

The most recent example is the Wegmans’ project. The Hanover County Board of Supervisors made a choice to announce the project after the election was held in November, knowing the negative impacts on the community.

Over the years, Hanover has used economic development to justify the black hole of information being shared with the public. see LETTERS, pg. 11

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 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.

Ongoing Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy.leigh@verizon.net.

Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christcentered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-9645 or email kjfaith1@gmail.com.

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

p.m. with Pastor Roy Minnix, senior pastor, and Nycholas Greig, associate pastor. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804270-9626.

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

F

ax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to events@mechlocal.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone.

We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Ashland-Hanover Local. Accurate at the time of printing.

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

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

Eugene Truitt is the Post commander.

He can be contacted at 804-746-4734.

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54.

Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission.

For more information, visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804789-0536.

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

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 804-675-4230.

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.

State Republican chairman: COVID-19 postpones convention RICHMOND – The Republican Party of Virginia’s 2020 Convention is being postponed until COVID-19 is deemed under control.

Jack R. Wilson III, chairman,

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Republican Party of Virginia, said, “Given the current Virginia State of Emergency and the guidance from the CDC (Centers of Disease Control), the Republican Party of Virginia had

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

no choice but to act prudently to protect the health of the delegates to the Convention.”

Wilson said the executive committee voted unanimously to reschedule.

Chamber reschedules events due to COVID-19 Staff Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE -- Melissa Haley, executive director of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, has announced the rescheduling of events due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Please know that the health and safety of our members and guests are top of mind,” she said.

Events rescheduled include: Business After Hours on March 19 has been rescheduled for April 23.

Nonprofit Gathering on March 24 will be rescheduled, date to be shared.

A Salute to Our Heroes on March 26 has been rescheduled for May 19.

Some scheduled meetings will now take place by conference call, information will be sent as needed. *If tickets were already

reserved or paid for, the Chamber will refund payments or hold those registrations based on postponement or the request of each purchaser.

“The Chamber will continue to evaluate the benefits and concerns of each event, program or meeting as they occur. We will send, post or email updates within three to seven days of each event as needed,” Haley said.

“Governor Northam has declared a State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 virus and the Virginia Department of Health is recommending the limitation of group gatherings. By making adjustments in the next weeks, we will all help to slow the spread of this virus and keep our community more healthy in general,” she added.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding. Wishing you all good health . . . and clean hands!”

Haley concluded.

‘Finding Value in Your Prime Active Aging’ program cancelled The Finding Value in Your Prime Active Aging event scheduled for April 23 has been cancelled.

This decision was made in order to ensure the health and well-being of all event attendees, including Hanover County’s “valued” older adults.

The Hanover Council on Aging, Hanover –Ashland TRIAD, the Department of Community Resources, Hanover and

Mechanicsville AARP Chapters, and Hanover Parks and Recreation want to thank all of the partners and our senior population for their interest in the event.

Vendors and sponsors who had previously registered will be contacted regarding refunds.

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

Republican Committee announces Reagan Day Dinner is postponed Staff Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -Robert Cornelius, chair of the Hanover Republican Committee, has announced that the Reagan Day Dinner, planned for Saturday, March 28, at Oakdale, has been

postponed until a new date can be scheduled.

He said the decision was made “due to the recent events and in the interest of safety.”

“We appreciate your support and understanding of this decision due to the circumstances our country is facing,” he added.

TENACITY Continued from pg. 6

of citizens seems especially evil and misguided to me.

I, like many of my fellow citizens, got my initial first contact with the reality of the outbreak when I entered the grocery store a few days ago. Most aisles were void of merchandise and meat or frozen foods had been sold out for most of the day.

I discovered that every item on my list was unavailable down to the baking potato I had envisioned for dinner.

With renewed determination and tenacity, I began my mission for groceries much earlier the next day. While many items had been replenished, there were noticeable shortages of hand santitizer, bottled water, and, yes, toilet paper.

I suppose 14 days of quarantine requires planning for the can’t be overlooked details.

Standing in line to check out, the conversations were all virus-related, and we patiently chatted as countless bottles of sanitizer and boxes of wipes beeped through the checkout.

As one man completed his checkout, he noticed the customer directly behind him had two containers of sanitizing wipes.

“Where did you find those?” he anxiously asked.

“There are a few left on aisle 8,” the next person in line replied.

