EDUCATION
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Superintendent: Individualized instruction plans developed
Bon Secours has Task Force on the ready for COVID-19 PAGE
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Vol. 5 No. 30 | Richmond Suburban News | April 8, 2020
Ashland Strawberry Faire canceled Scholarships will be granted thanks to board members, Ashland Physical Therapy, Village Bank Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
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SHLAND – The Ashland Strawberry Faire responds to the pressing community health concerns related to the COVID-19 crisis. After months of behindthe-scenes planning, the board made the difficult decision to cancel the June 6 Faire.
“Based on local information regarding C-19 and its possible impact on our ability to hold the Faire, we decided to cancel it. It was a hard decision,” President Sharon Chidsey said. The Faire is providing options to the vendors already committed to this year’s Faire, including
Ashland voters may cast absentee ballot on May 5 Risk is too high for COVID-19 exposure in General Election 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 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.hanoversee VOTERS, pg. 5
rollover of fees, receiving a refund minus a nominal administrative fee, or a donation of all/part of the fee to be earmarked for the Hanover County Public Schools and RandolphMacon College scholarship program. The financial impact of cancelling the Faire will produce a shortfall of funds for this year. This situation has made it difficult to grant scholarships and keep seed money in the bank to start next year’s
Faire. The board’s solution: all board members will personally contribute to the scholarship fund to fill in the gaps. Seed money for next year’s Faire will stay intact, allowing for a healthy start to next year’s Faire. “We felt it was important to honor our commitment to the students who have been told that they were being awarded a scholarship,” said one board member. She shared that one of her daughters had been a recipient of a local scholarship. She see STRAWBERRY, pg. 5
Northam urges public to wear face masks By Laura McFarland Richmond Suburban News RICHMOND – Gov. Ralph Northam urged anyone going out into the public in the coming weeks to wear a face covering both for their protection and the safety of others. During a press briefing he gave on Monday, April 6, the governor continued to stress the need for social distancing and hand washing as the main protections against the spread of COVID-19. But because a significant portion of individuals
with coronavirus lack symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines recommending people wear some kind of cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as at grocery stores and pharmacies, he said. “If a person is wearing a face covering, it is less likely that droplets from a sneeze or from talking will spread out into the air. And if you are see NORTHAM pg. 15
HCBOS holds first remote public hearing Public hearing on Wegmans’ distribution center on schedule By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER -- In what some described as the beginning of a new era and others likened to a “remote mess,” the Hanover County Board of Supervisors held its first public hearing utilizing a new remote system that accepts public comment via email or voicemail. The live-streamed meeting was plagued with technical difficulties that prohibited many online viewers from accessing the event live, a situation caused by the livestream provider. The entire meeting is available on the county’s website, www.hanovercounty.gov.
In order to comply with Governor Ralph Northam’s edict that citizens limit assemblies to 10 people or less, the board enacted the special measures last month in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, allowing citizens email and phone access to air public comments. The panel held public hearings regarding the proposed FY 2021 budget and associated tax rates. About 10 citizens took advantage of the new system, most of them supplying public remarks by email that were summarized by board clerk Janice Firestone. Several of the comments urged supervisors not to include any funds for the continuation of a legal suit involving Hanover County Public Schools and the local NAACP. Others opposed any funding for incentives for the proposed Wegmans’ distribution center.
No citizens appeared in person to comment of the proposed budget or the tax rates. Board members will vote on the proposed tax rate that maintains the current 81 cents per $100 of assessed value for real estate and includes slight increases for water and sewer at their April 8 meeting. County attorney Dennis Walter told the board there are 30 pending zoning appliWALTER cations currently before the Planning Commission or board of supervisors, many of those delayed from last month due to see HCBOS, pg. 4
Superintendent: Individualized instruction plans developed (Editor’s note: The following, submitted on Thursday, April 2, by Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, said the article “is our continuity of instruction plan for the remainder of the school year, or Learnfrom-Home Phase II. Due to its length and the importance of the information it contains, we ask that you please read this message very carefully. Please also keep this document handy as a reference to help address any questions you may have in the future.”) Dear Families, We believe that the conti-
nuity of instruction is important for our students, both now and for future learning. As a result, our team has worked tirelessly to develop a more robust, individualized instructional plan to serve our students since Governor Northam’s announcement last week that all schools in Virginia are closed for the remainder of the school year, as well as his recent stay-athome order. We have developed our plan with our families in mind. More specifically, we acknowledge that these are difficult times for many of our families
PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING
Ghost Light: a single bulb that is left energized on the stage of a theatre when the theatre is unoccupied and would otherwise be completely dark. For Ashland Theatre, our ghost light is a sign that we will return. Even though our seats are empty and our kettles are cold, we know we will make it through this pandemic. Our community has been incredibly positive and supportive of us. Together, we will come out of this crisis stronger than ever.
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020
as they cope with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus in our state. While we want to provide opportunities for our students, we do not want to overburden our parents and families. We understand and respect that each family’s situation is unique, and we promise to be supportive, compassionate, and flexible.
LEARN-FROM-HOME PHASE II: WHAT TO EXPECT Our teachers, school counselors, administrators, and others will continue to work with their students on a regular basis to support their learning and other needs using the Learn-from-Home Phase II materials. The focus will be on the essential skills and content, especially those necessary for future learning. Teachers will be engaging with their students to monitor academic progress, support learning, and maintain a sense of community. Teachers will also work to provide a more tailored approach to their individual classes to enhance the learning experience for students. For elementary students, the emphasis will still be on supporting growth in reading and math, engaging in play for learning content, and strengthening readiness skills for the next grade level. For middle and high school students, the focus will be on course completion in order to move to the next level of instruction in the fall. For seniors, the focus will be on meeting graduation requirements. We will also continue to work with the College Board, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and Reynolds Community College for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual-
Enrollment (DE), or Advance College Academy (ACA) courses. Additionally, we will work with all seniors to ensure that they are well-prepared for life after high school. The Learn-from-Home curriculum is designed to provide students with a reasonable amount of work that will allow them to reach mastery of the content. Please communicate directly with your child’s teacher if your child needs assistance or more support for any of the Learn-from-Home materials. To stay on track, all students are required to complete three “Meets Expectations/ Does Not Meet Expectations” assignments for each course between April 13 and May 29. Teachers will clearly identify these assignments for students. Specific details are included in the “GRADING” section below. Students should expect to spend an average of the following time overall (not individually) for all courses/ classes combined each week: Elementary: 5 to 10 hours, depending upon grade level Middle: 10 to 12 hours High: 12 to 15 hours Students will have the opportunity to enhance their learning throughout this Learn-from-Home period and may choose to engage in enrichment opportunities or activities for deeper learning. High school students involved in ACA, IB, and AP may find that their time on learning activities is greater than those given above.
HOW TO ACCESS LEARN-FROM-HOME PHASE II RESOURCES The initial resources we previously developed and distributed were intended to serve your student(s) through April 3, just prior to Spring
Break. We intend for the new materials to serve our students’ instructional needs from April 13 (post-Spring Break) until the end of the school year. We encourage all families to enjoy a much-needed break from schoolwork during Spring Break. We will make the new instructional materials available on Monday, April 13, as outlined below. We understand that this may feel overwhelming at first. Please note that this work is not intended to be completed all at once. We want to assure you that our teachers will be breaking the work down into manageable pieces for our students as we move through the next few months. Normally, we would not present all of this information at once, but in order to provide print materials to those who need them, we had to create packets for a longer period of time.