He abandoned his bag of groceries and sprinted away

to grab the sought-after supplies as if he was racing in a supermarket dash competition. Seconds later, he returned with one container of wipes.

Long story short, Im not as prepared as my fellow shoppers for the impending isolation. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the reality we face as a nation.

I can assure the situation is real in my world.

With a son with Muscular Dystrophy and being in the high-risk age group myself, we’re not taking any chances. For obvious reasons, we cannot bring the virus to our home.

So, my girls are pretty much grounded for the next two weeks, only allowed short visits with friends or trips to the store. Needless to say, they are not happy with their parents’ decision to stay confined and shelter Jack from possible infection.

And I’ll be limiting my contact with groups, taking the Governor’s advice to work from home when possible.

The only encouraging remark I can offer is one provided by one of those shoppers in that long line at my local grocery store.

“We’ll get through this and, by summer, we won’t even remember it.”

Over-optimistic observations? Perhaps, but I hope she is right. I’m just hoping the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train.

Stay safe.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 9

There are legal exemptions that allow for closed session negotiations to take place over a long period of time and are designed to keep the public in the dark until the deal is almost done to protect the economic benefit of the businesses. They don’t

Book review leads to theoretical physics questions

By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College has ceased operations (including public viewing) due to the pandemic until further notice. Watch the web site (https://www.rmc.edu/keeble) for updates. Or, call the Keeble Information line at 804-752-3210.

I

t’s probably not fair to review a book review. But I found a recent review in the March 17 NY Times raising interesting questions. So let me share my thoughts on those questions and suggest that you find the book and read it yourself.

I intend to.

The review was by Prof. Jim Al-Khalili from the University of Surrey, who is also a fellow of the Royal Society. The book in question is “The Dream Universe – How Fundamental Physics Has Lost Its Way” (240 pages. $26.95 published by Doubleday) written by astrophysicist David Lindley. According to the reviewer, Lindley offers a history and critique of some of the more exotic speculations in theoretical physics. String theory, parallel universes, hidden dimensions and such are frequent topics of popularized science. (One of my favorite critiques of string theory is Peter Woit’s “Not Even Wrong.”) While they garner lots of attention, the reality pointed out by Lindley is that they make little or no connection to physical reality.

Western science can be traced to preSocratic Greeks like Thales of Miletus. But Lindley begins with Plato, who thought of ideals instead of reality (e.g. an idea called “tree” and its realization as the willow oak in my front yard). His student Aristotle claimed to flip that, saying that the idea came from the many examples of trees in the world. Closer to our modern “scientific method” in which observation leads to hypothesis which leads to experiment

even have to identify what they are talking about in the closed session meetings.

While these back door meetings are legal, they are completely voluntary. These meetings are not required to be closed. Our county has chosen to operate this way. They have chosen to prioritize businesses over citizens.

This is the culture that should change.

which leads to revision, etc. That is, our theories need to make predictions which can be tested. But even Aristotle ignored observations which contradicted his idealized picture of the universe.

I frequently challenge my students to ponder why mathematics seems to describe the world, to the extent that all successful physical theory has a deep mathematical component. Lindly apparently contends that much of modern physics has gone back to Plato, String theory (according to Woit) makes no testable predictions, claiming instead to be true because the math is beautiful. The nature of a black hole event

Metro Creative Connection

horizon is not testable, but theorists argue over that anyway. Al-Khalili states that Lindley’s claim is that much theoretical research is actually philosophy, not science. Physics used to be entirely empirical.

Mechanics led to the invention of calculus, not the other way around. Lindly says we should return to that.

Lunar phases for April: First Quarter on the 1st, at 6:21 am; Full Moon on the 7th, at 10:35 pm; Last Quarter on the 14th, at 6:56 pm; New Moon on the 22nd, at 10:26 pm.

And, since the month is longer than a full orbit of the Moon, we’ll see another First Quarter on the 30th at 4:36 pm. All times

Citizens have choices as well. We do not have to accept the voluntarily closed door meetings that put economic growth ahead of the citizens’ rights. We have the power of voices and voting and ultimately the choice of where we live. The people are the thread that weaves this community together. Without them, it would be a tangled web of string without any use.

are Eastern Daylight.

Venus is bright in the evening sky, not setting until around midnight. Look west and it will be the brightest “star” you’ll see.

Predawn twilight will reveal a parade of planets. Jupiter rises around 2:00 am, Mars and Saturn follow at 3:00 am. Look for them lined up to the south southwest before dawn.

Pluto is in the same part of the sky, but much to faint to see without a large telescope.

Mercury will rise just ahead of the Sun. Our midmonth overhead view of the sky, about three hours after sunset, finds us staring at an apparently empty patch of the heavens! Not actually, of course, but the lack of bright stars near zenith might lead us to consider the possibility. It just happens that at this particular time you are looking out of the plane of our home Galaxy. Wait a few hours and you’ll see that the Milky Way was hugging the horizon.

Although no “famous” constellations are directly overhead, look for some a little lower. Leo is to the southwest, about 60 degrees above the horizon. The bright star Regulus is the “heart of the Lion” and Denebola marks the lion’s tail nearly 50 degrees to the left. Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini are about 45 degrees above the western horizon, while Jupiter is settling toward the horizon to the west northwest.

Ursa Major is high to the north, with the bowl of the Big Dipper inverted above the north star Polaris (which isn’t actually above the north pole, but it’s close). Vega is rising low to the northeast. Arcturus in the constellation Bootes is about 48 degrees above the east southeast. Saturn is below and to the southeast, about 24 degrees above the horizon and rising.

If readers have questions about astronomy or science in general that you would like to see covered in one of these columns, please feel free to contact Dr. George Spagna at gspagna@rmc.edu.

I was encouraged at a recent community meeting, to hear supervisors Faye Prichard and Angela KellyWiecek state that Hanover is in need of a culture change. They think citizens should be the top priority with economic growth second.

I have heard supervisor Sean Davis state that transparency is a number one priority in Hanover

and I’ve heard our supervisors chairman Aubrey Stanley state that he has been in politics for over 33 years and you don’t get here or stay here by being less than transparent. Yet, actions speak louder than words and the county’s actions do not translate to transparency. see LETTERS, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020 11

Governor Northam announces additional actions to address COVID-19 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND — On Thursday, March 19, Governor Ralph Northam announced further actions to protect public health and support Virginians impacted by the spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Increased Access to Health Care Working with the Department of Medicaid Assistance Services, Northam is increasing access to health care for Virginia’s 1.5 million Medicaid members and thousands of lowincome residents.

These actions include: Eliminating all co-payments for services covered by Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS), including COVID-19-related treatment as well as other medical care.

Ensuring current Medicaid members do not inadvertently lose coverage due to lapses in paperwork or a change in circumstances.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 11

I believe most Hanover County residents agree that the need for change is overdue. The board of supervisors is being presented with a timely opportunity to gain the trust back of their constituents over the next four years and before the next election period.

The county administrator position is the chief executive of the county government. This position is arguably the most influential position on the culture of Hanover County.

The current administrator, Rhu Harris, is slated to retire on May 15 and the replacement will be appointed by the board of supervisors. I understand interviews are currently underway.

I ask that the board of supervisors put citizens first. Appoint at least two county citizens to be a part of the interview committee for the county administrator position. And allow a citizen from each district to review the applications and resumes.

The citizens are engaged and watching your actions. You have the ability to act on the words you have

12

Permitting Medicaid members to obtain a 90-day supply of many routine prescriptions, an increase from the 30-day supply under previous rules.

Waiving pre-approval requirements for many critical medical services, and enacting automatic extensions for approvals that are already in place.

Expanding access to telehealth services, including allowing Medicaid reimbursement for providers who use telehealth with patients in the home.

Guidance for Child Care Providers Northam has directed the Department of Social Services to modify Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy program, which is currently caring for 25,000 children, to increase support and flexibility for enrolled families and providers.

These modifications include: Expanding eligibility for school-aged children currently designated for part-day care to full-day care.

Increasing the number of paid absences

spoken. This is your opportunity to truly move toward transparency!

Will Hanover take this opportunity to turn over a new leaf or will it be business as usual?

Shanda Miller Mechanicsville

Growth isn’t issue as much as the challenges I can appreciate your recent editorial stating you don’t understand the concerns expressed by the Atlee and Brown Grove communities regarding the proposed Wegmans’ Distribution Center (DC).

You noted that there is development happening near your neighborhood and the county is growing. That is a fair statement.

Many residents who oppose the proposed Wegmans’ distribution center also understand Hanover County is growing. We support effective growth when it is properly located in an area that is in harmony with the surrounding land uses.