Digital Students with internet access and a device can continue to access our Learnfrom-Home digital resources on our website starting on April 13. Teachers will be communicating with their students how to engage digitally using a variety of platforms, such as Schoology, Google Suite tools, and SeeSaw beginning April 13. Within these platforms, enhancements can be used to make the learning more robust. Teachers will also work closely with students who cannot engage digitally via alternative methods to support their learning. NEW: We have expanded our Wi-Fi strength at select schools across the division to provide greater access to our students and families. Additional details are included in the “EXPANDED INTERNET ACCESS” section below. More specific information will be shared in a sepa-
rate communication.
Paper Packets Although a stay-at-home order is in place, state officials have indicated that travel to and from educational institutions is permitted to allow families to access instructional materials and resources. As a result, we will provide paper packets for those with no other options for accessing them. This option is subject to change based upon the latest guidance from state and federal officials. Please only use this option if you are unable to access these resources digitally to help limit in-person contact and preserve valuable resources. The packets will include the essential learning materials and assignments required to finish the course/grade level. They have been condensed based upon feedback from the first round of distribution. As an alternative, the packets can be downloaded as a single file/pdf from our website to any device wherever Wi-Fi is available, including some school parking lots (please see “EXPANDED INTERNET ACCESS” section below). Parents are encouraged to view these online, if possible, before determining whether a print copy is needed. We understand that packet pick-up may be difficult or impossible for some families. If you are unable to do so, please contact your student’s school directly to make other arrangements. Schools will provide the appropriate contact information in their messaging. Each school will communicate a more specific plan for paper pick-up. These pick-up times will be: 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 13. see PLANS, pg. 3
SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue signature by false pretenses was reported in the 16600 block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.
Feb. 17
Hit and run, personal injury, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville. ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 14100 block of Derby Court, Montpelier. Failure to stop for school bus with flashing lights was reported in the 7400 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.
Brandishing a firearm was reported in the 16200 block of Washington Highway/ Pleasants Circle, Doswell. Obtaining money or
PLANS Continued from pg. 2
8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 14. Please note that school offices will not be open for other public business, only instructional packet pick-up. Distribution efforts will follow CDC guidance.
GRADING AND YEAR-END ASSIGNMENTS Third Quarter (Jan. 27 to March 13) Grades for the third quarter will include assignments given from Jan. 27 to March 13. Students will have until May 15, 2020, to complete assignments for grading. Learning material provided during Phase I will not contribute to student grades, as communicated during that time. Fourth Quarter (April 13 to June 11) What are students required to do in order to advance to the next grade level or earn credit for a class? All students must complete three assignments
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 11300 block of Ashcake Road, Ashland. Threats of death of bodily injury by letter or electronic means were reported in the 9400 block of Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 12300 block of Wildwood Boulevard, Ashland.
language over a public airway was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Feb. 18
Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 6100 block of Havenview Drive, Mechanicsville. Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 101200 block of Merritcroft Court, Mechanicsville. Simple assault was reported in the 10000 block of Old Ridge Road, Ashland.
Profane and threatening
for each course between April 13 and May 29. The three assignments will be evaluated as Meets Expectations/Does Not Meet Expectations. No grade for the fourth quarter will be calculated. Students must be assessed as Meeting Expectations on these assignments so that teachers can best evaluate a child’s readiness for promotion. In secondary courses, these assignments will be used to certify completion of a credit-bearing course. What are the deadlines for submitting assignments? Seniors should plan to complete all required activities by May 22. All other students will have until May 29 to complete Learn-from-Home activities for an evaluation of Meets Expectations/Does Not Meet Expectations. Students should submit assignments as they complete them, rather than waiting to submit everything at the end. These due dates will allow teachers to address
incomplete or insufficient work with students in June before yearly grades are calculated.
How do students submit their assignments? Students are encouraged to submit these activities digitally when possible. For those without reliable internet or a device, activities can also be photographed on a cell phone and uploaded or sent to a teacher’s email directly. We have expanded our Wi-Fi strength at select schools across the division to provide greater access to our students and families. Additional details are included in the “EXPANDED INTERNET ACCESS” section below. Instructions for turning in paper versions of the activities will be provided later. Only those activities not submitted by phone, email, or digitally must be turned in on paper.
Year-End Grades How will students’ end-of-year grades be calculated? Grades for the year
Destruction of property was reported in the 7400 block of Pebble Lake Drive, Mechanicsville.
intoxication was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.
Feb. 20
Grand larceny building was reported in the 10300 block of Washington Highway, Ashland. Defrauding hotels and motels, $200, was reported in the 11600 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.
Embezzlement, $200, was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Public swearing or
will be calculated by averaging first, second, and third quarter grades. This will require an adjustment to be made in PowerSchool. We will keep you updated on this. No grade for the fourth quarter will be calculated. All students must complete the three required Meets Expectations/Does Not Meet Expectations assignments for each class between April 13 and May 29 so that teachers can best evaluate a child’s readiness for promotion. In secondary courses, these assignments will be used to certify completion of a credit-bearing course.
How will teachers handle grading? We have provided teachers with the guidelines for grading. We understand that in these difficult times, teachers will need to use their professional decision-making to consider students’ overall grades, and we are encouraging teachers to work with students.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 17100 block of Beaver Dam Road, Beaverdam. Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Wynbrook Lane, Mechanicsville. Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 7200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Destruction of property, monument, was reported in
Teachers are permitted to use additional Learnfrom-Home assignments to bolster a student’s grade, but no assignment given after March 13 can be used to lower a student’s grade.
SPECIAL EDUCATION, 504 PLANS, AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS Due to the unprecedented nature of the COVID19 pandemic and related school closures, Hanover
the 15200 block of Goshen Road, Montpelier.
Simple assault was reported in the 9300 block of Hickory Hill Road, Ashland.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 9200 block of Chamberlayne Road/Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.
Sale and distribution of marijuana, ½-ounce to 5 pounds, was reported in the 8100 block of Elm Drive/ Mechanicsville Byway, Mechanicsville.
Grand larceny building was reported in the 11000 block of Washington Highway, Glen Allen.
County Public Schools will be following Special Education Regulation (8VAC 20-81-110 (B)(9) by sending home IEP addendums to outline the provision of services during the school closure. Your student's special education case manager will contact the family no later than April 17, 2020. If your student has a 504 plan and you have concerns regarding its implementation during this school closee PLANS, pg. 4
NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR BUT DON’T WANT TO LEAVE HOME? WE CAN HELP! Cold Harbor Family Medicine is proud to offer telemedicine visits for new and established patients. All you need is a smartphone, laptop or PC! Please call our office at (804) 730-1111 to schedule. Cold Harbor Family Medicine, a division of Virginia Physicians, Inc. 7255 Hanover Green Drive Mechanicsville,VA 23111
Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020 3
PLANS
CALENDAR
Continued from pg. 3
| News, Updates & Listings Saturday, May 16
Ongoing
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.
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.
SCHOOL COUNSELING
School counselors will be engaging and connecting with students via Schoology, email, and phone calls to provide mental health support and identify resources for students in need. School counselors will provide support for seniors in order to ensure Overcomers Outreach and graduation requirements are met and to Women’s Codependency, a support post-graduation planning. Christ-centered anonymous School counselors will continue to counsel students regarding plans and see CALENDAR, pg. 5 course selections for the 20-21 school
HCBOS Continued from pg. 1
COVID-19. He urged supervisors to ensure any process to hear those cases include uniformed guidelines applicable to both the applicant and those wishing to publicly comment on the application. Mechanicsville supervisor Canova Peterson expressed support for the current policy, allowing no more than 10 persons in the meeting room at one time and remote public comments. Peterson said the governor’s order does not exclude local governments from doing business during the crisis. “Governor Northam’s statement did say that government should continue to function. Part of government continuing to function is to serve the citizens and to deal with all these public hearings in whatever way we can under the regulations. For us to sit here and say everybody stop is not continuing to function,” Peterson said. The current policy allowing remote public comment, according to Peterson, does allow public input on pending matters. “We can still hear everybody, whether it be through working with each other to have a spokesperson or
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sure, please contact your school's assistant principal. Hanover County Public Schools’ teachers of English Learners will assess the division-wide resources and provide an individualized learning plan for identified Level 1 and Level 2 English learners. Teachers will maintain close contact with English Learner students and their families to provide support.
different ways to do that,” Peterson said. But Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard viewed the process differently. “I don’t think that this process did work tonight,” she said. “I’m getting texts saying people can’t hear us from home. They can’t hear what’s going on and, with all due respect, there are people who are not going to feel good about having their comments summarized publicly as opposed to having their comments read publicly,” she added. Walter said some communities are reading emails verbatim while others are allowing those wishing to speak to call and speak real-time via phone, and that option is available for Hanover meetings. South Anna supervisor Sue Dibble said she would favor a policy that allows the reading of those remotely accepted comments. “I think, if time permits, it would be best to read the entire letter, because paraphrasing can miss the point. I would like to think that, as much as possible, we could read the entire emails that come to us,” Dibble said. Prichard indicated the logistics of attempting to hold a public hearing with hundreds of citizens seemed insurmountable. “I feel strongly we cannot do the
Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020
year, and to provide academic support and resources for all students.
EXPANDED INTERNET ACCESS Although a stay-at-home order is in place, state and federal officials have indicated that travel to and from educational institutions is permitted to allow families to access instructional materials and resources, such as Wi-Fi. We recently completed work to increase the signal strength of the Wi-Fi at our four high schools in an effort to provide students and staff with moderate Wi-Fi access in areas outside of these locations. We have also identified eleven additional schools across the division where moderate Wi-Fi access is possible. The signal strength varies by building and depends upon many factors. We will communicate more specific details in a separate message, including locations, hours of operation, and access instructions. Students and families should utilize these resources for accessing instructional materials instead of requesting paper packets to help limit in-person contact and
citizens’ business without the citizens,” Prichard said. “I’m going to ask that our board consider not deferring, but postponing.” “What I know about the Wegmans’ hearing is that when last we saw the citizens come forward for that there were over 200 citizens and there’s just no way to safely manage that in groups of 10,” Prichard commented. “I feel strongly that what the government has told us is that we can come together to do the business that we need to do to keep the county running, but I don’t feel comfortable doing public hearings right now.” Chickahominy supervisor Angela Kelly-Wiecek told her fellow board members that the process in place might be suitable for some public hearings, but could not accommodate a crowd like the one expected for the Wegmans’ application. She noted the current situation is different from the circumstances considered when the board made the policy last month. “The headline today is ‘Governor orders Virginians to stay home,’” Kelly-Wiecek said, holding up the latest newspaper headline. “He is asking us all to stay home for the good of one another. Let us not ask our citizens to choose between coming forward
preserve valuable resources. I understand this is a significant amount of information to digest at once. This is truly ground-breaking work, and I am grateful for your patience, understanding, and support of our efforts through these unprecedented times. Our team invested significant thought, time, and effort into providing you with as many details and resources as possible under extraordinary circumstances. As always, our primary goal is to make decisions that we believe are in the best interest of all students to support their academic and personal growth. I believe our plan will accomplish this, both to serve students for the remainder of the school year, as well as prepare them for success next school year. Understandably, you will have questions, and we will continue to support you and your student(s) as we engage in this important work together. Please contact your student’s school with any specific questions you may have.
and being heard and infecting their neighbor.” Prichard noted the intense interest and scrutiny the Wegmans’ hearing has caused and the public perception that the process was flawed in the minds of some citizens. “There are a lot of people who think this process has stunk from the beginning — that there have been a lot of things wrong in the process. There have been a lot of stinky things that have gone on in this process, and a lot of citizens who think things have not been handled well. To bring it to an end with a public hearing that they can’t attend makes it all the more difficult,” Prichard concluded. A motion by Prichard to postpone the Wegmans’ hearing until May 27 was defeated by a 4-3 vote, in essence leaving the April 22 hearing date in place. Dibble voted with Prichard and Kelly-Wiecek to postpone the hearing. Speakers who wish to comment on that application are urged to reply by email or phone message, but speakers will be allowed to address the board from the podium, in groups of 10. Pre registration also is encouraged. The board is scheduled to hold its regular meeting at 3 p.m. on April 8 where a public comment period will be available. A special meeting is set
for April 15 to consider a list of applications postponed from last month. The Wegmans’ application will be heard at the April 22 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. with public hearings scheduled for 7 p.m. Reaction to the county’s decision to hold the hearing was immediate, and comments on a website created to unite and organize opponents decried the county’s decision to hold the meeting despite the Governor’s mandate asking residents to stay home. Chris French, a vocal opponent to the location of the proposed center, posted a message on that site that included these comments: “Hanover County elected officials and our county employees have failed the public they represent. They are disregarding the public health and safety of their citizens during a national State of Emergency by allowing other business outside of the public emergency to be conducted at future meetings. Not a small fail. An EPIC fail.” The post continued, “Long ago, one of Hanover's citizens publicly stated, ‘Give me liberty or give me death.’ Hanover is stating we will allow you to exercise your freedom, but you will potentially pay the price with your health during a national pandemic.”
Fax: 804an Absentee Option” 365‐6078 you will check the Continued from pg. 1 As required by circle beside “I have county.gov/365/Voting. law, a ballot will be a reason or condiReynal may be contacted at tion that prevents sent to you by mail 804-798-9219 or mreynal@ash- me from going to within three days landva.gov. of receiving and the polls on Election As for her office, Smithson Day.” You will then approving your said, “The Office of Voter select from a list of application. Registration and Elections is reasons for request“Please ensure committed to helping all eligible ing a ballot. In the your application is REYNAL registered voters maintain the case social separacomplete,” Smithson ability to cast a ballot in the tion due to COVID‐19, you will said. “Applications missing upcoming May 5, 2020, Town of select, “My disability or illness.” required information may be Ashland General Election. For Follow the prompts to complete denied.” Absentee voters also your safety and to minimize risk the submission. are reminded to allow sufficient of exposure to COVID‐19, you 2) Paper Absentee Ballot time to receive and return your are encouraged to request and Application request forms: Use voted ballot, allowing for posvote an absentee ballot by mail.” code 2A for #3 “Reason for sible postal delays. Do not delay To request an absentee bal- Absentee Ballot” in requesting or submitting lot be sent to you by mail: Download from online your ballot. 1) APPLY ONLINE: and print the application Using the Virginia request. IMPORTANT DEADLINES: Department of Call April 13, 2020: Last day for Elections secure 804‐365‐6080 or Citizen Portal: email hanovervoting@ citizens to register to vote or www.vote.elections. hanovercounty.gov to update their address in order to virginia.gov. To request an application vote in the May 5, 2020, Town complete the balto be mailed, emailed of Ashland General Election. April 28, 2020 by 5 p.m.: Last lot request online, or faxed to you. day to request that an absentee you will need Once the paper your DMV ID (or application is complet- ballot be mailed to you. If you have any questions SMITHSON driver’s license) ed and signed, you can while completing your applicaand social security submit by way of: tion, contact the office by calling number. To begin, find your Mail: Hanover County 804-365‐6080 or by emailing voter record by providing the Absentee Specialist hanovervoting@hanovercouninformation to log in. Then P.O. Box 419 ty.gov. For the latest informacheck the box “I want to apply Hanover, VA 23069 for absentee voting.” Follow the Email: hanovervoting@ tion, visit www.hanovercounty. gov/365/voting. prompts taking you to “Choose hanovercounty.gov
VOTERS
STRAWBERRY Continued from pg. 1
wanted to ensure that the same opportunity was available this year by announcing that she would personally donate to the scholarship fund in order to reach the $6,000 target. The rest of the board members agreed to do the same, thus securing the scholarship fund for this year. As a result, nine seniors from Hanover County Public Schools and one student from Randolph-Macon College will receive scholarships. To top it off the good
karma, Ashland Physical Therapy and Village Bank offered to roll 2019 sponsorship dollars directly to the scholarship fund. In this instance, “It takes a village” to offer scholarships in light of a cancelled Faire, and the board truly appreciates the extra financial support from Ashland Physical Therapy and Village Bank. With all of the challenges our world is faced with, that’s a “berry” good thing. The Faire committee will miss our friends this year. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers, creative vendors,
wonderful community sponsors, and hardworking nonprofit workers that make it magically happen. The next Ashland Strawberry Faire is scheduled for June 12, 2021, on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. The Faire will continue to be made possible through a partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Ashland. For more information, visit www.AshlandStrawberryFaire.com. Both the Ashland Strawberry Faire and the Ashland Kiwanis Club are 501(c)(3) organizations.