The opposition to the Wegmans’ distribution center are from people

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

Metro Creative Connection

from 36 to 76 days for both level 1 and level 2 providers.

Automatically extending eligibility for families due for eligibility redetermination in the near future by 2 months and temporarily suspending the requirement for face-to-face interviews.

of all walks of life and with diverse political perspectives – conservative, independent and liberal.

We all understand smart development is necessary to support vital community services and to create good paying jobs.

In my conversations with neighbors throughout the area affected, I have rarely come across anyone who is opposed to community growth.

Many understand we reside on the edge of Hanover County's designated growth area.

Hanover County has wisely concentrated growth into certain areas of the county with a long-established policy that is a model within the Commonwealth.

Indeed, Hanover County is pointed to in statewide community planning training classes as an example of how to effectively manage suburban growth.

However, the proposed Wegmans’ distribution center is different from our typical local development project.

Hanover County has not had a project of this significance and magnitude in some time. There are unique challenges associated with this

As announced on Wednesday, March 18, the Northam administration has released guidance for child care providers to slow the spread of COVID-19, while ensuring continued support for essential personnel.

proposed project.

Those challenges include – a location directly beside some of the largest residential neighborhoods in the county; the fact the facility will operate a 24 hours, 7 days a week; a site plan with very thin vegetated buffers for screening and noise abatement; highly legitimate issues related to the creation of nuisance noise from the facility operation; the potential for creating off-sight nuisance light pollution; increased traffic safety issues for both motorists and cyclists who use adjacent roads, including the long designated U.S. 76 Bicycle Trail; and many more issues.

There are many technical matters that make the property difficult to develop.

Several historical features are located on this site such as a structure believed to have been associated with the Merry Oaks Tavern. The former Brown Grove School, active during a portion of segregation, is located directly across from the Brown Grove Baptist Church. There are long rumors and written communications over the last 25 years that there are graves on the property.

Yet archaeological surveys conducted

see NORTHAM, pg. 13

to date have excluded both the school and any search for potential graves.

There are extensive wetlands found throughout the property. In order for this site to be developed, a large amount of these features will have to be filled and mitigated for off-site at a location that does little to improve the water quality of the downstream Totopotomoy Creek, portions which have long failed to meet water standards established by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

With respect, it is very clear you do not understand the unique complexities of this proposed development at this particular location. Now that you are aware of just some of these concerns, our community (much larger than the Fox Head subdivision, by the way) hopes you and other regional media members will take a closer look at this matter. We invite you to become educated on the topic so you can move beyond the statement of “I don’t understand” to one of first-hand knowledge of the many and substantial complex issues that extends far beyond a simple "Not In My Back Yard" concern.

Chris French Mechanicsville

NORTHAM Continued from pg. 12

These guidelines include: Childcare providers should limit capacity to 10 total individuals per room and prioritize care for children of essential personnel.

Children should eat meals in their own classrooms and increase distance as much as possible, such as allowing only one classroom at a time to go outside and staggering exits and entrances to reduce contact.

Staff and children should focus on basic health precautions, including regular hand washing and cleaning frequently touched objects.

Support for Impacted Businesses Following a request submitted by Governor Northam on March 18, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on March 19 approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia.

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Commonwealth affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis can now

SCHOOLS Continued from pg. 1

April 12. He said the decision was based on “careful consideration and in the interest of public health and safety.”

Taking action on March 18, Gill said, was in an effort to “help you plan well in advance.”

In addition to classroom studies, Gill said the closing includes “all extracurricular events and use of our buildings by any group. We will continue to reassess our decision to determine if any further closures are necessary beyond this time.”

“These are extraordinary times, and we continue to take extraordinary measures to do our part to help prevent and contain the further spread of COVID-19 within our community,” he said. “During the extended closure, we remain committed to serving our students and families, from providing food to developing

apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses.

To submit a loan application through the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, please visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 also can request to defer the payment of state sales tax, which were due March 20 for 30 days. When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20 with a waiver of any penalties.

The Governor has requested that the Department of Taxation to extend the due date of payment of Virginia individuals and corporate income taxes.

While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1. Note that interest will still accrue, so taxpayers who are able to pay by the original deadlines should do so.

Justice-Involved Population Local, regional, and state public safety agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the safety of employees and residents in correctional facilities. The following information is issued jointly by the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), the Virginia Sheriffs

countless learning resources and strategies for students at all grade levels at 25 schools.”