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 4
support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-9645 or email kjfaith1@ gmail.com.
Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Roy Minnix, senior pastor, and Nycholas
Greig, associate pastor. For more information, visit www. trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.
Sundays Outside the Walls, a new Narcotics Anonymous group, has been organized and will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.
Tuesdays A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about 11 a.m. at the Beaverdam Post
at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam. Members discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. Eugene Truitt is the Post commander. He can be contacted at 804-746-4734. The Hanover Concert 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.hanoverconcertsee CALENDAR, pg. 16
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020 5
OPINION
LETTERS
| The Local Views
| Reader Views
From the managing editor
Please help Habitat complete homes
Y
By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ou’ve seen the article in this publication and we hope you have answered the plea. Hanover Habitat for Humanity needs our help, and we really need to answer
the call. Executive Director Linda Tiller has been pleading for financial assistance as her organization strives to complete six houses. Habitat was forced to close the doors on the ReStore. And now there is great concern about obtaining funding to finish homes for these local families.
Tiller has issued a plea for $50 donations, calling it an “urgent gift.” She said that will enable them to have the monies to complete single mom Melissa’s house. But, Melissa isn’t alone in this need for housing. She is joined by Amanda, Rebekah, and Franklin who have seen construction on their homes come to a standstill. These delays only cause more grief and heartache for the families so desperately in need of what Tiller says it “a stable home with an affordable mortgage,” which is “critical to their wellbeing.” In asking for members of the Hanover County community to dig deep into their pockets, Tiller is
candid: “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.” Those who receive Habitat assistance help build their own homes through what is called “sweat equity.” Yes, these are extraordinary times with the coronavirus looming all around us, but, if you’re able, please donate to Habitat. Can you help? Will you help? For more information on donating, go to https://www.hanoverhfh.org/champion/.
A learning experience, and you were there By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist It’s easy for a parent to lose patience during this period of online schooling, and it doesn’t take much to stir things up in these trying times. My kids have seen too much of me. I’ve seen too much of them, and, sometimes, I have to stop, relax, regroup and consider exactly what this unique set of circumstances must seem like to them. I have no reference point for what is amounting to a national quaran-
tine, and these last few weeks have been unique, something I’ve never witnessed before in a lifetime. Viewing it from a child’s eye seems even more intimidating and confusing. For most, it’s the first clink in a set of protective armor they considered impenetrable — their first indication that lifestyles can change in a minute and there are uncontrollable foes that overwhelm the best of mankind’s defenses. Before blowing my stack, I try to place myself in their shoes, stuck
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020
at home for weeks without that all important social interaction, now distanced. I thought back many years to my school days and how my generation reacted to emergency situations where alternative teaching methods were required. My mind immediately returned to a darkened classroom with more chatter than usual, as a teacher blindly tried to spool a 16mm film through a projector set on a rolling cart. The simple appearance of that cart
was always good news, in my mind, and it meant that, more than likely, a horrible movie was on the menu. Notwithstanding the quality of most of the features, I do recall an element of educational value inscribed on that flickering screen. After several false starts, some producing garbled conversation that evoked roars of laughter from the class, a familiar voice set the stage. The voice of a familiar reporter introduced the scene, giving you the see LEARNING, pg. 10
WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local. Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2020 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.
COVID-19 may serve as clean reminder A few weeks ago, when this Hanoverian made a routine trip to the grocery store, it proved to be an eye-opener. After returning home and searching the Center of Disease Control (CDC) for data on the COVID-19 pandemic that was dominating the news, the disease reportedly had victimized just over 1,600 Americans and caused 41 deaths. As predicted by the experts, those figures began to rise dramatically. As of 1 p.m. March 27, the data had increased to 85,356 cases and 1,246 deaths (1.46% death rate), numbers that would have likely been much higher without the preventive measures that were enacted. Even with the continuance of the defensive procedures, the disease will harm many more before this writing is published. For reference only, further research of the CDC revealed that from October 2019, through March 2020, the flu victimized an estimated 38,000,000 to 54,000,000 Americans, of which 23,000 – 59,000 had died (0.04 to 0.16% death rate, much lower than COVID-19). The speed with which the communicable COVID-19 had surfaced and was infecting humans combined with the lack of knowledge of the disease or an immunization to prevent it triggered societal fear, and the quality of life in America and other nations changed radically and abruptly. Emergencies often bring out the best in some and the worst in others. We witnessed calm altruism, such as those who volunteered to help homebound neighbors or to work the Food Bank; and we saw panic with the frenzied purchase and hoarding of common household goods and the massive selloff in the stock market. see LETTERS, pg. 16
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| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
The Hanover Hawkeye effect: Success Wrestling club breeds champions By Zach Joachim Richmond Times-Dispatch MECHANICSVILLE – Robert Buchanan, Dave Epperly and Chad Harris started Hanover Hawkeye Youth Wrestling Club in 2009. Over the years, Buchanan and his son Evan have used the wrestling room to practice when nobody is there. They call these sessions a “champion’s practice.” “Because only champions work when other people don’t,” said Evan, a three-time state champion at Atlee who will wrestle at the University of Virginia. Evan was one of the “first five Hawkeyes,” Robert said, referring to the club’s early disciples. Over the years, Hawkeye has become one of the larger clubs in Virginia with about 100 youth and middle school wrestlers. Lee-Davis’ Andy Aldridge, a four-time state champion, trains at Hawkeye, as does Caroline’s Elizabeth Dosado, an All-American. “So the club’s been a real
Dave Lawrence/The Local
Hanover County senior wrestlers gather for a group photo at the Hanover County quad at Lee-Davis on Jan. 22. They are (left to right): Dylan Mitchell (Lee-Davis), Rob Grace (Lee-Davis), Elijah Jackson (Lee-Davis), Andy Aldridge (Lee-Davis). Evan Buchanan (Atlee), Chase O’Hanley (Atlee), Rayce Robins (Atlee), Steven Scanlon (Atlee), Carter Nash (Atlee), Wyatt Dailey (Atlee) and Ryan Bostaph (Atlee). Not pictured are Hanover seniors Josh Epperly, Will Gaugler, Elijah Hunter, James Critchlow and Tye Lalik and Patrick Henry senior John Fox. Aldridge, Buchanan, O’Hanley, Scanlon, Epperly and Gaugler all trained at Hanover Hawkeye wrestling.
important part of [Evan’s] growth and development,” Robert said. “There’s a lot of trophies in there and he’s been a part of almost every one of them in the 10 years we’ve been around. So it’s been a big part of his life and mine as well.” Hawkeye has been a real important part of several other county wrestlers. Aside from Aldridge, they include
Hanover’s Josh Epperly and Will Gaugler, and two other Atlee wrestlers: Steven Scanlon and Chase O’Hanley. Evan Buchanan went 54-5 this season and finished his high school career 179-17, helping Atlee win its first regional title since 1998. He was a finalist at the Escape the Rock tournament and placed seventh at Beast of the East and Walsh Jesuit Ironman.
He began wrestling in 2008 at age 7, but fell in love with the sport a few years later when he was in sixth grade. It was then he decided he wanted to be a state champion in high school. But his freshman year he relied more on toughness and aggression than technique, Robert said. He had a long-arm double and crossface but not much else. He lost in the state finals
his freshman year to a returning state champion. During that time Evan was developing a close relationship with Gabe LaVey, a former state champion at Hanover and the 2010 All-Metro Wrestler of the Year. LaVey coaches at Hawkeye and is the head coach at Atlee. Evan said LaVey is “like a brother” to him. Robert said, once Evan started working closely
with LaVey he was able to take a step back and be “just a fan and a dad.” When asked about his relationship with Evan, LaVey started reeling off all the places they’ve traveled together – car trips to Ohio, plane trips to Arizona, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and even Hungary, to name a few. see HAWKEYE, pg. 8
Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020
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Dave Lawrence/The Local
HAWKEYE
Top left, Lee-Davis heavyweight Andy Aldridge (right) stalks his prey, Atlee’s Noah Jones, in a match in the Hanover County quad at Lee-Davis on Jan. 22. Aldridge finished his high school career with four state championships at four different weight classes. Bottom left, the referee keeps watch for a pin as Atlee’s Evan Buchanan corrals Lee-Davis’ Jake Owens in a 138-pound match in the county quad. Buchanan finished with three state titles.
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“Evan is a special kid, he has a gas tank, just that natural tenacity and toughness that you can’t really teach,” LaVey said. “People can figure it out, but sometimes they just either got it or they don’t.” LaVey said Evan “really focused in” after losing in the state finals his freshman year. He proceeded to win state titles his sophomore (120 pounds), junior (126) and senior (132) years. The first one, he said, was surreal. “I just felt like the center of the world. It was just awesome,” Evan said. “The goal was finally achieved, and I wanted more.” Hawkeye, and especially a relationship with LaVey that developed through the club, proved an important part of Andy Aldridge’s success: four state championships in four different weight classes – no mean feat. “Hawkeye helped me tremendously,” said Aldridge, who joined Hawkeye toward the end of elementary school. “I remember the first day in practice up there. I was wrestling for another club in Chesterfield. I went up to Hawkeye one day and I got so much attention. … The coaches probably talked to me five times, six times fixing things to work on. It’s just progressed from there.” LaVey has been a particularly strong influence on him. “I wouldn’t be where I am in my wrestling career – how good I am – without him and all the hours we put in together in that room,” Aldridge said. “We’re all in there with the same goals, to get better every day, to win a state title, to beat the good kids, and that really makes it worthwhile.” That support from Hawkeye continues outside the confines “They just help tremenof the club, even when wrestling dously. They’re always out there against Atlee, the team LaVey supporting you. They’re always coaches. trying to make you better,”
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Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020
Aldridge said. “They’ll let you you a pat on the back when you know when you’re messing up, deserve one. I think it’s a really let you know when you need to great program.” The other Hawkeye seniors fix something, and they’ve give
made it deep into the postseason. Atlee’s other seniors, Scanlon and O’Hanley, both qualified for the VHSL Class
5 championships. Both scored for the Raiders, with Scanlon, the Region 5B runner-up, finishing with a 27-8 record and O’Hanley finishing 21-10. The two Hanover seniors likewise made it to the VHSL Class 4 state championships. Epperly finished second in the state with a 29-3 record. Gaugler finished fifth with 36-13 tally. There’s a quote from Hall of Fame wrestler and Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable that the Buchanans used to have on one of their Hawkeye shirts – “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” “And that’s the truth, because it’s such a difficult sport physically, mentally, emotionally,” Robert said. “You just have to learn to deal with that and once you can master that you’re ready for anything life has to throw at you.” He hopes, one day, he can return to Hawkeye and share with the next generation some of the insight he’s received from coaches like his father and LaVey, just as LaVey did for him. “It [wrestling] teaches you life lessons, things other sports just can’t. It can mentally break you, physically break you,” Evan said. “And how you take it is how you react to that. Do you stop when things get tough, or tough it out and push through it?” Mechanicsville Local sports editor Dave Lawrence contributed to this report. Zach Joachim can be reached at zjoachim@timesdispatch.com.
Bon Secours has Task Force Kates Day canceled Library Programs on the ready for COVID-19 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
Metro Creative Connection
By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
M
ECHANICSVILLE – As part of the Bon Secours health care system, Memorial Regional Medical Center is keeping up with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health regarding the coronavirus (COVID19). In addition to the CDC and VDH, Bon Secours is receiving updates from local, state and national agencies. A COVID-19 Task Force is working around-the-clock in order to provide a quick response to the pandemic. Protocols in place are in compliance with CDC guidelines so that the hospitals can ensure the quality and safety of their patients. To follow updates, and additional information, go to bonsecours.com. Designated flu clinics have been established for members of the community who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, a sore throat or body aches. These clinics have been designated as a means to evaluate and treat patients with flulike symptoms.
Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms is urged to call their primary care physician or visit a local flu clinic. Information about flu clinic hours, addresses and phone numbers can be found at bonsecours.com, under the coronavirus updates section. Organizations and community members are doing their part to help Bon Secours during this time of crisis by donating supplies. A central donation process has been set up. To donate, email APRush@bshsi.org with subject line: DONATION or call 888-383-8000. Goggles, face shields, masks, latex gloves and Tyvek suits are being accepted. There are those in the community who have contacted Bon Secours are donating handmade/non-clinical masks. Standard masks remain the best protection, and the hospitals’ goal is to use those. But, they also will accept donations of handmade masks. Any donated handmade masks will be evaluated before distribution to clinicians or patients. There are instructional videos on the Bon Secours website, bonsecours.com, about how to create the supplies. Donations should not be brought directly to any of Bon Secours’ facilities.
GOOCHLAND -- The 78th Annual Kates Day scheduled for May 6 at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women (VCCW) in Goochland has been canceled due to Commonwealth of Virginia mandate related to the coronavirus. Many in the community know this event for its plant sale, bake sale, and crafts sale of goods made by offenders at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women located in Goochland County. This event also includes the annual meeting for members of The Foundation. The sales from these sundries benefit The Elizabeth Kates Foundation, a volunteer, nonprofit 503(c) charity that provides college scholarships for on-site and correspondence, textbooks, and educational materials for offenders at
the VCCW. Many offenders in the VCCW have spent months planning, planting, and cultivating beautiful blooms for the HANOVER -- Librarian one-day sale in its Horticulture Carolyn Garner of the Program, baking, designing Pamunkey Regional Library unique crafts, and provide serhas announced that all vice in a culminating dinner library programs are being and musical entertainment. canceled through Saturday, The Horticulture Program is April 11, for the Hanover an educational opportunity for County branch libraries. offenders to obtain certificates For more information, in landscape and nursery care, contact Garner at 804-746as the culinary program. Like 3176 or cgarner@pamunthe college courses, these prokeylibrary.org. grams supported by the Kates Foundation improve chances for a successful re-entry into the community. These handson opportunities, instructors coming on-site teaching, and materials for its horticulture and culinary classes that are provided for the offenders create an engaged and active comHANOVER -- Hanover munity member. For more information and County’s solid waste conveto donate, visit theelizabeth- nience centers will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 12. katesfoundation.org.