Gill said the division’s team “has worked tirelessly to support our students, families, and community” at all levels. “I am grateful and in awe of their incredible efforts. I am equally thankful for your patience, kindness, and understanding as we navigate this new territory together.”

With the system still under a state of emergency at the local, state, and national level, the superintendent pointed out that Governor Northam had “declared a ban on gatherings of 10 or more people to address this issue further.”

“We understand that this is a significant disruption to your daily lives as we all work to adjust to our new normal,” Gill continued. “We do not make these decisions lightly, but we believe this is the best decision to help further protect our community. We continue to ask for your patience, under-

standing, and support during this difficult and unprecedented situation in our community and country.”

Gill said parents and guardians, as well as administrators, staff and students, may have questions about several issues, including makeup days and SOL (Standards of Learning) testing. He did say that the testing “may be causing you some anxiety. As a result, please read the following updates that we hope will address many of your concerns.”

Makeup days, SOLs, and Graduation Requirements The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is working to address all of these issues and more. The VDOE recently expressed its desire to provide greater flexibility in these areas. When official guidance is received, Gill said the district will share it with those concerned.

Food Service

Association (VSA), the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys (VACA), the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (IDC), and the Virginia Association of Regional Jails (VARJ).

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) has suspended all in-person visitation to state correctional facilities and is complying with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control related to COVID-19. VADOC has also suspended all transfers from local and regional jails for the next 30 days to limit potential exposure to the virus.

Northam is encouraging local criminal justice officials, including Commonwealth’s attorneys, defense attorneys, sheriffs, and other jail officials, to explore proactive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring public safety.

These recommendations include: Allowing sentence modifications that can reduce populations within the jails, as outlined in Va. Code § 19.2-303.

Diverting offenders from being admitted into jail prior to trial, including the use of summonses by law enforcement in lieu of arrest pursuant to Va. Code § 19.2-74, and use of local pretrial programs as available and with considFree curbside student food service will continue Monday through Friday through the extended closure at all five previously identified locations, including Spring Break, while supplies last. For more information, visit www.bit.ly/ HanoverMealService.

Building Access and Staff Availability All school division offices will remain closed to the public due to ongoing health and safety concerns. However, division leaders, school administrators, teachers, and others will continue to work remotely and be available to students and families via email. To access the employee email directory, visit http://hcps.us/contact_us/ employee_directory.

Teachers will be off during Spring Break as they would normally.

Learn-from-Home Initiative “Our team is already working hard to prepare learning

Metro Creative Connection

eration to local capacity.

Considering ways to reduce low-risk offenders that are being held without bail in jails.

Utilizing alternative solutions to incarceration such as home electronic monitoring, pursuant to Va. Code § 53.1-131.2.

Motor Vehicle Inspections Northam has directed the Virginia Department of State Police to suspend the enforcement of Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections for 60 days.

For a comprehensive list of actions Governor Northam has announced to combat COVID-19 in Virginia, visit virginia.gov/coronavirus.

materials and resources for the additional two-week closure.

We will communicate more details when they are available,” Gill added.

As a reminder, the learning activities created by the system’s teachers and specialists are designed to reinforce skills and engage students in learning. They are not a substitute for classroom instruction.

As a result, he said they do not expect students to master this material on their own, and these activities will not be graded.

All families who have access to high-speed internet are encouraged to access these resources online at http://bit. ly/HCPSLearnfromHome and complete and save assignments digitally. “If you have internet access, but not printing capabilities, your child can also use loose-leaf paper to work on many of the assignments,” the superintendent said.

“We will continue to provide paper packets to families

who do not have high-speed internet access, or to families who express a specific need for printed materials,” he said.

Gill also said that the demand for printed learning materials “is much greater than expected and our supplies are low at several schools.

Our staff is working as hard and quickly as possible to print additional copies on-site. If needed, we will extend pickup hours and/or days to ensure that all students receive these materials.”

“In the meantime, we will continue to work hard at all levels to help provide support to our students and families during the extended closure. As always, thank you for your continued support of our efforts to help keep our students and staff healthy and safe. We will continue to provide updates as needed,” he concluded.

Hanover County Public Schools contributed to this report.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020 13

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

03/25-03/26

CUSTOMER WORD SEARCH

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HOROSCOPES

CLUES ACROSS 1. Bond villain Mikkelsen 5. A team’s best pitcher 8. French river 12. Mountain nymph (Greek) 14. City of Angels airport 15. Military force 16. Scrawny 18. Value 19. One billionth of a second (abbr.)

20. Highly seasoned sausage 21. Trouble 22. Prong 23. Showing varying colors 26. Cloaked 30. Renters sign one 31. Acquires 32. Type of language (abbr.)

33. Partner to pains 34. Third portion of the small intestine 39. Excessively theatrical actor 42. Infraction 44. Classical music for the stage 46. Slogged

14

47. One who terminates 49. Breakfast is an important one 50. Moved earth 51. Medical procedures 56. Genus of clams 57. Not well 58. Comparative figure of speech 59. Covered thinly with gold 60. Principle underlying the universe 61. A parent’s sisters 62. Professional engineering group 63. Coniferous tree 64. Impudence CLUES DOWN 1. Female parents 2. Region 3. Transaction 4. Heroic tale 5. Of algae 6. Luminous intensity unit 7. Uncovers 8. French commune name 9. Poisonous gas 10. Pearl Jam’s bassist 11. Horse groom in India 13. Destroyed

17. A way to alter 24. Promotional materials 25. American state 26. Extinct flightless bird of New Zealand 27. ‘Modern Family’network 28. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series 29. Exercise system __-bo 35. Type of bulb 36. Opposite of beginning 37. Utilize 38. Type of student 40. Deficiency of moisture 41. Areas of the eye 42. Select 43. Sheets of floating ice 44. Priests who act as mediums 45. Roof of the mouth 47. Unnatural 48. Illuminated 49. There are three famous ones 52. Large, fast Australian birds 53. ‘Dracula’heroine Harker 54. Subsititutes (abbr.)

55. Tax

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, asking a bunch of questions may not unveil the answers you were hoping for. You may not be asking the right questions. Keep forging ahead.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21 The ability to listen is an important skill, Gemini. This ability is especially valuable when others come to you for advice. Listen intently and do your best to help.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, even if things do not entirely make sense this week, you can glean certain bits of information here and there that can help you to paint the bigger picture.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, certain battles cannot be won no matter how hard you try. Do not focus unnecessary energy on things that cannot be scaled. Direct your focus to more inportant projects.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Keep a keen eye on someone you admire at work, and then try to mirror this person in your actions.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22 A project you started may come to a screeching halt, Scorpio. This does not mean you should abandon it entirely. It just means you will have to take a brief hiatus and restart.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, certain responsibilities may seem like a drain on your time. But right now you are not seeing how even small tasks can add up to big results in the end.

Remain patient.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, people naturally want to be around you, but sometimes you need to take a step back and focus on yourself. Clear your schedule for some personal time this week.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20 Spring is a time of new beginnings, Capricorn. You may be presented with several new opportunities. Travel, a new job or even expanding your family may be in the cards.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, even if you do not have all the answers, you can take steps that address many of the changes that have occurred in your life lately.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20 Channel your creativity into projects that let you express yourself, Pisces. Artwork, writing and crafting are a few examples.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20 Things are not always what they seem, Aries. Keep this in mind when dealing or working with people you have never met. It may take some time to figure things out.

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 8th day of April 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input and may make a recommendation on the following applications: CUP20-0221 VALLEY PROTEINS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ROGER VOGLER, THE APPLICANT, IS REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A FUELING STATION AND TO PROCESS FOOD BYPRODUCTS ON PROPERTY LOCATED ON QUARLES ROAD (GPIN 7880-14-8504), ADJACENT TO 309 QUARLES ROAD. THE PROPERTY IS ZONED M-1 AND FUELING STATIONS (ARTICLE XIII, SECTION 21-119 (W)), AND THE PROCESSING OF MEAT, FISH, YEAST, OR THE REFINING OF FATS (ARTICLE XIII, SECTION 21-119 (AF)) REQUIRES A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. THE PROPERTY IS 14 ACRES IN SIZE AND HAS A FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL AND INTERSTATE COMMERCIAL.