cancelled
Solid Waste Centers closed Easter Sunday
Countywide leash laws in effect HANOVER -- Every year, beginning April summons or a written warning being issued. Each instance of a dog belonging to a par1 through June 30, it is unlawful for dogs anywhere in Hanover County to be running off ticular owner running at-large is a separate violation, and an additional penalty will apply their property without being leashed. regardless of whether or not The county’s “leash law” the same dog is involved. applies throughout the year in If you see a dog runthe suburban area. Between ning at large, please call April 1 and June 30, it is Hanover County Emergency extended to the rural areas Communications at 804as well because the births of 365-6140. Any dangerous vulnerable livestock, such as animal can be reported by baby lambs and calves, tend to dialing 911 for immediate take place during this period. Wildlife activity and rabies Metro Creative Connection assistance, 24/7. For more information cases also generally increase in about Hanover County’s running at-large laws, the April 1 to June 30 timeframe. Any dogs caught running off their owner’s call Animal Control at 804-365-6485. Dogs cannot run off of their owner’s properproperty will be impounded. Impoundment fees are $25 for the first violation and an addi- ty at any time of year without a current County tional $10 for each subsequent violation within a license tag affixed to their collar. Information submitted by Tom Harris, 12-month period including a $5 per day boarding fee. Violations also can result in uniform Hanover County public information officer
Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020 9
Montpelier librarian comes up with plan to still use services By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
H
ANOVER -- Renee Sottong, the branch manager at the Montpelier Branch Library of the Pamunkey Regional Library, devised a plan for “using” the libraries in the system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Librarian Carolyn Garner said the public libraries have adapted quickly in finding new ways to serve their communities. She said these new services allow patrons to take part while they adhere to the stay at home by Gov. Ralph Northam. “With coronavirus-related disruption quickly becoming the new normal, librarians and staff members at the Pamunkey Regional Library have embraced innovation and discovered new ways to reach the community” Garner said. “Our buildings may be closed to the public,” said Tom Shepley, library director, “but the library is still open for the public.” With six branches serving Hanover County, the Pamunkey Regional Library is responding to changes in the way people live, work and learn. “Our staff members connect daily with patrons who rely on us for a variety of reasons. We’ve been able to apply that experience to adapt rapidly to changing conditions,” said Shepley. In addition to curbside pickup, and expanded access to digital materials, Pamunkey Regional Library has added mobile hotspots to its lending library, enabling homebound students and remote employees to work from home. Library patrons also can be found working in their cars outside local branches. “Many of our patrons rely on the library for its high-speed Internet. When the buildings are closed, everyone can still access our public Wi-Fi networks outside,” said Kate Eminhizer, branch manager of the Mechanicsville Branch
LEARNING Continued from pg. 6
exact date and circumstances of the period you were about to enter. The first one I remember in the “You are there” series recounted the midnight ride of Paul Revere, presented in a real documentary style with reporters questioning the participants.
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Library. Eminhizer added that the library now offers on-demand printing. “Patrons can email their documents to ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org, then pick the printed materials up at their local branch.” This is an essential service for those who are suddenly working or studying at home and don’t have access to a printer. New services and expanded access to materials are only a part of the initiative. Shepley said that maintaining the personal connection between the library and its patrons is the foundation of everything the library does. Staff members use daily comfort calls to check on patrons’ well-being and remind them that the library continues to serve. Handmade signs bearing messages of hope and encouragement decorate library windows. At some branches, teddy bears peek out in honor of the popular picture book, “We're Going on a Bear Hunt”. Bear-spotting has become a popular scavenger hunt activity for families weary of life inside. Cheer Packs are a popular new program that appeals to home-bound patrons of all ages. “It brings a happy little surprise to their day, and maybe exposes patrons to something they might not have discovered. One mom called and told us that her kids are now wild for ‘Origami Yoda’, which they’d never heard of before. That’s a real silver lining,” said Eminhizer. Community response to the changes has been positive. On Facebook, one patron posted a photo of items received in a Cheer Pack and wrote, “I was so worried we wouldn’t be able to take advantage of this . . . Thank you for being so kind and walking me through the process to register [for a library card] online . . . thank you for this wonderful service during these scary times!” As the library continues to evolve, Shepley said that the health and safety of it patrons and
For some reason, from that day forward, I always looked forward to those days when the teacher didn’t show up, or some other non-routine occurrence prompted that cart to roll to our room, and we would be transformed to another day in a time buried in history. Walter Cronkite always ended the show with the same dramatic sign-off. “What sort of day was it? A day like all days, filled with those events
Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020
staff remains the highest priority. “I’m proud of the way our staff has come together during this unprecedented crisis. As a library family, we’ve committed to serving our communities for as long, and in as many creative ways, as we possibly can.” No one knows what the coming days will bring. For now, at least, the Pamunkey Regional
that alter and illuminate our times . . . all things are as they were then, and you were there.” I suppose it’s a sure sign of old age that I desire those types of learning experiences for my children, especially in these challenging times when finding educational activities is a daily challenge. I also can’t help but think that with all the channels available on our television networks, we can’t find a place
Library continues to serve. All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library remain closed to the public until further notice. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.pamunkeylibrary.org.
for more student-oriented historical programming. In the meantime, we’ll continue to search for those unique educational opportunities, including ways we can help during the crisis. My children have signed up to assist food delivery for the elderly, and we’re planning to donate blood during the crisis. And maybe that’s the real education this unexpected emergency can provide. Teaching our children to
contribute in times of despair and step up to help their fellow citizens is a lesson well learned as our nation struggles to meet this unknown assailant. Lending a helping hand to those in need could be the answer in filling those expanding hours of selfeducation, and the civic responsibility instilled during this health crisis could represent that silver lining we’re all looking for.
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Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS REZ2019-00029, RIVA RIDGE DEVELOPMENT, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 7860-76-8346, consisting of approximately 53.23 acres, and located on the south line of West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) approximately 550 feet east of its intersection with Poplar Valley Place (state route pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of eight (8) building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.65 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2019-00036, PENCE HOLDINGS, INC. Request(s) to rezone from B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPIN 7788-06-7720, consisting of approximately 9.44 acres, and located on the north line of Vermeer Place (State route pending) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business-Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for various M-2, Light Industrial District uses including a recreational vehicle storage site. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
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CUP2019-00010, MEGAWASH, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-174.2 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a vehicle washing facility on GPIN 7788-06-7720(part), consisting of approximately 2.81 acres, zoned B-3(c), General Business District with conditions (rezoning to M-2(c), Light Industrial District pending with REZ2019-00036), and located on the north line of Vermeer Place (State route pending) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Business-Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2019-00011, COMPASS CHRISTIAN CHURCH Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP-3-80, AM. 1-09) in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a church expansion and its related uses on GPINs 8725-31-9218, 8725-30-8257, 8725-40-1234, 8725-40-2226 and 8725-40-1473, consisting of approximately 17.57 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located at the terminus of Liberty Circle (private road) north of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial and Suburban High (3-7 Dwelling Units per Acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS SE2020-00003, WILLIAM LIBBY Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.19 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a home occupation in an existing accessory structure on GPIN 8707-21-0647, consisting of approximately 7.24 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the west line of Cool Spring Road (State Route 652) approximately 1,300 feet south of New Ashcake Road (State Route 643). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy SE2020-00006, MEGAWASH, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-175.3 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a fence more than 4 feet high in the required front yard on GPIN 7788-06-7720, consisting of approximately 9.44 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District (subject to concurrent rezoning to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, REZ2019-00036), and located north line of Vermeer Place at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONING REZ2019-00037, AIR PARK ASSOCIATES, L.P. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers approved with rezoning request C-13-94(c), Air Park Associates, on GPINs 7798-44-0937, 7798-44-0663, 7798-44-2350, 7798-33-3765, 7798-34-2121, 7798-24-8382, 7798-24-6569, 7798-24-4811, 7798-25-1001, 7798-35-3160, 7798-35-4750, 7798-35-0225, 7798-25-6471, 7798-45-3554, 7798-54-5903, 7798-33-9427, 7798-43-4904, 7798-43-4481, 7798-43-8505, 7798-53-1614, and 7798-35-1840, consisting of approximately 217.34 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions. The property is located on the west line of Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656) approximately 1000 feet south of its intersection with Ashcake Road (State Route 657) and on the south line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) approximately 800 feet west of its intersection with Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Limited Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the development of a warehouse/ distribution facility. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland SPECIAL EXCEPTION
2020 Town of Ashland General Election Important Dates to Remember The Office of Voter Registration and Elections is committed to helping all eligible registered voters maintain the ability to cast a ballot in the upcoming May 5, 2019 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. Absentee ballots are available now. If you qualify to vote by absentee, you can obtain your ballot from the Voter Registration and Elections Office in the Wickham Building at Hanover Courthouse from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday in addition to Saturday, May 2, 2020 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. as the last day to cast an In-person absentee ballot. Tuesday, April 14, 2020 is the deadline to register or make changes to your voter registration in time for the May 5th Town of Ashland Election. Please check your voter registration to make sure it is correct. Tuesday, April 28, 2020 is the final day you can request an absentee ballot by mail.