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ZACH AND MARTHA MILLER, THE APPLICANTS ON BEHALF OF THE OWNERS GENE E LUCK, ESTATE, ARE REQUESTING TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 205 HOWARD STREET (GPIN 7779-59-9485) FROM R-1, RESIDENTIAL RESTRICTED, TO R-2, RESIDENTIAL LIMITED WITH PROFFERS. THE PROPERTY IS 0.65 ACRES IN SIZE (APPROXIMATELY 28,000 SF) AND HAS A FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD (1-4 UNITS/ACRE).

Copies of the requests may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005.

All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020 15

Mental Health group disbands, nonprofits receive $360,000 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

H

ANOVER -- Seven nonprofit organizations based in Hanover County or whose mission serves county residents, along with a new endowed scholarship, are beneficiaries of more than $360,000 distributed by the Hanover Mental Health Association (HMHA).

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

Representatives of the organizations were special guests at a celebration event held on Jan. 30 at Hanover Tavern.

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

Grants to the organizations range from $15,000 to $70,000, said Ward. Those receiving funds were: Mental Health America of Virginia – the state-level representative of Mental Health America and the “parent” organization of HMHA Hanover Community Support Services – provides financial support to citizens with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and substance abuse disorder Hanover Safe Place – provides services to persons who have experienced domestic or sexual violence; the grant will help expand needed mental health services to clients Wings of Hope Ranch – rescues neglected horses and rehabilitates them to serve children going through conflicts and challenges, such as anxiety, abuse, developmental challenges and behavioral issues Camp Comfort Zone – a bereavement organization that transforms the lives of children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver Cameron Gallagher Foundation – cultivates awareness and understanding of teenage depression and anxiety through a program called “Mental Health 101” for high school

16

Photo submitted by Linda Evans

Hanover Mental Health Association Janet Rosser, left, HMHA board member, talks with Kelly Hughes and Lynne Hughes, CEO of Comfort Zone Camp.

students Mental Health First Aid – through a grant to Virginia Home for Boys and Girls, the program will continue and expand training to promote mental health and provide tips on what to do if you think someone is struggling with mental health issues Tom Hale III Scholarship – to be managed by Hanover Community Support Services, this scholarship will assist individuals with lived experience of mental illness in their educational pursuits HMHA has served residents of Hanover County with mental illness since the mid-1970s, when a few local residents began organizing weekly social activities to bring together people who had been discharged from Central State Hospital and were fairly socially isolated.

“This group of individuals sharing their lived experience of mental illness became the stepping stones for Sunrise House, a psychosocial rehabilitation program based on the Fountain House Clubhouse model out of New York,” said Ward.

The model focuses on the strengths and abilities of individuals, while developing and supporting relationships and learning how to manage mental illness.

By 1986, county volunteers and community leaders formed the Hanover Mental Health Association and began implementing psychosocial rehabilitation.

HMHA became the local affiliate of Mental Health America of Virginia.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local March 25, 2020

Photo submitted by Linda Evans

The Hanover Mental Health Association distributed more than $362,000 to seven organizations represented at a celebration event on Jan. 30 at Hanover Tavern. Shown are, from left, front row, Cory Richardson Lauve of Virginia Home for Boys and Girls; Lynne Hughes of Comfort Zone Camp; and Susan Lindsay of the Cameron Gallagher Foundation; and, back row, Bruce Cruser of Mental Health America-Virginia; Amy Gregory of Hanover Community Support Services; Katherine Cook of the Cameron Gallagher Foundation; Sheree Hedrick of Hanover Safe Place; Jessica Bell of Hanover Safe Place; and Allison Boyd of Wings of Hope Ranch.

Photo submitted by Linda Evans

Fran Sadler, past president of HMHA, enjoys the buffet at the association’s celebration event on Jan. 30. Roght: Madge Carter, a charter and current member of the Hanover Mental Health Association board enjoys the festivities, accompanied by her son, Sam Redd Carter.

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

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

The program moved to a larger, handicapaccessible building and was renamed RAFT House.

HMHA rededicated its house as the Tom Hale III Educational Center at Sunrise House in 2009, providing a place for training and com-

munity education for mental health professionals, consumers of mental health services and their families.

“After much soul-searching, the board decided it was time to sell the house in Ashland and use the proceeds to provide one-time financial grants to individuals and organizations to assist with recovery efforts, as well as initiating and supporting Mental Health First Aid classes for Hanover residents and professionals,” said Ward.

“Now, our final step in the journey brings us to the end of an association but allows us to strengthen other community agencies to ensure that HMHA’s legacy will live on,” said Ward.