SE2020-00005, AIR PARK ASSOCIATES, L.P. Request(s)aSpecialExceptionPermitinaccordancewithSection26-336 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to allow a building height taller than permitted on GPINs 7798-44-0937, 7798-44-0663, 7798-44-2350, 7798-33-3765, 7798-34-2121, 7798-24-8382, 7798-24-6569, 7798-24-4811, 7798-25-1001, 7798-35-3160, 7798-35-4750, 7798-35-0225, 7798-25-6471, 7798-45-3554, 7798-54-5903, 7798-33-9427, 7798-43-4904, 7798-43-4481, 7798-43-8505, 7798-53-1614, and 7798-35-1840, consisting of approximately 217.34 acres, zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, and located on the west line of Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656) approximately 1,000 feet south of its intersection with Ashcake Road (State Route 657) and on the south line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) approximately 800 feet west of its intersection with Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland
Monday, May 4, 2020 at 2 p.m. is the cut-off for voting an emergency-only absentee ballot in the Voter Registration and Elections Office.
Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The e-mail address is hanovervoting@hanovercounty.gov
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ONLY Town of Ashland registered voters may vote in this election. You can register to vote, update your information and request an Absentee Ballot online at www.vote.virginia.gov The Hanover County Voter Registration and Elections Office is located in the Wickham Building, Room 119, of the Hanover County Government Complex. The phone number is (804) 365-6080.
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS REZ2019-00015, CAPITAL UP INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, and B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, to B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 7822-41-0443 and 7822-41-3393, consisting of approximately 9.67 acres, and located on the north line of Mountain Road (U.S. Route 33) across from Bethany Estates Way (State Route pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Rural Village. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a shopping center. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2019-00028, NANCY ROBERTSON COMBS Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8706-06-6722, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, and located on the north line of Combs Drive (State Route 2181) at its intersection with Cool Spring Road (State Route 652). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 22 building lots for a gross density of 2.2 units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2019-00035, LEBER ESTATES, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 8753-03-8159 and 8753-11-5909, consisting of approximately 120.65 acres, and located on the west line of McClellan Road (State Route 628) at its intersection with Peace Road (State Route 616) and located on the east line of Market Road (State Route 630) approximately 900 feet south of its intersection with Falling View Lane (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 19 building lots for a gross density of one dwelling unit per 6.35 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor REZ2020-00001, WILLIAM WAYNE LAUTERBACH Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8727-71-1295, consisting of approximately 5.57 acres, and located on the south line of Studley Road (State Route 606) approximately 125 feet east of its intersection with Buck Trail (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 2.79 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2020-00004, ROBERT J. TUCK, III AND HANKY, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-1-19(c), Robert J. Tuck, III, et al., on GPINs 8724-14-6338(part), 8724-24-0545, 8724-14-5371 and 8724-14-6103, consisting of approximately 8.6 acres, zoned RS(c) Single-Family Residential District with conditions, and to rezone approximately 0.02 acres zoned RS(c) Single-Family Residential District with conditions to A-1, Agricultural District, located on the south line of Walnut Grove Road (State Route 636) approximately 500 feet east of its intersection with Cold Harbor Road (State Route 156). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed amendment would allow a minor property line adjustment and would change the gross density from 2.16 dwelling units per acre to 2.21 dwelling units per acre. No new lots are being proposed. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor REZ2020-00006, WILLIAM CALL Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 6799-41-7871, consisting of approximately 4.28 acres, and located on the west line of Pinhook Road (State Route 617) approximately 315 feet south of its intersection with Explorer Ridge Road (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 2.14 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00007, KAY AND GEORGE FEARNOW Request(s) to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential District, to B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, on GPINs 8705-74-4832 and 8705-74-6956, consisting of approximately 4.23 acres, and located on the north line of Pleasant Grove Road (State Route 1401) approximately 360 feet north of its intersection with Meadowbridge Road (State Route 627). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of medical offices. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2020-00008, DAVID FRANKLIN VAUGHAN Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7871-42-1720, consisting of approximately 20.06 acres, and located on the south line of Blunts Bridge Road (State Route 667) at its intersection with Cross Corner Road (State Route 641). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of three (3) building lot for a gross density of one dwelling unit per 6.69 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2019-00006, WOODSIDE FARMS OF VA, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreation facility/events venue on GPIN 7787-06-9949, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Cedar Lane (State Route 623) at its intersection with Woodside Farms Drive (State Route number pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 – 3 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2020-00001, HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (FIRE/EMS) Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP-24-83, Am. 1-05) in accordance with Sections 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a new fire training building at the existing fire training facility and its related uses on GPINs 7850-98-3275 and 7860-09-5200(part), consisting of approximately 259.85 acres; the area of the CUP is approximately 23.12 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and is located on the north line of Winston Road (State Route 696) approximately 3,200 feet west of its intersection with Blanton Road (State Route 666). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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COVID-19 update from Hanover Parks & Rec ASHLAND – Governor Ralph Northam’s most recent statewide Stay at Home Order (effective March 30) takes additional measures to enforce the importance of non-essential travel outside the home to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In an effort to take necessary steps to protect our community, the following are closed or canceled until further notice: all permitted use of athletic fields, picnic shelters and historic sites, park playgrounds and Pole Green Park skate park. Additionally, all department-spon-
sored programs and activities are canceled through Sunday, May 17. As announced on March 24, Parks & Rec has made the difficult decision to suspend spring program registrations and is postponing summer program and camp registration indefinitely. At this time, Hanover County parks remain open, including open spaces, trails and dog parks. Be advised that the amenities in these areas are not sanitized, so use with caution and follow the CDC (Center of Disease Control) health and safety guidelines.
Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, said, “We reiterate the critical importance of social distancing and avoidance of gatherings and group activities.” “We understand the importance of the park system to our residents and will reevaluate the need for closures and cancellations as this unprecedented situation evolves. Please stay up to date with COVID19 facts through the CDC and Virginia Department of Health,” she added. For more information, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation at parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov or 804-365-7150.
Food & beverage establishments listed by Dept. of Economic Development HANOVER – Hanover County’s Department of Economic Development is maintaining a list of food and beverage establishments in the county that are open for take-out and/or delivery. Additional resources and information will be added to this page as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to support local busi-
nesses while keeping yourself and your family healthy by observing appropriate social distancing. For more information, go to https://www.hanovervirginia.com/grow-yourbusiness/covid-19-information-and-resources/. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.
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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover Courthouse, Hanover Virginia. If you need further information, please call the County Administrator’s Office at 365-6005. Cecil R. Harris, Jr. County Administrator 14
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 15, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption ORDINANCE NO. 19-09 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING RELIEF TO FAIRCLOTH REALTY INVESTMENTS, ON BEHALF OF GWENDOLYN VIEW, BY PAYING TO IT THE SURPLUS FUNDS RECEIVED BY HANOVER COUNTY FROM THE HANOVER COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT FROM THE DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAX SALE OF THE PARCEL DESIGNATED AS GPIN 7863-82-7700 PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 58.1-3967 A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place. ________________________________________ Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator
NORTHAM Continued from pg. 1
wearing a face covering, it can offer some level of protection against those droplets. It also makes you more aware of accidentally touching your face,” Northam said. However, he pointed out that people should not assume that if they wear a face covering, they are safe and can go about their business as normal. “Unless you are wearing a medical-level mask, you will not have medical-level protection,” he said. Northam also reassured Virginians that if they are wearing face coverings for the purpose of medically protecting themselves, “nobody in Virginia will give you any problems. Nobody will write any citations.” The Virginia Department of Health reported Monday that there have 2,878 cases of COVID-19 in Virginia with 497 hospitalizations and 54 deaths. However, Northam said in the week since
he issued the stay-at-home order on March 30, he believes Virginians are taking the situation seriously. During the press conference, Northam talked about how the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is working with the CDC to use genetic technology to help public health officials understand COVID19. “They are building a library of genetic information from the positive tests DCLS gets, as well as those from private labs, health systems, and university systems in Virginia. One insight they have already learned – it appears that the virus was introduced in Virginia in multiple communities rather than spreading from one single source,” he said. On Friday, Northam had announced that three sites had been chosen for alternative care facilities – the Dulles Expo Center, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, and the Richmond Convention Center. He said the state is finalizing those contracts and “work
to build out those facilities will begin this week.” Like other states, Virginia has not been able to get the volume of testing materials needed to do widespread testing. Measures are continuing to improve testing so it will have a 15-to 30-minute turn around, he said. Regarding the severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline medical professionals, the state executed a $27-million contract with a Virginia-based logistics company and he expected the first shipment of PPE from Asia to arrive a week from the press conference. The state has also begun shipping 56,000 MREs (meals ready to eat) to food banks to supply them for the next six week; hand sanitizer, and 1 million old H1N1 masks and supplies to be reconditioned and distributed by the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Northam said. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com. metro creative connection
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set April 22, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing concerning the disposal by quitclaim deed of the following real estate: All that certain tract of 0.346 acres of real property abutting Rt. 360, Bell Creek Rd and Sandy Ln located in the Mechanicsville District, Hanover County Virginia.
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE 20-05 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE III, LAND APPLICATION OF BIOSOLIDS
All persons desiring to be heard above may appear at the stated time and place. A plat of the subject property is available for inspection at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place.
Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator
Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator Ashland-Hanover Local April 8, 2020 15
Parks and Rec postpones Pooch Pursuit until Oct. 3 ASHLAND -- Hanover County Parks and Recreation continues to take the safety and health of the community as a top priority, taking actions to limit the spread of the coronavirus. In following federal, state and local guidelines regarding gatherings to reduce the spread of the COVID-19, K9 Heroes Day featuring Pooch Pursuit, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, has
been postponed until Saturday, Oct. 3. “We look forward to celebrating our canine heroes with you in the fall. Stay up-to-date with event plans with us online www.tinyurl.com/ K9Heroes2020,” said Marcy G. Durrer, program recreation director. For more information, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation at parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov or 804-365-7150.
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following plan: DRAFT CHICKAHOMINY RIVER TMDL ACTION PLAN UPDATE CHAPTER 890 OF TITLE 9 OF THE VIRGINIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (SECTION 25-890-1 ET SEQ.) REGARDING GENERAL VPDES PERMITS FOR DISCHARGES OF STORMWATER FROM SMALL MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS (MS4S) REQUIRES HANOVER COUNTY TO DEVELOP AND SUBMIT AN UPDATE TO THE CHICKAHOMINY RIVER TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD (TMDL) ACTION PLAN TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BY MAY 1, 2020. A complete copy of the proposed plan and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place or may submit comments in writing to the Hanover County Department of Public Works at email: jmflagg@hanovercounty.gov before the close of the public hearing. _____________________________________________ Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator 16
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LETTERS Continued from pg. 6
And when people finally realized that humans are potential disease carriers, personal hygiene also changed. Most began to focus on frequent hand-washing and not touching other people, even those they know. Some chose to isolate themselves or to enter public places donning respiratory masks and/or latex gloves. Essential retail outlets that remained open are posting attendants to wipe shopping carts and adopting other sanitary measures. When COVID-19 ends, perhaps society’s heightened awareness of hand cleanliness and how easily disease can enter the human body through the eyes, nose and mouth will help reduce the harmful impact of other highly contagious diseases like the flu. However, we should hope that the isolation mentality and social distancing is temporary. We depend on each other, and a friendly handshake or an occasional hug is human interaction that bolsters us spiritually. We simply need to be vigilant with hand-washing and avoiding contact with people who are obviously ill. And perhaps we will have learned that each of us exercises little to no control over some of the most impactful events in our lives, including the certainty of our death or the circumstances surrounding it. We are best served by embracing a positive attitude, a “nothing to fear but fear itself ” mentality, as Franklin
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band.org or call 804-789-0536.
Thursdays The Rotary Club of Ashland
D. Roosevelt stated in 1933 during the Great Depression. Daniel Corso Mechanicsville
Creating shortage of goods selfish
Wegmans’ deal draws ire, election threat
America is a country of diverse places -- mountains, grasslands, shorelines and deserts. Its people also are diverse. There are many images and stories of citizens supporting and giving due to the coronavirus. Unfortunately, the flipside are the hoarders and profiteers. Buying an abundance of products to create a shortage just to make oneself feel sated or buying an abundance of products to resale for profit is sickly selfish. Badger Game Mechanicsville
In response to Shanda Miller’s well written editorial, “Historic nature needs saved despite growth”, on whole I agree with her. Talk is cheap (and nearly worthless in the case of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors). This current crew of supervisors has long played by the old adage that it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission and although there is nothing illegal about nondisclosure agreements, such agreements typically stink as much as rotten garbage and are nothing short of legal collusion. That’s the bad news. The good news is that “we the people” have the power to stop this lack of transparency and exponential growth. I’ve said it before and I will continue saying it. Every last one of them needs to be voted out of office next time they are up for re-election in order to preserve what rural attributes we have left of this fine county. If they aren’t, then prepare yourself for much more concrete and steel being erected. Citizens of Hanover, let’s not just say something, let’s do something . . . Vote them all out of office! Ken Essigman Mechanicsville 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.
Calculating ‘Trump deaths’ in lack of plan Epidemiologists have a term “excess deaths.” This is the number of deaths above the usual, expected death rate in a city or region. It can be used to indicate an infectious disease spreading in the population, or an environmental carcinogen, for example. We have all now seen the graphs showing various numbers of infections and deaths under different containment strategies. I propose we now calculate “Trump deaths,” for those “excess” deaths caused by Trump’s confusing, contradictory and false statements, as well as a lack of a coherent, federal plan. J.M. Thomas Mechanicsville
Third Mondays The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.